This Way Up

What happens when conventional mental health treatments don’t work? For Tag Frothingham, the answer came in the form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—a groundbreaking, non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, offering new hope for those battling depression and other mental health challenges.

In this episode of This Way Up, Tag shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming severe depression, surviving cancer twice, and navigating a lifelong battle with mental health. He opens up about the frustrations of traditional treatments, the life-changing impact of TMS, and how this therapy has also supported his children’s mental health.

This inspiring conversation highlights the transformative potential of TMS, the importance of advocating for innovative care, and the role of resilience in navigating life’s toughest moments.

Don’t miss this compelling story of courage, hope, and the future of mental health care.

BIO: 

Tag Frothingham is a husband and a dad of two teenagers who lives in Harvard, Massachusetts. He lives with depression and also provides support for family members with depression and anxiety. Tag is also a cancer survivor. Although he has worked in software engineering and quality assurance roles for technology companies for most of his career, he worked as a residential counselor while attending Wheaton College and for a few years after. Mental health has remained an important cause for him. In his spare time, you’ll find Tag reading, cooking, riding his bike, or playing with the family dog. 

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Families for Depression Awareness: https://www.familyaware.org/

Facebook and Instagram: @familyaware

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: TMS

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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 insightful episode of This Way Up, I’m joined by Natasha Daniels, a leading anxiety & OCD therapist with over 20 years of experience. Natasha combines her clinical expertise with her personal journey of raising three children with anxiety and OCD, making her a deeply relatable and knowledgeable voice on this important topic.

We dive into the key differences between OCD and anxiety—both in how they present and how they function physiologically. Natasha breaks down the concept of OCD as “bossy,” explaining how intrusive thoughts demand action, and how this can be effectively addressed with the right tools and mindset.

But it’s not all about the challenges. We also explore how the unique wiring of the OCD brain, when managed well, can become a superpower. From heightened creativity to remarkable determination, Natasha shares how reframing OCD can unlock incredible strengths.

This episode is packed with actionable insights on how to normalize and support healing for OCD sufferers, fostering understanding and helping individuals thrive.

If you or someone you love is navigating OCD, this is a must-listen conversation filled with hope, empowerment, and practical advice.

BIO
Natasha Daniels has been an anxiety & OCD therapist for over two decades. She combines both her clinical expertise with her lived experience, raising her own three kids with anxiety and OCD.

She is the creator of the website AT Parenting Survival, As well as the host to the show AT Parenting Survival Podcast and the Youtube channel, Ask the Child Therapist. She also gives in-depth support to thousands of parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD through her books, courses in the AT Parenting Survival Online School and in her online membership AT Parenting Community. Her latest books include Crushing OCD Workbook for Kids and her memoir, Out of My Shell: Overcoming Social Anxiety from Childhood to Adulthood.

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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.

Did you know the average person experiences a state of hypnosis twice a day? (Center for Integral Health) So why is it such a mystery? 

In this episode, clinical hypnotherapist, Craig Meriwether explores the often misunderstood world of hypnotherapy. Craig highlights the misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy, emphasizing that it doesn't 'fix' people but rather empowers them to heal themselves. Through vivid anecdotes and examples, Craig illustrates how hypnotherapy can unlock deep-seated issues from the subconscious mind and provide tools for better emotional management. Craig also talks about test anxiety and how it goes beyond just students but can occur for those who encounter any performance stressor.

BIO:
Craig is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Medical Hypnosis Specialist, Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) specialist, and Founder of Arizona Integrative Hypnotherapy helping people eliminate the negative emotions and limiting beliefs that may be keeping them from reaching their full potential. 

For over 12 years, Craig has been helping people heal from early childhood trauma, helping cancer patients with pain control, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, students with test anxiety, entrepreneurs with confidence, athletes with peak performance, and anyone who may be dealing with overwhelm, fear and anxiety.

