Ever felt like you were doing everything “right,” but still felt off? Ashley Krooks joins us to share how burnout forced her to re-evaluate her definition of success. We talk about the difference between looking successful and feeling satisfied—and how she’s working to build a more grounded, peaceful life. Check out Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/ohtheplacesashgoes https://ohtheplacesashgoes.com/body-scan/ Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram: @MentallyABadass Join our mental health comm...
Jul 20, 2025•45 min
In this powerful episode, I sit down with therapist and addiction survivor Blake Hunt to discuss his personal journey with alcohol and how it led him to help others through mental health work. We dive deep into the mental health crisis facing our society—touching on everything from the fentanyl epidemic to borderline personality disorder (BPD), and how caregiver attachment plays a role in long-term emotional health. Blake offers raw insights, professional perspective, and real hope for anyone st...
Jul 13, 2025•47 min
In this episode, I sit down with Mike Martin to talk about something so many silently face—depression. Mike opens up about his mental health journey and how reconnecting with the natural world became a key part of his healing process. From quiet walks in the woods to immersing himself in wild landscapes, he shares how nature offers more than beauty—it offers clarity, peace, and resilience. If you’ve ever felt lost or overwhelmed, this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear. Check ou...
Jul 06, 2025•47 min
In this deeply powerful and vulnerable episode, meditation coach Sara Thornhill shares her personal journey of survival, healing, and transformation. From surviving a brutal gang rape to navigating two divorces, Sara opens up about how she rebuilt her life and now dedicates her work to helping fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals heal from trauma. Through meditation, embodiment, and inner work, Sara guides others to reconnect with their worth and revive the innate power that was always theirs. This conve...
Jun 29, 2025•45 min
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Amy Vincze to explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma and how it can silently shape our adult lives—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Amy shares her personal journey and introduces us to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping, a unique and accessible healing tool that helps release deep-rooted pain and promote emotional balance. Whether you're new to tapping or curious about the connection between past trauma and present-day struggles, thi...
Jun 22, 2025•53 min
Paul Davis ran away from home, lived in his car, and spent over two decades caught in a spiral of addiction, self-destruction, and heartbreak. In this raw conversation, he opens up about the moment he hit rock bottom, the pain of broken relationships, and the life-changing turning point that brought him to his knees—and ultimately to healing. We talk about: His troubled childhood and why he ran away What it was really like living in his car and barely surviving The beginning of his addiction and...
Jun 15, 2025•52 min
In this episode, I sit down with Katie Turner—an advocate for deep feeling and self-awareness—to talk about what it really means to be a sensitive human in a loud, often dismissive world. We unpack the differences between traditional therapy and spiritual alternatives, share personal insights on navigating mental health in both the U.S. and Canada, and get real about the damaging effects of toxic positivity. If you've ever felt "too much" or questioned what healing is supposed to look like, this...
Jun 08, 2025•44 min
Why are we so hard on ourselves sometimes? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala — a psychologist, author, and expert in emotions — to talk about perfectionism, personality traits, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We break down how your personality can shape the way you think and feel, why perfectionism shows up, and what actually helps when emotions feel too big to handle. It's a raw, real convo about mental health, healing, and understanding yourself better. KEYWO...
Jun 01, 2025•57 min
In this honest and healing conversation, I’m joined by Kanika Vasudeva—energy healer and spiritual guide—as she shares how the heartbreaking loss of her daughter led her to a deeper path of self-discovery, soul work, and spiritual healing. We talk about how energy healing helped her move through grief, and how tapping into the Akashic Records revealed hidden patterns, karmic imprints, and generational cycles that were affecting her life. Kanika breaks down what the Akashic Records are, how they ...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, I sat down with Cali Estes — an addiction expert and counselor who works with celebrities — to talk about her own experience with addiction and why so many people in the spotlight quietly battle it too. We got into the pressure of constantly being “on,” what fame can do to your mental health, and why money and success don’t make you immune to addiction. Cali also opened up about how she helps her clients recover and the tools that actually work. This one’s honest, raw, and super...
