In this episode, Stef “Rocks” shares her dynamic journey from rock radio morning show host to podcaster and everything in between. The duo dives into a wide array of topics, including unsolicited pics on dating apps and DMs, her passion for rock music, and the pros and cons of being single. The conversation also touches on social media, backstage rock show experiences, dating, and reality TV. Stef also shares her experience traveling with musicians and the rock star lifestyle. Nick also gets Ste...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Do you have love, dating, or relationships on your mind? Check out this episode where Nick engages with renowned love coach Melani Le'ona for a transformative discussion on mastering modern dating. Melani shares her inspiring journey to becoming a top dating and relationship coach, emphasizing the vital role of self-love, boundaries, and mindful dating practices. They tackle the pitfalls of instant gratification and superficial connections on dating apps, advocating for deeper emotional connecti...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Get ready for an inspiring journey with Shelley Paxton, the former CMO of Harley Davidson and current Chief Soul Officer. She will share her remarkable career path and current mission to redefine success. Shelley has always followed her passions, but it wasn’t until she reached the top of the mountain that she tapped into the rebel within to become who she was meant to be. Join us as she reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her rise to the top at Harley-Davidson. But the...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this captivating episode, Nick sits down with Leverett Ball to delve into his rich and varied experiences in the sports broadcasting world. Leverett shares his incredible journey from a college athlete to a prominent sports broadcaster with ESPN. The discussion reveals the grit and perseverance required to thrive in such a competitive industry, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges of low pay and tough work environments. Leverett candidly discusses his battle with mental health is...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 28 min
In this compelling first solo episode of "Eyes Wide Open," host Nick Thompson takes a dive deep into the critical issues of censorship and freedom of speech, framed through the lens of journalist Julian Assange's prosecution and recent release. Nick shares his own personal experiences with censorship, shedding light on why free speech and a free press are cornerstones of his political activism because they are fundamental to a functioning democracy. Nick meticulously breaks down the complex case...
Jul 02, 2024•21 min
This episode features Madina Alam, a licensed mental health therapist, speaker, model, and Bachelor cast member. In this engaging conversation, Madina and Nick delve into the intricate world of self-doubt, confidence, dating culture, and imposter syndrome. They bravely open up about their own insecurities and vulnerabilities, shedding light on the often-underestimated stigma surrounding mental health and therapy. They discuss the fine line between trauma dumping and healthy sharing, emphasizing ...
Jun 25, 2024•55 min
In this captivating episode, Nick sits down with Tabitha “Little,” the vibrant host of the podcast 'Little Bit of Life,' for an enlightening conversation about her career and mental health journey that led to her hit podcast. Tabitha opens up about her unique journey into podcasting, stemming from a childhood dream of becoming a horse jockey to battling the lasting effects of long-haul COVID that eventually cost her her career. They delve into the profound impact of social media on mental health...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In honor of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, here are two men talking about mental health. This special episode of Eyes Wide Open features clips from another show Nick co-hosts with Todd Rennebohm: Mental Health Headline Hot Takes with Nick and Todd. In this special crossover episode, Nick and Todd discuss mental health news including the one-year anniversary of the UCAN (Unscripted Cast Advocacy Network) Foundation, the pros and cons of mental health awareness, teen marijuana use causing me...
Jun 11, 2024•51 min
In this compelling episode, Dr. Paul Rivera takes us on a journey from his childhood dream of emulating the legendary Jacques Cousteau to the values of growth and exploration that have shaped his life. Through deep self-reflection, Dr. Rivera shares the importance of understanding one's values and discovering personal superpowers. The conversation shifts to men's mental health, where Dr. Rivera challenges the societal pressure for men to be stoic and avoid vulnerability. He passionately encourag...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 25 min
In this eye-opening episode, Matthew Dubila, a standout cast member from Love is Blind, takes us behind the scenes to share his experience on the hit reality show. Matthew opens up about the intense pressure and manipulation tactics employed by producers, shedding light on the often unseen reality of reality TV. He reveals how the lack of control over the editing process and the show's unrealistic environment can distort contestants' true personalities and intentions. Nick and Matthew delve into...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Join us for part two of this riveting conversation as Nick Thompson and Daniele Gates delve into the hidden machinations behind reality TV and the broader media landscape. They reveal the startling lack of control individuals have over the information they consume and the insidious manipulation of narratives. From the pervasive impact of online bullying to the influential roles of bloggers, Reddit, and social media commentators, Nick and Daniele dissect how public perception is carefully crafted...
