Waking Up Bipolar with Chris Cole | Bipolar disorder, spiritual awakening, and everything in between.

Waking Up Bipolar with Chris Cole | Bipolar disorder, spiritual awakening, and everything in between.

By Chris Cole | Life coach and author of The Body of ChrisAlternative HealthReligion & SpiritualitySpirituality
Download on the App Store

Waking Up Bipolar with Chris Cole | Bipolar disorder, spiritual awakening, and everything in between. episodes

  • Chris Cole: Reappropriating Bipolar Beyond Pathology
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole reads from a recent article, "Reappropriating Bipolar Beyond Pathology," published on Mad in America's webzine, madinamerica.com. You can read the article here: 
    https://www.madinamerica.com/2018/06/reappropriating-bipolar-beyond-pathology/ 
    The primary reason I chose to publish this piece on Mad in America, versus other sites, is that Mad in America has a sharp, critical, and intellectual readership, informed by both science and experience. I am honored and grateful to the mission of Mad in America and their dedication to the goal of “remaking psychiatry.”
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    16 min
  • Kiana Fitzgerald: Ye Love, Manic Tweets, and Complex Bipolarism
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks with Kiana Fitzgerald—music journalist, editor, editorial producer, and DJ. She's currently a staff writer for Complex, an award-winning, multimedia website that focuses on hip-hop music, culture, style, sports and sneakers. She attended Texas State University, where she received a bachelor's in journalism and a master's in new media. Before landing at Complex, she worked for NPR, and a small creative studio that focused on empowering musicians through storytelling. She was diagnosed as bipolar I in 2016 after a manic episode, and has since been searching for answers about the spiritual elements that have revealed themselves through the disorder. You can find her most recent writing at www.complex.com/author/kiana.
    As you’ll hear in our conversation, Kiana is a rising star in journalism, speaking from her own experiences with a powerful message of love and visibility. She helps break down what is going on with Kanye West, drawing from her own experience which was beautifully articulated in her latest article. Many of you know that I draw my vision of bipolar and neurodiversity from a long history of marginalized peoples, and as a strong Black woman, Kiana naturally draws from such embodied wisdom.
    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ryrIjzpNfVQ
    Watch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wakingupbipolar/videos/2034474766801368/
    Follow Kiana Fitzgerald on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kianafitz
    Read Kiana's article on Kanye West and her own experiences: https://www.complex.com/music/2018/06/kanyes-right-being-bipolar-sucks-but-it-can-be-awesome
    Read Kiana's piece on Mariah Carey too: https://www.complex.com/life/2018/04/mariah-careys-bipolar-disorder-revelation-is-gamechanger-for-people-like-me
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    45 min
  • Chris Cole: Bipolar like Kanye West
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks to the recent news of Kanye West coming out as bipolar, especially amid so much political and cultural controversy. What are the implications for the rest of humanity? How do we relate to the complexity of Kanye West and ourselves? There is an opportunity emerging for us to explore a greater depth of understanding, both in our own psyches and the collective.
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    11 min
  • Sean Blackwell: Bipolar, Awakening, Crisis, and Bipolar Awakening Crisis
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks with Sean Blackwell—YouTube sensation, author, retreat facilitator, and spiritual messenger. Since 2007, Sean Blackwell has been researching and teaching about the spiritual dimension and healing potential of bipolar disorder, through his YouTube channel, bipolarORwakingUP. His videos graphically illustrate subjects such as spiritual emergency, transpersonal psychology, and the evolution of consciousness, always demonstrating how these themes relate to transcending the bipolar condition.
    His book, “Am I Bipolar or Waking Up?” describes his own “bipolar awakening”, subsequent hospitalization and complete recovery, which happened in 1996. His latest project, The Bipolar Awakenings Healing Retreat, is designed to help people who are currently medicated work through the subconscious, bio-energetic material which he views as the root of their disorder. In September of 2016, Sean received his certification as a Holotropic Breathwork facilitator with Grof Transpersonal Training, the official training program of Dr. Stanislav Grof. This education has been fundamental to the development of the healing retreat process he facilitates.
