Tune in for real, honest conversations with every day people and mental health professionals as they openly share their personal experiences with mental illness including: suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, alcohol and substance abuse addiction, and so much more. Each episode delivers personal insights into coping with mental health challenges as well as resources and strategies to improve your quality of life.
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Previous Featured Podcasts:
CURRENT SEASON (2025)
EPISODE 117: CONDITOINAL LOVE. In this episode, we’ll explore conditional love from the basic question of what it means, how it shapes our self-esteem, and emotional development, to the ways it influences our personal relationships and work performance.
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EPISODE 116: WORKPLACE BULLYING. Our guest, Andy Regal, a highly accomplished media executive and author of Surviving Bully Culture: A Career Spent Navigating Workplace Bullying and a Guide for Healing. joins us to share his powerful story.
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EPISODE 115: INSIDE THE ANXIOUS BRAIN. In this episode, we sit down with Erin Vandemore – a mother, author, licensed therapist, and creator of the Mind Circuit app. Erin uses powerful analogies to explain how neuroscience shapes mental health, EMDR, and trauma recovery. Discover practical ways such as “tapping” to calm anxiety, retrain your brain’s stress response, and cultivate peace from within. Do yourself a favor and check out this inspiring conversation filled with insight, science, and hope.
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EPISODE 114: TECH WITH LESS STRESS, FINDING BALANCE BETWEEN TECH, TENSION, AND TRANQUILITY. In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Melendez, a network systems engineer, yoga instructor, and stress management coach who knows firsthand how technology can both help and hinder our peace of mind.
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EPISODE 113: OVERCOME CHALLENGES WITH CONFIDENCE. Stop letting regrets hold you back. We all have them. In this episode, renowned coach and former psychologist, Dr. Dan Elash shares practical strategies to help you rise above setbacks and move forward with confidence.
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EPISODE 111: BREAKING PATTERNS OF GENERATIONAL TRAUMA. This episode is a must listen for any parent as we dive deep with our guest, mental health advocate, Ginger Germani, who opens up about growing up GenX and navigating general trauma, divorce, survival mode, and vulnerability; the daily habits that create security and self-love; the heartbreaking loss of her son Austin to suicide in 2017 and her journey from grief to advocacy; and what it means to parent with intention and break unhealthy family patterns.
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EPISODE 110: IMPOSTER SYNDROME. In this honest and unfiltered conversation, guest Amanda Miller joins our co-hosts to share deeply personal experiences with Imposter Syndrome. While not an official mental health diagnosis, imposter syndrome describes the persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud despite clear evidence of one’s own competence and achievements. Together, they explore how these feelings take root and how to begin challenging them. Guest: Amanda Miller
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EPISODE 109: MOOD STABILIZING MEDS. Dr. Alberto Augsten talks about the importance of access to medications for those who are indigent, treating bipolar 1 disorder, and passing on his knowledge of pharmacology and impact on mental health.
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EPISODE 108: NAVIGATING END-OF-LIFE. In this powerful episode of Voices for Mental Health, we dive into one of life’s most difficult conversations – death. Certified death doula Amanda Miller joins us to share her compassionate approach to supporting individuals and families during the final stage of life. Whe
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EPISODE 107: LEAVING LARGE: THE SECRET TO WEIGHT LOSS. This episode is a must for anyone struggling with weight. Hear from author and former food addict Michelle Petties as she explains why diets don’t work and how memories affect our eating habits. Guest: Michelle Petties
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EPISODE 106: MY HEART’S CRY: BEING OKAY She beat the odds of terminal cancer and counts her blessings. Hear her raw and emotional story in her own words and why you should never give up hope. Guest: Katherine Coullivon.
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EPISODE 105: BLIND AND NO LIMITS: A VETERAN’S ROAD TO HOPE. Our guest, Kijuan “Kiwi” Amey, is a former U.S. Air Force serviceman who launched his own business at just 25 years old. But everything changed when a devastating motorcycl accident left him permanently blind. Instead of letting tragedy define him, Kiwi chose a different path – one of resilience, faith, and purpose..
