WeAreFunctioning

Take a dark, yet light-hearted dive into a family’s attempts at Functioning while schizophrenia meanders (zigzags) through the family code.

Advocacy - Part 3 02/16/2026

Advocacy - Part 3 We’re keeping the conversation going. In this third installment on Advocacy, I’m diving even deeper—into the quiet battles, the behind-the-scenes moments, and the personal growth that comes when you decide to speak up and stand firm. This isn’t just about big movements—it’s about everyday courage. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep showing up when the road gets heavy or when your voice shakes, this one’s for you. /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/40095890

Advocacy - From the Trenches 09/04/2025

Advocacy - From the Trenches In this episode, Advocacy – From the Trenches, we take you inside our lived experience as parents supporting our son through a critical transition in his Schizophrenia treatment. We open up about a deeply personal chapter—supporting our son as he transitioned to new medication for Schizophrenia. My wife and I share what it meant for us to step in, have him stay with us, and walk alongside him through this challenging but important change. We talk about the realities of navigating mental health care as a family, the importance of showing up as advocates for our loved ones, and the lessons we’ve learned about patience, resilience, and hope. This conversation isn’t just about medication—it’s about love, advocacy, and standing together through the ups and downs of living with Schizophrenia. /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/38079630

Advocacy - Not just a Buzzword 07/29/2025

Advocacy - Not just a Buzzword In this 1st episode of three, we dive deep into the power of advocacy—what it means, why it matters, and how each of us can use our voice to create change. Its not just a buzzword, but something real and necessary. Whether you're standing up for a cause, speaking out for others, or championing your own rights, advocacy is more than action—it's a mindset. Join us as we explore how advocacy shows up in big and small ways, and why staying silent isn’t an option. /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/37467060

The Stare - Social Cues 04/25/2025

The Stare - Social Cues What does it really mean when someone stares? Is it a sign of curiosity, confrontation, connection—or something else entirely? Wendy and Marvin dive deep into the quiet language we all speak—body language, glances, gestures, and the invisible rules of human interaction. Why do we instantly know when a room goes quiet… or when someone’s stare lasts a little too long? /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/36274150

Is The Answer in the Gap? 02/19/2025

Is The Answer in the Gap? Marvin and Wendy share their journey of meeting with Sages including Deepok Chopra to understand if the field of Spiritual Awakening and functional medicine could heal schizophrenia. Meditation | ˌmedəˈtāSHən | A practice that involves training the mind to achieve a state of mental clarity, focus, and inner peace. /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/35036540

In the Room Where it Happens 01/28/2025

In the Room Where it Happens Join Wendy and Marvin while they travel to NYC to meet the scientists researching cures for schizophrenia. They will introduce you to the Brain Behavior foundation and several scientists to learn what work is being done to find the cure for schizophrenia. Connect with us on , and /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/35008470

If you don’t move your body, you may lose your mind! NAMI Walks 2024 11/18/2024

If you don’t move your body, you may lose your mind! NAMI Walks 2024 The podcast episode travels with the community to explore the NAMI Walks 2024 events. This is an annual event that is hosted by the National Alliance for Mental Illiness. There are several chapters throughout the US that host the event. Enjoy meeting the families and learn why people walk. The podcast allows you to experience the events real time in both Minnesota and Phoenix, AZ. Connect with us on , and /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/33981492

Put me in the Game Coach with Lori Mazan 10/22/2024

Put me in the Game Coach with Lori Mazan Struggling to handle your mental health journey? We’re here to help. This week, we’re joined by Lori Mason, founder of Sounding Board and author of Leadership Revolution. Lori discusses how her early experiences in mental health and leadership coaching have shaped her approach to helping families and leaders navigate life's challenges. Tune in for advice on dealing with schizophrenia, embracing self-acceptance, and focusing on your strengths. Key Takeaways: Navigating schizophrenia in family life The role of acceptance in mental health How coaching brings unique support Leadership lessons for growth. “Acceptance lets the shields go down.” #MentalHealthJourney #SchizophreniaAwareness #LeadershipThroughChallenges #CoachingForLife #FamilySupportMatters #BreakTheStigma #LeadershipRevolution #MentalHealthMatters #SelfAcceptance #ResilienceAndStrength /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/33563397

Culture and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma 09/01/2024

Culture and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma This episode of the podcast explores the complex relationship between culture and mental health, particularly in the context of schizophrenia. Marvin and Wendy, broadcasting from Myrtle Beach, discuss these themes with Rick Yang, a young mental health advocate. Yang shares his personal experiences with mental health advocacy and highlights the cultural barriers that can prevent people from seeking help. The conversation covers the stigmas within Asian American communities, the importance of youth voices in mental health, and the broader societal implications of untreated mental health issues. /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/32850572

