Aaron Rodwin, LMSW, is a researcher on the use of hip hop and music to support empowerment and mental health. In this episode, he shares his journey of how his love for hip hop music started his career in mental health. Aaron walks us through his research on the use of hip hop and music to support mental health, explains the different types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), debunks some of the common misconceptions about schizophrenia, and emphasizes culturally responsive approaches to healing we can all participate in. Finally, he shares with us how to support the men in our lives who may be facing mental health challenges. His message is simple, you can be young, you can look different, you can still impact your community. Follow your passions and apply them to the thing you love.
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Jessica Minhas, host and founder of I'll Go First®, dives into the topics and conversations that we want to have but are a little afraid to talk about or aren't sure where to start. Celebrate the stories of courageous overcomers, inspiring mental health champions, and those boldly stepping into taboo spaces and inviting us into a full life. Listen, learn, and heal with people just like us who look adversity in the eye and say, “I will not stand down. I'll go first.”