59 | S004 | Family Ties

 Sunny's Values Scouts on Amazon

The Value of Family: Roots, Resilience, and Dolphin Dreams

Welcome to Episode 59 of the PROTECT Podcast! Today, hosts Mahi and Dr. Manaan Kar Ray dive into a topic that resonates with every listener—family. Families shape our well-being, build our resilience, and are a pivotal element in suicide prevention.

We start with some listener engagement—Mahi and Manaan share the top animal picks that represent the value of family, with dolphins, elephants, and wolves taking the lead. There's even a delightful reference to ISMO Leikola’s dolphin joke, about why dolphins haven’t started their own civilization (hint: it has to do with their flippers!). It’s humor with a splash of wisdom, giving credit to ISMO and his brilliant Finnish humor.

In this episode’s Storytime, we listen to Elio the Elk, from Sunny’s Value Scouts, as he teaches Sunny and Penny about how family is like the roots of a tree—always intertwined, supporting each other through every storm. Through this metaphor, Manaan and Mahi explore how family bonds provide stability, offering insightful reflections on why these roots are critical for mental health, especially during tough times.

We also highlight the LOVE exercise and CARERS framework, practical tools for families supporting loved ones in crisis. Together, they showcase how understanding family roles—from emergency support to stepping back to allow growth—can help individuals regain strength and resilience.

Ending on a lighter note, Mahi and Manaan share some classic fictional families, from The Weasleys to The Parrs, with jokes about Sunny’s potential Pixar deal (we’re still waiting for that call, Disney!). It’s a humorous take on why these families, like our own, are so deeply special.

Join us for this heartfelt exploration of what it means to be a family, filled with laughter, real-world insights, and a call for community action. Help us grow by sharing this podcast—because together, we can make a difference in building resilience and changing lives. Don’t miss the sneak peek into our next episode featuring Loyalty in the Ice. Any guesses who the character might be? Write to us!

Listen now on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Assoc Prof Manaan Kar Ray on Linkedin
Follow us on www.progress.guide

Transcript

Mahi:
Hello, everyone, and welcome to Episode 59 of the PROTECT Podcast! I’m your host, Mahi, and today’s episode is all about a topic that touches every one of us—family. Family plays such an important role in shaping our mental well-being, resilience, and even in suicide prevention. And with me today, as always, is the ever-insightful Dr. Manaan Kar Ray, who’s here to share his wisdom.

But, before we dive in, folks, we need your help. We’ve been listening to our stats, and, well, there’s a slight itch we need to scratch. Right now, we’re at 98 countries and 1,340 cities tuning in. Now, that’s amazing—don’t get me wrong—but there’s something about being this close to a nice, round figure that’s really kicking my OCD into overdrive. I mean, come on, 100 countries! Just two more to go! If anyone has friends in, let’s say... Greenland or Bhutan, now’s the time to give them a friendly nudge!

Manaan:
Or a not-so-subtle nudge, honestly. I mean, if we don't ask, we don't get, right? So, here’s a humble plea—if you’re enjoying this podcast, if you find our discussions on resilience, mental health, and values even remotely useful, please share the word. We’ve got a dream to reach that century mark, and we’re not too proud to ask for a little help. Besides, it’s for a good cause!

Mahi:
Absolutely, Manaan. Think of it as your good deed for the day. Share the podcast, follow us, write us a lovely review—preferably five stars, because, you know, it’s good for our morale and my OCD—and we promise to keep delivering content that matters.

Manaan:
And let’s remember why we’re here. Every 40 seconds, somewhere in the world, a person is lost to suicide. That’s a heartbreaking number, but together, we can build resilience, especially in our youth, and change that statistic. We all have a role to play in this—by spreading the word, you’re helping us reach more people, giving us the chance to make a difference. So, thank you for being with us, and for sharing in our mission.

Mahi:
And hey, we’re even considering making a country bingo card—just a little checklist we can keep an eye on until we reach our goal. Imagine that, “Next episode, we’ve got Peru checked off!” We’d celebrate each new country like we’ve just added another friend to our podcast family.

