Biography: Ariel Gbenedio, LCSW

Ariel Wilson Gbenedio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), transformational speaker, and dedicated advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. With nearly a decade of experience across diverse clinical settings—including crisis residential treatment and outpatient care—Ariel has become a trusted voice for those navigating the darkest chapters of their lives. Her work is rooted in a blend of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), but her true impact lies in her deeply compassionate, human-centered approach to healing.

Throughout her career, Ariel has witnessed the profound need for a more open, honest, and proactive dialogue regarding suicide. Recognizing that clinical expertise alone is not enough to dismantle the stigma surrounding the topic, she has expanded her reach to the keynote stage. As a sought-after speaker, she engages audiences with raw authenticity, aiming to bridge the gap between clinical theory and lived experience. Her goal is not just to inform, but to shift the collective perspective on how we perceive mental health crises, encouraging societies to prioritize emotional well-being with the same urgency as physical health.

Addie Zinone is a veteran journalist, former Today Show production assistant, and retired Army Reserve soldier whose life story is a profound study in resilience and the pursuit of truth. After beginning her career at NBC’s flagship morning program, Addie eventually stepped away from the spotlight to serve her country, deploying twice to Iraq as an Army journalist. Her dual perspective as both a media insider and a military veteran gives her a unique vantage point on the structures of power and the weight of public perception.

For years, Addie’s story was shrouded in the complexities of workplace power dynamics. In 2017, she courageously stepped forward to share her experience regarding an encounter with a high-profile media figure, sparking a national conversation about the vulnerability of young women in professional environments. Rather than letting the narrative be defined by others, Addie has spent the last several years reclaiming her voice, advocating for systemic change and supporting those who have faced similar professional or personal traumas.

Beyond the headlines, Addie is a dedicated advocate for veterans and a mother who understands the necessity of fostering a more equitable world for the next generation. Her transition from the fast-paced world of New York media to the discipline of military service—and eventually to the front lines of social advocacy—showcases a woman who refuses to be silenced by the weight of her past. She speaks with raw honesty about the "shame" that often accompanies survival and the liberation that comes with telling the whole truth.

In this episode, host Jeanne Pepper and Addie discuss the intersection of trauma and the public eye. They explore the emotional toll of accountability and the strength required to stand firm when the world is watching. Addie’s insights serve as a vital reminder that healing is not a linear process, but a courageous act of defiance. Her story isn't just about what happened to her; it’s about who she became because of it, and how she continues to lead with integrity.