Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson

Latest Episodes:

Fighting the Gun Lobby to Pass Donna's Law for Firearm Suicide Prevention with Katrina Brees Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

TW: This conversation includes stories of gun violence, self-harm, and death by suicide.

Our guest today is Katrina Brees, a New Orleans-based Mardi Gras artist and creator of "Donna's Law," a voluntary self-registry prohibition to gun sales for those who choose to create self-defense against gun suicide.

In this episode, Katrina and Nick discuss her career in costume design and her work in creating DIY caskets to bring "fun" to funerals. She shares the importance of transforming death into a celebration and the value of participating in funeral rituals.

Katrina explains the background and purpose of Donna's Law, which aims to prevent gun sales to individuals with mental health challenges. She discusses the challenges and pushback from the gun lobby and emphasizes the need for gun legislation.

Katrina shares why she believes it's important to pass it nationally or on a state level. She provides information on how people can get involved and support the cause. She also talks about her future plans and the importance of building relationships with legislators.

Despite the slow pace of change, she remains hopeful and continues her advocacy efforts. She shares the different waves of gun control activism and the changing messaging in the movement.

Katrina shares her experience with reality TV and the challenges she faced in navigating the industry. She also highlights the exploitation of background extras and the dark side of documentaries. I

Katrina also asks Nick Thompson about the organizations that support his non-profit work. Nick shares the various organizations, including unions and political organizing groups, that have been supportive of the UCAN Foundation.

They discuss the journey of activism and advocacy, highlighting the progress made and the support received to help you go through life with your eyes wide open.

Find Katrina Brees here:

Instagrams: https://www.instagram.com/putthefuninfuneral | https://www.instagram.com/katrinabrees/

Websites: https://www.donnaslaw.com/ | https://fantasticcasket.com

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

Examining Our Political Systems, the 2024 Election, and Indy Media Infighting with Kit Cabello Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

Our guest is Kit Cabello, the founder of Hard Lens Media, a Chicago-based independent news network.

In this episode, Nick and Kit delve into the burden of student debt and the need for affordable education. The conversation touches on the impact of technology on human connection and the dangers of AI without ethical considerations. They discuss the failings of the political establishment and the need for transparency and change.

The conversation explores the frustration and disillusionment with the current political system and the lack of long-term activation and leadership in progressive movements. It discusses the co-opting of movements by political insiders and the need for citizen ballot initiatives to hold the government accountable.

As a veteran, Kit talks through his experience, the cost of war, and the challenges faced by veterans trying to re-assimilate into normal life. They also talk about political homelessness and the search for representation that aligns with personal values. They discuss the lack of leadership and divisions on the left, specifically in relation to the 2020 election and the "Force the Vote" movement.

The conversation also delves into the reasons for leftist infighting and the dangers of authoritarianism on the left. They explore the deeper failures of the Democratic Party, frustrations with the two-party system, and the importance of moving forward after the 2024 election.

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Kit, and it helps you go through life with your eyes wide open.

Find Kit Cabello here:

Instagram: instagram.com/hardlensmedia | https://www.instagram.com/kitcabello/

Twitter: twitter.com/HardLensMedia

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HardLensMedia99

Additional Links:

rumble.com/c/HardLensMedia

patreon.com/HardLensMedia

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

Sobriety, Self-Discovery, and Finding Your Purpose with Carrie Magnusson Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

TW: There are moments in this conversation where we discuss suicidal ideation.

Carrie Magnuson is a mental health advocate, mother of three, artist and founder of Rusty Lane Lettering, and host of the Carry on with Carrie podcast!

In this episode of Eyes Wide Open, Carrie shares her journey of self-discovery, sobriety, and finding purpose that led her to podcasting. She discusses her childhood dreams, the challenges of empty nesting, and the importance of creativity and authenticity.

Carrie also shares her learnings about the concept of time dysmorphia and the struggles of time management. She emphasizes the significance of self-care and utilizes outdoor walks to help her find clarity.

Carrie and Nick discuss the benefits of cold showers for mental health, the challenges and side effects of mental health treatments, the healing power of art, and the importance of medication awareness.

They also discuss dealing with public scrutiny, starting a podcast to help others, and the significance of sharing personal experiences. The conversation covers a range of topics related to mental health and self-care.

Nick shares his insights into the systemic issues in reality TV and also discusses his motivation to help others by creating change in the industry.

Carrie's story is moving, motivational, and incredibly relatable, and I hope it helps you go through life with your eyes wide open.

Find Carrie Magnusson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carryonwithcarrie_podcast/

Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carryonwithcarriepodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carryonwithcarriepodcast

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

New Show Clips: Mental Health Headline Hot Takes with Nick and Todd Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Eyes Wide Open, we take a look at a few episodes of a new show from Nick and his friend Todd, dissecting mental health news and headlines.

