3/4/25- Our special guest is Kari Eckert, the Executive Director of Robbie's Hope. Kari's 15-year-old son, Robbie, died by suicide in 2018. Suicide prevention is Kari's life work. Per the Robbie's Hope website: "We are a movement. An uprising of teens to help other teens. We’ve made it our mission to stop the suicide epidemic that’s taking the lives of our friends. Help us cut teen suicide rates in half by 2028." Through their teenage volunteer "Hope Ambassadors" program, education on suicide prevention is made available. Kari shares her heartfelt story and emphasizes the need for us to honor our humanness by sharing with others what we are truly feeling. How the teenage years can be better navigated and what we as parents and other caring adults can do to be of help is discussed. The feelings of grief and the process of grief that can be experienced when a child dies by suicide is also shared. Being able to reach out for help, being kind to ourselves, and knowing we can hold on and get through the pain without having to end our life is emphasized. Watch here.

3/11/25- Our special guest, Eve Dunkins, is the "Founder and C.E.O. of The Art of Mindful Living Corporation. The Art of Mindful Living is comprised of over twenty-five years of steadfast dedicated service in the artistry of optimizing human potential. Her vocation is principally focused on mental health, raising public consciousness through advocacy and education, and advancing social causes by creating systemic and legislative changes. Power, purpose, and passion are the bedrock of her success. Evelyn knows firsthand the challenges of persevering and the triumphs of thriving and overcoming. Before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University, a Master of Social Work from New York University and a prominent career full of accolades, awards, and achievements, she was a survivor herself. At the peak of her career, Evelyn resigned to the public and private sector and left her position as C.E.O. to embark on a global humanitarian tour. Inspired by her journey, Evelyn wrote about her philosophies of deep transformational change and empowered living in her memoir, “The Woman in The Mirror: A Journey into the Authentic Self.” Evelyn embodies the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world.'" The above introduction and so much more is on: http://www.theartofmindfulliving.com/. Watch here.

3/18/25- Our special is Aliyah (aka Al) Davis who is a graphic artist, singer-songwriter, and has lived experienced of severe mental illness with psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior. Al is dedicated to helping others by sharing her mental health story which is also expressed in her music. Two of her songs are "Ghost Town" and "Blue Skies." Watch here.

3/25/25: Our special guest for today's Talking Back 2 Suicide is Alma Landon who shares how her work as a doula helps support the mental health well-being of women and their partners during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Learn more about Alma at https://communitydoulaalliance.com/alma-landon/. Watch here.

2/4/25- Our special guest, Douglas Lawrence, is the founder of TalentC(R) and Co-founder of the International Mentor Community. Doug shares his mental health journey which includes PTSD related to trauma he experienced (such as responding to 14 or more suicide deaths) during his service in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for 25 years. Retired in February of 1999, he achieved the rank of Staff Sargent. Doug speaks of turning to alcohol to deal with the stress and realized this was not beneficial. He deeply shares about the love and support he received from his wife and how her death from cancer impacted him. Doug shares on grief and how he experienced suicidal thoughts after her death, and what has strengthened him to live on. Doug is the author of "You Are Not Alone," which received Bronze Medal at the Global Book Awards, and "The Gift of Mentoring." His latest book, "Grief: The Silent Pandemic," is coming out on April 20th and is available now for pre-order. To learn more about Doug and his mentoring services, please see https://talentc.ca/. Watch here.

2/11/25- Our special guest on today's Talking Back 2 Suicide podcast is Adria Glenn, who is an R&B singer-songwriter. She performed at the Listening Room Film Festival in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and it was at that event where Dr. Kaufman and she first met. Adria shares with heartfelt vulnerability about her creative and mental health journey through experiences of abuse and turning to alcohol, and becoming depressed with suicidal thoughts, to her finding the spiritual strength to use her musical gifts to empower herself and others. Adria has 23 singles inclusive of collaborations on all digital platforms. She released three new singles and videos in 2023: “Reality,” “Blocked,” and “The Best” and in 2024 she released a single and video called “New to Me,” all are available on all platforms. On November 14, 2024, Adria released her new song called “Free” which speaks to her emotional release and freedom Also, on the same day she made her starring appearance on the big screen in the​ R&B Musical, “Things We Do for Love”, produced by Heal the Hood Foundation. Adria is currently working on her first album to be released in 2025. Adria's youtube channel. Watch here.

