The Division of Student Life is dedicated to supporting students throughout their entire college experience, and one of the unique ways we’re doing this is by exploring important topics through podcasts. Focused on mental health and overall well-being, these podcasts provide valuable insights and real-life stories to help you navigate your journey at UA. The Bama Balance: Real Stories About College Men’s Mental Health, Fit2BTide and Brain Matters are all designed to address key aspects of student life, offering expert advice and inspiring stories to help you thrive throughout your college experience.
The Bama Balance: Real Stories About College Men’s Mental Health
- What it is: This podcast highlights mental health challenges faced by college men and offers insight on finding support and building resilience.
- Where to listen: Available on Spotify and the WVUA-FM website
The Bama Balance podcast, hosted by Dr. Ruperto Perez, the associate vice president for student health and well-being at UA, focuses on how important it is for college men to have conversations about mental health and well-being. Started with student co-hosts Nick Smith and Johnny Foster, the podcast creates a space for students to talk openly and challenge the stigma around men’s mental health.
With over 30 years of experience in collegiate mental health, Dr. Perez brings insights on a wide range of topics, including mental health struggles during different parts of the semester, and how mental health connects with social, physical and academic well-being. The podcast features a mix of planned topics and spontaneous discussions, along with personal stories and peer advice to help students feel less alone and more confident in seeking and offering support.
Fit2BTide
- What it is: This podcast explores topics related to health and well-being for the UA community including the perspectives of a registered dietitian and an expert in health sciences.
- Where to listen: Available on Spotify and the WVUA-FM website
Sheena Gregg is the director of Health Promotion and Wellness and co-host of Fit2BTide, a podcast that focuses on health and well-being within the UA community. She hosts the show alongside Neika Morgan, a faculty member in Health Studies. The show covers a wide range of topics, with guests from the UA campus as well as external experts who provide valuable insights on various health-related issues. It addresses subjects such as mental health, recovery stories and the resources available on campus to support students, faculty and staff.
The podcast’s goal is to raise awareness, educate listeners and promote open discussions on important health topics that are often overlooked. Through engaging conversations and real-life experiences, Fit2BTide seeks to foster a supportive and informed community where everyone can thrive.
Brain Matters
- What it is: This podcast focuses on mental health, covering a range of topics to help students understand and discuss mental health issues, from the perspective of a licensed mental health therapist
- Where to listen: Tune in every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. on WVUA-FM. Episodes are also available on Apple Podcasts, Audioboom, and the Counseling Center’s website.
As a staff therapist in UA’s Counseling Center, Dr. B.J. Guenther has dedicated over two decades to supporting mental health. In 2013, Dr. Guenther launched the Brain Matters podcast to address the gap in college mental health media, offering valuable discussions for students and the broader community.
Each week, Dr. Guenther and her producer Catherine Howell tackle a wide range of topics. These range from the benefits of therapy animals to exploring psychedelics as a treatment for depression. With guests from around the world, the podcast is full of fresh perspectives, interesting stories and ideas to help you take charge of your mental well-being. The goal of Brain Matters is to inspire listeners to take action, whether it’s seeking help, gaining a deeper understanding of mental health or sharing knowledge with others. You never know who might be encouraged to reach out for support. Dr. Guenther invites listeners to submit topic ideas at brainmattersradio@wvuafm.ua.edu.