Part 1 of  ‘conversations about bipolar & the workplace’ with returning favourite, rapper and content creator Brandon @therealbruss.

In this episode, mental health advocates, Shaley and Brandon talk about how living with bipolar has and continues to affect their experiences with work. They talk about their very first jobs, loss of jobs and ideas to help manage symptoms at work. Shaley and Brandon didn't realize how much they needed to be seen and heard by another person walking a similar path. They were so immersed in conversation that it is a long one so it is coming out in two parts. Shaley and Brandon hope starting this hard conversation will educate, comfort and validate others. 

this is bipolar...

As always, we talk about hard and messy mental illness topics. This episode could be activating so please take care of yourself. The episode is always here if you need to have breaks to take care of yourself.

My dear listeners,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would favourite this account & follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. 

Love,

Shaley 

About Brandon: B. Russ (he/him/his) is a rapper and content creator with bipolar 2. Diagnosed in 2017, he’s spent the last few years using social media as a tool to normalize conversations around mental illness. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, he’s currently working on new music that will speak to his struggles with bipolar and addiction. You can connect with B. Russ @therealbruss on Instagram and TikTok.

#thisisbipolar   #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalillness  #bipolar #bipolardisorder 

Part 2 of  ‘conversations about bipolar & the workplace’ with returning favourite, rapper and content creator Brandon @therealbruss.

In this second episode, mental health advocates, Shaley and Brandon talk about how living with bipolar has and continues to affect their experiences with work. They talk about further about there experiences managing bipolar at work. They not only share ideas to help symptoms at work, they share thoughts on how with education and understanding employers can really tap into the strengths of employers with bipolar disorder. These two advocates hope talk about the need to empower yourself and embrace your worth and identity beyond work. Shaley and Brandon didn't realize how much they needed to be seen and heard by another person walking a similar path. They were so immersed in conversation that it is a long one so go listen to part . Shaley and Brandon hope starting this hard conversation will educate, comfort and validate others. 

this is bipolar...

As always, we talk about hard and messy mental illness topics. This episode could be activating so please take care of yourself. The episode is always here if you need to have breaks to take care of yourself.

My dear listeners,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. There is also an option on IG to become a subscriber to have access to exclusive 'going deeper' episodes of the podcast. Hope to see you there.

Love,

Shaley 

About Brandon: B. Russ (he/him/his) is a rapper and content creator with bipolar 2. Diagnosed in 2017, he’s spent the last few years using social media as a tool to normalize conversations around mental illness. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, he’s currently working on new music that will speak to his struggles with bipolar and addiction. You can connect with B. Russ @therealbruss on Instagram and TikTok.

#thisisbipolar   #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalillness  #bipolar #bipolardisorder 

In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down and has a in depth conversation with New York Times best-selling author and mental wellness advocate, Bassey Ikpi. 

This episode shares Bassey's journey starting from her childhood in Nigeria and immigrating to the US with her family. Bassey tells of how she struggled and what her life looked like leading up to her diagnoses. The conversation covers things like how Bassey coped as a little girl by running, spinning and playing sports and how eating became a struggle. She also the full body experience of living with bipolar 2 disorder. Her descriptions of hypomania and depression in this conversation (as well as in her book) are relatable and powerful.

Shaley and Bassey talk about so much more... 

-  Bassey's experiences (good & bad) as mental wellness advocate online.

- Stigma and misjudgement of people struggling with mental illness in the public eye.

- Bassey's poem about bipolar disorder that she used to end her shows with. Youtube link : https://youtu.be/dGANPZr5deI

- How she uses Alexa for daily reminders but also as a tool to audibly remind her of her worth.

-Mindfulness, phone lockers, mini fridges, the STOP acronym and other strategies that help her manage the ups and downs of bipolar.

Be sure to listen to the entire conversation, this beautiful conversation ends with so many tips and tricks that help both Shaley and Bassey manage their bipolar disorder. Bassey's story is one of struggle but also one of resilience and acceptance. 

