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Live Well Bipolar ™

Live Well Bipolar ™

By Paris Scobie

The only podcast where you will hear stories on what it means to Live Well Bipolar every Monday! Tune in as Paris, NAMI Speaker and Best-Selling Author of "Crooked Illness," and guests get into what works, what doesn't and how the reality of living with bipolar looks different for everyone! Each episode will teach you how to shatter the stigma and conquer those obstacles we so often face with bipolar.
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58: Living Authentically Using This Technique

Live Well Bipolar ™ Feb 08, 2021

00:00
37:58
196: Coming Back to Life

196: Coming Back to Life

The last Monday of every month I always love to share something with you that I am navigating as it relates to living with bipolar.


March was a really fun and really busy month for me. Many of you know that I was out of the country celebrating my first wedding anniversary 3/2-3/11.


My baby sister, Milan, turned 21 along with another friend's birthday and going away event for another close friend.


I got to speak to a room of 100+ people sharing my lived experience with bipolar as one of NAMI'S Faces of Recovery. I attended the 3rd annual Kid in the Corner Gala and had a lot of meeting connecting with so many doing great work in the community around mental health.


But March is not over yet and there are still a lot of exciting things coming that I mention in the episode. As many of you know, good events can also be a trigger when living with bipolar.


For me personally, this month I was consumed with love, gratitude and excitement but... I also found myself feeling bad for not showing up as much online. I was hard on myself for taking longer than expected to get back into my routine and I also felt a lot of overwhelm, stress and an inability to slow down in certain moments.


So... what did I do? I made sure to check in with my therapist, loved ones and get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper. The more I got clear on where my more uncomfortable feeling came from... the more I was able to work through them to take care of myself.


It has been a challenge getting back to normal life following a trip out of the country but with my support network, I have been able to do it and so can you! :)


Please do me a favor and message me on Instagram (or email me at livewellbipolar@gmail.com) what you think of this episode. Without your feedback, I would not be here today.

Mar 25, 202421:41
195: Saving Lives One Heart Rock at a Time

195: Saving Lives One Heart Rock at a Time

Spreading Kindness Through Hand-Carved Heart Rocks: Tom Ballard's Journey with Bipolar Disorder


Tom Ballard, known as the Heart Rock Guy, has distributed over 210,000 hand-carved, heart-shaped rocks to spread kindness and love. So far, he has learned that 106 lives have been saved as a result.


Tom shares his journey before and after his bipolar diagnosis at 29, describing how creating these heart rocks became a therapeutic activity that helped him manage his bipolar. He explains the process of making these rocks, the responses from recipients, and his belief in the power of kindness to strengthen connections and potentially save lives.


Tom also talks about his school presentations, designed to encourage kindness among students, and the impact of those initiatives. He offers personal insights on living well with bipolar disorder, emphasizing self-grace, lifestyle adjustments, and finding purposeful activities. The episode highlights a heartwarming outreach story and extends an invitation to listeners, offering to send them a hand-carved heart rock in times of need.


Reach out to Tom here and send him a message sharing your takeaway from this episode to have a FREE heart rock sent to you!


00:00 Welcome to Live Well, Bipolar: The Heart Rock Journey

00:17 Tom Ballard: The Heart Rock Guy's Story

01:00 The Birth of the Heart Rock Movement

03:18 Spreading Kindness Through Heart Rocks

06:23 The Ripple Effect of Kindness

14:17 Living Well with Bipolar: Tom's Personal Strategies

19:20 The Power of Kindness and Creativity

22:54 Impactful Stories and the Circle of Kindness

28:55 Living Well with Bipolar: Finding Your Purpose

32:19 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Tom

Mar 18, 202434:04
194: A Social Worker's Story on Silencing Shame

194: A Social Worker's Story on Silencing Shame

This beautiful person connected with me on Instagram and ever since she has become someone I am grateful to call a friend.


Katie is a therapist and the woman behind the Instagram page @katie.theBipolarTherapist. She received her Bachelors Honors Degree in Psychology in 2007 and, following being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 with psychosis, completed her Masters of Social Work degree in 2010.


She graduated with distinction and proceeded to work in the Mental Health field within a healthcare environment since that time. Katie has experience working in programs such as Eating Disorders Treatment, Intimate Partner Violence, Crisis and Suicide Intervention and within an Acute Mental Health Unit in a hospital setting.


