In this deeply moving episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome psychiatrist and visionary author Dr. Dixon Chibanda to share the powerful story behind The Friendship Bench — a groundbreaking mental health movement born in Zimbabwe. Inspired by the wisdom and compassion of 14 grandmothers, Dr. Chibanda transformed a personal tragedy into a global model for community-based mental health care.

Discover how this simple yet profound approach—rooted in empathy, storytelling, and human connection—is addressing the loneliness epidemic, depression, and trauma in communities worldwide. Learn why grandmothers became the “gold standard” of care and how you, too, can start a Friendship Bench in your own community.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, caregiver, or someone seeking healing, this episode offers inspiration, hope, and practical tools for creating space where healing conversations can happen.

🔹 Topics: mental health care innovation, community healing, storytelling therapy, the power of grandmothers, loneliness epidemic, grassroots psychiatry, trauma recovery

🔹 Guest: Dr. Dixon Chibanda, author of The Friendship Bench: How 14 Grandmothers Inspired a Mental Health Revolution

🔹 Learn more at: www.friendshipbench.org

Original Airdate: 7/21/2025

Get ready to head back to school with powerful, practical strategies in this energizing episode of Strategies for Living! Hosts Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome back Life Strategist Donesa Walker of the world's best LearningRx to explore how parents, students, and teachers can set the stage for academic and emotional success.

Discover the six essential healthy habits for a smoother school transition, the cognitive benefits of structured routines, and why IQ scores are rising at LearningRx Shreveport. Plus, Donesa breaks down the surprising effects of AI on brain health, attention, and critical thinking—and what you can do about it.

🎯 Whether you're a parent preparing your child, a student heading into a new grade, or a teacher building your classroom community, this episode is packed with insights on:

• Improving focus, organization, and cognitive stamina
• Managing anxiety with nutrition and structure
• Creating proactive family-school partnerships
• The risks of “brain rot” and passive tech use
• Why Family Game Night might be your best academic strategy yet!

Original airdate: 7/17/2025

Ever felt exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? You're not alone—and there’s a reason. In this eye-opening episode of Strategies for Living Radio, Dr. David McMillian and psychotherapist Lauren Leon McMillian explore the groundbreaking work of Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith on the seven distinct types of rest we all need to avoid burnout and restore balance to body, mind, and spirit.

Discover how physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual rest each play a crucial role in our overall well-being. Learn why rest isn’t just about sleep, how overstimulation could be silently draining you, and what practical strategies can help you recover your energy, clarity, and joy.

This conversation blends clinical insight with spiritual wisdom—perfect for anyone seeking a more holistic path to personal renewal and mental health.

Original Airdate: 7/16/2025