This is bipolar...

 Meet Bassey:

Bassey Ikpi is a versatile creative force known as a writer, author, ex-poet, performer, speaker, burpee abolitionist, and mental wellness advocate. She first made her mark on the classic 90s show BET’s Teen Summit and gained recognition as a renowned poet on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. Her global tour with the Tony Award-winning Broadway show came to a pause with a bipolar II diagnosis, leading her to pivot towards mental wellness advocacy in her writing.

Bassey now openly shares her journey living with a chronic mental illness, inspiring others to navigate life beyond diagnosis. Her story is vividly captured in the Instant New York Times Bestselling debut book, “I’m Telling The Truth, but I’m Lying” (Harper Perennial, 2019). Despite embracing roles like an underachieving overachiever and semi-pro procrastinator, Bassey is diligently working on various creative projects, including her upcoming second book. About the book: In I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying Bassey Ikpi explores her life—as a Nigerian-American immigrant, a black woman, a slam poet, a mother, a daughter, an artist—through the lens of her mental health and diagnosis of bipolar II and anxiety.

Her remarkable memoir in essays implodes our preconceptions of the mind and normalcy as Bassey bares her own truths and lies for us all to behold with radical honesty and brutal intimacy.

IG @basseyworld    X: @basseyworld

To my listeners, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would favourite this account & follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most.

#thisisbipolar #bipolar #bipolardisorder #mania #hypomania #depression #anxiety #mentalhealth #mentalillness #author #imtellingthetrithbutimlying #basseyikpi

In this episode, mental illness advocate, Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with Niki Castle to talk about her journey with Bipolar Disorder. Not only does Niki share her story leading up to and after her bipolar diagnoses, She also speaks to her experience as a black woman, athlete, wife and parent living with a mood disorder disorder. Niki also shares all her strategies and practices that help her stay well. Niki's story is one of strength and resilience, she has turned her pain into purpose. We are so grateful for her willingness to have this conversation.

This is bipolar... 

IG @this.is.bipolar

Meet Niki:

For the next 20 years she struggled with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, attempting to take her life twice followed by two hospitalizations. In 2014, after her second suicide attempt, Niki was finally diagnosed with bipolar i disorder and was introduced to medical professionals that would make up her recovery team. Thus began her journey to becoming a mental health coach and help others with their mental health challenges. 

Niki is a graduate from the Jay Shetty Certification School. She also shares her story to help combat stigma as a part of NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Ending the Silence program, where she presents to students, teachers, and parents throughout Los Angeles County. As a mother, it is her goal to apply her education and years of experience in the mental health community to help children and their parents equip themselves with the tools to navigate the challenges of life. You can connect with Niki @healingmindscoaching

We have an extra exclusive episode with Niki had about her work as a certified mental health coach. She supports young athletes and their parents. If you want to hear the bonus conversation please sign up to be an Instagram subscriber.

To my listeners, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would favourite this account & follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most.

#thisisbipolar #bipolar #bipolardisoder #mania #hypomania #depression #anxiety #suicideprevention #suicideawarness #bipolar1 #bipolar2

THROWBACK!!!! This episode never uploaded fully and vanished. We were able to recover it and finally put up the full episode!!! ENJOY the OG hosts and bipolar besties Shaley & Julie!!!!

LET’S TALK!! Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they share how to keep important conversations going after Mental Health Awareness Days. Statistics tell us that 1 in 5 people struggle with a mental health disorder. This means someone that you know or love is suffering (often in silence) right now.

How can you support those suffering around you?

What does it look like to keep showing up when things get hard?

Shaley and Julie share tips and tools to use when engaging in heavy, awkward, or uncomfortable conversations. They tell stories about the importance of language and how we can use them to hurt or help. It is Julie and Shaley's hope that this episode encourages us all to do our part in ending the stigma around mental health and mental illness. They believe that together we can keep the conversation going.

This is bipolar...

@this_is_bipolar 

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast

In this episode mental illness advocate, Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with Joanna Imoo and Molly Novak to talk about mothering with a mood disorder.

