So many neurodivergent kids grow up thinking they’re the problem, when in reality they’re carrying ADHD, anxiety, or bipolar symptoms no one ever recognized. This conversation digs into what that actually feels like through Arthur Williams’ story—growing up undiagnosed, masking to survive, and constantly being praised for traits instead of effort, which only widened the gap between who he was and who he thought he should be.

Arthur opens up about the pivotal moments that helped him finally understand his own mind, the difference between parental standards and rigid expectations, and why grace matters so much for neurodivergent kids trying to navigate a world not built for them. He also shares how he went from barely getting through college to becoming a peer mentor with The NAN Project, helping teens understand mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of lived experience.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that even when ADHD is loud, anxiety is relentless, or bipolar depression insists you don’t matter, there is a reason to keep going—and more people value your presence than you’ll ever know.

BIO: 

Arthur is a recent but proud Peer Mentor with The NAN Project. He started this work to continue

his goal of spreading awareness about mental health challenges with a neurodivergent voice.

He believes that a mental health diagnosis or comorbidity does not have to be a source of

shame, fear, or a life without determinism. Those of us who are “too much” are more than

enough in the right setting with the right support. That all genius exists in those people who are

willing to find the holes in their world, and their thinking, and fill them with something they

created if it does not exist. As a person of color, he aims to provide meaningful representation

and amplify the voices of neurodivergent individuals within his communities.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

https://www.thenanproject.org/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

What’s Really Behind Our Need to Control? 

We all like to think we’ve got it together… until life throws a curveball, and suddenly we’re trying to control everything around us. In this episode of This Way Up, I chat with Kati Morton, LMFT — licensed therapist, bestselling author, and mental health educator — about why control feels so necessary, how it shows up in our relationships, and what it’s really trying to protect.

We dig into the ways control can sneak into parenting, friendships, romantic relationships, and even our daily routines. Kati shares how to spot controlling behaviors in ourselves and others, practical strategies to manage anxiety without overstepping, and personal stories that make these lessons relatable. She also gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming book, Why Do I Keep Doing This? (Dec 9th, 2025), guiding listeners toward breaking unhealthy patterns and building stronger, more resilient connections.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Control and Its Illusions
  
  
  
• 00:41 Understanding Control in Relationships
  
  
  
• 03:20 Recognizing Controlling Behaviors in Ourselves
  
  
  
• 05:08 Coping Mechanisms and Personal Examples
  
  
  
• 07:30 Practical Tips to Manage Control Issues
  
  
  
• 10:49 Impact of Control on Relationships
  
  
  
• 17:52 Letting Go of Control in Parenting
  
  
  
• 18:22 The Challenge of Helicopter Parenting
  
  
  
• 19:12 Encouraging Independence in Children
  
  
  
• 21:24 Recognizing Controlling Behaviors in Relationships
  
  
  
• 24:11 Managing Children's Mental Health and Manipulative Behaviors
  
  
  
• 27:15 The Importance of Open Communication
  
  
  
• 31:45 Katie Morton's New Book Announcement
  
  
  
• 33:21 Conclusion and Social Media Plugs

BIO: 

Kati Morton, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, Best-selling Author, and a highly sought-after speaker in the field of mental health. With a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, Kati has delivered impactful talks at prestigious events and platforms worldwide. Kati's upcoming book, Why Do I Keep Doing This?  (out December 2025), explores why we fall into the same emotional loops, such as people-pleasing or self-sabotage, and how to break them once and for all.

Kati has been at the forefront of the mental health movement since 2011, sharing powerful videos that demystify mental health and replace stigmas with understanding. Her influential YouTube channel - with over 1.5 million subscribers and 130 million views, has made her a prominent figure in translating complex mental health concepts into accessible language.

An accomplished author of two best-selling books "Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health" and “

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

What if the key to healing anxiety, trauma, or depression wasn’t just found in an office — but in the quiet connection with a horse? In this episode, I sit down with Summer to explore the world of equine therapy and how these incredible animals are helping people transform their mental health.

