Heart Forward Conversations from the Heart
The American mental health system is broken beyond repair. Rather than trying to tweak a system which fails everyone, it is time to commit to a bold vision for a better way forward. This podcast explores the American system against the plumb line of an international best practice, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), in Trieste, Italy. The 40-year old Trieste model demonstrates how a community-based treatment system upholds the human rights of the people served. The Trieste story is anti-institutional and models the therapeutic value of social connection. Topics will address contemporary challenges in the American failed mental health system as contrasted with the Italian approach toward accoglienza – or radical hospitality – as the underpinning of their remarkable culture of caring for people. Interviews will touch upon how the guiding principles of the Italian system – social recovery, whole person care, system accountability, and the human right to a purposeful life – are non-negotiable aspects if we are to have any hope of forging a new way forward in our American mental health system. This podcast is curated and hosted by Kerry Morrison, founder and project director of Heart Forward LA (https://www.heartforwardla.org/). Heart Forward is collaborating with Aaron Stern at Verdugo Sound as the technical partner in producing this podcast (https://www.verdugosound.com). Kerry Morrison is also the author of the blog www.accoglienza.us.
Heart Forward Conversations from the Heart
Season Three Trailer
I am grateful for good advice I received when I started this podcast in the summer of 2020: break your podcast into seasons. For a small operation like Heart Forward, this allows for breathing room and the opportunity to plan and curate guests that are worth listening to!
So, we’ve taken a six-month break since our last episode was uploaded in August 2021. We are ready to launch a 10-episode season on March 14, 2022.
This season, I am grateful to have identified a studio in Glassell Park in Los Angeles where I can record my interviews in person. Words cannot express my appreciation for Peer Mental Health who, for the first two seasons, came alongside me with technical advice and a digital editor, Paul Robinson, who was instrumental in bringing 19 episodes to the Buzzsprout platform.
For Season Three, my home is Verdugo Sound in Glassell Park, and I am grateful to have the support of Aaron Stern as my audio engineer and editor.
The theme remains the same: The American mental health system is broken. Our guests are invited to help us understand the practical impact of this failed system or offer ideas for change. We continue to be inspired by the global best practice in Trieste Italy. We do not give up hope.
Please come on back on March 14, 2022!
To support this podcast:
Heart Forward LA - Main Giving Page (networkforgood.com)
Grateful for listeners and supporters!