This isn’t just another episode—it’s a milestone! We’re excited to share that Beyond The Balance Sheet is evolving into something new. Starting today, our podcast will be called Unintended Consequences.

Why the change? As we’ve grown and listened to you, our audience, we’ve realized our conversations go beyond traditional definitions of success. We’re diving deeper into the ripple effects of decisions—both intentional and unexpected—on mental health, families, careers, and more.

With this new name and expanded focus, Unintended Consequences will explore the stories, lessons, and insights that emerge when life doesn’t go as planned. We’ll bring you the same expert interviews and thoughtful discussions you’ve come to expect, but with a broader lens and new topics.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Your support has made this evolution possible, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

Make sure you’re subscribed, so you don’t miss a beat!

Listen and Subscribe Here

Follow us on social media for updates and let us know what you think of the new format.

In this episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Arden shares that the podcast is going on a brief hiatus. It will return in June 2024 with a fresh, new spin. Please stick around – we’ll be bringing you top-notch guests, including professionals and individuals with inspiring personal journeys. During our new podcast, we'll be shedding light on stories of resilience and addressing challenging topics not often discussed. Ensure you're subscribed to our newsletter for updates on the upcoming show. You can sign up on our website at www.OConnorPG.com. 

Although Diana and I will continue as co-hosts, we will have a rotating group of hosts who are other O’Connor Professional Group staff members. For announcements, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms. Thank you for your continued support!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [:29] Arden shares Beyond the Balance Sheet will be on a short break until June 2024 

• [1:02] Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss exciting announcements about the new show. Diana and Arden are co-hosts with a rotating group of other OPG hosts and guests

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• When the podcast returns in June, there will be new guests and stories of resilience. Please don’t unsubscribe; stay tuned for the new format and guests. 

RESOURCES:

Beyond the Balance Sheet Website

In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Dr. Craig Heacock joins us. He is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and addiction specialist in Colorado and the host and co-producer of the podcast Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories. First, Dr. Heacock gives us a brief history of ketamine from the last fifty years as an FDA-approved drug. We talk about how ketamine became a go-to treatment for resistant depression and bipolar disorder. Tune in as Dr. Heacock reveals how a state-of-the-art assessment delivery and follow-up for ketamine would look like.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:00] Ketamine: a brief history of the past fifty years.  

• [05:00] How would a state-of-the-art assessment delivery and follow-up for ketamine look like?  

• [09:00] Who is running the ketamine clinics if there’s a shortage of psychiatrists?  

• [11:55] How money and profit drive some of this ketamine delivery. 

• [16:09] Dr. Heacock’s experience with individuals who abuse ketamine.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Ketamine is a go-to treatment for resistant depression and bipolar disorder.

• A state-of-the-art ketamine therapy involves a true psychiatric evaluation to see if there are other things that should be happening first.

• Ketamine does not replace medications; it augments them and helps them work better.

• Most people that are receiving ketamine treatments are very middle class.

LINKS MENTIONED:

craigheacockmd.com

Podcast: Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-from-the-abyss-psychiatry-in-stories/id1469826718

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/theabysspod/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/backfromtheabysspodcast/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-heacock-md-1a8618196

BIO:

Dr. Craig Heacock is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and addiction specialist in Colorado and the host and co-producer of the podcast Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories. He was a co-therapist in the Phase 3 trial of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD and has particular interest in the use of ketamine and other psychedelics to treat severe mood disorders and PTSD. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and did his psychiatry training at Brown University.

In this revisited episode, we are joined by OPG’s Director of Aging Services, Sam van Kalkeren. Sam discusses how to help a loved one faced with a dementia diagnosis. He gives excellent information on how to communicate with a loved one to ensure their voice is heard as they navigate this difficult path. Sam talks about the benefits of having a care partner and what type of support they can offer the family. It is vital to have a care partner if the ailing family member lives out of state. We touch on what happens when someone with a dementia diagnosis gets a psychiatric admission and give excellent tips on keeping the loved one safe. This episode contains great information to help your aging parent handle cognitive decline. 

IN THIS EPISODE

• [2:20] How does a child support a parent facing cognitive decline? 

• [5:20] What are the benefits of having a care partner? 

• [8:52] What is the best way to communicate with someone with  dementia? 

• [10:40] What does Sam recommend to children when they first hear the diagnosis? 

• [12:04] How do family members help someone struggling with dementia avoid being taken advantage of financially? 

• [14:24] What happens when someone goes into the hospital with a psychiatric admission?

• [20:25] How do you help a family member who doesn’t want to accept their diagnosis? 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Have hard conversations about how the ailing parent wants to live the rest of their life. Do they want a DNI (do not intubate) or DNR (do not resuscitate)? Know all medications and have everything laid out to help the parent.

• Form a relationship with a care partner if you are out of state or need additional support.

