In this special edition of All Things Mental Health with Mike and Joi, Mike Brose takes the mic solo for a timely conversation about the stress, fear, and emotional strain so many people are carrying right now. From political division to global conflict and the nonstop pressure of the news cycle, this episode offers a grounded reminder to protect your peace, care for your relationships, and pay attention to your mental health during uncertain times. Tune in for a thoughtful, honest discussion about staying steady when the world feels heavy.

In this episode of All Things Mental Health, Mike and Joi take on a topic that feels especially urgent right now: political trauma.

Joined by guest Phil Smith, they explore the emotional toll of today’s political climate, including fear, anger, grief, helplessness, social isolation, and the strain political division can place on families, friendships, faith communities, and everyday life. Together, they talk honestly about what it means to live in a culture where many people no longer feel safe expressing their beliefs, where media and social media intensify conflict, and where constant exposure to distressing news can leave people overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted.

Mike, Joi, and Phil reflect on the ways political stress can show up in the body and mind, why people may respond with avoidance or boundary-setting, and how community support can help people cope.

This episode is a candid, compassionate look at how the current political environment affects mental health and why safe spaces for conversation, support, and healing matter.

Mike and Joi welcome guests Hallie Storms and Matt Gould from The Hospitality Hub in Memphis, TN for an inspiring discussion about creative solutions and inter-city collaboration to address homelessness in Memphis and Tulsa. Hallie and Matt also share their experiences with the National Guard presence in Memphis and its impact on their work.