Surviving and Thriving: A Podcast About Life, Mental Health, & Personal Growth

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

We’re continuing “The Conversation” series with an in-depth discussion on the connection between the body and mind and why learning to understand your body is the key to deeper mental and emotional healing.

Joining us for this episode is the lovely Hadlee Garrison. Hadlee, MPH, is a holistic Health Counselor, behavior change expert, podcaster, and speaker. She’s the creator of the Happy Healthy Habits coaching program, where she helps women optimize their energy levels, regulate their nervous systems, and heal their relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves. 

With degrees in Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience and Health Behavior & Health Education from the University of Michigan, Hadlee blends evidence-based behavior science with holistic modalities like Ayurveda, food psychology, and circadian rhythm habits to help her clients feel vibrant, grounded, and fully in tune with their bodies' innate wisdom.

She’s also the co-host of the Holistic Inner Balance podcast and the creator of the popular Energy Archetype Quiz, a free tool that helps women understand the root of why they’re tired – so they can feel vibrant again.

Connect with her at happyhealthyhadlee.com or on Instagram @happyhealthyhadlee.

Sign up for a free discovery call here to see if coaching with Hadlee is the right fit for you.

For media inquiries, podcast interviews, or speaking opportunities, contact Hadlee's team at [email protected].

SOCIALS >>

• YouTube

• Threads

• Tik Tok

• Instagram

  
  

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

  
  

COMMUNITY RESOURCES >>

• Emotions Matter

• Breaking Down Barriers

• Therapy for Black Girls

• Feeding America

  
  

Keywords: BPD healing journey, favorite person dynamic BPD, attachment style healing, emotional regulation tips, inner child healing work, complex trauma recovery, intergenerational trauma healing, ancestral healing practices, spiritual self healing, holistic mental health for BIPOC, Black women mental health support, women of color self-growth, trauma informed self care, self love transformation, soul healing practices, community based healing for BIPOC, somatic healing trauma, shadow work for personal growth, mind-body connection wellness, spiritual awakening podcast, BIPOC wellness and mental health, decolonizing mental health, empowerment for Black women, holistic wellness and spirituality, personal development for women of color, healing from childhood abuse, neurodivergent healing and spirituality, disability and mental health inclusion, healing in heavy seasons, radical hope and resilience, generational healing work, self discovery and spiritual identity

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

In this episode I touch on why I’ve removed myself completely from “polite culture” and why I feel it’s detrimental for our healing journey long-term. I go into the difference between being “polite” and being a sincerely kind and caring person and how sometimes being the best version of yourself actually requires you to challenge yourself and others. I dive into ways I’m learning to channel my catalyst and disruptive energy for personal growth and healing and why I think we should learn to lean into these parts of ourselves (in healthy not harmful ways of course).

I talk a lot about how culturally we’ve become too accustomed to group think and do not have tolerance for those who challenge our thoughts and beliefs. I also talk about why it is important to learn to work through our triggers (once our nervous systems are regulated enough of course) rather than avoiding them and risk projecting our fears into our relationships. If this episode resonates I hope you subscribe and connect with me on social media.

Be well!

SOCIALS >>

• YouTube

• Threads

• Tik Tok

• Instagram

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

COMMUNITY RESOURCES >>

• Emotions Matter

• Breaking Down Barriers

• Therapy for Black Girls

• Feeding America

Keywords: BPD healing journey, favorite person dynamic BPD, attachment style healing, emotional regulation tips, inner child healing work, complex trauma recovery, intergenerational trauma healing, ancestral healing practices, spiritual self healing, holistic mental health for BIPOC, Black women mental health support, women of color self-growth, trauma informed self care, self love transformation, soul healing practices, community based healing for BIPOC, somatic healing trauma, shadow work for personal growth, mind-body connection wellness, spiritual awakening podcast, BIPOC wellness and mental health, decolonizing mental health, empowerment for Black women, holistic wellness and spirituality, personal development for women of color, healing from childhood abuse, neurodivergent healing and spirituality, disability and mental health inclusion, healing in heavy seasons, radical hope and resilience, generational healing work, self discovery and spiritual identity

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

This is a VERY special episode! I’m excited to kick off the beginning of my new series “The Conversation” where I speak with healers, advocates and friends to discuss ways we can deepen our healing and connection to self, others, and the Earth that holds us. This episode features the lovely Aria Z Young as we dive into how coming back to ourselves, to our hearts, to love is the answer for both personal and collective healing. Aria has a wealth of wisdom and has been such an inspiration for me on this healing journey. I encourage you to listen through the entire episode and follow Aria’s work.

