Even Tacos Fall Apart

If you’ve ever struggled with binge eating, food guilt, chronic pain or IBS (or love someone who has) this episode is packed with real talk, practical insight and the reminder that healing is absolutely possible.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/michelle-ho

In this Mental Health Monday episode, MommaFoxFire sits down with Michelle Ho, a nutritional therapy practitioner and binge eating recovery coach, to talk about what it really takes to overcome binge eating, IBS and chronic pain... without shame, guilt, or toxic food rules.

Michelle kicks things off by explaining what her work looks like and how it differs from a dietitian or nutritionist. She combines nutritional therapy with life coaching to help folks heal their relationships with food and their bodies. She emphasizes the importance of looking at the whole person - digestion, sleep, stress, blood sugar and mental well-being - not just calories or weight loss.

She shares her own story of struggling with binge eating, starting in college. A combination of stress, undernourishment and diet culture set the stage for a cycle of secret binges, guilt and self-criticism. Despite looking “healthy” from the outside and doing all the “right” things (like running daily and eating what she thought was clean) she was actually stuck in an exhausting restrict-binge cycle that got worse the more she tried to control it.

Michelle makes it clear that binge eating isn’t about a lack of willpower. In fact, many people caught in that cycle have too much willpower and keep white-knuckling through extreme diets until their body rebels. She also explains how under-eating - even if it’s “accidental” or framed as being healthy - is a major trigger for binge episodes. A simple question from her own coach at the time (“Do you think maybe eating an orange and drinking coffee all day has something to do with your binging at night?”) completely shifted her perspective.

Throughout the conversation, Michelle breaks down myths about binge eating, emotional eating, and dieting. She shares that it's not about being greedy, lazy or addicted... it’s often about unmet needs, whether those are nutritional, emotional, or physical. Michelle also touches on how diet culture feeds into this cycle by pushing rigid food rules, glorifying restriction and labeling foods (and people) as “good” or “bad.”

IBS and chronic pain were also part of Michelle’s journey, and she explains how those conditions added both urgency and complexity to her recovery. She had to find ways to avoid food triggers for her health conditions without slipping back into a restrictive mindset - something she helps her clients navigate today.

Her approach to recovery is rooted in four key elements: changing the mental narratives around food, nourishing your body fully, facing food triggers in a safe and supportive way, and replacing binge eating with better tools for coping, comfort and joy. She encourages people to stop asking “How little can I eat?” and start asking, “What do I need to thrive?”

This conversation is full of raw honesty, practical tools and real hope for anyone stuck in the cycle of binge eating or trying to heal their relationship with food. Michelle’s message is clear: your body isn’t the enemy, and you don’t need to fight it to feel better.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood in your relationship, avoid conflict until it explodes, or just want to get better at saying what you actually mean - this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/nicole-richardson

In this episode, MommaFoxFire chats with licensed therapist Nicole Richardson about what healthy communication really looks like in romantic relationships... and what trips us up. Nicole brings years of experience working with couples, trauma, and crisis recovery and she doesn’t sugarcoat the hard stuff.

They kick things off by touching on Nicole’s upcoming e-course for parents who want to talk to their kids about bodies, sex, and other tricky topics. It’s all about giving grown-ups the words they might not have gotten themselves growing up. Then the conversation moves into more personal territory, from growing up in a military family to the awkwardness of wisdom tooth extractions and why dentists can be the worst.

When they shift gears into the main topic - communication in relationships - Nicole gets clear about what makes communication healthy or unhealthy. Name-calling, passive-aggressive jabs, constant teasing or assuming what your partner meant without asking? Those all fall into the "ineffective" category. Instead, Nicole encourages people to focus on effective communication, which happens when the message sent is actually the message received. Spoiler: it’s harder than it sounds.

