Truly Mental

In this episode we meet Alana Michaels, a storyteller, speaker, mother, and host of the podcast Hope: Hang On, Pain Ends, for an honest conversation about living with bipolar disorder. Alana shares what mania, depression, and suicidal thoughts actually feel like from the inside, and why learning to question your own mind can save your life.

Connect with her: 

Website

Instagram

Her podcast

In this episode:

• How the sudden loss of her father in December 2025, followed weeks later by her mother's near-fatal brain bleed, set off a "quiet hypomania" she didn't recognize until months later
• Why hypomania is so hard to spot when it's only "a couple notches up" from your normal personality
• The biggest misconceptions about bipolar disorder, including why it isn't moodiness or mood swings throughout the day
• Her 2017 episode: 10 days without sleep, alone in a New York City hotel, convinced she was being filmed for a reality show
• Her one inpatient hospitalization, why it felt like a "safe haven," and how close she came to being sent home
• Her darkest depression and the moment her father sat her down, begged her to see a new doctor, and helped save her life
• How her 14-year-old son was one of the first to notice something was wrong
• The shame that follows an episode, and how she has learned to find the good ideas that came out of those seasons
• Why "your brain can lie" is at the center of her message
• What loved ones need to understand: bipolar disorder is an illness, and you can't positive-think it away
• Why person-first language matters: "Alana has bipolar disorder," not "Alana is bipolar"
• How faith and her father's memory changed her relationship with suicidal thinking
• The one sentence Alana would whisper to everyone suffering in silence

If you are struggling:

If you or someone you love is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

Connect with Dr. Peter Anderson:

Website

LinkedIn

Dr. Peter Anderson spent over two decades studying the ancient world — Latin, Greek, the Stoics — before burning out of academia and rebuilding from the inside. Now he translates Seneca and coaches leaders through Inner Citadel Consulting. This one goes deep on what the Stoics actually said versus what the internet thinks they said, and why it matters for anyone who works under pressure.

In this episode:

• Peter's path from Germany to Ottawa to a PhD at Cincinnati to a tenured academic career — and the slow "hollowing out" that made him walk away
• Why "Inner Citadel" — the internal foundation that withstands every shock, and why a citadel is something you build, not something you're born with
• The bridge between ancient Stoicism and modern emotional intelligence: awareness, regulation, and using feelings as data
• Why Peter uses the word "experience" instead of "emotion" — and how that unlocks people who can't name what they're feeling
• Joe on "dad is mad, mom is sad, I'm supposed to be glad" and the binary emotional world a lot of men grow up in
• Anger vs. frustration: Seneca said the solution to anger is vengeance — so what do you actually want when you say you're angry?
• Regulation as a nervous system skill, not a willpower contest. Deceleration is the first EI skill
• Toughness isn't hardness. Peter's Tai Chi teachers had plenty of hard — it was their soft that hurt
• The myth of the emotionless Stoic warrior: they never said stop feeling. They said interrogate it. Is it real? Is it appropriate? Is it at the right level?
• Epictetus and what's actually under your control: value judgments and what you do because of them. That's the whole list
• Why people cling to the "maybe" — because "not under my control" is freaky and "under my control" is responsibility
• Joe and Peter on how much human suffering comes from worrying about things we can't touch — including Joe's own persistent depressive disorder and "the sway" of future tripping and past dwelling

Connect with Steve: 

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

• Steve Bisson has worked in mental health and addiction treatment since 1999 — jails, corrections, parole, probation, courts, and side-by-side with first responders from day one
• Licensed mental health counselor certified in CBT and EMDR, author of Finding Your Way Through Therapy, and host of the podcast Resilience Development in Action
• Born and raised in Montreal, French as his first language — Steve talks about how he ended up building his career in mental health in the U.S.
• The first-in-Massachusetts jail diversion program, and what riding along with first responders actually taught him about earning trust before offering help
• What "first responder trained" therapist really means — and why the label matters less than whether a therapist can meet someone where they actually are
• Steve's blue-collar upbringing (a farmer, a mechanic, a dad who did the grunt work) and why he says he's got a white collar job but a blue collar heart
• Why being "honest" and "real" beats being polished — and how that became his practice's motto
• The reality check every therapist needs: you're not everyone's cup of tea, and that's fine
• Steve's advice for finding the right fit: give it three sessions, then be honest about whether it's working
• Why geography shouldn't stop anyone from getting help — virtual therapy, out-of-state options, and finding someone with real first responder or military exposure
• Closing questions: the belief Steve had to unlearn about "resistant" clients, and the one sentence he'd whisper to everyone suffering in silence

Explore the critical importance of sleep science in public safety, decision-making, and bias reduction with Dr. Lois James. Discover how fatigue impacts brain function, bias, and performance, and learn practical strategies for improving sleep and mental health in high-stakes professions. 

