Candid conversations about mental health and wellness from a personal and professional perspective.
Erica speaks with John Littlefair, writer, speaker, dog lover, and the host of Never Just A Dog podcast. They discuss the cyclical nature of grief, how John got into talking about dogs for a living, and how to support a friend who is going through a loss.About JohnNever Just a Dog podcast@neverjustadog on InstagramReferenced in the EpisodeDr. Katie Lawlor on Never Just a DogDr. Katie Lawlor on Unwell with Erica
Erica catches you up on her year (!!!) since the last episode – including health challenges, planning a wedding, and lots of feelings about body image. Plus, hear what's in store for season 2 of Unwell with Erica!
Erica talks all things kindness, gratitude, and transparency with Jenn Wilson. She shares how intentional acts of kindness can change your life, why you should always be your most authentic self, and the importance of ritualistic self care (aka #TubClub).About JennFollow Jenn's Personal Instagram@meetjennprice on InstagramFollow Poppy on InstagramMore about JennReferenced in the EpisodeBrene Brown's Core Values list
Erica speaks with Dr. Katie Lawlor, a psychologist specializing in the human-animal bond, and the grief associated with pet loss. They discuss the gaps you feel in your life when you lose a pet, some suggestions for coping with loss, and what you can do for your friends when their pet passes away.About KatieFollow Katie on InstagramPet Loss Community on PatreonVeterinary Mental Health InitiativeReferenced in the EpisodeGirls Gotta Eat podcast episode about pet loss
Erica speaks with Heidi B, a speaker, relationship expert, and author. She shares her sobriety journey, why getting sober doesn't mean you're a saint, and the horrors of running into your OkCupid date at AA. She also shares some relationship advice about being upfront about what you need in a partnership.About HeidiFollow Heidi on InstagramHeidi's book: Relationship Ready: How I Stopped F*cking Randos and Started Cupcaking My Soul MateHeidi B CoachingReferenced in the EpisodeThe Monster at the End of This BookJohn Mulaney "I Know You Don't Drink" joke
Erica speaks with Katherine Donnelly, an avid skier, outdoorswoman, and Director of Operations at Trew Gear. Katherine details her mental health before and after her traumatic brain injury sustained from a skiing accident. They also discuss why having a panic attack on the mountain is the worst, how much a good doctor can change your life, and why you don't have to go hard to have fun.About KatherineFollow Katherine on InstagramFollow Trew Gear on InstagramTrew Gear
Erica speaks with Adriana Noesi who details her experience with postpartum depression, describes how even depressed people can be the "happy go lucky" friend, and also shares her experience as a Mormon missionary through the lens of mental health.About AdrianaFollow Adriana on TikTokFollow Adriana on InstagramReferenced in the EpisodeKate Kennedy's Be There in Five podcast (Episode: True Love Weights)
Erica speaks with Taylor Scoma, an Account Executive at Greenbits, a cannabis software company, and fellow Portland foodie. They discuss the ripple effects that a job you hate can have on your mental health throughout your life, what a great job feels like, and how to get better at taking risks and accepting change.About TaylorFollow Taylor on InstagramConnect with Taylor on LinkedIn
Erica speaks with Danielle Massari, owner of StarCycle Portland. She shares candidly what the last year was like as both a small business owner and as a mother of three kids. They also talk about why exercising alone sucks, why kids need community, and why you should never trust the local news.About DanielleStarCycle PortlandFollow StarCycle on InstagramFollow Danielle on Instagram
Erica speaks with Chelsea Cole, a Marketing Director turned full-time food blogger at A Duck's Oven. She talks about the ups and downs of her therapy experience, from college to present day. Chelsea also shares her idea for a better way to match therapists and patients, and why it's smart to hire slow and fire fast when it comes to therapists.About ChelseaFollow Chelsea on InstagramA Duck's OvenSous Vide SchoolReferenced in the EpisodePsychology Today: Find a Therapist
Erica speaks with Danielle Comer, a writer, lifestyle blogger, and photographer. They discuss the unexpected parts of grief, learning how to dream again after loss, and the challenging aspects of a cross-country move.About DanielleFollow Danielle on InstagramFollow Danielle's photographydaniellecomer.comReferenced in the EpisodeNora McInernyHot Young Widows Club
Erica speaks with Lily Womble, Founder and CEO of Date Brazen, where she helps women build badass dating lives. They discuss the intersection of anxiety in dating and relationships, including when to talk about your anxiety with someone you're dating, how Lily got into date coaching via matchmaking, and why therapists shouldn't be giving dating advice.About the GuestDate BrazenFollow Lily on InstagramThe Date Brazen PodcastReferenced in the EpisodeBrené Brown's "gremlins"Amy Poehler Interview on Armchair Expert
Erica speaks with Jeremy Godwin, host of the Let's Talk About Mental Health podcast. He shares his own personal mental health journey, why he's a guide and not a guru, and some of his lessons from creating digestible, practical mental health content for fans in over 100 countries.Listen to Let's Talk About Mental HealthFollow Let's Talk About Mental Health on Instagram
Erica speaks with Devin VonderHaar, creator of the modern minimalist, as they talk all things organizing and minimizing and how it impacts your stress and wellbeing. Devin shares some experiences working hands-on with people and their stuff, including how to reflect on items that cause strong emotions. She also talks Erica through how to get rid of those items that she "just might need someday" even when she hasn't used them in three years.Follow Devin on Instagramthe modern minimalistDevin's organizing checklists and workbooksKonmari folding method
