Essential Inner Resources for Good Mental Health & A Fulfilling Life with Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Celeste Birkhofer

This episode I am joined by Dr. Celeste Birkhofer, a licensed clinical psychologist, longtime Stanford educator, mother, and upcoming author whose work centers on grief, suicide prevention, and the emotional weight of perfectionism. Dr. Celeste opens up about growing up in a military family, navigating a parent’s alcoholism, and how her own experiences with depression, compulsive exercise, and an eating disorder eventually led her into psychology. She also shares her forty–year marriage, a partnership strengthened through separation, therapy, and hard-won healing.

The heart of our conversation is the greatest loss of her life: the death of her son, Wiley, who fought bipolar two disorder with everything he had for nine years. Dr. Celeste speaks with heartbreaking honesty about his vibrant childhood, his acceptance into Stanford, the onset of his illness, and the unpredictable nature of suicidal ideation. She talks about the day Wiley died, the grief that reshaped her family, and the fears she faced returning to work as a therapist while questioning everything she believed about mental health treatment.

We explore the complexity of suicide grief, the stigma that deepens the pain, and the small everyday mercies that slowly help you breathe again. She shares how her loss softened her, slowed her down, and shifted her spirituality, including the signs from Wiley that still show up in the most beautiful ways.

This conversation is honest, grounding, emotional, and filled with compassion. It is for anyone who has lost someone to suicide, loves someone living with mental illness, or simply wants to understand grief on a deeper, more human level. It is a reminder that healing is not about perfection but about awareness, connection, and extending kindness to ourselves, especially on the days we feel anything but kind.

Stay tuned for more information on Celeste’s upcoming book ‘Beyond Quick Fixes: Essential Inner Resources for Good Mental Health & A Fulfilling LIfe’ on her site: https://www.drcelestebirkhofer.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 #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #GriefSupport #SuicideAwareness #MindfulLiving #EmotionalWellness #SelfCompassion #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #LifeAfterLoss #TherapistTalks #HumanExperience #InnerStrength #MentalHealthResources #OvercomingLoss #MentalWellness #TraumaRecovery #ParentingThroughLoss #BipolarAwareness #MentalHealthEducation #EmotionalHealing #FindingHope #CopingWithGrief #HealingTogether #EndTheStigma #Wellbeing #MentalHealthCommunity #SelfCareJourney #PersonalGrowth #FaithAndHealing #DrCelesteBirkhofer

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This episode I’m joined by Dr. Mark Horowitz, a psychiatrist, researcher, and one of the leading voices challenging the conventional approach to antidepressants. Together, we have an open and eye-opening conversation about the truth behind psychiatric medication, withdrawal, and what real healing looks like beyond the quick-fix model.

Dr. Horowitz shares his own experience with dependence and recovery, explaining why stopping antidepressants can be so difficult and how proper tapering, done slowly and with care, can make all the difference. We talk about the science behind withdrawal, how tolerance develops, and why patients deserve more education and compassion from the medical system.

Our discussion also touches on society’s growing obsession with “miracle” treatments, from ketamine clinics to new experimental drugs, and the risks that often get overlooked in the pursuit of instant relief. Dr. Horowitz explains why psychiatry has fallen into the trap of chemical solutions, and how true healing often comes from therapy, mindfulness, exercise, connection, and addressing the deeper roots of suffering.

He also shares his work with Outro Health, a growing network of clinics helping people safely and gradually come off medication through hyperbolic tapering, while supporting them with holistic, evidence-based care.

This episode is both cautionary and hopeful. It is a reminder that healing is not found in a single prescription or one-size-fits-all solution. It is about self-awareness, courage, and learning to trust yourself again. Whether you are questioning your medication, exploring new ways to manage your mental health, or simply searching for hope, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a powerful message that there is always a way forward.

Disclaimer: This conversation is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan. While Dr. Horowitz is a licensed psychiatrist, I am not a medical professional, and our discussion is meant to inform, not replace, professional medical guidance.

