Mentally A Badass

Living with BPD, autism, and cultural stigma—this episode shatters the silence around mental health struggles most never discuss. Mariss , a Muslim South Asian woman navigating complex emotions, neurodivergence, and cultural pressures—all while finding strength through poetry, open mic nights, and raw honesty.She shares how her diagnoses of borderline personality disorder and autism came late, fighting against healthcare dismissals and labels. She reveals the daily rollercoaster of her moods, her battle with sleep paralysis, and the challenge of maintaining her mental health in a society that often dismisses or stigmatizes it, especially for women and religious communities. Her candid stories highlight how toxic cultural and religious expectations worsen mental health conditions—yet she emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself, seeking support, and carving out a space for healing.You'll discover:

• The complex relationship between culture, faith, and mental health—how misconceptions and misogyny deepen suffering.

• Practical strategies she uses, like poetry, open mic performances, and journaling, to manage overwhelming emotions.

• The systemic barriers in healthcare, from long waiting lists in the UK to insurance hurdles in the US, and how they impede access to vital support.

• Insightful perspectives on gender, cultural pressures, and neurodivergence—challenging societal norms and encouraging self-advocacy and awareness.

Follow Mariss:

@marissijaztheauthor

Connect with Us: 

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
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 Need advice? Ask Justine using this form
 
 
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Paypal: @mentallyabadass

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In this episode, Dr. Greg shares insights on the nervous system, mindfulness, and how childhood experiences shape our emotional sensitivity. We explore practical ways to recognize and regulate our nervous system for a healthier mental state.

Check out Greg:

https://www.royaloasispi.com/

Connect with Us: 

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 
• Join our Patreon for FREE   https://www.patreon.com/c/mentallyabadass

 
 Subscribe & Review: Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!

Most of us carry things we don't talk about. In this episode, Julie shares her story of losing her husband, raising a daughter with lifelong medical needs, and learning to navigate grief, guilt, and everything in between.

We talk about the realities of caregiving, why healing isn't a straight line, the importance of having a support system, and how self-forgiveness can change everything. Julie also shares how she turned her pain into purpose by starting the Colin James Barth Outreach to help others through some of life's hardest moments.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you had to carry everything on your own, this conversation is for you. We hope it reminds you that you're never alone—and that your story has the power to help someone else.

Check out Julie

https://www.juliebarthauthor.com/

Connect with Us: 

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 
• Join our Patreon for FREE   https://www.patreon.com/c/mentallyabadass 
   
  Subscribe & Review: Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!
   

In this heartfelt interview, Andre Paradis shares his journey from childhood trauma and emotional neglect to discovering his passion for dance, building a successful career, and finding love and purpose through self-awareness and personal growth. His story highlights the power of vulnerability, resilience, and the transformative impact of understanding oneself. In this insightful interview, Andre Paradis shares his journey from running auto shops to becoming a relationship coach, exploring the nuances of femininity, masculinity, and relationship dynamics. Discover practical tips on safety, authenticity, and attracting the right partner, all rooted in deep research and personal experience.

Check out https://projectequinox.net/

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 

Need advice? Ask Justine using this form

https://forms.gle/kK2zX5GmGqfx7z4UA

We would love your support!

https://buymeacoffee.com/mentallyabadass 

Paypal: @mentallyabadass

Subscribe & Review:Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!

In this insightful interview, Laurel Van Der Toorn, a seasoned therapist, demystifies EMDR therapy, explores trauma's impact on mental and physical health, and discusses how healing childhood and medical trauma can transform lives.

Check out Laurel:

https://www.laureltherapy.net/

Connect with Us: 

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 

Need advice? Ask Justine using this form
 
https://forms.gle/kK2zX5GmGqfx7z4UA

We would love your support!

https://buymeacoffee.com/mentallyabadass

Paypal: @mentallyabadass

Subscribe & Review:Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!
 

In this heartfelt interview, Sheryl Hauk shares her profound journey from childhood trauma to resilience, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, breaking stigma, and the power of creativity in healing.

Check out Sheryl's Book

https://sherylhauk.com/sherylhauk-2898

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 

Need advice? Ask Justine using this form

https://forms.gle/kK2zX5GmGqfx7z4UA

We would love your support!

https://buymeacoffee.com/mentallyabadass 

Paypal: @mentallyabadass 

Subscribe & Review: Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!

In this heartfelt interview, Hayley shares her inspiring journey of overcoming childhood trauma, managing PTSD, and surviving a stroke at age 20. Discover her coping strategies, artistic passions, and insights on healing and resilience.

Check out Hayley's Podcast:

https://rss.com/podcasts/diverse-stories-diverse-paths/

Connect with Us: 

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 

Need advice? Ask Justine using this form
 
https://forms.gle/kK2zX5GmGqfx7z4UA

We would love your support!

https://buymeacoffee.com/mentallyabadass

Paypal: @mentallyabadass


Subscribe & Review: Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!
 

In this heartfelt interview, Rachael Hollwey shares her inspiring journey through anorexia, her rare genetic disease, and her path to healing. Discover insights into mental health, the power of resilience, and the importance of sharing stories to foster understanding and hope.

Check out Rachael:

https://tinyurl.com/mutfbhsk

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 

Need advice? Ask Justine using this form

https://forms.gle/kK2zX5GmGqfx7z4UA

We would love your support!

https://buymeacoffee.com/mentallyabadass 

Paypal: @mentallyabadass

Subscribe & Review:Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!

In this powerful interview, Savannah Brow shares her deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, generational patterns, and the emotional process of going no contact with her family. This conversation explores the lasting impact of toxic family dynamics, emotional neglect, and unhealthy relationship patterns that often repeat across generations.

Savannah opens up about how her upbringing shaped her relationships, communication style, and sense of self — and how becoming a mother pushed her to break the cycle for her son. Together, we discuss the complexity of setting boundaries with family, the weight of guilt and grief, and what it really takes to choose healing over repetition.

Topics covered in this episode include childhood trauma, generational trauma, toxic family systems, emotional boundaries, trauma responses in relationships, communication challenges, and the reality of going no contact. Savannah also reflects on parenting with awareness, honesty, and intentionality, as well as using creative expression as part of her healing journey.

This episode is for anyone navigating difficult family relationships, working through childhood wounds, or trying to break generational cycles while building a healthier future.

Order Savannah's Book:

https://amzn.to/4tt0a3R

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 

Need advice? Ask Justine using this form

https://forms.gle/kK2zX5GmGqfx7z4UA

We would love your support!

https://buymeacoffee.com/mentallyabadass 

Paypal: @mentallyabadass

Subscribe & Review:Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!

In this powerful interview, JenniSue Jessen shares her harrowing story of childhood sex trafficking, her journey of healing, and her impactful work fighting human trafficking through her organization, Compass 31. Discover insights on trauma, recovery, and how community and faith play roles in overcoming unimaginable adversity.

Check out Jennisue Jessen:

https://www.facebook.com/jenni.jessen

https://compass31.org/

Connect with Us: 

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠
• Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠ 
• Merch: https://mentallyabadass.com/pages/apparel 
•  Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7 

 
Need advice? Ask Justine using this form

https://forms.gle/kK2zX5GmGqfx7z4UA

We would love your support!

https://buymeacoffee.com/mentallyabadass



Paypal: @mentallyabadass

Subscribe & Review:Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!