Craig has created Ace Any Test, the most comprehensive course for test anxiety relief so people can eliminate anxiety around exams, auditions, job interviews and public speaking, as well as increase confidence and self-esteem. 

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Listeners are welcome to download 5 free recordings to Program Yourself For Confidence.
https://aceanytest.com/boost-your-confidence/

https://www.facebook.com/AceAnyTest

https://www.instagram.com/ace_any_test/

https://aceanytest.com/    

https://arizonaintegrativehypnotherapy.com/

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and found it both insightful and inspiring. Now, we want to hear from you! Share your experiences, questions, or ideas with us by leaving a comment or sending us a message on our website or social media channels.

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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.

Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults every year? Yet, many are left managing symptoms rather than truly healing.

In this eye-opening episode of This Way Up, Andrea Nanigian sits down with Noelle McWard Aquino to redefine how we approach anxiety. Noelle introduces three distinct anxiety types—Future Catastrophizing, Control, and Distorted Beliefs—and shares practical strategies to tackle anxiety at its root, offering a path toward genuine relief and peace.

Moving beyond conventional advice, Noelle shifts the focus to what we can control in our lives, empowering listeners to reclaim their strength. This episode also sheds light on the resilience of those living with chronic anxiety and why compassion is crucial in their journey.

If you or someone you love is grappling with anxiety, this conversation is a must-listen, full of actionable tools and inspiration to help you move forward.

BIO:
Noelle McWard Aquino is a psychotherapist  who has been practicing for 30 years in Chicago, IL.  Noelle specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders and has developed a unique framework for understanding and treating anxiety.  As a Licensed Continuing Education Sponsor for mental health professionals, Noelle teaches this model to therapists, and uses it in her work with clients.  She writes an ongoing blog, “Unpacking Anxiety” as an expert content contributor for PsychologyToday.com and  is the author of an upcoming book based on her model.  Beyond her professional experience, Noelle is the mother of a young adult son who has lived with generalized anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder for most of his life.  It is her mission to help relieve the suffering of those living with anxiety.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Social media @noellemcwardaquino on Instagram

website: www.counselingsolutionschicago.com.

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and found it both insightful and inspiring. Now, we want to hear from you! Share your experiences, questions, or ideas with us by leaving a comment or sending us a message on our website or social media channels.

If you found value in today's episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like yourself. And finally, don't forget to spread the word! Share this podcast with your friends, family, and colleagues who might benefit from the valuable content we offer.

Together, let's keep the conversation going, create a supportive community, and make a positive impact. Thank you for being a part of our podcast family. Until next time!

(Note: For listeners who may be struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help or reach out to a mental health support helpline in your country.)

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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 heartfelt episode, we talk with Jason Tuttle, a former stay-at-home parent and father of two children with significant disabilities. After the tragic loss of his 15-year-old son, Zachary, Jason created an online group called Letters to Zachary to openly share his grief and help others navigate similar experiences. Jason bravely discusses male grief, societal expectations, and the raw realities of losing a child. He opens up about his family's journey, the emotional toll, and the coping mechanisms that have helped him and his family. Tune in to hear a sincere conversation about the complexities of grief and the importance of vulnerability and community support.

BIO: 

Jason Tuttle is a former stay-at-home parent and married father of 2 kids with multiple physical and cognitive disabilities. He lost his 15 year old special needs son 01/28/22. From that day, Jason decided that he wanted to help others while he grieved. So, he created “Letters To Zachary” as an open, raw, vulnerable way to be an example and share his feelings as well as help others to see a glimpse into the male mind and how it grieves

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

www.LettersToZachary.com

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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 we could equip young people—and ourselves—with the tools to handle mental health challenges before they happen? Erin Harris, founder of Undo Mindset, shares her powerful journey from surviving a school shooting to creating a nonprofit dedicated to reshaping mental health care. Erin’s experience as a teacher in a traumatic crisis sparked a mission to make mental health skills as essential as reading and math in schools, giving students the resilience to face life’s ups and downs. Through Undo Mindset, Erin’s proactive approach targets underserved communities, first responders, and transient populations, ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive.

