From getting a promotion or becoming a homeowner to losing a loved one or going through a divorce, turning points in our lives are often a catalyst for change and new direction. But turning points can also be quieter, something as simple as a commitment to putting mental health and emotional well-being first. In fact, many of these turning points are what inspired our podcast with the same name.

In collaboration with Boston Globe Media, Turning Points: Navigating Mental Health features empowering stories from those navigating their mental health and well-being. Clinical social worker and host, Frantzces Lys has dedicated her life’s work to helping people heal by removing emotional blocks and defying the resistance in their lives. On Turning Points, Frantzces engages with athletes, scientists, therapists and entrepreneurs as they discuss their own mental health journeys.

“This season of Turning Points will bring attention to behavioral health challenges faced by many of us, including our members,” says Bill Harlan, vice president of behavioral health and health engagement at Point32Health. “The expert insights and personal stories that will be shared may inspire listeners to seek their own mental health support.”

Four seasons of stories

Season one of Turning Points premiered in 2021 with five episodes and another two seasons were released in 2022 and 2023. The episodes included conversations with elite marathoner and longtime Harvard Pilgrim Health Care member Joan Benoit Samuelson, neuroscientist Jud Brewer, CEO of Black Girl Ventures, Shelly Omilâdé Bell, and Boston Children’s Hospital Physician Dr. Michael Rich—to name a few. From practicing yoga to finding community, each guest shared how they maintain their emotional well-being.

Catch up on all seasons

Season four proves to be just as captivating with stories about unpacking the emotional toll of cancer, adult autism and ADHD diagnoses and the role of end-of-life doulas. Featured guests include Dr. Beverly Zavaleta a cancer survivor and physician, doula Dawn Walsh, therapist Charles Daniels and Tara Galovski, a director at the National Center for PTSD. Check out full episode descriptions and previews:

E401: Exploring the benefits of peer-based and family therapy

In this episode, host Frantzces Lys dives into the significance of peer-based and family therapy. Charles Daniels shares his experiences working with men, particularly fathers, in group therapy, emphasizing the cultural dynamics that shape mental health and fatherhood. Gina Connor, a licensed therapist, unpacks specialized approaches for eating disorders, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

E402: Unpacking the trauma and emotional toll of cancer

Cancer brings profound emotional challenges, from the initial diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Host Frantzces Lys speaks with Dr. Beverly Zavaleta, a family physician and cancer survivor, about her experience with triple-negative breast cancer. Dr. Zavaleta shares the mental health struggles she faced, including anxiety and depression, and discusses the importance of compassionate care and resilience. Her book, “Braving Chemo,” offers practical advice for cancer patients and their caregivers.

E403: Understanding and overcoming PTSD in women

PTSD, especially in women, is a multifaceted challenge rooted in trauma, often from sexual assault. Host Frantzces Lys is joined by experts Dr. Tara Galovski and Sharon Imperato, as well as survivor and advocate Kate Speer, to explore the complex nature of PTSD and its chronic effects. They discuss effective treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and emphasize the importance of community support in the recovery process.

E404: Unmasking diagnoses later in life: Autism and ADHD in adults

Discovering autism or ADHD later in life can be both challenging and liberating. In this episode, host Frantzces Lys speaks with Grace Oribhabor, a high school teacher diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Dr. Thor Bergerson, founder of ADHD Boston, and journalist Eric Garcia, who shares his journey with autism. Together, they unpack the experiences of adults navigating these diagnoses, discussing barriers to treatment and the unique opportunities for personal growth.

E405: Embracing the end: The role of end-of-life doulas

Host Frantzces Lys explores the compassionate work of end-of-life doulas with guests David Duffin and Dawn Walsh. They share personal stories of loss and how doulas provide support during life’s most difficult moments. This episode highlights the profound role of doulas in bringing comfort and peace to families facing the end of life.

To not miss an episode, follow Turning Points on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher—or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Listen to Turning Points