Cultural Identity, Trauma & Mental Fitness from a Male Model and Actor: Kai Braden

Today’s episode is a special one because it marks our final episode, our grand finale after a great two year run! Today, we will take you back to the very beginning, back in 2019 before COVID-19 when Bridget Malcolm and Dr. Allie were scheming about how to open up this dialogue in the fashion industry by interviewing models about mental health issues.  Listen to Dr. Allie navigating you through some of the most intimate and vulnerable moments of the guests' mental health stories on topics ranging from eating disorders to quarantine to gender affirmation to addiction and coping, to sexual violence, masculinity and mental health and more.   Featured in this episode are Mia Kang, Teddy Quinlivan, Carre Otis, Emily DiDonato, Jolie Jones, Dylan Lynch, Kai Braden, Nick Denbeigh, Andrew Hayden Kang, Kenny Sale & Karen Elson. Many thanks to all of our guests along the way and special thanks to Max, Sanne Vloet, Jason Gorskie and Sara Bledsoe who helped shape the foundation for making this podcast possible. Stay tuned, because something new is coming in 2023. Make sure to follow Dr. Allie on IG at @alliesharmamd to be the first to know of what’s next. We hope you enjoy this final episode! Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: Follow Bridget Malcolm on IG @bridgetmalcolm Follow Dr. Allie Sharma on IG @alliesharmamd For more on Coping with COVID-19 by Dr. Allie, see https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coping-with-covid-19-by-dr-allie/id1507626991 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

Winnie Wanja is a Kenyan, a humanitarian and a model for over a decade. Listen to Dr. Allie in conversation with Winnie as they reflect on modeling in the Kenyan context, challenges with regard to lack of structure, labor rights and intellectual property rights, and her work as a humanitarian. Winnie enjoys beauty, editorial and commercial modeling and has worked for various international brands such as Coco Lilli, Adele Dejak, Jiamini and Maybelline.  She likes to demystify modeling myths as well as encourage and empower young models. In her other life as a humanitarian, she focuses on Monitoring and Evaluation of NGO programs.  Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: Follow Winnie Wanja on IG @winnie_wanja_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

Elizabeth Peyton-Jones is a health and lifestyle author, fashion industry campaigner, master herbalist, practitioner, naturopath, advisor and the founder & CEO of Models Trust, an independent organization providing reports for brands and agencies to make the talent’s workplace safer. Listen to Dr. Allie in conversation with Elizabeth as they speak about why she created Models Trust, her perspective as a healer and practitioner, and how she is trying to bring safety to the workplace for models. Elizabeth, through Models Trust, champions safety, sustainability, diversity, equality and inclusion for all fashion industry talent, through anonymous feedback surveys. She has always been passionate about changing people’s perceptions of what good health really looks like, so when in 2016, she was invited by the British Fashion Council to create a diet for models, she jumped at the chance. Unable to understand why they would need more information than was already out there, she set about exploring how to make a difference to their diets and health. Following a year of research, Elizabeth discovered that models faced a range of workplace risks, that not only endangered their physical health but their emotional and financial wellbeing as well and diet was a red herring to what was enabling this condition to exist.  More recently, Models Trust has campaigned to keep modern slavery and human trafficking out of modeling, which has led to Elizabeth talking about her vision to the United Nations General Assembly, to the US Council at the White House, and the World Economic Forum in Davos. We hope you enjoy this episode! Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: https://www.modelstrust.com/ Elizabeth's Books: Eat Yourself Young Cook Yourself Young --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

Alisa Schulz is a model and model scout and has 30+ years of experience in the industry first as an international model, and then as a photographer, model scout, actor, associate producer and more.   Listen to Dr. Allie in conversation with Alisa as they speak on her modeling career, her early childhood trauma, how she began to experience her mental health struggles and begin the process of healing, and her perspective as a model scout. Four years ago Alisa put all of her skills to use and created Alisa Schulz Model Scout: Model Development & Placement. She partners with other scouts and collectively has placed talent worldwide. On a human level, she has spent the last 27 years unpacking her pain, shame, and trauma in the context of abject poverty and a dysfunctional upbringing that has shaped her into who she is today. We hope you enjoy this episode. Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: Follow Alisa on IG @alisaschulz Website: http://www.alisaschulzmodelscout.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