Learn more at: https://markhorowitz.org/ 

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 #MentalHealthEducation #MedicationAwareness #DepressionSupport #AnxietyRelief #MentalHealthAdvocate #MindfulnessMatters #MentalWellnessJourney #SafeMedicationTaper #RecoveryTools #PsychiatricMedication #MentalHealthTips #SelfCareMatters #EmotionalHealth #TherapyOverMedication #HolisticMentalHealth #MentalHealthCommunity #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingFromWithin #MedicationRisks #MentalHealthRecovery #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthConversations #SupportMentalHealth #MentalHealthResources

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I am re-releasing one of the most meaningful conversations I have ever had. I recorded this with Bruce and Donna Ellis, two people who have been like second parents to me. I wanted to share it again after recently losing Bruce, who was not only a hero in my life but someone deeply loved by everyone who knew him.

This episode is about love, family, and the people who shape who we become. We talk about their daughter Julie, my best friend since childhood and my soulmate, whose kindness, humor, and wisdom continue to inspire me every day. We share stories that made us laugh until we cried, the silly traditions that made the Ellis home feel magical, and the small signs that remind us Julie is still with us.

Bruce and Donna also open up about their 57-year marriage, a love built on faith, laughter, and deep respect for one another. Even through unimaginable loss, their love remained steady and strong.

This conversation is a celebration of life, love, and the connections that carry us through grief. It is a tribute to Bruce and Julie Ellis, to the beauty of family in all its forms, and to the truth that love never really leaves us.

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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 #GriefAndHealing #MentalHealthMatters #RememberingJulie #FamilyLove #FriendshipAndLoss #HealingTogether #LifeStories #LoveAndLoss #FindingHope #EverydayMoments #LaughterAndTears #LifeLessons #FamilyFirst #FaithAndConnection #HeartfeltStories #CopingWithLoss #SupportAndCommunity #CelebratingLife #CherishedMemories #StoriesThatMatter #EnduringLove #KindnessCounts #LoveLivesOn #SoulfulConversations #LifeReflections #HopeAndHealing #LifeAfterLoss #ComfortAndCare #SharedMemories #GriefSupport

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In this powerful episode I sit down with one of the most iconic figures in boxing history, Christy Salters Martin, the first woman ever inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. Her story is one of triumph, trauma, and unbreakable resilience.

Christy shares her journey from a small-town girl in West Virginia who learned early on to hide who she was, to becoming a boxing phenomenon headlining Pay-Per-View events alongside Mike Tyson. But behind the bright lights and roaring crowds, she was living in silence, trapped in a cycle of manipulation and abuse that nearly cost her life.

She opens up about the years of control and fear she endured, where every move was monitored and every word recorded. When she finally decided to leave, she didn’t care if it cost her life. With remarkable courage, she found the strength to rise, fight back, and survive.

Now, through her work with Christy Martin Promotions, she’s mentoring and empowering the next generation of fighters while using her voice to raise awareness about domestic violence and the importance of self-worth. Her upcoming biopic, Christy, starring Sydney Sweeney and Ben Foster, brings her story to the big screen and reminds the world that survival is the ultimate victory.

If you or someone you love is struggling with abuse or identity, please know that help is available. You are not alone.

Learn more about the fight against family violence at: https://christyschamps.org/ 

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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 #ChristyMartin #Fighter #Overcomer #Strength #Survival #TrueStory #WomenWhoInspire #Hope #Transformation #BreakingFree #RiseAbove #HerStory #FaithOverFear #SydneySweeney #UnbreakableSpirit #YouAreNotAlone #FindingFreedom #Healing #Bravery #PowerWithin #InspiringWomen #VoiceForChange #ResilientHeart #ChampionMindset #ChristySaltersMartin #SurvivorStrong #CourageToHeal #InspireOthers #VictoryThroughFaith #WarriorSpirit #FightForYourLife #BelieveInYourself #ChristysChamps #christy

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

This deeply emotional episode is a revisited talk I had 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/

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

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In this episode I sit down with my friend, psychotherapist, and author John Tsilimparis to explore two of the biggest challenges shaping our world today: the rise of artificial intelligence and the quiet epidemic of loneliness.

We’re living in a time when we’re more connected than ever and yet more isolated than we’ve ever been. John and I talk about how technology, social media, and AI are reshaping the way we think, feel, and connect, and how they’re quietly impacting our mental health, relationships, and even the way we grieve. We discuss the heartbreaking story of a teen who took his life after forming an emotional bond with an AI chatbot and why open, honest conversations between parents and children are more important than ever.