A big chunk of the discussion covers processing styles. Some people need time before they're ready to talk, and that’s okay... as long as you tell your partner, “I’m not ready now, but I will be later.” Silence with no explanation, on the other hand, can lead to assumptions and conflict. Nicole also points out how important it is to take responsibility for your own emotional regulation. If you’re about to explode or shut down, take a break. Communicate that you’re taking one and come back to it when you’re in a better place.

They also talk about media portrayals of love and how rom-coms mess us up. The whole “chase them until they say yes” trope? Not cute. Nicole pushes back on the myth that everything’s supposed to magically click once you find “the one.” That’s when the real work starts.

Listeners asked great questions too, like how to shift long-standing communication patterns with parents or adult children. Nicole’s advice: You can’t change others, but you can change how you show up. Lead with consistency and clear boundaries. Sometimes, that means accepting that certain relationships will always be more surface-level... and adjusting your expectations accordingly.

Nicole shares the Gottman method as a tool: use “I feel, I want, I need” statements to express what’s going on inside you without launching into blame or criticism. It’s not about stuffing your feelings down or lashing out - it’s about being honest, respectful and real.

They wrap up with a reminder that communication isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it is a skill you can learn. It takes time, effort and self-awareness... but it’s worth it.

If you're a young adult feeling stuck, a parent trying to support one or someone rethinking your path at any age, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice and permission to figure it out as you go.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/tess-brigham

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire sits down with Tess Brigham, a psychotherapist, certified coach and author dubbed “The Millennial Therapist” by CNBC. Tess shares her insights on young adults, mental health and the concept she calls the “explorer mindset” - a way to approach life with curiosity instead of fear.

Tess has spent over 20 years working with people, and about 12 years ago, she found her niche when a wave of 20-somethings started showing up at her San Francisco office. These were mostly millennials who had followed the rules - good schools, good jobs - but still didn’t feel fulfilled. That disconnect between expectations and reality sparked her passion for helping young adults figure things out.

She saw firsthand how technology, social media, and shifting workplace norms were taking a toll on this generation. Millennials were criticized as lazy or entitled, but what Tess saw was burnout, confusion, and a real lack of guidance. Gen Z, she says, is facing many of the same struggles - just with a digital twist. They’ve grown up online, and they’re entering a workforce that often misunderstands them.

The “explorer mindset” is Tess’s answer to all of this. It’s about dropping the pressure to have everything figured out and instead focusing on small steps and curiosity. Instead of saying “I need to know exactly what I want to be before I move forward,” Tess encourages young people to just start. Want to be a lawyer? Don’t sign up for the LSAT right away - talk to lawyers, sit in on court, explore. The idea is to try things with low stakes and use that experience to gather information about what feels right.

MommaFoxFire shares how this mindset could’ve helped her younger self, and how she sees it play out with her own kids - one of whom is already confident in wanting to be a teacher, while the other will likely need space to explore different paths. Tess reminds listeners that it’s okay to change course, at any age. Reinvention isn’t just for your 20s.

They talk about the pressure of social media, how everything feels urgent, curated and overwhelming. Tess points out that it’s hard to grow and learn when you’re constantly comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. The conversation also touches on relationships, boundary setting and the challenges of adult friendships after high school or college.

Throughout the episode, Tess emphasizes taking action - even if it’s small, even if it’s imperfect. The goal isn’t to map out your whole life in one shot, but to keep moving, learning and reflecting. Whether you're 18, 28 or 48, it’s not too late to start exploring.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or frustrated with yourself for putting things off—even when you want to get them done—this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/chris-abdey

In this Mental Health Monday live conversation, MommaFoxFire sat down with procrastination coach and mental wellness advocate Chris Abdey to talk all things procrastination, productivity and how our brains can both help and hurt us when it comes to getting stuff done. Chris brings a real and relatable perspective, sharing how his own journey from burnout and 80-hour workweeks led him to reevaluate his priorities, leave Nicaragua and eventually become a coach helping others untangle their habits.