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EPISODE 104: BREAKING THE SILENCE: HEALING FROM BETRAYAL AND RECLAIMING POWER. Author, motivational speaker, and sexual assault survivor offers hope and healing to others who have survived childhood trauma, feelings of betrayal, and difficulties with relationships. Hear Cindy’s story abd how finding forgiveness has helped her take back her power. Guest: Cindy Benezra.
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EPISODE 103: BEYOND DENIAL: RAISING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. This podcast is a must listen for parents with special needs. Hear how one father candidly talks about his journey raising a child with autism and how it has shaped his ego, marriage, finances, and career. Guest: Michael Pereira, The Autism Voyage
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EPISODE 102: UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS: In this episode. we explore many uncomfortable topics including grief, dating, and sex with single mom, widow, and mental health advocate. Guest: Carrie Kerwick
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EPISODE 101: THE NARCISSIST PLAYBOOK: ABIGAIL’S JOURNEY. In this episode. we take a deep dive into narcissists, the “playbook,” and why some people have the guts to say goodbye and others don’t. Guest: Dr. Rita Louise.
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EPISODE 100: MEDICAL MYSTERY: ABIGAIL’S JOURNEY. One mother shares her daughter’s rare medical condition, along with her daughter’s fighting spirit, and how she navigates parenting a child with disabilities. Guest: Adriana Stallard.
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EPISODE 99: A CULT SURVIVOR’S MEMORIES. A very raw and fascinating conversation with cult survivor, Joanne Ometz, who shares her memories of abuse and brainwashing at a very young age by members of a cult, including her father and grandfather. Ometz also talks openly about how this traumatic experience impacted her marriage, her relationship with her son, and overall mental health.
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EPISODE 98: THE ANXIETY DEFAULT. This episode will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about stress and anxiety. Guest Mak Estill talks about the various ways people have been taught to lower their anxiety and why they don’t work for everyone.
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EPISODE 97: A CULT SURVIVORS MEMORIERS. A very rare and fascinating conversation with cult survivor, Joanne Ometz, who shares her memories of abuse and brainwashing at a very young age. Ometz also talks openly about how her traumatic experience impacted her relationship with her son, her marriage, and overall mental health
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EPISODE 96: WARNING SIGNS: TRUST YOUR GUT. Markita Madden talks openly about her own experience with suicide, the warning signs, and risk factors. Hear why it’s so important for survivors to share their personal stories, which industries are more impacted by suicide, and the importance of seeking mental health support before a crisis. Guest: Markita Madden, Executive Director at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Virginia Chapter.
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EPISODE 95: YOUR BODY AND BRAIN. Molly Rose from the Strozzi Institute for Semantics shares her expert advice on ways to move through a major life transition, the importance of NOT shaming ourselves, and the universal healing benefits of humor.
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EPISODE 94: FAMILY TRAUMA. In this episode, we take an in-depth look at what happens when children grow up with a parent suffering from mental illness. Guest: Dr. Michelle Sherman.
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EPISODE 93: SURVIVAL MODE TO THRIVING. In this episode, Guest, Charlie Anne Xavier, a burn survivor and single mother of two, opens up about her physical and emotional challenges along with her journey to find joy and fulfillment.
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SEASON 6 (2024)
EPISODE 92: HELP FOR FINDING YOUR PURPOSE. Certified Life Coach, Lauren Marini provides easy and practical advice for finding your purpose and joy. Whether you are looking to change careers, want to create a work life balance, or going through a divorce, this episode is for you!
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EPISODE 91: MENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS. Dr. Michelle Sherman shares her nearly 30 years of experience working in mental health research and clinical settings and offers tips for families to reduce holiday anxiety.
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EPISODE 90: ANIMAL AND HUMAN CONNECTION. Licensed psychologist Susan B Eirich shares her in-depth knowledge of working with wildlife and what it can teach humans about connection and communication.