But this episode isn’t just about what’s going wrong. It’s about finding hope, grounding, and genuine human connection in a digital world. John shares how structure, empathy, and real conversation can help us unplug from the noise, protect our peace, and heal through authentic relationships.

We also dive into his powerful book The Magic in the Tragic, exploring how grief doesn’t only stem from loss through death but also from life’s many transitions and heartbreaks. John reminds us that healing isn’t about moving on but moving through, allowing pain to transform into purpose and finding beauty, meaning, and even joy in the process.

Find out more about John and his book here: https://www.johntsilimparis.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 #JudgingMeghan #JohnTsilimparis #MentalHealthAwareness #HumanConnection #AIandMentalHealth #LonelinessCrisis #GriefHealing #TheMagicAndTheTragic #EmotionalWellness #AuthenticConnection #MindfulLiving #DigitalDetox #SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastConversation #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealth #HealingThroughConnection #MeaningfulConversations

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This episode is a revisited conversation with the incredible Marianne Williamson, bestselling author, activist, and former presidential candidate, for a discussion that feels more relevant than ever. We dive deep into the power of love, resilience, and the urgent need for healing both individually and collectively. From the state of our nation to the deeper spiritual truths that guide us, we explore how faith, activism, and self-awareness can help us find our footing in uncertain times.

Marianne and I talk about what it means to live with purpose in a world that often feels overwhelming and divided. We discuss how to reclaim our voices, challenge the narratives that separate us, and stand up for what truly matters. It’s an invitation to step into courage and consciousness, to face discomfort with compassion, and to believe that change is still possible when we lead with love.

This conversation goes far beyond politics. It’s about humanity. It’s about the emotional toll of division, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the fine line between anger and purpose. It’s about finding the strength to speak truth, the grace to listen, and the wisdom to act from love instead of fear.

If you’ve been feeling the heaviness of the world lately, this episode is for you. It’s a heartfelt reminder that resilience, faith, and hope are still within reach, and that when we come together in truth and empathy, healing is not only possible but inevitable.

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 #MarianneWilliamson #SpiritualGrowth #LoveOverFear #PersonalHealing #CollectiveHealing #FaithAndResilience #NavigatingCrisis #ActivismAndSpirituality #HealingTheWorld #JudgingMeghan #PodcastEpisode #Empowerment #Mindfulness #Transformation #SpiritualWisdom #EgoAndHealing #GenerationalTrauma #SelfAwareness #ConsciousLiving

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In this deeply moving episode of Judging Meghan, I sit down with Jennifer Levi, a mother who is living every parent’s worst nightmare. Just months ago, Jennifer lost her son Braun, an 18-year-old student-athlete full of life, kindness, and joy, after he was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver while walking home with friends.

Jennifer shares both the ordinary and extraordinary moments she had with Braun, the ways she reminded him he was loved, the hours spent cheering him on, and the light he carried into every room. She opens up about the shock of that night, the painful phone call no parent should ever receive, and the reality of moving forward when the future you imagined is gone.

In the midst of unimaginable grief, Jennifer and her family made the choice to honor Braun’s spirit rather than be destroyed by the tragedy. That decision became the heart of the Live Like Braun Foundation, a growing movement that encourages people to live with courage, joy, and kindness. Through scholarships, community outreach, and even a simple sunshine logo on a hat, the foundation keeps Braun’s legacy alive and has already begun to make waves on college campuses across the country.

We talk about the devastating reality of drunk driving, the heartbreaking statistics, and Jennifer’s advocacy work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to push for new technology that could prevent impaired drivers from ever starting their cars. Jennifer also shares the truth about grief, that it has no timeline, that some days are unbearable, and that healing is shaped by community, faith, and small acts of remembrance.

Braun’s story, and Jennifer’s courage in sharing it, remind us to think twice before getting behind the wheel, to make safe choices, and to tell the people in our lives how much they mean to us every single day.

Visit https://livelikebraunfoundation.org/ or follow @LiveLikeBraunFoundation on Instagram to learn more, donate, or get involved. Every step taken helps keep Braun’s light alive.