In addition to providing individual and group based therapy, Katie has recently started to speak publicly about her lived experience with Bipolar Disorder Type 1, generalized anxiety disorder and OCD. She is dismantling the stigma around Mental Illness, providing education, advocacy and telling her story about managing her mental illnesses while living a fulfilling life.


Katie speaks openly about the impact not knowing about her diagnosis had on her professional life and relationships. Despite the challenges, Katie managed to build a supportive relationship with her husband, Ryan.


She shares her feelings around opening up about her diagnosis publicly and how this has transformed her experience into advocacy, aiming to educate others and reduce the stigma around mental illnesses. The episode explores the importance of self-knowledge, support, and ongoing learning in living well with bipolar disorder.


For more Katie, stay connected with her here!


00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

02:01 Guest's Journey to Diagnosis

09:04 Living with Bipolar Disorder: Personal Experiences

11:51 Support Systems and Relationships

20:45 Managing High Stress Situations

23:52 Opening Up About Bipolar Disorder

27:09 The Power of Sharing and Advocacy

32:23 Living Well with Bipolar: Final Thoughts

Mar 11, 202434:50
193: My Husband on Navigating Love & Bipolar

193: My Husband on Navigating Love & Bipolar

Joining us today is the one, the only... the love of my life, Dan Scobie!


In this candid and intimate podcast episode, we reflect on our relationship journey, beginning from the first time we crossed paths at BLK Live 5.5 years ago to our current life together.


The episode delves into personal aspects of our lives, including the challenges and triumphs of managing bipolar together, many new beginnings shared, and the evolution of our relationship over time.


Highlighted are themes of personal growth, the power of open communication, and the importance of support in navigating life with bipolar disorder.


The episode also covers Dan's perspective on encouraging me to launch my podcast, publish my book and start publicly speaking about my story. He describes concerns and fears he had at the start of our relationship and what worked well in navigating the hard times.


Tune in to hear the breakdown of our full love story and what is next for our relationship. We made sure to answer all the questions you asked here as well!


00:00 Introduction and Initial Conversation

00:20 Meeting the Guest: A Personal Journey

00:58 Unveiling the Past: The First Encounter

01:21 The First Podcast Experience

02:01 The Evolution of Relationship

04:34 The First Impression and Early Days of Dating

09:01 The Turning Point: Opening Up About Bipolar Diagnosis

09:51 The Impact of Diagnosis on Relationships

11:41 The Struggles and Triumphs of Living with Bipolar

14:43 The Journey of Acceptance and Understanding

18:43 The Role of Family and Friends in the Journey

23:35 The Impact of Bipolar on Career and Personal Life

28:53 The Power of Sharing and Destigmatizing Bipolar

30:26 Struggles with Work and Bipolar Diagnosis

30:58 Understanding the Impact of Work Environment

32:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

32:34 The Impact of External Factors on Mental Health

33:23 The Experience of Going Off Medication

33:38 Moving Forward: New Environment and Better Routines

37:38 The Importance of Communication in Understanding Bipolar

39:24 The Journey of Writing a Book and Starting a Podcast

39:53 The Impact of Supportive Relationships

50:05 The Future: Starting a Family and Overcoming Fears

52:39 The Power of Love and Understanding in a Relationship

Mar 04, 202401:01:59
192: Lessons Learned From One Year of Marriage

192: Lessons Learned From One Year of Marriage

Reflections on My First Year of Marriage: Living with Bipolar


You guys.... in exactly one week, I will be celebrating my first ever wedding anniversary... something I used to think would never be possible for me.


Tune in to hear me share my experiences during my first year of marriage. I will reveal:


1. How Dan's support helped me recognize the value of my story


2. The role of communication shifting in our relationship and the importance of recognizing and respecting each other's boundaries


3. What traveling together has done for our connection and creating beautiful experiences (being present in the moment).


4. The importance of individual growth within our relationship and maintaining a balance so bipolar doesn't consume the relationship.


5. Hope that it can work from others who shared their personal experiences with me navigating their marriages with bipolar


The episode aims to inspire listeners by demonstrating that a supportive, loving relationship is possible for people living with bipolar disorder.