May 21, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Dive deep into the captivating world of reality television with Nick in this eye-opening episode of part one of a two-part series. In part one, he sits down with Daniele Gates, a former high school teacher and reality TV star from 90 Day Fiancé. Unveil the truth behind the glitz and glamour as Daniele reveals her journey from childhood dreams to how she stumbled into reality TV fame. From her inspirations to be like Madonna and Michael Jackson to the harsh realities of being portrayed as a villa...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In this enlightening podcast episode, Pavel Stuchlik, also known as NOA AON, shares the transformative power of ancient wisdom and modern tools. A seasoned DJ, entrepreneur, and certified ambassador of peace, Pavel has spent over a decade immersed in diverse cultures and ancient teachings, weaving together a tapestry of wisdom aimed at unifying humanity. In this episode, Pavel joins Nick to delve into our society's crucial crossroads and advocate for a collective shift towards expanded conscious...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Step into the intimate world of Jess Seimers, host of the enlightening Panic Button podcast, as she joins Nick to unveil her profound journey through the depths of anxiety and the tumultuous waves of panic attacks. In this compelling episode, Jess bares her soul, recounting her turbulent path from the shadows of college anxiety to the light of understanding and healing. With candor and courage, she shares the pivotal moments of her life, from the heart-wrenching lows of divorce and the devastati...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Dive into the captivating journey of Timmy Gibson, once an evangelical pastor, now couples and dating coach, and the top wedding officiant in Kansas City, as he unveils his remarkable transition and introspective revelations. Join us as Timmy candidly shares his evolution, from grappling with his faith to crafting deeply personalized ceremonies that mirror the unique essence of each couple. Delve into the complexities of religion, spirituality, and personal growth as Timmy navigates the intersec...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 16 min
In this captivating episode, Nick sits down with licensed professional counselor Jeff Gunther, better known as Therapy Jeff, to delve into his remarkable journey from childhood baseball aspirations to becoming a successful therapist and mental health content creator. Therapy Jeff opens up about his personal struggles, including his journey to reconcile with his parents. Delving deeper into his personal life, Jeff reflects on his relationship with his mother and the challenges they faced in conne...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 18 min
In this riveting episode of Eyes Wide Open, Jasmine Weg, a seasoned lawyer specializing in commercial litigation, spotlights the legal intricacies behind the controversial 'Love is Blind' cast contracts. Jasmine shares her journey of delving into the Love is Blind contract, sparked by her fascination with the show's treatment of its participants and the blurred lines between contractor and employee status. With lawsuits from former cast members shedding light on the contract's contents, Jasmine ...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 28 min
Danielle Roberts, AKA the Anti-Career Coach, joins Nick to discuss rejecting hustle culture to change your relationship with work and redefining success and happiness in life. They explore the impact of burnout and the need for systemic changes in work environments. Danielle shares her personal journey from being a working professional to coaching and emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal values. Danielle discusses the common trends among clients, the process of identifying va...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Join us in this compelling episode as Dr. Jill Stein, the prominent figure vying for the Green Party nomination in the 2024 presidential race, delves into her motivations for running and the hurdles posed by the entrenched two-party system. Dr. Stein articulates her transformative vision for the nation, advocating for healthcare as a fundamental human right and championing the Green New Deal to address pressing environmental concerns. In a thought-provoking dialogue, Dr. Stein underscores the ur...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Our guests today are Jared Blaine and Brianna Elizabeth. Jared and Brianna are advocates for mental health and recovery and the hosts of The Blaklist podcast. Ever feel like your life took a detour from your dreams? Jared and Brianna dive deep into their pasts, from musical aspirations to the challenges of rejection. They explore how music continues to connect them, even with different tastes. This episode isn't just about tunes, though. They open up about their struggles with addiction, the imp...