Bringing A Mental Health Perspective to the Trending Topics of Today.
Our podcast is designed to share unique and relevant topics occurring within our world and communities, and bring them a behavioral and mental health perspective.
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Rate & Review NowSharlee is the lead host of Behavioral Health Today, and a dedicated behavioral health professional with nearly two decades of experience as a social worker. Holding dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Trauma-Informed Education, she brings a rich, multifaceted perspective to the conversations she leads—both on her show and in her everyday practice. Currently licensed as a Master’s Level Social Worker in South Carolina and actively pursuing clinical licensure in North Carolina, Sharlee has served communities across both states in roles spanning child protective services, public education, postsecondary education and now as a Renal Social Worker.
A passionate advocate for lifelong learning and holistic well-being, Sharlee has spoken at local and national social work conferences, leading professional development sessions on topics such as self-care, food deserts, and trauma-informed care. She has also provided post secondary instruction on the undergraduate level. Her work is grounded in a strengths-based, open-minded approach, fueled by curiosity and deep empathy for people from all walks of life.
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The Heart of the Work: Reflecting on the Journey with Dr. Graham Taylor – Episode 385
The legacy of these 300+ episodes isn’t just insight, it’s connection, courage, and a trail of conversations that mattered. In this special episode, Producer Peter Fenger turns the spotlight toward our very own host of Behavioral Health Today, Dr. Graham Taylor. Over the past five years, Graham has guided listeners through more than 300 episodes, creating space for honesty, healing, and human connection. His voice has become a trusted presence on the show, and his work in the field, whether as a clinician in Honolulu, founder of a nonprofit connecting clients to pro-bono therapy, or developer of test prep programs for aspiring professionals, has touched lives in countless ways. While Graham will be stepping back from his regular role on the podcast, this isn’t goodbye. The door remains open, and we know this won’t be the last time we collaborate. Today, we pause to reflect on the journey so far: the conversations that moved us, the lessons we’ll carry, and the heart behind the work. Join us as we celebrate the impact of this podcast, and the person who's helped shape its soul.
View this EpisodeBHT Bytes – Beyond the Scale: Unpacking Diet Culture and the GLP-1 Era – Episode 396
Wellness is more than weight, and health is more than numbers. In this episode of BHT Bytes, host Sharlee Dixon is joined by Peter Fenger to unpack the complex intersections of diet culture, body image, and mental health. From the rise of weight-loss fads in the ’80s and ’90s to the emergence of body positivity and fat visibility movements, we trace how cultural messages about size and health have shaped generations. The conversation dives into the psychological toll of diet culture—covering disordered eating, negative self-image, and the mental health struggles tied to societal ideals. We also explore the new wave of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound—hailed by some as groundbreaking, but raising critical questions about identity, stigma, and long-term impact. Together, Sharlee and Peter break down the science, the stigma, and the shifting narratives of weight and wellness in today’s world.
View this EpisodePosture, Place, and Possibility: The Hidden Power of the Mind–Body Connection with Janice Kaplan – Episode 395
How much influence does your body really have on your happiness? More than you might think. Small, science-backed shifts in the way we move, sit, or shape our environment can unlock profound changes in mood, creativity, and wellbeing. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Janice Kaplan, New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and former Editor-in-Chief of Parade. Janice has devoted her career to exploring what makes us happier and more fulfilled. Her book “The Gratitude Diaries” became a national sensation, and her newest work, What Your Body Knows About Happiness, offers a groundbreaking look at the mind–body connection. With a career spanning bestselling books, award-winning journalism, and more than 30 primetime TV specials, Janice has interviewed world leaders, Hollywood icons, and leading researchers—all in pursuit of deeper insights into human happiness. Together, we explore how the body shapes the mind just as much as the mind shapes the body, and how simple daily choices can open the door to greater joy and creativity.
View this EpisodeThe Middle Place: Finding Growth in Eating Disorder Healing with Mallary Tenore Tarply – Episode 394
Most people have experienced what Mallary Tenore Tarpley calls “the middle place,” even if they never had a name for it. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon talks with Mallary, author of “SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery”. In her deeply personal and powerfully researched debut, Mallary blends her own story of anorexia and grief, beginning with the loss of her mother, with interviews from experts and survivors. Together, these narratives reveal the often-overlooked realities of recovery. Her concept of the middle place reframes recovery as a living, evolving journey rather than a fixed destination. In addition to her work as an author, Mallary is a journalism and writing professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other major publications. In our conversation, she shares how recovery can be shaped by grief, personal growth, and the courage to live between sickness and full healing.
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