Tales from the Pit

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On a very special episode, writer/father/friend Soren Bowie sits in as host and invites Mike to explain why he was just out for a bit, and how his life was changed for the better by his experiences in a partial hospitalization program for people undergoing acute mental health challenges. We think this one could be extra-useful, so please give it a listen if you're on a healing journey, and because it starts with a kickass short story from Soren.

The folder of useful documents and exercises referenced in the episode is available here, including Swaim's cast of internal characters (all Star Trek).

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I2uTrCWc3on5rX60KReycLqFls-40JiK

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FD_rIriC7IhVmOiRVzoGjtGdTeCM2wZP/view

The Jack Kornfield meditation mentioned is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZtgHd2gJLg

Here are some other excellent meditations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8e_tAEM80k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv6HkipQcfA

https://lifearchitect.com/ifs-guided-meditations/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yQX1y7zMAg

The book No Bad Parts by Richard Schwarz, considered the definitive text on Internal Family Systems/Parts Work, is available everywhere.

Features:

Soren Bowie: https://twitter.com/Soren_Ltd

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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In this episode of Tales, Michael invites friend Vanessa Guerrero to discuss their worst days they’ve ever had and how they dealt with it. The interview begins at 8:12.

Features:

Vanessa Guerrero: https://twitter.com/nessguerrero

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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In this episode of Tales, Michael invites friend and longtime collaborator Daniel O’Brien to discuss the healing properties of meditation and its role in both of their lives.

Features:

Daniel O’Brien: https://twitter.com/DOB_INC

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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In this episode of Tales, Michael invites musician and RAINN Speakers Bureau member Sammy Lynn into the Pit to discuss her experiences suffering and recovering from sexual assault, and share practical coping advice. If you or a loved one has survived such a despicable attack, please know that there is a community that supports you, even if you've yet to make contact with them. Take your time, feel what you need to feel, and stay with us. If it's the right time in your journey, please consider sharing your experience with a loved one, calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline or, if necessary, the Suicide Prevention Hotline.

RAINN Sex Assault Hotline - 1-800-656-4673

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255

Features:

Sammy Lynn: For more on Sammy and her music, visit https://www.samanthalynnmusic.com/

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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The pit is back! Well, the podcast. Honestly, it’s been a while because things have been fairly positive in the lives of Michael Swaim and Katie Willert. It’s not all roses, but the two update us (and hopefully fellow addicts out there) how things are going now that they’re sober. No real trigger warnings this time: they discuss their relationship with addiction, what they’re struggling with, and what they’re not struggling with. More or less, it’s a positive reinforcement that anyone can make a choice to be better tomorrow and we here at Small Beans highly suggest it, even if there’s setbacks once in a while.

Features:

Katie Willert: https://twitter.com/katiewillertart

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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This episode’s guest is streamer, cosplayer, and podcaster: Marina Reimann! Per usual for the pit, we have a disclaimer. We cover being queer, feeling impostor syndrome because we're in monogamous long-term relationships, and a bit of our sexual histories, including Marina's assault and how she came back from that.

Features:

Marina Reimann: https://twitter.com/HeartFistBrain

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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Two of the warmest hosts to bless this podcast network take a moment to reflect on some of their coldest days. Both Michael Swaim and Cristian Ramirez have gone through divorces. Cristian, the more recent single, tells Michael about the hardships and eventual self-betterment involved in his experience. Michael in-kind reflects on his own behavior and past circumstances that made him the man he is today. It’s just two divorced guys, everyone.

Features:

Cristian Ramirez: https://twitter.com/FanboyCristian

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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Tales from the Pit returns with a COVID retrospective. Sitting down with Michael is Twitch Streamer, Creator, and Advocate Alebrelle. The two discuss what it’s been like during quarantine as an autistic and intersectional person. WARNING: there are lengthy discussions and specific examples each give about their depression and suicidal thoughts. Beware, all ye’ who enter here, thar be monsters. Everyone here is doing okay, and we hope you are too. Be well, everyone.

Features:

Alebrelle: https://www.twitch.tv/alebrelle

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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The pit returns with a special episode. Michael speaks to Jason Pargin, former executive editor of Cracked.com and the current head of video, Jordan Breeding, about self-worth and career success. This conversation was partially inspired by Jason Pargin’s recent video regarding making yourself valuable (https://youtu.be/wFBr685TjNs). When you’ve found yourself a value to others and you still haven’t reached the success you feel you’ve earned, what is the healthy way to proceed?

Jason Pargin: https://twitter.com/JohnDiesattheEn

Jordan Breeding: https://www.youtube.com/user/Cracked, https://twitter.com/The_J_Breeding

Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP

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Katy Stoll and Cody Johnston discuss the unique hardships around running the Some More News series and Even More News podcast, jobs that require them to ingest All The News All The Time. If you're addicted to your news app, Cody's Showdy, or just stressed out, join us in the Pit and let's hug it out.

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