This is a revisited episode that, unfortunately, remains deeply relevant today. The crisis of gun violence in schools continues, and stories like Mary Hollis Inboden’s are a vital reminder of why we must keep pushing for change.

Since the 90s, mass shootings have continued to rise in numbers. This year alone, as of April, there have been 179 mass shootings in the US—16 of which have been school shootings. Fear and anxiety have become the default for our children as we send them to school every day, knowing that their schools are not safe. Change needs to be made, and it’s so important that we continue to speak out on this pressing issue.

In this episode, I discuss the heartbreaking reality with a survivor of a school shooting that took place in 1998. Mary Hollis talks about her horrific experience at Westside Middle School when she was only 12. The aftermath of this shooting has traumatized her and her classmates to this day. Mary Hollis lost her best friend Paige on that day.

The sad fact is that I had never heard of this particular shooting. Columbine put school shooters on the map, and today it’s as if Americans are expected to forget each one and move on. But these people all have names, families, and friends that love and miss them. This episode is heavy, but I could not be more proud of Mary Hollis for sharing her story—hopefully, it will spark reflection and change.



Use code JUDGING at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only.

Ready to help your kids grow money skills that will last a lifetime? Just head to acornsearly.com/judging or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Sign up now and your first month is on us!

Head to Sittercity.com and find child care that has your back when life does what it does.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #abuserecovery #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #selfhelp #addiction #addictionrecovery #lgbtqsupport  #death #tragedy #pandemic #america #massshootings #kids #maryholisinboden #actress  #gunviolence #grief #schoolshootings #westsidemiddleschool #revisited

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m honored to sit down with Dr. Paul Corona—a trailblazing physician, author, and fierce advocate for mental wellness—whose mission is to transform how we understand and treat mental health. With over 30 years of experience bridging psychiatry and family medicine, Dr. Corona shares his remarkable journey, from being nicknamed “Dr. Paul” as a five-year-old with a toy medical kit to becoming a leading voice in integrative mental health care. He brings to light the vital connection between our minds and bodies, and why true healing must treat both. His newest book, The Corona Protocol, offers a bold, scientifically grounded approach to tackling some of society’s most pressing issues, including addiction, bullying, homelessness, school shootings, and suicide.

We talk candidly about the science behind emotional struggles and why mental illness is not a matter of willpower. Dr. Corona explains how trauma, hormones, and genetics shape brain chemistry, and why it’s time to let go of outdated fears around medication. We also have a raw and emotional conversation about losing a child to suicide—and what we must do better as a society to support one another before it’s too late.

This episode also explores the impact of technology and the mental health aftermath of the pandemic on today’s youth. Dr. Corona offers insight for parents navigating anxiety, depression, and ADHD in their children, while highlighting how healing can be affordable, accessible, and rooted in listening and compassion.

Whether you’ve felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to help someone you love, this conversation will open your eyes and remind you of what’s possible. You are not alone. There is help. There is healing. And there is always hope.

Tune in to be inspired and reminded that healing begins when we dare to have these conversations—and when we remember that everyone is worthy of care, understanding, and light.

Find out more about Dr.Corona and check out his book series “Healing Mind and Body” on his site: https://drpaulcoronamd.com/ 

Use code JUDGING at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only.

Ready to help your kids grow money skills that will last a lifetime? Just head to acornsearly.com/judging or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Sign up now and your first month is on us!

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #MentalHealthAwareness, #technology, #DrPaulCorona, #TheCoronaProtocol, #YouAreNotAlone, #HopeAndHealing, #BreakTheStigma, #MindBodyConnection, #MentalWellnessMatters, #EndTheSilence, #SuicidePrevention, #technologyandmentalhealth #HealingIsPossible, #ParentingAndMentalHealth,

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide, depression, and grief—please listen with care.