Subscribe to the weekly show every Thursday exclusively here on my YouTube channel!

Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eyeswideopencontent

Follow Nick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eyeswideopencontent

Follow Todd:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunnyhugspodcast/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/bunny-hugs-and-mental-health/id1560055327

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bunnyhugsandmentalhealth

Coercive Control in Cults, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Reality TV with Ashley Love Richards Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

Ashley Love Richards, host of the cult-obsessed podcast "That's So F**ked Up," dives deep into the darkness with Nick Thompson in this unfiltered conversation about coercive control in cults, alcoholic anonymous, and reality TV.

Buckle up as they dissect Ashley's passion for true crime, her journey from alcoholism to podcasting glory, and the surprising (and disturbing) connections between cults and everyday life.

Get ready to explore:

Coercive Control: Ashley and Nick discuss coercive control in cults, alcoholic anonymous, reality TV, and many other ways the manipulation tactic reveals itself in everyday life.
Survivor Stories: Ashley shares her experiences advocating for victims of spiritual abuse and the troubled teen industry, challenging the culture of victim blaming and trauma dumping online.
From Child Star Dreams to Podcasting Queen: Uncover Ashley's fascinating path from Hollywood hopeful to true crime maven and why she traded scripts for microphones.
Cults 101: Delve into the chilling world of serial killers and cults, uncovering their shared traits and the spectrum of manipulative groups lurking in plain sight.
Unveiling the Darkness: Unpack the twisted psychology of cult leaders, their warped desire for control, and the insidious power of coercive control that traps victims.
Breaking Free: Dive into the surprising cult-like aspects of Alcoholics Anonymous and societal pressures around alcohol, prompting a discussion on vulnerability, mental health, and Catholic guilt.
Finding Light in the Dark: Discover healthy self-care strategies like bubble baths, ice cream, and walks in nature as Ashley and Nick debunk the Windy City myth and share tips for battling seasonal affective disorder.
The Future is Bright: Join the duo as they brainstorm future collaborations and celebrate the power of self-improvement and building supportive communities.

This episode is a raw, insightful, and often hilarious journey into the darkest corners of human behavior and the light that shines even there.

I hope you enjoy this episode with Ahley Love Richards and you learn something new to help you go through life with your eyes wide open!

Find Ashley Love Richards here:

Website: https://tsfuthepodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsfuthepodcast/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TSFU

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@harlotsjezebels

Additional Links: https://www.tearsofeden.org/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

How to Overcome Negative Thoughts and Limiting Beliefs Using Neuroplasticity with Elana Van Deventer Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

****TW: There are moments in this conversation where we discuss suicidal ideation.

In this conversation, Elana Van Deventer shares her journey of overcoming limiting beliefs and building confidence. We discuss the intersection of neuroscience and mental health, highlighting the importance of breaking the silence around emotions and mental health.

Elana emphasizes the significance of self-identity and finding purpose in every season of life. Elana also discusses the impact of external validation and the value of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Throughout our chat, she emphasizes the importance of choosing love, compassion, and intentional daily choices. She shares her journey of personal growth and becoming a Neurocycle facilitator.

She emphasizes the importance of knowing your limits and priorities before making commitments. Elana also discusses the power of asking the right questions and overcoming imposter syndrome.

As a student of Dr. Carolina Leaf, She shares how she discovered and decided to apply to her program to learn the process of rewiring the brain and changing thinking patterns through neuroplasticity and mind management.

She highlights the significance of pausing and rest in a society focused on productivity. We discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of sharing personal stories, and the need for communication, collaboration, and continual learning in building a community.

They also discuss the importance of using love and compassion in communication and taking control of our thoughts and lives while making time to express gratitude and use our voices to make a change.

Check out this episode with Elana to help us go through life with our eyes wide open!

Please like, share, and subscribe! I'm glad you're here.

Find Elana Van Deventer here:

Websites:

https://www.elanavandeventer.com/

https://she-unite.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elanavdeventer/

Additional Links: https://www.neurocycle.app/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EngageWithNick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

The Impact of Social Media and Culture on Millennials and GenZ's Mental Health with Dr. Jessica Rabon Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Rabon and I discuss the impacts of social media and culture on the increasing mental health challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z.

Dr. Rabon highlights the pressure and expectations placed on young adults to pursue certain career paths and the impacts of student loan debt on our lives.

We explore the causes of worsening mental health, including financial stress, culture, and the difficulty of finding relaxation in a constantly connected world. She emphasizes the importance of leaning into discomfort and being fully present in order to find calm and joy and the importance of making small changes to improve mental health.

We also highlight the differences between introversion and extroversion and the need for setting boundaries in various aspects of life, including work and social media.

Lastly, Dr. Rabon asks me a compelling question: What impact does watching reality TV have on people's mental health? The answer might surprise you!

