In this episode of OK State of Mind, a Family & Children’s Services podcast, the conversation turns toward a modern influence that touches every age group: screen time and digital content. Jessica Wrest, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, joins Dr. Stevan Lahr, and Rachel Roberts, Public & Government Affairs Manager at Family & Children’s Services, to unpack how constant access to devices is shaping mental health, behavior, and emotional well-being. Together, they explore how screens are no longer just tools—but environments that influence how we think, feel, and cope.

The group examines how screen use triggers chemical responses in the brain, reinforcing habits that can mirror addictive patterns. They discuss how early exposure impacts children’s ability to self-soothe, regulate emotions, and build attention spans, while also acknowledging that adults face similar challenges through “doom scrolling,” sleep disruption, and reduced real-world connection. Rather than focusing solely on limiting screen time, the conversation shifts toward understanding the quality of content, the importance of balance, and how digital habits can either support or undermine mental health.

The episode also highlights practical, real-world strategies for navigating a screen-saturated culture. From creating intentional boundaries and improving sleep hygiene to modeling healthy behavior for children, the team emphasizes that change doesn’t require eliminating technology—it requires awareness and small, consistent adjustments. The conversation lands on a hopeful takeaway: when individuals and families become more intentional with their digital habits, they can protect their mental health while still benefiting from the connected world around them.

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We're always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.okstateofmind.com for all of our episodes. You can also email us at communications@fcsok.org with any episode ideas or questions. We'd love to connect with you.

Thank you once again for accompanying us on the journey. Until next time!

In this episode of OK State of Mind, a Family & Children’s Services podcast, the conversation centers on the mental health needs of older adults—one of the fastest-growing yet least visible populations in our communities. Eileen Bradshaw, President & CEO of Life Senior Services, joins Kaitlin Foster, Vice President of Adult Outpatient Services at FCS, and Tom Taylor, Chief Development Officer at FCS, to challenge common misconceptions about aging, isolation, and help-seeking.

Together, they explore why older adults are less likely to seek mental health care, how symptoms often show up physically instead of emotionally, and why grief, depression, and anxiety can compound after repeated life losses. The episode also highlights the critical role of caregivers, the emotional weight of retirement and identity shifts, and how community partnerships between Life Senior Services and FCS are helping seniors access support without fear or stigma.

Support and stay connected to us. First, be sure to hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening to us. Subscribing ensures you never miss an episode, and it's absolutely free. It also helps us continue bringing you quality content.

Consider leaving us a review. Your reviews not only make our day, but they also help others discover the podcast and join our community.

Share this episode with your friends, family, and anyone who might find it interesting. Word of mouth is a powerful way to grow our podcast family, and we truly appreciate your support.

We're always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.okstateofmind.com for all of our episodes. You can also email us at communications@fcsok.org with any episode ideas or questions. We'd love to connect with you.

Thank you once again for accompanying us on the journey. Until next time!

In this episode of OK State of Mind, a Family & Children’s Services podcast, Joana Melendez, School-Based Programs Supervisor, and Nichole Duck, School-Based Programs Director, unpack the complex realities of mental health within Mexican-American and Native American communities. From generational stigma and language barriers to historical mistrust and faith-based taboos, they explore how culture deeply shapes access to care and perceptions of wellness.

Together, Joana and Nichole discuss how Family & Children’s Services is addressing these challenges head-on — through bilingual services, culturally fluent communication, and community partnerships that honor mind, body, and spirit. They share firsthand insights from their school-based work, revealing how representation, trust, and simple human connection can transform fear into healing.

Support and stay connected to us. First, be sure to hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening to us. Subscribing ensures you never miss an episode, and it's absolutely free. It also helps us continue bringing you quality content.

Consider leaving us a review. Your reviews not only make our day, but they also help others discover the podcast and join our community.

Share this episode with your friends, family, and anyone who might find it interesting. Word of mouth is a powerful way to grow our podcast family, and we truly appreciate your support.

We're always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.okstateofmind.com for all of our episodes. You can also email us at communications@fcsok.org with any episode ideas or questions. We'd love to connect with you.

Thank you once again for accompanying us on the journey. Until next time!

In this episode of OK State of Mind, a Family & Children’s Services podcast, Stephanie Andrews, Executive Director of Student and Family Support Services at Tulsa Public Schools, and Faith Crittenden, Vice President of School-Based Programs at FCS, break down the far-reaching effects of chronic absenteeism. From falling behind academically to feeling disconnected from peers, missing school goes far beyond a few lost lessons.

Together, Stephanie and Faith explore how cultural norms, post-COVID mindsets, and family barriers contribute to student absences — and why early attendance habits set the stage for long-term educational and emotional success. They share insights that help parents and schools work together to keep kids engaged, present, and supported.

Support and stay connected to us. First, be sure to hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening to us. Subscribing ensures you never miss an episode, and it's absolutely free. It also helps us continue bringing you quality content.

Consider leaving us a review. Your reviews not only make our day, but they also help others discover the podcast and join our community.

Share this episode with your friends, family, and anyone who might find it interesting. Word of mouth is a powerful way to grow our podcast family, and we truly appreciate your support.

