WRFG Atlanta 89.3 FM

To listen to past programs, click on the On Your Mind – Archive Index

On Your Mind is a locally produced informational show that focuses on mental health issues.
Launched during the pandemic, the program delves into the biological, emotional, situational,
and psychological factors that challenge our mental well-being. The show features interviews
and discussions on a wide range of topics related to the mind, including mental health diagnoses,
cultural issues, drug use, politics, justice, and both local and global events.
Tune in every Tuesday to hear from our team of expert hosts—Joanne Peeler, PhD, Rhonda
Rivers, PhD, Stephen Ritz, PhD, and Katherine Coolidge, MSW—all of whom are Georgia-
based psychotherapists and active mental health professionals. On Your Mind is produced to
provide valuable information to the community and airs on Radio Free Georgia, your station and
streaming platform for progressive news, music, and information.

Our Four Rotating Hosts and Professional Psychotherapists:

Joanne Peeler, PhD
Dr. Joanne Peeler has been in clinical practice for over 35 years, specializing in trauma, stress,
health/medical psychology, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and life transitions. She is the past
president of the Georgia Psychological Association and has served on the American
Psychological Association’s Continuing Education Committee as well as the Georgia
Psychological Foundation’s Executive Committee. Dr. Peeler has worked in various settings,
including military bases, medical centers, and as a member of Delta Airline’s Disaster Response
teams. She also teaches and supervises other mental health professionals.

Stephen Ritz, PhD

With more than 30 years of experience in private practice, Dr. Stephen Ritz specializes in
depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, grief/loss, PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and
pre-bariatric surgery psychological evaluations. He is a longtime member of the American
Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), co-author of the ASMBS guidelines for
pre-surgical psychological assessment, and past chair of their support group committee. Dr. Ritz
is also actively involved with the Georgia Psychological Association and other professional
committees. Additionally, he has appeared in media outreach programs, including TLC’s
psychology-related shows. In his personal time, Dr. Ritz enjoys playing in amateur baseball
leagues.

Rhonda Rivers, PhD
Dr. Rhonda Rivers is an experienced clinical psychologist with over 30 years of practice and
teaching. She is the former Director of Counseling at Kennesaw State University and currently
offers telehealth services in Georgia. Her clinical expertise includes trauma/PTSD, relationship
issues, racial identity and racial trauma, anxiety, grief, stress management, sexual abuse,
women’s issues, and faith-based care when requested. Dr. Rivers is an accomplished leader and
has served on boards of the Georgia College Counseling Association, the Georgia Psychological
Association, and the American College Counseling Association. She is also a recognized Fellow
of the Georgia Psychological Association.

Katherine Coolidge, MSW
Katherine Coolidge is a Licensed Social Worker (LMSW/LCSW) in Georgia, holding a Master’s
of Social Work. A Native American Aniishnaabe, she is an enrolled member of the Lac Courte
Oreilles Reservation in Wisconsin and a tribal elder and storyteller, Ms. Coolidge is well-known in
activist circles within indigenous communities across the country. She is an advocate/supporter of
the American Indian Movement thru her affiliation with Russell Means and the extension of AIM here in
Georgia with along with the late Aaron Two Elk. Her areas of expertise include individual and family
therapy, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, case management, and care coordination. She
has worked in community mental health, child welfare, and healthcare settings. Using evidence-
based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing,
Katherine is deeply committed to client-centered care and advocacy for vulnerable populations.

Our Producers:
On Your Mind is assisted in production by Paul Ferguson, a former CNN war correspondent and
journalist, along with his team. The program was created by Mark Gilson, PhD, founder of the
Atlanta Center for Cognitive Therapy and former fellow and faculty member with Aaron T.
Beck, M.D., at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gilson is also the host of WRFG’s “What the
Folk?!”