The Upside of Bipolar: Conversations on the Road to Wellness

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Episode Highlight:
After years of navigating the complex intersection of marriage and mental health, Sue Best shares her deeply personal journey of supporting her husband, Travis, through his bipolar disorder recovery. In this heartfelt conversation, Sue opens up about the emotional challenges, pivotal moments of growth, and the resilience required to maintain stability in the face of adversity. This episode offers practical insights and hope for those navigating similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of community, communication, and self-care.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Balancing Roles: Sue’s experience as both a caregiver and a partner while supporting her husband’s mental health journey.
• The Impact on Family: Reflections on ensuring her children’s well-being and fostering emotional resilience within her family.
• Boundaries and Self-Care: The importance of setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being to maintain stability in challenging situations.
• The Power of Support: How therapy, faith, and community became vital pillars of resilience and healing for her family.
• Parenting with Empathy: Teaching children about boundaries, emotional intelligence, and responsibility to empower them for future growth.
• Lessons from Loved Ones: Life-changing advice from friends and humbling lessons learned through her children’s perspectives.

Sue’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength in vulnerability and the hope that can be found in the support of a compassionate community. Whether you’re navigating similar challenges or seeking to better understand the dynamics of mental health within relationships, this episode offers inspiration, tools, and connection.

Tune in to this impactful episode and discover how resilience, love, and support can transform even the most difficult circumstances.

Connect with Sue:

Instagram: @the.other.side.of.bipolar

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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Don't miss this episode!  Travis Best, a member of the Upsiders' Tribe recovery program, and his wife Sue share their journey navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder within their marriage. They highlight the profound impact of community, communication, and therapeutic resources. With candid reflections on symptoms, medication struggles, and the importance of mutual support, they emphasize that while healing is challenging, it is possible to find hope and rebuild relationships.

• Travis’s experience with bipolar diagnosis and childhood trauma
• Experience transitioning from medications to micronutrients
• Recognizing and managing delusions (one of Travis's symptoms)
• Sue’s perspective on being a caregiver and the need for support
• Importance of setting healthy boundaries and effective communication
• Navigating the dual challenges of bipolar symptoms and cancer
• Building community connections for emotional resilience
• The power of hope in transforming lives and relationships

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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This episode explores the concept of core wounds—deeply embedded beliefs formed during childhood that shape our emotional lives. Through practical tools and rich discussions, we guide listeners in identifying their core wounds, understanding their impact, and taking actionable steps toward healing.

• Introduction to core wounds and their significance
• Understanding the formative experiences that create core wounds
• Personal stories and examples illustrating core wounds in action
• Tools for identifying and processing emotional responses
• The journey of healing and self-acceptance
• Encouragement to embrace curiosity and accountability in the healing process
• Call to action to utilize the feelings and needs worksheet for self-discovery

Feelings List: www.jjflizanes.com/feelingslist
Website: www.jjflizanes.com
IG: @jjflizanes
Facebook: JJ Flizanes
YouTube: @jjflizanes

Bio: 
JJ Flizanes is an Empowerment Strategist and the host of several podcasts including People’s Choice Awards nominee Spirit, Purpose & Energy. JJ Flizanes works with conscious, spiritual truth seekers who want to remove emotional blocks to success. She helps people identify sabotaging patterns and transmute struggle into joy. Through a series of clarifying exercises, she is able to curate a personalized roadmap to emotional healing. JJ is passionate about empowering people with the knowledge and awareness of how they can live the life of their dreams.

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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This episode dives deep into the transformative power of running as a means to improve mental health and overall well-being. Victor Vizcaíno shares his journey from disliking running to using it as a therapeutic tool, revealing how mindfulness and gratitude can create lasting change.

• Transforming personal struggles into opportunities for growth
• Understanding the connection between mental and physical health
• The role of mindfulness and gratitude in running
• Coaching philosophies that combine holistic approaches
• The importance of community support in running
• Starting small and the significance of gradual progress
• Addressing addiction and unhealthy coping mechanisms through positive habits
• Encouraging self-discovery and mental clarity through movement
• Ideas on maintaining momentum when beginning a new fitness routine

website: www.eymcoaching.com
IG: @eymcoachingusa
Facebook: Victor Vizcaino
YouTube: Victor Vizcaino
TikTok: @eymcoachingusa

Bio:
Today's guest is Victor Vizcaino, a marathon transformational coach specializing in holistic marathon training. Victor empowers individuals to experience true transformation through running, focusing not just on physical endurance but also on mental resilience and personal growth. With his unique approach, he helps people unlock their full potential and achieve life-changing results. Please join me in welcoming Victor Vizcaino to the show!

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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This episode explores the interconnectedness of holistic health and bipolar disorder, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying factors over simply alleviating symptoms. Reed Davis discusses his journey and methodologies that highlight the relationship between stress, diet, and gut health, advocating for a comprehensive approach to wellness that empowers individuals to take charge of their health.