    As you’ll hear in our conversation, Sean Blackwell has a radical vision for healing what we think of as bipolar disorder and spiritual emergency. And yet, holding such a radical vision does not preclude him from accepting and navigating the many views and experiences of various bodies moving within these complex domains. I’ve always appreciated Sean’s view of himself as a spiritual messenger, and he has certainly served to embolden me over the years.
    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YXN511AoQFE
    Watch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wakingupbipolar/videos/2023878284527683/
    Sean Blackwell's Website: https://www.bipolarawakenings.com/
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    51 min
  • Victoria Maxwell: Naked Psychosis, Imperfect Bodies, and Spiritual Medication
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks with Victoria Maxwell—mental health speaker, performer, and wellness warrior. She lives with bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis, and for more than 17 years has been presenting keynotes and workshops on mental illness and recovery, creativity, wellness and self-care.
    Victoria Maxwell’s keynote performances and workshops help individuals and organizations comfortably talk about mental health and better understand the ‘insider’s’ experience of mental illness and recovery. More importantly, she reduces stigma of this, one of the very last taboos, and offers hope and tools to build wellness to flourish in life.
    She’s a member of CREST.BD, a global research team on bipolar disorder, and blogs for Psychology Today. Her most recent keynote show, ‘That’s Just Crazy Talk’ was named one of the top evidence-based, anti-stigma interventions by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health honored her as a top Canadian leader in mental health. She’s appeared on CNN, in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
    As you’ll hear in our conversation, Victoria Maxwell has a depth of wisdom and humility, which she utilizes on her own path of recovery, all the while helping others do the same. She calls to my mind what it truly means to be a wounded healer, and I am honored to present her now.
    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TzNU5y-ZZpU
    Watch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wakingupbipolar/videos/2015799888668856/
    Victoria Maxwell's Website: www.victoriamaxwell.com
    Psychology Today Blog https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/crazy-life  “Crazy for Life: Escapades of a Bipolar Princess”
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    43 min
  • Kelli Foulkrod: Yoga Therapy, Social Engagement, and Organic Mental Health
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks with Kelli Foulkrod—licensed psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and healing arts practitioner located in Austin, Texas. For the past 16 years, Kelli has been working in the mental health field and practicing yoga and meditation.  Kelli approaches mental health from a holistic lens, and incorporates the body, soul, and spirit into modalities for addressing human suffering.  She is an advocate for informed consent in mental health treatments in America, and is on a mission to help create a paradigm shift in mainstream mental health treatments. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and groups with a variety of populations including depression, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis, substance abuse, homelessness, and perinatal mental health. The goal of Kelli's work is to empower the individual to become their own healer and reconnect with The Earth, in order to stop relying on an expert outside of themselves for the answers. 
    As you’ll hear, Kelli Foulkrod is a brilliant, passionate advocate for the human spirit, weaving psychological and clinical theory into ancient healing arts with an ease indicative of mastery in both western and eastern healing. What most strikes me is how Kelli looks to transform the mental health system rather than abandon it altogether, in order to reach as many people as possible.
    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eyF2B_9_0bo
    Watch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wakingupbipolar/videos/2005127053069473/
    Keep up with Kelli Foulkrod by visiting https://organicmentalhealthcenter.com
    Kelli's 7-week video series, Yoga for Your Mental Health: https://organicmentalhealthcenter.com/yoga-for-your-mental-health-videos/
    Organic Mental Health Center on Facebook: www.facebook.com/organicmentalhealthcenter
    Organic Mental Health Center on Instagram: www.instagram.com/omhealthcenter/
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    42 min
  • Aubrey Good: International Bipolar Foundation, World Bipolar Day, and #BIPOLARSTRONG
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks with Aubrey Good—Program Coordinator for the International Bipolar Foundation. Aubrey was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 18, and she hopes to use her experiences and knowledge to help bring awareness and education about bipolar disorder. Aubrey is particularly passionate about mental health reform in the criminal justice system and underserved communities. Her background in the United States military also motivates her to break down the stigma of mental illness and advocate for better care within the armed forces and veteran communities.