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 #LiveLikeBraun #BraunLeviLegacy #HonorBraun #DrunkDrivingAwareness #DUIPrevention #EndDrunkDriving #SafeRoadsSaveLives #StopDrunkDriving #MothersAgainstDrunkDriving #GriefAndHealing #GriefJourney #YouAreNotAlone #HealingTogether #FromGriefToAction #TurningPainIntoPurpose #HopeThroughLoss #LoveLivesOn #CommunitySupport #ResilienceInGrief #HonoringLovedOnes #ScholarshipsForChange #YouthEmpowerment #InspiringKindness #LegacyOfLove #KeepGoing

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In this episode I am joined by Ruby Dickulous, a realtor, developer, stand up performer, drag artist, and regular guest on Jeff Lewis Live who was featured on HGTV as America’s first drag queen realtor in the special The Queen of House Hunting in Austin, Texas. Ruby and I discuss what it was like to grow up gay in Texas, the painful messages she absorbed as a kid, and how a cross-dressing step grandfather and the fear of the AIDS era left her hiding parts of herself for decades. She explains why she created Ruby as a persona, why she was afraid to let clients see that side of her, and how shame, addiction, and alcohol slowly took over.

Ruby does not hold back about the years she spent drinking, leading to dropping out of school, working just to survive, and hitting rock bottom during the pandemic. She shared what finally made her get sober, the moment she asked herself what she was doing with her life, and how therapy, faith, and community gave her a way back. We talk about the long road of recovery, the small signs that kept her going, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when the voice in your head is telling you to quit.

Her journey is also one of creativity and resilience. Ruby turned a joke about “drag in real estate” into a groundbreaking career that challenged stereotypes and inspired copycats across the country. She went from being told she could never be taken seriously to proving that she could sell homes in heels and build trust with clients who loved her for her authenticity. Along the way she learned to set boundaries, to stop hiding, and to believe in her own worth.

To learn more about Ruby you can visit her site: https://www.rubydickulous.com/

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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 #oneskinpod #RubyDickulous #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery #LGBTQVoices #DragRealtor #SobrietyStory #AuthenticSelf #ResilientLiving #RecoveryJourney #SuicideAwareness #SelfLoveJourney #OvercomingRejection #HealingTogether #JeffLewis #CreativityHeals #AddictionRecovery #LivingAuthentically #TrailblazerStory #HopeInDarkness #YourStoryMatters #LifeReclaimed #CommunityAndConnection #CourageToHeal #BreakingShame

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In this very special episode I celebrate five years of sharing my story and the stories of so many others by sitting down with Bruce and Donna Ellis, who have been like second parents to me. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about family, love, resilience, and most of all about Julie Ellis, their daughter and my soulmate, my best friend since childhood, whose life was tragically cut short. Julie was kind, wise beyond her years, full of humor, and a light in everyone’s life. She had a way of making ordinary moments extraordinary, and her presence shaped my life in ways that continue to this day.

We remember Julie through stories that made us laugh until we cried, through the pranks, and traditions that filled the Ellis household, and through the small signs and moments that remind us she is still with us. Bruce and Donna share memories of Julie’s warmth, her intelligence, her caring nature, and the ways she looked out for others even at a young age. Together we hold space for grief, for the pain of losing a loved one, and for the ways faith and community can help carry us through life’s hardest moments.

The conversation also touches on Bruce’s late twin brother, the remarkable love story Bruce and Donna have shared for more than fifty-six years, and the humor that has kept them grounded even in dark times. From family vacations and traditions to silly pranks and shared laughter, we celebrate the ordinary and extraordinary moments that make a life full and meaningful.

This episode is about the importance of speaking openly about loss. It is about love in all its forms, the family we are born into, the family we choose, and the friends who become anchors in our lives. Most of all, it is a tribute to Julie and a reminder that even in loss, connection, memory, and love carry us forward.

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 #GriefAndHealing #MentalHealthMatters #RememberingJulie #FamilyLove #FriendshipAndLoss #HealingTogether #LifeStories #LoveAndLoss #FindingHope #EverydayMoments #LaughterAndTears #LifeLessons #FamilyFirst #FaithAndConnection #HeartfeltStories #CopingWithLoss #SupportAndCommunity #CelebratingLife #CherishedMemories #StoriesThatMatter #EnduringLove #KindnessCounts #LoveLivesOn #SoulfulConversations #LifeReflections #HopeAndHealing #LifeAfterLoss #ComfortAndCare #SharedMemories #GriefSupport

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