Kylie Vonnahme is a Texas born fashion model and podcast co-host of “The Not So Simple Life”, who currently resides in New York City Listen to Dr. Allie in conversation with Kylie as they speak on her modeling career, struggles with body image and body weight, her shift towards wellness and health, and her journey towards becoming a podcast co-host! Kylie moved to NYC at 17 years old to pursue her modeling career while also attending Pace University for business management. Since then Kylie has walked the runways for designers including Versace, Chanel & Alexander Wang and starred in campaigns for major beauty brands such as Maybelline, Nars & Pat McGrath. She can also be seen gracing the covers of top International fashion publications including Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, Maxim, Issue, Marie Claire & more. Kylie is signed with Women Management in New York. In addition to modeling, Kylie is also the co-host of “The Not So Simple Life”, a wellness & beauty podcast Kylie founded with fellow model Sophie Longford. Together these fashion models and wellness fanatics are joined by some major guests and talk about wellness tips, beauty hacks, fashion, business, and everything in between. As a dog mom, she is a passionate advocate for animals who uses her platform to raise awareness around this topic. At 24 years old she feels that she has only just begun in her ever evolving career. We hope you enjoy this episode. Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: Follow Kylie on IG @kylievonnahme Follow her podcast on IG @thenotsosimplelifepodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

Kenny Sale is an American model, actor and former semi-professional and professional indoor soccer player. Listen to Dr. Allie and guest co-host Kai Braden in conversation with Kenny Sale as they speak on sport and modeling, being a good man, traditional stereotypes of masculinity and the power of opening up about sexual violence. Kenny Sale lives in New York City and used to play semi-professional and professional indoor soccer before he began his modeling career. He’s worked with brands such as American Eagle, Zara, Target, Philip Plein, Nike, Charlie XCX, Ermanno Scvervino, Alex Morgan, and many others. When he’s not working, he fills his time with soccer, chess, and personal projects. This episode is part of our Masculinity and Mental Health series.  Kai Braden is a model and actor and a recent guest on Model Mentality. We hope you enjoy this episode. Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: Follow Kenny on IG @kennysale Model Alliance RESPECT Program: modelalliance.org/respect or follow @modelallianceny Follow Kai on IG @kaibraden Let's Get Clinical References: Ingram KM et al., ‘Longitudinal associations between features of toxic masculinity and bystander willingness to intervene in bullying among middle school boys’. Journal of School Psychology. Volume 77, 2019: Pages 139-151. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

Andrew Hayden Kang is an Asian-American actor, model, and fitness professional who was raised in New York City.  Listen to Dr. Allie and guest co-host Kai Braden in conversation with Andrew Hayden Kang as they speak on his career path and breaking free from expectations, healing from a traumatic experience in the workplace, the role of faith, vulnerability as a strength and an ideal quality for masculinity and more. With his combined experience in modeling, fitness, and business, he is now residing in Los Angeles fully pursuing acting in TV and Film. He has a Bachelor ’s degree in Business Management and has over 6 years of consulting experience with a global firm. He is also a Men's Physique bodybuilding competitor and holds a professional title in 2x federations and is a Certified fitness instructor. Andrew’s modeling career spanned from working with clients such as Nike, Reebok, Equinox, Lifetime, and more. This episode is part of our Masculinity and Mental Health series.  Kai Braden is a model and actor and a recent guest on Model Mentality. We hope you enjoy this episode. Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: Follow Andrew on all social media @andrewhaydenkang Website: www.andrewhhaydenkang.com Follow Kai on IG @kaibraden --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