Manaan:
Exactly! So if you know someone who can help us tick off those final spots—maybe a cousin in the Maldives, a friend in Iceland, or a distant uncle in Papua New Guinea—tell them about PROTECT Podcast. Because the bigger this family grows, the stronger we all become. And, as today’s episode is all about family, what better way to kick things off than to grow ours just a little bit more?

Mahi:
Thank you so much, everyone, for being part of this journey, for listening, sharing, and supporting us. Your support means the world to us, and we couldn’t do it without you. Now, let’s get into today’s topic—family. Before we get into the story from Sunny's Value Scouts, we asked our listeners to play along with a guessing game. We asked them which animal they thought best represents the value of family. We’ve got some great guesses to share, and we’ll reveal the character from today’s story in just a bit.

Segment 1: The Guessing Game – Top 3 Guesses

Mahi: I’ll start us off with the first guess. Sophia from Toronto thought a wolf would best represent the value of family. She said, “Wolves are all about the pack—they protect each other, hunt together, and never leave a member behind.” It’s true, isn’t it, Manaan? Wolves are known for their tight-knit social structures.

Manaan: Absolutely, Sophia made a great point! Wolves really embody that idea of loyalty and looking out for one another. And Mahi, we also heard from Ravi from Melbourne, who suggested elephants. He mentioned, “Elephants never forget their family. They grieve when they lose one of their own, and they’ll go back to places where their loved ones have been.” It’s such a touching reminder of how deep those bonds can be.

Mahi:
So true, Manaan. And then we had Maria from Seattle, who picked dolphins. She said, “Dolphins live in pods and are always there to help each other, especially when one is in danger. They’re like the lifeguards of the ocean!” I love that image—dolphins with little whistles and lifebuoys, ready to jump in!

Manaan:
Haha, that’s a fantastic visual, Mahi! And, speaking of dolphins, this is actually the second week in a row that we’ve had a dolphin as a suggestion. And it reminded me of a brilliant joke by the Finnish comedian, Ismo Leikola. Now, I’ve got to give full credit here, and honestly, it’s way funnier when ISMO says it in his Finnish accent, but here goes:

ISMO talks about how dolphins are often said to be incredibly intelligent, with brains just as big as ours, so in theory, they could have their own civilization, right? But the real issue isn’t their brains—it’s their hands. Imagine a dolphin thinking, “Oh, I’ve got a great idea for writing a book!” and then... well, flapping those flippers around helplessly because, of course, they don’t have hands! It’s not that they lack the intelligence; it’s just that without hands, all those great dolphin ideas are just lost at sea. I can almost see a dolphin philosopher drifting off into the waves with all those unrealized dreams.

Anyway, I can’t do it justice—ISMO’s delivery is priceless—but it’s a fun way to think about why dolphins might not be the oceanic authors we’d expect them to be!

Mahi:
Haha, I can totally picture that now! Poor dolphins—endless brilliant ideas, but no hands to make them happen. Maybe that’s why they’re such good listeners in their pods—they’re full of stories just waiting to be told! But coming back to our main character for today... All wonderful guesses, but it’s time for the big reveal. [Drumroll sound] 

Manaan: The character who helps Sunny learn about the value of family is… Elio the Elk! We chose Elio because elks are known for their strong family groups, where each member supports the others, just like how the roots of trees support each other underground.

Mahi: And Elio’s wisdom about family, like those intertwining roots, helps Sunny and Penny understand how family bonds keep us grounded, even when we’re apart. So, without further ado, let’s hear Elio’s story!

Segment 2: Storytime – Family Ties with Elio the Elk

[Mahi reads the story, bringing it to life.]

Segment 3: Reflections on the Story – The Role of Family in Mental Health

Mahi: What a beautiful story, Manaan. I loved how Elio compared family to the roots of a tree, always connected, always supporting each . And it really got me thinking—why is family so crucial for our mental well-being?