We dive into the difference between traditional hippotherapy and ground-based horse therapy, why spending time with horses has such a powerful impact on the nervous system, and the unforgettable breakthroughs Summer has witnessed with her clients. From easing stress and building confidence to creating trust after trauma, horses bring a kind of healing that’s hard to put into words.

We also open up about the real-life challenges of caring for therapy horses and why community support is so vital to keep this work alive. If you’ve ever been curious about how equine therapy supports mental health, or you just want a fresh perspective on healing, this conversation will inspire you.

BIO: 

Summer Bouquet is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) while completing her clinical hours. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC Davis, where she was also a Division I beach volleyball athlete. Summer’s interest in psychology began early and has grown into a deep passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges. While she works with clients of all ages, she has a special focus on supporting adolescents between 12 and 18. In her clinical practice, Summer integrates equine therapy with psychodynamic approaches to create meaningful, individualized experiences for her clients.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

https://www.walkintuit.org/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Every year, thousands of babies are born into the chaos of opioid addiction—fragile, frightened, and in need of care. Tara Sundem, founder and executive director of Hushabye Nursery, has dedicated her life to giving these babies—and their mothers—a fighting chance. Through her work, she has already saved over 1,000 babies, transforming not just their lives, but the lives of their families.Through her work, Tara reminds us that every family deserves support, understanding, and a chance to thrive. Her stories will move you, her belief will uplift you, and her mission will leave you with a renewed sense of what’s possible when care meets heart.

BIO: 

Tara Sundem, RN, NNP-BC, MS is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, educator, and advocate dedicated to supporting pregnant and parenting mothers in recovery from opioid use disorders. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of Hushabye Nursery, a pioneering program in Arizona that provides compassionate care and resources for families affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

Tara began her nursing career at Banner Children’s Hospital and went on to specialize in neonatology, earning her Master’s in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from Arizona State University. Over the years, she has worked in multiple hospitals and practices across Arizona, providing care to the most vulnerable newborns and their families.

In addition to her clinical work, Tara is an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona, sharing her expertise with the next generation of healthcare professionals. She has been featured in news stories and invited to speak at local and national conferences on NAS, maternal recovery, and stigma reduction. Through her work at Hushabye Nursery, Tara is driving innovative approaches to care and education, helping families thrive while advocating for systemic change in support for mothers in recovery.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

https://hushabyenursery.org/

https://www.facebook.com/hushabyenursery/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Chris Segrin from the University of Arizona opens up about the messy, complicated reality of supporting someone you love who’s struggling with mental health. Instead of handing out quick fixes, Chris invites us to lean into empathy, reminding us that the illness is not the person — and that separating the two is where compassion really begins.

He challenges us to communicate without judgment, to listen with curiosity instead of fear, and to find strength in acceptance. At the same time, Chris gets real about the toll caregiving can take. He gives us permission to step back, set boundaries, and care for ourselves without guilt — because we can’t pour from an empty cup.

From using simple tools like text messages to create space for tough conversations, to walking the fine line between helping and enabling, Chris shows us how to show up for others while staying grounded ourselves. This is about building relationships rooted in love, honesty, and resilience — even in the hardest seasons.

BIO: 

Chris Segrin (Ph.D. 1990, University of Wisconsin) is a behavioral scientist whose specialty is interpersonal relationships and mental health. His research focuses on social skills, relationship development and satisfaction, and such problems as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and marital distress. This research can be found in journals such as Human Communication Research, Communication Monographs, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, Communication Research, and Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. He is author of the books Interpersonal Processes in Psychological Problems (2001, Guilford Press) and Family Communication (2005, Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers). Professor Segrin was also the editor of the journal Communication Theory from 2003-2005. In addition to his appointment in the Department of Communication, Professor Segrin is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology and Family Studies. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Arizona, Professor Segrin was on the faculty of the University of Kansas and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He teaches classes in interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, persuasion, marriage and family, and research methods. Professor Segrin has been the recipient of six teaching awards from the University of Wisconsin, University of Kansas, and University of Arizona. Recently he has been conducting research studies on the intergenerational transmission of divorce, how social skills deficits make people vulnerable to depression, and why lonely people have more health problems. In addition, Professor Segrin has recently conducted a number of studies with colleagues at the U of A College of Nursing to develop methods for improving quality of life (e.g., depression, anxiety, relationship satisfaction, social support) for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer and their partners, as well as for men with prostate cancer and their partners. This research has been funded by the National Cancer Institute, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Oncology Nursing Foundation, and the American Cancer Society.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

