Noggin Notes Podcast

Noggin Notes aims to educate and enrich your noggin about mental illness and wellness. Conversations range from factual and data-based to theoretical and idea-based. We welcome your input at info@nogginnotes.com or info@zephyrwellness.org. Noggin Notes is not intended as a substitute for professional counseling but we really do hope you can adopt and use some of what we share in order to improve your own life and to seek peace and wellness every day.

Noggin Notes Podcast is a health podcast hosted by Jake Wiskerchen, with 221 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jake Wiskerchen hosts Noggin Notes Podcast, a health show with 221 episodes published.

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  Episode #222

  Free Speech and Mental Health: Bryan Neihart on the Importance of Being Heard

  Aug 3, 202656 min

  In this episode, we welcome Bryan Neihart, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom , for an important conversation about the relationship between free speech, mental health, and human dignity. At the heart of every meaningful therapeutic relationship is the freedom to speak openly. But what happens when people begin to censor themselves out of fear of judgment, professional consequences, or social pressure? Bryan shares why the freedom to express our thoughts, beliefs, and experiences is more than a constitutional principle—it's an essential part of psychological wellbeing and healthy human relationships. In this episode, we explore: Why free speech is essential to effective therapy The psychological effects of self-censorship How fear and silence can impact mental health Creating environments where people feel safe to speak honestly Why respectful disagreement and open dialogue strengthen individuals and communities Rather than focusing on winning arguments, this conversation explores how honest communication allows us to better understand ourselves and one another. Whether you're a therapist, educator, leader, or simply interested in mental wellbeing, this episode offers thoughtful insight into the connection between free expression and emotional health. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes .

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  Episode #221

  Natalya Murakhver on School Closures, Childhood Resilience, and the Untold Story of 15 DAYS

  Jul 27, 20261h 15m

  In this compelling episode, we welcome Natalya Murakhver, documentary filmmaker, writer, and co-founder of Restore Childhood , a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children's education, health, and parental rights. Natalya shares the remarkable story behind her documentary 15 DAYS: The Real Story of America's Pandemic School Closures , a powerful investigation into one of the most significant educational disruptions in modern history. When schools across America closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Natalya became one of the founders of #KeepNYCSchoolsOpen, advocating for children's wellbeing and eventually helping bring legal action to challenge prolonged school closures. That journey inspired a documentary that asks not only what happened, but what did it cost our children? In this conversation, we explore: The long-term impact of pandemic school closures on children and families Why education is about far more than academics Children's mental health, development, and social wellbeing The importance of preserving childhood during times of crisis Why documenting history matters for future generations How parents and communities can advocate for children Inspired by Steven Spielberg's Shoah project, Natalya believes that documenting institutional decisions is more than filmmaking—it's a responsibility to future generations. Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health professional, or simply someone interested in the future of childhood and education, this episode offers an important opportunity to reflect on one of the defining events of our time. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes .

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  Episode #220

  Beyond Labels: Dr. Douglas Novotny on Culture, Psychology, and Human Flourishing

  Jun 16, 20261h 4m

  In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Douglas Novotny, a clinical psychologist with more than 25 years of clinical experience and over 15 years of teaching and supervising therapists. Together, we explore a deceptively simple question: What do we mean when we say "culture"? Over time, the meaning of culture has shifted dramatically. Once centered around shared values, traditions, and ways of living, culture is increasingly discussed through categories, identities, and labels. Dr. Novotny examines how these changes influence psychology, education, relationships, and the broader social fabric. In this episode, we discuss: How the definition of culture has evolved over time The difference between person-centered and label-centered thinking Why identity and belonging matter for human flourishing The impact of modern culture debates on psychology and education How communities can foster connection despite differences What "positive-sum thinking" means and why it matters today Drawing from decades of clinical experience, interdisciplinary training, and his work through Your Positive Sum , Dr. Novotny offers a thoughtful perspective on how we can move beyond division and build healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more constructive public conversation. This episode is for anyone interested in psychology, culture, identity, education, leadership, and the future of human flourishing. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes .

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  Episode #219

  From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Tim McDonald’s Stage IV Cancer Journey

  Jun 2, 20261 hour

  In this powerful and deeply human episode, we sit down with Tim McDonald, a Stage IV colorectal cancer survivor, advocate, and author, to hear his extraordinary story of resilience, courage, and self-advocacy. Tim opens up about the emotional, physical, and psychological realities of navigating a life-changing cancer diagnosis—and how learning to advocate for himself became one of the most important parts of his journey. Through his experience, he discovered that surviving serious illness often requires more than treatment alone: it requires finding your voice, asking hard questions, and refusing to disappear inside the system. In this episode, we discuss: Tim’s journey through Stage IV colorectal cancer The emotional impact of facing mortality and uncertainty Why self-advocacy in healthcare is critical for patients and families What he learned about resilience, support, and human connection His mission to help others navigate serious illness with courage and clarity This conversation is not only for those affected by cancer, but for anyone navigating hardship, caregiving, or personal transformation. Tim’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, people can reclaim agency, meaning, and hope. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes .

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  Episode #218

  The People’s Therapist: Jake Freeman on Therapy, Accountability, and Modern Men

  May 25, 20261h 44m

  In this episode, we sit down with Jake Freeman — licensed marriage and family therapist, Marine Corps veteran, and organizational development consultant known by many as “The People’s Therapist.” Based in Montana, Jake brings a unique blend of military leadership, systems thinking, and clinical insight into the therapy room. After serving over a decade as a Marine Corps officer in Civil Affairs, legal, and HR roles, he transitioned into mental health with a mission: to create the kind of therapist he himself could never find. Through his practice, CareerFlex, Jake works with high-performing couples, executives, and men who often feel disconnected from traditional therapy models. His approach is direct, relational, and grounded in accountability — focusing not just on insight, but on meaningful transformation. In this conversation, we explore: Why many men feel therapy is “too soft” or disconnected from their reality Jake’s personal journey from the Marine Corps into therapy The importance of pattern recognition and relational accountability Why understanding systems is essential for rebuilding relationships and personal stability What modern therapy often gets wrong about men, leadership, and change This episode is a powerful conversation about resilience, identity, responsibility, and creating spaces where people can engage honestly without performance or pretense. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes .

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