Episode 74: Over 70% of U.S. adults have experienced trauma, which can deeply impact mental and physical health by altering the brain and nervous system. Fortunately, recovery is possible. Yoga teacher Abbey Asher shares how she maintained her mental health while caring for her terminally ill husband, and trauma specialist Karen Ouse, LMFT, provides strategies to heal, calm the nervous system, and build resilience. This episode offers tools and hope for rebuilding after trauma.

Episode 73: This episode sheds light on the overlooked struggles of mothers supporting adult children with mental health or addiction challenges. Balancing unconditional love with setting boundaries and preserving their own well-being requires immense resilience. Psychotherapist and author Judith Smith, PhD, shares research on mothers navigating these challenges later in life, while Cathy Pereyra, a mother and a mental health education and support group leader, offers her lived experience and practical insights. Together, our guests and several contributing mothers discuss the support needed to help these mothers not just survive, but thrive.

Episode 72: This episode tackles the impact of social media on teen mental health, featuring teen voices at the forefront. Guest host Niku Sedarat, an 18-year-old mental health advocate, joins three young adults and Harvard psychologist Dr. Emily Weinstein to share research-based findings, real life experiences, and insights. Together, they discuss the dual role of social media in both supporting and challenging well-being of youth, while offering parents and caregivers a deeper understanding of the digital lives of today’s teens.

Episode 71: In this episode, we dive into the complexities of navigating the special education system, particularly for students with hidden disabilities such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety. With 13% of California’s K-12 students receiving individualized services, understanding this process is crucial for parents and caregivers seeking the best support for their children. Joined by educator and parent Anne Childers and Dr. Kathryn Keithly, a licensed educational psychologist, we aim to provide a practical guide for advocating within the school system.

Episode 70: In this episode, we discuss bipolar disorder and its challenges for college students. Allyson Makuch shares her inspiring journey of navigating bipolar disorder through college and graduate school, while Dr. David Lo from the University of California, Santa Cruz provides advice on managing bipolar disorder while pursuing academic goals.

Episode 69: Explore the profound impact of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in this episode. Educator and musician Lisa Taylor shares her personal journey with OCD and the treatments that help her thrive, including Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy. Psychologist Dr. Dufford discusses OCD symptoms and evidence-based treatments. Learn about an emerging therapy called I-CBT. Plus, enjoy an original song by Lisa about her experience.

Episode 68: We explore the challenges of caregiving for aging parents, a role that one in six Americans, especially women, undertake. Award-winning author Laura Davis discusses her experience of reconciling with her mother while caring for her through dementia and death. Dr. Karl Segnitz provides advice on end-of-life care and support. Tune in to gain insights and support for this vital role.

Episode 67: Research reveals that in a group of 20 children, five girls and one boy will experience childhood sexual abuse before the age of 18. We’re joined by survivor and author Alreen Haeggquist, along with Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma specialist Stefanie Klein, to discuss the complex journey of healing from such trauma. Find valuable insights, support, and resources crafted for survivors who are on this challenging, yet hopeful, path and the people who love them.

Episode 66: Join us for an enlightening discussion on adult autism with Lou Ursa and Jasmeen Miah, both psychotherapists and self-advocates on the autistic spectrum. In this conversation, we confront stereotypes, share personal stories, and offer heartwarming examples of thriving with autism. With diagnoses on the rise, we all can engage in meaningful conversations about autism, explore how societal structures shape perceptions of "disability" and offer empathy, understanding and inclusion.

Episode 65: Join us to explore the growing significance of Yoga Therapy in mental health treatment. With a cultural shift emphasizing the mind-body connection, yoga has become something crucial for holistic well-being. Our guests, including integrative mental health practitioner Dr. Juko Holiday and survivor Melaney Seacat, share insights into its therapeutic benefits that are aiding veterans and individuals like Melaney. Tune in to discover more about this transformative approach.