Can you imagine being diagnosed with bipolar disorder during a global pandemic while trying to run your own business?
This week, I am joined by Megan, mental health advocate and aspiring author living with bipolar type 1, PTSD, and anxiety. Megan uses her experiences living with bipolar to spread positivity and hope surrounding mental health.
This episode shows how Megan started writing not only to share her experiences to resonate with others but to track her moods. She describes the process of capturing all these things and how it helped her accept her diagnosis.
She touches on the power of using her voice and leveraging the support from her husband and family to prioritize her mental health. Tune in to learn more about Megan's journey along with starting the process of writing her first book. 
Connect with Megan on social here and her handmade home decor business here!

165: Writing for Bipolar Care

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

In this episode of the 'Live Well, Bipolar Podcast,' Paris introduces Sam, a Virginia Beach native and mental health advocate. 


Sam shares his journey living with bipolar disorder, detailing his initial denial, the impact of the pandemic on his mental health, and his first manic episode leading to hospitalization. 


He discusses the role of exercise, particularly running, and the importance of community and support in managing his condition. The conversation highlights the significance of involving family in therapy, the challenges of mental health treatment, and practical steps for maintaining mental well-being.


Stay connected with Sam here! 


00:00 Welcome to the Live Well, Bipolar Podcast
00:24 Meet Sam: A Journey Through Bipolar Disorder
02:18 Sam's Diagnosis Story: Facing Bipolar Disorder
04:47 The Turning Point: Therapy, Denial, and Self-Discovery
07:08 Running Towards Recovery: The Role of Physical Activity in Mental Health
10:04 A Manic Episode Unveiled: Navigating the Storm
18:56 Hospitalization and Reflection: A New Beginning
31:19 Rebuilding Life: Therapy, Family, and Self-Care
36:20 Living Well with Bipolar: Insights and Closing Thoughts

207: Mind & Miles - A Triathlete's Bipolar Journey

Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Health: Integrative Psychiatry and Brain Scans


In this episode of 'Live Well Bipolar,' we sit down with Dr. Lisa Parsons, an integrative psychiatrist at the Amen Clinics in Arizona. 


Dr. Parsons shares her unique journey into psychiatry, driven by both personal and professional revelations during her medical school rotations. Despite initial hesitations due to her family's mental health challenges, she found her calling in understanding the intersection of mental health and medical illness. 


Dr. Parsons discusses the transformative approach at Amen Clinics, emphasizing comprehensive diagnostics including brain scans, to offer more personalized and effective treatments. Addressing topics from the stigma associated with bipolar disorder to the critical role of asking 'why' to understand the root causes of psychiatric symptoms, the conversation shines a light on the importance of integrative medicine in mental health. 


Highlighting cases of elevated free copper as an example, Dr. Parsons illustrates how specific treatments, informed by detailed scans and lab tests, can significantly improve patients' quality of life. The episode ultimately defines living well with bipolar as an empowered state, where individuals honor their journey and strive for a deeper understanding and mastery over their health.


Check out the work at Amen Clinics here!


00:00 Welcome to Live Well Bipolar: Introducing Dr. Lisa Parsons
01:18 Dr. Parsons' Journey into Integrative Psychiatry
05:13 The Intersection of Mental Health and Medical Science
06:08 Unveiling the Missing Pieces in Mental Health Treatment
12:39 Personalizing Treatment: The Amen Clinics Approach
30:25 Empowerment and Living Well with Bipolar
33:56 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

206: Overcoming Failed Treatments with Amen Clinics Psychiatrist

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



165: Writing for Bipolar Care

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