Nick Denbeigh is an American Film, Television, Commercial Actor, Model and former Athlete.  Listen to Dr. Allie and guest co-host Kai Braden in conversation with Nick Denbeigh as they speak on emotions as an athlete, working in the modeling industry, traditional stereotypes of masculinity and how this may serve as a barrier to getting help, masculinity as integrity and more. Nick is best known for his leading roles in feature films as well as his campaigns for a number of international leading brands including Call Of Duty: MW, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Old Navy, Apple, Toyota, Hyundai, Verizon, and Disney.  This episode is part of our Masculinity and Mental Health series.  Kai Braden is a model and actor and a recent guest on Model Mentality.  We hope you enjoy this episode. Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: Follow Nick on all social media @nickdenbeigh Website: www.nickdenbeigh.com Shilo's War film: https://youtu.be/_BKtpIYdHQo  Undeniable Goods: www.undgoods.com EVRYMAN: @_evryman_  [men's peer groups] Model Alliance Support Page: modelalliance.org/support or follow @modelallianceny Follow Kai on IG @kaibraden --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

Heide Lindgren has been a model since the age of 13, is currently a psych tech in Boise, Idaho after completing a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Columbia University, and grew up in Boca Raton, FL. She moved to New York and worked with Muse Models which then led to Guess campaigns, and then to the cover of GQ. She later co-founded Models 4 Water and raised money to drill water wells in Burkina Faso. She’s also involved with two initiatives in Haiti one called REBUILD Globally, where she sits on their Board of Directors, and Deux Mains Designs, an ethical fashion brand. Listen to Dr. Allie in conversation with Heide about recognizing anxiety, working as a psych tech, reflections on relationships and much more! Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: Follow Heide on Instagram @heide_lindgren Website: heidelindgren.com Her blog: spaceforanything.com Rebuild Globally: https://rebuildglobally.org/ Deux Mains: https://deuxmains.com/ References for the 'Let's Get Clinical' segment: NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support

The following episode contains content on sexual violence that some listeners may find disturbing. Discretion is advised. Kai Braden is an actor, model, and a San Francisco native based in NYC and LA.  Listen to Dr. Allie in conversation with Kai as they discuss his cultural identity, a traumatic experience of sexual assault in the beginning phase of his modeling career, and the importance of mental fitness. As an actor, some of Kai’s roles include television shows such as “Orange Is The New Black” (Netflix), “Revenge” (ABC), “90210” (CW), and “General Hospital″ (ABC), national commercials for Crocs, Nivea, Toyota, and Dunkin Donuts, and international music videos for Katy Perry, Tata Young, and A-Mei.  As a Model with Wilhelmina as his first agency, Kai also has representation worldwide. His career has taken him around the globe to work with such clients as Men’s Health Magazine, J.Crew, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Nike, 7 For All Mankind, Lululemon, Gillette, and Samsung.  As a highly-certified and versatile Fitness Coach, Kai teaches on-demand classes for multiple virtual platforms. His coaching experience includes CrossFit and Orangetheory, with a foundation in Olympic Taekwondo. Kai’s action training compliments his work in entertainment. He also has a television production degree from Pepperdine University and serves on the Leadership Council of the labor rights nonprofit, The Model Alliance. Please note that the contents of Model Mentality are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Model Mentality. As always, if you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately. The views and opinions expressed by guests of the podcast are those of each individual guest and do not reflect the views and opinions of Mind Studios or Dr. Allie Sharma and do not constitute an endorsement of such views and opinions. Thank you for listening to Model Mentality.  Model Mentality is brought to you by Mind Studios. Links: IG @kaibraden @asian_cinema_entertainment @modelallianceny Website: https://www.kaibraden.com/ The Advocate Article: https://www.advocate.com/people/2018/7/19/exclusive-male-models-accuse-photographer-rick-day-sexual-assault References for the 'Let's Get Clinical' segment: Dube SR, Anda RF. Whitfield CL et al. Long term consequences of childhood sexual abuse by gender of victim. Am J Prev Med. 2005; 28: 430-438.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/modelmentality/support