Erica speaks with Candace Molatore, a branding consultant body-positive blogger about all things social media and self-love. They discuss Candace's experience with therapy, how the black lives matter movement impacted her life both personally and professionally in 2020, and simple practices to show yourself a little more love.Follow Candace on Instagram
Erica chats with Alex Borsuk, sports nutritionist, long-distance runner, and all-around badass. Alex discusses the double-edged sword that is social media, shares her health challenges in 2020, and what goes through her mind when she's running 90+ miles (seriously!) at a time.Follow Alex Borsuk on Instagramalexborsuk.com
Erica speaks with Dr. Jen Hosler, a physical therapist, strength coach, and co-owner of Movement Upgraded. She helps people learn about their bodies & build resilient bodies to support their active lives for decades to come. They discuss how stress affects your physical fitness, why fitness is a lifetime journey and not a destination, and how to build healthy joints for life.Follow Dr. Jen Hosler on InstagramFollow Movement Upgraded on InstagramSimply Strong programmingKinstretch with Dr. Jen
Erica speaks with Dylan Peterkin, a content creator also known as @pdxfeast on Instagram. Dylan shares some of his childhood experiences including therapy at a young age, and how his mental health has evolved over time. He makes the analogy of staging a perfect "plate" with your mental health and finding the right combination of aids that work best for you.@pdxfeast on Instagram@cravingportland on Instagram
Erica speaks with Tracy Lewis, a professional therapist that focuses on couples and emotionally focused therapy. They discuss the science behind emotional bonds, what couples might experience in this type of therapy, pursuers vs. withdrawers in relationships, and more.Book: Mama’s Last HugHold Me Tight workshops Podcast: Foreplay RadioPodcast: That Relationship ShowPortland Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy
Erica sits down with Haley Hines, a health and wellness professional and the host of Give 'Em The Bird, a podcast that challenges the diet and fitness industries. They cover what it was like to grow up as the "big and tall" girl, annoying Instagram fitness trends, panic attacks over lasagna, therapy, and much more.Give 'Em The Bird PodcastFollow Give 'Em The Bird on Instagram
Erica speaks with Ellie Hughes, a blogger, marketer, stylist, and new mom. They discuss her experience with postpartum anxiety – how it presented itself as hypochondria and a fixation on death and aging. Follow Ellie Hughes on InstagramThe Practivist
Erica sits down with another Tafavoti this week...her brother, Matt! They discuss his top four guilty pleasures, why kids quit the things they love in junior high, and why you should always be your most authentic self. Then, they discuss some guilty pleasures from Unwell listeners. You might find someone else out there who you share something with!
Erica speaks with Jamie van Dyke, who spent a year traveling around Europe with his cat in a camper van. They discuss how deeply career burnout can permeate throughout your life, the importance of meaningful interpersonal relationships, and what it's really like to live in a camper van (with a cat!)
Erica connects with Jason Thompson, a high school classmate of hers who now works in Corporate Retail in San Francisco. Jason shares his experience (both positive and negative!) with online therapy. They also dive into the emotional weight of 2020's political arguments with friends and family, and their failures and lessons learned as they try new things in their late 20s.
Erica speaks with Malory Wiest about all things diet culture. They rehash their history with diets from Weight Watchers to paleo. Malory also shares her story with antidepressants, weight gain from prescriptions, and planning a wedding during the pandemic.Follow Malory on InstagramMalory's interior design accountMalory's blogSpiraling Podcast
It's a host-only episode! Erica discusses what triggered her to launch this podcast, and recaps the five things making her feel unwell right now.
Erica speaks with Laura Elizabeth, a friend and happily childfree woman who has mastered the art of playtime as an adult. They discuss making decisions out of fear vs. listening to your gut, building a village when you don't have children, and why Portland is the best place to be a playful adult.@laura_elizabeth on Instagram@richauntiesupreme on InstagramDon't forget to subscribe to Unwell with Erica on your favorite podcast provider. Love what you're hearing? Leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.
Erica speaks with Margo Kellison Lightburn, yoga instructor and instructor to the instructors. They discuss how to get the full mental and spiritual benefits from a yoga practice. Margo shares when she feels embodied vs. self-critical, and walks us through a few breath exercises. They also discover a mutual love for Ted Lasso. Margo Lightburn@margoyoga on InstagramAlternate nostril breathingTed Lasso on AppleTV
Erica speaks with Michael Keskin, owner and pitmaster at Portland's own Bark City BBQ. Michael shares his journey with anxiety, from diagnosis to what he's learned about himself over the years. They also discuss the Oregon wildfires and peak 2020 anxiety – and of course, talk barbecue, too!Linksbarkcitybbq.com@barkcitybbq on InstagramBark City BBQ on FacebookCalm MagnesiumWyld CBD edibles
Erica discusses all things ADHD with Jenn Bollenbacher, host of the How Did You End Up There? podcast. Jenn shares her experience getting diagnosed as an adult one year ago, along with what she's learned about herself along the way since. We discuss having grace with yourself through ups and downs, finding your biggest fan in a career coach, and more.Follow Jenn:@jennsweats on Instagram@howdidyouenduptherepod on InstagramHow Did You End Up There? podcast Subscribe, Rate, and Review Unwell with Erica wherever you listen to podcasts!