#United States #mental health #Englewood Cliffs #LG Channels #Transparent Conversations

LG Electronics Launches Transparent Conversations Series

LG Electronics has unveiled its innovative podcast series, Transparent Conversations, designed to shine a light on the pressing mental health issues affecting student-athletes. This new series is set to air on LG Channels, a free streaming platform available exclusively on LG Smart TVs, and will be accessible throughout Student-Athlete Mental Health Week from October 5 to 12, coinciding with World Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10.

The 18-episode series is hosted by acclaimed sports journalist Taylor Rooks. It seeks to address the unique set of challenges faced by student-athletes as they navigate the demanding dual roles of excelling in academics and athletics. Each episode aims to unpack the complex interplay of their educational commitments, athletic responsibilities, and personal well-being, all while confronting societal expectations and internal pressures.

At its core, Transparent Conversations dives deeper than conventional discussions by tackling topics that many prominent athletes have often avoided. The series encompasses critical themes, including the interplay of cultural identity and sports, the management of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, and strategies for overcoming physical injuries and mental setbacks. This format provides listeners with valuable insights and hands-on advice through honest dialogues featuring mental health experts alongside experienced college and professional athletes.

Among the distinguished guests featured on the show are notable figures like Jerry Stackhouse, the Head Coach of Men's Basketball at Vanderbilt University and former two-time NBA All-Star; Kenny Anderson, Head Coach of Men's Basketball at Fisk University; Olympic swimmer and four-time gold medalist Ryan Murphy; Bobby Hurley, head coach at Arizona State University; and Victoria Garrick Brown, founder of the advocacy platform Hidden Opponent.

According to Jeannie Lee, Director of Corporate Marketing at LG, “World Mental Health Awareness Day should resonate as a daily commitment. We are passionate about inclusivity for all student-athletes, regardless of their sport or division. By incorporating Transparent Conversations into LG Channels, we significantly enhance our commitment to empowering today’s and future student-athletes toward achieving their full potential.”

As a long-standing NCAA® Corporate Partner, LG strategically focuses its approach to support student-athletes both on-campus and off. Initiatives such as the Life's Good Coaches Award underscore LG’s vision that every student-athlete deserves mentorship, with NCAA coaches ideally positioned to take on that significant role. Additionally, LG collaborates with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which is pivotal to building infrastructure at NCAA-hosted events that supports mental health awareness. This partnership also aims to develop the NAMI Mental Health College Guide for Educators, which provides essential tools for self-care and burnout prevention.

“NAMI wishes for every student to feel recognized and empowered to discuss mental health openly,” said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI. “The expansion of Transparent Conversations onto LG Channels allows for a broader reach, helping to connect more student-athletes with the narratives and resources needed for enhanced well-being. We are grateful for LG’s ongoing support and their commitment to mental health awareness for young people across the nation.”

The introduction of Transparent Conversations further enriches LG Channels' sports content lineup. It is housed within the LG Channels Sports Hub, which features a diverse array of sports programming, including coverage of NCAA® Championships. With a plethora of events across fall, winter, and spring sports, viewers can immerse themselves in the excitement of college athletics from the comfort of their homes. The LG Originals series, The Rivalries, also available through the NCAA® Championships Channel, amplifies LG’s dedication to enhancing visibility for student-athletes across all divisions and reinforces the ongoing partnership with the NCAA.

For more information on LG’s partnership with NCAA and insights on Transparent Conversations Powered By LG, visit lg.com/us/ncaa and lg.com/us/transparent-conversations.

About LG Electronics USA: LG Electronics USA, Inc., located in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., represents the North American branch of LG Electronics, Inc., a global innovator generating over $60 billion in revenues. With an extensive range of advanced home appliances and entertainment systems, LG strives for excellence in innovation and customer satisfaction.

About LG Channels: LG Channels serves as a free streaming service on webOS, featuring a broad selection of over 400 channels that encompass movies, television shows, news, and sports content. This service caters to LG Smart TV users from 2016 models onward.