*This episode was sponsored and made possible by MILO Range

Dr. Lois James: LinkedIn

MILO Range Website

CBTsim Website

Keywords:
sleep science, public safety, fatigue, decision-making, bias, mental health, shift work, wearable tech, sleep hygiene, on-duty napping

Key  topics:

• Impact of sleep deprivation on brain function and decision-making
• The relationship between fatigue, bias, and implicit bias in policing
• Practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene and shift work management
• The role of wearable tech and biofeedback in sleep monitoring
• The importance of on-duty napping and shift rotation policies

Sound  bites:

"Most of us in public safety are running on empty."
"Sleep is the foundation of health and decision-making."
"Value yourself enough to pursue better sleep and self-care."

Chapters:

• 00:00 The Importance of Sleep in Public Safety
• 04:45 Understanding Sleep Deprivation and Its Effects
• 10:39 The Role of Wearable Tech in Sleep Monitoring
• 12:08 Societal Attitudes Towards Sleep
• 13:07 The Science of Sleep Deprivation in Critical Situations
• 17:02 Shared Responsibility for Sleep Health
• 20:25 Fatigue, Bias, and Decision Making
• 30:15 Understanding Bias and Responsibility
• 31:43 The Importance of Empathy in Training
• 33:13 Navigating Shift Work in Emergency Services
• 34:37 Individual Strategies for Managing Shift Work
• 38:53 Sleep's Role in Mental Health
• 39:39 Key Factors Affecting Sleep Quality
• 43:37 The Case for On-Duty Napping
• 47:26 Rewiring Beliefs About Human Performance

 Resources:

Implicit Association Test (IAT)

Summary:
In this episode of Truly Mental, Joe Smarro engages in a deep conversation with Miles Spencer, a multi-exit entrepreneur and founder of Reflekta.ai, a platform that allows users to connect with the likeness of loved ones, both past and present. The discussion explores themes of success, failure, emotional well-being, the impact of AI, and the importance of storytelling and fatherhood. Miles shares his personal journey, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how becoming a father has reshaped his understanding of success. The conversation culminates in an exploration of Reflekta's mission to preserve stories and memories for future generations.

Connect with Miles: 

Reflekta.ai Website

Miles on LinkedIn

Takeaways:

• Success is often accompanied by numerous failures.
• The emotional toll of entrepreneurship is significant.
• Fatherhood can redefine one's perspective on success.
• Transitions in life are a constant theme.
• AI is reshaping our society and business landscape.
• Storytelling is crucial for intergenerational connection.
• Reflekta.ai aims to preserve memories and stories.
• It's important to find joy in what you do.
• Emotional resilience is key in entrepreneurship.
• The journey of life is about continuous learning and adaptation.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Miles Spencer and Reflekta.ai
• 02:07 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Successes and Failures
• 04:58 The Emotional Toll of Success
• 09:37 Navigating Transitions in Life and Career
• 15:37 The Impact of AI on Society and Business
• 19:25 Fatherhood and Redefining Success
• 24:08 The Concept Behind Reflector
• 29:11 Building a Legacy Through Storytelling
• 33:53 Future Aspirations for Reflekta.ai

 Sound  Bites:

• "No one died, but let's work it back."
• "I wanted to be a dad."
• "Reflekta has decided to hang around."

Summary:

In this episode of Truly Mental, Joe Smarro interviews retired NYPD officer Steve Pedullo, who shares his journey from a working-class upbringing to a 16-year career in law enforcement. Steve discusses the challenges and realities of policing in New York City, including a life-altering shooting incident that led to his combat cross award. He opens up about the emotional aftermath of the incident, the importance of mental health, and his transition to a fulfilling career in private security. Throughout the conversation, Steve emphasizes the significance of kindness, personal growth, and the need for support in difficult times.