In this deeply emotional episode, I'm sharing the space with a remarkable guest: Betsy Thibaut Stephens. Betsy is a mother, writer, and survivor of unthinkable loss. Her son, Charlie, was a bright, compassionate, easygoing 21-year-old who quietly battled depression—a struggle that ended in tragedy. In her beautifully written book, Blackbird: A Mother’s Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide, Betsy invites us into her journey of remembrance, heartbreak, and ultimately, healing.

Together, we talk about the raw truth of losing someone who masked their pain behind a smile, the relentless “what ifs,” and the impossible decision to keep living in the aftermath. She shares the quiet bravery of mothering through sorrow—flying across the country to hold Charlie while he cried, learning to speak his name out loud after his passing, and finding purpose through the pain.

This episode is for anyone navigating grief, loving someone through their darkness, or trying to understand the invisible weight so many carry. Betsy’s vulnerability is a lifeline. Her story reminds us that depression doesn’t always look like hopelessness—and that healing isn’t about forgetting, but about remembering with intention.

We cry. We reflect. We say their names. And in doing so, we offer a powerful reminder: you are not alone. Your grief matters. Your love still has a voice. And even on the hardest days, there is still a path forward.

Blackbird is available everywhere books are sold starting April 8th. Please share this episode with someone who needs to know they are seen and never alone.

Find out more about Betsy’s story on her site: https://www.blackbirdbetsy.com/

Use code JUDGING at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only.

Ready to help your kids grow money skills that will last a lifetime? Just head to acornsearly.com/judging or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Sign up now and your first month is on us!

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #MentalHealthAwareness #GriefJourney #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #LossAndHealing #MotherhoodAndGrief #CharliesStory #SpeakTheirName #HopeAfterLoss #BlackbirdMemoir #EndTheStigma #HealingThroughStorytelling #CompassionInGrief #BetsyThibautStephenson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about domestic abuse, emotional trauma, and financial control. Listener discretion is advised.

In this powerful episode of Judging Meghan, I sit down with my dear friend, Vicky Edwards, who opens up about her courageous journey through domestic abuse and the emotional, financial, and psychological toll it took on her. Vicky shares the subtle beginnings of manipulation, the isolation she faced, and the pivotal moments that led to her breaking point. Her raw honesty is a testament to the strength it takes to not only survive but to rebuild from the trauma.

Vicky’s story is one of resilience and reclamation of power, showing that even in the darkest times, there is hope. We discuss how the support of close friends, community, and a strong network can make all the difference, and how she’s now giving back by helping others heal. Vicky also shares the inspiration behind her podcast, Life After Divorce, but Funnier, and the trauma support group she co-founded, both of which aim to provide a safe space for others on their healing journeys.

If you’re navigating the aftermath of trauma or heartbreak, this episode will serve as a reminder that you are not alone and that healing is not only possible, but it can lead to newfound strength and purpose.

Tune in to hear Vicky’s inspiring story of survival, strength, and transformation. And for more, check out her podcast with Jackie Miller: Life After Divorce, but Funnier.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, support is available. Please reach out to organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at www.thehotline.org.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation about courage, resilience, and the power of community. Let Vicky’s story be a beacon of hope and strength.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #OvercomingAdversity #motherhood #community #RebuildingAfterAbuse #InspirationalStories #ReclaimingYourPower #LifeAfterDivorceButFunnier #SupportSystem #WomensEmpowerment #VickyEdwards #survivor #HealingAfterTrauma #DomesticAbuseSurvivor

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a pioneer in obesity medicine and author of The Ozempic Revolution. Her inspiring journey is driven by her family's experience and her mission to provide compassionate, science-backed care. Together, we explore the complexities of weight management, the realities of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Monjauro, and Zepbound, and the importance of a holistic approach to health.

We get into the emotional toll of body image, societal pressure, and the ongoing battle many face with their weight. Dr. Alexandra brings clarity and compassion to the subject, addressing the stigma surrounding weight management and the misunderstandings about medication safety. From the challenges of yo-yo dieting to navigating the financial burden of treatment, we tackle it all.