Chris kicked things off by explaining that procrastination is way more common than most people admit... and it’s not about laziness. It’s often about fear, discomfort or feeling overwhelmed. He laid out the five procrastination personalities: the perfectionist, the worrier, the dreamer, the crisis-maker and the defier, each with their own patterns and mental roadblocks. Chris made it clear that procrastination doesn’t mean you’re broken. It usually means your brain is trying to keep you safe or comfortable, even if that means tanking your to-do list.

A standout moment came when Chris explained how our brains can confuse thinking about doing something with actually doing it. You imagine the whole project, feel good about the mental image and then your brain decides you’re done... even if you haven’t lifted a finger. He also got into how our brains flag certain tasks as “dangerous” or “draining,” and suddenly, just thinking about doing the task makes you feel exhausted. Sometimes, that’s not you needing rest. It’s your brain resisting.

MommaFoxFire shared her own relatable examples - laundry, dishes, and avoiding cold weather - all things that can sneakily trigger procrastination. Chris emphasized that figuring out the one part of a task that trips you up (like folding socks or going out in the cold) is key to working around it. Procrastination is often about one small trigger, not the whole task.

They also talked about the pressure to always be productive in today’s hustle-heavy world. Chris said a major form of procrastination he sees is around self-worth... how people will do things for others but not for themselves. That really hit home in the conversation about parents, especially moms, who put themselves last.

The solution? Self-compassion, creating routines based on what actually works for you, and learning to listen to your own energy and preferences. Chris shared simple strategies like changing your internal language (“I have to” vs. “I choose to”) and tying new habits to existing ones to build consistency.

At the end of the episode, Chris offered a free productivity session for listeners and reminded everyone: you’re not lazy, you’re not broken and you can figure this out - one step, one small win at a time.

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by depression, misunderstood because of a learning disability, or shaped by a painful past, this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/puck

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, Puck joins MommaFoxFire for a raw and honest chat about living with depression, surviving abuse, navigating learning disabilities, and what it’s like to come out the other side of some seriously tough times. Puck shares openly about his background - from childhood trauma to adult resilience - with humor, grit and a whole lot of heart.

Puck’s story starts with a rocky childhood marked by physical and sexual abuse, a chaotic home life, and school struggles tied to an undiagnosed learning disability. Things didn’t get easier as a teen - he bounced between California and Minnesota, landing back with his dad after a stretch with his abusive stepfather. At 14, his mom sent him on a Greyhound with a bus ticket and $20. He wasn’t even sure his dad would be there to meet him. (He was.)

He ended up getting kicked out at 16 and spent years homeless. That part of his life was full of uncertainty - where to sleep, whether he’d eat, and if he could stay safe. He talked about meeting others in the same boat, finding community in unexpected places and how gaming became an escape and a safer option than getting into trouble on the streets.

Puck was arrested multiple times, mostly for theft-related offenses tied to survival. One particular charge from decades ago still follows him around, even though he’s completely turned his life around. He’s worked hard to rebuild everything, and despite being blocked from some jobs due to that record, he’s stayed focused on building a better future.

Now in his 40s, Puck is a homeowner, husband, father of three and business owner. He runs Wild Coyote Design, selling custom stickers, mugs and other creations online. He talks about the highs and lows of Etsy, including ridiculous customer complaints and the time demands of handmade work.

Mental health-wise, Puck lives with depression and struggles with focus and memory. He’s tried meds in the past but found they made things worse. Therapy helped some, but it was hard to connect while carrying so much unspoken trauma. He still hasn’t told his wife about everything, especially around the abuse he endured in childhood. Some of that pain still feels too heavy to speak out loud.

Despite everything, Puck’s proud of how far he’s come, and he's brutally honest about the work it takes. He’s committed to parenting his kids with more patience and care than he got growing up. He tries to give them the tools and love he didn’t have.