Cracking the Code: Understanding Schizophrenia's Genetic Puzzle 07/31/2024

Cracking the Code: Understanding Schizophrenia's Genetic Puzzle The podcast episode explores the genetic aspects of schizophrenia, discussing how it affects families and the ongoing search for a cure. Wendy and Marvin introduce the concept of "the code," relating to genetic predispositions, and emphasize the importance of understanding schizophrenia not only for their son but also for their family. Dr. Sheila Becking, a psychologist, shares her insights into the genetic and environmental factors influencing mental health. The discussion covers the impact of nutrition, the need for more qualitative and longitudinal studies, and the reduction of stigma surrounding mental health. The episode encourages listeners to seek support from organizations like NAMI and highlights the role of community and advocacy in managing mental health challenges. Episode Links: NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness Brain Behavior Monthly Podcast: Discusses scientific insights into mental health NPR Article: Genetic analysis of African-American ancestry and brain disease /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/32339947

Music Therapy: Healing the Mind and Soul 06/12/2024

Music Therapy: Healing the Mind and Soul How can music and meditation improve mental health? In this episode, Onegun and Wendy are joined by Helmut Wolf, a musician and advocate for music therapy. They delve into the therapeutic benefits of music, discussing how it can help release suppressed emotions and lift spirits. Helmut shares his experiences with different emotional release techniques and the profound impact of meditation on mental clarity. The conversation also explores cultural differences in addressing mental health, particularly between American, French and German approaches. Listeners are encouraged to consider integrating music and meditation into their routines for better emotional and psychological well-being. This episode is a testament to the power of music and mindfulness in fostering a healthier mind. /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/31709742

Fry my Brain to a Fricassee 05/14/2024

Fry my Brain to a Fricassee In this podcast, the family settles into the reality of learning about Schizophrenia medicine and its side effects. This begins their journey of research options for a cure. Episode Links: Pfeiffer Treatment Center - Health Research Institute 28369 Davis Parkway, Unit 407 Warrenville, IL 60555 Phone: 630-505-0300 Fax: 630-836-0667 Abram Hoffer Bio: CNN Weed Documentary: Oaksterdam University: NORML: /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/31268272

The Thin Line: Creativity, Genius & Schizophrenia 04/09/2024

The Thin Line: Creativity, Genius & Schizophrenia In this podcast episode, we take a closer look at the intriguing intersection between creativity, genius, and schizophrenia. Drawing from our family’s quest for understanding and solutions, we share insights gleaned from research that explores the realm of creative genius and how it can be intertwined with mental illness. This thought-provoking episode encourages listeners to question conventional notions of mental health and creativity, challenging them to embrace a more holistic understanding of the human experience and the quest for healing. Connect with us on: Facebook Facebook Instagram /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/30686638

The Diagnosis: The 72-Hour Hold 03/22/2024

The Diagnosis: The 72-Hour Hold In this episode, Lovey and OneGunn share the experience of the 72-hour hold and the journey of a schizophrenia diagnosis. Connect with us on , and /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/30155413

The Diagnosis: I Feel Evil 03/15/2024

The Diagnosis: I Feel Evil This episode explores the energy and emotional roller coaster around a schizophrenia diagnosis. Connect with us on , and /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/30155368

The Diagnosis: Crazy or Eccentric 03/08/2024

The Diagnosis: Crazy or Eccentric Our family's attempts at "Functioning" take center stage as we navigate the zigzags that schizophrenia introduces into our lives. We invite you to join us on this rollercoaster ride, where we openly share our experiences and strive to break down barriers associated with schizophrenia. Connect with us on , and /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/30155313

We are Functioning: Searching for a Cure for Schizophrenia 02/28/2024

We are Functioning: Searching for a Cure for Schizophrenia On our first episode of Functioning, Wendy (Lovey) Cannon-Gunn and Marvin (OneGunn) Gunn set the stage for how "Functioning" is not just a podcast; it's a call to action for a cure while we share a heartfelt exploration into our family's experiences in navigating the challenges of schizophrenia. We are a family that has undergone a crash course in understanding and living with schizophrenia that started when we sent our son off to college and he came back with schizophrenia. This 20-year journey has fueled our passion to create a safe space and remove the stigma surrounding this condition. Connect with us on , and /episode/index/show/38851441-a3c7-46fe-a4e9-a1b6aba8d3d5/id/30154303

WeAreFunctioning

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