Just STARt the Conversation - Ep 60 - The Psychology Behind Dreams and Nightmares

We all dream, but many of us don't really understand why. What do we know about the purpose of dreams? Why do some dreams feel so vivid and memorable while others disappear the moment we wake up? Dr. Christine Marchionni is the Program Director for the St. Luke's Psychiatric Residency Program. S…

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep 59 - Addiction Explained – What Happens in the Brain and What People Don’t Understand

What actually happens in the brain when someone develops an addiction? At what point does substance use become a substance use disorder? Dr. Gibson George, Chief of the Division of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Recovery at St. Luke's joins hosts Amie Allanson Dundon and Crockett (@crockettonai…

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep 58 - 'The Next Play' - A Film About Athlete Mental Health

We are headed to the 'Red Carpet' this month with the 'Just STARt the Conversation' podcast -- presented by St. Luke's Penn Foundation. Koula Kazista and Katina Bozikis join hosts Kevin Crockett and Amie Allanson Dundon to discuss their new film 'The Next Play'. They discuss what inspired them to…

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep 57 - Overcoming the Fear to Ask For Help

Why do so many people struggle to ask for help, even when they genuinely need it? How can someone tell the difference between healthy independence and unhealthy self-reliance? What signs indicate that someone has been carrying too much on their own for too long? Jason Frei, Licensed Clinical Soc…

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep 56 - Seasonal Stress The Science Behind Summer Burnout

How do you distinguish between anxiety, burnout, and seasonal mood changes? Can heat, longer daylight hours, or changes in routine contribute to anxiety or burnout? Dr. Peter Cloney, a Psychiatry Resident at St. Luke's joins hosts Amie Allanson Dundon and @crockettonair to discuss the realities o…

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep 55 - Suicide Awareness

Reach out, there are folks out here to help. That was the lasting message in this episode of the 'Just STARt the Conversation' podcast. We're joined by Nancy Salamon, a Mother who lost her 13-year-old son Craig -- who wants to share her story to help anyone who may be struggling. Amie Alanson Du…

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep. 54 - Adolescent Online Trends and Memes

What are current teen trends that parents should be aware of? How Parents and Clinicians approaching the risks and concerns? Dr. Andrew Clark, Psychiatry/Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at St. Luke's, joins hosts Amie Allanson Dundon and Kevin Crockett to talk about the trends, and how parents ca…

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep. 53 - Panic Disorder

What is panic disorder, and how does it differ from having occasional panic attacks? What does a panic attack feel like for someone experiencing it? Nicole Martin, Senior Manager, Advanced Practitioners at St. Luke's joins hosts Amie Allanson Dundon and Kevin Crockett to discuss factors that play…

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep 52 - Spirituality in Mental Health

How do you define spirituality? What role does spirituality play in a person’s mental or emotional well-being? Heidi Tierney, Network Director of Pastoral Care, joins hosts Amie Allanson Dundon and Kevin Crockett to discuss the role of Spirituality and our Mental Health. It's the 'Just STARt the …

Just STARt the Conversation - Ep 51 - The Impact of Stress on Heart Health

What physiological changes occur in the cardiovascular system when someone experiences chronic stress? What mental health conditions are most commonly linked to increased cardiac risk? Bill Merkert, Director of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at St. Luke’s joins hosts Amie Alanson Dundon and Crock…