• Examining the limitations of relief care versus root cause research
• Introducing Reed Davis and his holistic health approach
• The importance of comprehensive health diagnostics
• DRESS protocol: Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction, Supplementation
• The role of stress in health crises and chronic conditions
• Understanding the relationship between gut health and mental wellness
• Encouraging self-responsibility and proactive health management
• Bridging the gap between traditional medicine and alternative practices

website: www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com
IG: @fdntraining
Facebook: Functional Diagnostic Nutrition
YouTube: @FDNtraining

Bio:
Reed Davis, Double-Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and Certified Nutritional Therapist (CNT), is a globally recognized expert in functional lab testing and holistic lifestyle medicine. As the visionary founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® (FDN), Reed has pioneered the FDN Certification Course, which has empowered over 4,000 practitioners across 50 countries to take charge of their clients' health. With more than a decade of experience as Health Director at a Southern California wellness center, Reed has personally guided over 10,000 clients to optimal wellness, making him one of the most sought-after clinicians in his field.

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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Episode Shownotes:
In this transformative episode, we sit down with Austin Davis, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and founder/CEO of Clearfork Academy, to explore how core values can empower teens to overcome mental health challenges and find lasting healing. Austin shares his journey, the mission of Clearfork Academy, and the strategies they use to help teens create meaningful change in their lives.

Episode Highlights:
🌟 Austin’s Journey: The experiences that led him to focus on helping teens with mental health and emotional challenges and how he founded Clearfork Academy.
🌟 Core Values: How and why the program developed its core values and the life-changing impact these principles have on teens.
🌟 Therapeutic Tools and Resources: A look at the interventions, tools, and resources used in Clearfork Academy’s program and why they work.
🌟 Family Systems: The importance of understanding the “family system” in identifying pain and dysfunction that lead to unhealthy behaviors.
🌟 Stress Management Plans: The role of actionable plans in helping teens handle stressors and make healthier choices.
🌟 Personal Responsibility: Skills and strategies Clearfork Academy teaches to encourage accountability and self-growth.
🌟 Building Core Values: Steps for anyone to begin establishing and living by their core values.

Website: www.clearforkacademy.com

Instagram: @clearforkacademy

Facebook: Clearfork Academy

LinkedIn: Austin Davis, LPC-S

Bio:

Austin is a visionary leader in teenage behavioral health and addiction treatment, spending the past 15+ years committed to transforming the lives of teens & their families. He uses the power of faith in the recovery process to help his clients grow into healthy and happy members of their community. He is the founder and CEO of Clearfork Academy, the go-to treatment center in Texas for troubled teens. 

His dedication to teen mental health makes him a driving thought leader in the industry. He has spoken to parents, community health professionals, educators and teens nationwide—sharing insights on effective treatment methodologies, the importance of mental health awareness and the power of faith in the recovery process. 

Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN, and furthered his education with a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. This education laid the foundation for his professional journey in clinical counseling and church ministry.

When he's not helping teens or serving his community, he is found spending time with his wife & three kids, playing guitar, and being outdoors.

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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Episode Highlights:
In this powerful and enlightening conversation, Dr. Tonya Cunningham shares her personal and professional insights into navigating and processing grief. Her candid storytelling and expert advice provide a roadmap for understanding grief’s impact and embracing healing.

What to expect in this episode:

• Dr. Cunningham’s personal story and transformative realizations about grief
• The impact of spiritual bypassing on emotional health
• What grief is, how it manifests, and its effects on mental health
• Differences between type A and type B trauma
• The iceberg analogy of grief’s hidden layers
• Strategies for processing grief and setting healthy boundaries
• How to find the right grief counselor
• The connection between grief and physical health
• Practical tools and exercises for healing
• The importance of embracing, rather than avoiding, grief

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating grief or supporting others on their journey.

Website: www.drtonyacunningham.com

Facebook: Tonya Cunningham and Dr. Tonya Cunningham

Instagram: @drtonyacunningham

TikTok: @drtonyacunningham

Bio:

Dr. Tonya Cunningham stands as the driving force behind Dr. Tonya Enterprises LLC and the visionary founder of Let’s Talk Healing Inc., both dedicated entities offering coaching, counseling, and transformative training in Grief, Mental Health, and Self-Care. Internationally recognized as a sought-after Speaker, Author, and Master Grief Coach, Dr. Tonya specializes in navigating the complexities of loss, life transitions, and inner healing. 

With an impressive 35-year professional journey, Dr. Tonya is a revered expert in the grief and death care industry, regularly invited to share her profound insights as a speaker. A true trendsetter and truthsayer, she is reshaping the narrative around how we approach grief, hurt, and loss. Her methodology combines education, experience, enthusiasm, humor, and even dance to offer a range of services, including consulting, seminars, and workshops. 

In addition to her professional endeavors, Dr. Tonya is a proud Dog Mom of her fur babies Mister Cunningham and Bentley Sebastian Cunningham, the mother to her adopted son, D’Anthony, and her beloved late daughter Chelsea, who graced the world for 2 hours and 12 minutes. 

She is also an accomplished author. Dr. Tonya has penned impactful works such as "I Got My Marbles Back: There IS Life After Loss", "Griefwork Is Essential Not Optional: A Memoir of Overcoming Grief, Depression & Rejection" and her children’s book, "Chelsea Cares: A Bereavement Bear's Heartfelt Journey Through Grief" along with a companion coloring book . She is gearing up for the launch of her latest creations set to debut in 2025.

