In this powerful episode of EmotionAL Support, Alessandra Torresani sits down with Stephanie Wibom, founder of Grow Happy, to talk about the emotional and practical realities of parenting a child with food allergies. Stephanie shares her personal journey from navigating her own child’s allergies to launching an innovative solution that empowers parents with early allergen introduction tools. Together, they explore the growing prevalence of allergies, the emotional toll on caregivers, and how education, support, and community can transform fear into confidence. Whether you’re a new parent, allergy-conscious caregiver, or mental health advocate, this episode is packed with heartfelt advice, science-backed insight, and hope.

https://letsgrowhappy.com/

@letsgrowhappy

Grow Happy

•    GrowHappy's mission is to empower a brave world of food freedom with happy gut microbiomes

Becoming a parent brings many changes to anyone’s life. To add to the changes, balancing new or forthcoming parenthood with mental health conditions might feel difficult. In this episode, guest host Barb Solish, NAMI’s National Director of Innovation, is joined by Kate Kennedy-Lynch, NAMI Director of External Relations, and Alessandra Torresani, actress, podcast host, and NAMI Ambassador. They discuss their own lived experiences navigating mental health conditions before, during, and after their pregnancies, sharing what they’ve learned throughout their mental health journeys. Finally, they share ways they’ve found to balance mental health and parenthood for Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Month.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

In this deeply honest episode of Emotional Support, Alessandra Torresani sits down with actress Kirby Bliss Blanton (The Green Inferno, Project X, Hannah Montana, Young and The Restless) to unpack the real-life complexities of sobriety, mental health, and surviving the ever-changing landscape of the acting world. Kirby opens up about her nearly three-year sobriety journey, the power of community, and the emotional toll of dating while sober. Together, they explore how family expectations, major career milestones, and the pressure of Hollywood can shape one’s identity and well-being. With stories from the set, reflections on working with director Eli Roth, and a raw conversation about finding purpose beyond the spotlight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery, reinvention, or the rollercoaster of creative life.

K

In this deeply personal episode of EmotionAL Support, Alessandra Torresani opens up about returning to her 20-year high school reunion—despite never having graduated. With raw honesty, she explores the emotions that resurfaced, from self-doubt to nostalgia, and how her early life choices shaped her identity. Alessandra reflects on the mental health conversations that have blossomed through her podcast, childhood memories that echo into adulthood, and the complicated trust we place in authority figures as we become parents. From relationships to relinquishing control in motherhood, she shares insights on growth, fear, and self-acceptance in a world that often demands perfection.

Old friends. Childhood memories. Deep regrets. And now? A little grace.

🔑 Topics: high school reunion, mental health, parenting, life choices, childhood trauma, trust, self-acceptance, relationships, personal growth, emotional support

In this episode of Emotional Support, Alessandra Torresani reconnects with David Haggerty to discuss significant changes in health and wellness over the past year. They delve into the impact of weight loss medications like Ozempic, the science behind GLP-1 agonists, and the complexities of hormonal health as individuals age. The conversation also touches on the government's role in health discourse and the future of oral medications in the weight loss sector. In this conversation, Alessandra Torresani and David delve into the complexities of hormonal balance, aging, and the rising popularity of NAD as an anti-aging treatment. They discuss the science behind NAD, its effects on metabolism, and the potential risks associated with its use, particularly concerning cancer. The conversation also touches on the mental health implications of weight loss drugs and the importance of understanding the broader context of health optimization. In this conversation, Alessandra Torresani and David discuss various aspects of health, including the individual differences in health responses, the emerging 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, and the public's perception of vaccines. They explore the importance of food safety, the need to rebuild trust in science, and the future of health communication, emphasizing the necessity for open dialogue and understanding in addressing health concerns.

Chapters:

This week on EmotionAL Support, Alessandra Torresani is joined by the radiant Brooke Ashley Rose Johnson—actress, former Miss Alaska, and unstoppable mental health advocate. From the pressure-filled world of elite athletics and pageantry to the raw reality of navigating anxiety, depression, CPTSD, and ADHD, Brooke shares how she turned her struggles into a powerful mission.

We dive into her incredible journey of resilience, from childhood misdiagnoses to discovering the overlap between ADHD and bipolar disorder. Brooke opens up about breaking down stigmas, embracing her full self, and launching Crowning Confidence, her groundbreaking program for youth that promotes mental health education, self-esteem, and bullying prevention.

With warmth, wisdom, and an unshakable sense of purpose, Brooke reminds us that vulnerability is strength—and that owning our truth is the first step to changing the world.

Join host Alessandra Torresani as she kicks off a new season of EmotionAL Support with a heartwarming episode featuring her childhood friend, Dr. Emily Anhalt. Dr. Anhalt, a renowned clinical psychologist and co-founder of COA, shares insights from her latest book, Flex Your Feelings, on building emotional fitness through mindfulness, curiosity, and empathy.

In this episode, Alessandra and Dr. Anhalt explore the seven traits of emotional fitness and discuss practical tips for improving mental wellness, whether you're a high-performing executive or a stressed-out parent. The episode also delves into the importance of community, the benefits of play, and how to navigate personal and professional relationships with empathy and effective communication.

Tune in to discover how you can proactively work on your mental health, learn to embrace discomfort, and find balance in everyday life. This engaging conversation is sure to inspire listeners to flex thier feelings and enhance their emotional well-being.

Alessandra:

http://www.instagram.com/alessandratorresani

https://www.tiktok.com/@iamalessandratorresani

Dr. Emily Anhalt:

Grab Dr. Emily's book here: https://www.dremilyanhalt.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dremilyanhalt/

Twitter: https://x.com/dremilyanhalt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremilyanhalt/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dremilyanhalt

Alessandra Torresani returns to EmotionAL Support on her 38th birthday with a powerful reflection on identity, motherhood, and mental health. From the red carpet of a mental health gala to the quiet chaos of mom life, she opens up about rediscovering confidence, embracing vulnerability, and the new direction of the show.

This episode is a celebration of growth, connection, and the messy magic of becoming. Because growth isn’t linear—and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.

http://www.instagram.com/alessandratorresani

https://www.tiktok.com/@iamalessandratorresani

As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, NAMI is talking about ways to take the moment for our mental health. Guest host Alessandra Torresani is joined by artist Alex Alpert to explore how art can act as a coping strategy when faced with mental health challenges. The pair also discusses how communication and community can be keys to navigating life, especially when diagnosed with mental health conditions. 

Step into the world of health innovation, resilience, and equity with Dr. Devika Bhushan, MD, as she shares her expertise and experiences as a pediatrician and public health leader. As California's former Acting Surgeon General and Chief Health Officer, Dr. Bhushan has been at the forefront of driving policy and practice innovation, particularly through initiatives like ACEs Aware, focused on healing childhood trauma.

In this episode, Dr. Bhushan invites listeners on a journey to explore trauma-informed systems, stress and resilience, mental health, and gender and health equity. Drawing from her training at Harvard and Johns Hopkins, as well as her work featured in esteemed publications like JAMA and NPR, she engages in thought-provoking conversations with experts and changemakers in the field.

As a parent, immigrant, and first-generation Indian-American, Dr. Bhushan brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and compassion in healthcare. Join her as she leads discussions that inspire hope, destigmatize mental illness, and promote evidence-based insights for holistic well-being.

EmotionAL Support:

https://www.emotionalsupportpod.com

Dr Devin’s Bhushan:

https://askdrdevikab.substack.com/p/deep-dive-overcoming-imposter-syndrome

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-08-26/california-surgeon-general-bipolar-disorder-mental-health

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/10/15/1124400056/bipolar-disorder-mental-health