We're always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.okstateofmind.com for all of our episodes. You can also email us at communications@fcsok.org with any episode ideas or questions. We'd love to connect with you.

Thank you once again for accompanying us on the journey. Until next time!

In this episode of OK State of Mind, a Family & Children’s Services podcast, Jesse Guardiola (Vice President of Community Engagement at Tulsa Area United Way), Adam Andreassen (CEO of Family & Children’s Services), and Anthony Adams (School-Based Program Administrator) have an honest conversation about the evolving definition of strength for men. They discuss the rising rates of male depression and suicide, and how outdated expectations around masculinity — from emotional silence to cultural and generational scripts — continue to put men's mental health at risk.

Together, they explore how vulnerability, mentorship, and culturally responsive support can help men and boys thrive emotionally. With personal reflections and community insight, this episode offers a renewed perspective on how we can support men in healing, growing, and leading with authenticity.

Support and stay connected to us. First, be sure to hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening to us. Subscribing ensures you never miss an episode, and it's absolutely free. It also helps us continue bringing you quality content.

Consider leaving us a review. Your reviews not only make our day, but they also help others discover the podcast and join our community.

Share this episode with your friends, family, and anyone who might find it interesting. Word of mouth is a powerful way to grow our podcast family, and we truly appreciate your support.

We're always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.okstateofmind.com for all of our episodes. You can also email us at communications@fcsok.org with any episode ideas or questions. We'd love to connect with you.

Thank you once again for accompanying us on the journey. Until next time!

In this episode of OK State of Mind, a Family & Children’s Services podcast, Dr. Stevan Lahr, Medical Director, and Kaitlin Foster, Vice President of Adult Outpatient Services, unpack what anxiety truly is—and what it isn’t. From the biology behind the brain’s fight-or-flight response to the emotional toll of everyday stress, the conversation explores how anxiety manifests, how to recognize it, and why it’s one of the most treatable mental health conditions.

Support and stay connected to us. First, be sure to hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening to us. Subscribing ensures you never miss an episode, and it's absolutely free. It also helps us continue bringing you quality content.

Consider leaving us a review. Your reviews not only make our day, but they also help others discover the podcast and join our community.

Share this episode with your friends, family, and anyone who might find it interesting. Word of mouth is a powerful way to grow our podcast family, and we truly appreciate your support.

We're always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.okstateofmind.com for all of our episodes. You can also email us at communications@fcsok.org with any episode ideas or questions. We'd love to connect with you.

Thank you once again for accompanying us on the journey. Until next time!

In this episode of OK State of Mind, a Family & Children’s Services podcast, we explore the everyday challenges and life-changing impact of early parenting support. Lorinda Reed and Sarah Lankford Cerbino - leaders in the SafeCare® Home-Based Parenting program - join hosts Chris Posey and Rachel Roberts to discuss how Family & Children’s Services is helping families build safer, healthier home environments for young children.

Designed for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–5, the SafeCare® program provides free, in-home guidance on child safety, health, supervision, and positive parenting practices. Through hands-on coaching and customized support, SafeCare® empowers caregivers to navigate the demands of parenting with confidence—whether it’s choosing the right medicine dosage, understanding discipline versus punishment, or creating daily routines that foster connection and calm.

Support and stay connected to us. First, be sure to hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening to us. Subscribing ensures you never miss an episode, and it's absolutely free. It also helps us continue bringing you quality content.

Consider leaving us a review. Your reviews not only make our day, but they also help others discover the podcast and join our community.

Share this episode with your friends, family, and anyone who might find it interesting. Word of mouth is a powerful way to grow our podcast family, and we truly appreciate your support.

We're always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.okstateofmind.com for all of our episodes. You can also email us at communications@fcsok.org with any episode ideas or questions. We'd love to connect with you.

Thank you once again for accompanying us on the journey. Until next time!

In this episode of OK State of Mind, a Family & Children’s Services podcast, Dr. Paul Baker, neuropsychologist and author of The Hopeful Brain, shares how breakthroughs in neuroscience have fundamentally shifted the way we view mental health, especially in children. Exploring core needs, rooted in neuroscience, offer a lens to understand behavior not as a problem to fix, but as a message to decode for hope.

Joined by Adam Andreassen, CEO of Family & Children’s Services, and Chris Masopust, Director of Training, the conversation explores how this hopeful science is being integrated across the organization—from therapists to peer support workers. By using simple, accessible brain-based strategies, Family & Children’s Services is creating more effective and compassionate mental health support for those who need it most.

Support and stay connected to us. First, be sure to hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening to us. Subscribing ensures you never miss an episode, and it's absolutely free. It also helps us continue bringing you quality content.

Consider leaving us a review. Your reviews not only make our day, but they also help others discover the podcast and join our community.

Share this episode with your friends, family, and anyone who might find it interesting. Word of mouth is a powerful way to grow our podcast family, and we truly appreciate your support.

We're always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.okstateofmind.com for all of our episodes. You can also email us at communications@fcsok.org with any episode ideas or questions. We'd love to connect with you.

Thank you once again for accompanying us on the journey. Until next time!