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EPISODE 89: OVERCOME THE OVERWHELM. Guest Sam Kabert was a rising star in Silicon Valley earning over a million dollars before he turned 40. Despite his success, he says he wasn’t happy. Hear how this keynote speaker and three-time best selling author changed his life and career and how you can, too.
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EPISODE 88: SURROGACY: RISKS AND REWARDS. In this episode, you will hear from a woman who turned her own surrogacy journey into a career and what you should know about the surrogacy process, state laws, compensation, risks and rewards. Guest: Casey Oakley: Journey Coordinator, Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists, LLC
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SEASON 5 (2024)
EPISODE 87: DOMESTIC PARTNER ABUSE (part 2):. Domestic violence prevention specialist talks about the difference between the military and civilian response to domestic partner abuse; breaking the code of silence; evaluating the risks, and the necessity of having a plan to leave one’s abuser. Guest: Alex Weathersby, Prevention Specialist Services Coordinator for Shelter for Help in Emergency.
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EPISODE 86: BARIATRIC SURGERY: RISKS AND REWARDS. In this episode, you’ll hear one woman’s story about her battle with bulimia, relationship with food, and why she finally decided to have bariatric surgery. You will also hear about the risks and rewards associated with this particular weight loss surgery.
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EPISODE 85: POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD) AND PERINATAL DISORDERS. Hear one mother’s experience with PPD along with expert advice on risk factors, recognizing the signs, medications, and why it’s so important to get help.
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EPISODE 84: DATING OVER 50 IN 2024. In this episode, you hear how three mature women found love on the internet; the pros and cons of online dating; tips to avoid scammers; and how to be safe dating strangers.
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EPISODE 83: CRIME AND MENTAL ILLNESS. Hear how mental health advocates are helping individuals with serious mental illness and developmental disabilities accused of crimes avoid jail time. Guests: Kay Robertson and Veronica Espinosa, Community Navigators with Partner for Mental Health.
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EPISODE 82: MIRACLE MOM. Charlie Ann Xavier talks about her life-changing accident, defying the odds, and how she fought through the physical and mental pain in order to remain a mother to her children.
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EPISODE 81: IMPACT OF TEEN PREGNANCY. A former teen mom shares her experience with teen pregnancy, raising children, and why she chose not to have an abortion.
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EPISODE 80: UNDERSTANDING ADOPTION: INSIDE THE LONELINESS AND DISCONNECTION. Guest author, Janet Sherlund, offers a first-hand account of the trauma, anxiety, and grief that comes with being an adoptee.
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EPISODE 79: UNEXPECTED JOY: REDEFINING RECOVERY. In this very raw interview, a daughter shares her journey from near death from alcohol addiction to finding joy in the little things in life. Plus, hear her mother’s thoughts and advice from her peer recovery specialist. Guests: Maggie Slinkman Gary, Carrie Kerwick, and Lance Otis.
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EPISODE 78: THE FIGHT AGAINST PARKINSON’S: A CARE PARTNER’S STORY. Hear how a daughter is using her athleticism to help her father and others with Parkinson’s to live better and longer.
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EPISODE 77: BEHIND THE SCENES: FINDING HOPE THROUGH FILMMAKING. Dina Fiasconaro shares her passion for filmmaking, her struggles with mental health, and what it is like to be a minority.
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EPISODE 76: TEEN DATING ABUSE PREVENTION. In this eye-opening episode, you’ll hear from an expert on teen dating violence awareness and prevention as well as one woman’s personal experience at age 14 and how she is doing now. Guests: Alex Weathersby and Christine Lazorishak.
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EPISODE 75: CHANGING THE NARRATIVE. In this special episode, our panel discusses how Valentine’s Day can impact one’s mental health and why self-love is the key to finding joy. Guests: Lana Young, Carrie Soubra, and Jay Colligan
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EPISODE 74: THE MIRACLE MOM. Hear how a summer day turned into a nightmare for one family and how they are hoping to inspire others not to give up. Guest Andre Xavier, Co-Author of the book I Almost Lost Her: A Memoir of Unthinkable Tragedy.
