Today, I had the incredible honor of being a guest on the @firstalarmfamilyfirst Podcast with the hosts @carolynacosta and @mrsjenherreratv . We dove deep into the vital topic of mental health—an issue that affects us all, yet often remains in the shadows. During our conversation, we explored the importance of seeking help and the power of open dialogue, especially when it comes to discussing mental health with our significant others and children and much more. It’s crucial for us as parents, caregivers, and life partners to create a safe space where we all feel comfortable sharing our thoughts and feelings. I also shared my own journey and experiences with mental health, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that have shaped who I am today and what inspired me to pursue mental health as my profession and dedicate my life to serving others. Carolyn lost her husband to his struggle with PTSD, and now she has devoted her life to helping others in his honor. Jen is the daughter of a retired firefighter and is married to a firefighter. They both understand firsthand how compounding trauma can impact first responders. These women are a powerful duo who are making themselves known in the mental health space. It was an honor to spend that time with you both. Thank you Follow them on IG: @firstalarmfamilyfirst @firstalarmfoundation

Welcome to today's episode of the "Finding Balance Podcast," hosted by Dr. Adrian Mesa and proudly sponsored by AMP Mental Health. At AMP Mental Health, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care, including therapy and psychiatric services. Our services are available both in-office and via telehealth, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our clients. Serving the entire state of Florida, we accept nearly all insurance carriers, making mental health care accessible to as many people as possible.

In today's episode, we are excited to welcome Jessica Tagle as our guest. Jessica holds the belief that there is one universal thread that binds us all—the human experience—and one fundamental feeling that we all seek: JOY. This belief led her to found "Why Wait Till Friday" (WWTF). WWTF is a simple and intentional mindset focused on consistently finding JOY in the everyday middle moments. It encourages us to shift our focus from the relentless pursuit of Fridays and grand life-altering events to discovering the simplistic good that lies within the journey.

A Latina from Miami, Jessica is a wife, mother of three, business owner, and clinician. With over 20 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, she has been deeply moved by the human journey and the emotional transitions that exist within every story, including her own.

Unfortunately, the episode's audio cut off at the 40-minute mark. However, this technical glitch serves as another opportunity to recognize a "middle moment." Despite this, we believe the podcast will still highlight the importance of the little moments. Dr. Mesa shares that his encounter with Jessica has stayed with him, reinforcing the message that it's the everyday experiences that truly matter.

Join us as we explore Jessica's insights and strategies for finding joy in the present and embracing the beauty of everyday moments. Stay tuned for an engaging and transformative discussion!

AMP Mental Health proudly sponsors the "Finding Balance" podcast. In the upcoming episode, Dr. Adrian Mesa, APRN, founder of AMP Mental Health, sits down with Antonello Bonci, an Italian-American neurologist and neuropsychopharmacologist renowned for his pioneering research on the long-term effects of drug exposure on the brain. Since August 2019, Dr. Bonci has served as the president of Global Institutes on Addictions (GIA Healthcare) in Miami. His impressive career also includes roles as the scientific director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and a professorship at the University of California, San Francisco.

Dr. Bonci's groundbreaking work, in collaboration with Robert Malenka, revealed that drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, can alter the strength of neuronal connections. This discovery has profoundly changed our understanding of drug addiction, highlighting it as a process influenced by maladaptive learning. His ongoing research aims to develop innovative therapeutic approaches to address the severe impacts of addiction.

In 2013, a study led by Billy T. Chen under Dr. Bonci's guidance provided a foundation for using non-invasive brain stimulation, such as repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), to treat cocaine use disorders. Clinical studies have shown the potential of this technology in addiction treatment. Additionally, Dr. Bonci's publications have been crucial for the TMS company MagVenture in securing European CE approval for addiction treatment.

Join Dr. Adrian Mesa on the "Finding Balance" podcast for an insightful conversation with Dr. Antonello Bonci. They will explore the complexities of addiction, the effects of drug exposure on the brain, and groundbreaking treatments for substance use disorders.