In this conversation, Erin explores why our traditional, reactive mental health systems aren’t enough to address today’s crisis—and why building resilience early on is crucial. For parents, she offers practical strategies to keep mental health discussions open, honest, and meaningful in a tech-driven world that often complicates emotional wellbeing. Don’t miss this inspiring episode to learn how proactive mental health care can empower individuals and create a stronger foundation for future generations. Tune in to discover how a proactive approach can be a game-changer for all of us.

BIO: 

Erin Harris has proudly worked as an educator in 9 different schools in her 15 year educational career. These opportunities allowed her to work in neighborhood schools, charter schools, turn-around schools, start-up schools, schools in more economically struggling communities, and schools in more affluent areas.  These differing experiences gave Erin the opportunity to truly see a wide range of schools, systems, programs, what was working, and where our gaps are within the educational system. Erin brings her diverse teaching background to each class taught, providing each student with supports needed to meet their diverse needs.

​One of the greatest gaps Erin has observed in her career is the need to support students with making their thought process a productive and positive experience.  She has observed how kids are being exposed to so much adult information and knowledge but don't have the mindset skills needed to support the thought process that goes with that exposure.  She is passionate about teaching kids the skills needed to efficiently bridge this gap within their own thought patterns.

After being in a school shooting, our founder, Erin, sought trauma recovery assistance. Through this process, she learned an immense amount of mental health skills. The problem was that the program she attended was for adults only. Sick of seeing our country's reactive approach to mental health, the idea for Un/do was born - teaching proactive mindset skills so our youth have these tools in their back pockets prior to experiencing crisis. 

When not pursuing her dreams or working in the education world, Erin can be found exploring the mountains with her family.  Originally from DC, Erin, her husband, Jeremy, and her two children, Logan and Emi, have been calling Colorado home for a decade. They love to snowboard, ski, hike, mountain bike, raft, camp, SUP, and just about every other fun activity the beautiful mountains have to offer us.

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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 inspiring episode, Millionaire Williams, author of 'Military Mom on a Mission', shares her poignant journey of supporting her son through PTSD and severe mental health challenges following his return from the Iraq war. Millionaire discusses the unexpected path that led her to become a mental health advocate, highlighting the importance of family support and creating awareness about PTSD. The conversation touches on her efforts to navigate the healthcare system, her determination to educate herself in psychology, and her advocacy work to change mental health laws. Millionaire also reveals her methods for self-care and balancing her roles as a caregiver and professional. The episode concludes with Millionaire's future vision for expanding her advocacy through a Congressional initiative and potential film adaptations, accentuating her mission to transform personal pain into purpose.

BIO: 

Million Heir-Williams grew up in Long Island, NY. At the age of twenty, she moved to Los Angeles, California.  She worked for Kaiser Hospital for twenty-six years in management.  In 2004, she moved to Onslow County, where she served as Onslow County Commissioner and Vice President of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce. Governor Pat McCrory appointed her to serve on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Council for Women. She and her husband had a house built in Texas, where they reside.

Heir-Williams is a Certified Life Growth and Mental Health Coach and is the President/CEO of Effectual Life Coaching Enterprises. She has a proven track record in establishing successful, equitable relationships with everyone involved. 

Heir-Williams has many organizations that she is affiliated with, such as the American Psychological Association, Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement, Worldwide Association of Female Professionals, American Association of Christian Counselors, Citizens Commission on Human Rights International and the Honor Society.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Military Mom on a Mission

Million's Books

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and found it both insightful and inspiring. Now, we want to hear from you! Share your experiences, questions, or ideas with us by leaving a comment or sending us a message on our website or social media channels.

If you found value in today's episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like yourself. And finally, don't forget to spread the word! Share this podcast with your friends, family, and colleagues who might benefit from the valuable content we offer.