ABOUT ARIA Z YOUNG

Aria is a Cosmic Channel, Spiritual Somatic Coach, Energy Practitioner, Folk Herbalist, and Trauma-Informed Yoga and Meditation Guide. She supports souls on their healing journey by guiding them back to the deep well of love and medicine within themselves and the Earth. Aria specializes in inner child, shadow, and ancestral healing, offering an energetic and embodied approach rooted in presence and integration. With over a decade of experience in online spaces and five years of in-person work with women, she brings wisdom, intuition, and grounded tools to each person’s unique path of awakening. Through the body, womb, mind, and spirit, Aria helps people return to self-trust, rest, and wholeness. She is here to invoke the sovereign creator within and to honor her calling as an earth priestess.

FOLLOW ARIA’S WORK >>

• Aria’s Website

• Aria’s YouTube Channel

• The Heart Moment - Sacred Self Check In {free gift}

• Women's Immersions {November 9th, 2025}

• Instagram - @ariazyoung 

• TikTok - @ariazyoung 

  
  

SOCIALS >>

• YouTube

• Threads

• Tik Tok

• Instagram

  
  

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

  
  

Keywords: BPD healing, emotional regulation, attachment styles, inner child healing, self-love, mental health journey, personal growth, favorite person dynamic, BPD favorite person, anxious attachment, decolonizing mental health, hope, encouragement,  BIPOC mental health, mental health community, BPD recovery, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, childhood abuse, cluster B disorder, Black women, Black mental health, women of color, women’s rights, spiritual podcasts, self help podcasts, neurodivergent, disability rights, trauma healing, capitalism, current events, complex trauma, trauma recovery, anxiety, political anxiety, Black women healing, Black women mental health, community-based healing, community healing, ancestral healing, generational trauma, intergenerational trauma, shadow work, self discovery, manifestation, energy healing, empowerment for women, soul healing, holistic mental health, podcast for spiritual awakening, healing podcast for women, feminine energy, personal development for Black women, emotional healing for women, inspiring podcasts, new podcasts, somatic healing, holistic health, holistic wellness, body mind connection, personal transformation, shadow work, women’s circles, heart chakra healing, women’s retreats

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

In this episode, I open up about the favorite person dynamic in BPD — the intense emotional attachment that can feel consuming. I share how I’ve been recognizing and breaking this cycle by learning to receive love, fulfillment, and support in healthier ways. This episode is for anyone healing from emotional dependency, attachment wounds, or toxic relationship patterns.

I know this year has been so difficult for many. I want you to know you are not alone. I encourage you to follow me on social media and on Substack to stay connected as I’m working to connect community organizers and create spaces focused on healing and positive social change. We can get through these tough times together.

SOCIALS >>

• YouTube

• Threads

• Tik Tok

• Instagram

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

Keywords: BPD healing, emotional regulation, attachment styles, inner child healing, self-love, mental health journey, personal growth, favorite person dynamic, BPD favorite person, anxious attachment, decolonizing mental health, hope, encouragement,  BIPOC mental health, mental health community, BPD recovery, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, childhood abuse, cluster B disorder, Black women, Black mental health, women of color, women’s rights, spiritual podcasts, self help podcasts, neurodivergent, disability rights, trauma healing, capitalism, current events, complex trauma, trauma recovery, anxiety, political anxiety, Black women healing, Black women mental health, community-based healing, community healing, ancestral healing, generational trauma, intergenerational trauma, shadow work, self discovery, manifestation, energy healing, empowerment for women, soul healing, holistic mental health, podcast for spiritual awakening, healing podcast for women, feminine energy, personal development for Black women, emotional healing for women, inspiring podcasts, new podcasts, somatic healing, holistic health, holistic wellness, body mind connection, personal transformation, shadow work

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

Hope is way more than wishful thinking or bypassing, it’s resistance and it’s necessary to help us envision what collective liberation truly looks like. We have to have hope in something to know what we are fighting for, especially when the going gets tough (and boy is it tough currently). In this episode, I discuss how holding hope can be an act of courage and rebellion during your hardest seasons. 

I know this year has been so difficult for many. I want you to know you are not alone. I encourage you to follow me on social media and on Substack to stay connected as I’m working to connect community organizers and create spaces focused on healing and positive social change. We can get through these tough times together.

