OK State of Mind, a podcast by Family & Children’s Services, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, seeks to satisfy inquisitive minds eager to delve into the realm of mental health and overall wellbeing.

Join us on a journey to gain insights shared by mental health experts, draw inspiration from remarkable stories of resilience forged by those who’ve navigated challenging paths, and unveil the intricate science that underpins our thoughts and emotions. Through these explorations, we aim to illuminate the captivating ‘whys’ behind our cognitive and emotional selves, hopefully unraveling the complexities that shape our behaviors, feelings, and perspectives.

Why the name OK State of Mind?

Why not, “The Family & Children’s Services Podcast,” or “F&CS Monthly”? Be assured, dear reader, that our chosen title evolved from much discussion, deliberation and vetting. (And, maybe a few cups of coffee.)

The first words, “OK State,” are a little bit of a pun. In the literal sense, “OK State” speaks of where Family & Children’s Services (F&CS) is located: Tulsa Oklahoma. Additionally, for over 100 years, F&CS has led the way as a major safety net provider in Tulsa and the greater metropolitan area. Today the agency is certified as both an Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and utilizes the CCBHC framework to deliver services that are evidence-based, trauma-informed, diversion-oriented, recovery-oriented, and person-and-family-centered. F&CS provides a full array of mental health and substance abuse services, a full continuum of crisis services, and other services designed to strengthen families and help children thrive.

However, this podcast is not all about Family & Children’s Services, its programs, services, or resources. In the context of our podcast title, “OK” speaks primarily of the various degrees of imperfect mental health with which we all grapple.

Yes, all of us. Indeed, the mental health of all humans might be plotted on a continuum ranging from Destitute to Superstar, and each individual’s plot point moves to the left or right every day, every moment, continuously. It can change with a text message, a letter from our kid’s school, a drink or another bite of food, a pill, an empty house, or perhaps even something incorporeal that makes its home in our mind and constantly influences our decisions. While we would all love to say that our mental and behavioral health is perpetually pegged at that far right “Superstar” side of the continuum, the truth is, “OK,” located somewhere in the middle of the continuum, may be more accurate for most of us. This podcast explores that phenomenon further.

At this point, “State of Mind” is obvious, right? And it makes sense. After all, our organization’s mission is to promote, support and strengthen the well-being and behavioral health of adults, children and families. A “State of Mind” is something all humans possess. There is nothing inherently good or bad about the idea of a state of mind – it is simply a trait of every person’s existence, just as is our state of body. Both are dynamic. Both are malleable. And both are subject to analysis and scrutiny. While this podcast makes no attempt to diagnose the state of mind of its listeners, it is intended to present unbiased observation and analysis of the stories, science, and practical insights related to modern mental health – or more specifically, one’s state of mind.

We hope you will tune in and subscribe to the OK State of Mind podcast. While the specific topics of each episode will change regularly, and some may be more relevant to your personal state of mind than others, the podcast will always focus on the universal stories, science, and insights of modern mental health and wellness.

Chris Posey
Co-Founder and Host

I am a lifelong student. In my early fifties at the time of this recording, I very recently completed what I believe will be my final step in my formal education, but I still have a hunger to learn and to grow intellectually. That’s where this podcast comes in. I’m excited to combine the inspiration with the invisibilia, the science behind the topics we’ll discuss in order to dissolve the many myths that exist about mental health. I’ve spent years as an educator, and it’s my hope that we are all stretched intellectually by the information and insights gleaned from this podcast. Every episode will be a learning experience for me, and I hope it will be for you too.

Rachel Roberts
Co-Founder and Host

A passion for storytelling inspired me to initially pursue a career in broadcast journalism. During my time as a reporter and producer, I learned that an outstanding storyteller collects relevant, interesting, and timely information from observations that a viewer or listener at home could not obtain. So I look forward to merging the world of storytelling with mental health and sharing with you tales of hope, triumph, and inspiration.

