Stuff That Matters - A New Hope Podcast

We talked with Brandon Guffey, who is on the South Carolina House of Representatives. In his few short years as an elected official, Brandon has made significant changes to the state and his impact has been felt like few that have come before him, passing transformative bills at a rapid pace and putting into effect new policies and laws to combat some of the most delicate issues in this country such as the mental health crisis, digital safety and suicide prevention. Brandon wasn’t always into politics, however. Up until a few years ago, he was enjoying a career full of extensive sales and business experience, when tragedy struck his family, as his son, Gavin, took his own life as a teen. It was a complex situation, which Brandon outlines some of early on in this episode, but it sparked something within Brandon. With the help and motivation of his wife, he set out to make changes with the goal of preventing the same thing that happened to his son from happening to more youth. He finally decided to run for the city council in 2020 during the pandemic, and once he was elected, Brandon has been leading with his passion and, as Matt so eloquently put it, his Get Stuff Done attitude. He passed Gavin’s Law early on in his freshman year on the House of Representatives, which he explains to us. He also started a non-profit in his sons honor called Less Than Three. As a husband, father, elected official, suicide prevention, mental health and digital safety advocate, Brandon’s mentality and approach to how he lives his life and leads the state of South Carolina is truly inspiring.

00:02:08-00:12:01 - His story and background, Rock Hill native, his son’s suicide as a teenager.

00:12:03-00:33:27 - Protecting today’s youth, the power of big tech, his approach and mindset as a politician and how he started Gavin’s Law in South Carolina.

00:35:24-00:40:52 - Where the mental health epidemic in America stands as it relates to politics and policy makers. Why and how it sometimes falls to the waist side and how Brandon is making sure that doesn’t happen.

00:40:53-00:52:04 – His non-profit, Less Than Three

00:53:28-1:00:28 - Where he sees mental health awareness, suicide prevention and digital safety in the next 5-10 years; how South Carolina is leading the charge to combat the issues.

1:00:29 - The stuff that matters.

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We were graced by the presence of a friend of New Hope, and now friend of the podcast, Kevin Hines. Kevin’s story is one that is well-documented. If you’re just hearing his name for the first time, Kevin was born to two biological parents who suffered from depression, alcoholism and drug addiction. He entered into the foster care system as a child and later became diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression as a teen. His mental health struggles were so severe that he attempted to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, where only 1% of attempts survive. Although his injuries were substantial, he lived to tell his story and turn his life around by inspiring others. Kevin is now a motivational speaker, podcast host, author, director, husband, father and suicide prevention advocate. He spoke at our facility in Rock Hill two years ago and made a lasting impression on staff and the youth that we serve. Kevin recently relaunched his podcast, appropriately titled HINESIGHTS, which can be heard wherever you get your podcasts, and on his YouTube channel, Kevin Hines Story. Kevin also shares more information on an upcoming film called “The Net” which is based on the creation and completion of the physical net that has been installed at the Golden Gate Bridge to further aid in suicide prevention.

(00:01:47-00:11:11) We catch up with Kevin about what he has going on currently, his podcast which has just relaunched, his YouTube channel, the upcoming film, the Net, mental health impacting youth as a whole and if he ever saw himself being in the position he is in today as a an advocate for suicide prevention.

(00:11:13-00:19:00) How social media and society as it currently stands is impacting mental health amongst our youth.

(00:20:56-00:32:36) We talk more specifically about the Net, both the film and the physical structure, the background on the construction and the long, contentious process that went into getting it approved.

(00:35:51-00:43:58) How he got into speaking in public and when it occurred to him that he needed to share his story, his message and what resources he still uses to this day to help with his mental health, his stresses, balancing everything he has going on in his life.

(00:45:23) His biggest inspiration and who he looks at for motivation.

(00:46:47) The stuff that matters.

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We're joined by Shameka Smith, the Program Coordinator for Second Round Boxing, which is part of Haven House Services in Raleigh. Second Round is one of 10 unique services that is offered to more than 1,200 youth, boys and girls, each year.

(00:01:58-00:14:06) – What Second Round Boxing is.

(00:14:07-00:18:57) – When she started to notice just how impactful second round boxing was for the youth, how confidence and communication is a point of emphasis while in the program.

(00:20:53-00:20:40) – How the kids engage with one another, coming from different backgrounds and schools, but sympathizing with one another over shared experiences and traumas.