This conversation isn’t sugar-coated. It’s real, it’s messy, and it’s full of sharp edges - but it’s also a reminder that survival isn’t the end of the story. Puck’s still standing, still creating and still trying. And in a world that often tries to break people down, that’s a story worth hearing.

If you've ever questioned your reality in a relationship, felt drained by someone who constantly twists the truth, or are trying to rebuild after emotional abuse, this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/mia-hanks

In this powerful episode, MommaFoxFire sits down with Mia Hanks to talk about surviving narcissistic abuse - what it looks like, how it feels and what it takes to heal. Mia speaks openly and honestly about her personal experiences with a narcissistic partner, sharing how she slowly came to recognize the manipulation and emotional damage happening behind the scenes.

She explains that narcissistic abuse isn’t always loud or violent. Often, it’s subtle - a slow erosion of confidence, constant gaslighting, and the shifting of blame. Mia describes how she started feeling like she was going crazy, questioning her own memory, instincts, and sense of reality. Over time, she realized this wasn’t just a “difficult relationship” - it was emotional abuse masked as love and care.

One of the biggest challenges Mia talks about is identifying the abuse for what it was. Narcissists are often charming and skilled at keeping up appearances, especially in front of others. She describes how friends and family didn’t always see the red flags, and how isolating that was. It made it harder to trust herself and even harder to leave. But she emphasizes how important it is to trust your gut when something feels off, even if no one else sees it.

The conversation shifts into the healing process - a journey that, for Mia, took time, support and a lot of unlearning. She talks about how therapy helped her recognize patterns, build boundaries and start reconnecting with who she was before the abuse. Rebuilding her confidence and sense of identity was key. She shares that survivors often carry shame or guilt, wondering how they “let it happen,” but she pushes back on that — reminding listeners that narcissistic abuse is calculated, and anyone can fall victim to it.

Mia also talks about the role of self-compassion in healing. She had to stop beating herself up for staying too long or not seeing the signs sooner. She highlights the value of community - finding people who understand, whether that’s friends, a therapist or support groups. The isolation starts to lift when you realize you’re not alone.

Throughout the episode, Mia keeps it real. She doesn’t sugarcoat how tough it was, but she also makes it clear that healing is possible. She’s living proof. Her story is full of raw honesty, hard-won insights and hope for anyone still stuck in the fog of a toxic relationship.

By the end, listeners walk away with a better understanding of narcissistic abuse, clear signs to watch for, and a reminder that surviving isn’t just about getting out - it’s about reclaiming your power, your peace and your sense of self.

If you're living with PTSD, OCD, addiction, or just feel stuck in patterns that traditional therapy hasn't touched, this episode is for you.

More info, ways to connect & more - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/zahra-adloo

On this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, I sat down with Zahra Adloo to talk about PTSD, Ibogaine therapy and mental health treatment that actually makes a difference. Zahra shared her journey from a career in management information systems to finding her true calling in mental health counseling. Along the way, a life-changing ayahuasca experience opened her eyes to the power of psychedelics, eventually leading her to specialize in trauma, addiction and psychedelic integration therapy.

We dug into the reality that PTSD and OCD aren’t always what people think. PTSD isn’t just for veterans – it can affect anyone who’s experienced trauma, big or small. OCD isn’t about being neat and organized either; it’s about intrusive, disruptive thoughts that people feel forced to soothe through compulsions. Zahra explained how misunderstood these conditions are and how important it is to approach them without judgment.

The heart of the conversation was all about Ibogaine therapy. Zahra broke it down simply: Ibogaine is a psychedelic substance derived from the iboga plant, and it works by helping people reach the root causes of their trauma or addiction. It's not a quick fix, but it’s a powerful catalyst that kickstarts healing and rewires the brain to support healthier patterns. Zahra made it clear, though — the real magic happens when Ibogaine is combined with strong integration work afterward. It’s about creating sustainable change, not just having a powerful experience.

