Episodes

  • When the Worst Happens: A Roadmap for Workplace Postvention with Alison Clements | Ep. 66

    When the Worst Happens: A Roadmap for Workplace Postvention with Alison Clements | Ep. 66
    Jun 17 2025
    In this episode we tackle…· What is workplace postvention, and why does it matter after a suicide loss?· How is a suicide postvention protocol different from a workplace crisis response plan?· How can organizations prepare for the emotional impact of suicide in the workplace?· What are the key components of an effective workplace postvention plan?· Why are most workplaces unprepared for suicide bereavement?· How does Alison Clements’ evidence-based model improve postvention responses in high-risk industries?· What are the long-term impacts of suicide exposure on staff, and how can leaders support recovery?· How do you tailor postvention toolkits to fit different workplace contexts?· What are the first steps to create a workplace suicide postvention policy?· How can postvention strategies help prevent future suicides at work? for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/66
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    20 mins
  • Paradox of Fear in Leadership -- Attitudes Around Emotions Start from the Top with Russell Peterson | Ep. 65

    Paradox of Fear in Leadership -- Attitudes Around Emotions Start from the Top with Russell Peterson | Ep. 65
    Jun 3 2025
    If you've ever been told to “suck it up,” “walk it off,” or “leave it at the door,” congratulations! You’ve had a front-row seat to emotional shutdown culture. One that’s usually recognized, reinforced, and modeled by top leadership. In this conversation, I talk with counselor and wilderness enthusiast Russell Peterson about how emotional avoidance, particularly in male-dominated, tough-it-out industries, stems not from weakness but from survival systems that overfunction. The good news? We can learn to steer fear productively... and finally ditch the myth that showing emotion makes us fragile.We unpack how to help leaders become culture shapers, not emotional bottlenecks. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/2025/5/27/65
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    18 mins
  • A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival | Ep. 64

    A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival | Ep. 64
    May 6 2025
    Join Jorgen Gullestrup with guest speaker Justin Geange, as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. Justin Geange is a survivor of a work-related suicide attempt who has since dedicated his life to supporting others. Now a Field Officer with the charity MATES in Construction, Justin shares his powerful story – exploring the circumstances surrounding his attempt, the lessons he’s learned, and how he’s using that experience to help hundreds of fellow workers. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/a-lived-experience-perspective-a-construction-workers-story-of-work-related-suicide-and-survival
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    54 mins
  • Compassionate Curiosity: How SAR Disease Can Transform Workplace Wellbeing with Michael Wright | Ep. 63

    Compassionate Curiosity: How SAR Disease Can Transform Workplace Wellbeing with Michael Wright | Ep. 63
    Apr 15 2025
    In this episode of Headspace for the Workplace, Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas chats with Michael Wright, a first responder and chaplain, about the importance of recognizing mental health challenges in the workplace. Listen in to discover how Michael's experiences as a paramedic inform his approach to mental health advocacy and why tuning into that "something ain't right" feeling can lead to meaningful intervention. They explore the concept of SAR disease and how leaning into compassionate curiosity can transform how we support our colleagues. Perfect for employers, leaders, and anyone eager to create a psychologically safe work environment. for more information on this episode gor to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/compassionate-curiosity-how-sar-disease-can-transform-workplace-wellbeing-with-michael-wright-ep-63
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    19 mins
  • Recognizing the Signs: Mental Health and Opioid Addiction in the Workplace with Kristina Ewing | Ep. 62

    Recognizing the Signs: Mental Health and Opioid Addiction in the Workplace with Kristina Ewing | Ep. 62
    Mar 18 2025
    Discover actionable strategies for overdose prevention in the workplace in this episode of Headspace for the Workplace with Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and guest Kristina Ewing. Learn how creative benefit planning and easy Narcan implementation can save lives and improve workplace well-being. Tune in for insights on addressing opioid addiction, mental health, and reducing stigma. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/recognizing-the-signs-mental-health-and-opioid-addiction-in-the-workplace-with-kristina-ewing-ep-62
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    20 mins
  • Lessons from Police Suicide Research: Improving Mental Health Support across Industries with Simon Hatcher EP 61

    Lessons from Police Suicide Research: Improving Mental Health Support across Industries with Simon Hatcher EP 61
    Feb 25 2025
    Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas interviews Dr. Simon Hatcher from the University of Ottawa about crucial insights from police suicide research and its applications to other high-risk industries. Learn about professional identity threats, effective ways to support struggling colleagues, and strategies for overcoming psychological barriers in workplace mental health conversations. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/lessons-from-police-suicide-research-improving-mental-health-support-across-industries-with-dr-simon-hatcher-ep-61
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    19 mins
  • The Role of EAPs in Creating Psychogically Safe Workplaces with The President of CCA John Levy EP 60

    The Role of EAPs in Creating Psychogically Safe Workplaces with The President of CCA John Levy EP 60
    Feb 4 2025
    Learn how to maximize your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) beyond basic benefits with John Levy from CCA. Discover strategies for turning your EAP into a strategic workplace partner to improve organizational culture, performance, and employee wellbeing. For mre information on this epid=sode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/the-role-of-eaps-in-creating-psychologically-safe-workplaces-with-the-president-of-cca-john-levy-ep-60
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    18 mins
  • From the Shadows into the Light – Supporting Complicated Grief at Work: Interview with Katie Huey | Ep. 59

    From the Shadows into the Light – Supporting Complicated Grief at Work: Interview with Katie Huey | Ep. 59
    Jan 14 2025
    This week I am joined by Katie Huey, an expert in leadership and organizational development, whose personal journey through loss has fueled her passion for advocating compassionate workplaces. Together, we discuss the profound impact of complicated and disenfranchised grief on individuals and the workplace.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/from-the-shadows-into-the-light-supporting-complicated-grief-at-work-interview-with-katie-huey-ep-59
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    16 mins