Main Character Energy

As season two starts to wind down, there is one very special guest that you all have yet to meet, the one and only mother of the show, Mrs. Stephanie Sullivan. This week, my mom joins the show to talk about her journey with mental and physical health, fibromyalgia, societal progress and pursuing the goal of being the main character in her life. Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

It's been a year since I came out as Bi in the most “Main Character” way imagineable… on a podcast. I've learned a lot in the past year and I'm ready to talk about it a bit more, on my terms. This week, we talk about PRIDE, how to celebrate and be an Ally to those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Here‘s to loving fiercely and being unapologetically you - whatever that may look like. Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenetgy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

This week Shea sits down with the mic for a solo episode focussed on Anger Management. Shea has been working for the past several weeks with her Therapist on appropriately managing anger and everything that comes with it. During this short episode, Shea walks the listeners through the first 2 modules of her workbook from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This resource is completely free and available online! Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

It's so important, now more than ever, that we make space for moms to talk about the unique struggles that come with pregnancy and motherhood. This week, Laura Huffman joins the show to talk about female reproductive health, pregnancy, the “baby blues” and postpartum depression. Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

This week, Jack Sullivan (Shea's little brother) rejoins the show for a fun, somewhat lighthearted interview. He answers all the hard hitting questions and holds nothing back, with some pretty controversial answers. Listen along and follow on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Following 6 months of pageant prep, both for her own pageant and helping others prep for theirs, Shea has decided to dedicate an episode to mental health in pageantry. This episode highlights 3 additional pageant contestants as they discuss the topics of mental health, anxiety, depression, therapy, and the pressures to be perfect. Listen along, and know that we all struggle - you're not alone. For more behind the show details follow us on Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

This week Shea is joined by the lead therapist at Revitalist in DC, Mackenzie Dajani. They sit down to discuss the new age treatments being made available to those struggling with mental health. Mackenzie employs cutting edge and evidence based treatments for mental health and pain condition management through the use of psychedelic medicine. Yes, you read that right. Listen along to learn more! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back from spring break Skelton Squad! Shea kicks off the second half of the season with Elizabeth Moser, a graduate student pursuing an M.S in general psychology currently writing her Masters thesis on the effects of clutter on executive function. They also discuss endometriosis and a subclinical driving phobia Elizabeth is currently working through. Follow us on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

We can't stop things from changing but we can learn to adapt with it. Join Shea this week as she sits down with the mic for a solo episode before the mid-season break. This episode is focused on the ways we can learn to embrace change without fear or frustration. This topic comes at an especially impactful time as we are all experiencing changes in the world around us, in addition to changes in our personal lives. Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Sit down with Shea and her guest this week, Marc Agboka, as they dive in to conversations about work life balance, the relationship between Music and Mental Health, and the historic lack of support for Black Men. Follow along on Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official for more behind the show commentary! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

“Strong Black Women” hurt too and it's time (past due) that we open the conversation about the mental health of historically marginalized groups. This week, Shea sits down with Tina Kanonuhwa as they discuss the hardships of growing up Black in America, the implications of the BLM movement, and the importance of making space for the groups that are still fighting for their voices to be heard. Happy Black History Month! Thank you to Tina for helping us introduce this topic - to all BIPOC listening, we hear you, we see you, and I'm sorry it this has taken so long. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

We focus the majority of this show on our brains and mental health. But, did you know that we have a “second brain” in our body? This second brain is also known as our gut and believe it or not it plays a huge role in our mental health. This week, Annie Kay, of Annie Kay Fitness, sits down with us to discuss the relationship between gut health and mental health. We dive deep into conversations regarding caloric intake, macro/micro nutrients, pre/probiotics and all of the ways you can support you're gut and mental health with the foods you eat. For more behind the show details, follow us on Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

On Sunday, January 30th, 2022 the world was stunned and heartbroken to learn about the tragic passing of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019. She was, and still remains, a huge inspiration to so many people across the world. Now, more than ever, we are reminded of the importance of Mental Health and checking in on loved ones. This episode is dedicated to Cheslie and all those struggling silently. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek help by calling the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Sobriety is a subject that is almost just as taboo as Mental Health. For many of us, we've accepted drinking as a necessary evil of life. With all the happy hours, brunches that last all day, business meeting that always end in drinks, and essentially every social outing… it seems that the consumption of alcohol has become synonymous with sociality. This weeks guest, Morgan Young, sits down with Shea to discuss her journey through rehab to find sobriety and how her life has changed for the better because of it. *Trigger warning, this episode touches on the following sensitive topics: drug/alcohol abuse & addiction, suicidal ideation & bi-polar disorder* If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to the SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-4357. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