The episode gives great insight to two different experiences as parents. Joanna is a Mom of five kids that she homeschools and Molly is a single parent that shares custody and works as an attorney. The way they both care for their children, themselves and manage their bipolar disorder is encouraging and inspiring.

Molly and Joanna talk about how they received their diagnoses and the events leading up to that time. Both believed it important to tell there children and they speak to how they did so and how heir children reacted. 

Joanna and Molly candidly tell about their experiences being activated and/or triggered by parenting situations, how they handled it and what they might have done differently. They also share  how their symptoms, episodes and reactions effect their roles as mothers. They broke down how this looks in both mania and depression. Both women share valuable strategies and practices that help them manage their bipolar disorder and be the best parents they can.

Shaley, Joanna and Molly hope that this episode will encourage others if they hope to have children in the future. Please know that those living with bipolar disorder know that with treatment, management and a support system you can have children and be wonderful parents.

We  have an extra exclusive episode with Molly and Joanna had about the best ways family and friends can support parents living with bipolar disorder! If you want to hear the bonus conversation please sign up to be an Instagram subscriber.

This is bipolar... 

IG: @this.is.bipolar

To my listeners, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would favourite this account & follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most.

Meet Molly:

Molly is a mom to a 7-year-old girl who she has joint custody over, making her a single mom half the time. She is a lawyer, practicing public defense. Molly can often be found snuggling her cats, practicing her dance moves, or whipping up a new meal in the kitchen. Her & her daughter love exploring new places, hiking, and doing art together. 

Meet Joanna:

Joanna was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Her parents immigrated from China in the 1950’s and were a part of the Chinese immigrant group that grew and sell local vegetables in the Lower Mainland. To this day, she still loves working in her garden and being close with the earth. She now lives with her husband, 5 kids (ages 8-16) and mini schnauzer in Surrey, BC. She spends her time homeschooling her kids, volunteering with the local homeschooling community and serving the church. When she needs to unwind, she enjoys reading, writing and long walks. In November 2022, she was diagnosed with cyclothymia.

In this episode on 'Conversations With", mental illness advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Birdie of @birdies.bipolar.brain have a real and authentic conversations about their experiences living with bipolar disorder. Birdy shares about what life looked like before and the events that led to her mood disorder diagnosis. Despite her diagnosis, it took Birdy until many years to fully embrace and start managing her bipolar disorder. She also discusses how the illness causes her to struggle with past jobs and work.

I am so grateful for Birdie's advocacy and her willingness to talk about openly and honestly about symptoms like hypomanic anger, deep depression and suicidal ideation. You can follow along and connect with her on Instagram @birdies.bipolar.brain. Birdie’s story will not only comfort others, it will give others the hope and courage to seek help.

This is bipolar... 

IG: @this.is.bipolar

To my listeners, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would favourite this account & follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most.

Meet Birdie:

Birdie is a mental health advocate, writer, and content creator. She has made it her mission to bring awareness to mental health disorders with a comedic twist. You can find her on instagram @birdies.bipolar.brain where she showcases what it’s like living with Bipolar 2 disorder, anxiety, and ADHD. Her goal is to help end the stigmas surrounding mental health disorders. 

In this bonus episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Charise Jewell talk about coping with the holidays while living with bipolar disorder. Shaley and Charise  share about their experiences as well as give tips and tricks that have helped them manage and even enjoy the holidays. They tell both embarrassing (hypomanic stocking stuffing) and heartfelt stories. Shaley and Charise give you a real life insight into our lives and traditions that worked and didn't work. Charise was one of the first guests on the podcast so go be sure to listen to that episode of 'conversations with' to here her fully story. Charise is honest, kind and resilient. Her openness with her diagnosis online and in her book Crazy; A Member of a Mom Gone Mad is paving the way for all of us to bravely share our journeys.

Here are some of the tips sprinkled throughout the conversation:

~ Make a list of things that you really want to do so you don't overbook wth things that you don't enjoy but think you are obligated to because "everyone else" is.