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EPISODE 73: INTUITION INSIGHTS. Author and medical intuitive Dr. Rita Louise answers the question, Is ESP Real? and why she believes focusing on intuition and energy are keys to good mental health and getting rid of negative thoughts.
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EPISODE 72: THE GAME PLAN: ADDICTION AND RECOVERY. In this episode, hear how one woman battled her alcohol addiction, how she finally got sober, and her fear of relapse. Guest: Theresa Yuhn. Click here for more articles on addiction and recovery.
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Episode 71: LIFE IN THE ATTIC: HIGH CONFLICT DIVORCE. Certified life coach, Karen McMahon, talks about shame and guilt of divorce, codependency, emotional abuse, and how to protect children through a high conflict divorce. For more on divorce, read the article Navigating Divorce and Your Emotions by Candace Schoner.
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SEASON 4 (2023)
Episode 70: POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD) AND PERINATAL DISORDERS. In this episode, hear one mother’s experience with PPD along with risk factors, recognizing the signs, medications, and the importance of getting help. Guests: Christine Lazorishak, Mental Health Advocate and Birdie Meyer, OB Nurse and Therapist. For more information on Postpartum Depression, read the article Postpartum Depression – Beyond the “Baby Blues”
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Episode 69: LIFE, LOSS, AND MEMORIES. In this episode, trauma survivor and mental health advocate, Christine Lazorishak shares her personal journey with loss, grief, and OCD. For more on Grief, read What I Learned About Grief, a personal story by Carrie Kerwick.
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Episode 68: Narcissistic Abuse Narcissist expert and abuse survivor, Emma Davey, shares her personal journey as well as advice for recognizing a narcissistic relationship and ways to recover. Guest: Emma Davey, MBACP Counsellor & Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach
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Episode 67: Swimming Beneath the Surface: ADHD and Gifted Children Diagnosed or think you have ADHD, neurodiveristy expert and educator, Sandy Bean shares her personal journey as a gifted child with ADHD and offers practical advice for achieving goals such as time management and staying motivated. Guest: Sandy Bean, coach, educator, founder and CEO of ST Pete Girl Boss, and “brilliant woman with ADHD“ Read more about ADHD here.
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Episode 66: Mental Illness, Family, and Guilt
In this episode, writer and first-time author of Roll Back the World: A Sister’s Memoir, Deborah Kasdan share’s her sister’s battle with schizophrenia and it’s impact on her entire family. Find her book in the October 2023 newsletter here.
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Episode 65: Bariatric Surgery: Risks and Rewards
In this episode, you’ll hear one woman’s story about her battle with bulimia, relationship with food, and why she finally decided to have bariatric surgery. You’ll also hear about the risks and rewards associated with this particular weight loss surgery.
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Episode 64: Hidden Biases: Disability Awareness
In this episode, Julie Alexandrin shares her personal and professional opinions about living with a disability in America.
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Episode 63: Perspective Versus Reality
In this episode, Dr. Maria Rodriguez shares her own story of immigration to the U.S. and why she is so passionate about helping families deal with separation.
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Episode 62: The Subconscious Mind
Author, hypnotherapist, and life coach, Anthony Davis shares how his multiple near-death experiences changed his life and why he is helping others.
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Episode 61: Beating the Odds
Guest Charlie Burton shares his life experiences as a black trans man growing up in the South and his own struggles with alcoholism and gender identity.
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Episode 60: Decluttering Tips and Hoarding
Guest Phyllis White shares with us how you can declutter your space and what might cause hoarding behavior.
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SEASON 3 (2022)
Episode 59: Flipping the Script on Mental Health: A Group Conversation
In this episode, you’ll hear from three women who openly share their mental health journeys and the unique way they’ve come together to shine a light on mental illness.