We also talked about the risks. Ibogaine therapy isn’t for everyone, especially if you have heart issues, liver problems, or a history of psychosis. And because it’s illegal in the U.S., people have to seek treatment in places like Mexico, Canada and Portugal, where it’s legal. Zahra stressed the importance of vetting clinics and facilitators carefully, because the psychedelic world has its fair share of bad actors.

Zahra also shared her personal experiences with Ibogaine and other psychedelics, how she uses tools like trauma-informed yoga and Reiki to support healing, and how reconnecting with the body is just as important as working with the mind. She’s a strong advocate for compassion, both for yourself and others, especially when facing mental health struggles.

One of the most powerful messages Zahra left us with was the reminder that asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s strength. Healing starts when we stop seeing mental health care as something shameful and start recognizing it as something courageous.

Overall, this conversation was full of hope, honesty, and solid advice for anyone interested in alternative paths to healing trauma and breaking free from old patterns. Whether you’re just curious about Ibogaine or seriously considering it as a therapy option, Zahra’s insights were eye-opening and empowering.

If you’ve ever felt confused, second-guessed yourself in a relationship, or wondered if someone in your life is emotionally manipulating you, this episode is one you need to hear.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/dr-stephanie-sarkis

On this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, I sat down with Dr. Stephanie Sarkis to talk about toxic relationships, gaslighting, and the real challenges of healing from emotional abuse. Stephanie is a licensed mental health counselor, a mediator, and an author of multiple books, including Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People—and Break Free. She’s also a contributor to Forbes and Psychology Today, and she hosts her own podcast, Talking Brains. Basically, she knows her stuff.

Stephanie shared how she was always the person friends came to for relationship advice, and after originally planning to work for CNN, she pivoted to counseling and never looked back. Her work, especially her books, are inspired by real-life experiences from her clients—many of whom struggle with gaslighting, ADHD, anxiety and depression. She said the feedback she gets from readers who’ve found the courage to leave toxic relationships is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

We talked a lot about gaslighting—what it is, how it works, and what it looks like. According to Stephanie, gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse designed to make you question your reality. It often starts small and escalates until you’re isolated and unsure of your own thoughts. It can include things like hiding your stuff and blaming you for it, love-bombing you early on, then tearing you down, or pitting you against people close to you. She made it very clear: gaslighting is all about control.

Stephanie also broke down the stages of gaslighting—idealization, devaluation and discard—and how those phases mess with your head. And if you’re wondering whether narcissists are involved, the answer is yes—often. Especially the kind who never think they’re the problem and rarely show up for therapy unless it’s to blame someone else.

We also talked about the trickiness of co-parenting with a gaslighter, especially if you can’t go completely no-contact. Stephanie had practical advice for managing communication through apps like Our Family Wizard and Talking Parents, keeping interactions minimal and getting everything documented.

When it comes to healing, Stephanie stressed the importance of therapy, support systems, and going completely no-contact if possible. She said that survivors often carry guilt and shame, especially when the abuser is a parent or partner. But it’s okay to protect your peace. You don’t owe anyone continued access to you—especially someone who’s hurt you.

The interview wasn’t all heavy—we laughed about tone checkers for work emails, how pets can spot a toxic person before you can, and how important it is to find humor even when things are hard. Stephanie also shared her favorite poem (Richard Cory) and how it reminds her that we never really know what someone’s going through.

This conversation was real, honest and empowering—just what Mental Health Monday is all about.

If you're a parent, caregiver, teacher or just someone who cares about how kids grow up in a world that doesn’t always make room for them, this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/leanne-tran

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire kicks off the first live Mental Health Monday interview of 2025 with psychologist Leanne Tran to talk about children, parenting, and mental health. Leanne brings years of experience working with families, especially those navigating autism, ADHD, and learning differences. She shares how her own physical disability gave her empathy for kids who feel different, and how that helped shape her career path.