Manaan: That’s a great question, Mahi. Family provides the foundation of our social support system. When we have a strong family, we have a sense of safety, of belonging, which is key to our emotional resilience. Think about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—the pyramid that starts with our basic needs like food and safety, and then moves up to needs like love, belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.

Mahi: Exactly! Without that foundation of love and belonging, it’s hard to move up the pyramid, right? It’s like trying to build a house without a solid foundation. If we don’t feel safe and loved at home, it’s tough to have the confidence to reach for higher goals.

Manaan: Absolutely. And when those needs aren’t met, it can really have a ripple effect. Studies show that children who experience adverse childhood events—things like family conflict, neglect, or even a lack of emotional support—are at a significantly higher risk for developing mental health challenges. For example, experiencing four or more ACEs can increase the likelihood of depression by 300% and raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors by 12 times.

Mahi: Wow, those numbers really hit hard. It shows just how important it is for families to create a safe, nurturing environment. But on the flip side, a supportive family can be a powerful protective factor, right?

Manaan: Yes, it’s like two sides of the same coin. When families are supportive, they can reduce the risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety by nearly 50%. They become a buffer against life’s challenges—like a warm, sturdy blanket on a cold day. Just as Elio’s family supports each other in the story, real-life families can offer that stability and reassurance, reminding us that we’re not alone.

Mahi: And that’s so important for kids to hear—knowing that their family is like those roots, even when they’re apart. It’s about feeling grounded and safe.

Segment 4: Prompts for Exploring the Value of Family

Mahi: Now that we’ve heard the story, let’s dig into some of the ways parents, grandparents, and teachers can explore these themes with children. One thing that stood out to me is how Elio compared family to the roots of a tree. What can parents do to help kids understand that connection?

Manaan: It’s a perfect prompt for talking about how roots keep a tree strong, even when the weather gets rough. Just like those roots, family keeps us strong, even when life gets difficult. Parents can ask kids to think about how their own family makes them feel safe or how they support each other, like how the trees in Elio’s grove stand tall together.

Mahi: Yes, it’s such a comforting thought, knowing that our roots keep us steady. It reminds me of another question: What did Sunny learn from watching Elio’s family?

Manaan: Sunny learned about mutual support—how Elio’s family looks out for each other. Parents could ask kids to share examples of times they’ve helped out at home or when they’ve been helped by family. It’s about helping them see that they’re part of a network, just like Elio’s deer family.

Mahi: And it’s a great way to show that even little actions can make a big difference. Like when kids help with chores or cheer up a sibling who’s feeling down—those small acts of kindness add up.

Mahi: Speaking of kindness, I love this next prompt: Have you ever helped someone in your family through a difficult time?

Manaan: Yes, and it’s a great way to talk about how being there for each other can build strength. Maybe a child remembers sitting with a parent who had a rough day, or helping their grandparents with technology. It helps them understand that even though they’re young, they can be a source of comfort and support.

Mahi: It’s so powerful to see kids realize their own ability to make a difference. And it ties into the idea of family as a safe space. Which brings me to another one—Can you think of ways your family helps you feel grounded, like the roots of a tree?

Manaan: It’s all about those everyday routines, like family meals or bedtime stories. When kids share those moments, it helps them see that routines and traditions are like the roots that keep them steady.

Mahi: And that brings us to the next point, Manaan. Why is family such an important value for the animals in Terra Vale? I think it’s because it helps them feel safe and strong, just like in real life.

Manaan: Absolutely. For animals—and for us—family means safety, protection, and knowing that someone has your back. It’s the reason why, even in difficult times, people can find strength from their family connections.

Mahi: And that sense of safety can make all the difference during tough times, like Elio said. Elio talked about family being there for each other through challenges. Can you think of a time when your family helped you through something tough?

Manaan: Yes, this is where kids can really reflect on the support they’ve received, like when a family member cheered them on during a sports game or helped them with a tough homework problem. It shows that they’re never truly alone, just like Sunny learned from Elio.