https://comm.arizona.edu/person/chris-segrin

Chris Segrin Books

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

In this episode of This Way Up, Tamar Blue, CEO of MentalHappy, shares how technology can be a force for good in the mental health space. The conversation dives into the unique value of virtual support groups, how they differ from traditional social media, and how caregivers can find safe, tailored communities that meet their needs. Tamar also speaks candidly about the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, offering realistic self-care strategies that don't require massive time or energy.

With features like anonymity, privacy, and both expert-led and peer-led groups—including free options—MentalHappy creates space for real connection and healing. The episode also explores the emerging role of AI in mental health care, where efficiency and accessibility meet the irreplaceable power of human connection.

BIO

Tamar Blue is the Founder and CEO of MentalHappy, a Y Combinator-backed, HIPAA-compliant platform that empowers healthcare professionals, survivors, and advocates to create and lead expert-led support groups. With over 15 years of experience advocating for group-based care and emotional wellness, Tamar is on a mission to make emotional support a standard and essential part of every healthcare journey—not an afterthought. Through MentalHappy, she’s helping reimagine how we care for people by integrating emotional well-being into the core of health and healing.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Main Website: https://www.mentalhappy.com

Social Media Links

• LinkedIn (personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarlucienblue/
• Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/mentalhappy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhappyhumans
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livementalhappy
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mentalhappyinc

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

For 1 in 200 kids, a simple strep throat infection can trigger PANDAS—a devastating autoimmune condition that causes sudden-onset OCD, tics, rage, and anxiety.

In this episode, Ethan shares his deeply personal journey: from misdiagnoses and medication trials to discovering that brain inflammation was the key to understanding his symptoms. He opens up about the treatments that helped him take control—like CBD for inflammation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), diet changes, exercise, and stress management—and how he’s turned his struggle into a message of hope.

This one hits hard for me—PANDAS has touched my own family, and I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming it can be. Ethan’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that no one is alone in this fight.

BIO:

Ethan Pompeo was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition called PANDAS when he was young. His symptoms came on suddenly and included everything from tics, OCD, and even rage. He found relief with Pot (marijuana); but didn’t like varying degrees of being stoned to decrease his PANDAS symptoms. Eventually he learned that it was not the THC giving him relief, but the CBD… which he could take without getting high.

PANDAS – Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associate with Streptococcal Infections

RESOURCES:

Visit Ethan's Website:

https://www.greenvalleynutrition.com/

Visit Ethan on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNniFaDFyhMOnC11CDPjZEQ

For More on Ethan's Upcoming Book:

https://www.greenvalleynutrition.com/pages/book

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Ever notice how the energy you bring into a room can shift everything—good or bad—without saying a word?

In this episode, Annmarie Chereso invites us to rethink how we show up in our most important relationships—whether that’s with our kids, partners, friends, or even ourselves. She shares how tuning into your own energy and learning to trust your instincts can create more ease, better communication, and real connection.

Yes, we talk parenting—but not in the usual “tips and tricks” way. Annmarie goes deeper, helping us see how fear-based habits sneak into the way we relate, and how letting go of control can actually bring us closer to the people we love (even those strong-willed little ones... or stubborn adult children).

You’ll get practical, grounded advice on how to shift from reactive to intentional, and why understanding someone’s true nature—not who we wish they were—is the real key to connection. No fluff. No perfection required. Just real talk, thoughtful tools, and a fresh take that’s as useful in the carpool lane as it is in a tough conversation with your 25-year-old.

