In an era where mental health conversations are gaining momentum, a new podcast aims to delve deeper into the complexities and stigmas surrounding mental well-being. “Mental Health Rewritten,” launched on May 14, 2025, during Mental Health Awareness Month, is the brainchild of multi-award-winning producer and mental health advocate Dominic Lawson. This podcast seeks to challenge societal norms, break down barriers, and rewrite the narrative surrounding mental health.
🎙️ Why A New Chapter in Mental Health Dialogue?
Dominic Lawson, renowned for his work on podcasts like “Black Is America,” “Recovery Replay,” and “Beyond Theory,” brings his storytelling prowess to “Mental Health Rewritten.” With 24 podcasting awards under his belt, Lawson aims to create a platform that blends education, storytelling, and actionable insights to address stigmatized mental health topics.
🧠 The Mission: Breaking the Silence
“Mental Health Rewritten” is more than just a podcast; it’s a movement to reshape how mental health is discussed, understood, and addressed. Lawson emphasizes the importance of honest conversations, stating, “We can’t heal what we won’t talk about, so it’s time to rewrite the narrative to learn and grow as a society.”
📚 Structured Storytelling: The 3-Track, 12-Episode Format
Each season of the podcast is thoughtfully structured into three thematic tracks, comprising a total of 12 episodes. This format allows for an in-depth exploration of complex subjects:
1. Sex: From Desire to Dysfunction
This track delves into the intricacies of sexual behavior, identity, and well-being, exploring how these aspects intersect and impact mental health.
2. Suicide: Breaking the Silence
Addressing one of the most pressing mental health crises, this track examines despair, survival, and pathways toward hope, aiming to destigmatize conversations around suicide.
3. Race: Uncovering Racial Trauma
Exploring how racial trauma and cultural identity shape mental health, this track uncovers the scars and resilience behind healing in diverse communities.
🧾 Integrating Clinical Insights: DSM-5 and ICD-11
To provide a well-rounded understanding of mental health, the podcast incorporates insights from two major diagnostic tools:
- DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition): The primary diagnostic guide used by mental health professionals in the United States.
- ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision): Developed by the World Health Organization, it classifies all medical conditions worldwide, including mental and behavioral disorders.
These tools are referenced throughout the show to demystify the language of mental health and humanize diagnoses.
🎧 Episode Highlights: Real Stories, Real Understanding
The podcast features candid conversations with experts and individuals with lived experiences, providing listeners with both clinical insights and personal narratives. For instance, the inaugural episode confronts the topic of sex addiction through the story of Daniel, a man whose professional success masks a deep internal struggle.
🌐 Accessibility: Available on Major Platforms
“Mental Health Rewritten” is accessible to a broad audience, available on all major podcast platforms, including:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
Listeners can also engage with exclusive content on the podcast’s Instagram page: @mentalhealthrewrittenpodcast.
🧑💼 About the Host: Dominic Lawson
Dominic Lawson is a U.S. Army veteran and a seasoned podcast host, producer, and editor based in Memphis, Tennessee. He discovered his passion for podcasting in 2016 with the launch of “The Startup Life Podcast,” where he interviewed notable figures such as Marc Randolph, co-founder and first CEO of Netflix. In 2021, Lawson joined Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, contributing to podcasts like “Beyond Theory” and “Recovery Replay.