But our conversation goes even deeper. We discuss the future of these medications, including emerging oral options and the exciting potential for slowing the progression of diseases like Alzheimer's. We also take a closer look at compounded medications, providing insights into the pros and cons of this approach. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, these treatments represent hope and a significant advancement in longevity medicine.

If you've ever struggled with your own health journey, faced judgment, or questioned your treatment options, this episode is for you. Let's break free from the cycle of shame and embrace the power of knowledge and self-care. Tune in for an honest dialogue about healing, acceptance, and the courage to take control of your well-being.

Learn more about Alexandra and pre- order her book “The Ozempic Revolution” here: https://alexandrasowamd.com/

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #WeightManagement #OzempicRevolution #HealthAndWellness #BodyAcceptance #MedicalInsights #ChronicIllnessSupport #GLP1Medications#HolisticHealth #Empowerment #SelfCareJourney #HealthTransformation #MindBodyConnection #DrAlexandraSowa

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine dedicating your life to protecting nature—only to have it ripped away without warning. That’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, Ben Vizzachero, a passionate wildlife biologist employed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) who lost his job in a wave of illegal firings. Despite years of dedication, hard work, promotions, and praise, Ben’s career came to an abrupt halt.

In this eye-opening episode, Ben opens up about his journey of resilience. From following his childhood dream of working in wildlife conservation with the Los Padres National Forest to having that dream crushed by an impersonal termination email, his story is one of both devastation and strength. But this isn’t just about one job. It’s about mass layoffs, political recklessness, and the devastating mental and financial toll of being cast aside by a broken system.

We dive deep into the real cost of these injustices: the fight to reclaim identity and purpose and the bureaucratic nightmare of standing up against corruption. But through it all, there’s hope. Ben’s story serves as a reminder that when the system fails us, we still have a choice—to fight back, to demand accountability, and to stand on the right side of history.

If you’ve ever felt powerless in the face of injustice, this conversation will ignite something in you. It’s time to listen, learn, and take action.

You can find Ben here: https://www.instagram.com/territory_ranger/?hl=en 

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #BrokenSystem #SpeakYourTruth #politics #fightingcurroption #resilience #lospadresnationalforest #StayInformed #MakeAnImpact #UseYourVoice #Activism #callyourrepresentatives #justice #WildlifeBiologist #unfairfiring #layoffs #DOJ #BenVizzachero

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I welcome back my dear friend Robin Finn for a raw, timely, and empowering conversation in honor of International Women’s Day. As an award winning author, and passionate advocate for women, Robin brings wisdom and fire to a discussion that couldn’t be more relevant.

We dive deep into the challenges women face today—navigating political uncertainty, the emotional toll of staying informed, and the struggles of speaking up in a world where misinformation runs rampant. From losing friendships over tough conversations to the everyday impact of rising costs and shifting rights, we uncover what it means to be a woman in these times.

But this episode isn’t just about the struggles—it’s about reclaiming our power. How do we balance activism with protecting our mental well-being? How do we turn awareness into action without burning out? And most importantly, how do we ensure our voices are heard when staying silent feels easier?

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, unheard, or unsure of how to move forward, this episode is for you. It’s a call to action—to stay informed, think critically, and use your voice fearlessly. Because your story matters. And the world needs to hear it.

Tune in now, and let’s start the conversation.

Find out more about Robin on her site here https://www.robinfinn.com/ and order her book “Heart. Soul. Pen” now https://www.robinfinn.com/writing-portfolio/ 

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #SpeakYourTruth #RobinFinn #JudgingMeghan #FightingMisinformation #WomenRising #StayInformed #MakeAnImpact #UseYourVoice #AdvocacyMatters #StorytellingForChange #InternationalWomensDay #WomenSupportingWomen #TruthMatters #ResilientWomen #BalancedActivism #HeartSoulPen

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I'm joined by the incredible Marianne Williamson—bestselling author, activist, and former presidential candidate—for a conversation that is more urgent than ever. We dive into the power of love, resilience, and the urgent need for healing—both as individuals and as a society. From the state of our nation to the deeper spiritual truths that guide us, we explore how faith, activism, and self-awareness intersect in times of crisis. How do we navigate a world that feels overwhelming? How do we reclaim our voices, challenge the narratives that divide us, and stand up for what truly matters?