Guests include: Eli Bouldin-Clopton, PRS, Executive Director, On Our Own
Jessica Harris, Founder and Artistic Director, Empowered Players; and
Lisa Wessner, Executive Director, Always, Already, Enough
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Episode 58: Living Well With Bipolar Disorder
Hear the story from the author himself of When Screams Become Whispers, a raw look at bipolar disorder. Bob Krulish’s story sheds light on the systemic problems deeply rooted in the American healthcare system. In this podcast, Bob openly discusses his depression and mania that led to his divorce, unemployment, and near homelessness; and how he finally learned to manage his symptoms in order to live well and be happy. Read more about Bob Krulish here.
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Episode 57: Eating Disorders and Dangers of Dieting
In this episode, licensed psychotherapist, Barbara Maille discusses the causes of eating disorders and the dangers of dieting while addressing issues of body image, bulimia, binge eating, and anorexia. Barbara explains the many reasons behind disordered eating, the importance of mindfulness, and serves up a healthy dose of hope to those who hate their bodies. Read more about Barbara Maille (LCSW) here.
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Episode 56: Life-Changing Decision: Self Reflection
Single mother in mid 50’s shares her dramatic life changing decision to find happiness. Guest Robin Martin-Lawson talks about her weight loss journey, the importance of having a reason to get up in the morning, and how she is now living her best life abroad in Turkey.
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Episode 55: Have You Seen His Anger?
This podcast is the personal account of one woman’s story of surviving domestic abuse. Hear Amanda in her own words as she describes the shame, disbelief, and wake up call that prompted her to leave her abuser after ten years of marriage and two children. Read more about Amanda here.
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Episode 54: Blinded by a Loved One’s Addiction
Trauma coach Jennifer Shakespere shares her experience dealing with an addict, signs of substance abuse, and patterns of a domestic violent relationship.
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Episode 53: A Medical Mystery: Living Triumph Over Eating Disorder and Addiction
Listen and be inspired by one woman’s journey of learning to live with an acquired brain injury and how she has learned to see the light and humor in everyday living.
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Episode 52: Triumph Over Eating Disorder and Addiction
Award winning author and former lawyer, Brian Cuban, talks about his battle with body image, his fall from grace, and how he is living his best life.
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Episode 51: The Suicide Note
Hear this fascinating and raw conversation about suicide and one woman’s journey toward finding her inner strength to keep living despite her on going battle with depression. Guest: Lisa Wessner, Mental Health Advocate and Play Producer.
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Episode 50: Strides in Suicide Prevention
Hear about the impact and efforts being made to prevent suicide in America from Markita Madden-Puckett, Program Director of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Plus learn about the potential causes of suicide and what you need to say to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. There’s no shame in calling 988.
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Episode 49: Athletes and Mental Health: Understanding Sports Culture
Sports psychologists Lori Freeman offers advise for athletes and parents to help with performance and mental health issues.
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Episode 48: The Divorce Dilemma
This episode featuring Virginia family law attorney Lynn Bradley is a must for anyone contemplating getting a divorce. Lynn discusses the various legal options of divorce along with their risk and benefits.
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Episode 47: Gun Violence and Mental Health Reforms
In this passionate interview with Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds, you’ll hear about past, present, and future legislation necessary to tackle gun violence and mental health issues in America.
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Episode 46: An Adoptee’s Story: Part 2: Searching For Birth Parents
Hear one woman’s journey to locate her biological parents, what resources she found most helpful and what she learned about herself and family in the process.
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Episode 45: An Adoptee’s Story: Part 1: About family, forgiveness, hurt and healing
Danielle Gaudette talks openly about being adopted at birth, her childhood, her adoptive mother’s struggle with anxiety and depression, and the journey that led to meeting her birth mother (actress Kate Mulgrew).
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Episode 44: Overcoming Haphephobia – The Fear of Touch
Guest Doddie Green is a published author who has suffered her entire life with depression. Her first book, Touch, tells a semi-autobiographical tale about a young woman who can’t stand any type of physical contact and resigns herself to a lonely existence of duty to her family – until, that is, she meets a special person. Doddie has also published her three books in her murder mystery series and blogs regularly about her personal struggles with depression, panic attacks, loneliness, and more.
