Be Well, Bulldogs! — Episode 1

Mental Health, Wellness & Counseling: What College Students Should Know

College can be exciting and overwhelming, thrilling and exhausting—and sometimes all of those things at once.

Welcome to Be Well, Bulldogs!, a new Gardner-Webb University podcast dedicated to supporting student mental health and wellness through honest conversations, practical information, campus resources, and encouragement.

In the debut episode, host Megan Peek, University Counselor, is joined by Kim Retherford, Director of Counseling Services, and Bogdan Podgaisky, University Counselor, to start with the fundamentals: What do we really mean when we talk about mental health and wellness? And what does counseling actually look like?

Together, they explore mental health across the college experience, risk and protective factors that can influence well-being, common mental health concerns, and the role counseling can play in helping students navigate challenges and grow. And perhaps most importantly: You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from counseling. Counseling can support students facing academic pressure, relationships, major life transitions, everyday stress, or simply a desire to better understand themselves and develop healthy coping skills.

Whether you're adjusting to college, navigating a difficult season, looking for practical tools, or simply curious about mental health and wellness, Be Well, Bulldogs! is a space to feel informed, encouraged, supported, and connected.

Be well, Bulldogs!

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