Clayton Dahm and Russell Wadlin
Video Production and Post Production

Anglea Stone
Audio Post Production

Dee Harris
Co-Founder and Past Host

I am a seeker of stories, narratives that resonate and inspire, because I believe that within each story lies a plethora of shared experiences and hidden insights. My whole career as a multimedia producer, teacher and communication professional, among other things, has always had at its core curiosity, creativity, and the art of storytelling. So over the last couple of decades working in education and nonprofit sectors, I’ve seen how stories have the capacity to heal, inspire, and ignite change.

Episodes

Why the name?

Why the name OK State of Mind?

Why not, “The Family & Children’s Services Podcast,” or “F&CS Monthly”? Be assured, dear reader, that our chosen title evolved from much discussion, deliberation and vetting. (And, maybe a few cups of coffee.)

The first words, “OK State,” are a little bit of a pun. In the literal sense, “OK State” speaks of where Family & Children’s Services (F&CS) is located: Tulsa Oklahoma. Additionally, for over 100 years, F&CS has led the way as a major safety net provider in Tulsa and the greater metropolitan area. Today the agency is certified as both an Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and utilizes the CCBHC framework to deliver services that are evidence-based, trauma-informed, diversion-oriented, recovery-oriented, and person-and-family-centered. F&CS provides a full array of mental health and substance abuse services, a full continuum of crisis services, and other services designed to strengthen families and help children thrive.

However, this podcast is not all about Family & Children’s Services, its programs, services, or resources. In the context of our podcast title, “OK” speaks primarily of the various degrees of imperfect mental health with which we all grapple.

Yes, all of us. Indeed, the mental health of all humans might be plotted on a continuum ranging from Destitute to Superstar, and each individual’s plot point moves to the left or right every day, every moment, continuously. It can change with a text message, a letter from our kid’s school, a drink or another bite of food, a pill, an empty house, or perhaps even something incorporeal that makes its home in our mind and constantly influences our decisions. While we would all love to say that our mental and behavioral health is perpetually pegged at that far right “Superstar” side of the continuum, the truth is, “OK,” located somewhere in the middle of the continuum, may be more accurate for most of us. This podcast explores that phenomenon further.

At this point, “State of Mind” is obvious, right? And it makes sense. After all, our organization’s mission is to promote, support and strengthen the well-being and behavioral health of adults, children and families. A “State of Mind” is something all humans possess. There is nothing inherently good or bad about the idea of a state of mind – it is simply a trait of every person’s existence, just as is our state of body. Both are dynamic. Both are malleable. And both are subject to analysis and scrutiny. While this podcast makes no attempt to diagnose the state of mind of its listeners, it is intended to present unbiased observation and analysis of the stories, science, and practical insights related to modern mental health – or more specifically, one’s state of mind.

We hope you will tune in and subscribe to the OK State of Mind podcast. While the specific topics of each episode will change regularly, and some may be more relevant to your personal state of mind than others, the podcast will always focus on the universal stories, science, and insights of modern mental health and wellness.

Hosts and Crew

Chris Posey
Co-Founder and Host

I am a lifelong student. In my early fifties at the time of this recording, I very recently completed what I believe will be my final step in my formal education, but I still have a hunger to learn and to grow intellectually. That’s where this podcast comes in. I’m excited to combine the inspiration with the invisibilia, the science behind the topics we’ll discuss in order to dissolve the many myths that exist about mental health. I’ve spent years as an educator, and it’s my hope that we are all stretched intellectually by the information and insights gleaned from this podcast. Every episode will be a learning experience for me, and I hope it will be for you too.

Rachel Roberts
Co-Founder and Host

A passion for storytelling inspired me to initially pursue a career in broadcast journalism. During my time as a reporter and producer, I learned that an outstanding storyteller collects relevant, interesting, and timely information from observations that a viewer or listener at home could not obtain. So I look forward to merging the world of storytelling with mental health and sharing with you tales of hope, triumph, and inspiration.

