thanks for sharing

We all make choices in life. Everyday. When it comes to our mental health and wellbeing, sometimes we don't analyze our options as carefully before making a decision. We get very comfortable in our pain or unhealthy behaviors. So comfortable that the thought of trying something different feels impossible and terrifying. But what if we realized we have the freewill to make any decision we want to make- healthy or unhealthy? Including that we actually can stay in our unhealthy life if we really want to. What if we realized we can also try something new? Just to see. Just to experiment...

I sit down with Stephen Spainhour-Roth to discuss his journey in mental health and identity as well as the hardships he and our young LGBT youth face while growing up. This episode we are encouraging our listeners to donate to The Trevor Project (Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.) Click the link below for more info!https://give.thetrevorproject.org/give/63307/#!/donation/checkout?csrc=website&csrc2=HeaderDonateButton

Just something I've been thinking about! When you're starting to live life more authentically, it can feel as if you are having to reintroduce yourself to your friends, family, spouse/partner, etc. It can be intimidating and bring a lot of self-judgement and fear. Taking off the masks we typically wear to hide who we really are is a difficult and empowering thing. I hope this helps you if you are in this step of your mental health journey! And remember, those who deserve to be in your life are those who will encourage, validate, and be excited by your new authenticity and will love who you really are way more than the masks you presented to them all this time. And those who do not want the real you are those who are intimidated by the power of your authenticity and are probably living under their own collection of masks.

I talk with Becky Sowemimo on postpartum depression. I was so excited to break through the discomfort of this topic together and introduce another side of early motherhood to the discussion table. Becky is so raw and real and "unflinchingly vulnerable" and I feel honored to have been able to chat with her and learn the truth of the beauty and wonder and hardship and darkness early motherhood can bring. We encourage listeners to consider donating to Postpartum Support International (PSI). They are a non-profit organization serving the needs of pregnant, post-loss, and postpartum women and families all over the world providing informed support and resources at no cost to women and their families. Click the link here to learn more and donate https://www.postpartum.net/join-us/donate/

I talk with Christina Sickbert about motherhood, having young children at home during COVID-19, depression, chronic pain, raising a transgender child, treatment, guilt and shame, self-image, and a lot more. We ask our listeners this episode to consider donating to Lost-n-Found Youth. Lost-n-Found Youth is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that exists to end homelessness for LGBTQ by providing them with the skills and support needed to live independently. You can go to https://lnfy.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/ to learn more about their mission and more ways you can give!

*This episode is suggested for older audiences only.*I talk with my friend M. Stratton about trauma recovery, therapy, acting, art and literally everything in between. In this episode we are encouraging our listeners to consider donating to Project Renewal in NYC. Their mission is "to end the cycle of homelessness by empowering individuals and families to renew their lives with health, homes, and jobs" They also provide them with mental health resources (therapy, rehab, NA, etc). "80% of chronically homeless adults struggle with mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, and fragmented treatment exacerbates their harsh reality: a revolving door of emergency rooms, jails, shelters, and the streets." You can read more about them and learn how to donate by clicking this link! https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/ProjectRenewal

I talk with my friend Slade Erickson about eating disorder recovery and self-harm and his personal experience in the treatment process.In this episode we are encouraging our listeners to consider donating to Manna Treatment. Slade and I are so grateful for everything they've done and continue to do. I really truly believed recovery was impossible until I went to Manna. I want to give back as much as I can so they are able to only continue building their center and help more people like Slade and I. ANY donation is incredibly appreciated! You can go to https://mannafund.org/fundraisers/ for more information.