Episodes

  • Unlocking Agency in Suicide Prevention with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma | Episode 144

    Unlocking Agency in Suicide Prevention with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma | Episode 144
    Apr 22 2025
    In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma, an esteemed scholar and psychologist, to explore the transformative role of agency in suicide prevention. Agency, defined as the sense of control and capacity to influence your thoughts, behaviors, and circumstances, is a cornerstone of psychological resilience. We delve into how fostering a sense of agency can be a powerful antidote to feelings of entrapment and despair that often accompany suicidal crises.For mor information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/unlocking-agency-in-suicide-prevention-with-dr-selma-gaily-luoma-episode-144
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    58 mins
  • The Power of Testament: Addressing Social Justice in Mental Health Research with Dr. Simon Hatcher | Ep 143

    The Power of Testament: Addressing Social Justice in Mental Health Research with Dr. Simon Hatcher | Ep 143
    Apr 8 2025
    Join host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas in a compelling conversation with Dr. Simon Hatcher from the University of Ottawa. The discuss the intricacies of police suicide, mental health challenges, and how these insights can aid high-risk industries. Discover the importance of involving lived experience in mental health research and the challenges faced by underserved populations. With personal stories, expert insights, and a focus on social justice, this episode sheds light on creating more inclusive and effective mental health support systems. Tune in to explore how we can better empower and uplift those facing mental health struggles. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/the-power-of-testament-addressing-social-justice-in-mental-health-research-among-our-most-vulnerable-populations-with-dr-simon-hatcher-ep-143
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    34 mins
  • Upstream Suicide Prevention: Changing Lives Using the Good Behavior Game with Dr. Holly Wilcox | Ep. 142

    Upstream Suicide Prevention: Changing Lives Using the Good Behavior Game with Dr. Holly Wilcox | Ep. 142
    Apr 1 2025
    In this episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas talks with Dr. Holly Wilcox from Johns Hopkins University to explore the transformative impact of the Good Behavior Game. They cover upstream approaches to suicide prevention, emphasizing skill-building in early childhood to improve mental health outcomes. Discover how focusing on education and emotional regulation can mitigate risks and build resilience in communities, potentially changing life trajectories. Join us in learning how a public health approach could be key to saving lives and augmenting quality of life. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/upstream-suicide-prevention-changing-lives-using-the-good-behavior-game-with-dr-holly-wilcox-ep-142
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    48 mins
  • How Scotland's Panel Is Shaping Suicide Prevention with Personal Insights from Keir McKechnie & Seonaid Stallan | Ep. 141

    How Scotland's Panel Is Shaping Suicide Prevention with Personal Insights from Keir McKechnie & Seonaid Stallan | Ep. 141
    Mar 25 2025
    Join Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas as she discusses into the powerful role of lived experience in transforming suicide prevention strategies. In this episode of "Hope Illuminated," featuring guests Kier McKechnie and Seonaid Stallan from Glasgow, Scotland, discover how integrating real-life experiences into policy and program development can inspire meaningful change. Learn about the innovative approaches taken by Scotland's National Suicide Prevention Action Plan and the significance of honoring those who've navigated the profound challenges of suicide loss or survival. Together, they're making a difference—one story at a time. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/how-scotlands-panel-is-shaping-suicide-prevention-with-personal-insights-from-keir-mckechnie-seonaid-stallan-ep-141
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    54 mins
  • Addressing Generational Trauma in Indigenous Communities with John Cornelius| Ep. 140

    Addressing Generational Trauma in Indigenous Communities with John Cornelius| Ep. 140
    Mar 11 2025
    In this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated, host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas speaks with John Cornelius about generational trauma in tribal communities, his personal journey from Pine Ridge Reservation through military service to peer support specialist, and how Native communities are finding healing through cultural reconnection and community-driven solutions. A moving conversation about historical wounds and modern hope. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/addressing-generational-trauma-in-indigenous-communities-with-john-cornelius-ep-140
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    44 mins
  • The Power of Multilingual Support in Recovery with Dr. Pierluigi Mancini | Ep. 139

    The Power of Multilingual Support in Recovery with Dr. Pierluigi Mancini | Ep. 139
    Mar 4 2025
    Dr. Pierluigi Mancini shares his pioneering work in building culturally and linguistically responsive mental health services. Learn how addressing language barriers and cultural understanding can transform crisis intervention and addiction recovery outcomes for immigrant communities. An essential conversation about making mental health support accessible to all.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/the-power-of-multilingual-support-in-recovery-with-dr-pierluigi-mancini-ep-139
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    1 hr
  • Empowerment Matters: How Understanding Personal Agency Can Transform Suicide Prevention with Luke Bayless EP 138

    Empowerment Matters: How Understanding Personal Agency Can Transform Suicide Prevention with Luke Bayless EP 138
    Feb 18 2025
    Explore how agency and empowerment can transform suicide prevention with researcher Dr. Luke Bayliss. Learn why shifting from forced interventions to collaborative approaches that respect individual choice and dignity may be key to helping those in crisis reclaim control of their lives. Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and Bayliss discuss groundbreaking research on agency in suicide prevention and practical ways to expand options beyond traditional crisis responses. for more information on this episode gp to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/empowerment-matters-how-understanding-personal-agency-can-transform-suicide-prevention-with-luke-bayliss-ep-138
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    38 mins
  • Supporting Communities In The Aftermath of Suicide. Why We Need To Be Proactive with Barb Smith EP 137

    Supporting Communities In The Aftermath of Suicide. Why We Need To Be Proactive with Barb Smith EP 137
    Feb 11 2025
    Join host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and guest Barb Smith as they discuss supporting communities after suicide through active postvention. Learn about the vital role of loss teams, victim advocacy, and proactive outreach in helping survivors navigate grief, reduce isolation, and find hope. Discover evidence-based approaches that demonstrate why early intervention matters for those impacted by suicide loss. For more information on this eppisode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/supporting-communities-in-the-aftermath-of-suicide-why-we-need-to-be-proactive-with-barb-smith-ep-137
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    41 mins
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