2/18/25- Mental Health Recovery is Possible. Our special guest, Kristina Dejuri (aka Krispy DeRato), is a singer/songwriter and music producer. Kristina shares deeply on her own mental health journey which has included self-cutting, suicidal ideation, eating disordered behavior, mood swings, anxiety, and difficulties with relationships. Kristina received outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatments. Thankfully, Kristina is doing very well now and shares how her brain maturation plus having proper eating, sleeping, and engaging in overall self-care as well as being on appropriate medications for ADHD and Bipolar Disorder have very much helped her. Learn more and watch her music videos here. Watch here.

2/25/25- Our special guest is singer-songwriter Ginger Winn whose father died by suicide. Ginger and Diane Kaufman, MD met on the freelance site Upwork a few years ago and most recently worked together on the creation of the "For You My Lovely" song inspired by Diane's lyric. That song is for all who love and one day will grieve and is especially dedicated to suicide loss survivors. "For You My Lovely" has won international awards for Best Lyric and Best Original song and the lyric video includes the 988 suicide & crisis lifeline number. Little did they know when they met, that Ginger's own father would die by suicide. Ginger shares deeply and authentically about her suicide loss experience, touching upon her father, family members, friends, and what has helped her the most. She hopes her words will help others reach out and find the help they need as that person having suicidal thoughts is not a burden. They are loved and their loved ones want so much to help them stay alive. Watch here.

1/7/25- Our special guest is music therapist Dahlia Pollack who authentically shares her mental health journey of ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, suicidal thoughts, and experiencing suicide loss. She describes in detail how music therapy offers help for both physical and emotional disorders. See www.musictherapy.org for the American Music Therapy Association. See www.resonatewithinmusictherapy.com to learn more about Dahlia and hermusic therapy services. Watch here.

1/14/25- Our special guest Dr. Michael Acton is a world-renowned psychologist, relationship expert and author. He is a mental health advocate with special expertise in preventing suicide that comes from relationship distress. His most recent book, "Weathering Relationships: Making Up Moving On," empowers individuals to be in healthy relationships. Dr. Acton shares on his life journey as well as topics of shame, toxic relationships, triggers to suicide in relationships, safety planning, and the need to understand most importantly, that in a relationship we are "committed to the commitment" and this has definite "rules and boundaries." Learn more about Dr. Acton at www.mpamind.com. Watch here.


1/21/25- Our special guest is Rafia Maxie-Cole who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a mother, suicide loss survivor, and the founder/director of Soul Survivors of Chicago. On May 27, 2020, Rafiah's 19-year-old son, Jamal, died by suicide. Jamal was a bright, sensitive, caring, and talented young man. He first attempted suicide when he was 12 years old. He was the victim of bullying. Rafiah speaks from the heart, authentically and passionately to help save lives from suicide and to offer comfort and understanding to those grieving their loved ones who died by suicide. Watch here.

1/28/25- Our special guest, Daniel Stih, is a Renaissance Man, Thought Leader, Rocket Scientist, Rock Climber, and Singer-Songwriter as well as an Inspirational Speaker, Podcaster, and Life Coach. His most recent book, "Because You Can: How to Succeed Under Difficult Circumstances: Lessons Learned From Climbing Mountains That Had Never Been Climbed" is based on his life experiences. Daniel's passion is finding creative solutions to complex problems. In his most recent podcast titled, "How Living Your Purpose Can Change the World Around You," Daniel urges, “Your purpose is not what you think. Your purpose is to be flexible, evolving, and deeply personal and authentic. Your purpose is to do the thing you feel called to do in this moment, today right now... What would you do if nothing could hold you back? Now take one small step.” Daniel shares insights he's learned on his life journey that can help prevent suicide by encouraging us to believe in ourselves and to make necessary changes in our life rather than becoming hopeless and giving up. Living our purpose is part of that plan. Watch here.

12/3/24- Our special guest Azucena Ferrusca shares on her lived mental health experiences of self-cutting, suicidal thoughts, and how she learned better ways in her thinking and behaving to better cope with and overcome her emotional pain. Azucena, who lost a friend to suicide, shares authentically and with heartfelt vulnerability in the hope that her story can help others. Watch here.

12/10/24- In today's Talking Back 2 Suicide we debut "In Despair I Pray," a prose poem video animation which is on questioning why one is alive and that leading into having suicidal thoughts. The voice artist is Nathaniel Goodwyn, video animator is Lucia Martinez Rojas, music by Anastasia Kir, and poem prose author Diane Kaufman, MD. Further topics discussed are self-love, tough love, taking accountability, being proactive, and reaching out for help. Watch here.

12/17/24- Our special guest, Ashna Sharan, is the writer, actress, and producer of the award-winning short film, Shame, which is about the trauma of rape. Ashna discusses how being a victim of rape increases the risk for suicide and what steps we as individuals and as a society should take to be of help. She urges us to believe the person who says they have been raped and not be in judgment telling them they are wrong. The events of what happened will unfold in time. The first thing to do is to listen with compassion and have the person receive the help they need. If you are a victim of sexual violence, please see the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) website. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 800-656-HOPE. Watch here.

