The minds behind the grill
The Grill Master
Justin McClain is the host and Grill master of “Minding the Grill." When he isn't minding the grill, Justin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is the co-owner and licensed therapist at Home Again Counseling in downtown St. Petersburg, FL -- the Sunshine City of the Sunshine State. In his practice, Justin uses cognitive based approaches to guide his clients through their unwanted emotions towards inner peace and relief.
A proud alumnus of the Florida State University and the University of Central Florida, Justin graduated with his master’s in social work from FSU, and his bachelor’s degree from UCF. Justin specializes in counseling through recent and past traumas and has years of experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings.
Justin is equally passionate about helping his community. He stands up to silence around domestic violence by serving on the board of directors at CASA.
When he isn’t working, recording, or serving his community, Justin loves to disconnect. Together with his wife and puppy they travel in their tiny camper and enjoy the tranquility of state and national parks all across the country.
The General Manager
Ashton Valerio is co-host and producer of minding the grill - aka the general manager. Ashton is a highly talented creator across all medias; he is a podcast creator, play write, rapper, and short stories author. As a lover of the arts, he makes his living as a manager at a prominent art gallery in St. Petersburg FL.
Ashton and Justin first met as undergraduates at the University of Central Florida, before becoming life-long friends. While at UCF, Ashton studied psychology.
Minding the Grill combines Ashton’s creative ingenuity with his knowledge of the human psyche and mental health stigmas. During their ‘backyard sessions’ Ashton, Justin and their guests talk about mindfulness while smoking up appetizers and main courses.
"From my experience as a therapist, healthy relationships heal people. Minding the Grill shows us the recipe book on how to do just that"
The Recipe
The purpose of this project is expand this circle of vulnerability through education and to normalize mental wellness while enjoying delicious food. I will share my favorite recipes to grill or smoke while dropping mental wellness knowledge.