SOCIALS >>

• YouTube

• Threads

• Tik Tok

• Instagram

  
  

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

  
  

RESOURCES >>

• Emotions Matter

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

• The Nap Ministry

TAGS: decolonizing mental health, hope, encouragement,  BIPOC mental health, mental health community, BPD recovery, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, childhood abuse, cluster B disorder, Black women, Black mental health, women of color, women’s rights, spiritual podcasts, self help podcasts, neurodivergent, disability rights, trauma healing, capitalism, current events, complex trauma, trauma recovery, anxiety, political anxiety, Black women healing, Black women mental health, community-based healing, community healing, ancestral healing, generational trauma, intergenerational trauma, shadow work, self discovery, manifestation, energy healing, empowerment for women, soul healing, holistic mental health, podcast for spiritual awakening, healing podcast for women, feminine energy, personal development for Black women, emotional healing for women, inspiring podcasts, new podcasts, somatic healing, holistic health, holistic wellness, body mind connection, personal transformation, shadow work

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

We all go through challenging seasons that test our strength, patience, and spirit. In this episode, I share personal reflections and tools that I hope can help you navigate life’s hardest moments with more grace, resilience, and self-compassion. With everything happening in our communities and the news overwhelming so many of us, I really hope this is a reminder that you’re not alone if you’re struggling right now. Do what you need to do to take care of you.

Keywords: mental health,, depression recovery, BPD and depression, living with borderline personality disorder, mental health recovery, coping with relapse, mental health podcast, women’s podcasts, women of color, Black women, Black mental health, BIPOC mental health, Black wellness, emotional healing, mental health journey, trauma recovery, spirituality, personal growth, self-growth, self discovery, self care, self love, wellness podcast, lifestyle podcasts

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

RESOURCES >>

• Emotions Matter

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

• The Nap Ministry

TAGS: decolonizing mental health, BIPOC mental health, mental health community, BPD recovery, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, childhood abuse, cluster B disorder, Black women, Black mental health, women of color, women’s rights, spiritual podcasts, self help podcasts, neurodivergent, disability rights, trauma healing, capitalism, current events, complex trauma, trauma recovery, anxiety, political anxiety, Black women healing, Black women mental health, community-based healing, community healing, ancestral healing, generational trauma, intergenerational trauma, shadow work, self discovery, manifestation, energy healing, empowerment for women, soul healing, holistic mental health, podcast for spiritual awakening, healing podcast for women, feminine energy, personal development for Black women, emotional healing for women, inspiring podcasts, new podcasts, somatic healing, holistic health, holistic wellness, body mind connection, personal transformation, shadow work

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and suicidal ideation.

In this episode, I open up about my recent mental health relapse into a deep depression. This is something I’ve consistently struggled with living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and I hope that by sharing the struggles of coping with depression honestly I can help others who might be struggling.

I share a bit about what relapse feels like for me, how it impacts my daily life, and some of the small steps I am taking toward healing and recovery. If you are currently or have ever experienced a mental illness relapse, battled BPD, complex trauma and depression or just generally felt discouraged on your mental health journey, this episode is for you. World Suicide Prevention Day just ended but the struggle for many did not. If you found me I want you to know you are not alone.

Keywords: mental illness relapse, depression relapse, BPD and depression, living with borderline personality disorder, mental health recovery, coping with relapse, mental health podcast.

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

RESOURCES >>

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

• Emotions Matter

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

• The Nap Ministry

TAGS: decolonizing mental health, BIPOC mental health, mental health community, BPD recovery, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, childhood abuse, cluster B disorder, Black women, Black mental health, women of color, women’s rights, spiritual podcasts, self help podcasts, neurodivergent, disability rights, trauma healing, capitalism, current events, complex trauma, trauma recovery, anxiety, political anxiety, Black women healing, Black women mental health, community-based healing, community healing, ancestral healing, generational trauma, intergenerational trauma, shadow work, self discovery, manifestation, energy healing, empowerment for women, soul healing, holistic mental health, podcast for spiritual awakening, healing podcast for women, feminine energy, personal development for Black women, emotional healing for women, inspiring podcasts, new podcasts, somatic healing, holistic health, holistic wellness, body mind connection, personal transformation, shadow work

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

This episode is a bit of a rant about the challenges of learning how to let go but also how important learning to surrender is as part of the healing journey. Once you heal enough to learn how to choose yourself, knowing when to let go and surrender is pivotal but it is NOT easy and not enough people talk about how painful and challenging it can be.

This episode is designed for those who have struggled with using control as a coping mechanism or have historically had trouble letting go of people, places and patterns that no longer align causing many of us to settle, sometimes unknowingly because we convince ourselves it’s what we want when really we’ve just become comfortable in it. Change is hard. Let’s crash out, heal and evolve together.