12/24/24- Special guest, Nzondi (Ace Antonio-Hall), is a Bram Stoker award-winner for "Oware Mosaic," and is the first African American to win the award for Superior Achievement in the Young Adult Novel category. He is a two-time honorable mention recipient of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Award. Nzondi is a songwriter, and his music combines hard rock, alternative punk and funk. His experiences include being an educator of youth. Nzondi deeply shares on the tragic loss of his wife who died in an accident five days after their wedding, and what helped him survive the thoughts to end his own life by suicide. Nzondi speaks eloquently on the power of art to help transform pain into healing for self and others .Watch here.

11/05/24- Our special guests are the inspirational music artists twin sisters Isabelle and Corinna Cott who discuss lived mental health experiences and how the powers of vibrational energy, attention, love, gratitude, and spirituality bring healing. Learn more at their website: http://www.OurTruthMusic.com. Watch here.

11/12/24- Listen to the internationally award-winning "Holding the Heart When It Breaks" song and learn about ways we can "hold our heart" when it's broken such that we do now act on suicidal thoughts. The conversation goes into how to shift from negative to more hope inspiring thoughts, how to resist turning to alcohol and drugs, and becoming empowered through acts of kindness to ourselves and others. Watch here.

11/19/24- Our special guest today is Dr. Denise McDermott who is an Adult & Child Psychiatrist from California. Amongst her many recognitions, Dr. Denise, as she likes to be called, received the Outstanding Physician Award from UCLA in 2000 and was a guest speaker at the Dali Lama's Tibetan Medical Society in 2018. Her Dr. Denise Show was a finalist in 2022, 2023, and 2024 for the People's Podcast Awards in the category of skeptics guide to science and medicine. Dr. Denise shares passionately on gratitude, self-awareness and emotional self-regulation, energetic knowing, uniqueness of our experiences including that of grieving, the need to tend our inner garden by self-care practices, and how to be of help to those having suicidal thoughts. Learn more about Dr. Denise at http://www.drdenisemd.com. Watch here.

11/26/24- Today's Talking Back 2 Suicide Podcast is all about the Power of Sleep. We must not ignore the quantity and quality of our sleep because sleep is fundamental and essential to our physical and emotional well-being. Our special guest is Dr. Oleg Chernyshev who is both an MD and PhD. He is a Professor of Neurology and Sleep Medicine at the Department of Neurology at LSU Health Shreveport. Amongst his many professional roles, he is Chief of the Division of LSU Health Sleep Medicine and Director of the Ochsner LSU Health Sleep Medicine Center. He is also founder of USleep America, a non-profit dedicated to "engage all levels of society in a systematic promotion of sleep as a human right for all, help educate, advise, and advocate for the effective use of advanced information technology that serves humanity and helps improve all aspects of protected sleep, and promote the life-balance formula: 8x3=24 (8 hours of sleep + 8 hours of work + 8 hours of rest=24)." See: https://usleepamerica.org for more information. Watch here.

10/01/24- The "Talking Back 2 Suicide" debut podcast on 10/1/24 with hosts Diane Kaufman, MD (retired child psychiatrist who is acclaimed in arts & healing, suicide attempt and loss survivor with Bipolar II Disorder is the founder/director of the Hold On Campaign) and Kino Isaac (DJ, music producer/entrepreneur, and advocate for independent artists' mental health) discuss their inspirations and goals for the Talking Back 2 Suicide podcast and discuss a wide range of topics pertaining to mental health well-being. Watch here.

10/8/24- Guest Amalfi Samol shares her life experiences of childhood trauma, domestic violence, addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and her road to inspired recovery. She's a "walking miracle" who wants to lift others up knowing there is real hope and they can be survivors, too, who love life rather than wanting to kill themselves. Watch here.

10/15/24- Our special guest Marija Ticic, a psychologist, psychotherapist, and singer-songwriter from Croatia, speaks on the heartfelt need for authentic and vulnerable human to human connection, the role of acceptance even when we are in despair, how to generate hope and find balance when our thoughts grow dark, and the role of art in her life. Watch here.

10/29/24-Join hosts Kino Isaac and Diane Kaufman, MD as they discuss a wide range of topics starting with the Voices Rising Film Festival where the Hold On Campaign's suicide prevention songs "For You My Lovely" and "Holding the Heart When It Breaks" were featured, and then go on in depth to discuss the impact of being in toxic relationships and experiencing gender based violence as risk factors for suicide, and how to seek help. Watch here.