(00:20:41-00:44:50) – Transitioning into her role with second round boxing and some of the specific success stories, where the kids have gone on and what they have accomplished.

(00:46:15-00:53:44) – The methods and techniques they use to care for the youth when they aren’t having the best days.

(00:53:47) – The relationships that are built and youth that keep in touch with the program and come back.

(00:58:29) – The stuff that matters.

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On today’s episode we’re joined by Fonda Bryant – Motivational Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and suicide survivor. Having overcome a long past filled with depression, she turned around her life completely almost 10 years ago to the day. She’s now a QPR Suicide Prevention Instructor, Mental Health First Aid Instructor for Youth, and a NC Certified Peer Support, training thousands of people globally on how to become certified Gatekeepers.

She’ll be celebrating her 29th year of surviving that attempt on her life on Valentine’s day of this year, Feb. 14.

(00:01:44-00:18:57) We talk about her background and past, dealing with depression, mental health, having her son at a young age, how things were more difficult to seek help and admit she had a problem living in the black community.

(00:18:58-00:36:05) Different resources, EAP, the 988-hotline, the relationship with her aunt and the impact she had on her journey and recovery, very well saving her.

(00:38:01-00:50:12) How society is responding to those dealing with mental health issues.

(00:50:15-00:56:05) Speaking to her own community.

(00:57:29-1:03:02) Her speaking engagements as a whole, when they started, the reception she has received and impact it has had on her.

(1:03:03) The stuff that matters.

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VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter

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WE'RE BACK! We begin 2024 with Erica Reid, the Senior Director of Program Implementation at Friends of the Children.

(00:01:41-00:36:59) Friends of the Children, her background, collaborating with the families, how families receive the service that is offered. The interview process, finding the mentors or actual "friends of the children" and what qualities are identified when looking for the ideal candidate.

(00:40:47-00:46:59) Partnership with Simone Biles and other famous ambassadors that do work with the organization, as well as success stories that came from Friends of the Children.

(00:47:00-00:50:32) Erica’s excitement on the current state of things as she travels the country to different Friends of the Children hubs, finding Friends of the Children and getting involved.

(00:50:34) The stuff that matters.

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VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter

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Jenn Drummond was living a rather successful and normal life as a business owner and mom. Until a horrific car accident in 2018 changed everything. It should have ended her life, but it instead gave her a new perspective and new ambition on life, as she turned that near fatal experience into perhaps the biggest turning point. She set out to change who she was and how she lived her life. With the help and motivation of her kids, she set several goals for herself living a new and improved life, one of which was to start climbing mountains. Not the mountains you might see in western North Carolina or even Utah where Jenn resides, but some of the most infamous, mentally, and physically demanding mountains in the world like Mount Everest and K2. Jenn became the first woman to climb the Seven Second Summits. The pursuit matched her desire to live a life of significance, not just success. You can listen to her on the Seek Your Next Summit podcast and read about her stories in her new book Break Proof, which will be released on Jan. 9 of 2024.

00:02:00–00:19:33 – Life before her accident in 2018, how the accident changed her perspective on life, when she started climbing mountains and training.

00:19:34-00:23:59 – The dynamic between the family and the impact her children had on her after her accident and motivating her to climb Everest.

00:25:55-00:37:37 – We dive more into the transition from her life pre 2018 to post 2018 and going from a business owner of a financial firm to mountaineering.

00:37:39-00:51:10 – Her vision board and what’s next on her bucket list.

00:52:36 – Her book.

00:55:48 – The stuff that matters.

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Niki Miller is the Assistant Director for Shield. She’s an advocate for the vulnerable in the fight against human trafficking. Niki was a little nervous at first making her podcast debut, but she was highly insightful and passionate about the work she does.

00:01:36-00:13:22 What Shield is, how she got started working in this space. Design For Joy, an organization employing women that were once victims of trafficking.

00:13:23-00:23:43 – She dispels some myths associated with human trafficking and presents some of the facts and data.

00:25:08-00:42:36 – We pick her brain regarding some outside observations and what can be done to aid in the fight against human trafficking.

00:42:38-00:53:53 – Exploring services available for the victims.

00:57:25-00:59:45 – Minimizing the supply of trafficking and trying to prevent the amount of victims, reducing vulnerabilities.

