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Ep. 18 Never Outmatched: Leadership Lessons with Lee Pepper

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

Release Date: 09/16/2025

Ep. 38 The Truth About Behavioral Health Policy and Advocacy with Andrew Kessler show art Ep. 38 The Truth About Behavioral Health Policy and Advocacy with Andrew Kessler

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

In this episode of MasterMined, Mark Scrivner and Jeff Skillen sit down with Andrew Kessler, Principal at Slingshot Solutions, to demystify how behavioral health policy actually gets made in Washington. Andrew breaks down the difference between lobbying and advocacy, why education—not emotion alone—drives sustainable change, and how funding decisions ultimately determine whether legislation delivers real impact. From parity and appropriations to today’s shifting political trade winds, this conversation equips behavioral health leaders with a clearer lens on how to engage policy...

info_outline Ep. 37 3 Things Every Leader Must Know in Behavioral Health with Ward Blanchard show art Ep. 37 3 Things Every Leader Must Know in Behavioral Health with Ward Blanchard

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

Ward Blanchard joins MasterMined to share his deeply personal journey from a life-altering medical diagnosis and substance use disorder to becoming a nationally respected behavioral health entrepreneur. Ward unpacks how family systems, leadership accountability, and operational clarity shape better clinical outcomes—especially in outpatient care. This conversation is a practical guide for behavioral health leaders navigating growth, culture, and long-term impact. Key Moments 00:00 – A life-changing diagnosis and the start of Ward’s recovery journey 06:21 – Losing a future...

info_outline Ep. 36 Why your Marketing Budget is Failing—and How to Fix It show art Ep. 36 Why your Marketing Budget is Failing—and How to Fix It

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

In this MasterMined episode, Mark Scrivner, Jeff Skillen, and Lee Pepper break down what performance-based budgeting really means for behavioral health organizations. From aligning marketing and finance around shared metrics to building budgets from real conversion data—not vibes—this conversation reframes marketing spend as a growth roadmap. Leaders will walk away with practical guidance on accountability, data discipline, and how to plan marketing investments that actually support admissions and capacity. Key Moments 00:00 – Why marketing must claim its seat at the financial table ...

info_outline Ep. 35 Detecting the Invisible in Behavioral Health with Megan Reinhardt of RAE Health show art Ep. 35 Detecting the Invisible in Behavioral Health with Megan Reinhardt of RAE Health

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

In this episode of MasterMined, the hosts sit down with Megan Reinhardt, Co-Founder and CEO of RAE Health, to explore how wearable technology and digital biomarkers are reshaping behavioral health treatment. Megan shares her journey into the substance use disorder space, why RAE Health prioritized rigorous research over rapid adoption, and how real-time physiological data can help clinicians and patients identify stress and cravings before they escalate. This conversation unpacks the future of measurement-based care, clinician adoption, and what it truly means to build people-first technology...

info_outline Ep. 34 Reputation Management in Behavioral Health with Mark, Lee, & Jeff show art Ep. 34 Reputation Management in Behavioral Health with Mark, Lee, & Jeff

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

In this episode of MasterMined, hosts Mark Scrivner, Jeff Skillen, and Lee Pepper unpack the realities of reputation management in behavioral health. From navigating negative reviews and activating a “posse of positivity” to preparing for media scrutiny and five-alarm PR crises, the conversation offers practical frameworks leaders can implement before reputational issues escalate. The hosts emphasize proactive planning, human-centered communication, and disciplined response strategies that protect trust, culture, and long-term brand equity. Key Moments 01:22 — Why reputation hits...

info_outline Ep. 33 The State of Psychology, Today with John Thomas show art Ep. 33 The State of Psychology, Today with John Thomas

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

In this episode of MasterMined, hosts Jeff Skillen, and Lee Pepper sit down with John Thomas, President and Publisher of Psychology Today, to unpack how one of the most iconic brands in mental health has stayed relevant for nearly six decades. John shares how editorial integrity, science-based content, and an uncompromising stance on trust have fueled the platform’s evolution across print, digital media, and the world’s largest therapist directory. From AI and content authority to directory ethics and future pivots, this conversation offers timeless lessons for behavioral health leaders...

