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

MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

Release Date: 01/27/2026

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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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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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 identity and confronting trauma

  • 12:53 – How unresolved grief shapes addiction and leadership

  • 16:07 – Why recovery and careers both require long-term thinking

  • 20:26 – Why rare diseases get better care than addiction

  • 23:37 – Early career lessons for professionals entering behavioral health

  • 30:03 – The costly mistake of hiring friends

  • 37:08 – Three leadership lessons every founder must learn

  • 45:29 – Why accountability and metrics matter in outpatient care

  • 59:22 – Why the industry must stop relying on patient motivation alone

Learn More & Connect
Show Notes + Resources: https://snapshotinteractive.com/mastermined
Connect with Ward Blanchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-blanchard-b782978a/ | https://www.theblanchardinstitute.com/ 
Connect with Jeff Skillen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffskillen | https://www.skillsetenterprises.com
Connect with Lee Pepper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leepepper | https://www.neveroutmatched.com
Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com