We Over Me: Creating Community and Building Belonging with Ray Merenstein (Episode #163)

In this inspiring episode of Vision Beyond Sight, Dr. Lynn Hellerstein sits down with Ray Merenstein—storyteller, husband and dad, fundraising consultant, and Executive Director of NAMI Colorado—to explore how communities can be created to foster connection, trust, and belonging. Ray and Dr. Lynn discuss the power of belonging, like with students through sports, theater, music, and other shared experiences. Citing Ray’s upcoming documentary We Over Me about a lacrosse team in Utah, they tackle the importance of putting phones away in schools to encourage being “noisy” with real-world conversation and accomplishing deeper things together. They explore belonging as a mental health practice, the value of reconnecting with others, practicing gratitude, and being intentional about listening and engaging. The conversation also explores AI and mental health, including how technology can help connect people with resources while still requiring human oversight. Ray shares NAMI resources and simple ways to create more belonging, from giving compliments to truly listening when you ask, “How are you?” Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building stronger communities and helping one another feel seen, valued, and connected. Dr. Lynn Hellerstein, Developmental Optometrist, co-owner of Hellerstein & Brenner Vision Center, P.C., award-winning author and international speaker, holds powerful and inspiring conversations with her guests in the areas of health, wellness, education, sports and psychology. They share their inspirational stories of healing and transformation through their vision expansion. Vision Beyond Sight Podcast will help you see with clarity, gain courage and confidence. Welcome to Vision Beyond Sight! Also available on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Audible and Stitcher.