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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Episode Highlights:
In this insightful episode, boundaries coach and recovery advocate Barb Nangle shares her expertise and personal experiences with 12-step programs, offering valuable guidance for anyone on a healing journey.

What you’ll discover:

• Barb’s powerful story of transformation through 12-step programs
• A clear explanation of ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) and CoDA (Codependents Anonymous)
• How 12-step programs have evolved and why they remain impactful
• The concept of “info, not ammo” and its role in facilitating recovery
• What it truly means to “work the steps” in a 12-step program
• The importance of breaking through denial to foster growth and healing
• A comprehensive overview of the 12 steps and how they create lasting change

Whether you’re exploring recovery tools or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode is full of meaningful insights and practical wisdom.

Boundaries Starter Kit: www.boundariesstarterkit.com/

Coaching Program: Boundaries by Design

Instagram: www.instagram.com/higherpowercoaching/

Podcast: www.higherpowercc.com/podcast/

Previous episode: Episode 52

Bio:

Barb Nangle is a boundaries coach, speaker and the Founder and CEO of Higher Power Coaching and Consulting, LLC and host of the podcast, "Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery." 

In 2015 at the age of 52, after decades of therapy and tons of self-help work in a variety of areas, Barb found herself in 12-step recovery. She’s been in two such fellowships since then and has changed deeply and profoundly as a result. As a former addict and people-pleasing rescuer, she empowers people to thrive and take more control over their personal and professional lives by coaching them to build healthy boundaries. 

She works with organizations in the helping professions, as well as women entrepreneurs to avoid burnout and reduce turnover. Her specialty is working with professional women who say yes when they really want to say no, and neglect themselves because they're focused on others.

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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In this eye-opening episode, Claudie Gordon-Pomares, M.S.Ed, and Kim Pomares share groundbreaking insights on:

• The inspiration behind Claudie’s development of Sensory Enrichment Therapy
• How Sensory Enrichment Therapy activates the brain’s natural self-healing abilities
• The remarkable impact of simple Sensory Enrichment Therapy exercises
• The process behind creating the Sensory Enrichment Therapy activities
• How these straightforward activities cultivate an environment that promotes brain growth

Website: www.mendability.com

YouTube: @mendability 

Bios:

Claudie Pomares is the creator of Sensory Enrichment Therapy, a unique approach based on the neuroscience of Environmental Enrichment that stimulates brain plasticity to improve cognitive and emotional health. Driven by childhood experiences with close friends and family who suffered debilitating brain-related symptoms, Claudie has dedicated her career to helping vulnerable individuals with neurological conditions feel happy and confident. Her work empowers families with simple, family-centered, sensory-based activities that foster resilience and long-term cognitive growth.

Kim Pomares is the CEO of Mendability and a pioneering force in bringing Sensory Enrichment Therapy to families worldwide. Joining early on to support his mother, Claudie Pomares, in managing her private clinic, Kim has been instrumental in validating the therapy’s effectiveness through randomized controlled trials and in making the program accessible by training a computer system to deliver personalized sensory enrichment plans. Kim’s journey with Mendability is driven by the deep satisfaction of helping vulnerable children unlock their natural abilities, overcoming anxiety and other challenges to feel happier and more confident.

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/

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In this thought-provoking episode, DNMS specialist Karen Gardner, LCSW, unveils:

• How she became a Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS) practitioner,
• Why DNMS is such an effective treatment modality for childhood neglect and trauma,
• What attachment wounds are and how they are addressed through DNMS,
• How many diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia are actually suffering from untreated trauma,
• The importance of establishing “resourcing” prior to beginning trauma therapy of any kind,
• How it is possible to resolve trauma that has been “forgotten” through dissociation,
• Why working on surface level coping mechanisms without addressing the underlying issues is ineffective,
• The difference between Internal Family Systems (IFS) and DNMS,
• How powerful it is to develop resources within yourself, and
• Where to start to learn more about DNMS and find out if it is right for you.

Website: www.emdr-utah.com

Bio:

Karen Gardner did her graduate training after her children were grown and has found her life experience to be as valuable as her academic training. Her undergraduate degree is in Psychology, and her graduate degree is in Social Work, both from Arizona State University. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Utah for 14 years, and has owned her own private practice for 10 years in Provo, UT.

She enjoys helping individuals and families heal. Karen has been successful working with people who struggle with rage reactions, abrupt mood swings, an inability to regulate their emotions, excessive and uncontrollable worry, hyperactivity, and an inability to bond with others. She has been an EMDRIA Approved Consultant for the past 7 years and a trainer for DNMS for the past 5 years, teaching other therapists this great modality.

FREE Mood Cycle Survival Guide: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/free/

 The Upside of Bipolar: 7 Steps to Heal Your Disorder: @upsideofbipolar | Linktree

website: https://theupsideofbipolar.com/

email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theupsideofbipolar/

TikTok: theupsideofbipolar (@theupsideofbipolar) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theupsideofbipolar/