00:59:47 – The Stuff that Matters

On this episode, we take you into the life of a parent whose child has dealt with mental health and someone who has navigated the system. The perspective comes from Nina Nalle-Robinson, the mother of former New Hope resident and ultimate success story, Kiara Grace-Nalle. Kiara has donated plenty of her time giving back to New Hope, having spoken to staff and current residents twice, she was our fourth guest on this podcast back in August. Her mom graciously shared her experiences and her own journey. We dive into it all, from first becoming Kiara’s mother living in Massachusetts, moving to North Carolina, coping with her daughters mental health timeline which ultimately led to New Hope, what things were like post New Hope, having simultaneous pregnancies with Kiara and sharing all of the amazing moments that life has provided in the last decade plus.

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VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter

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(00:01:58-00:11:30) Her journey with New Hope and her daughter’s road. First becoming a mother and childhood for Kiara. How important the support of her parents were living in Massachusetts.

(00:11:32-00:18:40) When she first became aware of Kiara’s mental health struggles and the transition moving from the Northeast to North Carolina in the early 2000s.

(00:18:41-00:24:59) The first introduction to New Hope and what led to Kiara entering.

(00:26:55-00:38:45) What advice she’d give to a parent who has a child experiencing mental health hardships.

(00:38:46-00:45:30) What life was like when Kiara first returned home, the services that are offered for parents and families when their child returns home from a residential treatment facility.

(00:45:55) Kiara’s life trajectory and her accomplishments after leaving New Hope.

(00:51:19) The Stuff that Matters.

Well if you’ve been missing us, we’re back after a couple weeks off with the strong and powerful message of Danya Perry. Danya is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Wake County in Raleigh. He has had the pleasure of serving as an education and community advocate for the last 20 years. We talk about how he got into working with kids in the community, spearheading statewide initiatives aimed at school violence prevention, dropout prevention, disproportionate minority confinement, and community mobilization. We also discuss how he has assisted many organizations in their mission to ensure academic proficiency, provide a conducive learning environment, and mobilize the community around youth. Danya had co-authored several books, including “Preventing Violence & Crime in America’s Schools: From Put Downs to Lock Downs,” which speaks to the need for early prevention and “The Secrets for Motivating, Educating, and Lifting the Spirits of African-American Males.”

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Dan Nash is the founder of Human Trafficking Training Center. After serving 27 years in law enforcement working patrol, narcotics, violent crime and anti-human trafficking, Dan had a revelation that completely changed his outlook on the epidemic that is still a major issue in the US and worldwide to this day. We talk about his background, some of the misconceptions he became aware of, the stats and key numbers, the experience which ultimately changed his perspective and view on human trafficking changing. We dive into the intersection between human trafficking, drug trafficking, and trafficking crimes. Dan also shares what kind of services the Human Trafficking Training Center offers and how far their reach has expanded. Although this is one of the heavier discussions and topics we’ve had since this podcast’s inception, it was incredibly interesting and insightful.

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VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter

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Keith Howard is the CEO at Circle of Care. He’s a speaker and advocate for leadership development, innovation and work culture. Keith discusses his background, Circle of Care and the service they provide in Oklahoma. We talk about the transition he made into becoming a CEO and leader, the child welfare and foster care system, of which he holds very near and dear. He opens up about he and his wife’s journey fostering four children, whom he eventually adopted and welcomed into his family. Keith also sheds some light onto his faith the impact his relationship with God had on many of the steps along his path.

(00:01:20-00:17:34) His background and story, transitioning into becoming a CEO and into a leadership role.

(00:17:35-00:25:07) When he first joined Circle of Care, where it is today.

(00:26:32-00:37:13) Child Welfare and Foster Care.

(00:37:14-00:49:45) His journey fostering children and eventually adopting. What impact that process had on him.

(00:49:47-00:52:04) His faith.

(00:54:02) The stuff that matters.

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On today’s episode of Stuff that Matters, we give some love to a fellow Rock Hill, S.C. member. Kati Durkee, the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at NAMI Piedmont Tri-County joins us on the show. For those that don’t know, NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It’s an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. Together, they advocate for better lives for those individuals suffering from a mental illness. Kati explains how she was impacted by mental illness, as her children experienced hardships at a young age. She dives more into her background and how she first learned about NAMI as an organization, tragedies she was faced with in her personal life and family, the state of mental health in this country as a whole, and more. We also discuss the 2023 NamiWalks, which is the 10th annual and will be held this Saturday, October 7 at 9am at Cherry Park in Rock Hill as well as Lindsay Pettus Greenway in Lancaster at 2pm. This year, New Hope is proud the be the presenting sponsor. To register for the walk, namiwalk.org/piedmont or to help raise awareness, visit namipiedmont.org. Please enjoy the passion and message of Kati Durkee.

