Breaking The Stigma:
Real Faces. Raw Conversation.
Through our Breaking the Stigma awareness campaign, we’ve partnered with inspiring individuals to spark meaningful conversations that challenge stigma and foster connections across generations and communities.
These dialogues are designed to reach people across all generations, professions, and life experiences, from students and seniors to athletes, artists, caregivers, and working professionals. By sharing personal stories, lived experiences, and practical tools for resilience, Breaking the Stigma creates safe spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.
At its core, this program reminds us that mental wellness is a universal human experience.
“Artem Vale’s Breaking the Stigma hits home as we work to end the stigma around mental illness by showing our strength through vulnerability, having meaningful conversations, and showing love and empathy to those around us. ”
— Hayden Grove, Mental Health Advocate and NBC's The Voice Contestant
Thank You To Our Breaking The Stigma Advocates
Baker Mayfield
In this Breaking the Stigma conversation, Senior NFL Writer & Faith on the Field Founder Rob Maaddi sits down with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield to talk about bouncing between teams and public pressure. Baker shares how leaning into his faith, embracing vulnerability, and setting aside pride helped him grow both on and off the field.
Jon Brace
We’re honored to spotlight Jon Brace at Super Bowl LX as part of our Breaking the Stigma series. As the quarterback of the New England Patriots Wheelchair Football Team, Jon shares his journey of overcoming disability, redefining strength, and challenging misconceptions around mental and physical health. His story is a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and perseverance can turn adversity into impact and inspire others to believe in what’s possible.
University of Florida
Breaking the Stigma at the University of Florida brings students together for a powerful, peer-centered conversation on mental wellness, suicide prevention, and resilience. In this episode, Arian sits down with a UF student to explore therapeutic modalities beyond traditional talk therapy. For her, music and singing became more than a hobby, they became an outlet for processing emotions, building strength, and finding hope. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available: https://namigainesville.org/
Jack Crawford joined us following Cracked Open for a powerful and honest conversation about mental health after a career in professional sports.
Through his story, he reminded us that true healing begins when we create space for the emotions we’ve been taught to hide and choose courage, connection, and compassion instead.
Jack Crawford
Cracked Open featured a powerful and unforgettable conversation with Mychal-Bella Bowman, who shared her unwavering passion for creating change and supporting mental wellness among her peers and communities.
Through her honesty and advocacy, she inspired meaningful dialogue around resilience, empathy, and the importance of showing up for one another.
Mychal-Bella Bowman
Hayden Grove
Mental health advocate and former contestant on The Voice, Hayden Grove, shared his personal journey and how music became both a refuge and a source of strength in his healing.
Through his story, he highlighted the power of creative expression as a tool for resilience, connection, and emotional well-being.