    As you’ll hear, Aubrey Good has a big heart for bipolar advocacy, as well as a great deal of compassion for the whole of humanity. She is #BIPOLARSTRONG, and I am stronger knowing she is doing good in this world of ours in need of so much goodness.  
    Check out the International Bipolar Foundation at http://ibpf.org/ 
    Submit your own #BIPOLARSTRONG videos and images here: http://www.ibpf.org/webform/world-bipolar-day
    Follow the International Bipolar Foundation on Social Media:
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalBipolarFoundation
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intlbipolar/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/IntlBipolar
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    32 min
  • Dr. Emma Bragdon: Spiritual Emergency, Spiritual Crisis, and Holding Complexity
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks with Dr. Emma Bragdon—author, psychologist, and integrative mental health expert. Dr. Bragdon is the Founder and Executive Director of Integrative Mental Health for You. She has written extensively on topics of spirituality and mental health, including seven books. Dr. Bragdon provides lectures and trainings internationally, and is one of the preeminent leaders in the area of spiritual emergency and spiritual crisis.
    As you’ll hear now, Dr. Emma Bragdon delivers an accessible message of healing and transformation, while holding—with great care—the complexity and nuance needed to meet the myriad experiences of spiritual and psychological growth. I read Dr. Bragdon’s book, The Call of Spiritual Emergency, at a critical time in my own journey.
    I am thrilled to present to you, Dr. Emma Bragdon. Thanks for joining us.
    Integrative Mental Health for You*: https://imhu.org/products/spiritual-emergency
    *use coupon code "wakingup" to receive 10% discount on Dr. Emma Bragdon's spiritual emergency webinar series.
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    38 min
  • Jeff Warren: Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics, Secular Spirituality, and the Paradox of Practice
    In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks with Jeff Warren—writer and meditation teacher. Jeff is the author of The Head Trip, a travel guide to sleeping, dreaming and waking, and co-author of the current New York Times bestselling Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-to Book. He is also Founder and Chief Exploring Officer of The Consciousness Explorers Club, a nonprofit meditation adventure group in Toronto.
    As you’ll hear in our conversation, Jeff Warren has an uncanny ability to both dive deep into mystical waters and also articulate the many practical benefits of taking up a meditation practice. I most appreciate his willingness to speak candidly about his experiences with ADHD, and as fate would have it, a recent bipolar diagnosis.
    It is my great honor to introduce to you, Jeff Warren. Thanks for joining us.  
    Jeff Warren's website: http://jeffwarren.org/
    Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: http://jeffwarren.org/media/books/meditation-fidgety-skeptics/
    The Head Trip: http://jeffwarren.org/media/books/the-head-trip/
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    43 min
  • Chris Cole: Bipolar Order, Getting to the Heart of Sanity
    SparkTalks, dynamic presentations that share the wisdom of Naropa University’s alumni, will open your heart, broaden your perspective, and enliven your spirit. At age 18, Chris experienced what he thought was a spiritual awakening, only to be diagnosed with acute manic psychosis. After struggling for years amid an affinity for spiritual material and an aversion to psychopathology, he now finds refuge in Love, which holds space for it all.
    Watch the full talk on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/xemu9UaC40w
    Big thanks to Naropa University and Kelly Watt, for putting on the inaugural SparkTalks event. Learn more about Naropa here: http://www.naropa.edu/
    Thank you ALOC Media and John March for the incredible production. Learn more about ALOC Media's Colorado-based, cost-effective, professional media services here: https://alocmedia.com/
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wakingupbipolar
    Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.
    The Waking Up Bipolar podcast in now available on the following platforms:
    Apple Podcasts | apple.wakingupbipolar.com
    Google Play | google.wakingupbipolar.com
    Stitcher | stitcher.wakingupbipolar.com
    TuneIn | tunein.wakingupbipolar.com
    wakingupbipolar.com
    22 min

About Waking Up Bipolar with Chris Cole | Bipolar disorder, spiritual awakening, and everything in between.

From the publisher's feed

Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and…