BIO:

Author, Meditation Teacher, and Transformational Coach, Annmarie Chereso empowers parents, children and families to discover authentic happiness and true success.

Through her playful, heart-centered approach, Annmarie combines mindfulness mastery with practical tools, helping clients cultivate self-awareness, harness their innate power, and overcome limiting beliefs to embrace their most empowered selves.

With over two decades of expertise, Annmarie has trained educators, students, and parents globally through online courses, coaching, speaking engagements, workshops, and retreats. She's collaborated with renowned leaders including Dr. Shefali Tsabary and The Conscious Leadership Group and has worked with institutions like The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Francis W. Parker, and KIPP and The Chicago Public Schools.

Based in downtown Chicago Annmarie and her husband co-parent their blended family of nine children and three grandchildren. You'll often find her walking her dog along Lake Michigan, taking deep breaths and embracing her mantra: "It's not about parenting perfectly, it's about parenting authentically.”

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

annmariechereso.me

@annmariechereso

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Who will make sure your child with special needs or mental health challenges — even as an adult — is cared for when you no longer can? In this episode of This Way Up, Andrea sits down with Sara Ecklein, a fiduciary specializing in special needs trusts, to tackle this critical question. They unpack what a special needs trust is, why it's essential for securing a stable future, and how it can protect both care and financial support, no matter your child’s age. Sarah also shares what it’s like managing the maze of public benefits and why building a trusted team is key. Whether you're just starting to plan or already deep in advocacy for your child’s mental health or special needs, this conversation offers real-world advice, fresh insights, and peace of mind for the road ahead.

BIO

Sara Ecklein is a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary, a Certified National Guardian, and the founder of Trust & Honor, a Mindful Fiduciary Agency. Her path to fiduciary work was deeply influenced by personal experiences with loss and end-of-life care. After witnessing a loved one's final days, Sara felt a strong calling to provide healing and calm during the end of life transition.

Since 2014, she has dedicated to the private professional fiduciary profession, serving senior and disabled populations, specializing in end-of-life care, proactive planning, navigating complex family dynamics, Special Needs Trust administration and managing public benefits.

As the host of The Legacy of Love podcast, Sara shares valuable insights on trust administration and end-of-life care, featuring expert interviews and personal stories to help listeners create a meaningful legacy.

Sara lives in Silicon Valley with her husband and their young daughter.

Links to share: 

LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein-clpf-97460687

Legacy of Love Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2378190/15381267

Online: https://www.trustandhonor.co

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Parenthood messing with your mind or relationship? Psychologist Marcella Kaplani reveals the truth about Matrescence & Patrescence—and how to survive the emotional shifts.
With 15+ years of experience, she breaks down the real psychological transitions into motherhood and fatherhood that no one talks about. We’re getting raw and real about what changes in your brain, your relationship, and your sense of self when you become a parent—and how to navigate it without losing your mind (or your partner).
Hit play if you're ready to stop pretending everything’s fine and start understanding what’s actually happening behind the scenes of modern parenting. Like, subscribe, and share—because you’re not the only one who needs to hear this.

BIO: 

Markella has dedicated her career to assisting adults, parents, and children navigate their mental health challenges.

She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical & Counseling Psychology and has over 15 years of experience in both psychotherapeutic and educational settings.

In working with such a range of people, she’s had the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the diverse systems that constitute the human experience. As such, she possesses a holistic point of view, understanding the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and their pivotal role in mental health.

After becoming a mom herself, Markella shifted her focus to mothers and couples, recognizing the challenges that parenthood presents, ironically paired with the inordinate lack of assistance provided by our institutions and systems. 

Markella is passionate about elevating and empowering parents to reconnect with themselves, their partners, their children, and their dreams. She stands with compassion beside them and offers a path toward a new normal that contains even more love, even more growth, even more connection.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

@markella.kaplani markellakaplani.com/podcast

www.markellakaplani.com

Instagram.com/markella.kaplani

Facebook.com/markella.kaplani

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.