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Episode 43: Impact of ADHD
The rabbit hole is real says our guest Susan MGinnis, a certified ADHD coach who has lived with ADHD her entire life. Susan shares her personal experience along with expert advice and resources to help those with ADHD live their best lives.
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Episode 42: Navigating Through Grief (Encore Presentation)
Life coach, author, and fellow podcaster Troia Butcher discusses the inspiration behind her incredible new book SoulTies: Letters of Love, reveals her own struggles with PTSD and grief, and offers advice on navigating the loss of a close friend, family member, or pet.
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Episode 41: Pregnancy Loss and Infertility
Author and singer-songwriter Julie Aguas shares her personal struggles with pregnancy loss and infertility in this very raw, emotional and enlightening interview.
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Episode 40: What Your Gut Is Saying
In this episode, gut health expert and author, Julia Loggins shares her personal journey to improving her physical health through better gut health. Loggins offers tips to eating healthier even on a budget and nutritional advice for reducing depression, anxiety, addiction, and even trauma responses.
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Episode 39: A Good Life Beyond Prison
In this episode, Candace talks with Gilie Garth, a woman who has overcome addiction, a prison sentence, and the loss of her right to vote. Gilie was charged with a felony for prescription fraud. She never thought she would be able to practice nursing, drive, or vote ever again. Hear the rest of her story.
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Episode 38: Relationships, Racism and Resiliency
In this episode, writer, editor and entrepreneur, Tanya Brockett, shares her very personal experiences as a successful black woman working her way up the corporate ladder despite racism and prejudice. Tanya’s can-do attitude is contagious and her stories may surprise you.
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Episode 37: Triumph Over Body Dysphormic Disorder
Award winning author and former lawyer talks about his battle with body image, his fall from grace, and how he is living his best life.
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Episode 36: On Our Own: The Cost of the Pandemic on Mental Health
Erin Tucker, Executive Director of On Our Own, talks about the difficulties of supporting individuals with mental health recovery and substance abuse during the Pandemic.
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Episode 35: Managing Chronic Depression
Radio personality, Pam Garrison, shares her experience with severe depression and how she managed to go on air with a smile while trying to find her way out of a deep dark depression that started when she was just eight years old.
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Episode 34: Art Imitating Life
Filmmaker and director Ty Cooper talks about his latest film project, Amanda, and what inspired him to write the screenplay about love, trauma, relationships, art and community.
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Episode 33: What We Remember About Childhood Trauma
Tasha Hunter, mental health advocate and author of the memoir What Children Remember, talks openly about surviving child abuse, sexual assault, neglect, and years of depression and anxiety. In this deeply raw and candid interview, Hunter, who is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, offers both personal and professional advice to those struggling with trauma and PTSD.
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Episode 32: The Blind Blogger: Seeing Beyond Adversity
When it comes to staying positive and productive, our guest Maxwell Ivy, aka The Blind Blogger, has turned his vision loss into a mission of helping others see that anything is possible: if you set realistic goals, approach obstacles one step at a time, and ask for help. Listen to this episode to get great advice and motivation to create your best life.
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Episode 31: How to Combat Negative Thoughts
Health and Wellness Coach, Heidi Shaner talks about why women are considered twice as likely to have depression compared to men and what women can do to take control of their mental and physical health.
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Episode 30: Paving The Way For Women and LGBTQ Rights
Writer, victim advocate, and former University of Virginia professor, Dr. Claire Kaplan, talks openly about the feminism movement, gender violence, self-acceptance, and having the courage to make waves to advance equality for woman and the LGBTQ community.
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Episode 29: Recognizing Toxic Relationships
Ever wonder how you can improve your relationship? Are you dating a narcissist? Are you in a co-dependent relationship? Listen to this podcast to recognize the signs of a toxic relationship and what you can do to create healthier relationships. Guest Life Coach and Health and Wellness Expert, Heidi Shaner.
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Episode 28: A Voice for the Voiceless
In this episode, Anna Mendez, the Executive Director of Partner for Mental Health, speaks passionately about her work aimed at combating mental health inequality and the criminalization of people with mental illnesses. Hear how Virginia’s criminal justice system is to blame, and how the recent passage of one state bill is the first step forward towards a fairer future.