00:00 Introduction and Reflections on the Past Month

02:03 The Importance of a Supportive Partner

07:00 Overcoming Fears and Sharing My Story

08:04 The Role of Bipolar in Our Relationship

08:32 The Power of Communication and Understanding

09:36 Lessons from Our First Year of Marriage

17:43 The Impact of Travel and Shared Experiences

20:49 The Importance of Self-Work and Respect

21:27 Conclusion: The Power of Love and Support

Feb 26, 202422:39
191: What it Means to Coexist with Bipolar

191: What it Means to Coexist with Bipolar

I had the pleasure of meeting this amazing guest in person because she also lives in AZ! I first met her where I meet so many of you guys... via Instagram. After she saw my post about episode 183, she reached out to me and I got her connected with NAMI so she can share her story with others!


As someone who lives with bipolar type 2, ADHD & Anxiety … my guest describes the way this impacted other areas of her life. She shares what it was like being a young mother, military spouse and struggling to find herself amidst the passing of her aunt.


Birdie Thorn is a mental health advocate, writer, and content creator. She has written an article for the International Bipolar Foundation and is a speaker for NAMI. She has made it her mission to bring awareness to mental health disorders with a comedic twist. You can find her on instagram @birdies.bipolar.brain where she showcases what it’s like living with Bipolar 2 disorder, anxiety, and ADHD. Her goal is to help end the stigmas surrounding mental health disorders. 


After receiving her diagnosis in her early 20s, Birdie shares:

1. what the early struggles looked like for her

2. the moment she finally accepted her diagnosis

3. strengthening her relationship with her husband who is now 5 years sober

4. the importance of open communication and medication

Birdie emphasizes the importance of removing stigma around mental health disorders and reassures listeners that it is possible to lead a successful life despite living with a mental health disorder.


Exciting news: Birdie wrote a book & it will be launching in a few months!!! She also shares how she crafted the 5 phases of bipolar and is a speaker for NAMI (where she killed it on her first presentation this month).


00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:57 Birdie's Journey with Bipolar Disorder

02:19 Coexisting with Bipolar Disorder

03:42 The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Personal Life

08:02 The Role of Anxiety and ADHD in Birdie's Life

12:30 The Importance of Support and Medication

26:31 Birdie's Future Plans and Final Thoughts

30:37 Conclusion and Farewell


Connect with Birdie here!

Feb 19, 202430:53
190: Why I Value Your Story
Feb 12, 202420:38
189: Unveiling Realities of Silent Success Living with Bipolar

189: Unveiling Realities of Silent Success Living with Bipolar

Why is it that we do not hear from more people who have achieved success when it comes to living with bipolar?


Success does not look the same for everyone. But what does success look like when navigating life with bipolar?


In this episode, I get into a deep conversation about these topics with Gabe Howard, a well-known figure in the mental health advocacy field. Gabe is the author of 'Mental Illness is an Asshole,' and host of the podcast 'Inside Bipolar' from Healthline Media, which offers a unique perspective on living with bipolar disorder.


He also hosts the 'Inside Mental Health' podcasts and co-hosts the 'A Bipolar, A Schizophrenic, and a Podcast,' podcast. Gabe breaks down the challenges and misconceptions surrounding bipolar disorder and the role fear plays in staying silent.


Gabe shares his personal journey, from his diagnosis in 2003 to the recognition of the lifelong management of the disorder. Gabe stresses the importance of changing perceptions and creating positive examples for those navigating a similar path. This shared experience provides valuable insights and sparks a crucial dialogue about the ongoing process of living well with bipolar disorder.


For more Gabe, be sure to connect with him here!


00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:22 Gabe's Story: Living with Bipolar Disorder

05:55 The Impact of Diagnosis and the Journey to Acceptance

06:00 The Power of Support Groups and Shifting Mindsets

07:46 The Struggle for Stability and the Path to Recovery

09:30 The Importance of Believing in Yourself

11:00 The Transition from Silence to Openness about Mental Health

14:59 The Responsibility to Share Personal Stories

16:41 Fear and the Impact on Career

17:12 Experiences of Discrimination at Work

18:35 Overcoming Fear and Speaking Out

19:17 The Turning Point: Choosing to Share the Experience

20:16 The Power of Positive Examples

21:03 The Importance of Sharing and Inspiring Others

23:14 Living Well with Bipolar: A Personal Perspective

24:39 The Roommate Analogy: Living with Bipolar

27:19 The Power of Online Communities and Podcasts

28:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

Feb 05, 202432:21
188: Getting Beneath the Surface of My Health Issues

188: Getting Beneath the Surface of My Health Issues

For almost 2 months, I have been dealing with some health issues and it reminds me of how I felt when I was trying to learn how to navigate receiving my bipolar diagnosis almost 10 years ago.


