Tracking Happiness Podcast

Overcoming Alcohol Addiction: Marci Rossi's Inspiring Journey | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 16

Welcome to another episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Marci Rossi.

Marci shares her compelling story about being a high achiever, her battles with alcohol addiction while managing a stressful career, and how she found her path to sobriety through a coaching program. Living in Dallas, Marci turned her life around and now dedicates her time to helping others with similar struggles.

Tune in to hear about Marci's journey, the strategies she uses to maintain sobriety, and her insights into changing societal beliefs about alcohol.

00:00 Introduction

06:47 Struggles with Alcohol

14:18 Joining a Coaching Program

21:18 Belief Work and Overcoming Alcohol

27:44 Overcoming Depression Without Alcohol

30:07 Reframing Relapse as a Learning Opportunity

35:57 Advice for Those Struggling with Alcohol

39:39 Cultural and Societal Perspectives on Alcohol

43:16 Final Thoughts

Navigating late ADHD and Autism Diagnoses: Talking With Junaid Hussain | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 15

Join me on this episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, as Junaid and I discuss dual diagnoses of Autism and ADHD. This episode provides valuable insights and highlights the importance of support systems.

Learn about effective tools like medication, therapy, and personal growth strategies, and gain inspiration from firsthand stories of overcoming struggles. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on mental health awareness and empowerment.

00:00 Introduction

03:53 Discussing Mental Health Stigmas

09:14 Junaid's Personal Struggles and Diagnosis

13:39 Impact of Marriage and Parenthood

18:07 Seeking Help and Diagnosis

28:02 Living with ADHD and Autism

32:07 Medication and Its Effects

46:18 Banter ;-)

From Loss to Healing: Stephanie's Journey of Overcoming Mental Health Struggles | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 14

Join me on this episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast as I talk with Stephanie, a licensed marriage and family therapist from Florida.

Stephanie shares her experiences of dealing with personal mental health struggles, including anxiety, OCD, and an eating disorder, which stemmed from the traumatic loss of her father at a young age.

We discuss her journey from recognizing the need for help to seeking therapy and eventually turning her personal experiences into a professional calling as a therapist. Stephanie dives into the importance of self-help, family support, and telehealth in accessing mental health care.

00:00 Introduction

05:08 Stephanie's Mental Health Journey

09:15 The Turning Point and Recovery

16:10 Moving to Los Angeles and Continued Growth

21:54 Therapeutic Work and Overcoming Challenges

27:47 Challenges in Accessing Care

29:53 Journey to Becoming a Therapist

31:26 The Impact of Specialized Education

41:46 Advice for Those Struggling

Overcoming Infertility and Embracing Self-Love | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 24

Welcome to another episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Kathy Mou, who shares her emotional journey through infertility, mental health challenges, and the transformative power of self-love.

Kathy opens up about her two-year struggle with endometriosis and the rollercoaster of emotions she faced, including depression and the pressures of cultural expectations.

She discusses the significance of self-care, setting boundaries, meditation, gratitude, and healthy eating in her recovery. Tune in as Kathy shares how these practices not only helped her overcome her struggles but also paved the way to becoming a more resilient and empowered individual, enabling her to help others as an empowerment coach.

00:00 Introduction

05:12 Mental Health and Infertility Struggles

10:30 Understanding Endometriosis

18:18 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Love

21:50 Facing the Pain: Setting Boundaries

22:41 Empowerment Through Self-Care

26:03 The Power of Meditation

29:05 Practicing Gratitude

35:30 Embracing Parenthood

41:02 Wrapping up

Finding Happiness Through Humor: Mike Cundall's Journey with Depression | Tracking Happiness Podcast

In this episode of the Tracking Happiness podcast, I talk with Mike Cundall about his experience with mental health struggles, specifically dealing with depression. Mike discusses his diagnosis, treatments, and how he learned to manage his depression.

We delve into the effects of medications, the role of humor in coping with depression, and Mike's philosophical insights as a professor.

00:00 Introduction

03:31 Transition to Mental Health Discussion

03:54 Mike's Journey with Depression

04:17 Medication and Its Effects

08:39 Alternative Approaches to Managing Depression

10:40 Challenges and Acceptance

17:16 Philosophy and Personal Struggles

20:59 The Interdisciplinary Nature of Humor Studies

23:36 The Role of Humor in Chronic Illness and Caregiving

32:16 The Power of Humor in High-Stress Situations

40:24 Humor in Religion and Cultural Traditions

41:51 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Happiness with Stephanie Shanks | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 11

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Shanks about her journey from growing up on a farm in Wisconsin and struggling with mental health, to finding happiness and establishing her own photography business.

