This episode’s guest is Mara, who dives into a near and dear topic: our old friend, addiction! Listen to hear her stories about smoking heroin in art school, becoming sober, and finding self-acceptance following a relapse. We also discuss the addict’s “journey”, our beef with 12-step programs, and how to talk to people about this stuff. For alcohol harm reduction tips, visit http://www.hams.cc.

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This episode, Christina is joined by Annie, who talks about living with dependent personality disorder. You’ll learn about the struggles that come with such a rare diagnosis, how pets can provide crucial support, and witness a massive pop culture reference fly over Christina’s head.

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Coming to you all the way from Virginia is this special episode featuring Christina’s brother, Andrew, who talks about managing his emotions in the face of a recent disappointment, how to increase your emotional intelligence, and why he stopped offering advice.

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What do you do when you’re sober for the holidays? Record a podcast, obviously! Christina flies solo this week and reads listener emails about surviving this time of year from a mental health standpoint. She also gives out the first annual Hot & Spicy Pickle awards.

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Joining Christina this week is Elena, a 21 year-old college senior who talks about her longtime struggle with bulimia, getting fired by her therapist, disclosing mental health to a date, and the unique way she deals with it all. Special appearance by Allister. As we approach peak holiday season, don’t forget to submit your mental health holiday survival tips and stories for an upcoming episode! Just email [email protected].

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It’s been a hot minute, but Christina is all moved into her new apartment and the podcast is back with a new episode! This week, guest Adie shares their insights about about the intersection of mental health and disability, ways to stay positive in the face of traumatic events, and how to find value in existence when all your reasons for existence seem to have vanished.

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No matter how many hours of therapy you put under your belt, sometimes you’re not going to know how to handle the shit that life throws at you…and that’s ok. This week, Christina is joined by Kelly, who talks about surviving 28 years of depression, how she found comfort through unexpected resources, and some surprising Shia LaBeouf facts. (She also divulges her number one tip for getting through a bad day.) If you’re going through a crisis and need support, text “NAMI” to 741741 to chat with someone, or visit www.nami.org.

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Christina reconnects with Nadiya, one of her former customers and a yoga teacher with a penchant for love, sex, and other wholesome drugs. The two chat about why we feel the need to wear different masks for different people, the challenge of embracing the struggle in your 30s, and how to adopt a meditation practice if you hate meditating. Follow Nadiya’s yoga practice on Instagram @nadiyastar or visit her website www.nadiyayoga.com!

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Christina reflects on leaving the job she’s had for 6.5 years before jumping into an interview with Sabrina, a trans skater and artist. Among the many topics discussed are growing up queer in the middle of nowhere, the importance of community, issues faced by intersex individuals, and how to take action for yourself when nobody else will.

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How do you be there for a friend who's reached their breaking point? This week, guest Connor shares his insights as a gay Seattle artist accustomed to the intense highs and lows that come with relationships. We chat about being friends with your parents, the do's and don'ts of vulnerability in the workplace, and whether "scab" is an appropriate word to use on the internet. Follow Connor's art on Instagram @drawntoconn!

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