Valentine’s Day ‘26 Edition
Our feeds are often filled with media messages that leave us feeling depleted, making it hard to see the incredible inspiration happening across the mental health landscape. But the truth is, hope is winning. In just the past month, we have witnessed historic funding announcements and high-level conversations at Davos that have placed brain health at the center of the global agenda.
At Flawless Foundation, we dedicated this week to celebrating “Flawless Love.” To us, that means more than just a holiday; it means recognizing the advocates and innovations that are changing lives. We’re excited to “share the love” by spotlighting a few of our favorite leaders and resources currently shaping the future of mental health.
Dr. Chris Palmer
Dr. Palmer has been in headline news this week for his groundbreaking research into the metabolic roots of mental illness. As a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School and author of the must-read book Brain Energy, he is shifting the paradigm through evidence-based research and science. We appreciate his holistic approach and his authenticity in sharing his own family’s journey with mental illness.
Reggie Ford
Reggie Ford’s vulnerability and leadership continue to inspire us all. In his Flawless Talk with Tre, Reggie offered powerful reflections on the intersection of growth, equity, and the courage it takes to own one’s personal narrative. He reminds us that lived experience is one of our greatest teachers and a catalyst for systemic change.
Judge Steve Leifman
Judge Leifman has long been a champion at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. Through his Eleventh Judicial Circuit Criminal Mental Health Project, he has pioneered diversion programs that prioritize treatment over incarceration. He has created a national model of care through the Miami Center for Mental Health & Recovery, which will soon start serving our most vulnerable neighbors with serious mental illness.
In addition to all of Judge Leifman’s many honors, we were deeply inspired to attend the ceremony in Miami when he was awarded a medal from the Pope for his humanitarian work. Judge Leifman is truly Flawless!
Todd Weatherly
Therapeutic Consultant Todd Weatherly brings depth and humanity to the mental health field through his podcast, Head Inside with Todd Weatherly. Todd’s thoughtful interviews highlight the intersection of mental health, thought leadership, and lived experience, making complex topics accessible and inspiring for everyone. Todd’s Flawless Talk with Tre is a deep dive into what he does in his therapeutic consulting practice and his commitment to providing solid resources to individuals and families who are living with all types of mental health challenges.
The Flawless Foundation Advisory Powerhouse
Our powerhouse advisory board members—Dr. Stuart Ablon, Sheila Hamilton, and John Puls—continue to elevate the conversation through collaboration and compassion. Their joint podcast interviews about family blaming exemplify the strength and hope that emerge when science, storytelling, and advocacy unite to create better outcomes for families.
The Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice Reform
The Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice is making tremendous progress with their Hope House project in the Bronx. By creating a community-based, dignity-centered alternative to incarceration, the Greenburger Center is reimagining justice. We have been honored to have a front-row seat to this unique model from the early discussions to the groundbreaking and beyond. This project is hope personified.
Dr. Marc Brackett
Our Advisory Board member, Dr. Marc Brackett, recently released his new book, Dealing with Feeling, with a tagline we love: Using Your Emotions to Create the Life You Want. Dealing with Feeling offers essential, practical tools for emotional literacy and regulation. Dr. Brackett’s work in Emotional Intelligence reinforces that understanding our emotions is the foundation for building resilience and fostering wellbeing in ourselves and our communities.
Justice Film Festival
The Justice Film Festival is one of our favorite events each year. Through film, topics of mental health, criminal justice, and the human experience are addressed in a moving and impactful way. Andy Peterson has a way of discovering the most incredible films that are educational, provocative, and help to move us closer to a more just world. If you are in New York City, don’t miss this film festival February 24 – 26th!
Overall, each one of these thought leaders and organizations is driving real, systemic change in how we view and approach mental health. When you gather them together, they lead a revolution. While news in the media can be daunting at times, let’s celebrate these beacons of light and hope for holistic health and prevention so everyone can truly feel #Flawless!
P.S. Of course, many others join these visionaries in a growing community of mental health champions. Follow us on social media for our ongoing Flawless Features of powerful all-stars who are making a difference.
