This episode of the podcast features an in-depth conversation with Kate Rawlinson, founder of Colorado Mad Moms, a grassroots advocacy group for families and caregivers of people with severe mental illness. Host Laura discusses the challenges and stigma faced by families, the importance of education and support, and the legislative advocacy work being done at the Colorado state level.

Kate shares her personal journey as a mother of an adult son with schizophrenia, her transition from the arts to mental health advocacy, and the formation and mission of Colorado Mad Moms. The discussion covers the complexities of severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder, as well as the barriers to effective treatment—especially around the medication Clozapine.

Listeners learn about the group’s efforts to educate families, support each other, and push for policy changes at the Capitol. The episode highlights the need for better resources, the power of community, and the ongoing fight to improve mental health care and legislation. Resources, events, and support groups are shared for those seeking help or wanting to get involved in advocacy.

Laura and Brooke took this week off, so stick around for a season 1 episode about Navigating the holidays. Thank you for your support and we will see you in 2 weeks.

S2 Episode 6 of BipolarLines introduces a new guest, Fernanda! This episode dives into the destruction of mania and psychosis and the personal experiences for all! Stick around for another great conversation!

In S2 E5 of BipolarLines, Laura is out & recovering from all the excitement of her daughter's 16th birthday & hosting a festival! Brooke invited her husband back to have a much needed conversation about meds & bipolar disorder. They emphasize the importance of understanding medication efficacy, self-advocacy, and the role of caregivers in supporting loved ones. The conversation explores the nuances of navigating mania and depression, effective communication strategies, and the significance of establishing rapport. Jeremy's progress brings Brooke to tears in the best kind of way, so stick around for another great conversation. There were some audio issues that were worked out as best as possible, apologies if you hear a higher pitched hum throughout the episode. Thank you for your support! 

In S2 E5 of BipolarLines, Laura is out & recovering from all the excitement of her daughter's 16th birthday & hosting a festival! Brooke invited her husband back to have a much needed conversation about meds & bipolar disorder. They emphasize the importance of understanding medication efficacy, self-advocacy, and the role of caregivers in supporting loved ones. The conversation explores the nuances of navigating mania and depression, effective communication strategies, and the significance of establishing rapport. Jeremy's progress brings Brooke to tears in the best kind of way, so stick around for another great conversation. Thank you for your support! 

In S1E4 of BipolarLines, hosts Brooke and Laura share their personal updates and experiences on navigating relationships with loved ones who have bipolar disorder. They discuss the importance of communication, timing, and emotional reconnection after a manic episode, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding. The hosts encourage listeners to share their own strategies and experiences in the community, fostering a supportive environment for those affected by bipolar disorder.

In S2 Episode 3 of BipolarLines, hosts Brooke and Laura share their personal experiences and insights on managing relationships with loved ones who have bipolar disorder. They discuss the importance of safety and crisis plans, the emotional challenges caregivers face, and practical strategies for implementing action plans. The conversation emphasizes the need for communication, understanding, and adaptability in caregiving, while also highlighting the significance of self-care for caregivers. Through their candid dialogue, they aim to provide support and resources for others navigating similar challenges.

In Season 2, Episode 2 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura discuss recent milestones in their podcast journey, community growth, and overall excitement over the community reach they are getting! Laura shares an update on Cody's status and then the hosts dive into the updates on Brooke & Jeremy.T hey share insights on navigating mental health care along with the challenges inpatient stays and reintegration after hospitalization. Somehow Brooke loses connection at the very end, so apologies for the sendoff getting cut short. We hope you stick around for another great conversation!

Season 2 has arrived! This episode is a heavy one, Brooke and Laura give an update about their spouses. Buckle up and trigger warning- discussion of unaliving and suicide are discussed at length. Loving our person is easy, loving the illness is not. Brooke and Laura can confidently say this isn't the way they wanted to start season 2, but also...this is real life.

In S1 Episode 26 of BipolarLines, Laura takes a special guest interview on solo! Unfortunately, Brooke is down with Covid and unable to record, but Laura has it covered! So grab a drink and a snack and stick around for another great conversation!

Laura interviews Angelina whose husband has a BP1 diagnosis. Together, they discuss the challenges and experiences of living with and supporting loved ones with bipolar disorder. They share personal stories, the importance of community and advocacy, and the need for better understanding and resources for mental health. The conversation emphasizes the impact of mental health on caregivers and the necessity of crisis management training.