Send us a text The moment I held my daughter for the first time, my heart felt like it would burst with love. That powerful experience became the catalyst for my healing journey, highlighting a painful question: why wasn't my own mother ever affectionate with me? Parenting after experiencing childhood neglect creates a complex emotional landscape where many of us find ourselves overcompensating and desperately trying to give our children everything we lacked. This affects countless par...

Send us a text Help! My daughter won a goldfish and now I'm 8 again! Emma returned from the fair clutching a plastic bag with a tiny orange fish, my initial reaction of dread quickly transformed into a childhood flashback. Let's talk emotional support animals and "ugly" sandal summer tans. Whether you're navigating summer with kids, processing your own childhood memories, or simply looking for ways to find mindfulness in everyday life, this episode offers gentle reminders that healing a...

Send us a text When Debbie accepted messages from a man who found her through a tagged Instagram post, she couldn't have predicted the 18-month nightmare that would follow. Her story reveals how narcissistic abuse escalates from subtle control tactics to full-blown emotional and physical violence. The warning signs appeared immediately – aggressive physical behavior on their first meeting, possessive comments, and attempts to control her movements – but, like many victims, Debbie dismissed t...

Send us a text This episode also explores the evolution of co-parenting during holidays—moving from tears when my daughter leaves to a mature understanding that supporting her relationship with her father isn't about my feelings. I share the unexpected adventure of emergency gallbladder surgery that kept me away for weeks, complete with hospital stays and a painful recovery. From vacation fun in Vegas with magic shows and museums to sudden health crises, life continues to deliver opportunitie...

Send us a text What happens when the success stories you're told don't match your reality? For Raul Lopez, this disconnect became the catalyst for creating something new. Growing up undocumented with a truck driver father who pushed college as the only path forward, Raul found himself disillusioned when mainstream success narratives felt unrelatable to his experience. During our candid conversation, Raul shares how listening to the story of Nike's founder—who received startup funds and conne...

Send us a text Join us for a reflective conversation on the critical importance of the friends we choose to keep in our lives. We dive deep into how friendships can impact our decisions—positively or negatively—and the ways they shape our well-being. The discussion unfolds through personal stories and examples, such as the consequences of hanging out with individuals who frequently engage in reckless behavior. We highlight the need for mindfulness in relationships, stressing that the company ...

Send us a text In this episode, we unpack how our internal narratives often exaggerate the challenges of everyday tasks, making even simple chores feel overwhelming. We explore how reframing our thoughts can lead to action. We also discuss the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones, especially when it comes to making new connections and friendships. Don’t miss out on the chance to change your mindset—subscribe, share, and join our community today! Buzzsprout - Let's ge...

Send us a text Rain has a unique way of wrapping the world in a soothing embrace, and during a cold, rainy week, I found myself recording from my cozy home studio, reminiscing about the delight and calm these days bring to my life. Let's talk transitions from childhood to her pre-teen years and nostalgia. Listening to our bodies and prioritizing personal well-being over comparison. Let's journey together through the rain-soaked reflections and lessons life offers, savoring each mo...

Send us a text Relationships after divorce can be challenging, and reflecting on past decisions often leads to valuable life lessons. The episode emphasizes the importance of taking time for self-discovery, avoiding the rush into new relationships, and the central feelings of loneliness and longing for connection. • Exploring post-divorce reflections on relationships • Personal stories highlight the challenges of moving on • The regret of rushing into dating too soon • Impo...

Send us a text Its been a wild start to 2025. I've found myself grappling with a mysterious illness, the aftermath of wildfires decimating California, advocating for Emma through the educational maze. The digital landscape, too, has been disrupted as TikTok went dark following a ban, stirring conversations on the vital role social media plays in our lives. While some dismiss it as mere pixels on a screen, for many, it's a vibrant space for expression and connection. This episode unpacks thes...

Send us a text Ever felt the rush and then the crash after the holiday season? This episode of Mental Health-ish takes you on a personal journey through the whirlwind of Christmas madness, from the exhilarating highs of gift shopping and gingerbread house building to the post-festivity fatigue that hits hard. But wait, there's more! Just when everything seemed to be going perfectly, an unexpected scam turned into a lesson on staying vigilant during the holiday season. I'll share essent...

Send us a text Remember those endless days of childhood when summer seemed to stretch on forever? Now, as adults, many of us feel like time slips through our fingers, with packed schedules and constant busyness. On this episode of the Mental Health-ish Podcast, we reflect on why time feels like it accelerates as we age. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launHave you ever wanted to start your own podcast? Start for FREE Buzzsprout using this link. Support the show For more mental hea...

Send us a text Can the magic of the holidays coexist with loneliness and unmet expectations? Join me as I navigate the bittersweet journey of the festive season and what has helped me find peace in a season that once brought sorrow. Lets talk about coping mechanisms that have turned my holiday blues into moments of contentment. Whether you're looking for solace in your own festive challenges or simply curious about personal growth during this time of year, I hope my reflections provide comfor...

Send us a text Have you ever noticed that as the years go by, your tolerance for life's little annoyances seems to shrink? Join me as we unpack this common thread many of us encounter: growing irritability. In this episode of Mental Health-ish, we talk about anger and its unexpected role in personal growth. This episode invites you to reflect on the emotional patterns you've been noticing and what they might be trying to teach you. By sitting with our feelings without judgment, we can ...

Send us a text Navigating the first week of school can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. The transition back to school can be challenging for both parents and children, especially in terms of adjusting to a stable routine. There has been an increase in crisis calls involving kids and teenagers during the back-to-school period, highlighting the importance of supporting children during this transition. Parenting comes with a lot of pressure and anxiety, but finding a balance between involve...

Send us a text Ever felt overwhelmed by a boss who seems to shower you with praise just to get what they want? Join me in this revealing episode of Mental Health-ish, where I share my personal run-in with "flattery bombing"—a manipulative tactic my supervisors used in a recent meeting. Listen as I also read a listener's heart-wrenching story about battling unfair treatment from a CEO and her husband, leading to both emotional and professional distress. These gripping narratives highlight the ...

Send us a text What if you could unlock profound healing and release deeply held traumas through your breath alone? Join us as we journey with Megan, and discover her life-changing encounter with conscious connected breathwork. Megan is the founder of Unity Breathwork and a passionate, caring, intuitive, and highly experienced Breathwork Facilitator and teacher. Ever since her life-changing first Breathwork session 7 years ago, she has made it her mission to bring this profound self-healing m...

Send us a text Have you ever felt the weight of money trauma shaping your financial habits and mental health? Listen as I recount the challenges of rebuilding friendships and a new identity post-divorce, and the pivotal moments that made me confront my financial fears head-on. Let's talk about the tough topic of setting financial boundaries, especially when it comes to feeling used by those closest to you. A recent request for money brought to the surface old wounds from past relationships, ...

Send us a text Personal Story: Esperanza shares her journey of dealing with rheumatoid arthritis and mental health challenges. She discusses the connection between childhood trauma and her physical health, as well as the importance of seeking help and finding the right medication. She emphasizes the need to prioritize one's well-being and not be ashamed of getting help. Esperanza also highlights the role of support groups, social connections, and positive affirmations in her healing process. ...

Send us a text Experience a new era of health transformation with our special guest, a leading expert in mind-body functional transformative medicine. Lera Mikhailova is the founder & CEO of Whole Womanhood, a holistic practice integrating functional medicine + nervous system repair + feminine alchemy. Her goal is for women to dive into root cause revival & feminine energy together to feel truly aligned, alive, & resilient. She is a board certified OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner w...