It wasn't until 3 weeks ago that it started to impact me a lot more.... not able to make it through a work out, very low energy, disrupted sleep, abdominal pain, and feeling bloated/uncomfortable eating almost anything.


I have had over 5 doctors appointments these last 7 weeks and a bunch of tests done to come to the conclusion that "everything looks normal."


On 1/22 I underwent a procedure (colonoscopy and endoscopy) where the images showed an inflamed stomach lining in line with gastritis. I was told by my gastro doc that my symptoms line up with IBS and know it will be a journey to get to the root of what actually caused the inflammation in my stomach lining.


This has been frustrating for me considering I thought I was in the best condition health wise of my life... I workout regularly, eat balanced meals, drink my water, have been sleeping great and don't even drink alcohol anymore. The only thing I changed about my lifestyle had been getting back into long distancing running.


I wanted to share what has been helpful on this journey for me just as I always do my best to share what has helped me in navigating life with bipolar. This situation has not been easy on me and I always want to share my reality with you in the hopes that this could help someone.


On a lighter note.... the podcast will be turning 4 years old on 1/31. I wanted to thank you for taking the time to listen, read this and be here. If you haven't already, please leave me a rating or review if you listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. I love you!

Jan 29, 202427:46
187: Giving the Gift of Therapy with Hope Gives

187: Giving the Gift of Therapy with Hope Gives

Overcoming Trauma to Becoming Support: An Empowering Conversation with Jen Hilderbrand


Jen Hilderbrand shares her personal journey overcoming traumas from childhood and how she did not realize the ways in which these events would impact her life as an adult.


She shares how the trials she faced eventually led her to therapy which saved her life when it came down to navigating the sexual abuse and trauma from her childhood.


Eventually her therapeutic journey led her to getting involved with Hope Mental Health Foundation (Hope Gives). Jen explains the driving mission of the non-profit organization which she is now President of: to remove financial barriers to therapy for families and individuals in need.


Hope Gives believes that therapy should be accessible for all to progress emotionally, heal and break cycles of destruction. Jen describes the fundraising initiatives and how she works to spread awareness about mental health care, the importance of therapy, and the tireless work by the team at Hope to ensure therapy is accessible to all who apply for sponsorship (the dream they want to make a reality).


As you can see in this episode picture, I had the pleasure of meeting Jen in real life last October at the third annual Hope Gives Charity Gala. Her spirit was infectious but her story was really what showed me how serious she takes this work.


To connect with Jen you can follow her here and learn more about the great work Hope is doing here!


00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:39 Jen Hildebrand's Personal Journey and Struggles

04:01 The Impact of Childhood Trauma

08:05 The Power of Therapy and Personal Transformation

16:12 The Birth of Hope Gives

23:46 The Challenges and Triumphs of Hope Gives

31:36 The Future of Hope Gives and Final Thoughts

Jan 22, 202438:25
186: Spitting Truth on Bipolar

186: Spitting Truth on Bipolar

Navigating Bipolar Through Music: A Heartfelt Conversation with B. Russ


Brandon (B. Russ) is a rapper and content creator who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017. He discusses the pivotal moments that led to his diagnosis along with one of his biggest saviors besides music - community.

B. Russ utilizes his social media platforms to promote conversations around mental health and build a supportive community. He speaks about integrating his personal journey with his passion for music and reveals how both community and purpose have become central to his wellness journey.

When it comes to how help looks different for everyone, B. Russ is changing the game on speaking openly about his experience with bipolar. Greatest of all, he highlights the importance of representation in mental health conversations, especially in terms of race for other black men and reaffirms his platform's commitment to providing purposeful conversations around the topic.

A big pain area navigating life with bipolar is purpose and B. Russ shares what has helped him most with this. Tune in to hear him share what helped him gain the confidence to share his story online and the greatest lessons he has learned working in the field of behavioral health.

Stay connected with Brandon on IG here!


