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April Simpkins discusses her book 'By the Time You Read This' and her daughter Cheslie's battle with mental illness on the Got it From My Momma podcast with host, Jennifer Vickery Smith. Cheslie, a high achiever and beauty queen, struggled with persistent depressive disorder and feelings of inadequacy. April shares the importance of building a support system for children dealing with mental illness and the need to destigmatize mental health. She also talks about the challenges of being a parent to a child with mental illness and the guilt she felt when making decisions about her daughter's treatment. April emphasizes the need for empathy and support for those struggling with mental health issues. April Simpkins shares her experience of receiving a text message from her daughter, Cheslie, saying that she won't be alive anymore. April immediately called the police and rushed to New York to be with Cheslie. Unfortunately, Chesley had already passed away. April emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and removing the stigma surrounding mental illness. She also discusses how she has found joy even in the midst of grief. April applauds the recent decisions of pageant queens to step down to prioritize their mental health. She shares her gratitude for the support she received during her daughter's reign as Miss USA and emphasizes the importance of community. April also talks about her other children and the role of faith in her healing journey.

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GOT IT FROM MY MOMMA is an interview-format podcast with the moms of your favorite entertainers and athletes. In each episode, our guests share stories from an artist’s childhood and the journey to stardom from the perspective only a momma can share! Fun, heartwarming, and never-before-heard stories fill the engaging episodes as we appeal to fans of the stars as well as listeners who just love good stories and great advice!

About the Host - Jennifer Vickery Smith:Jennifer Vickery Smith has worked as an on-camera reporter, anchor, producer, and print journalist in both the world of entertainment and broadcast news for more than 20 years. Jennifer has worked with each of the major networks and nationally broadcast entertainment programs, including Entertainment Tonight and EXTRA. Momma herself to rising country music artist Conner Smith (Valory/Big Machine), Jennifer is excited to help tell stories of an entertainer’s journey from a perspective only a mother can share.

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