Mahi: And it’s a beautiful way to wrap up the story, knowing that family ties are always there, like the stars over Terra Vale.

[PROTECT Podcast – Episode 59: The Value of Family with Mahi and Manaan]

INTRO MUSIC

[Upbeat, gentle intro music fades out]

Mahi: Hello, everyone, and welcome to Episode 59 of the PROTECT Podcast! I’m your host, Mahi, and today’s episode is all about a topic that touches every one of us deeply—family. Family plays such an important role in shaping our mental well-being, resilience, and even in suicide prevention. And with me today is the ever-insightful Dr. Manaan Kar Ray, who’s here to share his wisdom.

Manaan: Hi, Mahi! It’s great to be here, and I think today’s episode is going to be really special. Family, in so many ways, is like the foundation that shapes us, supports us, and sometimes, challenges us too.

Mahi: Yes, Manaan, and it’s such a rich topic! Before we get into the story from Sunny's Value Scouts, we asked our listeners to play along with a guessing game. We asked them which animal they thought best represents the value of family. We’ve got some great guesses to share, and we’ll reveal the character from today’s story in just a bit.

Segment 1: The Guessing Game – Top 3 Guesses

Mahi: I’ll start us off with the first guess. Sophia from Toronto thought a wolf would best represent the value of family. She said, “Wolves are all about the pack—they protect each other, hunt together, and never leave a member behind.” It’s true, isn’t it, Manaan? Wolves are known for their tight-knit social structures.

Manaan: Absolutely, Sophia made a great point! Wolves really embody that idea of loyalty and looking out for one another. And Mahi, we also heard from Ravi from Melbourne, who suggested elephants. He mentioned, “Elephants never forget their family. They grieve when they lose one of their own, and they’ll go back to places where their loved ones have been.” It’s such a touching reminder of how deep those bonds can be.

Mahi: So true, Manaan. And then we had Maria from Seattle, who picked dolphins. She said, “Dolphins live in pods and are always there to help each other, especially when one is in danger. They’re like the lifeguards of the ocean!” I love that image—dolphins with little whistles and lifebuoys, ready to jump in!

Manaan: Haha, that’s a great visual, Mahi! All wonderful guesses, but it’s time for the big reveal. [Drumroll sound] The character who helps Sunny learn about the value of family is… Elio the Elk! We chose Elio because elks are known for their strong family groups, where each member supports the others, just like how the roots of trees support each other underground.

Mahi: And Elio’s wisdom about family, like those intertwining roots, helps Sunny and Penny understand how family bonds keep us grounded, even when we’re apart. So, without further ado, let’s hear Elio’s story!

Segment 2: Storytime – Family Ties with Elio the Elk

[Mahi and Manaan take turns reading the story, bringing it to life. Mahi reads Sunny’s and Penny’s dialogue, and Manaan narrates Elio’s parts. They add emphasis to key lessons about family and connection, using expressive tones to create an immersive experience for listeners.]

Segment 3: Reflections on the Story – The Role of Family in Mental Health

Mahi: What a beautiful story, Manaan. I loved how Elio compared family to the roots of a tree, always connected, always supporting each other. And it really got me thinking—why is family so crucial for our mental well-being?

Manaan: That’s a great question, Mahi. Family provides the foundation of our social support system. When we have a strong family, we have a sense of safety, of belonging, which is key to our emotional resilience. Think about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—the pyramid that starts with our basic needs like food and safety, and then moves up to needs like love, belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.

Mahi: Exactly! Without that foundation of love and belonging, it’s hard to move up the pyramid, right? It’s like trying to build a house without a solid foundation. If we don’t feel safe and loved at home, it’s tough to have the confidence to reach for higher goals.

Manaan: Absolutely. And when those needs aren’t met, it can really have a ripple effect. Studies show that children who experience adverse childhood events—things like family conflict, neglect, or even a lack of emotional support—are at a significantly higher risk for developing mental health challenges. For example, experiencing four or more ACEs can increase the likelihood of depression by 300% and raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors by 12 times.

