On this Groundhog Day episode, Meredith invites you to imagine the one day you wouldn’t mind reliving over and over again—whether it’s a real memory from your past or a dream day you haven’t lived yet.

She gently guides you to write it out, dream about it, and use your imagination with no limits. Then she explores how to bring the best parts of that “perfect day” into your everyday life through small changes, daily joy, movement, fun, and meaningful connection.

Drawing inspiration from the Groundhog Day movie, she reframes each day as another chance to make tweaks, choose what matters, and create more of the moments that make life feel worth repeating.

In this powerful continuation of Matt's story, we explore his journey through severe mental health challenges, substance abuse recovery, and ultimately finding purpose through animal rescue work. This deeply personal conversation covers Matt's bipolar disorder diagnosis, his path to sobriety, and how he transformed his life by combining mental health treatment with meaningful work at Best Friends Animal Society.

Mental Health Insights

Recovery Wisdom

Trigger Warning
This episode includes discussion of self‑harm, suicidal thoughts, psychiatric hospitalization, and substance abuse. Please listen with care and skip or pause if you need to.  ​

If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial 988 or text TALK to 741-741

Support and Resources:

Mental Health Resources

Bipolar Disorder

When Someone is at Risk

Suicide Prevention Resources

Substance Use Support

VA Mental Health Services

Best Friends Animal Society

Q: What is this episode about?
This episode shares Matt’s mental health journey with bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, self‑harm, and alcoholism, and how he rebuilt his life through medication, sobriety, music, and animal rescue work.  ​

Q: Does this episode talk about suicide or self‑harm?
Yes. Matt describes his first suicidal thoughts, self‑harm, being placed on a 5150 hold in California, and how he asked for help when he was actively suicidal. There is a clear trigger warning and emphasis on getting support.  ​

Q: What mental health conditions are discussed?
The episode focuses on bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and the impact of abruptly stopping psychiatric medications.  ​

Q: Do you talk about medication for bipolar disorder?
Yes. Matt talks about Depakote for mania, trials with Wellbutrin and Abilify, and finding a combination that works for him now with Depakote and Latuda (lurasidone), including side effects and the importance of working closely with a psychiatrist.  ​

Q: Is sobriety and alcoholism part of this conversation?
Yes. Matt shares about heavy secret drinking, passing out on the floor, how alcohol interfered with his meds, and the exact moment he decided to quit drinking cold turkey over ten years ago so he could play drums and live fully.  ​

Q: What kind of work does Matt do now?
Matt is a transporter with Best Friends Animal Society in New York City. He drives cats and dogs from overcrowded or high‑risk shelters to no‑kill partners, vets, adoption centers, and sometimes all the way to the Best Friends Sanctuary in southern Utah.  ​

Q: Does the episode discuss animal rescue and no‑kill shelters?
Yes. We talk about pulling animals from shelters, the 90% “no‑kill” save‑rate standard, transport networks along the East Coast corridor, cross‑country drives with dozens of cats, and outreach work on the Navajo Nation.  ​

Q: Is there content about the Navajo Nation and spay/neuter clinics?
Yes. Matt shares what it’s like to support free spay/neuter clinics on the Navajo Nation, where only a couple of veterinarians serve a huge area and many animals free‑roam and reproduce without access to care.  ​

Q: Who should listen to this episode?
This episode is helpful for people living with bipolar disorder or depression, anyone who has experienced or loves someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or self‑harm, people in recovery or sober‑curious, and animal lovers interested in rescue, sanctuary work, and no‑kill advocacy.  ​

Q: Is this episode hopeful or just heavy?
While it contains heavy themes, the overall arc is hopeful: Matt survives crisis, finds the right medications, gets sober, builds a loving relationship, plays in a band, and dedicates his life to saving animals and dreaming of a senior sanctuary.  ​

In this Real Stories episode I sit down with my brother Matt, to explore our shared childhood and the beginning of his very personal mental health journey. Matt opens up about growing up in Santa Monica, California, the  move to Austin, Texas in the 1980s, and then to the SF Bay Area—and how those transitions triggered his first experiences with depression.  ​​

Matt walks listeners through early signs of bipolar disorder—deep lows, impulsive highs, and risky decisions—years before he was formally diagnosed around 2010.​

Episode Summary:
Matt shares how an 80s/90s California‑to‑Texas‑to‑Bay‑Area childhood, unspoken pain, and early alcohol use intersected with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, long before he found sobriety and treatment.  ​

This episode includes discussion of:

Depression, possible suicidal ideation, and bipolar disorder.  ​

Alcohol abuse and addiction.  ​

Traumatic events including a residential fire   

 ​

 If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial 988 or text TALK to 741-741

Support and Resources:

Mental Health Resources

Bipolar Disorder

When Someone is at Risk

Suicide Prevention Resources

Substance Use Support

If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health condition, suicidal thoughts, or addiction, please use the above resources or contact your local emergency or crisis services

FAQ

Q: What is this episode about?
A: This episode is part one of a two‑part conversation where Matt talks about his childhood, multiple moves, discovering skateboarding and punk rock, his first depressive episodes around age 13, and the early patterns of bipolar disorder and addiction.  ​

Q: Who is Matt in this episode?
A: Matt is Meredith’s older Gen X brother, born in 1971, who grew up in Santa Monica, Austin, and Concord, served in the Air Force, battled depression and alcoholism, and was later diagnosed as bipolar around 2010.  ​

Q: What mental health topics are discussed?
A: The episode covers early depression in adolescence, social anxiety and isolation, self‑medicating with alcohol, undiagnosed bipolar disorder, manic episodes, impulsive life decisions, and how family dynamics and unspoken emotions contributed to long‑term struggles.  ​

Q: Is this episode for me if I’m dealing with mental health or addiction?
A: Yes. If you or someone you love has experienced depression, bipolar symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or addiction, this story offers language, validation, and context—and part two will go deeper into sobriety, treatment, and how Matt found stability and happiness again.  ​

Q: Where can I find help if I’m struggling?
A: Meredith mentions that the show notes include links to mental health, addiction, and suicide prevention resources so listeners can reach out for professional support in their own area.  

Happy Solstice! In this episode I share why I treat the solstice—not January 1st—as my true new year. Whether you’re in the Northern Hemisphere (Winter Solstice) or Southern Hemisphere (Summer Solstice), you’ll learn how to use this turning point of the sun to release old patterns, set soul-led intentions, and reconnect with your inner self.  ​

Through my own end-of-year journaling ritual, I walk you through:

How I read a year’s worth of journals, tear out what matters, and recycle the rest as an act of mental and emotional decluttering.  ​

Why I prefer intentions and commitments over goals and resolutions—and how you can choose one bold intention and one grounding commitment for the next six months.  ​

What it looks like to consciously let go of laziness, fear, roadblocks, and the stories about what others might think, so there’s room for a new version of you to emerge.  ​​

If you’re craving:

A gentle, reflective alternative to harsh New Year’s resolutions

A nature-led way to mark time using the Solstice and Equinox as checkpoints

Journaling prompts to clarify who you want to become in the next six months

…this episode will feel like a quiet, candlelit conversation with a friend reminding you that you’re allowed to start over, slow down, and come home to yourself.  ​

Q: What is the Winter Solstice and why do you treat it as the real new year?
A: The Winter Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere) is the shortest day and longest night of the year, symbolizing a turning point when light slowly begins to return. I use it as my real new year because it naturally supports going inward, releasing the past, and setting intentions for the next six months instead of forcing year-long resolutions.  ​

Q: How can I use the Solstice for intention setting if I live in the Southern Hemisphere?
A: If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, the Solstice is your Summer Solstice and represents outward energy, growth, and the longest day of the year. You can still set intentions by focusing on how you want to shine externally—creatively, socially, or professionally—over the next six months.  ​

Q: What is the difference between goals, intentions, and grounding commitments in this episode?
A: Goals often feel rigid and outcome-based, while intentions focus on who you want to be and how you want to live. Grounding commitments are daily or weekly actions—like moving your body, writing, or eating closer to nature—that support those intentions in a practical, sustainable way.  ​

Q: What are some examples of things to let go of on the Solstice?
A: I share that I am letting go of laziness, fear, self-created roadblocks, and worrying about what others might think or what I imagine they will think. You might release old stories, relationships, habits, clutter, body shame, or beliefs that no longer match who you’re becoming.  ​

Q: What is “pretend the power is out” day?
A: It’s a weekly digital detox ritual I imagine for myself, where I avoid screens and plugged-in devices, light candles, read, write, go outside, and reconnect with myself and nature without constant digital noise. It’s meant to be a calm, restorative day to reset your nervous system and creativity.  ​

Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with Brad and Jess! In this episode we touch on so many topics, such as friendship, technology, different generations, and everything in between!

Key Topics Discussed:

Building Community Through Neighborhood Bars

Generational Technology Divide

Modern Parenting in the Digital Age

Work-Life Balance for Bar Owners 

The Future of Bars Post-COVID

Be sure to visit American Cheez and Mama Tried in Brooklyn!

