Mental Health Podcasts

Embark Behavioral Health is proud to offer mental health podcasts that provide expert interviews, advice, and tips on how to navigate difficult issues facing teens and young adults. If you know a teen or young adult, work in the behavioral health industry, or are just passionate about mental health, our podcasts will provide you with helpful information on topics such as anxiety, depression, and specific disorders such as bipolar disorder.

Behind the Smyles with Dr. Sharnell Myles

This podcast series explores a wide range of topics related to mental health and wellness, focusing on the intersection of complex struggles, integrative care, and the evolving role of technology. Hosted by Dr. Sharnell Myles, the series provides an honest and thought-provoking look at how mental health is handled across various fields, from sports to broader societal challenges.

Through thoughtful conversations, the series encourages a deeper understanding of mental health across various domains and emphasizes the need for comprehensive, holistic approaches to healing. This podcast is essential for anyone involved in supporting individuals—whether athletes, students, or anyone facing mental health challenges—by offering practical insights, breaking down stigma, and advocating for a more inclusive, supportive approach to care.

Recent Episodes

The Power of Adventure Therapy: Revolutionizing Teen Mental Health

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Sharnell Myles of Embark Behavioral Health and Derrick Bowles, Executive Director of Crossroads in Ogden, Utah, dive into the transformative power of adventure-based sports in adolescent mental health and substance abuse treatment. Crossroads, founded nearly 18 years ago, takes a unique approach by moving away from traditional punitive methods and…

Mental Health in Athletes: The Hidden Struggle Behind the Spotlight

Former pro athlete Ray Weathers sits down with Dr. Sharnell Myles for a powerful, eye-opening conversation about the real pressures young athletes face—behind the fame, the expectations, the money, and the silence around mental health. Ray opens up about his own journey through trauma, how lack of support impacted his career and life, and why…

Roadmap to Joy: A Mental Health Podcast

If teens or young adults are part of your family, friend group, or community, and you want to learn about today's urgent mental health crisis, conditions, and treatment, this monthly podcast is for you. Join top company leaders at Embark Behavioral Health for expert resources and timely, relevant tips. This mental health podcast will cover topics such as anxiety, depression, stress, disorders including borderline personality disorder (BPD), and therapy.

Roadmap to Joy features interviews with licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and more as well as the latest research. Find and listen to “Roadmap to Joy” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts to stay informed and find new ways to support the teen or young adult in your life.

Recent Episodes

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Debunking Common Misconceptions

In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” Dr. Brad Riemann, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology and senior clinical adviser of Embark Behavioral Health, joins the podcast with Alex Stavros, CEO of Embark, to discuss obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in teens and young adults and how parents can support their children. OCD is characterized by obsessions (unwanted…

Adoption and the Healing Journey

In this episode, Kevin shares his personal adoption story. He and Rob discuss the challenges he faced growing up as an adoptee. Kevin also dives into his journey of self-discovery and healing, his search for his biological family, and the relationships he’s forged with them. Kevin emphasizes the importance of finding one’s identity and being…

Childhood Trauma: Understanding, Supporting, and Healing for Parents and Caregivers

Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on a child’s mental and physical health. Learn how parents and caregivers can create a safe and supportive environment to help them heal on this episode of Roadmap to Joy. Baaba Hawthorne, executive director of Embark Behavioral Health in West Los Angeles, California, and Stephanie Lucas, clinical director…

Grief and Loss: Guidance from a Therapist and Parent

Discover invaluable insights on dealing with grief as an experienced Embark Therapist teams up with a compassionate parent to delve into the intricacies of grieving. Gain a deeper understanding commonly misunderstood concepts surrounding loss, such as the stages of grief. Learn how to navigate grief as a family as we move toward healing on this…

Understanding Social Anxiety: Coping Skills for Teens | Roadmap to Joy

In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” join licensed social worker Alexzis Figueroa of Embark Behavioral Health in Scottsdale, Arizona and student Baylee as they delve into the world of social anxiety and share valuable insights on coping with this common mental health challenge, especially among teenagers. In this episode, they define social anxiety as…

Summer Self-Care: How to Boost Your Teen’s Mental Health

Join Jake Sparks, Treatment Director of Embark Behavioral Health, as he shares advice for the whole family on boosting your mental health during summer break. Discover practical strategies for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, managing screen time, and tackling boredom. Jake also shares research on how screen time impacts your brain, why boredom can be…

Mental Health Days: What Parents Need to Know

In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” our host, Bailey Petty, Learning, and Development Manager at Embark Behavioral Health, and guest, Maddy Little, Licensed Associate Counselor at Embark Behavioral Health in Phoenix, Arizona, dive into signs your teen could benefit from a mental health day from school. Bailey and Maddy describe restorative activities, give tips…

Mental Health 101: The Healing Journey

To wrap up our Mental Health 101 series on “Roadmap to Joy,” Richard, a parent of an Embark Behavioral Health alumni, tells his story of his family’s mental health treatment journey. Your host, Scott Harris, manager of continuous improvement at Embark Behavioral Health, and Richard discuss how finding the proper treatment for his son brought healing to…