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Episode 27: Black Men, Barbers and Mental Health
Millennials and fellow podcast hosts, Daniel Fairley II and John Thompson. explain the importance of mental health among black males, the challenges and experiences that inspired them to create their own mental health podcast, and how we can all benefit from some one-on-one time with our therapist (or barber).
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Episode 26: Advice on Navigating Grief
Life coach, author, and fellow podcaster Troia Butcher discusses the inspiration behind her incredible new book SoulTies: Letters of Love, reveals her own struggles with PTSD and grief, and offers advice on navigating the loss of a close friend, family member, or pet.
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Episode 25: Co-parenting Advice from Moms
Hear how two moms, Amanda and Brook, are challenging the myths of divorce and co-parenting. Get tips on dealing with the ex and how to be a “bonus” mom instead of a stepmom.
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Episode 24: Overcoming a Life Destroyed
Losing a child is one of the most painful experiences a parent can endure – what if it happened to you? Hear how a son’s suicide almost destroyed his mother and what she did to survive her own suicidal thoughts. Guest: Jill D’Arpino, Author and Mental Health Awareness expert.
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Episode 23: Celebrating Life Despite Living with Cerebral Palsy
Win Kelly Charles shares her challenges and triumphs as an individual living with Cerebral Palsy and is on a mission is to help others with physical and mental disabilities. Win, who is the host of her own podcast, talks about celebrating life with people from different walks of life, how she manages to stay positive, and her future career in journalism.
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Episode 22: Finding the Punchline in Mental Illness
Laughter really is the best medicine! Frank King, the Mental Health Comedian. openly discusses his family history with suicide and his lifelong battle with Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidality. Hear how Frank turned his mental illness into a comedy career including spending 20 years as a writer for the Tonight Show, hosting 5 TedTalks, and why laughter is the best medicine. LISTEN NOW
Episode 21: Journey from Survivor to Mental Health Advocate
Learn how one woman found that having a mental health condition inspired her to set a new career path as a recovery specialist with Mental Health Association of Virginia (MHAV). Jenny Sappington reveals her personal struggles with depression and anxiety, and discusses the variety of programs available through MHAV to help others battling mental illness.
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Episode 20: What Children Remember About Trauma
Tasha Hunter, mental health advocate and author of the memoir What Children Remember, talks openly about surviving child abuse, sexual assault, neglect, and years of depression and anxiety. In this deeply raw and candid interview, Hunter, who is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, offers both personal and professional advice to those struggling with trauma and PTSD.
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Episode 19: Out of the Darkness: One Woman’s Battle with Bullying, Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
From school bullying victim to thriving adult, 21 year old Katherine Grace Mulokey opens up about her dark days of depression and thoughts of suicide and how she got the help necessary to keep living.
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Episode 18: Divorce, Alcoholism, and the Narcissist
Life and Fitness Coach, Heidi Shaner shares how she gathered up the courage to confront her abusive marriage and how therapy changed her life. Heidi talks candidly about the help she needed in order to divorce her husband after 15 years and why her mantra is “the best revenge is a well lived life,”
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Episode 17: The Secret Suicide
Michelle Anhang bravely discusses her husband’s suicide and why she decided to keep it a secret for 10 years from her kids, friends and co-workers. She also shares how therapy helped her move forward both personally and professionally, and why she is now determined to help others find emotional support following a traumatic event.
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Episode 16: Opening Up and On A Mission
In this episode, podcast host Candace Schoner reveals her struggles as a child of an alcoholic and her recent health scare that led her to pursue a new career around helping others with mental health issues.
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Episode 15: Anxiety Insights
My guest Lori Maney Lentini, co-author of the newly released book Anxiety Insights: What Gets to Us and What Gets Us Through, shares her personal experience with anxiety, raising her two children, going through divorce, and why there is no one way to treat anxiety. If you are struggling with anxiety or know someone who is, you don’t want to miss this episode.