We all spend the majority of our lives trying to figure out who we are and what role we're meant to play in the world, which can cause quite a bit of anxiety and stress. What if there was a way to expedite that process while identifying the unique gifts we have and how to use them? On this weeks episode, Shea introduces the concept of Human Design. She shares with the Skeleton Squad everything she has learned about herself and Human Design since she began her research 3 months ago. Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show details and commentary - @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

The past two years have not been easy on anyone, I think we can all agree on that. But, we rallied around our ‘frontline workers' to support and thank them for their service during these ✨unprecedented times✨. However, I think there's one group we have conveniently forgotten… TEACHERS! This week, Shea sits down with Rachel Weskalnies, a third grade teacher in a title one school. The girls discuss the difficulties of teaching during a pandemic, the lasting implications of virtual teaching, and the burnout we are all experiencing as we move on to year three with Covid. Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Grab a chair and sit down with our host Shea Ashley and her guest this week, Victoria Erbe, as they get deep, discussing sexual assault in the workplace, PTSD, covid related grief, and so much more. *Trigger warning for the above topics* But don't worry, the girls wrap up on a lighter note with the ‘goodest' topic of all - Dogs! Victoria, the owner of Buck Wild Dog training, gives us a bit of insight on the differences between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals and the work that goes in to training both. Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show commentary @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back Skeleton Squad, I'm so happy you are joining us for the Season 2 Premiere of Main Character Energy! I hope you all have missed us, as much as we have missed you! A lot has happened since Season 1 concluded but don't worry Shea is revealing everything you need to know in this episode. Listen along to learn about what life looked like during the 6 month hiatus and how the show is changing in Season 2. Follow along on Instagram for more behind the show details @maincharacterenergy_official --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back to Main Character Energy! Shea and Tay comeback strong on this episode with a long awaited guest. This week, the girls are joined by Allie Wolfe - The Owner and CEO of “Puresipity”, who also happens to be a Tampa University senior, and a long time friend of Shea's. The girls all sit down to discuss Puresipity, what it is, why Allie started it and what her plans are for the future. They also dive in to conversations regarding the current state of mental health in college students, sports injuries, body image and more. Cheers Skeleton Squad

Welcome back Skeleton Squad! This week this girls keep it short and sweet as they recover from the holiday weekend. Tay and Shea sit down to reflect on the the show and the past 6 months. They talk about their favorite episodes thus far and discuss their goals for the show moving forward. Cheers Skeleton Squad On Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official  www.maincharacterenergy.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back to another episode of Main Character Energy! This week Shea sits poolside with her brother, Jack, to talk about mental health from the male's perspective. Jack opens up a great deal sharing dark times he experienced in college, what helped most in getting back on track, tips for significant others on how to help their partner AND MORE. Sit back, relax, and take some notes!! Cheers Skeleton Squad. On Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official www.maincharacterenergy.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back Skull Buddies! This week, Taylor takes charge with a surprise episode topic based on a very recent personal experience with her Beau. We are TRIGGERED, people!!! But why?! Following Tay's sharing, the girls talk through Taylor's thought process in that moment - leading them to uncover the importance of addressing ourselves and our emotions the moment we are triggered. Once we feel ready, it is important to stop allowing ourselves to shy away from our feelings after we are triggered. There is great strength in a person's ability to be triggered and sit with it uncomfortably. That is how we repair. Cheers Skeleton Squad! On Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official www.maincharacterenergy.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back Skeleton Squad! This week Shea and Tay cover feeling shitty over other people!! Beginning with the concept of otherness, the girls' conversation takes a turn into talking about FOMO and JOMO. Similar acronyms, very different experiences; but whichever you're feeling… can say a lot about where you are on your journey. Cheers MAINS!! On Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official www.maincharacterenergy.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back Skeleton Squad to Part 2 of “We're Not Really Strangers” with Shea & Tay! If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, follow the damn rules and go listen. Because... on this episode we're asking the “Reflection” questions (aka the *real* shit). So grab a drink, grab a friend and play along. Cheers to opening up

Welcome back to another week of Main Character Energy! This week, Shea and Taylor demonstrate how to go from asking simple questions to having meaningful conversations, all with the help of a game. That's right Skeleton Squad, there is no thinking required to finally open up to the people in your life. The best part is, you get to learn more about them too!!! It's time to get past the surface level perspectives and realize, We're Not Really Strangers. And that's the name of the game. Literally. Starting with questions pertaining to myspace profile songs and growing to the girls boldly sharing what they think the other needs to hear most; this game got us talking and we had to split the tea up. Sit back, grab a glass and PLAY WITH US!! Check back next week for the Reflection Level questions. Cheers Skeleton Squad