This is not just about politics—it’s about humanity. It’s about the emotional toll of division, the complexities of forgiveness, and the fine line between anger and purpose. It’s about recognizing the systems that seek to silence us and stepping fully into our power, whether through activism, faith, or personal transformation.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of the world lately, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest, eye-opening conversation about resilience, reclaiming your voice, and finding hope—even when it feels impossible.

You can find more about Marianne here: https://marianne.com/, https://www.instagram.com/mariannewilliamson/?hl=en 

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #SpiritualGrowth #LoveOverFear #PersonalHealing #CollectiveHealing #FaithAndResilience #NavigatingCrisis #world #ActivismAndSpirituality #HealingTheWorld #TheMysticJesus #PodcastEpisode #Empowerment #Mindfulness #NewYorkTimesBestSellingAuthor #ProjectAngelFood #EgoAndHealing #America #SelfAwareness #ThePeaceAlliance #ConsciousLiving #MarianneWilliamson #Activism

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I sit down with psychotherapist and author Katherine Fabrizio, an expert in helping empathic daughters navigate complicated relationships with their mothers. We dive into the patterns of The Good Daughter Syndrome, explore how childhood dynamics shape our adult lives, and discuss the first steps toward healing.

Mother-daughter relationships can be deeply complex, influenced by generational patterns, unspoken expectations, and ingrained behaviors. Whether you've struggled with a high-conflict relationship, faced narcissistic tendencies, or simply felt the weight of always trying to be “good enough,” this conversation will resonate. We explore the delicate balance of guiding our own children while allowing them to grow, the power of repair in parenting, and why self-awareness is key to breaking the cycle.

If you've ever felt trapped in the role of the “good daughter,” constantly seeking approval while losing sight of your own needs, this episode is for you. It’s never too late to reclaim your voice, set boundaries, and start living life on your own terms.

Learn more about Katherine here: https://daughtersrising.info/ 

And order her book “The Good Daughter Syndrome” Now on Amazon!

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #katherinefabrizio #parenting #breakingfamilypatterns #psychotherapy #narcissisticmother #motherdaughterdynamic #daughter #mother #emotionalhealing #familydynamics #healthyboundaries #gooddaughtersyndrome

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I welcome Isa Gucciardi, the founding director of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream and a pioneer in healing and consciousness studies. With a background in cultural anthropology, comparative religion, and transpersonal psychology, Isa brings a deep and compassionate understanding of the human spirit. Her new book, "Depth Hypnosis: A Path to Healing, Peace, and Transformation," offers a powerful approach to personal growth and emotional recovery.

We dive into the fascinating world of Depth Hypnosis, a therapeutic model Isa created that weaves together shamanic healing, energy medicine, and Buddhist philosophy. She explains how this unique blend helps people reconnect with their inner selves, address trauma, and find lasting peace. Her insights into the shamanic journey and the role of altered consciousness in healing are both grounding and enlightening.

Isa also shares how the unseen powers of nature and the wisdom of ancient traditions can guide us through life's challenges. Her approach offers practical, compassionate tools for healing, reminding us that even the most painful experiences can become a source of strength and transformation.

This conversation is about what it means to truly heal—not just at the surface, but at the deepest levels of the self. I hope you'll tune in and join us on this inspiring journey toward wholeness and peace.

Learn more about Isa and what she does here: https://www.sacredstream.org/

You can get her book here "Depth Hypnosis: A Path to Healing, Peace, and Transformation," on Amazon or her site!

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #emotionalrecovery #philosophy #spiritualgrowth #mindbodyspirit #energymedicine #healing #isagucciardi #buddhist #Shamanichealing #deaththerapy #hypnosis #sacredstream

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices