Though Mental Health Awareness Month has concluded, the UCLA Radio-affiliated show “Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health” is keeping conversations about mental health alive on campus.

“Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health” – the radio show for Active Minds UCLA, an advocacy group dedicated to destigmatizing mental health – features personal stories, upbeat music and open dialogue to spark conversations around mental health. Live every Sunday from 5-6 p.m., the show blends entertainment and education to bring the UCLA community together, challenge mental health stigma and increase awareness on campus. Radio director and fourth-year psychology student Shea Townley said the show gives students a platform to discuss their experiences with mental health challenges and promote change.

​“We can show up for ourselves mentally, and we can care about our mental wellness,” Townley said. “Student-led advocacy work in mental health is really the biggest driver of mental health advocacy on a national level right now because those are the perspectives that are giving you insight into what might actually be happening.”

​To create a respectful and impactful environment, member and third-year psychology student Maya Dalati said each episode requires careful planning. While many of the conversations revolve around personal stories, Dalati said the show also shares information through facts and figures to educate listeners. Because many members have backgrounds in psychology, Townley said she applies knowledge from her classes to help guide informed and impactful discussions on mental health topics.

“I frequently talk about my classes, especially my upper-div psychology classes, because a lot of what I learned about the brain and how the brain functions has really shaped my understanding of mental health and the body and the mind-body connection,” Townley said.

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With a different topic each week of the quarter, the show works to create a multifaceted exploration of mental health, Dalati said. Evelyn Deodanes, a third-year psychology student and one of the show’s radio hosts, added that one week’s installment featured an interview with Bella Andrews, a fourth-year music industry student. Deodanes said the episode discussed how music plays an integral role in mental health.

In addition to addressing mental health topics, the show includes episodes that offer strategies for supporting overall well-being, Dalati added. She said an episode on the benefits of physical activity may be particularly relevant to college students.

​“We mentioned a lot of scientific and psychological research that goes into physical activity and how it increases dopamine and your mental health,” Dalati said. “With all the stress that college students face, it’s important to be active and also socialize with others, and that connected with all of us in the radio podcast.”

Beyond educating listeners, the show aims to foster connection among students through shared experiences. Townley said the show addresses topics affecting underrepresented and neurodivergent communities, including the experiences of students with ADHD, a condition that affects many college students but can be overlooked in discussions. Deodanes said the show aims to reflect the realities of college life by exploring these topics through student perspectives and amplifying the voices of students who contribute to ongoing conversations about mental health.

​“Studentwide conversations are important because I feel like there’s a stigma with college students being able to speak about their own experiences in mental health, and a lot of these topics on campus are told by either older adults or faculty on campus,” Deodanes said. “Being able to do this radio show shows that students could speak to others and their peers.”

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​While Active Minds has chapters nationwide, UCLA’s is the largest. Townley said the chapter’s success is due to UCLA’s collaborative culture, with students motivated to seek change. She added that many Active Minds members are involved in various wellness groups on campus, showing a strong network of students committed to campus well-being.

“Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health” encourages students to take time to prioritize themselves, Townley said. She added that amid the demands and pressures of college, the show reminds students to practice self-care and access support when needed, helping them thrive academically and personally.

​“It’s really easy to not show up for yourself when you get busy, when you get tired, when you get overwhelmed,” Townley said. “Showing up for yourself by eating, sleeping, advocating for yourself with your teachers, with your friends – showing up for yourself in all the different ways can make a big difference.”