info_outline Ep. 32 Treating the Brain, Fighting the Stigma with Dr. Ali Farooqui show art Ep. 32 Treating the Brain, Fighting the Stigma with Dr. Ali Farooqui

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

In this episode of MasterMined, hosts Mark Scrivner, Jeff Skillen, and Lee Pepper sit down with Dr. Ali Farooqui to explore what’s broken in today’s mental health system—and how it can be fixed. From destigmatizing psychiatric diagnoses to building a quality-first clinical model, Dr. Farooqui shares how Healthy Minds Tennessee is redefining access, outcomes, and patient experience. The conversation spans interventional psychiatry, leadership in clinical teams, and why “good enough” simply isn’t good enough in mental health care. Key Moments 00:00 – Why mental health disorders...

info_outline Ep. 31 How to Outsmart the Holiday Slump with Mark, Lee, & Jeff show art Ep. 31 How to Outsmart the Holiday Slump with Mark, Lee, & Jeff

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

In this episode of MasterMined, our hosts Mark Scrivner, Jeff Skillen, and Lee Pepper break down one of the industry's most persistent—and least discussed—challenges: the holiday slump. They unpack why programs are often caught off guard, how seasonality trends repeat every year, and what proactive leaders can do to stabilize census, strengthen admissions performance, and support teams during a naturally stressful season. From strategic marketing allocation to admissions talk tracks, business development adjustments, and operational readiness, this episode delivers a practical,...

info_outline Ep. 30 AI & The Future of Conferences with Doug Edwards show art Ep. 30 AI & The Future of Conferences with Doug Edwards

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

In this episode of MasterMined, Doug Edwards—Senior Vice President at HMP Global—pulls back the curtain on what truly makes a behavioral health conference succeed. From long-range planning to the advisory board process, from AI-driven disruption to timeless in-person connection, Doug shares practical, candid insight for leaders navigating a rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you sponsor, speak, or attend, his guidance helps you elevate your presence, sharpen your strategy, and maximize the value of every conference experience. Key Moments 00:00 – What really grabs attention on a...

info_outline Ep. 29 The Truth About Intervention with Ken Seeley and Eric McLaughlin show art Ep. 29 The Truth About Intervention with Ken Seeley and Eric McLaughlin

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

Intervention pioneers Ken Seeley and Eric McLaughlin join MasterMined to discuss the evolution of intervention, the rise of family-system models, the legacy of A&E’s Intervention, and the ethics and challenges facing today’s behavioral health landscape. With decades of experience, they break down myths, offer practical guidance for families, and share a powerful framework for creating real change—before addiction reaches its lowest point.   Key Moments • 00:00 – How Intervention reshaped national awareness • 01:10 – Introducing Ken Seeley and Eric McLaughlin • 02:14...

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What does it take to stay “never outmatched” as a leader in today’s behavioral health landscape?

Episode Overview:
In this episode of MasterMined, hosts Mark Scrivner and Jeff Skillen flip the mic to their co-host, Lee Pepper, as he steps into the spotlight to share insights from his new book, Never Outmatched. Lee draws from his experiences as a strategist, executive, and coach to unpack what it means to lead with resilience, clarity, and purpose in the fast-changing world of behavioral health.

For executives and entrepreneurs in behavioral health, this conversation is both practical and inspiring. Lee’s lessons bridge personal development and organizational leadership, offering a roadmap for building culture, navigating uncertainty, and driving sustainable growth.

 

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why resilience is the defining trait of great leaders

  • Lessons from Lee’s journey writing Never Outmatched

  • How to balance courage and humility in leadership

  • The role of culture in organizational performance

  • Practical steps for staying grounded while scaling growth

Subscribe to MasterMined for candid conversations with leaders shaping the future of behavioral health.

 

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to MasterMined

01:00 – Introducing Lee Pepper

03:20 – Why “Never Outmatched” matters for leaders

07:10 – The writing process and lessons learned

12:30 – Building resilient leadership in behavioral health

18:00 – Culture as a driver of performance

23:15 – Courage, humility, and decision-making

28:40 – Practical takeaways for executives

33:00 – Final reflections from Lee

 

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#MasterMinedPodcast #BehavioralHealth #Leadership #NeverOutmatched #HealthcareLeadership