~ Know your capacity and plan your holiday activities with in it.

~ make a list of triggers and what worked and didn't so you are prepared if hard things happen. Have a plan ready for what you can do if the same things that activate you are likely to happen at mandatory family gatherings. Be sure to listen to how Shaley deals with talking about race, gender and politics. Find a phrase that helps you diffuse the situation.

~ Find a space to take refuge when needed- even you only choices are the bathroom and car. 

~ Drive your own car or find your own transportation to events in case everything becomes too much and you need to run to the store or leave.

~ Build in time for do the things that bring you joy even if they are small. 

~ Be honest- you don't have to pretend to be holly jolly if you are not. Sometimes honesty actually leads to deeper conversations and connection. Chances there (many) are others feel the same.

~ Be sure to have safe people to check in with and remind you how loved you are. If you don't have anyone in mind find others with mental illness online to connect with others that understand what you are going through. Feel free to message Charise & I on Instagram and we can be a listening ear or give a word of encouragement.

and many more... this is bipolar.

To my listeners, Thank you for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would favourite this account & follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most.

If you want to have deeper conversations and hear more from my guests and others, go to @this.is.bipolar IG page and become a subscriber. There is so many extras that come along with a subscription. Thank you for supporting me and this podcast.  🤍 Shaley

Meet Charise:

A voracious reader and aspiring writer since childhood, Charise Jewell was born in Germiston, South Africa, and immigrated to Canada when she was seven years old. She holds an Honours B.Eng. in mechanical engineering from McGill University in Montreal, and worked as a robotics engineer for fifteen years before becoming a writer. She proudly lives with bipolar 1 mood disorder and educates for the fair and dignified treatment of the mentally ill. Charise lives in Toronto with her husband and three children. Find out more about Charise and her books at www.charisejewell.com

You can also follow her on Instagram @reesechaell

In this episode, Mental Illness advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn chats with Gabe Howard, host of Inside Bipolar and author of 'Mental Illness is an Asshole'. Gabe is such a vibrant Bipolar Advocate, he tells his story in such an honest and straightforward way. He is passionate about his message that with help we can do great things despite our bipolar disorder. He talks about how he sets himself up for success by being honest about what he can do well and is not afraid of asking for the help he needs. They talk about how we celebrate our ‘wins’ and accomplishments out loud to drown out the stereotypes and misconceptions that society has about living with bipolar disorder. Gabe went from writing a small blog to writing a popular book and becoming a sought after speaker all over the US and world. Gabe hopes that by showing up and continuing to advocate, others will know that they can reach their goals. He hopes they too can feel free to share their talents and hard work with the world. 

This is an authentic conversation between two people that know what it is like to live well with bipolar for many years. Gabe and Shaley think that showing up and living everyday with bipolar disorder is an accomplishment and asking for help is necessary and brave. We are all in this together.

this is bipolar...

To my listeners, Thank you for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would favourite this account & follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most.

If you want to have deeper conversations and hear more from my guests and others, go to @this.is.bipolar IG page and become a subscriber. There is so many extras that come along with a subscription. Thank you for supporting me and this podcast.  🤍 Shaley

Meet Gabe :

Gabe Howard is the host of Healthline Media’s Inside Mental Health podcast, author of Mental Illness is an Asshole, and an award-winning speaker. He was diagnosed with bipolar in 2003 after being committed to a psychiatric hospital.

He received a resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero” and had the distinct honor of speaking at Oxford University in England.

Learn more at gabehoward.com.

Links:

Gabe Howard’s Website: https://www.gabehoward.com/

Inside Mental Health podcast: https://www.healthline.com/health/podcast/psychcentral

Inside Bipolar podcast: https://www.healthline.com/health/podcast/ibp

Mental Illness is an Asshole (signed – direct from author):

https://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/

Mental Illness is an Asshole (unsigned available on Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Illness-Asshole-Other-Observations/dp/0974133744