In this episode Mariska and talk to writer, podcast host, parenting mentor, and LGBTQIA super ally Heather Hester.  We discuss how to not freak out about your kid dating an older person and how to handle the holidays and family members in different places in their level of support.  

Check out her website at:  https://chrysalismama.com/

And her podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-breathe-parenting-your-lgbtq-teen/id1486711596

Mariska and I make a bold declaration of being grossed out by both political parties but particularly the Republicans.  We make an appeal for listeners to think of fairness as everyone getting what they need and asking themselves which candidates are supporting that and other values that align with supporting mental health.  

In this episode Mariska and I discuss body dysmorphia and dysphoria and ways in which they can protect us from accepting ourselves and the love of others.  

In this episode Mariska and I share our feelings about losing another one of my former students to suicide and how we, as a society, need to do a better job of taking mental health into account as we build our expectations for school, work, etc... 

In this episode Mariska is cross with me for not promoting our instagram notallowedtodiepod and we talk with Nita Sweeney, award winning author of Make Every Move a Meditation.  This is a really fun conversation that makes meditation and exercise both feel like they are for everyone.  

https://nitasweeney.com/

Mariska and I get a ray of light in what is generally considered a dark topic. Marie Alessi shares her experience of building a movement around letting people know while it is ok to not be ok, it is also ok to heal and feel times of joy in your sadness.  

https://www.mariealessi.com 

https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Life-after-Marie-Alessi/dp/B08RX65LXG

https://www.instagram.com/loving.life.after.loss/?hl=en

Mariska and I chat with the inspirational Anissa Hudak about how Yoga can be used in direct ways to help heal from trauma and PTSD.  Anissa shares her own story and demonstrates how Yoga can be safe and accessible to anyone.  If you have ever thought Yoga was not for you, or your trauma was too scary to touch, this is a must listen.  

Check out her website for more info:  https://www.traumahealingyoga.com/

Anissa referred to IAYT https://www.iayt.org/ during our chat.  So also check out their website for more resources.  

In this episode I discuss the trite but helpful sayings that provide me with perspective and help get me through tough workouts and tougher days.   Also we promote the launch of https://www.instagram.com/notallowedtodiepod/    That's right the instagram account you have all been waiting for.  

In this episode Mariska and I talk to Kristen who is a mother of three and Team Maigler Hall of Famer about managing the challenges of pregnancy, post partum, breast feeding, etc... and how each of them impact mental health.  

Mental Health in pregnancy

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/mental-health-in-pregnancy

Post partum psychosis

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/postpartum-psychosis

Post-natal depression

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/post-natal-depression

Nami Support line

https://www.namichicago.org/mental-health-support-options