What does it really mean to be vulnerable? In this episode, Adam sits down with licensed therapist Dr. Oren Matteson to explore why saying what matters can be one of the most powerful steps toward healing. Together, they discuss the fears that keep us silent, how emotional honesty strengthens relationships, why vulnerability isn't about getting the perfect response, and how creating safe environments allows people to open up when they're ready. It's a thoughtful conversation that reminds us that healing often begins the moment we stop carrying everything alone.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

- What vulnerability really is—and why it looks different for everyone

- Why the things we tell ourselves in silence often become the heaviest burdens we carry

- The emotional and physical relief that can come from simply saying something out loud

- What happens when vulnerability isn't immediately met with understanding

- Why relationships grow stronger through honesty—not perfection

- The importance of earning the right to hear someone's story

- How creating psychological safety encourages openness

- Why healing is less about fixing people and more about building authentic connections

- The evolving conversation around men's mental health and emotional intelligence

- How healthier fathers can create healthier families for generations to come

Resources Mentioned

• Millennium Counseling Center
• Saying What Matters podcast
• Millennium Counseling Podcast

 Episode Disclaimer
This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

In this episode of Dancing with Depression, Sid shares her profound journey of healing from trauma and mental health struggles, revealing that growth and hope are ongoing processes. We explore the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and embracing the journey, no matter how challenging.

KEY TOPICS:

• The metaphor of healing as a journey, not a destination
• The role of curiosity, grace, and openness in growth
• How to extend grace to oneself during difficult times
• Early signs of mental health struggles and recognizing them
• The unexpected value Sid found from professional help and EMDR therapy
• The power of reprogramming harmful thoughts and giving self-grace
• Boundaries as a vital tool for healing and self-care
• The significance of movement, nature, and grounding activities
• The challenge of implementation versus knowledge
• The value of intentional self-awareness and continuous learning

RESOURCES:

• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• EMDR Therapy Information
• Morgan Harper Nichols' Poetry
• Grounding and Movement for Mental Health

CLOSING:

Remember, healing is nonlinear and ongoing. Embrace your journey, set boundaries, seek support, and gift yourself grace along the way. This community is here to support you every step. Until next time, keep moving forward.

Episode Disclaimer
This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

Discover how hypnosis can be a transformative tool for overcoming anxiety, panic, and trauma. Join Adam Turner and guest Lisa Shook as they explore personal stories, misconceptions, and the science behind subconscious healing.

In this episode:

• Lisa shares some of her personal journey: like hitchhiking cross-country at age 15
• How energy work and hypnosis became pivotal in her healing journey
• The importance of stopping the fight with your feelings and embracing presence
• Common misconceptions about hypnosis and its safety
• Practical steps for those feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected
• The role of the subconscious mind in habits, beliefs, and emotional resilience
• How to evaluate and find a qualified hypnotist or therapist
• The significance of language and self-talk in mental health management
• The power of imagination and visualization in mental rewiring
• Resources for further learning and healing

Resources & Links:

• Lisa Shook Hypnosis

Episode Disclaimer
This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

Main Topics:
• The difference between external and internalized stigma
• How stigma alters self-perception during personal crises
• The role of shame and shame avoidance in mental health
• The influence of societal judgments on our decisions to seek help
• Strategies for discrediting stigmas and reclaiming identity

In this episode:
• Adam describes the moment he realized how internal stigma affected him more than external judgment
• He discusses how the shame of bankruptcy was intertwined with his self-identity
• Insights into how societal views can make us equate struggles with personal failure
• The importance of reframing setbacks as experiences, not definitions
• Practical advice on refusing to let stigma shape who you are

Episode Disclaimer
This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

In this episode, Adam Turner hosts Dr. Ankur Saraiya, a psychiatrist with a comprehensive approach to mental health, to demystify how medication and lifestyle factors work together in treating conditions like depression and anxiety. The discussion covers treatment expectations, the role of lifestyle habits, and how to navigate coming on or off medications responsibly.

Main Topics Covered:

• The analogy of medication as a tool, not a cure, emphasizing they facilitate recovery but are part of a broader treatment plan.
• The importance of lifestyle factors—such as sleep, nutrition, movement, and relationships—in mental health management.
• Why treatments like antidepressants take weeks to show effects, and the significance of patience and perseverance in medication trials.
• What external factors like alcohol, marijuana, and daily routines influence treatment outcomes.
• The significance of personalized treatment approaches, including the importance of clinician-patient matching.
• Guidelines for coming off medication safely, including understanding withdrawal versus relapse.
• The value of therapy and professional supervision during medication adjustments.
• Addressing misconceptions about the quickness of response to mental health medications with analogies to other medicines.
• The importance of realistic expectations and collaborative decision-making in treatment plans.
• The potential benefits of consulting multiple providers to find the best fit for mental health treatment.

Resources & Links:

• Dr. Ankur Saraiya - LinkedIn
• Finding a Psychiatrist: Tips and Guidance

Connect with Dr. Saraiya:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Connect with Adam

• Email: [email protected]

This episode underscores the importance of patience, lifestyle, and professional guidance in mental health treatment, aiming to empower listeners with a realistic understanding of managing depression and anxiety effectively.

Join us in this episode as we explore the critical role of safety in personal growth, performance, and well-being. Discover how creating safe environments—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—can unlock your potential and foster resilience.