Welcome back, Skeleton Squad! This week, Shea and Tay sit down to catch up after Shea's trip and their week off. In talking about her trip, the girls begin the conversation of insta vs. reality as Shea divulges that the trip wasn't all sunshine and rainbows - even though it may have seemed that way on social media. They go on to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of social media, how it effects mental health and the importance of taking a break. So sit back, relax, and unplug - Cheers Skeleton Squad

Welcome back, Skeleton Squad! This week, Shea and Taylor discuss sexual assault. Trigger warning for the beginning of the episode, as our host, Shea Ashley, is finally sharing her story. Yep! You read that right!! She has been silent for too long and with all of her personal growth in this past year, Shea felt ready to share her experience, and wanted to do it with you. Sit back, relax, and let's shed some light on what 97% of women have experienced. Cheers

The narcissist, the one-upper, the attention seeker, the one that tries to keep you on-the-hook… any of these people sound familiar? This week on Main Character Energy, Shea and Taylor discuss identifying and handling toxic people. The girls begin by talking about one of the most pivotal times to identify the toxic people in your life; as you're heading into college. Taylor kicks off the episode by sharing her crazy catfish story about her drug dealing roommate from freshman year and the conversation leads into the importance of making sure the people you surround yourself with are actually supporting your growth. Of course we touch on toxic relationships, but this time, when you're dealing with your EX's toxic behaviors post break up. The biggest take away from this episode? Be selective with who and what you allow to take your time and energy. Sit back, relax, and cut that toxic shit out! Cheers

Welcome back Skeleton Squad! On this weeks episode, Shea & Tay sit down to talk about the importance of advocating for both your physical and mental health. The girls share personal stories regarding past experiences of not being taken seriously by family, friends and doctors when seeking medical help and support. They then take some time to read through listener submissions, all from people who have also experienced the frustration of reaching out for help and not exactly finding it. Each submission focuses on a specific physical illness and the significant effects it also has on mental health. Our mind, body and soul are all connected and we must care for them as such. Cheers! On Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official www.maincharacterenergy.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back Skeleton Squad to another week of mental health conversations with Shea and Tay. This week, Taylor talks about her ADHD, sharing the story of her late diagnosis, recent realizations of how her ADHD actually affects other aspects of her day-to-day life and some signs and symptoms of the disorder. The girls discuss the different ways that ADHD can also resemble other disorders, and the importance of beginning the process to receive an actual diagnosis from a licensed professional. No self-diagnosing here SQUAD! So sit back, relax, and try to follow along as Tay let's us into her brain. Cheers Skeleton Squad! On Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official www.maincharacterenergy.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

What's up ya little Main Characters! Welcome back to another Monday filled with the conversations of Shea and Tay. This week is a doozy. Therefore, TRIGGER WARNING! -- for the entire episode. With some recent real-life events occurring in Shea's life, she has bravely decided to turn to the microphone and share with the Skeleton Squad. This week, the girls sit down to talk about death and it's counter part, grief.  Shea opens up and shares how she has come to realize how her past experience with death, has caused her a great deal of anxiety as she is facing a near identical situation currently. The two touch on the idea of death and how very differently they view it in comparison to other people, the "meaning of life" and the lingering friend of death, grief. This episode is the first of many that truly show the manner in which Shea and Taylor talk to each other about their mental health challenges in their dark times. Their conversation style demonstrates the communication practices they preach in every other episode SO, sit back, get your head right and... let's talk about death! Cheers Skeleton Squad.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back to Main Character Energy! On this week's episode, Shea and Taylor address the importance of self care; but not the kind that society pushes. Shea starts it off by sharing the 6 types of self care and different ways to practice each. Then, the girls share some skeletons about the reality of self care. It's not always pretty, but its not supposed to be. Cheers Skeleton Squad! On Instagram @maincharacterenergy_official www.maincharacterenergy.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

What's up Skeleton Squad! Welcome back to Main Character Energy. This week the Shea and Tay suffer through their lingering hangovers to discuss the horrors of their hangxiety from the weekend. The episode starts with the girls covering how they feel physically during a hangxiety take over and their overthinking about the "high-light" and "low-light" reels from the night before. In true Shea and Tay fashion, the conversation then grows into how our drunken words are things we need to pay attention to! Sit back, relax, and dig deeper when you don't feel right! Cheers Skeleton Squad. On instagram @maincharacterenergy_official www.maincharacterenergy.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

On this weeks episode, the girls sit down face-to-face for the first time since launching the show. Taylor talks about her experiences with ADHD while Shea divulges her complicated relationship with antidepressants and what she does now instead (hint hint.. title). Now sit back, take a sip (or a hit), relax, and enjoy - Cheers Skeleton Squad