Stephanie dives into the challenges of being a young mother, dealing with trauma, overcoming two difficult marriages, and how she ultimately found happiness by taking time for herself and rediscovering her passions.

It's extremely inspiring and authentic...

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, mental health, and the importance of self-discovery.

00:00 Introduction and chit chat about farms, dogs and pancakes

09:08 Personal Journeys and Struggles

12:21 Overcoming Adversity

18:38 Realization and Turning Point

24:32 Sunny California Memories

24:50 A Time for Self-Reflection

26:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery

30:03 Returning Home and Starting Over

31:22 Empowering Changes and New Beginnings

32:35 The Importance of Authenticity

40:47 Challenges of Running a Business

43:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections

From Struggle to Social Work: Sarah Rollins' Journey | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 10

Welcome to the tenth episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Rollins, a social worker from Metro Detroit.

Sarah opens up about her early struggle with an eating disorder during middle school and high school, her transformative experience in a residential treatment program, and how it influenced her career path. We delve into the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and Sarah's journey toward recovery and becoming a therapist herself.

Join us for an insightful conversation on overcoming mental health struggles and finding purpose.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:44 Sarah's Background and Role as a Social Worker

06:06 Early Signs and Struggles with Eating Disorders

11:15 Realization and Seeking Help

18:21 Residential Treatment Experience

19:12 Reflecting on the Best Experience

19:33 Community and Recovery

20:50 Challenges and Adjustments

22:45 Dealing with Stigma

27:18 Reintegration and Continued Therapy

33:14 The Role of Personal Experience in Social Work

36:45 Final Thoughts and Advice

Nika Kabiri on Decision Science, Mental Health, and Finding Happiness | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 9

In the ninth episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, I am joined by Nika Kabiri, a decision scientist and consultant, to discuss her journey through mental health struggles, including severe depression and suicidal ideation.

Nika shares her insights on how understanding the science of decision-making and behavioral economics helped her transform her life.

We also explore the influence of nature, healthy habits, and the power of making informed choices. Tune in to hear Nika's inspiring story of overcoming adversity and finding ultimate happiness.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

03:50 Nika's Professional Background

05:54 Mental Health Struggles

08:46 Therapy and Its Challenges

18:57 Discovering Sociology and Decision Science

23:27 Understanding Behavioral Economics

25:09 The Efficiency of the Human Brain

25:49 Survival Instincts and Modern Challenges

26:39 Behavioral Economics and Mental Health

28:32 Rational Choices and Emotional Struggles

30:21 The Power of Changing Circumstances

34:47 Personal Stories of Career Change

37:26 Starting the Tracking Happiness Blog

44:28 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

45:26 Advice for Dealing with Depression

Rebecca's Journey from Binge Eating to Self-Compassion | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 8

In the eighth episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, I speak with Rebecca Doring, a meditation teacher, yoga instructor, and life coach.

Rebecca shares her journey of overcoming binge eating and self-loathing, highlighting the role of self-compassion and curiosity in her recovery.

Living in a log cabin in Connecticut, Rebecca discusses how the natural surroundings and her tools such as journaling and meditation helped her diagnose and address her emotional struggles.

This episode dives into the importance of mental health awareness and strategies to foster self-compassion and resilience.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:18 Rebecca's Background and Early Connection

01:56 Life in a Log Cabin

05:40 Mental Health and Binge Eating

11:53 Curiosity and Compassion as Tools

19:48 Understanding the Power of Journaling

20:35 Living Life on Autopilot

21:21 Questioning Negative Self-Stories

23:54 Compassion and Self-Acceptance

26:53 Overcoming Binge Eating and Digestive Issues

29:17 The Role of Brain Plasticity

30:37 Rebecca's Coaching and Meditation Programs

32:56 Gender Differences in Eating Disorders

37:01 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

Dayna Altman's Journey of Resilience and Entrepreneurship | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 7

In the seventh episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, I meet Dayna Altman, a mental health speaker, author, and entrepreneur from Boston, Massachusetts.

Dayna shares her compelling journey through overcoming mental health challenges, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and an eating disorder. She talks about how her own struggles inspired her to pivot from a career in social work to sharing her story on a macro level, aiming to inspire others.

She also discusses her innovative project, 'Bake It Till You Make It,' which uses baking to initiate conversations about mental health.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:14 Meet Dana Altman

00:53 Dana's Background and Career

02:54 Struggles During College

04:17 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

07:24 Therapy and Recovery Journey

13:52 The Importance of Vulnerability

18:07 The Importance of Mental Health

19:03 Meeting My Therapist

21:18 The Journey Through Therapy

22:29 Discovering DBT and OCD

26:55 The Birth of Bake It Till You Make It

31:38 Sharing My Story and Helping Others

35:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

37:03 Wrapping Up and Contact Information