(Note: For listeners who may be struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help or reach out to a mental health support helpline in your country.)

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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.

Our children spend nearly one-third of their waking hours at school, presenting countless opportunities for positive interactions with trusted adults. In this episode of This Way Up, we discuss how the San Marcos Unified School District took this reality and turned it into an opportunity to dramatically expand mental health support for its students. Amid a growing mental health crisis and a mental health system struggling to keep up, the district—supported by the city of San Marcos —launched the 'Let's Face It Together' program.

The initiative strengthened existing resources like counselors and social workers, while introducing new support strategies such as a crisis text line (741741), Care Solace to assist families in navigating mental health care, and wellness teams that visit homes to connect with students and their families. By focusing on building a sense of connection and belonging, the program aims to make every student feel cared for.

This episode highlights the program’s profound impact, showing how a community came together to use school as not just a place of learning, but as a key source of support and care for students’ mental well-being.

BIO: 

As the Student Services Director in San Marcos Unified School District, Christi Frias is a dedicated advocate for mental health and student well-being. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to create and implement programs and services that support student mental health and well-being. She is deeply passionate about promoting healthy and positive learning environments that foster student success. Mrs. Frias has experience working with a variety of stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty, and community members, to create meaningful change.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Let’s Face It Together: https://www.smusd.org/news/what_s_new/let_s_face_it__together_

Let’s Face It Together Resources: https://www.smusd.org/mentalhealth/teacherresources

Let’s Face It Together Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZISx4Y2cC8

Crisis Text Line 714714: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Care Solace: https://www.caresolace.org/

If you found value in today's episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like yourself. And finally, don't forget to spread the word! Share this podcast with your friends, family, and colleagues who might benefit from the valuable content we offer.

(Note: For listeners who may be struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help or reach out to a mental health support helpline in your country.)

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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 lighthearted conversation between Janet Krebs and Andrea, they dive into the idea of parents as the CEOs of their families, leading with both courage and compassion. The discussion touches on the power of having a clear vision for your family, the importance of honest and open communication, and the deep connections we build with our children. Janet, who brings her wealth of experience as a consultant, coach, and former educator, shares candid stories and actionable insights on what it means to lead in the messy, beautiful world of parenting. They explore how recognizing our own strengths as parents can create a sense of confidence, the balance between having a long-term vision and being present in the moment, and how understanding our children's unique needs and communication styles is key. The conversation also underscores the importance of flexibility and empathy, especially when managing the diverse needs of our children.

BIO: 

Janet is a speaker, author and a family facilitator …helps families adopt a leadership mindset and empowers them to cultivate confidence and self-reliance in themselves and their children.

She has enjoyed a rich career in Consulting, Human Resources and Education. She spent over 14 years as Commander Krebs in a Space Flight Simulator where she impacted over 60,000 students.

She is a 2X best-selling author and earned advanced degrees in Human Behavior and Development, Counseling Psychology and in Education.

When asked her greatest accomplishment she will answer, without hesitation, her 2 adult children, Benjamin and Elisa.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

https://www.janetkrebs.com/

Instagram @janetkrebs22

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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.

Have you ever felt like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, trying to keep it all together while hiding the mess inside? I’ve been there—juggling a career, motherhood, and everything in between, looking picture-perfect but feeling completely overwhelmed.

In this reel, I share a story that opened my eyes to the truth: staying polished on the outside while struggling on the inside kept me lonely and disconnected. It wasn’t until I embraced vulnerability with my closest friends that I discovered something powerful—they loved me more for it. They loved me for my mess, my sweat, my joy, and my tears.

This is your invitation to let go of the pressure to be perfect. You’ll uncover how vulnerability can transform not just your friendships, but your mental health. Being seen for who you truly are is a gift—one that brings connection, relief, and deep, meaningful relationships.

Take a step. Be vulnerable with someone today, and see how it changes everything.

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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.