In this powerful and practical conversation, Shaley sits down with therapist and author Diana Partington to unpack what Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) actually is—and why it can be a game-changer for people living with bipolar disorder. Diana shares her deeply personal story of living with suicidality for decades before discovering DBT, the therapy that finally gave her the “toolbox” she had been searching for. Together, Shaley and Diana explore how DBT differs from traditional CBT, why min...
Feb 20, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 137
In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of This Is Bipolar , Shaley and Dr. Andrea Vassilev meet in real life for the very first time in Los Angeles and dive deep into one of the most meaningful (and complicated) topics when living with bipolar disorder: friendships. Together, they explore how bipolar disorder can impact connection, consistency, communication, and trust — from ghosting during depression to intensity, oversharing, and irritability during hypomania or mania. They talk openly abo...
Jan 31, 2026•32 min•Ep. 136
In this deeply honest episode of t his Is bipolar , Shaley sits down with a guest Jess who shares her lived experience of being diagnosed with bipolar I after antidepressant-induced mania and psychosis in college — and what it took to rebuild a life of stability, work, love, and motherhood. Together, they unpack what psychosis and mania actually feel like in the body, how symptoms can be rooted in reality, and why bipolar disorder is better understood as a spectrum rather than a box. The convers...
Jan 16, 2026•57 min•Ep. 134
BEST OF 2025 Welcome back to 'This is Bipolar,' where Shaley Hoogendoorn, a passionate mental health advocate living with Bipolar 2 disorder, invites us into a heartfelt conversation about navigating change as we head into 2025. Alongside her friend and new co-host, Dr. Andrea Vasilev, a doctor of psychology also living with bipolar, they explore the complexities of the New Year's transition for those living with bipolar disorder. Glammed up in sparkling New Year's dresses (which you can see on ...
Jan 02, 2026•49 min•Ep. 135
In this BEST of 2023 bonus episode, Coping with Christmas , mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Charise Jewell revisit one of our most-loved holiday conversations about navigating the season while living with bipolar disorder. Shaley and Charise share personal experiences, practical strategies, and honest reflections on what has helped them manage — and sometimes even enjoy — the holidays. From laugh-out-loud moments (yes, hypomanic stocking-stuffing made the cut) to deeply heartfelt ...
Dec 15, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 132
In this episode of 'this is bipolar', Shaley and Andrea unpack the unique challenges of traveling and navigating the holiday season living with bipolar disorder. They explore common triggers—from disrupted routines and sensory overwhelm to family dynamics, cultural expectations, and financial pressure—while offering practical strategies for staying regulated on the road and during gatherings. With honest personal stories and compassionate insight, they share realistic tools for setting boundarie...
Nov 25, 2025•48 min•Ep. 130
Join Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev as they share about their TRAVEL UPDATES and what strategies they used to manage their mood disorders. Shaley and Andrea share first‑hand experiences of traveling with Bipolar this summer and fall— from attending an international conference in Japan to a family camping trip. They discuss planning, managing time‑zone changes, medication paperwork, sleep strategies, and setting expectations. The episode offers concrete tips: prepare your circadian rh...
Nov 18, 2025•49 min•Ep. 128
Host Shaley Hoogendoorn and guest Jade Rose, both living with bipolar II, share honest, practical strategies for managing depression and hypomania. They discuss tiny habits — distraction, routines, gentle nudges, yoga, sleep tricks, and sensory changes — that add up to meaningful relief, and how friends and family can best offer support by holding space and creating simple action plans. This episode is from the vault and was recorded in December 2024 and is part of the “Going Deeper” series and ...
Nov 07, 2025•41 min•Ep. 127
(BEST OF 2022) Tune in for part 2 of episode 19... as mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they tackle the tricky topic of supporting a loved one who is dealing with a mental health struggle. They share lived experiences about ghosting, clinginess, setting healthy boundaries, and the shame and guilt that can follow mood episodes. The episode offers practical tips for friends and loved ones—keep reaching out with no-pressure check-ins, use code words or simple responses, ...
Oct 16, 2025•28 min•Ep. 126
In this powerful episode of "this is bipolar," host Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with David Funes to discuss his journey living with Bipolar I Disorder. David shares candidly about his strict religious upbringing, early trauma, and the onset of his symptoms in college. The conversation covers the highs and lows of living with bipolar disorder, including manic and depressive episodes, addiction, crime, and ultimately, recovery and advocacy. David’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of...
Sep 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 125
In this episode of This Is Bipolar , host Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with Cuban-American spoken-word poet and mental health advocate Dailyn Santana to share her powerful lived experience with bipolar I disorder. Dailyn opens up about the earliest signs she noticed in middle school, the challenges of navigating undiagnosed symptoms, and a significant manic episode that led to hospitalization during college. She reflects on how these experiences shaped her family life, her cultural identity, and...
Sep 10, 2025•57 min•Ep. 124
We are sharing some of our most listened to episodes once a month! In this BEST OF episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss their vastly different experiences of seeking professional help and receiving their bipolar II diagnoses. They describe when, where, and how they first heard the life-changing news, "You have bipolar disorder." It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that in sharing they will offer insight and encouragement to anyone going through the proce...
Aug 31, 2025•40 min•Ep. 123
Join hosts Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev as they delve into the complexities of traveling with Bipolar Disorder in this enlightening episode of 'this is bipolar'. Together, they explore how changing time zones and disrupted routines can impact mental health, offering practical tips to manage these challenges. They share personal stories and expert insights on maintaining balance and stability while traveling, ensuring that your adventure is both memorable and manageable. Discover st...
Aug 06, 2025•45 min•Ep. 122
Throwing back to a heartfelt episode of "this is bipolar" with co-hosts Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft. In this episode, the duo dives deep into their personal experiences dealing with bipolar disorder and everyday anxiety. They open up about the struggles of coping with irrational fears and the constant overthinking that accompanies their bipolar journeys. Shaley and Julie candidly share their battles with anxiety in daily situations, from social interactions to medical appointments, and ho...
Jul 15, 2025•51 min•Ep. 121
Throwback to a BEST OF episode-Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they tackle the tricky topic of supporting a loved one who is dealing with a mental health struggle. ... It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that this episode offers insight and encouragement to those with mental health struggles, as well as everyone living & loving alongside. This is bipolar... Connect with us: IG @this.is.bipolar Youtube: this is bipolar channel TT @this.is.bipolar thisisbi...
Jul 07, 2025•42 min•Ep. 119
Join hosts Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev in an enlightening discussion focusing on the often misunderstood concept of mixed features. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, they unpack what it means to experience mixed episodes and how these can present in daily life. This episode sheds light on diagnostic challenges, common misconceptions, and the importance of accurate treatment. Additionally, the episode touches on the risks associated with mixed features, including h...
Jun 25, 2025•42 min•Ep. 118
In this episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss hypomania. For them, hypomania has two sides- the bright but also the dark. In this follow-up to episode 11, they share what it feels like in their minds and bodies when the destructive side of hypomania rears its head. What are the problems & pitfalls? In what ways are their lives, and the lives of those around them, affected the most? Listen in as Shaley and Julie also share about how they spot warning sign...
Jun 10, 2025•55 min•Ep. 117
Join Host Shaley Hoogendoorn as she interviews fellow bipolar warrior Brennan Wood about his experiences with bipolar 2 disorder. They delve into the transformative power of community and discuss the impact of peer support groups, both online and in-person. In this episode, Brennan, a bipolar advocate with a rapidly growing TikTok community, also shares his firsthand experiences within the psych ward and the troubles he has faced living with bipolar disorder and navigating friendships. He recoun...
May 21, 2025•40 min•Ep. 115
In this brief episode, host Shaley shares an honest update on her current battle with a challenging mixed episode of Bipolar 2 Disorder. Shaley opens up about the emotional and physical toll it has taken, offering insights into the realities of living with bipolar disorder. Amidst overwhelming feelings and fluctuating symptoms, Shaley discusses the importance of self-care, reaching out for support, and the difficulty of balancing work and personal life during such episodes. She highlights her co...
May 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 116
This episode of the podcast was recorded last year on MY BIRTHDAY so I brought it back!!!! Its all about bipolar, birthdays & BIG feelings! When I asked on Instagram if anyone else gets bipolar symptoms triggered by birthdays the response was huge. I’m not alone when comes to living with symptoms and episodes brought on by this mood disorder. When I look at the comments you all left on the previous post I could see it was something that we need to talk about so I recorded a solo episode! I s...
Apr 13, 2025•48 min•Ep. 114
Welcome to another episode of "This is Bipolar," where host Shaley Hoogendoorn delves into personal experiences and insights about living with bipolar 2 disorder. Shaley an advocate, teacher, wife, and mother, shares her own journey alongside guest Sara Schley, who brings her perspective as an entrepreneur and grandmother living with the condition. In this episode, they discuss the profound impact of proper diagnosis and the often-long journey to receiving it, emphasizing the importance of under...
Apr 09, 2025•54 min•Ep. 113
Welcome to another episode of this is bipolar, where we dive deep into the complexities of living with Bipolar 2 Disorder and how it impacts relationships. Shaley Hoogendoorn, a mental illness advocate, and Andrea Vasilev, a doctor of psychology, share their personal experiences and professional insights into how bipolar disorder affects friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics. Through their candid conversation, listeners are encouraged to understand the challenges posed by mood...
Mar 31, 2025•53 min•Ep. 112
Welcome to another empowering episode of "This is Bipolar," hosted by Shaley Hoogendoorn. This episode is a part of the "Going Deeper" series, offering listeners an opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of bipolar disorder with depth and nuance Join Shaley along with special guest Vasavi Kumar as they delve into the dynamic interplay of creativity and mental illness, particularly focusing on Bipolar Disorder. They answer a common question- Can you still tap into your creativity while be...
Mar 17, 2025•32 min•Ep. 111
In this emotionally candid podcast episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev share their personal journeys living with bipolar disorder. The hosts delve into the topic of depression and what we can do when depressive symptoms and episodes arise to help cope. Together, they discuss the importance of community and support groups, providing a safe space for individuals to connect and share their experiences. The episode explores the complexities of bipolar depression, distinguishing betwe...
Mar 15, 2025•57 min•Ep. 110
Welcome to another enlightening episode of 'This is Bipolar,' hosted by the passionate mental health advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn. As a mom, wife, school teacher, and individual living with Bipolar II disorder, Shaley understands the power of sharing personal stories to educate others, dismantle stigma, and foster collective healing. In this episode, Shaley and her co-host Dr. Andrea Vassilev dive deep into the early warning signs and symptoms of depression, offering listeners valuable insights i...
Mar 14, 2025•50 min•Ep. 106
Join Shaley Hoogendoorn as she dives deep into conversations about living with Bipolar 2 disorder, focusing on self-love and acceptance. In this insightful episode, Shaley and is joined by author guest Hannah Blum. Hannah has written "The Truth About Broken: The Unfixed Version of Self-love and "Oh Mind Where Have You Gone". Together they explore the challenges of self-perception, the societal influences on self-worth, and strategies to overcome self-doubt. Through personal stories and shared ex...
Jan 20, 2025•34 min•Ep. 109
Join Shaley Hoogendoorn in this enlightening episode as she dives deep into the intricacies of bipolar disorder with distinguished expert Dr. Holly A. Swartz. Delve into the transformative potential of Social Rhythm Therapy, a groundbreaking intervention aimed at enhancing the well-being of those living with bipolar disorder. Discover the science behind circadian rhythms and how daily routines and social interactions can positively impact mood stability. Dr. Swartz shares practical strategies, e...
Jan 20, 2025•53 min•Ep. 108
Welcome back to 'This is Bipolar,' where Shaley Hoogendoorn, a passionate mental health advocate living with Bipolar 2 disorder, invites us into a heartfelt conversation about navigating change as we head into 2025. Alongside her friend and new co-host, Dr. Andrea Vasilev, a doctor of psychology also living with bipolar, they explore the complexities of the New Year's transition for those living with bipolar disorder. Glammed up in sparkling New Year's dresses (which you can see on the Youtube v...
Jan 06, 2025•48 min•Ep. 107
Join Shaley Hoogendoorn in this powerful episode of 'This is Bipolar' as she opens her heart and shares her journey living with Bipolar 2 disorder. With warmth and sincerity, Shaley discusses the impact of sharing personal stories in breaking stigma and fostering understanding around mental health. She highlights the value of storytelling and community in healing individually and collectively. In this episode, Shaley engages in an insightful conversation with special guest Jade Rose, a fellow me...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 105
In this episode of "This is Bipolar," host Shaley Hoogendoorn is joined by returning guest Birdie Thorne to discuss the unique challenges of coping with Christmas while living with Bipolar 2 Disorder. Shaley and Birdie, both mental health advocates, share their personal experiences and offer valuable insights into managing the emotional highs and lows that come with the holiday season. They delve into the pressures and expectations of holiday festivities, exploring how these can impact mental he...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 104