Kati’s background and when she started at NAMI, her children’s mental health challenges when they were younger, her brother and father-in-law taking their own lives (00:01:46–00:09:50).

What is NAMI (00:09:53-00:32:59).

(00:27:31–00:32:59) – Peer Support.

What has her encouraged and discouraged on the mental health system side (00:34:25-00:52:39).

We preview the 10th Annual NAMIWalks event on October 7 (00:59:20-1:04:05).

1:04:07 the stuff that matters.

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We speak with Gordy Pyper, a leader in the Child Welfare space. Gordy is a longtime friend and former coworker of Stuff that Matter’s own, Mike O’Connor. The two go way back to their time working together with the Eckerd Wilderness program. Gordy discusses his history and professional journey, his experiences with the wilderness program and that space as whole (00:01:43-00:32:14).

We discuss some of the things that could be done differently as it pertains to mental health treatment, the process and services that are provided (00:33:39-00:48:38).

Another part of his journey that is engrained into who is today is the story of adoption. Gordy was adopted himself, which had a profound impact on and created a close connection to the adoption process and the foster care system. It’s ultimately what led him to being open to becoming an adoptive father, which he became more than 15 years ago, as he is now the adoptive father of two sons (00:50:36–1:11:18). As always we finish by asking Gordy the stuff that matters to him (1:11:20).

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On this episode of stuff that matters, we’re joined by Keith Cartwright. He’s the Adverse Childhood Experiences Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. He also works part-time as the Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator at Randolph-Macon College. He has his own blog, rkcwrites.com, where you can follow his experiences and his story. It’s a story that Keith wasn’t always comfortable with and one in which he didn’t always know how to tell. But through his life, the challenges he faced and different paths he followed shaped who he is today.

We talk about his background, from his time at Ohio State, coming to the realization about his past, experiencing an alcohol issue when he was younger, taking a sip of alcohol for the first time at age 12, understanding himself on a more intense level (00:01:55-00:24:51).

We dive into his introduction into Adverse Childhood Experiences Services, commonly known as ACES (00:26:17-00:40:53).

Keith discusses how much of an impact his two sons had on his journey and both his personal and professional life (00:40:55-00:53:08).

He talks about his blog, what led to writing and the peace he finds in writing, sharing his thoughts and stories (1:11:31-1:21:27).

We finish with the stuff that matters (1:21:29).

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Ricky Johnson is a five-year Marine veteran and a public speaker. Just last year alone he presented close to 100 sessions. speaking in jails, prisons, schools, churches, with law enforcement, active-duty military and veterans, conferences and treatment facilities. He spoke to our staff and residents at New Hope about a year ago. But his story goes much deeper than that. We talk about his upbringing and childhood, joining the marine core and having a son while he was a senior in his high school, some of the challenges he faced which included addiction and substance abuse, his son taking his own life, the felonies he was convicted for, but also how he was able to turn those low points in his life into turning points for him to make a change. He explains how he was able to mend relationships with loved ones, friends, and even start new relationships like the powerful one he has today with his wife. It’s those relationships and those past experiences that impact, not only where he is, but who he is today.

His story, public speaking, social media presence (00:01:43–00:12:32).

His upbringing and childhood, joining the marine core and having his son while he was just a senior in high school, and the early challenges he faced (00:12:33–00:24:19).

He talks about his addiction and his recovery, dealing with his issues and being honest about his past, openly sharing his story (00:25:44-00:38:54).

Why fitness and the gym is so important to his daily routine and incorporating pushup challenges into his speaking sessions (00:38:56-00:42:00).

Mending past relationships and the journey with his stepfather, what he put him through and where they are today (00:42:02–00:46:30).

His first speaking engagement and some of the more interested people he has spoken to and experiences during his career (00:48:26).

The stuff that matters (1:00:52).