In this Real Stories episode, I chat with Brad and Jess about growing up Gen X, leaving (and skipping) college, and how bartending in New York City evolved into owning two beloved Brooklyn neighborhood bars: Mama Tried in Sunset Park and American Cheez in Park Slope.

They share honest stories about family, divorce, travel, college-town life, and why the bar world still offers freedom, community, and creativity you rarely find in a traditional career. I hope this conversation provides more proof that there is never one direction in life, and you can choose the path that is right for you.

I hope you will also listen to Part 2!

In this latest Transform from Within episode, I explore the roots and impact of envy and jealousy on personal growth, emphasizing the need to “clear out the gunk” inside to make space for transformation. ​

Key Topics Covered​

Recognizing triggers: How envy and jealousy show up in daily life, relationships, and social media usage.  ​

The healthy side of envy: Using envy as motivation and inspiration for positive change (as opposed to negative comparison loops).  ​

The role of past experiences: How childhood events or family stories subtly shape trust issues and self-worth.  ​

Social media’s impact: Strategies for avoiding comparison traps—such as stepping away from social platforms if they consistently spark negativity.  ​

Actionable Takeaways

Journal prompts for self-inquiry: Identify when and why envy or jealousy appears. Dig for the root cause—what need or wound is being exposed?  ​

Strategies for healing: Trace patterns back to origin, reflect, and give yourself what’s needed to move forward with self-acceptance and clarity.  ​

Tough love and self-awareness: Embrace honesty about difficult emotions as a pathway to strength, self-trust, and emotional “lightness”.  ​​

Prompts

“What emotion is this situation or person triggering inside me?”

“Why is this emotion being triggered?”

“What do I feel I’m lacking?”  ​

Welcome to the "Transform From Within" series, to help you bring about lasting transformation that begins within!

In this first episode, I will share practical methods for identifying and releasing blame, shame, and limiting beliefs to help you move closer to your authentic goals and dreams. ​

Key Takeaways:

Transformation starts within: True life change happens only when we address what is holding us back inside ourselves—not just outside circumstances or people. ​

Self-blame and external blame are intertwined: Often, holding onto anger or blame connects us to negative experiences and people, preventing healing and growth. Visualizing and writing out the people, places, and events blamed for pain can help break these patterns. ​

Shame is a powerful roadblock: Shame can stem from past actions, childhood messages, or internalized beliefs about worthiness, success, and identity. Naming shame and forgiving yourself are essential steps to moving forward. ​

Limiting beliefs hold us back: Beliefs rooted in childhood, past experiences, or messages from others may prevent you from pursuing what you want. Addressing and reframing these beliefs is key. ​

Tools for release:

Visualization: Imagine cutting the energetic cord of blame or shame, or watch yourself release it into a river.

Somatic and mindfulness practices: Breathing exercises, shaking, and movement help clear negative energy from the body.

Journaling: Write out things or people you blame or beliefs holding you back, then reflect and release them.

Affirmations: Replace shaming or limiting beliefs with statements of self-acceptance and potential.

Professional support: Seek therapy for deeper wounds or persistent patterns; the episode recommends talk therapy if struggles are overwhelming. ​

The importance of clearing the path: Before pursuing new goals or dreams, making room by processing and releasing old hurt and negativity is crucial for success and for living authentically. ​

Final Thoughts

You are encouraged to begin, even imperfectly, the inward journey of confronting blame and shame, since clearing inner roadblocks is foundational for any outer transformation. The series will continue with practical steps and inspiration for becoming the person you already are inside and living a more authentic and aligned life!

In this Real Stories episode, I chat with Grace, who shares:

- Her path to becoming a teacher in NYC

- Starting a foundation

- Losing her brother to suicide

- How she stays authentic to herself and to her calling

This is a wonderful episode for anyone who needs some motivation to go after what they want and to never be afraid to show the world who they are!

Connect with Grace: 

The Dan O'Connor Foundation

On IG: @danoconnorfoundation

Suicide & Suicide Loss Support and Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial 988 or text TALK to 741-741

Losing a Loved One to Suicide

Suicide Loss Resources

Teens and Suicide

When Someone is at Risk

More Resources

In this Real Stories episode I chat with Doreen Marshall, Ph.D., CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). She takes us through her education and career path before we dive into eating disorder and disordered eating signs, symptoms, how to talk about them, as well as her take of the affects of social media and GLP-1s, and so much more.

This episode is packed with important information that everyone should hear!

In-episode information: 

NEDA

NEDA Screening Tool

Finding Treatment