May 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this powerful episode, transformational coach Robert Foster opens up about how the death of his father became a turning point in both his personal journey and professional coaching style. We discuss how he helps clients manage anxiety and depression, his unique approach to mindset and motivation, and why healing is a critical part of achieving success. If you’re looking for inspiration, mental health strategies, and a new way to think about personal growth, this episode is for you. Check out ...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Holly France — a rare illness advocate and survivor, to talk about her journey with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare and often misunderstood neurological disorder. Holly opens up about what it’s really like to live with a rare disease, the challenges of navigating a medical system that often overlooks rare diagnoses, and how she found strength and purpose through advocacy. Whether you're living with a rare illness or know someone who is, this conver...
May 04, 2025•51 min
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jenny Lytle — a former hospice nurse turned stress-relief and self-care coach — for a powerful conversation about the real cost of burnout. Jenny shares how losing her mother and her years of caregiving led her to deeply understand that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential. We talk about the emotional toll of always putting others first, the danger of ignoring small stress signals, and how simple, practical self-care can fit into even the busiest lives. If y...
Apr 27, 2025•58 min
When Jill McMahon was a kid, a man held her family at gunpoint—an experience that would change the course of her life. Now a trauma counselor, Jill shares what it’s like to live through something so terrifying and how trauma can stick with us for years. We talk about the long-term impact of that day, how trauma shows up in ways we don’t always expect, and what healing has looked like for her. This conversation is raw, real, and a reminder that our stories don’t define us, but they do shape us. J...
Apr 20, 2025•54 min
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to dive into what it means to have a neurodivergent brain—something she playfully refers to as neurospicy . We get real about our own experiences navigating life with neurodivergent minds and explore how neurodivergence shows up differently for everyone. Kristen breaks down the distinctions between autism and other forms of neurodivergence, and why understanding those differences matters. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, love someone...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, I talk with therapist Malisa Hepner about the weight of childhood trauma—how it lingers, how it shapes who we think we are, and what it takes to begin healing. We explore what it really means to reparent ourselves, the messy process of learning to love the parts of us we were taught to hide, and how astrology can help make sense of our stories. Malisa speaks with so much honesty and heart about the work she’s done for herself and the people she helps. If you’ve ever felt stuck i...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 12 min
This episode gets real heavy. Eileen is back to share what happened the night her narcissistic ex almost killed her. We talk about the fear, the manipulation, and the moment she realized she might not make it out. This conversation is raw, emotional, and honestly, hard to hear at times. But it’s real. And it’s Eileen’s truth. If you’ve ever questioned what emotional abuse can turn into, or felt trapped in something toxic, please listen. You’re not alone. Trigger warning: We talk about domestic v...
Apr 06, 2025•41 min
Eileen Santos barely survived the horrors of narcissistic abuse. In this powerful episode, she shares her terrifying experience of being trapped in a relationship filled with manipulation, extreme control, brutal beatings—even in public—and sexual violence. Her abuser isolated her, broke her down, and made escape feel impossible. This episode sheds light on the devastating reality of domestic violence and the psychological grip of narcissistic abuse. Eileen’s story is one of pain, resilience, an...
Apr 02, 2025•57 min
In this powerful episode, Teri Brown opens up about her journey of escaping a toxic, narcissistic relationship that left her emotionally scarred—and how she found the strength to rebuild her life. From her partner’s relentless harassment, including a chilling dead cat left on her porch, to the threats that followed, Teri refused to let fear dictate her future. She took back control in the most extraordinary way: by biking across the country. Teri's story of survival and empowerment will inspire ...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 3 min
What happens when life hits you—literally—with something unimaginable? Brian Bogert knows this reality all too well. As a child, he was run over by a truck, severing his left arm. After enduring over 24 surgeries and years of intense rehabilitation, Brian discovered that the real battle wasn’t just physical—it was mental and emotional. In this episode, Brian shares his powerful story of survival, resilience, and personal transformation. We dive into how trauma—no matter what form it takes—can ke...