Leanne emphasizes that behavior isn’t always a choice — especially in neurodivergent kids. A lot of parenting frustration comes from misunderstanding the why behind certain behaviors. For example, a kid with ADHD may not be “not listening” on purpose — they might genuinely be struggling to follow through. And when kids hear over and over that they’re “difficult” or “not trying,” that can become part of their identity in harmful ways. Leanne’s focus is on helping kids and parents find practical strategies that actually work, especially when the typical stuff falls flat.

She talks about how early support can change a child’s whole path. Without it, kids with ADHD or autism often develop anxiety or depression as secondary struggles. One major challenge? Access. Families in rural or underserved areas often wait way too long for help. That’s why Leanne creates online content and resources — to make support more accessible no matter where a family lives.

Another key piece of the conversation is about the difference in how kids act at school versus home. A lot of masking happens in classrooms, which means teachers might not see the same struggles parents deal with daily. Leanne urges collaboration between schools, professionals, and parents, especially when putting together individualized education plans. She also encourages parents to trust their gut and bring data — even just a list of behaviors — to professionals.

When it comes to building resilience, Leanne reminds parents to take it one step at a time. Support your kids just enough so they can stretch and grow without getting overwhelmed. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight — just focus on the next right thing.

Leanne also shares her favorite life hack, a quote she loves, and her passion for helping families avoid the generational trauma cycles so many of us grew up in. Her advice is clear: understanding your child and meeting them where they are isn’t spoiling them — it’s setting them up for long-term independence and happiness.

This was a warm, honest conversation full of practical advice and hope for parents trying their best. If your kid is showing signs of something different, or if you’re just feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and there’s help out there.

If you’ve ever used music to get through a tough time, felt overwhelmed by anxiety, or just want to hear how creativity and compassion can change lives, this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/rick-dellaratta

In this episode, MommaFoxFire sits down with Rick DellaRatta—musician, mental health advocate, and founder of Jazz for Peace—to talk about the powerful connection between music and mental health. Rick shares his personal story of navigating life’s challenges, and how music, especially jazz, became a healing force not just for him, but for people around the world.

Rick opens up about his early years, where music was both an escape and a lifeline. He talks about experiencing anxiety and feeling misunderstood, and how improvisation through jazz allowed him to express emotions he couldn’t always put into words. Music became a tool for survival and connection—especially when things got overwhelming.

He explains how this passion led to the creation of Jazz for Peace, a global organization that brings people together across boundaries of race, religion, and politics through music. What started as a concert in response to 9/11 turned into a movement that now supports nonprofit organizations worldwide. Rick shares that Jazz for Peace helps groups raise awareness and funding by organizing benefit concerts that feature his performances and draw attention to important causes.

The conversation shifts to how music can be used as a tool for mental health. Rick emphasizes that music gives people permission to feel—whether that’s joy, sadness, grief, or hope. He talks about the science behind it too, referencing how rhythm and melody can literally rewire the brain and reduce stress. According to Rick, even five minutes of music can be a powerful reset for the mind.

MommaFoxFire and Rick get real about how isolating it can feel to struggle with mental health and how creative outlets—like music, art, or writing—can be vital lifelines. Rick encourages listeners not to worry about being perfect or trained. Just make noise, he says. Pick up an instrument, sing in the shower, or dance around your kitchen. The act of expression matters more than the result.

They also talk about how our culture sometimes pushes productivity over emotional well-being, and how important it is to push back on that. Rick stresses the importance of finding your own rhythm in life and making space for joy and expression, especially when times are hard.

Throughout the interview, Rick shares stories of the people and communities he’s connected with through Jazz for Peace—from refugees to students to families facing crises—and how music became a shared language of healing.

The episode wraps with a message of hope and encouragement. Rick reminds listeners that they don’t need to be professional musicians to experience the benefits of music. The key is to show up for yourself, to find even small ways to stay grounded, and to use creativity as a reminder that we’re never truly alone in what we’re feeling.