Episodes

  • A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival | Ep. 64

    A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival | Ep. 64
    May 6 2025
    Join Jorgen Gullestrup with guest speaker Justin Geange, as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. Justin Geange is a survivor of a work-related suicide attempt who has since dedicated his life to supporting others. Now a Field Officer with the charity MATES in Construction, Justin shares his powerful story – exploring the circumstances surrounding his attempt, the lessons he’s learned, and how he’s using that experience to help hundreds of fellow workers. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/a-lived-experience-perspective-a-construction-workers-story-of-work-related-suicide-and-survival
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    54 mins
  • Compassionate Curiosity: How SAR Disease Can Transform Workplace Wellbeing with Michael Wright | Ep. 63

    Compassionate Curiosity: How SAR Disease Can Transform Workplace Wellbeing with Michael Wright | Ep. 63
    Apr 15 2025
    In this episode of Headspace for the Workplace, Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas chats with Michael Wright, a first responder and chaplain, about the importance of recognizing mental health challenges in the workplace. Listen in to discover how Michael's experiences as a paramedic inform his approach to mental health advocacy and why tuning into that "something ain't right" feeling can lead to meaningful intervention. They explore the concept of SAR disease and how leaning into compassionate curiosity can transform how we support our colleagues. Perfect for employers, leaders, and anyone eager to create a psychologically safe work environment. for more information on this episode gor to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/compassionate-curiosity-how-sar-disease-can-transform-workplace-wellbeing-with-michael-wright-ep-63
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    19 mins
  • Recognizing the Signs: Mental Health and Opioid Addiction in the Workplace with Kristina Ewing | Ep. 62

    Recognizing the Signs: Mental Health and Opioid Addiction in the Workplace with Kristina Ewing | Ep. 62
    Mar 18 2025
    Discover actionable strategies for overdose prevention in the workplace in this episode of Headspace for the Workplace with Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and guest Kristina Ewing. Learn how creative benefit planning and easy Narcan implementation can save lives and improve workplace well-being. Tune in for insights on addressing opioid addiction, mental health, and reducing stigma. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/recognizing-the-signs-mental-health-and-opioid-addiction-in-the-workplace-with-kristina-ewing-ep-62
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    20 mins
  • Lessons from Police Suicide Research: Improving Mental Health Support across Industries with Simon Hatcher EP 61

    Lessons from Police Suicide Research: Improving Mental Health Support across Industries with Simon Hatcher EP 61
    Feb 25 2025
    Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas interviews Dr. Simon Hatcher from the University of Ottawa about crucial insights from police suicide research and its applications to other high-risk industries. Learn about professional identity threats, effective ways to support struggling colleagues, and strategies for overcoming psychological barriers in workplace mental health conversations. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/lessons-from-police-suicide-research-improving-mental-health-support-across-industries-with-dr-simon-hatcher-ep-61
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    19 mins
  • The Role of EAPs in Creating Psychogically Safe Workplaces with The President of CCA John Levy EP 60

    The Role of EAPs in Creating Psychogically Safe Workplaces with The President of CCA John Levy EP 60
    Feb 4 2025
    Learn how to maximize your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) beyond basic benefits with John Levy from CCA. Discover strategies for turning your EAP into a strategic workplace partner to improve organizational culture, performance, and employee wellbeing. For mre information on this epid=sode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/the-role-of-eaps-in-creating-psychologically-safe-workplaces-with-the-president-of-cca-john-levy-ep-60
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    18 mins
  • From the Shadows into the Light – Supporting Complicated Grief at Work: Interview with Katie Huey | Ep. 59

    From the Shadows into the Light – Supporting Complicated Grief at Work: Interview with Katie Huey | Ep. 59
    Jan 14 2025
    This week I am joined by Katie Huey, an expert in leadership and organizational development, whose personal journey through loss has fueled her passion for advocating compassionate workplaces. Together, we discuss the profound impact of complicated and disenfranchised grief on individuals and the workplace.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/from-the-shadows-into-the-light-supporting-complicated-grief-at-work-interview-with-katie-huey-ep-59
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    16 mins
  • The Role of Employers in Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention with US Army Veteran John Cornelius | Ep. 58

    The Role of Employers in Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention with US Army Veteran John Cornelius | Ep. 58
    Jan 7 2025
    I had the privilege of hosting Army Veteran John Cornelius, who shed light on the critical connection between firearm safety and suicide prevention. With alarming statistics—such as 82% of young people who die by firearm suicide accessing weapons from friends or family—John emphasized the importance of responsible firearm storage in creating safer homes. Drawing from his work with the Firearm Suicide Prevention Grant and personal experiences, he shared actionable insights for workplace leaders, from hosting gunlock distribution days to integrating educational sessions on safe storage. Particularly in high-risk industries like construction, these measures can bridge the gap between awareness and action, fostering a culture of safety to help prevent tragedies. For more information on this episode got to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/the-role-of-employers-in-firearm-safety-and-suicide-prevention-with-us-army-veteran-john-cornelius-ep-58
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    17 mins
  • 2024 Year-End Rewind – Reflecting, Growing, and Shaping the Future Together

    2024 Year-End Rewind – Reflecting, Growing, and Shaping the Future Together
    Dec 31 2024
    Welcome to a special year-end episode of Headspace for the Workplace, where we take a moment to reflect on the past year, celebrate milestones, and plan for an even more impactful 2025. As we close out 2024, we honor a deeply personal milestone: twenty years since the suicide death of my precious brother, Carson. His memory continues to guide my mission to foster transformative change in workplace mental health and suicide prevention. for more information in this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace
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    21 mins