Mar 26, 2025•57 min
Lisa Sugarman’s world changed when she discovered—at 45 years old—that her father had been battling depression before dying by suicide in the 1970s, a time when mental health was shrouded in stigma and resources were scarce. Now, as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, she’s on the front lines of suicide prevention, offering hope and support to those in need. In this eye-opening conversation, Lisa shares her personal journey, the power of awareness, and what it takes to break the silence ...
Mar 23, 2025•55 min
In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Ingenito , an energy healer and intuitive expert, to dive deep into toxic relationships, healing, and trusting your intuition . Danielle opens up about her divorce and how she transformed her life through energy work and self-discovery . I also share a bit about my own experience with toxic relationships. If you’re ready to break free, reclaim your power, and heal on a deeper level, this episode is for you! 🎙✨ Check out Danielle: https://www.danielleing...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often clouded by myths and misconceptions. In this episode, I sit down with Dale Walsh, who shares his journey of living with schizophrenia—including the time he believed he was God. We dive deep into the realities of the condition, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss how loved ones can offer meaningful support. This conversation is raw, enlightening, and a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand schizophr...
Mar 16, 2025•58 min
In this episode of Mentally a Badass , Michael Unbroken opens up about his journey of breaking generational trauma. Growing up in a chaotic home and facing mistreatment from his racist grandmother, he turned to alcohol and self-destruction at a young age. But his story didn’t end there. Now a successful author and coach, Michael shares how he reclaimed his life, healed from his past, and now helps others do the same. Tune in for an honest conversation about resilience, self-worth, and rewriting ...
Mar 12, 2025•54 min
Depression doesn’t discriminate—even those in leadership positions face it. In this episode, I sit down with David Maeda, Director of Elections, to talk about depression, authenticity, and the often-overlooked mental health struggles that come with high-pressure roles. We also dive into the flaws in the mental health system and what needs to change. Tune in for a raw and honest conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the power of being real. Order David's Book! https://www.davidmaeda.c...
Mar 09, 2025•56 min
What happens when love turns into fear? Emma Jean Rowin survived an abusive marriage, won full custody of her child, and thought she had escaped the worst—until her ex-husband became an active shooter. In this chilling episode, Emma shares how his descent into psychosis and conspiracy theories led to a violent attack on his neighbors. We discuss the warning signs of domestic abuse, the trauma survivors carry, and how she’s rebuilding her life after escaping. If you or someone you know has faced ...
Mar 05, 2025•59 min
Do you struggle with saying no? Feel guilty for setting boundaries? In this episode of Mentally a Badass , Barb Nangle, a boundaries coach and the founder of Higher Power Coaching , shares how boundaries can transform your life, protect your energy, and help you break free from people-pleasing. We dive into the mindset shifts needed to set and maintain boundaries, the impact of unhealthy patterns, and practical steps to reclaim your personal power. Connect with Barb: https://higherpowercc.com/po...
Mar 02, 2025•56 min
In this powerful episode, Mia Hanks opens up about her experience in a narcissistic abusive relationship—how it started, the red flags she ignored, and the moment she knew she had to leave. We break down the signs of narcissistic abuse, the emotional toll it takes, and what life looks like after breaking free. If you’ve ever questioned a toxic relationship or needed a reminder of your strength, this conversation is for you. Tune in for raw honesty, resilience, and hope. Check out Mia: https://mi...
Feb 26, 2025•37 min•Ep. 69
What’s holding you back from the life you want? In this episode, I sit down with Nicky Billou to dive deep into limiting beliefs, empowerment, and the mindset shifts needed for financial freedom. He shares his personal journey—the highs, the lows, and the lessons that helped him break through barriers to create success. If you’re ready to challenge your own doubts and take control of your future, this conversation is for you. Connect with Nicky: Instagram: @nickybillou https://www.ecircleacademy...
Feb 23, 2025•50 min•Ep. 68
Your story has power—not just for others, but for your own healing. In this episode, Marcy Pusey joins the conversation to share how storytelling can be a powerful tool for processing trauma and reclaiming self-worth. She opens up about her experience in a relationship with a narcissist, the struggle of feeling unworthy, and how embracing her own narrative helped her heal. Whether you're navigating your own past or looking for ways to step into your truth, this episode is a reminder that your vo...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 67