Mahi: Wow, those numbers really hit hard. It shows just how important it is for families to create a safe, nurturing environment. But on the flip side, a supportive family can be a powerful protective factor, right?

Manaan: Yes, it’s like two sides of the same coin. When families are supportive, they can reduce the risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety by nearly 50%. They become a buffer against life’s challenges—like a warm, sturdy blanket on a cold day. Just as Elio’s family supports each other in the story, real-life families can offer that stability and reassurance, reminding us that we’re not alone.

Mahi: And that’s so important for kids to hear—knowing that their family is like those roots, even when they’re apart. It’s about feeling grounded and safe.

Segment 4: Prompts for Exploring the Value of Family

Mahi: Now that we’ve heard the story, let’s dig into those prompts for parents, grandparents, and teachers. I’ll start with one that stuck with me: Why do you think Elio compared family to the roots of a tree? It’s such a lovely metaphor, don’t you think?

Manaan: It really is. It’s a great way to explain to kids that just like how roots keep a tree steady, our family keeps us grounded, even when we face life’s storms. Families might not always be visible—like those roots—but their support runs deep.

Mahi: Yes, and it’s also a chance to help kids see that they’re never really alone. Even when their family members are far away, the connection remains. And speaking of being there for each other, that ties into another question: What did Sunny learn from watching Elio’s family?

Manaan: It’s about mutual support, right? Elio’s family helps each other, much like the trees in the grove share their roots. Parents can use this prompt to ask kids about times when they’ve helped their own family, like helping a sibling with homework or comforting a parent after a tough day. It’s all about showing that family isn’t just a support system—it’s something we contribute to as well.

Mahi: And that’s a beautiful way to build empathy in kids, Manaan. It reminds me of the next question: Have you ever helped someone in your family through a difficult time?

Manaan: Definitely, Mahi. And it’s a chance to talk about how even small acts of kindness—like offering a hug or just listening—can make a big difference. It’s a great way to help kids see that they have the power to make their family stronger, just as Elio’s family supports each other.

Mahi: It’s also a good way to talk about the importance of being there for each other during tough times. And that brings us to a crucial point—how families can help during times of crisis, like in our PROTECT program.

Segment 5: The LOVE Exercise and CARERS Framework

Mahi: Manaan, can you share how the LOVE exercise helps families become that support system during a crisis?

Manaan: Of course, Mahi. The LOVE exercise is all about mapping out the social network of the person who’s struggling. It’s simple but effective:

• L is for List: We list everyone in the person’s life who matters to them.
• O is for Organize: We arrange these people based on how helpful and available they are.
• V is for Verify: We verify what each person knows and where they fit into circles of trust—inner, outer, and beyond.
• E is for Engage: We engage those who are both helpful and available, bringing them closer into the inner circle to provide active support.

Mahi: And it’s a reminder that sometimes, people in the outer circle—maybe a teacher or a neighbor—can be just as valuable when it comes to supporting someone in need.

Manaan: Absolutely. It’s all about finding those connections that can provide consistent support. And our CARERS framework helps guide families in specific roles:

• C for Collateral: Families provide information during assessments and track how things change.
• A for Access: They help manage access to things like medications and ensure safety.
• R for Routine: Establishing daily routines is key, especially during tough times.
• E for Emergency: Knowing what to do when a crisis hits.
• R for Recovery: Supporting the person in setting and achieving their life goals.
• S for Step Up or Back: Knowing when to lean in with extra support and when to step back, allowing the person to regain their independence.

Mahi: That’s such an important point, Manaan. Families need to know that it’s okay to step back sometimes, to let their loved ones grow. And it’s about finding that balance, just like in Elio’s story.

Segment 6: Fictional Families – The Lighter Side

Mahi:
Let’s end on a lighter note with some fictional families! Manaan, I’ll go first. The Weasleys from Harry Potter—they’re a chaotic bunch, but their love is fierce! They’ve got that “mom-knows-best” vibe from Mrs. Weasley that we can all relate to. And honestly, you’ve got to admire a family that can make hand-me-downs and magical mischief seem endearing!

