Mental Note
Meet Mental Note – a podcast highlighting both the work and the beauty of mental health recovery. Stories will span a variety of mental illness struggles from eating disorders to depression, OCD and Bipolar. We will introduce you to relatable personalities, and dive deep into how they choose health amidst daunting illnesses. At the end of it all, we will provide hope that recovery is possible—and worth it.
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Understanding ARFID and OCD: Crystal Weidman’s Journey Through Fear, Recovery, and Hope
12/11/2025
Understanding ARFID and OCD: Crystal Weidman’s Journey Through Fear, Recovery, and Hope
For most of her life, science teacher and meteorologist Crystal Weidman was labeled a “picky eater.” While friends and family fixated on her unique food rules, they completely missed the clues that something more serious was to blame. In this episode Crystal shares her story of navigating ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) along with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). This conversation sheds light on what ARFID really is (and isn’t), why recovery is rarely linear, and how community and self-compassion can transform a life. Whether you’re familiar with ARFID or hearing about it for the first time, Crystal’s story offers connection, clarity, and hope. Links Mental Note Podcast Other episodes about ARFID: What is ARFID Anyway? Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder with Dr. Michelle Jones - . Is It Picky Eating or Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)? - Overview of ARFID (Overview, Resources, Quiz, FAQ, and more): Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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Social Media and Mental Health: A Conversation with Dr. Alyssa Lucker
10/21/2025
Social Media and Mental Health: A Conversation with Dr. Alyssa Lucker
In this episode of the Mental Note Podcast, psychiatrist Dr. Alyssa Lucker unpacks the complicated relationship between social media and mental health - especially for teens and young adults. We explore the challenges of researching social media effects, how it influences the developing brain, and where responsibility lies between parents and platforms. Dr. Lucker also highlights potential benefits — like connection, creativity, and self-expression — alongside the risks of sleep disruption, mood changes, and addictive patterns. With practical advice on digital literacy, family communication, and self-reflection, this conversation asks the bigger question: is social media a healthy part of modern life, or just a poor substitute for real-world connection? Links Mental Note Podcast Child and Adolescent Mental Heal Treatment - Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: Content Breakdown: Why is Dr. Lucker passionate about social media hygiene 02:19 What does research say about social media’s affect on teen mental health? 03:19 Difference between screen time and social media screen time 06:56 Benefits of social media 10:00 What’s is the best approach for social media in our life? 12:50 Questions to ask yourself if you’re concerned 14:30 Similarities / Differences with adult mental health 16:20 What is digital literacy and how do we cultivate it? Effects of AI? 17:36 Signs that professional support is needed 22:05 Dr. Lucker’s top take away for listeners 26:50
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Depression in High Achievers: Jenny Jacobsen on Burnout, Anxiety, and Healing
09/17/2025
Depression in High Achievers: Jenny Jacobsen on Burnout, Anxiety, and Healing
Depression doesn’t always look like staying in bed or losing motivation. For high-achieving people, it often hides behind packed schedules, perfectionism, and quiet exhaustion. In this episode, therapist Jenny Jacobsen unpacks how depression shows up differently in top performers, the overlap between burnout, boredom, anxiety, and depression, and the early warning signs you need to know. She also shares practical strategies—from microdosing self-care to building foundational habits and practicing self-compassion—that can help you reconnect, heal, and move forward one step at a time. Links: Jenny’s Website: Mental Note Podcast Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Should I Say This in Therapy? Understanding Confidentiality and Informed Consent with Maria Ortiz and Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash
08/12/2025
Should I Say This in Therapy? Understanding Confidentiality and Informed Consent with Maria Ortiz and Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash
Should I Say This in Therapy? Have you ever wondered what your therapist can and can’t share outside the therapy room? Or when therapy confidentiality laws require them to break that trust? In this collaborative episode, Ellie Pike joins clinicians Maria Ortiz and Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash from the ‘On the Mic with ED’ podcast to unpack the often-misunderstood boundaries of confidentiality in therapy. Topics Covered: What informed consent really means When therapists are legally required to break confidentiality (and when they’re not) due to mandatory reporting How clients can navigate trust, shame, and uncertainty in the therapy room Whether you’re in therapy for an eating disorder, addiction, trauma, or personal growth, this conversation will help you understand your rights in therapy and navigate those hard conversations with confidence. Links: On the Mic with ED Podcast Website - Apple Podcasts - Spotify - Instagram - Mental Note Podcast - Eating Recovery Center - Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center - Free Group Support - Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist -
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Intermittent Fasting & Mental Health: The Science Behind What Diet Culture Isn’t Telling You
07/03/2025
Intermittent Fasting & Mental Health: The Science Behind What Diet Culture Isn’t Telling You
Intermittent fasting is everywhere—from influencer feeds to doctor’s offices—but is this trending approach to eating really the wellness cure-all it claims to be? In this episode of Mental Note, registered dietitian Jennifer Vittitow joins host Ellie Pike to explore the hidden downsides of intermittent fasting, including its impact on mental health, disordered eating behaviors, and social connection. Together, they unpack the science, debunk the diet culture spin, and offer a more compassionate path forward—one rooted in balance, flexibility, and trust in your body. Links: Mental Note Podcast Eating Recovery Center: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Choosing Treatment: How Writer Lara Jacobs Reclaimed Her Story from an Eating Disorder
04/22/2025
Choosing Treatment: How Writer Lara Jacobs Reclaimed Her Story from an Eating Disorder
A dangerous secret lurked behind author Lara Jacobs’ ambition: she relied on anorexia to focus her writing, blurring the line between artistic drive and self-destruction. In this episode, Lara shares how years of chasing a story across continents ultimately led her to eating disorder treatment and to rediscovering herself—both as a writer and as a person in recovery. With honesty and hope, she reflects on the pivotal moments that helped her heal, the community that supported her, and how reclaiming her narrative became the most powerful form of self-expression. Now, she teaches others to do the same. Links: Lara’s Website: Lara's Instagram: Mental Note Podcast Eating Recovery Center: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Parenting Through Eating Disorder Recovery: Advice from Those Who’ve Been There
02/11/2025
Parenting Through Eating Disorder Recovery: Advice from Those Who’ve Been There
Supporting a loved one through eating disorder recovery can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this special Q&A episode, we sit down with experienced parents Beth Ayn Stansfield and Amy Oberholtzer, who have navigated this journey with their own children and turned their experiences into advocacy. Beth Ayn, now the National Family Advocate for Eating Recovery Center, and Amy, founder of the nonprofit CATCH, share their hard-earned wisdom on self-care, technology, community-building, and trusting the process. Their insights offer guidance, hope, and reassurance whether you’re just beginning or deep in the recovery journey. Beth Ayn + Amy's Links: - For caregivers of either children and teens or adults (Support Groups will be at the bottom of the page once you click the link.) CATCH Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast Eating Recovery Center: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Who Gets to Heal? Akiera Gilbert on Access and Equity in Eating Disorder Treatment
12/04/2024
Who Gets to Heal? Akiera Gilbert on Access and Equity in Eating Disorder Treatment
In a world where mental health care is often seen as one-size-fits-all, Akiera Gilbert is on a mission to break down barriers and open the doors of eating disorder treatment to those often left behind. As the CEO of Project Heal, Akiera leads an organization dedicated to transforming the system while offering immediate, life-saving support to those who face financial, cultural, and systemic obstacles to care. Through her work, Akiera emphasizes the power of community and the need to reimagine healing in ways that honor diverse experiences. In this episode, we explore her personal recovery journey, the realities of accessing treatment, and how understanding social identities is key to providing quality care for all. Join us as we discuss the future of inclusive healing and the incredible impact of Project Heal’s work. Project Heal Links Project Heal Website: Clinical Assessment: Cash Assistance: Insurance Navigation: Meal Support: Community Support: Research and Advocacy: Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Body Image and Liberation with Carly Compton
10/30/2024
Body Image and Liberation with Carly Compton
As an eating disorder survivor turned eating disorder therapist, Carly Compton strives to be the person that she wishes she would have known when she was younger. That conviction led her on a rewarding journey to become a therapist, model, host of the Recover with Carly Podcast, and creator of an eating disorder curriculum for adolescents. In all these endeavors, Carly focuses on partnering with individuals to give up dieting, recover from disordered eating, and find genuine happiness and acceptance within themselves — no matter their size, race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status. We sit down to discuss the steps that took her on such a liberating journey and also some practical ways you can improve your relationship with your body. Resources: Her Socials: and Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Let’s Discuss ADHD with Landon Bryant
09/03/2024
Let’s Discuss ADHD with Landon Bryant
From Chaos to Creativity: Storyteller and artist Landon Bryant explores his journey from struggling with life’s basic challenges to finding success and support after an adult ADHD diagnosis. Landon shares how he navigated the difficulties of his condition, including years of trial and error with medications and strategies, and how he ultimately embraced the creative potential of ADHD. This conversation sheds light on the importance of self-awareness, support systems, and the unique strengths that can arise from challenges. His journey is a source of hope for anyone on a similar path. Resources: Get to Know Landon: Instagram TikTok: Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Ozempic, Eating Disorders, and Diabetes: GLP-1 weight loss drugs explained with Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar
07/23/2024
Ozempic, Eating Disorders, and Diabetes: GLP-1 weight loss drugs explained with Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar
GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have exploded in popularity due to their weight-loss potential. But what do they actually do? How do they function? And why are they the subject of so much controversy? With insight from Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, Regional Medical Director for the Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center, this episode will empower you to make an educated decision when it comes to your body and these medications. Crucially, we will also focus on how GLP-1s may affect individuals with eating disorders - even if they are being taken as diabetes medication rather than to lose weight. If you’d like to learn more about GLp-1s from Dr. Wassenaar — and earn CE credits along the way — join Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight’s virtual annual conference August 21-23 . Dr. Wassenaar will lead a special discussion on GLP-1s and their relationship to Binge Eating Disorder treatment. Resources: Mental Note Podcast: 16th Annual Conference: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Addiction, Incarceration, and Transformational Love - How Queer Filmmaker Vik Chopra Found His Voice
06/27/2024
Addiction, Incarceration, and Transformational Love - How Queer Filmmaker Vik Chopra Found His Voice
Growing up, Vik Chopra was not the kid most people assumed would end up serving a sentence in Federal prison. A student leader with straight A’s and numerous volunteer hours, Vik secretly hid pain and shame beneath a shiny outward persona - with disastrous consequences. Now a filmmaker, actor, and writer who has embraced his queer and South Asian identities, Vik takes us on a transformational journey through addiction, incarceration, and rebirth. His story is a testament to the powers of embracing community, fostering daily practices, and forgiving ourselves. We encourage you to check out the podcasts and films he is making with justice-impacted individuals. Find them at his website linked below. ___________________________________________ Resources: Website - Instagram - @ Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Substance Use Disorders Part 2 - How to Make an Effective Change with Leah Young
05/21/2024
Substance Use Disorders Part 2 - How to Make an Effective Change with Leah Young
Welcome to part two of our Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Discussion with Leah Young where we focus on the proactive steps you can take to find recovery from a SUD. Today’s episode is all about what to do once you realize you have a problem with substances or addictive behaviors. We’ll discuss topics like: Different strategies for ending destructive behaviors spanning from abstinence to harm reduction How to develop boundaries to enable healthier behaviors Easy ways to measure the success of your approach If you missed our last episode, you can easily find it in your podcast feed or by clicking the link in the show notes below. You don’t necessarily need to listen to Part 1 to understand Part 2. However, you may want to pull it up if you are trying to figure out whether or not you have a substance use issue. Resources: Brief video overview about Substance Use Disorders from the Center for Disease Control: Infographic: 2022 Survey on Drug Use and Health - Book: Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington - Podcast: Sober Curious with Ruby Warrington - Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: Nearly all substances and many addictive behaviors have 12-step meetings. Below are some examples, but you can search online for the national and local chapters nearest you. - Self Harm & - Sex and Love Addicts Plus many others that may not be as well known, available, and/or regional
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Substance Use Disorder 101 - How much is too much? with Leah Young
05/02/2024
Substance Use Disorder 101 - How much is too much? with Leah Young
In our next two episodes, we will explore a disorder affecting nearly one in five Americans - Substance Use Disorder (SUD). From knowing when your patterns are problematic, to building new neural pathways, to measuring success - we want to dig deep. And we’ve got the incredible expertise of Leah Young to show us why there’s so much reason for hope when dealing with addictive behaviors and substances. You can think of today’s podcast as Substance Use Disorder 101. It answers the questions, “How do you know if your use of alcohol or drugs is a problem?” and “Are you exhibiting problematic addictive behaviors?” We will cover topics like Early warning signs Denial Sober curiosity Next steps for getting support.
Our second episode will examine recovery models for SUD - abstinence, moderation, and harm reduction - and how to know what works for you. Resources: Brief video overview about Substance Use Disorders from the Center for Disease Control: Infographic: 2022 Survey on Drug Use and Health - Book: Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington - Podcast: Sober Curious with Ruby Warrington - Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: Nearly all substances and many addictive behaviors have 12-step meetings. Below are some examples, but you can search online for the national and local chapters nearest you. - Self Harm & - Sex and Love Addicts Plus many others that may not be as well known, available, and/or regional
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Securely Attached - Why Relationship Patterns Matter with Eli Harwood aka Attachment Nerd
04/02/2024
Securely Attached - Why Relationship Patterns Matter with Eli Harwood aka Attachment Nerd
Close relationships set the tone for how we experience love and security. Yet, keeping those relationships healthy is rarely easy. Fortunately, Attachment Theory researchers have spent decades scrutinizing why we connect the way we do and what actions help make friendships, partnerships, and family bonds flourish. For therapist, mama, and author Eli Harwood - aka Attachment Nerd - her journey into understanding attachment patterns was deeply personal. Her early life programmed her to believe that she could not consistently rely on her needs being met. As an adult, this belief severely impacted her ability to connect with others, prompting Eli to find the best tools for healing and growing new attachment patterns. She benefited from that growth so much that she spent the past 17 years inviting others to discover how fun and stress-free this transformation can be. Today’s show is all about understanding basic Attachment Patterns, how they affect our relationships, and how we can enjoy becoming more secure parents, friends, and humans. Resources: Website - Instagram - Podcast - Book - Securely Attached - Free webinar - 2 Minute Attachment Quiz - Collection of coaching tips - Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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What is ARFID Anyway? Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder with Dr. Michelle Jones
02/26/2024
What is ARFID Anyway? Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder with Dr. Michelle Jones
Today, we investigate Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) - a diagnosis that can be as confusing as its name suggests… But fear not! We are lucky to have Dr. Michelle Jones as our guide. As a clinical psychologist who studied ARFID since it first became a diagnosis, she's uniquely qualified to distill years of research into succinct explanations. Together, we unpack all the fascinating ways ARFID affects our relationship with food, plus what to do if you or someone you love is diagnosed with it. Resources: Book - ARFID information: videos, resources, and treatment options - Quiz if you think you or a loved one have ARFID - Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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Medication: Musician David Wimbish Normalizes Psychiatric Care Through Art
01/24/2024
Medication: Musician David Wimbish Normalizes Psychiatric Care Through Art
One chilly Maine morning, enveloped in a snowed-in cabin, musician DW sat at a piano recording a melody that had just popped into his brain. As he played, the phrase “I deserve to be well” tumbled out of his mouth in song. He immediately broke down in tears asking, “Wow, do I really believe this?” That question, and the ensuing album he created with his band The Collection, fueled an artistic journey to make sense of depression, the stigma of psychiatric medication, and asserting self-worth. We sit down with David to hear his mental health story, why he chose to share it publicly, and enjoy a special performance of two new singles from The Collection’s upcoming album. _________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: David’s Links The Collection's Website: TikTok: Instagram: Link Tree: Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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How Have You Grown This Year?
12/21/2023
How Have You Grown This Year?
The end of the calendar year packs a lot into a short amount of time and it can be easy to deprioritize your mental health in all that noise. One of the best ways to refocus on your values is to remember the ways you’ve grown this past year. So to honor the journey of 2023, we created an audio mural using six short stories from listeners and past guests. Storytellers focus not only on specific challenges but also on how they have built resilience, fostered mental health, leaned on therapy, and tapped into community. Ultimately, these collective vignettes whisper a comforting reminder that we are not alone and that hope is stronger than defeat. Storytellers Alex Carrie Zhang Eric Dorsa Gloria Jen Ponton Shay Resources: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Calming Moody Storms - Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) with Dr. Allison Chase
12/06/2023
Calming Moody Storms - Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) with Dr. Allison Chase
Today’s episode is all about giving you an incredibly practical tool for navigating emotion-focused conversations anywhere and with anyone. To do that, we’ve invited Dr. Allison Chase to walk us through Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT for short). Mostly, we will focus on Emotion Coaching - a skill that creates shortcuts between two very different parts of the brain. The results are powerful and can help you and your loved one feel connected and empowered rather than confused and upset. It’s important to note that Dr. Chase discusses EFFT skills in the context of a caregiver’s relationship with someone battling an eating disorder, but you can take EFFT skills into any relationship that gets sidetracked by intense emotional outbursts - be they at work, home, or out in the world. Resources: Dr. LaFrance’s book: EFFT Basics: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Getting Feely - Embracing Emotions with Nōn Wels
10/31/2023
Getting Feely - Embracing Emotions with Nōn Wels
Have you ever been told that you’re too emotional? Or felt the need to hide your heart in order to be accepted and productive? Community builder and writer Nōn Wels can relate. As a sensitive kid growing up in an environment that didn’t always feel safe, Nōn learned to guard his heart so that nobody could find their way in. This led to a lot of pain and struggle: substance abuse, an eating disorder, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and depression. Along the way, Nōn realized that empathetic communities play a crucial role in finding wholeness, love, and nourishment. As a result, he started creating projects and groups designed to empower each of us to grow our capacity for empathy, vulnerability, and emotional curiosity. Today, we talk with Nōn about the journey that prompted him to create the Feely Human Collective and why we should even care about empathy and community in the first place. __________________________________________ Resources: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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Fat in a Thin World: Weight Inclusivity with Aubrey Gordon and Kara Richardson Whitely
09/26/2023
Fat in a Thin World: Weight Inclusivity with Aubrey Gordon and Kara Richardson Whitely
Have you ever wondered why our culture treats fat and fat bodies with such vehement scorn? What about the experiences of people who are fat? What does it mean to exist in a thin-obsessed society? With humor, personal stories, and research Aubrey Gordon & Kara Richardson Whitely - two fat authors and storytellers - explain how the world works differently for people depending on their size. Along the way, we talk about the unintended and sometimes deadly consequences of weight stigma in the medical world as well as what you and I can do to end weight discrimination. Resources: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with April Snow
08/24/2023
Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with April Snow
Have you ever noticed that you simply notice more? Therapist, author, consultant, and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) April Snow wants you to know that you are not alone. In fact, the genetic trait responsible for Sensory Processing Sensitivity - aka what makes HSPs more attuned to the world around them - is present in 20% of individuals, regardless of gender. It can be both a superpower and an Achilles heel. And that’s why we are so excited to talk with April. April built her career by helping highly sensitive individuals move beyond feelings of overwhelm and guilt to discover the best parts of being more aware of their surroundings. Together, we examine HSP Characteristics, misconceptions, and how to thrive as a highly sensitive person. ___________________________________________________________________________ Resources: April’s Website - April's Instagram - HSP Self-Test - Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Unlocking Radical Authenticity with Moe Ari Brown
07/20/2023
Unlocking Radical Authenticity with Moe Ari Brown
Have you ever felt like the real you - the one that exists deep, deep down - is not aligned with how you live your life? What would it be like to let the true you break free? That’s why we created today’s podcast. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Moe Ari Brown has spent his career helping others live their most authentic lives. He is one of the leading mental health experts in the realm of Transgender Identity, with a keen understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender identity, and spirituality. And he’s here for a discussion about Radical Authenticity - what it is, how to find it, and who it is for. So join me, my delightful co-host Eric Dorsa, and Moe Ari as we focus on discovering radical authenticity and learning to love ourselves while accepting the world around us. ________ Resources: Moe Ari’s Website: Moe Ari’s Instagram Be Your Own Love Goals Podcast: Eric Dorsa Instagram: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Anxiety, Depression & Coming of Age as a Dreamer with Mario Gonzalez
06/12/2023
Anxiety, Depression & Coming of Age as a Dreamer with Mario Gonzalez
Mario Gonzalez moved to the United States when he was only three years old as the son of undocumented immigrants who followed seasonal harvests up and down the West Coast. As a result, his childhood was filled with constant change, insecurity, & financial stress. Determined to build a life of greater stability, Mario chose to focus on school and finding a legal foothold in the US. His path has been one of bravery, heartbreak, and determination. You won’t want to miss it! Today’s episode - in collaboration with the podcast I Know Lonely and non-profit Only 7 Seconds - explores Mario’s upbringing, how he manages clinically diagnosed anxiety and depression, and what empowers him to stay present as his legal status remains unresolved. ___ Resources: Help with loneliness and isolation: I Know Lonely Podcast: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Website: Free Group Support: Free evaluation with a trained Pathlight therapist: (877) 850-7199 Mario’s Instagram:
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Breaking Free from Binge Eating Disorder with Dave Vrablik
05/09/2023
Breaking Free from Binge Eating Disorder with Dave Vrablik
Dave Vrablik’s lifelong habit of emotional eating never felt like a serious problem. That is, until one heartbreaking phone call five years ago… Upon receiving news about the death of his beloved older brother, Dave’s occasional compulsive eating quickly morphed into uncontrolled binging. All of a sudden he was enveloped by Binge Eating Disorder. Dave’s discovery and treatment of the eating disorder sent him on a five-year journey - one that highlights the importance of community as well as what we all should know about America’s most prevalent, yet under-diagnosed, eating disorder. _______________________________________________________________________________ Links: Binge Eating Information: Virtual At-Home Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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Healing Through Grief and Loss with Kaylee Kron
04/04/2023
Healing Through Grief and Loss with Kaylee Kron
For more than 10 years Kaylee Kron has walked alongside the bereaved, companioning them and honoring the memory of their lost loved ones. In a culture that treats death and grief like they are contagious, she is a wise guide prompting us to reevaluate that fear. This compassion and insight did not come easy. It grew out of personal tragedy - the unexpected death of a partner and a tumultuous path back to peace. She now works tirelessly to showcase the rich world of grief and why we should embrace it rather than hide from the pain. On today’s episode, we discuss: Kaylee’s story Common misconceptions about grief The do’s & don’ts of talking about loss The life-altering power of recognizing loss with your community __________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: Kaylee’s Links & Grief Education Kaylee Kron’s Website: Workbook for Families in Grief: Instagram: Companioning Model: Four Tasks of Mourning: Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Adult ADHD & How to Get Things Done with KC Davis
02/27/2023
Adult ADHD & How to Get Things Done with KC Davis
Right as therapist KC Davis gave birth to her second baby, Covid-19 began shutting down normal life. Not only that, but KC had just moved to a new city, her husband began a demanding new job, and pandemic restrictions caused their carefully planned support system to crumble. All of a sudden it was just her - and her two babies - home alone. Everyday. In the chaos that ensued, KC began an unexpected new journey. From grappling with mental health barriers to becoming TikTok famous and writing a best-selling book - KC has ventured out on a quest. Her goal? To connect the dots between mental health and the daily care tasks we tend to take for granted. So on today’s episode, we’ll talk with KC about the last few years - focusing specifically on the ADHD diagnosis that answered so many questions about her past. Along the way, we will learn her signature workarounds for completing tasks that feel impossible. __________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: KC Davis KC Davis’ Website: Struggle Care Podcast: How to Keep House While Drowning: TikTok: Instagram: Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Anorexia in Diverse Bodies: Nothing Atypical About It
01/26/2023
Anorexia in Diverse Bodies: Nothing Atypical About It
American culture praises weight loss. A quick scroll of social media, magazine racks, or even the news will yield numerous “transformation” stories documenting how a fat person turned their life around by shedding pounds. But at what cost? Today, we’re exploring an eating disorder so camouflaged, you probably didn’t even know it exists - Atypical Anorexia. Or, more accurately, anorexia in people with larger bodies. With our guide - recovery advocate Joanna Nolen - we will unpack how fatphobia impacts the medical system, insurance, and even treatment centers. Plus, Joanna will share her most practical wisdom about navigating this weight-loss-obsessed world as a person in recovery living in a larger body. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: "Don't Weigh Me Cards"
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How Do You Heal at Home?
12/13/2022
How Do You Heal at Home?
Beyond the rush and noise of the Holiday Season, hides an amazing treasure - the passing of stories and wisdom from our elders. And we're not just talking about tales of the good ol' days from grandparents! Because an elder is simply someone who’s gone before you, no matter their age. So, to celebrate this special time of year, we are featuring short stories from some of you - the elders in our community who have already walked the road of recovery. We wanted to know how you have integrated recovery into your homes and living spaces. Each featured response is brief. Our hope is that they spark your imagination to consider ways that home might become a partner instead of an opponent to mental health. Many thanks to Kara Richardson Whitley, Ashton Grooms, Jen Ponton, Jane Zeltser, Patrick Devenny, Tony Wilson, Niki Dubois, Chris Henry, Ivy Watts, Katie Kittredge, & Jayne Mattingly for sharing. Resources: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Pathlight Therapist:
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Bipolar Disorder, Motherhood, and Relationships: Choosing Connection with Kea Yamamoto
11/09/2022
Bipolar Disorder, Motherhood, and Relationships: Choosing Connection with Kea Yamamoto
As a teenager, Kea Yamamoto’s behaviors transformed from being respectful, creative, and empathetic to ones that alienated the people she cared most about. Not only did she lash out, but she also stopped sleeping, began hallucinating, and felt immune to consequences. Kea’s eventual diagnosis of proved to be both a relief and a frightening look into the unknown. Would she be able to enjoy the relationships and experiences that make life worthwhile? Or would she move deeper into isolation and pain? Today’s episode - in collaboration with the podcast and the non-profit - explore’s Kea’s 10-year journey towards a fulfilling life. We cover how she mended relationships, what dating with a Bipolar diagnosis was like, and why she decided to become a mother despite the hereditary nature of her disorder. Resources: Help with Loneliness and Isolation: I Know Lonely Podcast: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Website: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Pathlight Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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