REAL FCKN TALK

On this week's episode RFT, Brenna talks with friend and brunette hottie with a swimmers body, Victoria Troost.  Victoria is a speech-language pathologist and mental health advocate, who also happens to be participating in this year's Sport's Illustrated Swim Search so you'll definitely wanna check her out ;) Victoria also speaks openly about living with Bipolar II disorder and how her diagnosis affects how she lives her life.  With inspirations like Carrie Fisher and Demi Lovato, Victoria pronounces mental illness as an addition to yourself, an addition that takes "a lot of balls."  With outspoken advocates like Victoria, our society pushes closer to an accepting, non-judgmental and stigma-free environment.   

Instagram:

@victoriatroost

Etsy:

www.etsy.com/shop/VTroostDesigns

On this week’s episode of RFT, Brenna meets with Tessa Hansen-Smith who is, believe it or not, allergic to water. Tessa has been diagnosed with Aquagenic Urticaria, a condition that affects less 150 people around the world. Tessa is nothing short of an absolute FCKN rockstar, despite all the difficulties that comes with AU- one that triggers severe reactions even from her own sweat and tears. Although Tessa has been on a long and uncertain journey, she radiates positivity and uses her unique voice to speak for those who share the same experiences, advocating for others who once felt they were alone. Tessa delves into the ways she’s tackled this disease with glaring optimism, both mentally and physically, in spite of its obstacles. This beautiful ray of sunshine is an inspiration to us all, proving that it’s never impossible to conquer your challenges and live a fulfilling life.

Instagram:

@livingwaterless

***DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this podcast is to start normalizing discussions about mental health. Although there can be advice given and ideas shared between interviewer and interviewees, please consult your own therapist/doctor in regards to your personal struggles. The information shared on this platform is strictly to open the door to these types of conversations, NOT to give any one person direct advice/guidance. Opinions stated are personal and not necessarily factual at all times.***

On this week’s episode of RFT, Brenna talks absolute nonsense once again with best friend/producer/editor/Scooby doo enthusiast Ailis DeTommaso. Among this nonsense, however, the two delve into the heavy reality behind the feelings of both guilt and shame, along with their evolvement from child-adulthood. From making new friends to getting your first period, Brenna and Ailis discuss all that comes along with the flawed nature of humans. They make even make you laugh (probably not, but maybe). Either way, they’re in the club and they’re FCKN crying and it’s all for you FCKERS.

Instagram:

@ailisdetommaso

On this week’s episode of RFT, Brenna chats with probably the coolest 15 year old you’ll ever meet, Morgan Urso. Although Morgan may be our youngest guest ever, she is no less wise and capable of offering her own perspective on mental health and personal struggles. When Morgan voices her struggles to someone she considered a mentor, the response she received was less than ideal when she ended up being cut off from her hockey team and teammates. But when Morgan felt her greatest support system fade away, she did everything but give up. Her story unfortunately highlights the reality that some people still consider mental health taboo but it also gives us hope for societal change as long people like Morgan continue to speak up, ultimately paving the way for the rest of us.

Instagram:

@Morgan.urso

This week Brenna sits down with Jaime Chaifetz. Jaime has schizoaffective disorder and struggled for years trying to find a way to help manage her symptoms. Oddly enough, the only cure that silenced the voices in her head and helped with her mania was... Lyme Disease medication. Jaime shares her story, as well as the most helpful coping skill she utilized; laughter. Jaime has a web series titled ‘Effectively Schizo’ which is a mental health comedy series covering what it’s like to live with schizoaffective disorder. Although society is becoming more accepting of discussing mental health disorders like Anxiety & Depression, there’s still a large stigma on other disorders like Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and many more.

Resources:

Instagram:

@jaychay220

@effectivelyschizo

On this weeks episode of RFT, Brenna meets once again with fellow therapist and BFF to discuss something we’ve all dealt with in one way or another....trauma. And guess what, we LOVE trauma. We love what trauma teaches us, not only about ourselves but about how we’re able to take on the world while motivating us to find more ways to do so. Look, we get it, trauma FCKN sucks but recognizing, accepting and working through trauma...well that FCKN rocks. So dear Ms. Trauma, this one’s for you.

***DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this podcast is to start normalizing discussions about mental health. Although there can be advice given and ideas shared between interviewer and interviewees, please consult your own therapist/doctor in regards to your personal struggles. The information shared on this platform is strictly to open the door to these types of conversations, NOT to give any one person direct advice/guidance. Opinions stated are personal and not necessarily factual at all times.***

This week on RFT, Brenna learns more about herself thanks to coach and healer Gwen Dittmar.  Gwen has a Masters in Spiritual Psychology, is a Usui Reiki Master, a Certified Teacher of David Elliott Breath work, and is currently mentoring in shamanism.  "She cultivates space high-achieving, female executives and entrepreneurs who want to step out of auto-pilot, overwhelm and living in a spiritual closet, and step into freedom, empowerment, embodiment and peace."  Through the system of Human Design, Gwen has helped people get in touch with and perhaps return to their most authentic self, the self that existed before society's expectations kick in.  Gwen guides those to their "missing piece" and ultimately their greatest success in self discovery. By integrating "layers of consciousness and healing into her coaching, energy work, breath work, shamanic tools" she has the energy and power to heal both practically and holistically.

Instagram: @gwendittmar

Website: gwendittmar.com

On this episode of RFT, Brenna speaks with JJ Lee, founder and CEO of the Non profit organization United We Mask. 

JJ’s goal is to not only educate on the importance of masks during the pandemic but also provide them for essential workers and first responders. Whenever a mask is purchased from United We Mask, one is donated to the workers who keep our communities alive.  As a result, more N95 masks have been made available to those at a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure. 

JJ has also started the campaign Unmask Your Feelings, to advocate for the importance of taking care of your mental health during times like this (the year that shall not be named).

Website: unitedwemask.org 

Instagram: @unitedwemaskoffical

On this week's episode of RFT, Brenna speaks with Chelsea Glaser, co- founder of Health and Wellness supplement and blog Fredi.  Along with her co-founder and brother, Mitch Glaser, their mission is to educate the public on practicing holistic wellness in order to attack burn out symptoms and be the best version of yourself.  Fredi believes that "Success starts with Wellness" (and, um, so do we) and they have the tools to get you there, while curating a healthy lifestyle that'll benefit you in all future endeavors.  She's also just really fun to talk to :)

Instagram:

@wearefredi

Website: 

wearefredi.com

On the season 2 premiere of RFT, host Brenna Guinan speaks with the host of mental health podcast Real FCKN Talk abou-- oh wait... but isn't that Brenna? That's right FCKERS! RFT's first ever solo episode and whether you like it or not, our lovely host is gonna spill her guts and perhaps you'll just realize that hers aren't all that different than yours (well, guts are guts right?) What better way to kick off 2021 than by getting to know the voice behind the mic, behind the platform that has allowed for so much truth and acceptance in a time of uncertainty.  

So, nice to meet you, my name's FCKN Brenna. 

instagram: @real.fckn.talk