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VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter

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On today’s episode of stuff that matters, we kick off September with Kevin Poirier, the assistant principal at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Now that we’re post Labor Day, kids are back in school across the nation, so class was in session, as Kevin taught us some valuable lessons sharing his experiences. He discusses how he got his start as a teacher, coming to the East Coast after graduating from UCLA in 2012, and his first role at West Charlotte High School. It wasn’t all A+’s however, Kevin nearly resigned in his first year, but decided to stick it out and his passion has grown over the last decade (00:01:28 - 00:28:21). We talk about mental health amongst students, school shootings and what the school systems are doing to enhance the overall safety, social medias impact on today’s generation of students, the parent’s perspective, and more (00:29:46 - 00:44:21). As always, we finish with the stuff that really matters for Kevin (00:53:32).

Katie Church, Director of Shared Housing at Roof Above joins us. (00:01:29 - 00:21:26) Katie walks us through her story and professional journey, Roof Above and Urban Ministries and what they’re doing for the Charlotte community. She discusses the state of the homelessness and housing crisis in America on a broader scale as well as in the local communities (00:22:51 - 00:48:19). (00:51:15 - 1:00:01) Katie gives us some insight into a common scenario that many people face daily, as she explains, rather uniquely, how to treat a basic human situation, what to do in the event you pass by someone at a traffic light or on the side of the road holding a sign. (1:00:03 - 1:06:27) We discuss where her passion for homelessness came from and where this country is going with homelessness intervention in the next 5-10 years. As always on the show, we finish with the Stuff that Matters (1:06:29). Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube.

VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter

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On this episode of Stuff that Matters, we’re joined by former New Hope resident, Kiara Grace Nalle. Kiara is the epitome of a success story, having entered New Hope as a last resort during her mental health journey and battles she faced (00:01:25-00:16:48). She not only won those battles but has become an inspiration for many that were in her shoes. Kiara has been gracious enough to return to New Hope twice to speak with the youth, and like she has done to a live audience, she did on this podcast, sharing her story of hope, resilience, struggle, and constant determination (00:18:13-00:25:15). We cover what led to her entering New Hope, the challenges she faced, the relationship with her mother (00:25:16-00:39:01), and what life is like for her now (00:49:37-00:54:26) , as she’s getting ready to celebrate 12 years removed from mental health treatment facilities, and, as she puts it, 15 years of being alive. As always, we finish with Kiara’s stuff that really matters (00:54:28).

Sandra Rettis is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Victory Family Counseling. She has 15 years of experience in the human services field and four years of clinical experience in the mental health field. She has worked with Latin families and children in healthcare, education, domestic violence cases, and foster care. Her story of coming to America at the age of 17, being afforded tremendous opportunities and making the most of it is truly inspiring. It’s a story of family, strength, love, hard work, and motivation. And it’s a story that is full circle. Her experiences shaped who she became, and as she was once given a chance being new to this country, she started Victory to do the same for so many and is a pioneer providing services for the LGBTQ community.

Jenni Lord is the Chief Executive Officer at Chosen, a public speaker, advocate and venturer, healing children and restoring families with a transformational approach. We talk to Jenni about her story, her family adopting a son when she was 19 and how that changed the course of her life (1:24-12:31). We dive into what Chosen is all about (12:31-40:43). We discuss the state of Child Welfare, what has her encouraged and discouraged (42:40-58:38). She share what the Foster Care “Heat Map” (58:38 – 1:04:40). Jenni forecasts where she sees Chosen going in five years (1:04:40-1:09:39) and provides the stuff that really matters (1:11:05). Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube.

VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter

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A preview of our interview with founder of Chosen, childcare and adoption trauma expert and activist, Jenni Lord.

We're very excited to welcome on public speaker, childhood trauma expert and best-selling author Beth Tyson. Beth talks about her background and how she got started, dealing with her own personal traumas, engaging with parents and families in their homes (00:01:20-00:28:30). She discusses a video series and organization she’s part of called Connect our Kids (00:28:31-00:35:33). Beth dives into becoming a mom herself and how that impacted her personal life and her life as a professional (00:35:34 - 00:50:17). She discusses her children's book (00:50:18-01:06:51) and what she would tell a parent whose child discloses to them they are experiencing trauma (01:06:52 - 01:10:59). We finish with Beth sharing the Stuff that Matters (01:11:00). Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube.

VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/@NewHopeTreatmentCenter

WEBSITE: https://www.newhopetreatment.com/

A sneak peak of our interview with Beth Tyson.

Matt Simon and Mike O'Connor explain what the podcast is all about, and what stuff is going to matter to us, and hopefully all of you.