Check out this episode with Dr. Rabon, and please like, share, and subscribe!

Find Dr. Jessica Rabon here:

Website: https://jessicaleighphd.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaleighphd/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicaleighphd

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwVZNyrZU-ThN-q3rsL7rJQ

Psych Talk Podcast: https://jessicaleighphd.wixsite.com/mysite/podcast

Welcome to Group Therapy Podcast: http://tinyurl.com/2p97mf2f

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EngageWithNick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

Best of 2023 Part 2 - Reality TV Edition Jan 02, 2024

Show notes

This week, we're continuing the best of 2023 by highlighting this year's guests from the world of reality TV. This week, we'll be highlighting conversations with my ex-wife Danielle Ruhl (Love is Blind), Alyssa Barmonde (Married at First Sight AU), Stephanie Davison (90 Day Fiance), Olivia Frazer (Married at First Sight AU), and Corrine Hatch (America's Next Top Model). In addition, we'll close the episode with The UCAN Foundation, which I co-founded with Jeremy Hartwell and Dr. Isabelle Morley to provide mental health and legal services to reality TV cast members.

A lot of progress was made in 2023 to reshape the reality TV industry to be more ethical. I'm getting ready to lock it down and move forward and force this change in 2024. I hope that you get some enjoyment out of this best of episode as we head into the new year with our eyes wide open.

Listen to the Full Episodes here:

Stephanie Davison: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000626040278

Corrine Hatch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000623014296

Olivia Frazer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000638273767

Alyssa Barmonde: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000617657232

Danielle Ruhl Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000614949697

Daniell Ruhl Part 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000615814101

UCAN Foundation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000616767280

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EngageWithNick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

Best of 2023 Part 1 Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

On this special episode of Eyes Wide Open, we're reliving the best podcast episodes of 2023 as part of a two-part series.

In this episode, we're going to highlight clips from Dr. Elizabeth Federick, Dr. Kirk Honda, Calley Means, Eli Weinstein, Macy Schuchart, Callie Ezell, Rushi Kota, and Danny LoPriore. In part two (out next week), we are going to focus on the reality TV industry and clips from some of the amazing guests that we've had this year, including my ex-wife, Danielle.

I hope that you enjoy these clips, whether you're taking a trip down memory lane, or perhaps explore some episodes you haven't listened to yet. So thank you, and I hope that this helps you go through life with your eyes wide open.

Listen to the Full Episodes here:

Dr. Kirk Honda: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000614097530

Calley Means: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000637520722

Dr. Elizabeth Fedrick: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000621473887

Macy Schuchart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000618440766

Rushi Kota: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000624478957

Callie Ezell Pt 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000632399936

Callie Ezell Pt 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000633177433

Eli Weinstein: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000627559325

Danny LoPriore: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814?i=1000629998891

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EngageWithNick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

Creating More Ethical Documentaries with Margie Ratliff of "Subject" and "The Staircase" Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

What similarities are there between how documentary film participants and reality television cast members are treated by production companies and the public? How can we create these forms of media ethically and in a way that protects the dignity and humanity of those involved?

Today on Eyes Wide Open, we are speaking with producer and documentary participant Margie Ratliff to try to answer these questions. Margie first appeared in the public eye as a young person featured in the documentary "The Staircase," and as a result experienced a lot of trauma from having her and her family's entire life put on screen for others to see and judge.

What's wonderful about Margie is she turned her experience and her love of filmmaking into becoming an activist for ethical filmmaking in the documentary space. She has recently produced an award-winning film-festival-darling documentary called "Subject," which follows key participants in "The Staircase," "Hoop Dreams," "The Wolfpack," "Capturing the Friedmans," and "The Square" to explore how production and public reception affected them.

When I connected with Margie, I was surprised to learn about the parallels documentary production has with reality TV in terms of exploitation. What's unique about "Subject" is the producers worked collaboratively with the participants in order to make sure people were taken care of before, during, and after filming (which is atypical of this industry). Margie and I have a lot in common in terms of how we are solving similar problems in different forms of media, and I wanted to explore that together in this episode.

I hope you enjoy this podcast. If you haven't already, go watch Subject. I hope that watching "Subject" and listening to this podcast helps you view documentary film, reality TV, and entertainment generally with your eyes wide open.

Find "Subject" here:

Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Subject-Margie-Ratliff/dp/B0CKYBQNJB/

AppleTV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/subject/umc.cmc.6jcylwu9rtti7bbsx0696tzez

VUDU: https://www.vudu.com/content/browse/details/Subject/2594913?cmp=OrganicSearch~Vudu~GoogleWatch

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Subject?id=GE-w09yzR8o.P&hl=en&gl=IE&pli=1

Kanopy: https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/13845688

Find Marjie here:

DPEA Website: https://www.dpealliance.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandefillepetitevoiture/?hl=en

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/