Social: Instagram

TikTok

Takeaways:

• Steve Padulo shares his upbringing in a working-class family.
• He emphasizes the importance of family values instilled by his father.
• Steve discusses his journey to becoming a police officer in NYPD.
• He reflects on the challenges faced by officers in high-pressure environments.
• The shooting incident he experienced changed his perspective on life.
• Steve highlights the emotional impact of being involved in a shooting.
• He advocates for mental health awareness and seeking help.
• Steve found purpose in his new role in private security after retiring.
• He encourages kindness and understanding towards others.
• Steve believes that the storm of life cannot last forever.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Steve Padulo's Journey
• 02:49 Growing Up and Family Values
• 06:13 Early Career and Joining NYPD
• 08:50 The Reality of Policing in Brooklyn
• 11:54 The Combat Cross Incident
• 20:58 Aftermath and Reflection on the Shooting
• 26:03 Navigating Injury and Recovery
• 28:28 Confronting PTSD and Seeking Help
• 30:48 Transitioning to Life After Law Enforcement
• 32:44 The Challenges of Parenthood
• 35:09 Finding Purpose in New Opportunities
• 39:35 Reflections on Law Enforcement and Community
• 45:10 Lessons in Kindness and Understanding

Keywords:
NYPD, police officer, mental health, shooting incident, private security, family values, leadership, emotional impact, personal growth, kindness

Summary:
In this episode of Truly Mental, host Joe Smarro speaks with Sandeep Acharya, CEO and founder of Octave, a behavioral health company focused on improving access to quality mental health care. Sandeep shares his personal journey into the mental health field, the challenges faced in the current system, and how Octave is leveraging technology to enhance therapy matching and outcomes. The conversation covers the importance of addressing mental health issues, the role of insurance, and the future vision for Octave as a catalyst for change in the healthcare system.

Website: https://www.findoctave.com/

LinkedIn: Sandeep Profile

Takeaways:

• Sandeep Acharya founded Octave to improve access to quality mental health care.
• Octave operates both in-person and virtually, focusing on evidence-based practices.
• The company aims to provide affordable therapy, with many clients paying only $30 per session.
• Sandeep's personal experiences with therapy and friends' struggles motivated him to enter the mental health field.
• Octave's matching technology helps connect clients with the right therapists based on their needs.
• The mental health system struggles with high dropout rates, with many clients quitting after the first session.
• Octave's focus on outcomes has resulted in a lower dropout rate compared to industry averages.
• Insurance companies often impose session limits that can hinder effective treatment.
• Sandeep emphasizes the importance of quality care and the need for better organizational structures in mental health.
• The future vision for Octave includes creating a universal scheduling system for mental health care.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Octave and Sandeep Acharya
• 01:01 The Mission Behind Octave
• 03:18 Sandeep's Personal Journey to Mental Health
• 07:20 The Role of Technology in Mental Health
• 10:22 Matching Patients with Therapists
• 14:31 The Integration of AI in Mental Health Care
• 17:23 Identifying Systemic Issues in Mental Health
• 21:59 Balancing Patient Care and Business Outcomes
• 23:54 The Ethics of Therapy Duration
• 28:14 Navigating Insurance Challenges
• 29:05 Scaling Clinical Standards
• 32:38 State Boundaries and Licensing Issues
• 33:55 A Vision for Universal Care
• 35:45 Future Aspirations for Octave
• 38:01 The Meaning Behind 'Octave'
• 39:20 A Message of Love and Support

Summary:
In this conversation, Joe Smarro speaks with Angelika and Mitch Sadar, experts in neurofeedback and mental wellness. They discuss the transformative power of neurofeedback in optimizing mental health, performance, and resilience. The discussion covers the spectrum of clients they serve, from trauma survivors to elite athletes, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's electrical activity. They explore practical techniques for regulating stress and anxiety, the significance of heart rate variability, and the barriers to awareness in mental wellness. The conversation concludes with insights on maximizing the human experience and restoring basic bio rhythms for better health.

Website
LinkedIn

Takeaways:

• Neurofeedback can help individuals optimize their mental wellness and performance.
• The brain's electrical activity can be evaluated to identify patterns related to mental health issues.
• Everyone, regardless of their background, wants to perform better in life.
• Neuroplasticity allows the brain to change and adapt throughout life.
• Biofeedback techniques, such as heart rate variability training, can help regulate stress and anxiety.
• Heart rate variability is a key indicator of physiological health and can be improved through specific breathing techniques.
• Many people are unaware of neurofeedback and biofeedback due to a lack of education in traditional medical settings.
• Trauma can significantly impact brain function, but neurofeedback can aid in recovery.
• Athletes use neurofeedback to enhance focus, resilience, and overall performance.
• Maximizing the human experience involves proactive and personalized approaches to mental wellness.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Unlocking the Mind's Potential
• 02:55 Understanding Neurofeedback
• 05:57 The Spectrum of Mental Wellness
• 08:29 Neuroplasticity and Resilience
• 11:43 Biofeedback Techniques for First Responders
• 14:20 Heart Rate Variability Explained
• 17:19 The Benefits of HRV Training
• 19:54 Barriers to Awareness in Mental Wellness
• 23:13 Healing Trauma with Neurofeedback
• 26:04 Athletes and Peak Performance
• 28:48 Maximizing the Human Experience
• 31:36 Future of Mental Wellness
• 34:49 Final Thoughts and Resources

Summary:
In this episode of Truly Mental, Joe Smarro interviews Tony Crescenzo, the president and CEO of Intelligent Waves. They discuss leadership under pressure, the mental toll of high-stakes work, and how to build resilient teams. Tony shares his journey from the Marine Corps to leading a tech company focused on supporting veterans and addressing PTSD through innovative technologies. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health solutions, the role of technology in enhancing performance, and the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life.

Text: peaktrial to 201.908.2820 for free demo

Website: https://peakneuro.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycrescenzo/

https://www.warriorsethos.org/

https://intelligentwaves.com/

Takeaways:

• Tony Crescenzo emphasizes the importance of leadership that lasts.
• Intelligent Waves is a veteran-led company focused on mission performance.
• The company has evolved from counter-IED efforts to advanced communication technologies.
• PTSD is a significant issue for veterans, and innovative solutions are needed.
• Peak Neuro offers a non-drug approach to treating PTSD and enhancing mental health.
• The technology uses neuroacoustic entrainment to improve mental states.
• Leadership lessons from the military can be applied in various sectors.
• Transitioning from military to civilian life poses unique challenges for veterans.
• Support systems for veterans are crucial for their mental health and well-being.
• The truth is subjective and resonates differently for each individual.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Resilience
• 07:16 The Journey of Tony Crescenzo
• 15:25 Understanding PTSD and Its Impact
• 18:23 Innovative Approaches to PTSD Prevention
• 20:08 Neuroacoustic Technology for Mental Health
• 24:46 Enhancing Performance and Recovery
• 26:15 The Science of Sleep and Brain Restoration
• 28:07 Neurofeedback and Trauma Recovery
• 29:29 AI and the Future of Learning
• 32:39 Leadership Lessons from the Military
• 35:46 Balancing Work and Mental Health
• 39:26 Veteran Support and Community Healing
• 43:13 Redefining Truth and Personal Growth

Summary:
In this episode of Truly Mental, Sheriff Michael Cortez from Hancock County, Ohio, shares his journey in law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of mental health and wellness for officers. He discusses the challenges of policing, the need for empathy, and the impact of age and experience on decision-making. Sheriff Cortez opens up about his personal struggles with mental health and the creation of a mental health wellness program within his department. He advocates for a culture of openness and support in law enforcement, urging leaders to prioritize the well-being of their officers.

LinkedIn 

Website 

Takeaways:

• Sheriff Cortez emphasizes accountability, compassion, and mental wellness in law enforcement.
• The importance of age and experience in policing is highlighted.
• Empathy is crucial for effective law enforcement.
• Sheriff Cortez shares his personal struggles with mental health.
• Creating a mental health wellness program is essential for officer support.
• Peer support should involve family members for better outcomes.
• A culture of openness in law enforcement can prevent tragedies.
• Leaders must prioritize the well-being of their officers.
• Mental health is a critical issue in law enforcement today.
• Sheriff Cortez's story illustrates the need for vulnerability in leadership.

Chapters

• 00:00 Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership
• 03:00 Sheriff Cortez's Journey into Law Enforcement
• 06:11 The Impact of Age and Experience in Policing
• 08:57 The Need for Empathy in Law Enforcement
• 11:56 Mental Health and Officer Wellness
• 14:50 Sheriff Cortez's Personal Story of Struggle
• 23:31 Building a Mental Health Wellness Program
• 29:37 The Role of Peer Support in Law Enforcement
• 35:16 Creating a Culture of Openness and Support
• 42:27 Advice for Law Enforcement Leaders
• 50:08 Final Thoughts on Mental Health and Resilience

Sound Bites:
"I had to call for help."
"I do not want me to happen to you."
"Stop resisting."