Mental Health 101: Terms to Know

In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” we shed light on some important terms surrounding mental health and therapy. Your host, Jake Sparks, treatment director at Embark Behavioral Health and guest, Rob Gent, Chief Clinical Officer at Embark Behavioral Health, will discuss what attachment, trauma, shame, and co-regulation mean and how building a mental health vocabulary…

How To Be an Emotionally Present Parent

In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” Alex Stavros, CEO of Embark Behavioral Health, and Andy Maurer, CEO of Pursue Whole, discuss what it means to be an emotionally present parent. Alex and Andy dive into why parents may struggle to find balance in their everyday lives, and how to create a purposeful and joyful…

Expert Mental Health Guests

Join industry experts from across the country in our mental health podcasts. You’ll hear interviews from licensed psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists who will share the latest news, trends, tips, and research every month.

Hosts of Embark Behavioral Health's two mental health podcasts.

Embark Sessions

If you work in the behavioral health industry or are simply passionate about emotional well-being, don’t miss “Embark Sessions.” In this podcast, Embark Behavioral Health Chief Clinical Officer and host Rob Gent will share his expertise and insights on today’s most critical mental health issues relating to teens, young adults, and families. You’ll get comprehensive analysis and interviews with mental health professionals so you can stay at the forefront of current trends and research, empowering you to best serve — or support — the young people in your life.

Our monthly podcast will dive deep into a range of topics including cutting-edge therapies, psychology, and stories from industry experts. Find and listen to “Embark Sessions” each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Recent Episodes

Clinical Resiliency: Strategies for Preventing Burnout in Therapists

In this episode, Rob discusses clinical resiliency with Katie McCoog, LCSW and clinical director of Embark Behavioral Health in White Haven, Pennsylvania. Katie and Rob define resiliency as the ability to respond to one’s environment and bounce back from challenges. They emphasizes the importance of recognizing progress, setting boundaries, and seeking support from supervisors and…

How Eating Disorders Affect the LGBTQ+ Community | Embark Sessions

In this episode, Rebekah Tinker, LCSW, returns to “Sessions” to share her experiences treating eating disorders and the intersection of eating disorders with gender and sexuality. Rebekah and Rob emphasize the need for the whole family to be involved in the treatment process, as eating disorders often stem from family dynamics and patterns. Rebekah also…

Understanding Parenting from a Therapeutic Lens

In this enlightening podcast episode, Rob delves into the influential role of parenting in shaping children’s lives, and how to view parenting through a therapeutic lens. He emphasizes the essence of secure attachment parenting, where caregivers prioritize a child’s developmental well-being through consistent boundaries and nurturance. Rob highlights the rewards of parenting, including the release…

From Pain to Purpose: Rebekah Tinker’s Healing Journey (Part 1)

In this episode, Rebekah Tinker, LCSW, shares her personal healing journey with Rob. Rebekah describes how her childhood experiences with assault, the loss of her father, and an eating disorder shaped her relationships with others and herself. Rob and Rebekah discuss how she found healing, and how her past helps her approach her clients with…

The Science of Stress with Dr. George Slavich

In this episode of “Embark Sessions,” Rob discusses the science of stress with Dr. George Slavich, Director of the UCLA Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research, who has a Ph.D. in psychology. Dr. Slavich explains how his early childhood experiences with shyness led him to study psychology. Rob and Dr. Slavich dive into how psychology…

What To Know About Eating Disorder Treatment

In this episode of “Embark Sessions,” Rob interviews Liz Lees, a registered dietitian who treats youths at the Embark Behavioral Health outpatient therapy clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. They discuss her life story, including what drove her to pursue providing eating disorder treatment, how her family’s emphasis on healthy eating inspired her to study nutrition, and…

Personal Growth Through Social Support with Dr. Hansa Bhargava

In this episode of “Embark Sessions,” Rob discusses social support and its impact on mental health with Hansa Bhargava, mom, pediatrician, and Chief Clinical Officer of Medscape. Hansa and Rob discuss the importance of finding mentors early in life, and how community is essential for maintaining a healthy balance. Hansa explains how her “C’s” (compassion, connection, communication, and calm)…

Living with OCD

In this episode of Embark Sessions, Rob Gent joins guest Scott Harris to talk about living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Scott shares how his OCD started, how challenges like anxiety and depression were a part of his OCD, how relationships have been an important part of his healing journey, and how he uses his experience…

Deliberate Practice with Scott D. Miller

In this episode, Rob interviews Scott D. Miller, the founder of the International Center for Clinical Excellence, about his personal story and what drove him to pursue coaching other clinicians about feedback informed treatment. Rob and Scott discuss surfing, Scott’s relationships throughout his career, deliberate practice, and how it applies to clinicians today. Related Blogs…

Welcome to Sessions

Join our host, Rob Gent, Chief Clinical Officer of Embark Behavioral Health, as he provides an overview of what to expect when you tune into Embark Sessions. In each episode of Sessions, Rob will share his expertise and insights on today’s most critical mental health issues relating to teens, young adults, and families. You’ll get comprehensive analysis and…

Your Mental Health Questions Answered On Air

Recording mic for embark's mental heatlh podcasts.

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