As a reminder, I am in the process of creating offerings and building community for my fellow heart-led folks who are looking for deeper connections and aligned communities. Stay tuned for more on this soon! Tap in💗

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

  
  

RESOURCES >>

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

• Emotions Matter

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

• The Nap Ministry

TAGS: decolonizing mental health, BIPOC mental health, mental health community, BPD recovery, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, childhood abuse, cluster B disorder, Black women, Black mental health, women of color, women’s rights, spiritual podcasts, self help podcasts, neurodivergent, disability rights, trauma healing, capitalism, current events, complex trauma, trauma recovery, anxiety, political anxiety, Black women healing, Black women mental health, community-based healing, community healing, ancestral healing, generational trauma, intergenerational trauma, shadow work, self discovery, manifestation, energy healing, empowerment for women, soul healing, holistic mental health, podcast for spiritual awakening, healing podcast for women, feminine energy, personal development for Black women, emotional healing for women, inspiring podcasts, new podcasts, somatic healing, holistic health, holistic wellness, body mind connection, personal transformation, shadow work

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

This episode focuses on ways you can notice whether you are truly doing the deep inner work (shadow work) and ways to know whether you are integrating the lessons you’ve learned to truly transform your life for the better. I talk about some of the ways I started to notice unhealthy patterns in myself and how I have been learning to actually change my behaviors and patterns based on the increased s

This journey isn’t easy and I truly hope everyone who finds this knows they are not alone. Healing isn’t easy. It requires a lot of discomfort and sacrificing old ways of being which can be incredibly painful. I’m glad you’re here. We got this!

As a reminder, I am in the process of creating offerings and building community for my fellow heart-led folks who are looking for deeper connections and aligned communities. Stay tuned for more on this soon! Tap in💗

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

RESOURCES >>

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

• Emotions Matter

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

• The Nap Ministry

• ⁠⁠⁠California Black Women's Health Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TAGS: decolonizing mental health, BIPOC mental health, mental health community, BPD recovery, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, childhood abuse, cluster B disorder, Black women, Black mental health, women of color, women’s rights, queer rights, neurodivergent, disability rights, trauma healing, capitalism, current events, complex trauma, trauma recovery, anxiety, political anxiety, Black women healing, Black women mental health, community-based healing, community healing, ancestral healing, generational trauma, intergenerational trauma, shadow work, self discovery, manifestation, energy healing, empowerment for women, soul healing, holistic mental health, podcast for spiritual awakening, healing podcast for women, feminine energy, personal development for Black women, emotional healing for women, inspiring podcasts, new podcasts, somatic healing, holistic health, holistic wellness, body mind connection, personal transformation, shadow work, 5D

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health and/or medical help. Everything shared here is from my lived experience as someone previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Complex Trauma (CPTSD). This podcast may contain triggering themes related to childhood trauma and abuse.

**TRIGGER WARNING** This video/podcast episode discusses sexual assault, sexual abuse, childhood sexual abuse. If you are in a crisis please skip!

This episode was very hard for me and I apologize in advance if it’s a bit hard to follow as I was disassociated for a lot of it. I meant to share more but it’s hard for me to share in depth about my sexual trauma. I’m sharing my thoughts, feelings and experiences in hopes that other survivors of sexual assault or abuse know that they are not alone.

Currently the news cycle is riddled with stories about Epstein and the stories of victims are not being centered. This is a very triggering time for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse and I want you to know that prioritizing self care and finding support is SO important right now. I really hope this feels like a safe space for those of you on this healing journey with me. 

As a reminder, I am in the process of creating offerings and building community for my fellow heart-led folks who are looking for deeper connections and aligned communities. Stay tuned for more on this soon! Tap in💗

WEBSITES & NEWSLETTER >>

• ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ 

• My Website

RESOURCES >>

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

• Emotions Matter

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

• The Nap Ministry

• ⁠⁠⁠California Black Women's Health Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TAGS: decolonizing mental health, BIPOC mental health, mental health community, BPD recovery, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, childhood abuse, cluster B disorder, Black women, Black mental health, women of color, women’s rights, queer rights, neurodivergent, disability rights, trauma healing, capitalism, current events, complex trauma, trauma recovery, anxiety, political anxiety, Black women healing, Black women mental health, community-based healing, community healing, ancestral healing, generational trauma, intergenerational trauma, shadow work, self discovery, manifestation, energy healing, empowerment for women, soul healing, holistic mental health, podcast for spiritual awakening, healing podcast for women, feminine energy, personal development for Black women, emotional healing for women, inspiring podcasts, new podcasts, somatic healing, holistic health, holistic wellness, body mind connection, personal transformation, Epstein files, sexual assault, sexual abuse, healing childhood sexual abuse, survivor stories, sexual assault survivor