In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy?, host Deana shares her experience introducing her kids to horror movies —starting with Ma starring Octavia Spencer. She then welcomes Chuk Davis, co-host of The Don’t Die Podcast, for an honest conversation about addiction, sobriety, and recovery.

Chuk opens up about his journey from battling addiction to finding healing in the rehab and recovery community. He shares insights on how substance abuse treatment has changed over the years, the challenges of working within insurance-driven rehab systems, and why creating consistent, supportive environments is essential for recovery.

👉 If you enjoy the episode, please rate and review the podcast—it helps others discover these important conversations.

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy?, host Deana Bianco shares personal reflections on parenting stress, mental health burnout, and finding joy in everyday life. She also opens up about her interest in starting a new podcast about tattoos before returning to the heart of this show: honest conversations about mental health.

Deana is joined by Jennie Ketcham Crooks of The West Coast Anxiety Clinic. Together, they explore:

• The stigma and realities of the adult film industry

• How trauma impacts mental health and relationships

• The illusion of control and the search for identity

• Tattoos as storytelling and healing

• Their personal journeys with sobriety, recovery, and therapy

This powerful conversation blends raw honesty with humor, offering insights into resilience, self-expression, and the path toward emotional well-being.

🎧 Listen now for real talk about mental health, trauma recovery, tattoos, and life after the adult industry

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy?, Deana Bianco talks with Shontelle Sparkles, legendary drag queen from Florida, about mental health, self-doubt, and thriving in the drag community. They explore family acceptance, the importance of drag families, and the challenges and triumphs of being a drag performer in today’s political climate. Deana also shares her experience attending a Backstreet Boys concert in Las Vegas, reflecting on joy, communal experiences, and managing anxiety. This episode dives into resilience, LGBTQ+ community dynamics, and the intersection of performance and personal growth.

On this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy?, Deana Bianco talks with returning guest Erica Bertschy about mental health and therapy in reality TV. They explore how shows like 'Housewives' and 'Couples Therapy' portray therapy, the stigmas around mental health, and the impact of alcohol, trauma, and relationships on reality stars. The conversation also dives into on-screen drama, celebrity diagnoses, and the misconceptions audiences often have about therapy and emotional well-being.

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, Deana Bianco talks with her partner Andrew Morton, a tech company manager, about the intersection of mental health, leadership, and personal growth. They explore active listening, emotional regulation, and leading with positive intent, and reflect on how narratives—like viral stories about CEOs or concerts—shape our perception of joy and success. Deana also shares her unexpected obsession with scoring Backstreet Boys tickets in Las Vegas, revealing insights about chasing joy and finding balance in a chaotic world.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Host Update
00:27 – Backstreet Boys Obsession
03:12 – Ticket Hunt Madness
05:20 – Joy, Nostalgia & Mental Health
06:36 – Guest Intro: Andrew Morton
09:05 – What Therapy & Management Have in Common
22:20 – CEO Scandal & Public Fascination
30:26 – Final Thoughts

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, host Deana Bianco talks with comedian and actress Helen Hong about comedy, mental health, and personal growth. Helen shares her journey into comedy, how she uses humor to process depression, and the challenges of being vulnerable on stage. They also explore the pressures of the entertainment industry, creative outlets, and using performance as a tool for emotional well-being. This episode is full of insights, laughs, and conversations about resilience, mental health, and the power of humor.

Follow Helen Hong @funnyhelenhong

n this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, therapist Jazzmyn Proctor talks about showing up authentically in life and therapy. She shares insights on self-disclosure, challenging traditional therapy norms, and using social media for genuine connection. The conversation explores identity, creativity, mental health, and the challenges of living authentically in a digital world, offering practical takeaways for therapists and anyone interested in personal growth and self-expression.

Jazzmyn's Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/unalomewellnessllc/

Subscribe to Tell Me About That Tattoo wherever you get your podcast. Here is the Spotify link! https://open.spotify.com/show/6dZDNcIclzpFkkqcShdy7u?si=81c7e73177f44d00

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, host Deana Bianco talks with sex therapist Jolene Harrelson about sex therapy, intimacy, and relationship health. Jolene shares her professional journey, dispels common myths about sex therapy, and explains therapeutic approaches that help individuals and couples navigate sexual and relational challenges. The discussion also explores how societal attitudes and cultural norms shape our relationships with sexuality. Whether you’re curious about sex therapy, looking to improve intimacy, or interested in understanding sexual wellness from a professional perspective, this episode offers insights into a specialized and transformative form of therapy.

(Content note: mature themes discussed in an educational context)

Jolene Harrelson's website: Therapy with Jolene

Follow The Podcast on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/whatbringsyoupod/

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, Deana Bianco talks with Kent Thomas, MSW, about healing from religious shame, reclaiming body image, and embracing radical self-compassion. Kent shares his journey of leaving behind harmful beliefs and breaking free from religious conditioning and diet culture. They explore strategies for healing, personal growth, and finding joy while navigating the intersection of spirituality, identity, and body acceptance. This conversation offers insights into overcoming shame, cultivating self-compassion, and reclaiming your sense of self.

Follow Kent Thomas on Instagram at @KentThomasMSW.

Follow the podcast on Instagram @whatbringsyoupod

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, Deana Bianco talks with therapist Genevieve Henderson, host of What The Hell Do I Do Now?, about identity, self-discovery, and personal growth. They explore how trauma, culture, and relationships shape the way we see ourselves, and what happens when our identity shifts or shatters. Genevieve shares her journey of losing the identity of an athlete and rebuilding a sense of self, offering insights into healing, resilience, and embracing the messy, beautiful process of becoming fully seen.

Check out Genevieve's podcast What The Hell Do I Do Now? https://open.spotify.com/show/5ocp0rnEwU3BC4mhbdY7FK?si=7239125fccca4def