In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we talk with a Grand Rapids musician who turned heartbreak into hope after losing his brother to suicide. He shares how creating his song “Finding Peace” helped him process his grief — and how his brother’s death, while painful, is an important part of the story of his life, shaping who he is and the compassion he carries forward.

We explore how music can be a coping tool, how telling our stories reduces stigma, and how hope can grow in the most difficult places.

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we sit down with Susan Meekhof to explore her powerful mental health journey and the role art has played as a protective factor in her life. Susan shares how creativity became both a refuge and a tool for resilience — and how she now uses her lived experience to educate others, spark conversations, and promote mental health awareness. Her story is a reminder that healing can take many forms, and that sharing our journeys helps empower others to take action.

Join us for a powerful conversation on the be nice. podcast with former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple, who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to break the stigma around mental illness. After losing his 15-year-old son to suicide, Eric began using his platform to promote mental fitness, resilience, and hope. His journey from professional athlete to mental health advocate reminds us that real strength comes from vulnerability, reflection, and the courage to speak up—for ourselves and for others.

Join us for a moving conversation on the be nice. podcast with Madi Klariter, who opens up about a turning point in her life: during a five-year battle with alcohol, she survived not one—but two—near-fatal comas. Rather than letting those emergencies define her, Madi used them as wake-up calls. Now in recovery and living sober, she embodies resilience, self-awareness, and the hope that real change is always possible.

What does the be nice. program look like in the workplace—and why does it matter for business? We sat down with Kristen Mazur, HR Director at Atonne Group, to explore how embracing the principles of be nice. can transform company culture, boost employee engagement, and strengthen teams. Kristen shares real-world insights on fostering respect, communication, and mental health awareness in a professional setting—and be nice. isn’t just good for people, it’s good for business.

When Judd Eginfer lost his son, Kyler, to suicide in 2024, his world was forever changed. Rather than remain silent, Judd chose to channel his grief into advocacy—sharing Kyler’s story to spark conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in ski towns. In this episode, Judd opens up about his journey, the impact of stigma, and why creating safe spaces to talk can make all the difference.

In this heartfelt episode of the be nice. podcast, Rachael Braginton shares her mental health journey and surviving a suicide attempt in 2018. She opens up about the subtle warning signs she now recognizes, how the be nice. action plan could have made a difference, and the tools that support her recovery today. Rachael’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of speaking openly about mental health.

Former Harvard hockey goalie and mental health advocate Derek Schaedig joins us to talk about his journey from athlete to mental health advocate advocate. He reflects on his experience being diagnosed with bipolar-2 disorder and work the MHF supporting coaches and athletes. Derek will share how he continues to push for open conversations about mental health in sports. Derek also offers practical ways he protects his own mental health—on and off the ice.