In this episode:

• The core principle that safety is foundational for growth and thriving
• How safety varies from person to person and the importance of awareness
• John Damon’s background as a former athlete and fitness environment designer
• The impact of trauma and childhood experiences on one's sense of safety
• Practical ways to build safety in relationships, environments, and oneself
• The significance of environment design in physical spaces like gyms and homes
• How safety influences performance, risk-taking, and openness
• The metaphor of the gym spotter as a symbol of safety and support
• Strategies for leaders, coaches, and owners to cultivate safety in teams
• The concept of thriving versus merely surviving and the importance of celebration
• Personal insights on dealing with depression and building mental health resilience
• The power of small acts of kindness in fostering safety and connection

About John Damon:
John Damon is a performance coach, trainer, and gym designer with decades of experience working with elite athletes, Hollywood talent, and the people who run things. His work goes beyond the physical — confidence, habits, and mindset are all part of the standard. Featured in Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Journal, Shape, the Boston Globe, the LA Times, and more. He’s the founder of The Cave, Charlotte’s premier private training and recovery sanctuary. 

Where to find John Damon:
Website: johndamon.com
Instagram: @johndamon | @thecavebyjohndamon
YouTube: @thejohndamon
TikTok: @thejohndamon

Connect with Adam

• Email: [email protected]

Remember, safety is not just a physical space but a mental and emotional foundation that empowers growth. Start building your safe space today.

In this special episode, Adam reflects on reaching the milestone of 25 episodes, sharing personal stories, lessons learned, and future plans for the podcast. This episode emphasizes the importance of authentic conversations about mental health, the power of community, and continual growth.

Main Topics

• The journey and milestones of "Dancing with Depression" podcast
• The role of personal stories and diverse perspectives in mental health awareness
• Practical insights from organizations like NAMI Charlotte, Mission 22, and Hopeway
• A few things I’ve learned along the way
• The importance of testing, evaluation, and medication in mental health management
• Future plans: more personal stories, expert interviews, and community engagement

Resources & Links

• NAMI Charlotte
• Mission 22
• Hopeway

Connect with Adam

• Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Adam Turner hosts Marcus Farris, the post-traumatic growth director at Mission 22, to unpack the organization’s mission to reduce veteran suicide and empower mental health recovery. We explore the origins of Mission 22, the significance of the number 22, and how veterans can find new purpose after service. Whether you're a veteran, family member, or supporter, this conversation offers valuable insights into healing, community, and resilience.

In this episode:

• The origin story of Mission 22 and how discarded metal created art that symbolizes hope and tragedy
• Why the number 22 represents the daily veteran suicides and what the organization hopes to change
• The psychological parallels between combat trauma and civilian life, including the importance of community and bonds
• How veterans can repurpose their warrior traits into new ventures like entrepreneurship, yoga, or advocacy
• The role of coaching versus therapy in supporting veteran mental health and personal growth
• The significance of family support and addressing the relational impacts of veteran trauma
• Examples of veteran success stories, including founders of businesses and community projects
• Practical ways to get involved with Mission 22: programs, ambassador opportunities, retreats, and resources

Resources & Links:

• Mission 22 Official Website
• The Resiliency Podcast - Mission 22
• On Sheeps, Sheepdogs, and Wolves Essay 

Support the mission:

• Liking, sharing, or leaving a review of this episode helps spread awareness.
• Volunteer or participate in programs through mission22.org.
• Consider becoming an ambassador or joining veteran athlete initiatives.

Remember:

Asking for help today enables you to be the support for others tomorrow. Your healing journey can inspire and uplift those around you—reach out, connect, and don't do it alone.

Episode Disclaimer
This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

Discover how a childhood moment at Alexander Lake reveals the deep connections between early experiences and adult behaviors, especially around fear and avoidance. This episode explores vulnerability, mental health, and the importance of revisiting past traumas to better understand ourselves today. 

Main Topics: 

• The transformative power of childhood trauma and its lasting impact
• How avoidance behaviors develop and influence adult decisions
• The role of unprocessed memories in shaping mental health
• Recognizing triggers rooted in early life experiences
• Practical steps for revisiting and healing from past events

Key Insights: 

• A near-drowning incident at age seven triggered a lifelong rule of avoiding water
• Childhood memories can reinforce negative beliefs and behaviors well into adulthood
• The importance of questioning and revisiting childhood rules to challenge limiting beliefs
• How external stories, like media stories, can activate unprocessed childhood fears
• Strategies for awareness and healing through reflection on early experiences
• The relevance of mental health conversations rooted in childhood memories
• The significance of being present and conscious of reactions linked to past traumas

Episode Disclaimer
This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

In this heartfelt episode, Adam chats with Allison Paradise about her journey from achievement-driven success and societal expectations to embracing her true self.

Together, they explore the roles of labels, internal struggles, childhood innocence, and the courage required to break free and live authentically.

In this episode:

• Allison's childhood experiences with labels and societal expectations
• The internal conflict between achievement and true passion
• How childhood innocence and light can be dimmed by adult conditioning
• The significance of questioning societal roles and internalized expectations
• The process of identifying and releasing limiting labels (smart, good daughter, etc.)
• Challenges faced during early college years and health crises
• The journey from performing for others to living for oneself
• Practical tools: labeling exercises and strategies to unlearn imposed identities
• The importance of creating safe spaces for children and adults to just be
• Personal best practices for managing heavy emotions: crying, sleeping, writing, and presence

Resources & Links:

• My Green Lab — Nonprofit promoting sustainability in labs
• TED Talk (2019) – Our little world — Allison's impactful speech on unseen emotional weights
• The Mistake – by Allison Paradise (Find on Amazon.com)

This episode encourages you to reflect on the labels you carry and empowers you to take steps toward living your authentic life, honoring your inner light, and creating safe spaces for growth—inside and out.

Episode Disclaimer
This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).