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The Value of Family: Roots, Resilience, and Dolphin Dreams

Welcome to Episode 59 of the PROTECT Podcast! Today, hosts Mahi and Dr. Manaan Kar Ray dive into a topic that resonates with every listener—family. Families shape our well-being, build our resilience, and are a pivotal element in suicide prevention.

We start with some listener engagement—Mahi and Manaan share the top animal picks that represent the value of family, with dolphins, elephants, and wolves taking the lead. There's even a delightful reference to ISMO Leikola’s dolphin joke, about why dolphins haven’t started their own civilization (hint: it has to do with their flippers!). It’s humor with a splash of wisdom, giving credit to ISMO and his brilliant Finnish humor.

In this episode’s Storytime, we listen to Elio the Elk, from Sunny’s Value Scouts, as he teaches Sunny and Penny about how family is like the roots of a tree—always intertwined, supporting each other through every storm. Through this metaphor, Manaan and Mahi explore how family bonds provide stability, offering insightful reflections on why these roots are critical for mental health, especially during tough times.

We also highlight the LOVE exercise and CARERS framework, practical tools for families supporting loved ones in crisis. Together, they showcase how understanding family roles—from emergency support to stepping back to allow growth—can help individuals regain strength and resilience.

Ending on a lighter note, Mahi and Manaan share some classic fictional families, from The Weasleys to The Parrs, with jokes about Sunny’s potential Pixar deal (we’re still waiting for that call, Disney!). It’s a humorous take on why these families, like our own, are so deeply special.

Join us for this heartfelt exploration of what it means to be a family, filled with laughter, real-world insights, and a call for community action. Help us grow by sharing this podcast—because together, we can make a difference in building resilience and changing lives. Don’t miss the sneak peek into our next episode featuring Loyalty in the Ice. Any guesses who the character might be? Write to us!

Listen now on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Assoc Prof Manaan Kar Ray on Linkedin
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