Clayton Dahm and Russell Wadlin
Video Production and Post Production

Anglea Stone
Audio Post Production

Dee Harris
Co-Founder and Past Host

I am a seeker of stories, narratives that resonate and inspire, because I believe that within each story lies a plethora of shared experiences and hidden insights. My whole career as a multimedia producer, teacher and communication professional, among other things, has always had at its core curiosity, creativity, and the art of storytelling. So over the last couple of decades working in education and nonprofit sectors, I’ve seen how stories have the capacity to heal, inspire, and ignite change.

Find Us On...

The content on the OK State of Mind podcast is for information, educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this content should be construed or assumed to constitute personal or professional consultation, supervision, advice, clinical instruction, clinical assessment, guidance, treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or to replace medical or mental health treatment. Nothing in this content creates a therapist-client relationship.

Always seek the advice of a medical or mental health provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your medical and/or mental health needs. If you need immediate help, contact your provider and/or call 911.

Although we attempt to respect everyone’s privacy, your privacy cannot be guaranteed, given the nature of providing content on the internet. While the information you bring or that may be discussed is personal or sensitive in nature, remember that this is a public forum and there can be no expectation of privacy, confidentiality, or privilege over information that originates from you, results in any interchange between us, and/or generates commentary or exchange with others who post on or participate on this content. Any medical, behavioral, psychiatric, or other information that would otherwise be protected by federal or state privacy laws, whether disclosed intentionally or unintentionally, is disclosed voluntarily by you, with no expectation of privacy, and with full waiver, even if the waiver is not in written form. In so doing, your postings are made with the knowledge that any statements you render on this podcast may be used for purposes including but not limited to discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Even so, we will take reasonable steps to obtain your approval before using your statements for any reason.

There are times that the hosts offer alternate views, which may not be their personal views, for the sake of argument, analysis, and to encourage or represent different points of view, including but not limited to issues of race, discrimination, mental illness, culture, nationality, religion, politics, dating, family, children, romance, size, gender, and sexuality. Such statements shall not be interpreted as malicious or defamatory and shall be recognized for their rhetorical value, even if they are subjectively experienced as disagreeable or uncomfortable.

We cannot control opinions expressed by guests, emailers, commenters, and other participants. Listeners should not rely upon the content of the podcast for accuracy and should perform their own due diligence. Any actions you take after listening to OK State of Mind is made independently without reliance on the accuracy of any information gathered here.

Disclaimer

The content on the OK State of Mind podcast is for information, educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this content should be construed or assumed to constitute personal or professional consultation, supervision, advice, clinical instruction, clinical assessment, guidance, treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or to replace medical or mental health treatment. Nothing in this content creates a therapist-client relationship.

Always seek the advice of a medical or mental health provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your medical and/or mental health needs. If you need immediate help, contact your provider and/or call 911.

Although we attempt to respect everyone’s privacy, your privacy cannot be guaranteed, given the nature of providing content on the internet. While the information you bring or that may be discussed is personal or sensitive in nature, remember that this is a public forum and there can be no expectation of privacy, confidentiality, or privilege over information that originates from you, results in any interchange between us, and/or generates commentary or exchange with others who post on or participate on this content. Any medical, behavioral, psychiatric, or other information that would otherwise be protected by federal or state privacy laws, whether disclosed intentionally or unintentionally, is disclosed voluntarily by you, with no expectation of privacy, and with full waiver, even if the waiver is not in written form. In so doing, your postings are made with the knowledge that any statements you render on this podcast may be used for purposes including but not limited to discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Even so, we will take reasonable steps to obtain your approval before using your statements for any reason.

There are times that the hosts offer alternate views, which may not be their personal views, for the sake of argument, analysis, and to encourage or represent different points of view, including but not limited to issues of race, discrimination, mental illness, culture, nationality, religion, politics, dating, family, children, romance, size, gender, and sexuality. Such statements shall not be interpreted as malicious or defamatory and shall be recognized for their rhetorical value, even if they are subjectively experienced as disagreeable or uncomfortable.

We cannot control opinions expressed by guests, emailers, commenters, and other participants. Listeners should not rely upon the content of the podcast for accuracy and should perform their own due diligence. Any actions you take after listening to OK State of Mind is made independently without reliance on the accuracy of any information gathered here.