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Episode 14: Hope Over Cancer
Listen to how one young woman’s battle with ovarian cancer challenged and changed her, but never broke her. Guest Mashana Crawford shares her inspiring story of survival, which motivated her to help others who have been recently diagnosed with cancer, and discusses the importance of receiving emotional support when fighting a disease.
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Episode 13: Struggling with Gender Identity and Educating Others
Guest Kimberly Keese, an active member of the LGBTQ community, talks openly about the challenges of coming out as queer in the 80’s versus today and why she is working on her upcoming documentary featuring conversations about gender and diversity.
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Episode 12: An Opportunity for Writers
Ghostwriter, editor, and book publishing coach, Tanya Brockett, shares her advice for how to become a published author during Covid-19 and using social distancing as an inspiration and an opportunity to overcome the fears and struggles of writing a best selling book.
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Episode 11: Musician Fights Hearing Loss
Hear how Renee Blue O’Connell became a professional musician despite a severe hearing loss and how she is sharing her journey to help others.
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Episode 10: Hope and Healing from Childhood Trauma
Guest Ann, who has chosen to remain anonymous, bravely shares her personal struggles coping with parental abuse, date rape, and relationship abuse.
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Episode 9: My Vietnam: Paying It Forward
Hear how social entrepreneur Toan Nguyen went from working in corporate America to becoming a business owner, to helping lift others out of poverty.
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Episode 8: A Journey to Sobriety
Hear one man’s heart-wrenching story about his decision to get sober after he found himself stealing money to pay for his drug and alcohol addiction. 31 years later, he remains clean and sober.
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Episode 7: How to Conquer Fear
Get the inside scoop on some life changing tips for 2020 with Transformative Coach Michelle Fowler. Michelle has nearly three decades worth-of experience as an Internal Auditor and uses her business and financial expertise to operate her own business as a Transformative Coach helping organizations and individuals build their dreams and create more fulfilling lives.
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Episode 6: Man on a Mission
An inspiring interview with Ty Cooper, a Documentary Producer, Promoter and Founder of Lifeview Marketing and Visuals in Charlottesville, VA. He has promoted over 1300 events since 1993. Ty was born and raised in Harlem, New York and is passionate about creating diversity and inclusion which are often topics for his creative ventures.
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Episode 5: Help for Trauma Survivors
Former U.S. Marine, trauma survivor, and musician Michele Zehr talks about her journey to create The Center for Earth-Based Healing and how she is following her passion to help sexual assault survivors. She has worked as a trauma survivor advocate since 2009 and is the Founder of The Center for Earth-Based Healing in Virginia. Michele also delves into her experience as a gay woman serving as a U.S. Marine during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and her personal opinion on the 2nd Amendment Bill of Rights.
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Episode 4: Beating the Odds of Stage 4
Hear the story of one woman’s remarkable courage and journey with Stage 4 Cancer. Guest Katherine Couvillion speaks candidly about living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), the accompanying physical and emotional toll, friends, family and helping others.
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Episode 3: Lifting the Stigma of Suicide
Cynthia Hash, founder of the Mitchell Hash Foundation, discusses her son and the foundation that bears his name. The Foundation is specifically for parents who have experienced the death of a child with the purpose to lift the stigma, erase the shame, share hope, and educate the general public about the warning signs and resources for suicide prevention through in-person and online programs and resources.
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Episode 2: Healing on the Camino Trail
Hear how Karen (aka Kim) Culbertson has managed to overcome her brother’s death, endure two divorces, come out as gay late in life, and hiking 100 miles to celebrate her upcoming 70th birthday.
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Episode 1: Walking in a Fog
Guest Doddie Green is a published author who has suffered her entire life with depression. Her first book, Touch, tells a semi-autobiographical tale about a young woman who can’t stand any type of physical contact and resigns herself to a lonely existence of duty to her family – until, that is, she meets a special person. Doddie recently published her third book in her murder mystery series and blogs regularly about her personal struggles with depression, panic attacks, loneliness, and more.
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