Manaan:
Absolutely, Mahi! The Weasleys are proof that even if family life gets a bit messy—like Ron’s ghoul in the attic—what really matters is the warmth and loyalty that hold everyone together. And speaking of loyalty, let’s talk about Simba and Mufasa from The Lion King. Mufasa’s spirit is literally with Simba, even when he’s gone. It’s like that little voice in your head that says, “Remember who you are,” instead of, “Why haven’t you done your chores yet?”

Mahi:
Haha, so true! And don’t forget The Parr family from The Incredibles! Sure, they might argue over who’s doing the dishes or whether Jack-Jack should use his laser vision indoors, but when it’s time to save the day, they’re a super team. They show that every family has their unique strengths, even if they don’t always agree—whether it’s stretching yourself like Elastigirl or just trying to hold it all together like Mr. Incredible.

Manaan:
And then there’s Marlin and Nemo from Finding Nemo. Marlin might be a bit overprotective—okay, let’s face it, a lot overprotective—but his journey to find Nemo shows just how far a parent will go to keep their kids safe. Plus, Marlin learns that sometimes, you have to let go a little to help your loved ones grow. It’s like that classic family lesson: “Let them swim a bit... but maybe not all the way to Sydney!”

Mahi:
Exactly, Manaan! And we can’t forget The Banks family from Mary Poppins. They start off pretty distant, but with a little help from a magical nanny, they rediscover the importance of being together. It’s a great reminder that even when families drift apart, they can find their way back to each other—sometimes with a spoonful of sugar, sometimes with a singalong and a kite.

Manaan:
You know, Mahi, speaking of singalongs and magical characters, I’m starting to think that Sunny, Penny, and Elio might just give those Disney families a run for their money. We’re still waiting for that Disney or Pixar contract, by the way! Sunny and Elio could really use their own animated movie. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see an elk giving heartfelt advice under a starlit forest? Come on, Disney—if you’re listening, we’re ready when you are!

Mahi:
Oh, absolutely! Can’t you just see it? Elio’s voiceover in a deep, wise tone, with Sunny wagging his tail enthusiastically. It’s a blockbuster in the making! But hey, until that phone call comes through, we’ll just keep sharing these stories right here on the podcast!

Manaan:
Yes, because at the end of the day, these stories—whether they’re animated or just told through our voices—remind us of something simple but powerful. Families aren’t perfect, but they’re what help us stay rooted when life gets windy. It’s like the oak tree in our metaphor—its roots spread wide and deep, holding firm even during the biggest storms.

Mahi:
That’s such a beautiful image, Manaan. An oak tree’s roots are like the love and support that families give—sometimes unseen, but always there, keeping us steady. And the branches? They reach out, just like how our family connections grow and expand, giving us space to explore and become who we are, knowing that we’re always anchored.

Manaan:
Exactly, Mahi. And sometimes those branches bend and sway, but they don’t break, just like the love that holds families together through ups and downs. It’s a reminder that no matter what, those roots—those connections—are what keep us grounded, and they’re the ones that help us grow taller, stronger, and reach for the sky.

Segment 7: Call to Action and Sneak Peek

Mahi:
We’ve covered a lot today, from the magic of family roots to the tough realities of ACEs, and from talking trees to kite-flying families. And we’re so grateful to have you all on this journey with us. For our next episode, we have a new story—Loyalty in the Ice. The main character embodies the value of loyalty. Any guesses? Write to us, and we’ll reveal the answer next time!

Manaan:
It’s been a pleasure, Mahi. And to all our listeners, remember—family is like those roots Elio talked about. Even when life’s winds blow hard, they’re there, keeping you grounded. And sometimes, those roots even help us find our way back, like a breadcrumb trail… except, you know, with less chance of getting eaten by seagulls! Until next time, everyone!