What role does peer support play when it comes to learning how to live well bipolar?
Tune in as Paris brings on this week's guest, Avantika, the host of the podcast Beautiful You. She has been an active mental health advocate since 2020, creating videos, blogs & podcast for mental health advocacy. Avantika was diagnosed with bipolar II at 17 and featured in the magazine called The Week and an Indian national newspaper, The Times of India, for sharing her story with bipolar disorder.
We talk about the importance of creating your support network through relationships along with leveraging others who understand what it looks like to live with bipolar. 
Avantika shares her story as it relates to moving from denial to taking action to make her mental health her top priority. She describes the importance of acknowledging our limitations and not letting them keep us in a box. 
For more Avantika, connect with her here along with her podcast here!

162: Power of Peer Support

The only podcast where you will hear stories on what it means to Live Well Bipolar every Monday! Tune in as Paris Scobie, Speaker and Best-Selling Author of "Crooked Illness," and guests get into what works, what doesn't and how the reality of living with bipolar looks different for everyone! Each episode will teach you how to shatter the stigma and conquer those obstacles we so often face with bipolar.

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

May 2024 Recap and New Beginnings


In this solo episode, Paris Scobie discusses her decision to resign from her professional career to pursue her speaking business for mental health advocacy full-time. 


She provides a month-in-review for May 2024, sharing her experiences speaking at the Mental Health America of Arizona Seeds Conference and the upcoming NAMICon in Denver. 


Paris also discusses her new Instagram account, rebranded LinkedIn, and newly launched website. She reflects on the significance of connection, personal growth, and prioritizing what truly aligns with her purpose. 


Lastly, she announces upcoming projects like her audio book and underscores the importance of lived experiences in determining personal value.


Follow Paris's new Instagram here! 
Subscribe to Paris's free newsletter here! 


00:00 Welcome to the Solo Episode: A Personal Journey
01:12 The Excitement of May: New Beginnings and Connections
02:32 Embracing a New Path: The Transition to Mental Health Advocacy
04:02 From Speaking Engagements to Personal Growth
05:19 Upcoming Events and Expanding Influence
06:12 Reconnecting and Learning at Hollywood and Mind summit
07:45 The Journey of Resignation and Embracing Full-Time Advocacy
08:05 Behind the Scenes: Preparing an Audiobook and Rebranding
14:32 The Power of Connection and Gratitude

205: Why I Quit My Job

Empowerment and Identity: Jesse Escalante's Journey with Bipolar Disorder

This episode of 'Live Well Bipolar' features an insightful conversation with Jesse Escalante, a 28-year-old queer, Latin social worker and professional dancer from San Francisco. 

Jesse shares his personal and professional journey, including being diagnosed with bipolar disorder just before the pandemic in February 2020, the challenges of dealing with the diagnosis during quarantine, and how he found solace and identity through his work in social work and dance. 

Jesse discusses the stigma surrounding mental health in his Mexican culture, the bullying he faced surrounding his sexuality a young age, and how dance became a pivotal outlet for his expression and self-acceptance. 

He also talks about his work as a social worker and his efforts to combine his passions for dance and mental health advocacy, particularly through choreographing pieces that explore his experience with bipolar disorder. The conversation also delves into the importance of seeking help, managing symptoms, and overcoming the fear of becoming a statistic. 

Jesse's story is one of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of one's passion despite the hurdles of mental health challenges.

Connect with Jesse here and check out his dance here!

00:00 Welcome to Live Well Bipolar: Meet Jesse Escalante
00:18 Jesse's Journey: From Diagnosis to Advocacy
02:15 The Impact of Quarantine on Mental Health
06:04 Seeking Help: Jesse's Experience with Mental Health Rehab
06:55 The Power of Education and Overcoming Stigma
11:31 Finding Purpose Through Social Work and Personal Struggles
14:47 Embracing Identity: Jesse's Story of Resilience
25:45 Dance as a Lifeline: Combining Passions for Healing
30:12 Living Well with Bipolar: Jesse's Perspective
33:41 Staying Connected: How to Follow Jesse's Journey

204: A Social Worker's Story Choreographing Bipolar

Transforming Lives Through Mental Health Advocacy: Julia Belt's Story 

Julia Belt is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and co-founder of BroglieBox and Mindly. She joins me to share her personal journey navigating mental health challenges before and after the tragic loss of her brother, Justin, to suicide. 

She discusses the inception of BroglieBox, a mental wellness care package company, and Mindly, a tool for empowering people managers to support employees' mental health effectively. 

The conversation touches on the importance of open discussions about mental health, the impact of management on employee well-being, and the evolution of personal wellness strategies over time. 

Julia emphasizes the significance of being open to changing what 'living well' means and offers insights on how individualized approaches can foster mental resilience and support healing.

Connect with Julia here and follow the work she does at Mindly and BroglieBox!

USE CODE PARIS FOR 20% OFF YOUR ORDER HERE. 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Julia Belt
01:21 Julia's Personal Journey with Mental Health
03:35 The Struggle of Seeking Help and Overcoming Silence
14:24 The Birth and Impact of Broglie Box
16:17 Expanding the Mission with Mindly
18:43 The Power of Support and Community
21:02 Living Well with Bipolar: Insights and Reflections
28:59 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude



203: Unboxing Mental Resilience with BroglieBox

The Journey of Finding Yourself: Ginelle Testa's Story


This episode of 'Live Well, Bipolar' features a conversation with Ginelle Testa, an upcoming author. She's a queer, sober, bipolar gal living in Boston.


Ginelle shares her story, from receiving a tentative diagnosis at 16 to facing her darkest moments with multiple hospitalizations and electroconvulsive therapy in 2017. 


She discusses the impact of bipolar disorder on her life, including challenges with sobriety, hypersexuality, and finding stability. 


Ginelle also talks about writing her memoir 'Make a Home Out of You', which explores finding comfort and value within oneself rather than external sources. 


The conversation highlights her journey to self-forgiveness, finding balance and support outside traditional 12-step programs, and achieving personal and professional success despite the challenges of living with bipolar disorder. Ginelle emphasizes the importance of coping mechanisms, community, and perseverance.


Connect with Ginelle on Instagram here and her website here.


00:00 Welcome to Live Well, Bipolar: Introducing Janelle's Journey
01:59 Janelle's Early Encounters with Bipolar Diagnosis
02:48 Navigating Hospitalizations and Finding New Perspectives
06:58 The Impact of Hospitalization and Seeking Forgiveness
09:17 The Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery
13:08 From Writing to Healing: Janelle's Memoir Unveiled
18:34 Embracing Self-Worth and Building a Supportive Community
24:22 Living Well with Bipolar: Janelle's Transformation
29:01 Connecting with Janelle and Closing Thoughts

202: Make A Home Out Of You

As I enter the last year of my 20s, the biggest thing I hope for is more connection. 


This month consisted of a lot of that... travel, new opportunities, stepping more into my purpose and starting my audiobook!! 


It was so much fun to explore NYC for my birthday, PA for my brother-in-law's birthday and end my trip reconnecting with my friends Kevin and Margaret in St. Louis! 


Tune into the episode for all the details and highlights of the trip and what I am focusing on most....


Super grateful to have reconnected with Cathy, my college counselor, who I got to bring a copy of my book to and discuss the impact she has had on my life. She knew me before my hospitalization and diagnosis and shortly after and was someone who made a big impact on me. 


If you want to make my day... please go leave me a review for the podcast and/or my book here! 

162: Power of Peer Support

Download our free app to listen on your phone