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Our guest today is Emily Ballesteros. Emily is the author of the brand-new best-selling book The Cure for Burnout, how to find balance and reclaim your life. She earned her master's degree in industrial organizational psychology and works as a corporate trainer and burnout management coach, helping professionals build work-life balance. Emily discusses her personal experience with burnout and shares her career journey and how she transitioned from corporate training to burnout management. Emily ...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Our guest today is Roberta Blevins. Roberta is an anti-MLM activist, educating victims of system issues with multi-level marketing programs. She is the host of the Life After MLM Podcast and a participant in the Amazon docuseries LuLaRich, which exposed the exploitative and culty LuLaRoe MLM program. Roberta and Nick discuss her experience with multi-level marketing (MLM) programs and her journey to becoming a podcast host to educate and fight against them. Roberta talks about her involvement in...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 36 min
TW: This conversation includes stories of gun violence, self-harm, and death by suicide. Our guest today is Katrina Brees, a New Orleans-based Mardi Gras artist and creator of “Donna's Law,” a voluntary self-registry prohibition to gun sales for those who choose to create self-defense against gun suicide. In this episode, Katrina and Nick discuss her career in costume design and her work in creating DIY caskets to bring “fun” to funerals. She shares the importance of transforming death into a ce...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Our guest is Kit Cabello, the founder of Hard Lens Media, a Chicago-based independent news network. In this episode, Nick and Kit delve into the burden of student debt and the need for affordable education. The conversation touches on the impact of technology on human connection and the dangers of AI without ethical considerations. They discuss the failings of the political establishment and the need for transparency and change. The conversation explores the frustration and disillusionment with ...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 34 min
TW: There are moments in this conversation where we discuss suicidal ideation. Carrie Magnuson is a mental health advocate, mother of three, artist and founder of Rusty Lane Lettering, and host of the Carry on with Carrie podcast! In this episode of Eyes Wide Open, Carrie shares her journey of self-discovery, sobriety, and finding purpose that led her to podcasting. She discusses her childhood dreams, the challenges of empty nesting, and the importance of creativity and authenticity. Carrie also...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 16 min
TW: This episode discusses PTSD, war, and a story of suicide. Josh Halu, an Army veteran, mental health advocate, and founder and CEO PsycheX joins Nick Thompson to share his story of overcoming trauma and finding healing through psychedelics. Josh opens up about his difficult childhood, his experience in the military, and his struggles with depression and PTSD. He also discusses his search for alternative therapies, including cannabis and psychedelics. Josh recounts his transformative experienc...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 18 min
On this episode of Eyes Wide Open, we take a look at a few episodes of a new show from Nick and his friend Todd, dissecting mental health news and headlines. Subscribe to the weekly show every Thursday exclusively here on my YouTube channel! Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eyeswideopencontent Follow Nick: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@e...
Jan 30, 2024•58 min
Ashley Love Richards, host of the cult-obsessed podcast "That's So F**ked Up," dives deep into the darkness with Nick Thompson in this unfiltered conversation about coercive control in cults, alcoholic anonymous, and reality TV. Buckle up as they dissect Ashley's passion for true crime, her journey from alcoholism to podcasting glory, and the surprising (and disturbing) connections between cults and everyday life. Get ready to explore: Coercive Control: Ashley and Nick discuss coercive control i...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 19 min
****TW: There are moments in this conversation where we discuss suicidal ideation. In this conversation, Elana Van Deventer shares her journey of overcoming limiting beliefs and building confidence. We discuss the intersection of neuroscience and mental health, highlighting the importance of breaking the silence around emotions and mental health. Elana emphasizes the significance of self-identity and finding purpose in every season of life. Elana also discusses the impact of external validation ...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 26 min
In this episode, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Rabon and I discuss the impacts of social media and culture on the increasing mental health challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z. Dr. Rabon highlights the pressure and expectations placed on young adults to pursue certain career paths and the impacts of student loan debt on our lives. We explore the causes of worsening mental health, including financial stress, culture, and the difficulty of finding relaxation in a constantly conne...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 13 min