On this week's episode of Main Character Energy, the girls celebrate Tay's 25th birthday and talk about the unique stressors that come with being in your mid twenties. They address the standards society creates in terms of what "success" looks like, how to counteract the feelings of being behind in life and the book that changed their outlook's completely. Cheers Skeleton Squad! For more Main Character Energy content, visit them on instagram @maincharacterenergy_official --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

This week the girls sit down to talk about Seasonal Affective Disordered as Tay is very clearly unwell and in dire need of some Vitamin D. Later in the episode, they dive deep into a listener submission that turned out to be one of the most insane stories regarding a toxic relationship. You're going to want to hear this. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride - cheers Skeleton Squad

This week on MCE, Shea Ashley and Taylor focus on the real reason for all of their problems. Their parents. Not because they are the cause of them, but because they're literally the only reasons for why the two are on this planet in the first place. The girls begin the episode by reflecting on their perspectives and perceptions of their parents relationship and roles when they were younger and discuss the differences between the relationships they had. Shea shares how her view of her Dad as "The Enforcer," and Mom as "A Friend," ultimately led her to become naturally over-correcting in her own relationships, and Taylor speaks on how viewing her Mom and Dad's split parenting style with herself and her brother, affected the way she viewed her own role in her future relationships. As always, the pair divulges their own personal experiences and stories throughout the show to keep it entertaining, so sit back, relax and enjoy. Cheers skeleton squad. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Welcome back to the sh*t show! RelationSH*TS that is. In part two, Shea and Tay continue their conversation on the 4 Signs of Toxic Relationships, with a broad focus of feeling on edge and the “It's you” syndrome. Both girls step up in this episode to not only dive deep, sharing personal stories as they reflect on their own experiences in toxic relationships, but also, in calling themselves out on some of their own toxic practices. Listen to find out why Taylor ran away in college and how Shea realized just how toxic she can really be! Be prepared for potentially triggering conversations, with mentions of physical and mental abuse, cheating and all that comes with a toxic relationships. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

This week, Shea & Tay sit down to talk about one of the most requested episode topics - Toxic Relationships. The girls look back on previous relationships as they discuss the red flags they refused to take seriously and what they learned from it. Both girls also call themselves (and each other) out on their own toxic behaviors - hey, no one is perfect. This episode is part 1 of 2, focusing on “control issues” and “communication difficulties”. Be sure to come back next week for part 2, focusing on “Feeling on Edge” in a relationship and the “It's You syndrome”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

Me oh MAI! Shea sits down with aspiring photographer, Mai, as they discuss the influence of the toxic culture of Tumblr in the mid 2000s, over coming a self-harm and eating disorder, discovering her sexuality and the unique challenges that she faced growing up Vietnamese. In this episode, you will hear Mai sharing her experiences, followed by reactions from Shea and Taylor as they dive into her response. With the depth of conversation throughout this episode, we advised that people who have experienced or are triggered by talk of abuse in relationships, self-harm, eating disorders, rape and suicide, to be mindful of the content and its affect on you, prior to listening to this episode. Cheers Skeleton Squad. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

This week on Main Character Energy, host Shea Ashley and producer Taylor, start by reflecting on the past month of the show; how-it-started vs where-its-going. The girls talk new found anxieties, their current favorite Netflix binge and how they truly feel about their roles in the podcast. Cheers Skeleton Squad. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

On this weeks episode, Shea and Taylor sit down with the host of Phased Podcast, Jenna Kopras. Jenna and Shea talk about their past experiences in toxic work environments and what finally pushed both of them to say "F**K it" and quit their jobs. After quitting her job, Jenna became the Queen of Side Hustles and managed to continue paying her bills without going back to a 9-5. Jenna gives us a juicy insider tip as a "viral content sourcer" on how to make a viral Tiktok (you're going to want to hear this). Then, later in the episode, Shea and Taylor dig deeper into trauma Jenna experienced early on in life, which results in a conversation about the benefits of therapy and counseling. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

In this episode, Shea Ashley sits down with life long best friend Annie, who also happens to be the owner of Annie Kay Fitness. The girls talk about their struggles with physical health and subsequently their mental health. Listen along as Annie breaks down the effect her potentially career ending injury had on her view of health and fitness. *Trigger warning: this episode does touch on some pretty heavy topics, please listen for trigger warnings and skip ahead of any part that you are not comfortable with* --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

On this brief introduction episode, Shea Ashley starts to reveal the meaning behind the show and the skeleton. Listen in to get a better idea of what is in store for the show, its guests and listeners then head over and check out Episode #1: "2021? Absolutely." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support

On the premiere episode of Main Character Energy, Shea Ashley and close friend Taylor dive into the events that contributed to the creation of the show. The girls talk about how their relationship came about, one specific night in college, and their experiences during Covid-19 in 2020. Follow along as they talk about all of the things that no one else wants to. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maincharacterpodcast/support