• Those with dementia need a lot of support. Some people can continue to live at home, work, and speak for themselves, but the proper support needs to be in place.

• If your loved one goes into the psychiatric emergency department, they may get scared and become aggressive. If they are sedated due to that behavior, it can be difficult to go back to inpatient care. An impatient home may not want to take the patient back if they display aggressive behavior. It’s important to have a care partner to help avoid the loved one being put in a psychiatric department.  

RESOURCES:

Beyond the Balance Sheet Website

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-van-kalkeren-msn-rn/

BIO:

Sam van Kalkeren, MSN, RN, CDP, is OPG’s Director of Aging Services. He has been working as a psychiatric RN since 2012 and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Sam has worked with all age populations suffering from mental illness, from pediatrics to geriatrics. He has experience working with clients suffering from substance use and co-occurring disorders, complex mental health diagnoses, neurocognitive disorders, and personality disorders. Most of his nursing career has been in the inpatient psychiatric setting. Sam joined OPG from Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Before Tufts, he was the Patient Care Director for the geriatric and adult inpat

Ayanna Davis, also known as Phenomenally Autistic, joins Diana to discuss her unique path to navigating autism as a black artist. Autism is often overlooked within the black community in America. Ayanna actively promotes the recognition of autism, using her art to express love, joy, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Alongside her advocacy, she has faced various health challenges commonly associated with an autism diagnosis. Meeting Ayanna is an enriching experience. Her strength and perseverance radiate through every facet of her journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [:29] Diana introduces Ayanna Davis, also known as Phenomenally Autistic

• [1:36] Ayanna describes her feelings of being different and how she learned she was autistic

• [4:39] Ayanna talks about her confusion about the diagnosis and what her childhood was like

• [7:22] Ayanna speaks about the role art plays in her life

• [9:13] Ayanna talks about her history of seizures, and she reveals what she expects 2024 to look like

• [11:26] Ayanna explains how she named herself phenomenally autistic and how music plays a part in her life

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [1:22] When you are an artist and autistic, some people will feel you are eccentric because of your artistic nature and not realize the underlying cause of your actions.

• [4:21] Once Ayanna learned of her diagnosis, she began to express her “true self.”

• [8:02] Ayanna’s neurodiversity allows her to see the world differently, as is apparent in her writing of children’s books.

RESOURCES:

Beyond the Balance Sheet Website

Phenomenally APhenomenally Autistic(Phenomenallyautistic) - Latest Linksutistic - Website  

BIOGRAPHY: 

Meet Ayanna, aka Phenomenally Autistic, an autism advocate advocating for black autistics to gain proper resources & visibility raised in Westchester County, New York. Along with being autistic, she has survived over 300 seizures, lives with Chronic illnesses, and has five autoimmune diseases. Still, she doesn’t let that stop her from spreading her messages of self-love, joy, equality, diversity, inclusion & autism acceptance through the Arts.

Dr. Colleen Jackson discusses cognitive testing in a way that makes it easily understandable, alleviating any apprehension associated with the assessment. She starts by distinguishing between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessments. Colleen shares insights into her approach and describes the valuable information that can be obtained from the testing process. Emphasizing a holistic perspective, she looks at an individual's overall health and well-being when giving her recommendations. Listeners will learn about cognitive assessments and neuropsychological testing to determine whether they might benefit a loved one.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:11] Colleen begins by describing the difference between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessments

• [4:17] Colleen explains what the tests look like from a client perspective and what is involved

• [7:36] Colleen talks about how a family member can encourage a loved one to seek a provider and what is learned through the testing

• [12:06] Colleen discusses older adults, specifically 

• [16:06] Colleen refers to different treatment protocols based on test results

• [20:25] Colleen ends by discussing other illnesses that can impact mental health or cognitive impairment

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [2:01] There is a difference between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessment

• [7:27] There are some tips that family members can use to encourage a person to seek a provider

• [11:44] You can identify different conditions or illnesses through testing.

RESOURCES:

Beyond the Balance Sheet Website

Dr. Colleen Jackson - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY: 

Dr. Colleen Jackson received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut. She pursued a clinical internship in clinical neuropsychology and dementia clinical research at Rhode Island Hospital through the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, followed by research postdoctoral fellowships in the National Center for PTSD and the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders at the VA Boston Healthcare System. After completing postdoctoral training, Colleen assumed a staff neuropsychologist position at the VA Boston Healthcare System, where she was involved in direct clinical care, clinical supervision/mentorship, and research. Colleen served as the Chief of the Neuropsychology Clinic in the Department of Neurology at Boston Medical Center prior to establishing her private practice in 2022. Colleen conducts clinical neuropsychological evaluations with adults presenting with cognitive concerns associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, acquired brain injuries, substance use, and psychiatric conditions. Colleen approaches clinical care with a tailored focus on the client’s cognitive and psychological needs, individual strengths, and personal values.  

