Let’s Sit Crooked & Talk Straight

In this episode Reese and Lauren share their experiences with religion and how their spiritual practices ground them. Listen as Reese shares a piece of her history that has developed into a grounded practice of Judaism, she not only powerfully embraces but shares in detail with the audience. Reese and Lauren share questions and explore ways in which spiritually connects them to others and also benefits their mental health.

Credits for this episode go to Reese for being a surplus of knowledge on a topic less talked about and to Tim for his editing expertise.

Warning: this episode contains sensitive content regarding suicide.

Electroconvulsive therapy is something that has been used since 1938 to treat depression yet much of the general population is still confused by it or frankly nervous to hear more about it. But this treatment modality to help mental health conditions is being used more and more. Much of the information collected for this episode was from The Mayo Clinic and specifically a research article from PubMed entitled "Efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy as a potential first-choice treatment in treatment-resistant depression".

 In the next few months the hope for upcoming episodes is to educate you the listener on different treatment modalities and coping methods that can be used for various mental health conditions. Don't let all the data *shock* you during this one and feel free to comment your thoughts or questions on Spotify or Apple podcasts. Otherwise you can always message me on Instagram  @lmd.sitcrookedtalkstraight. Thanks to Chassa for the intriguing listener questions and to Tim for editing this episode.

Special thanks to my mom for recording and sharing her testimony on ECT as she was a guiding light through my own treatment. 

Let’s start 2025 off with the hard and sometimes taboo topics. January’s episode focuses on all aspects of Toxic Relationships. Many of the lessons attained during my marriage and divorce would be in vain if I did not share them with you the listener. This episode is for those that have experienced any aspect of emotional abuse or stressful relationships that impact daily lives. Not only does this episode feature mental dimensions of toxic relationships but also the toll our bodies take physically. Listen along as I discuss the criticism, manipulation, embarrassment and friction that can often times be included in toxic relationships.

This episode features research found in a 2024 article from Psychology Today entitled “The Difference between Toxic and Abusive Relationships” by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS

Features organization : The Women’s Center for Advancement // wcaomaha.org

The information in this episode is not to replace professional medical help and these are my own lived experiences.

Lastly, coparenting after a divorce can be challenging but also beautiful. I welcome all questions regarding coparenting and navigating that area after a toxic relationship.

Special thanks to Tim for editing Let’s Sit Crooked & Talk Straight.

In this episode of Let's Sit Crooked & Talk Straight we hear about the challenges of post-partum anxiety from Bailey. Listen to not only the trials of motherhood while experiencing a mental health condition but also the years of joy developed in the three decades worth of friendship. Bailey divulges the changes her career took with the birth of her third child. We touch on intense anxiety that results in stepping away from work for a moment, anti-depressants, therapy, and finding that every sought after work life balance.

Special thanks to Bailey for sharing her story on the podcast, my audio editor Tim Vece and to you the listener for supporting this little passion project.

When talking about my brother I do get long winded. I cherish every second I had with him. I'm thankful to be in a place mentally where I can devote an entire episode to him and honor his memory. If you were lucky enough to create a memory with Mike then please share it in the comments or share it with a friend. This wild guy made a world of a difference in our family. Our hope is that his laughter and even lessons from his struggles live on for decades to come!

Thank you to Andrew, Taylor, Reese and Sean!

Song referenced: "Make Your Move" Jervis Campbell

Sponsored by: The Sibling Network

Listen to me brainstorm and then quickly turn it into explaining the focus of Let's Sit Crooked & Talk Straight. Ambitious goals of what is to come for this podcast and where the root of strength comes from - ourselves.

My take on manifestation verse God given plan. Me trying to be funny in the midst of being serious about the outlook for upcoming episodes.

This eight minute and thirty second clip was not in the plan. I got a little sassy with it in the middle all to show my point towards not limiting your self esteem or selling yourself short when it comes to your happiness.

Mike's episode is up next and will be worth the wait. Behind the curtains there has been healing and new transitions happening. Please enjoy this short episode that is inspired by my brother and my past experiences. We know September is Suicide Awareness month and lets please continue to fight for ourselves and our loved ones even in the silent struggle.

#BEKINDTOYOURMIND

You probably don't know about Davey but you soon will through the memories of his daughter. My close friend Kendra and I discuss the one in a million life of Davey and how she has turned her pain into purpose. Listen along as Kendra details her experience with the rare condition CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease) and how she combats immense grief with her faith in God's promises.

Special thanks to Kendra for being so open and vulnerable during this recording. As the lovely Swedish proverb explains - Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.

This content is uplifting but heavy at times. If you are struggling with grief please seek counsel from a professional therapist or open up to a close family/friend.

Enjoy this heartfelt message and please like, share and subscribe to Let's Sit Crooked and Talk Straight on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

It's the big one! The topic on everyone's mind. S--X! oh sorry, we are not talking about what first comes to your mind (wink) We are talking about SIX essential aspects to attain stable mental health. These are what I have realized to be Foundational for my life and managing the pattern of my emotions. Wanted to share these tips for great SIX that should not be taken lightly. If you don't know where to start in your mental health journey and want to know more basics than this episode is just for you! We discuss everything from confusing your senses during a panic attack to fueling your brain with nutritious foods.

- Follow on Insta @Lmd004 for all "Let's Sit Crooked & Talk Straight" updates!

- Pain into Purpose: Please check out⁠ RISE⁠ an organization in Nebraska centered on reentry programs for individuations that have been incarcerated.

- Study on Exercise benefits for anxiety & depression

** This episode is not to replace professional help and if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 988 for support **

Hello all - the main part of this episode is lacking a little sound quality because I forgot to close the door in the room where I was recording ( rookie mistake - sorry for the echo! )

This episode contains a detailed, much needed intro where I touch on the first Christmas without your loved one, mom guilt and feeling covid sick isolation verse snow storm isolation.

Episode 4 covers Denial in two aspects. Denial in terms of one of the stages of grief during the loss of a loved one and denial in terms of being in a romantic relationship that is not healthy.

https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief