Judging Meghan

This episode discusses consent, sexual assault, drugs, and other difficult topics that may be triggering for some listeners. In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Noelle Santorelli, a clinical therapist who specializes in relationships, relational trauma, and women’s mental health. We talk about parenting and some of the difficult questions raised by the widely reported “Cornell Seven” case. We discuss how different college life is now compared to when we were growing up, from social media and the permanent “receipts” it can leave behind, to drugs like ketamine and fentanyl and the way our country has become so divided. One of the biggest takeaways for me is how important it is to start teaching our kids about consent, respect, and boundaries when they’re young. Dr. Santorelli and I talk about parents of both boys and girls modeling respectful behavior at home, teaching kids how to handle being told “no,” and recognizing entitlement before it becomes a bigger problem. We also get into peer pressure and why…

In this episode I’m joined by mental health advocate and speaker Heidi Ambrose for an honest conversation about suicide, grief, and finding hope after loss. Heidi and I first met when I was a speaker at a women's event, there we connected over our shared experiences with loss. She opens up about growing up in New York City with emotionally distant parents and feeling lonely despite having financial privilege. At just 17, Heidi lost her mother to suicide following her parents’ divorce, an experience that changed her life forever. Heidi shares the shock, guilt, and stigma she experienced after her mother’s death, including how difficult it was to talk openly about what happened. Without therapy or much support at the time, she had to navigate her grief largely on her own. Through therapy and a determination not to let her loss define her, Heidi eventually found purpose in helping others. She became a mental health advocate, pursued a master’s degree in social work, and raised her two sons with an emphasis on…

Today, you’re going to hear a revisited conversation from 2022 between my Mom and me. We talk about her experience being attacked as a young girl and how it forever impacted her life. She has experienced unimaginable loss, including losing both a child and a husband, and has had to learn how to live again after these traumatic experiences. I have experienced my own trauma through the many losses in my life, and my relationship with my Mom has had its ups and downs over the years. But through everything, the love has always been there. I wanted to share this conversation for anyone who may be going through something difficult, as a reminder that even after unimaginable loss and trauma, there can still be hope. I realize how incredibly lucky I am to have my Mom, and I will always treasure this conversation with her. Listen, cry, and be inspired to love your family even harder and stronger. I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please…

In this episode, I sit down with Lizzie Semmer, a former pre K teacher who left the classroom and started a new chapter of her life in Portugal. Lizzie shares what it was like growing up between Chicago and Manhattan Beach with a father who worked in Hollywood, and how she eventually began her own career in entertainment, working with her father. After years in the industry, she followed a calling into teaching and spent a decade working with young children before the demands and exhaustion of the post COVID classroom led her to make the difficult decision to walk away. Lizzie also opens up about losing her father to stage four cancer at just 55 and the profound impact his illness and death had on her. Afterward, genetic testing revealed that she carried the same cancer related mutations, leading to ongoing screenings and the removal of a benign colon mass. We talk about grief, the communities that supported her through some of her hardest moments, and the signs she felt along the way, including receiving…

Two-time Emmy-nominated director/producer of TV and Broadway, Riaz Patel isn’t here because of his credentials. He’s here because of his unusual perspective: a man who has spent virtually his entire life in female-dominated worlds. He grew up surrounded by women — two sisters, countless female cousins — then spent years making television about women, for female-led networks, on female-majority teams, for female audiences. And now, as a gay dad raising two kids, he finds himself once again in a world largely populated by moms. He comes to motherhood as an “interloper”: close enough to see it intimately, but outside enough to see it differently. He’s not here to tell women how to mother. He’s here to talk about what he’s witnessed — the expectations, the judgment, the competition, and the extraordinary pressure women put on themselves and each other. This is a blunt, unfiltered conversation about motherhood — and one I think a lot of mothers need to hear. Follow Riaz here:…

As I celebrate my sixth year of podcasting and approach my 300th episode, I’m excited to welcome angel communicator, author, speaker, and podcaster Alisha Das. During a time when the world can feel especially divided and difficult, Alisha and I have a conversation about spirituality, purpose, angels, and finding light during challenging seasons. Alisha shares her story of growing up in rural Indiana, experiencing a traumatic childhood, and encountering archangels from the age of four. After briefly pursuing acting, she eventually embraced her gifts and became a spiritual intuitive. Alisha explains how connecting with our angelic ancestry can help us better understand our purpose. We also discuss discernment, skepticism, connecting with loved ones who have passed, and how to approach spiritual experiences in a way that feels personal and grounded. Alisha shares insights from her book, Your Angelic Ancestry, including how to connect with angels and discover your angelic name. We also talk about navigating…

This episode is especially meaningful as I celebrate my podcast’s six year anniversary during Suicide Prevention Month. I’m joined by Riaz Patel, a two time Emmy nominated director and producer and Broadway producer, who shares his story of growing up Pakistani, Muslim, and gay in rural West Virginia and Maryland. He opens up about feeling like an outsider, constantly navigating prejudice, experiencing hostility after 9/11, and a pivotal moment when the film Maurice helped him see a different future for himself during one of the darkest times in his life. Riaz shares how that experience led him into entertainment, the unexpected path that brought him to reality television, and the story of meeting his husband, Miles, and building a family. We also talk about the importance of hope, connection, and finding a reason to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming. Riaz is also the creator of Connect Effect, a 53 minute entertainment based experience designed to create "on demand belonging" and help people…

I’m repeating this episode to honor Will Jimeno, all of the victims of 9/11, the survivors, the first responders who ran toward the danger, and all of their families. This episode originally aired in 2021, but Will’s story is one I believe should never be forgotten. September 11, 2001, is a day so many of us remember exactly where we were when we heard the news. It was a day that changed our country and countless lives forever. Will was a rookie Port Authority police officer when he saw the shadow of American Airlines Flight 11 moments before it struck the World Trade Center. He and his fellow officers knew they had to go in and help. Will shares what it was like to walk into the towers knowing a plane had hit the building, never imagining what was about to happen. When the South Tower collapsed, Will became trapped beneath the rubble alongside Sergeant John McLoughlin and Officer Dominick Pezzulo. Only Will and Sergeant McLoughlin survived. Trapped for hours with little hope of being rescued, the two men…

I’m joined by Jacob Cooper, an author, therapist, speaker, and past life regression expert, for a fascinating conversation about near death experiences, spirituality, and what may exist beyond this life. Jacob shares the stories behind his two books, Life After Breath, which explores his own near death experience, and The Wisdom of Jacob’s Ladder, which explores the lessons and insights he took from that experience. Jacob recounts experiencing a near death experience at just three years old in 1993 after suffocating from undiagnosed pertussis. He describes seeing a tunnel and a light, experiencing an overwhelming sense of love, encountering guardian angels and numerous other angels, entering what he calls a “soul pod,” and experiencing a life review that included memories of past lives. He also describes the profound feeling of choosing to return to this life with a service oriented purpose. Together, we explore questions about consciousness, spirituality, purpose, and what happens when we come face to face…

This episode I sit down with therapists and coaches EJ and Tara from the Relationship Renovation podcast and a counseling center in Tucson. They share their own relationship story, including meeting, marrying quickly, and then facing intense challenges after having colicky twins while blending a family with four young children. Sleep deprivation, postpartum struggles, constant conflict, and a loss of intimacy put tremendous strain on their marriage and ultimately became the catalyst for a deeper understanding of relationships. Their experience inspired them to create the research based Relationship Renovation Model and eventually train other therapists in their approach. We talk about emotional safety, attachment, family systems, nervous system regulation, and why you sometimes need to “regulate before you communicate.” They also share their “burnt toast” code word, which allows couples to call for a time out during conflict while creating a clear plan to come back together and continue the conversation. We…

In this episode, I’m joined by Nicole Sciacca, a fitness professional and host of Shockin’ Y’all, for a deeply personal conversation about spirituality, “exit points,” divine protection, and the signs we may receive from the other side. We talk about how trauma and major life experiences can create clarity, shift our perspective, and ultimately lead us toward a deeper sense of purpose and faith. Nicole shares her journey from growing up as a dancer in Birmingham, Alabama, to moving to Los Angeles and navigating a major back injury that completely changed her identity. She opens up about transitioning into fitness, mobility, and training women through midlife, with a focus on longevity, recovery, stress, and learning to care for our bodies through every stage of life. Nicole also shares the devastating losses she has experienced, including finding her partner Matt after he passed away in his sleep and later losing her ex-husband. We talk about grief, the signs she continues to experience from those she has…

This is a revisited episode with Penny Hawkins Smith, a compassionate hospice nurse, influencer, and author of Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living. With over 2 million followers, Penny uses her platform to educate, inspire, and bring light to the often-taboo topic of death. Together, we delve into the emotional and spiritual depths of end-of-life care, from Penny’s personal journey of overcoming death anxiety to the remarkable, love-filled moments she’s witnessed at the bedside of her patients. We share stories of redemption, forgiveness, and the surprising ways people find peace and purpose in their final days. Penny opens up about the challenges of caregiving, the unkindness of online criticism, and the resilience it takes to continue helping others in the face of negativity. We discuss the cultural taboos surrounding death and the importance of breaking the silence—not just to reduce fear, but to foster deeper connections with those we love. From deathbed visions to spiritual encounters…

In this episode, I’m joined by former actor, author, and holistic life and business coach Randy Spelling for an honest conversation about growing up in one of Hollywood’s most famous families. As the son of legendary television producer Aaron Spelling and brother of Tori Spelling, Randy shares what life was really like behind the scenes, the unique challenges of growing up in the spotlight, and how fame shaped both his family and the relationships around him. Randy opens up about his acting career, his experience filming Sons of Hollywood while privately coping with his father’s declining health and passing, and how grief and addiction became deeply intertwined. He candidly shares his journey to sobriety, the lessons he learned after hitting rock bottom, and why leaving Hollywood gave him the fresh start he needed to build a more meaningful life. Today, Randy helps others create lasting change as a holistic life and business coach. We discuss breaking unhealthy patterns, finding confidence and purpose,…

In this episode, I’m joined by grief coach, author, speaker, and Penny’s Flight founder Kate Doerge for a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, and finding purpose after unimaginable tragedy. We begin by talking about the importance of supporting other women, overcoming jealousy, and choosing to lift one another up instead of competing. Kate shares her extraordinary story of losing her father to heart failure, her mother in a tragic car accident, and, most devastatingly, her daughter Penny, who passed away at just 16 years old after years of battling neurofibromatosis, multiple surgeries, and glioblastoma. Kate opens up about the inspiration behind her book, Reimagining Grief, and explains how we can create a greater sense of agency in our healing through five powerful steps: connection, celebration, remaining open to signs from our loved ones, movement, and turning pain into purpose. She shares the meaningful signs she's received from Penny, the beautiful ways families can honor and celebrate those…

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joy Kong, a triple board-certified physician, educator, stem cell expert, and author of Tiger of Beijing. Dr. Kong shares her incredible journey growing up on a university campus in Beijing during a time of major economic change in China. Although her family had very little money, she was surrounded by education and developed an early fascination with America and the opportunities she believed it could offer. Dr. Kong opens up about the many obstacles she faced while trying to build a new life in the United States, including having her visa denied despite earning a scholarship. Determined not to give up, she found creative ways to move forward, from cold-calling hotels for work to becoming a tour guide in Tibet before eventually making it to America. She also shares the painful reality of surviving an abusive and controlling relationship, making the courageous decision to leave with nothing, and rebuilding her life from a shelter with the help of compassionate mentors, an…

In this episode, I’m sharing why melanoma awareness has become so important to me. Between recently losing an old family friend to melanoma, having my own skin cancer scare when a spot on my leg thankfully turned out to be benign, and my mom’s history with melanoma, it was a real wake-up call. Those experiences made me realize how important it is to have this conversation and remind everyone that early detection saves lives. I hope this episode encourages you to protect your skin, schedule regular skin checks, and never ignore changes you notice, because it truly could make all the difference. I’m joined by Leah Adams, a melanoma survivor, long-distance runner, and mental health advocate from Cleveland, who shares her incredible story of being diagnosed with stage 1A malignant melanoma at just 26 years old. Leah opens up about years of tanning bed use, skipping sunscreen, and the surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy that ultimately confirmed her cancer had not spread. Together, we discuss the dangers of…

In this episode I'm then joined by Michelle Crosby, a registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in critical care, plastic surgery, and aesthetics. We dive into the connection between internal health and outward appearance, discussing how nutrition, hormones, sleep, and overall wellness can dramatically impact not only how we look but how we feel. Michelle shares how her work with PRP and PRF treatments inspired her to take a more holistic approach to health, focusing on achieving optimal wellness rather than simply falling within "normal" lab ranges. Michelle also introduces her innovative app, IntegratedHER, which helps women track everything from sleep, diet, medications, symptoms, and skincare to identify patterns and provide personalized wellness insights. We also discuss the growing popularity of peptides and GLP-1 medications, why proper testing and medical guidance are so important, Korean skincare, and some of the latest aesthetic treatments, including ONDA Pro and Sofwave. Finally, we…

In this episode I sit down with ADHD coach, consultant, podcast host and Beyond ADHD author Sam Led for a conversation about what ADHD actually feels like from the inside. Sam shares his own story of being misdiagnosed with anxiety, OCD and other labels before understanding his ADHD brain. He explains why he believes ADHD is not an attention deficit but an attention difference, why many ADHD brains experience the world in “Technicolor,” and why sensitivity, hyperfocus, creativity and intuition can become strengths once people stop seeing themselves as broken. We also talk about ADD vs ADHD, why the “H” was added, rejection sensitive dysphoria, justice sensitivity, emotional reactivity, sensory overwhelm, panic, thought storms, late diagnosis, medication, school struggles, math, foreign language, SATs, creative careers, podcasting, relationships, men’s mental health and why so many neurodivergent people feel like outsiders before they understand how their brain works. This episode is for adults with ADHD,…

In this revisited episode, I sit down again with clinical psychologist Dr. Noelle Santerelli for a conversation that feels especially important. We talk about adult bullying, relational aggression, and the deep grief that can come from losing friendships and a sense of belonging, particularly within mom groups and close communities. This episode is rooted in mental health and grief, because these losses change how safe the world feels and how we see ourselves. I share openly about why I started this podcast. A devastating friend breakup in 2020 collided with unresolved childhood trauma and brought me to one of the lowest points of my life. What began as subtle exclusion slowly became isolation and public humiliation, leaving me without a community I believed was safe. The shame, loneliness, and grief that followed were overwhelming, especially during COVID, and that loss carried a weight I did not expect. Dr. Santerelli explains why these group dynamics are so harmful and why it is never as simple as just…

Hayley Spitaleri, host of A Splash More, opens up about her brother Nick’s 20-year struggle with opioid addiction, his fatal fentanyl overdose, the boundary she set six months before his death, and the federal investigation that followed. This conversation connects the fentanyl crisis to prescription painkillers, athlete injuries, OxyContin, heroin, counterfeit drugs, overdose prevention, Hayley’s story is for siblings, parents, spouses, and children who have loved someone with substance use disorder—and for anyone trying to protect their family without abandoning the person they love. Hayley Spitaleri is the host of A Splash More, a podcast featuring honest conversations about ambition, identity, motherhood, health, reinvention, and personal growth. This one is for anyone who has lost someone to addiction. Hayley not only inspired me with her strength but gave me hope for those fighting battles many will never understand. Connect with Hayley and listen to A Splash More:@ASplashMore Connect with…

This episode I’m joined by Reshma Kearney, a trauma informed yoga instructor, mental health advocate, and someone I first connected with through Instagram. We begin by talking about my own journey with mental health advocacy, the importance of suicide prevention awareness, a recent personal loss, and the incredible milestone of celebrating six years of the podcast. I also reflect on what it means to see Judging Meghan reach the Top 10 on Apple’s Mental Health charts and why these conversations continue to matter so much to me. Reshma shares her deeply personal story, including her move to California in 2023 to be closer to family after experiencing unimaginable loss. She opens up about her whirlwind love story with her late husband, Sean, an Army orthopedic surgeon who served three deployments and ultimately died by suicide. With honesty and vulnerability, Reshma talks about Sean’s long struggle with depression and anxiety, how his sense of humor, professional success, and constant activity often masked the…

In this episode I sit down with bestselling author Sandy Malone for a fun and inspiring conversation about her writing career, the stories that have captured readers’ hearts, and what exciting projects she has coming next. Sandy shares the journey behind her popular Gem of the Golden Isle series, which begins with Escape to Jekyll Island, and discusses why the charm, beauty, and close knit communities of Georgia’s Golden Isles continue to inspire her work. Sandy also gives us a preview of her upcoming novel, Thicker Than Blood, which is set to be released this fall. While details are still being finalized, she shares her excitement about bringing another story into the world and what the publishing process looks like behind the scenes. We discuss the realities of being an author, balancing creativity with deadlines, and the anticipation that comes with preparing a new release. In addition, Sandy introduces her brand new series, Under the Oaks, a crossover from her Jekyll Island books that expands into…

In this episode I sit down with Neal K. Shah, a Johns Hopkins and NIH funded researcher, former caregiver, and co founder of CareYaya, for an important conversation about dementia, caregiving, and mental health. Neal shares his personal experiences caring for his grandfather during his battle with dementia and later supporting his wife through a multi year cancer journey, opening up about the emotional and physical toll caregiving can take on families. We discuss the lack of support many caregivers receive after a diagnosis, the rising costs of home care and assisted living, and the growing caregiving crisis facing families across the country. Neal also explains how chronic stress, burnout, and sleep deprivation can impact caregivers’ own health, while sharing research on dementia prevention, including movement, social connection, hearing health, and lifestyle habits that may help reduce risk. We also talk about the future of caregiving, including the role artificial intelligence may play in caregiver…

This episode I'm joined by Todd McGuire from Queensland, Australia, a mental health advocate, former undercover detective, and author of the memoir Donny: An Undercover Cop with a Death Wish. Todd opens up about his life before policing, growing up in a loving home with no major trauma, and how everything changed after the devastating suicide of his partner, Karen, on New Year’s Day in 2000 while her young son was in the home. He shares the heartbreaking moments that followed, the guilt he carried for years, and how that loss shaped the course of his life and mental health. Todd speaks candidly about turning to alcohol and risky behavior to cope with his grief while continuing to work in law enforcement. He explains how he eventually pursued undercover work while silently struggling with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts, often feeling like he no longer cared whether he lived or died. We talk about the psychological toll of undercover operations, the difficulty of returning to normal life afterward,…

In this episode I’m joined by writer and former Wall Street professional Joanne Redding to discuss her powerful memoir House of Pretend, releasing May 19th. Joanne shares the heartbreaking story of losing her father to suicide when she was just six years old, growing up in a home where grief was silenced, and later discovering the truth her mother had hidden from her for years. She speaks candidly about emotional neglect, family trauma, losing her brother to suicide as well, and the long journey of healing through trauma therapy and self understanding. Together we talk about the survival mechanisms so many people develop after trauma, including pretending everything is okay, emotional armor, perfectionism, and pushing through pain in high pressure environments. We discuss how grief never truly disappears but instead comes in waves, the importance of crying and releasing emotion, the impact of EMDR therapy, and how mental illness should be treated with compassion rather than shame. Joanne also shares the…

Today I welcome wellness advocate Kavita Sahai, founder of Vibe Tribes, along with Dr.Azin Shah Shaw, a gynecologist and urogynecologist specializing in perimenopause and menopause, for an honest and empowering conversation about women’s health, hormones, mental health, and what it really means to thrive in midlife. I talk openly about my own experiences with fibroids, my hysterectomy, weight gain, depression, and hormone therapy, while sharing why I believe mental health, fitness, nervous system regulation, and hormone health are all deeply connected. Kavita shares how her own struggles with symptoms like brain fog inspired her to create Vibe Tribes, a daily wellness platform designed to help women feel more balanced, energized, and connected to themselves again. We discuss how simple, bite sized practices like breathwork, meditation, movement, mindfulness, and education can help regulate the nervous system and create meaningful changes in both physical and emotional well being. Dr. Shah brings both medical…

In this episode, I sit down with award winning trial lawyer, civil rights advocate, and podcast host Robert “Bob” Simon for an urgent and deeply honest conversation about justice, truth, activism, and the state of our country. What begins as a discussion about politics becomes something much bigger as we talk about right and wrong, human dignity, and why staying silent is no longer an option. Bob shares his journey from a working class upbringing in Pittsburgh to becoming a respected attorney who fights for survivors, victims, and communities harmed by abuse and injustice. We discuss the power of the courtroom, the importance of accountability, and how ordinary people can create real change when institutions fail them. From immigration and the treatment of vulnerable communities to ICE abuse cases, corporate negligence, and misinformation, Bob offers insight into the battles happening behind the scenes and why advocacy matters now more than ever. We also talk about propaganda, media influence, and the…

In this episode I sit down with mental health advocate and founder Juliette Blake of Moxies for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about resilience, empathy, and raising children in a rapidly changing digital world. Juliette opens up about her childhood in Connecticut and how early experiences, including her time as a Girl Scout and being raised by hardworking parents, shaped her drive, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit. She reflects on how those foundations carried into adulthood, influencing both her career path and her perspective as a mother of three. A major focus of the conversation is the impact of technology and social media on mental health, especially for children and teens. Juliette breaks down how many platforms are designed to maximize attention and engagement, often creating addictive patterns that can negatively affect mood, confidence, and emotional regulation in developing brains. She also introduces Moxies as a safe-by-design digital platform for tween girls that prioritizes…

In this revisited episode from November of 2025 I had sat down with Dr. Celeste Birkhofer, a licensed clinical psychologist, longtime Stanford educator, mother, and upcoming author whose work centers on grief, suicide prevention, and the emotional weight of perfectionism. Dr. Celeste opens up about growing up in a military family, navigating a parent’s alcoholism, and how her own experiences with depression, compulsive exercise, and an eating disorder eventually led her into psychology. She also shares her forty–year marriage, a partnership strengthened through separation, therapy, and hard-won healing. The heart of our conversation is the greatest loss of her life: the death of her son, Wiley, who fought bipolar two disorder with everything he had for nine years. Dr. Celeste speaks with heartbreaking honesty about his vibrant childhood, his acceptance into Stanford, the onset of his illness, and the unpredictable nature of suicidal ideation. She talks about the day Wiley died, the grief that reshaped her…

In this episode I sit down with author, activist, and leader Deborah Santana for an honest conversation about resilience, identity, and what it truly means to keep going after life tries to break you. Deborah shares the foundation of her strength, growing up in a family rooted in hard work, faith, and perseverance. From generational stories of resilience to her mother’s experience as a farmworker in California, those early lessons instilled a deep sense of independence and purpose. We talk about her memoir Loving the Fire and the idea that life’s most painful moments can also be transformative, pushing us through the fire and into growth on the other side. We also dive into her marriage to musician, Carlos Santana, her own identity, and what it means to remain your own person, even when your life is intertwined with someone well known. After more than three decades of marriage, Deborah reflects on how she maintained her independence, building a full and meaningful life through motherhood, friendships,…

In this episode I’m joined by author, advocate, and mother Samina Ali. After months of trying to make this conversation happen, we finally sit down to talk about her memoir Pieces You’ll Never Get Back and the life changing medical trauma she experienced during childbirth at one of the top hospitals in the United States. What should have been a joyful pregnancy turned into something much more serious, as Samina repeatedly asked for help and was dismissed again and again. She shares what came next, a devastating medical emergency and a seven year recovery where she had to relearn how to speak, walk, and function, all while raising a newborn. We talk about those early days after her coma, when she didn’t recognize her husband, couldn’t speak English, and had to slowly reconnect with her life while her son fought in the NICU. We also get into the reality of the medical system, especially for women of color, and how often women are dismissed even when they know something is wrong in their own bodies. This…

In this deeply personal solo episode I share my story of being diagnosed with complex PTSD in 2020 and how it connects back to the trauma and loss I experienced as a child, including the death of my sister when I was just two years old and losing my father at thirteen. I talk about the anxiety, guilt, and confusion that followed me growing up, and how those early experiences shaped the way I see myself, my relationships, and the world. This episode is about more than just my past. It is about what it looks like to live with complex PTSD as an adult, the quiet ways it shows up, and the moments that can feel overwhelming and isolating. I share honestly about my struggles with mental health, including times I have felt hopeless, and what it has taken to keep going even in the hardest moments. Throughout this conversation, I speak about the importance of empathy, connection, and being honest about the hard things so many of us carry. In a world that feels especially heavy right now, this is an important…

In this episode I welcome author and radio personality Nancy Howard Cobb for an honest conversation about grief, loss, and the ways we continue to carry the people we love after they are gone. Nancy’s book In Lieu of Flowers: A Conversation for the Living is being rereleased 25 years after its original publication, bringing its message about grief, storytelling, and human connection to a new generation. Together we explore the idea that grief is not something we “get over,” but something we move through. Nancy shares why she has always rejected the idea of closure, believing instead that relationships do not end with death but simply change. Through memory, storytelling, and the small moments that reconnect us to those we have lost, the bonds we share continue to live on. Our conversation also touches on spirituality, hospice care, and the sacred moments that often surround the end of life. Nancy reflects on caring for her mother through hospice and the powerful realization that birth and death are deeply…

In this revisited episode originally recorded in 2024, I sit down with licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and relationship coach Carolyn for a powerful conversation that touches on the intersection of mental health, relationships, and personal healing. Carolyn brings raw insights from her work with couples navigating challenges like infidelity, addiction, and the complexities of co-parenting, particularly in the wake of difficult times like the pandemic. We explore the emotional intricacies of communication, the importance of avoiding judgment, and the need for curiosity when things feel overwhelming. Together, we talk about the mental health crisis impacting so many lives, highlighting the challenges of accessing affordable care and the tragic consequences of untreated emotional pain. Carolyn shares her expertise on how chronic stress, trauma, and emotional trauma can impact not only our mental health but also our physical health and relationships. She also offers practical strategies for fostering…

In this episode I sit down with anxiety specialist and psychiatrist Dr. Tracy Foose for a raw, compassionate, and deeply human conversation about trauma, panic, healing, parenting, identity, and learning to live alongside anxiety instead of fighting it. Dr. Foose brings extraordinary insight into what anxiety truly is, why our brains react the way they do, and how reframing anxiety as a protective force rather than an enemy can transform the way we heal. Our conversation also covers womanhood, identity, and the pressure to fit in, succeed, and be perfect. From Dr. Foose’s journey from aspiring surgeon to psychiatrist, to my own winding path from actress to sales to podcast host, we explore how terrifying and liberating it can be to change direction and give yourself permission to choose a new path. We reflect on how women carry immense expectations and judgment, often internalizing pressure that quietly fuels anxiety and self doubt. We also speak candidly about parenting in an anxious world, especially the…

In this episode I sit down with stand-up comedian Max Meisel who's currently touring with fellow comedian Tom Arnold for a candid, funny, heartfelt, and deeply insightful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really means to bet on yourself when life forces you to start over. Max shares his journey from the East Coast to Los Angeles, navigating the uncertainty of acting, the isolation of COVID, and the emotional toll of chasing success in an industry built on rejection. We dive into the pressure of auditions, the fear that every opportunity could change your life, and how that mindset can sabotage both confidence and performance. Max reflects on hitting his breaking point, letting go of desperation, and choosing himself by taking creative risks and building his own comedy shows from the ground up, transforming frustration into opportunity and momentum. We talk about the deep hunger for real community and connection, and how Max’s shows have evolved into a space where laughter,…

This episode I’m joined by meditation and yoga teacher, activist, and author of ‘Sit with Me : A No BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation’ Oneika Mays for a powerful, unfiltered conversation about trauma, anger, justice, burnout, and what it really means to find peace in a world that often feels overwhelming and unjust. Together, we explore emotional exhaustion, resilience, mental health, and the toll of witnessing injustice in real time, while searching for ways to stay grounded, present, and human. Onika shares her journey through sexual trauma, suicidal ideation, hospitalization, and the long road toward self-compassion and healing, as well as her work teaching mindfulness inside Rikers Island. We talk about incarceration, systemic harm, moral conflict, and why safety sometimes has to be built internally when external safety does not exist. We also challenge toxic positivity and the idea that healing should look the same for everyone, reminding ourselves that meditation is not about quieting the mind,…

In this deeply important episode I am joined by two incredible women and dear friends, Tanya Monaghan and Luisa Cabrera Faist, for a powerful and honest conversation about community, courage, and using our voices. Together, we share how South Bay Takes a Stand began as a small idea and grew into a grassroots movement that brought thousands of people together through candlelight vigils and peaceful marches rooted in empathy and solidarity. Standing before a sea of faces became a moment none of us will ever forget, a reminder that even in dark times, collective courage can spark real change. Luisa reflects on growing up as the daughter of an immigrant and how witnessing ICE activity in our own neighborhoods became a catalyst for action, while Tanya shares her experience as an immigrant from South Africa and how the current political and social climate echoes the early warning signs she witnessed during apartheid. We talk candidly about the heartbreak of watching families torn apart, children living in fear,…

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate King, a licensed counselor, board certified art therapist, and author of Mend or Move On. Kate brings such a compassionate, steady presence as we talk about healing through creativity, grounding in nature, and the quiet ways we carry those we have lost. We reflect on how heavy the world feels right now, and why kindness and support matter more than ever. Kate shares why she focuses on Internal Family Systems therapy, also known as parts work, and how healing doesn’t have to come from shame or the belief that something is wrong with you. We talk about the true Self, the protective and wounded parts we all carry, and how art therapy can help us gently understand what lives inside us. Kate also explains her work around boundaries, emotional safety, and what it means to give yourself permission to step back from relationships that harm you. We close with one of the hardest truths: sometimes closure isn’t possible, and safety has to come first. This conversation is an…

In this episode, I’m joined again by Dr. Alexandra Sowa for an honest, and grounded conversation about weight, health, and the quiet mental noise so many women live with every day. We talk openly about GLP 1 medications and the complicated emotions tied to our bodies, food, and self worth. I share my own experience starting and stopping medication, the fear that creeps in late at night, the shame and stigma, and what surprised me most when the mental noise returned. We break down the science in a way that actually makes sense, from hormones and metabolism to why weight gain in midlife is so often blamed on willpower when it’s really about biology. We talk about side effects, safety, and the emotional weight women carry when they feel pressured to pretend it’s all just diet and exercise. Most importantly, we talk about how these medications don’t just change appetite. For many people, they quiet the constant negative self talk that has been running in the background for years. This episode is not about…

In this episode, I sit down again with clinical psychologist Dr. Noelle Santorelli for a conversation that feels especially important. We talk about adult bullying, relational aggression, and the deep grief that can come from losing friendships and a sense of belonging, particularly within mom groups and close communities. This episode is rooted in mental health and grief, because these losses change how safe the world feels and how we see ourselves. I share openly about why I started this podcast. A devastating friend breakup in 2020 collided with unresolved childhood trauma and brought me to one of the lowest points of my life. What began as subtle exclusion slowly became isolation and public humiliation, leaving me without a community I believed was safe. The shame, loneliness, and grief that followed were overwhelming, especially during COVID, and that loss carried a weight I did not expect. Dr. Santorelli explains why these group dynamics are so harmful and why it is never as simple as just leaving.…

In this episode, I’m joined by two women who feel more like family than friends. Vivian Garcia-Tunon, an executive coach, and Christiane Crowder, my chosen sister, share their own experiences with loss, grief, and the pressures we face growing up and as adults. We talk honestly about childhood wounds, body image struggles, and the inner voices that try to make us shrink, and how we learn to challenge them over time. We dive into what self-love really looks like, journaling, therapy, movement, energy work, and the small daily choices that help us be kinder to ourselves. We talk about aging, going gray, letting go of perfection, and how inner work shifts how we show up in the world. Vivian and Christiane share their journeys of healing, reinvention, and helping others do the same through coaching. At its core, this conversation is about grief, identity, friendship, and transformation. We celebrate the people who see us when no one else does, the signs from loved ones who have passed, and the quiet ways love…

This episode I’m joined by Peter Bailey, author of The Epic of You: Reframe Your Past to Navigate Your Future, TEDx speaker, and president of the Prouty Project. Peter shares his journey from New York to Minnesota and how his work with urban youth, wilderness leadership, and community shaped his understanding of resilience, identity, and purpose. Peter opens up about his childhood, growing up in a loving but deeply complicated family, and how early trauma shaped his people pleasing, sense of responsibility, and loneliness. We talk about childhood trauma, complex PTSD, and the survival strategies so many of us develop before we ever have language for them. Peter shares a powerful metaphor that stayed with me, explaining that when something grows in darkness, it adapts however it can to reach the light. Those adaptations aren’t flaws. They’re how we survived. We also talk about the heroic journey and how our hardest chapters, addiction, grief, illness, divorce, and loss, don’t mean we failed. They’re part of…

In this episode I sit down with Jenny Robinson Clark and Travis Clark. It’s the first time I’ve had a married couple on the podcast, and their warmth, humor, and openness make it feel like you’re listening in on a talk between old friends. Jenny and Travis share how they met in a Los Angeles coffee shop and how their relationship unfolded quickly and intuitively. From building a marriage to raising four kids, they talk about choosing presence over perfection, growing through different seasons of life, and how love shifts as children grow and change. The conversation deepens as Jenny opens up about grief, identity, and leaving her life in LA to care for her mother during her battle with cancer. What felt like a sacrifice became one of the most meaningful seasons of her life. Travis reflects on what it means to truly support your partner, especially during seasons that feel unbalanced, and why showing up for each other is at the heart of a lasting marriage. We close by talking about spirituality, grief, and…

Today I sat down with Colette Barron-Reid for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, survival, and what it truly means to heal. We explore how complex trauma, ancestral pain, and past experiences quietly shape our nervous systems, relationships, and sense of safety. Colette shares her story of growing up with family trauma, addiction, and shame, offering a raw and validating perspective for anyone who has ever felt different or overwhelmed. We discuss how healing is not about willpower alone but about understanding the nervous system, honoring the body, and working with sensitivity. Colette opens up about her journey through addiction and recovery, the long road to rebuilding self-trust, and how grief and past wounds can surface unexpectedly, reminding us that healing is a process, not a destination. The conversation also explores creativity, intuition, and manifestation. Colette shares her unique “doodle your destiny” approach, combining art, science, and spirituality to help align with your higher self…

In this episode I sit down with my friend Marisa Coughlan. Marissa shares her journey as an actress and writer, from growing up in Minnesota to building a successful career in Hollywood and eventually choosing to leave Los Angeles to begin a new chapter. We speak honestly about the emotional toll of the industry, constant rejection, power imbalances, and the pressure women face to disappear as they age. We also dive into her film Blue Eyed Girl, now available on Amazon, and the deeply personal story behind it. Inspired by her own life, the film explores grief, aging parents, sisterhood, nostalgia, and the disorienting experience of returning home after years away. Writing the script became a form of healing, a way to process the loss of her father and the quiet mourning we carry not only for people we lose, but for the lives we imagined. She also shares meaningful behind the scenes moments working with Beau Bridges, whose kindness, integrity, and love for his wife offered a rare reminder that goodness and…

This week, we’re revisiting a very meaningful conversation — an episode that continues to resonate deeply with so many listeners. If you missed it the first time or simply need the reminder, I’m so glad you’re here. In this episode, I'm joined by James Francis, a speaker, entrepreneur, and author of the book “There's Coffee in the Fridge: One Man's Journey Through Anxiety and Depression.” Together, we delve into the journey of overcoming trauma, depression, and finding hope. From childhood struggles to navigating the complexities of masculinity and societal expectations, James candidly shares his battles with depression and the transformative power of vulnerability. He champions the importance of authenticity and self-honesty, paving the way for healing and resilience in the face of adversity. James inspires with his unwavering commitment to breaking the silence surrounding mental health. You can order James’s book through Amazon or on his website: https://www.therescoffeeinthefridge.com/. Reach out to James…

In this episode I sit down with Kim Rogers, better known as the Worm Queen and the founder of Rogers Hood Apothecary. If you’ve seen her parasite cleanse kit going viral, you’re not imagining it. Even Heidi Klum has talked about it, and Kim was recently featured in Cosmo. When her team first reached out, I’ll admit my immediate reaction was that the whole topic sounded gross, but the more I learned, the more fascinated I became. Her story is one of the most surprising and inspiring I’ve heard. Before any of this, Kim lived a life that was already extraordinary. She grew up in a military family where her father literally carried the responsibility of launching nuclear missiles. She moved through eight states and more than fifty cities, worked for an airline during 9/11, and later transitioned into medicine, where she built healthcare programs, wrote curriculum, and earned two degrees as valedictorian. She talks about feeling different from a young age, leaving home at sixteen, and following her curiosity with…

In this episode I sit down with Kelly Chase, the entrepreneur, coach, podcast host, and familiar face from season one of Love Is Blind. Kelly shares the story of her life before the show, including growing up with big dreams that were discouraged, choosing the “safe” path in corporate America, and reaching the burnout so many women know too well. She talks openly about overworking, overgiving, losing herself in unhealthy patterns, and the moment she finally walked away from a career that did not feel like her own. We explore her experience on Love Is Blind and what the public never saw. Kelly opens up about the emotional crash that came when the season aired, the panic attacks, the pressure of sudden visibility, and the intense dysregulation that followed. She talks about the healing work that helped her rebuild, including deep inner child work, self-worth work, and finally facing the trauma she had spent years pushing down. Kelly also shares the painful relationship experiences that shaped her self-esteem,…

Essential Inner Resources for Good Mental Health & A Fulfilling Life with Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Celeste Birkhofer This episode I am joined by Dr. Celeste Birkhofer, a licensed clinical psychologist, longtime Stanford educator, mother, and upcoming author whose work centers on grief, suicide prevention, and the emotional weight of perfectionism. Dr. Celeste opens up about growing up in a military family, navigating a parent’s alcoholism, and how her own experiences with depression, compulsive exercise, and an eating disorder eventually led her into psychology. She also shares her forty–year marriage, a partnership strengthened through separation, therapy, and hard-won healing. The heart of our conversation is the greatest loss of her life: the death of her son, Wiley, who fought bipolar two disorder with everything he had for nine years. Dr. Celeste speaks with heartbreaking honesty about his vibrant childhood, his acceptance into Stanford, the onset of his illness, and the unpredictable nature…