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A Mental Health Break
Welcome to the #1 podcast dedicated to mental health, where you are never alone. This Top Weekly Show provides a safe, supportive platform to normalize conversations around mental health through authentic, inspirational testimonials.
Since 2020, Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor, 3x Mental Health Author, and host Vincent A. Lanci and his guests have shared vulnerable stories and powerful insights that remind you—you are not alone on your journey.
Each week, we dive into real-life experiences from mental health advocates, professionals, and individuals who’ve overcome adversity. Together, we tackle a wide range of topics, including trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and family challenges. From grief and social media addiction to mental health in the workplace and life after divorce, every episode offers valuable tools, advice, and understanding for anyone navigating life’s toughest moments.
As someone who survived a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Vincent uses his personal journey to help others, blending his lived experiences with the wisdom of experts to empower you on your own path to healing. Whether you’re struggling with a mental disorder or simply looking for support, A Mental Health Break is your weekly source of hope, guidance, and connection.
Tune in each week for honest conversations, practical tools, and the reassurance that you're not alone. Let’s break the silence together.
A Mental Health Break
#281: Empathy, Conflict, Connection with Expert John Ford
My life has been quite an adventure—spending 8 years in Namibia doing human rights work during the UN-led Resolution 435 peace process; being detained by guerrillas in the south of Angola during a river trip on the Kavango River; working with and representing San living in the Kalahari Desert. These experiences, and others, have deeply shaped my approach to life.
I’m John Ford, originally from South Africa where I studied law at the University of Cape Town. I began my career practicing law in Namibia before moving to the USA, where I transitioned into conflict resolution and workplace mediation, building a successful practice over the past 30 years.
In my work, I’ve discovered that effective conflict resolution hinges on two key conversations: addressing feelings to acknowledge and heal past pain and identifying needs to foster a collaborative future. This insight has inspired the suite of tools I’ve developed, including The Empathy Set of feelings and needs flashcards, a comprehensive dictionary, a versatile app, and talking sticks—all designed to simplify and enhance interpersonal communication.
- The Empathy Set, in particular, has transformed my work as a mediator and coach. It aids clients in safely naming and prioritizing their feelings and needs without escalating conflicts.
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Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com.
This show is brought to you by the Empathy Set and Coming Alive Podcast Production.
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