Dr. Sera Lavelle has a unique perspective on therapy and technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Lavelle, owner of New York Health and Hypnosis and Integrative Therapy and founder of Bea Better Eating, shares insights on how AI has influenced her practice and discusses the pros and cons.  Dr. Lavelle talks about the various apps designed to teach about mindful eating and other disorders. She explains the different components in her guided hypnotherapy recordings as knowledge, motivation, and meditation. Get inspired and learn about different therapy techniques today. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:21] Dr. Lavelle talks about the pros and cons of using AI in therapy

• [3:00] Dr. Lavelle explains what a therapy app is 

• [6:29] Dr. Lavelle shares information about the Bea Better Eating app she is launching

• [9:51] Dr. Lavelle explains how Ericksonian hypnotherapy recordings work

• [14:19] Dr. Lavelle explains how she got interested in Hypnotherapy, AI, and other technical tools for supporting her therapeutic work

• [16:57] Dr. Lavelle talks about the similarities between hypnotherapy and meditation 

• [19:47] Dr. Lavelle says that hypnosis can be very valuable and not to fear AI

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [2:55] There are many types of therapy apps online; however, the consumer needs to know who produced the apps and whether they are a licensed therapist.

• [9:30] Meditation apps designed by a team of psychologists can be helpful for guided hypnotherapy recordings.

• [12:37] Does Oxytocin work, or is there a better option? Dr. Sera Lavelle shares her unique perspective on this topic and how therapy and technology, specifically online apps, can help. 

RESOURCES:

Beyond the Balance Sheet Website

NY Health Hypnosis - Website

Bea Better Eating - Website

BIOGRAPHY: 

Dr. Sera Lavelle owns NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy and co-founded Bea Better Eating. She harbors a deep enthusiasm for the convergence of psychology and technology, driven by a vision to leverage AI to positively reshape the mental health domain. Her contributions have been recognized in reputable publications such as Forbes, Elle Magazine, and Allure. Through a mix of conscious and unconscious techniques, she has guided hundreds to overcome their challenges, propelling them toward a brighter future. A special focus of hers is aiding those wrestling with food-related issues. She believes that by healing this aspect of life, significant progress can be achieved in other areas. 

Dr. Lavelle believes that merging psychology and technology can make mental health resources more within reach. While the irreplaceable value of in-person consultations with human psychologists is undeniable, as is the significance of human touch, it's a fact that they can't be omnipresent. By offering persistent access to ongoing self-help and psychological enrichment in an intelligent manner, we can bolster the efficacy of in-person sessions. This allows individuals to actively employ newfound strategies to foster change in the intervals between meetings.

She-Rae Chen, the CEO and visionary behind SpringSpot, introduces comprehensive health principles to steer your family toward a balanced mental and physical lifestyle. In today's discussion, she elaborates on the structured framework that guides parents, children, and families in fostering a positive and healthy perspective on their well-being. SpringSpot was born to aid busy families like yours by providing wholesome activities for children and supporting parents in prioritizing self-care. Join Arden and She-Rae as they delve into the mind-body connection, healthy eating and sleeping habits, and alternatives to screen-centric activities for children. Take advantage of the insights shared in this Beyond the Balance Sheet episode.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:32] She-Rae discusses her professional background and the health scare she experienced

• [4:44] SpringSpot was born from the idea that parents don’t have time to take care of themselves and their families

• [6:27] Parents' long work hours and devices contribute to a breakdown in family time

• [8:03] She-Rae explains how F.R.A.M.E.S works

• [11:40] She-Rae makes suggestions on how to implement these pillars in your home

• [20:30] Discussion regarding the importance of art and creativity

• [25:33] Discussion regarding scheduling and emotional regulation 

• [29:45] Answering a kid's hard questions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [3:13] A health scare can make you reassess your life and priorities. She credits her second chance at life as the motivation to begin self-care. 

• [6:23] Families face new challenges in today’s busy lifestyle they did not meet in the past.

• [8:19] Springspot is founded on the acronym FRAME, each letter representing a holistic health pillar.

RESOURCES:

Beyond the Balance Sheet Website

SpringSpot - Website - http://www.springspot.co

BIOGRAPHY: 

She-Rae Chen is the founder & CEO of SpringSpot. As a former NCAA Division I gymnast, she later juggled marriage, kids, and a full-time job. Balancing work, parenting, and household duties left little room for exercise and self-care. This struggle led her to create SpringSpot, aiming to empower families to prioritize health without sacrificing their own well-being or their children's.

Before SpringSpot, she held tech leadership roles at Apple and Amazon, spearheading digital media, mobile, and health innovations. She holds degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Business School and is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor, ACSM-CPT certified personal trainer, and PN1 certified nutrition coach.

She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and three young kids: two boys and a baby girl. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, swimming, practicing yoga, and being active outdoors with her family and friends.