This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined once again by longtime friend of the show Anthony T. Jackson, owner of DAO Concepts and a professional Tai Chi instructor.

With the holidays and the new year approaching, stress levels tend to spike for a lot of people. Between family dynamics, expectations, and the pressure to change everything at once, it can be overwhelming. Anthony specializes in cultivating presence and emotional control, skills that are especially valuable during this time of year.

This week on Mental Fitness I’m joined once again by the Rider Counseling Center to talk about practical ways to navigate the seasonal time shift, build self discipline, and stay motivated. We also highlight some of the events and resources they will be offering once winter break is over.

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined by Malissa Arnold of the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction and the Prevention Coalition of Mercer County for her final appearance on the program. We dive into the rise of counterfeit marijuana and nicotine products, the serious dangers they pose, and why it’s crucial to use caution with any unknown or unprescribed medications. Malissa also shares where individuals can access Narcan and why having it on hand can save lives. Tune in for an important, eye-opening conversation.

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m sharing part two of my conversation with former Marine Corps K9 handler Alfred Brenner. We get into the growing mental health crisis and the increasing suicide rates among men. Alfred opens up about his experiences overseas, the trauma he faced, and the meaningful lessons he’s gained about recovery, strength, and moving forward.

This week on Mental Fitness, I'm joined once again by the team from the Rider Counseling Center. They introduce themselves and their roles, and share what the Counseling Center offers students including different therapy approaches, helpful advice, and upcoming on campus events.

This week on Mental Fitness, host Sean Higgins sits down with Alfred Brenner, a Marine Corps K9 handler and author of Surviving with Grief. Together, they explore the critical topics of suicide awareness, the rising rates of suicide among men, and the impact of PTSD. Alfred shares insights on finding purpose and resilience, both for everyday life and for those transitioning from military service. He also delves into his personal journey and the lessons behind his book, offering hope and practical guidance for anyone facing grief, loss, or challenges with mental health.

On this episode of Mental Fitness I am honored to be joined once again by Eric Van Eck of the TCNJ Intercollegiate Recovery Program. Eric has made tremendous strides in his recovery journey and has a lot of valuable information to offer to those struggling with motivation and focus. On this episode I attempt to bring up some interesting topics regarding overstimulation and lack of focus. Please enjoy!

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined once again by Luis Del Orbe, assistant executive director at The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. He shares powerful and unsettling stories from anonymous individuals he has worked with, shedding light on the harsh realities of gambling addiction and raising awareness of this increasingly destructive habit.