00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:25 Building a Community Through Instagram

02:13 B Russ's Journey with Bipolar Disorder

07:45 The Impact of Music and Storytelling

11:19 The Importance of Representation in Mental Health

14:26 The Role of Community in Living Well with Bipolar

17:39 The Power of Purpose and Impact

36:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jan 15, 202439:32
185: Surviving the Storm to Birth Comfortable Silence

185: Surviving the Storm to Birth Comfortable Silence

Conversation with Missy Haze, Creator of 'Comfortable Silence'


Listen until the end for a special gift for you from Missy...

Missy was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 at 16, only a year after surviving the most powerful tornado that destroyed her high school in Enterprise, Alabama and took the lives of 8 of her classmates.

The day of the tornado, Missy describes a memory writing in her journal about not looking forward to a test that day to look backing on the detrimental impact of this day in 2007.

The survivor's guilt cast a weight on Missy she found hard to describe at the time. After receiving her diagnosis she opens up about the emotions that came up and what it felt like to not have anything explained to her.

She also reveals the importance of support from loved ones, as she recalls the roles her family played in helping her through one of her lowest moments. Missy encourages others by reminding them that their lives have purpose, and she express gratitude to those who have supported her along the way.

Journaling has always been Missy's number one savior in navigating her trauma, diagnosis and daily life. Little did she know that it would be the place where her brand, Comfortable Silence, would be born.

Comfortable Silence is a purpose driven clothing brand dedicated to eliminating society's stigma of bipolar disorder and was designed to make those struggling feel less alone.

Use this code for 20% off your order!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:33 Guest's Personal Journey with Bipolar Disorder

00:38 The Impact of a Tragic Event

01:22 Guest's Initial Struggles with Bipolar Disorder

06:44 The Turning Point: A Mental Break

17:11 The Birth of Comfortable Silence

32:58 The Role of Journaling in Mental Health

37:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Jan 08, 202438:31
184: Slower Mornings Approach

184: Slower Mornings Approach

Understanding the Slower Mornings Approach with Minna Khounlo-Sithep.


Make sure to grab your free slower mornings approach guide down below! Paris discusses the importance of having a slower morning routine with business expert and creator of the 'Slower Mornings' approach, Minna Khounlo-Sithep.

Minna is the host of Cue the Clarity Podcast, creator of the Slower Mornings Approach and speaker and educator for small business owners for self-growth, productivity, positive psychology and inner alignment.

Minna shares her personal journey exiting a successful multi-million dollar business she helped co-found 'The Product Boss' and the crucial self-reflection that led to her creating the 'Slower Mornings Approach.'

She encourages listeners living with bipolar to slow down in an ever-busy world, cultivate resilience, and find ownership in their narrative. She sheds light on the vital role of fostering simple, nurturing habits, especially during challenging times, as a key support system.

She concludes by discussing the transformational effect of intentional mornings and empowering self-care practices.

Be sure to connect with Minna and her podcast, Cue the Clarity, here. Download your free slower mornings approach guide from her there! :)


00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:54 Understanding the Slower Mornings Approach

02:22 Guest's Journey and the Birth of Slower Mornings Approach

04:30 The Impact of Slower Mornings Approach

05:21 Breaking Down the Slower Mornings Approach

06:51 The Unexpected Benefits of the Slower Mornings Approach

07:12 The Importance of Habits and Self-Care

09:14 The Role of Silence in the Slower Mornings Approach

12:10 The Power of Habits and Resilience

32:47 Conclusion: Owning Your Story and Taking Back Power

Jan 01, 202437:13
183: Ending The Silence

183: Ending The Silence

Do you want to get paid to share your story living with mental illness? Listen to this entire episode to learn how I can help you make it happen!


If you have ever felt alone in your struggles with mental health this podcast episode highlights how we can combat that feeling of isolation and empower each other through shared experiences.


Join me as we #EndTheSilence around mental health in our latest episode. I share how I have been working with NAMI these past 3 years, and how we can all contribute to the conversation and ending the silence surrounding mental health disorders.


I had the pleasure of sharing my story through NAMI's 'Ending The Silence' program this past November. In the program, those living with mental illnesses share their experiences with the goal of breaking the stigmas surrounding mental health.


I open up about the impact of my sexual assault at the age of 15, my hospitalization, returning to work at the same hospital I was a patient at, how I started my journey towards acceptance and finally starting my involvement in mental health awareness.


We all have a story inside of us that we can share with others to help those going through similar struggles. If you are based in Phoenix, Arizona and want to be paid to share your story make sure to message me on my Instagram here the word "Ending the Silence" and I will get you connected.


Join my weekly newsletter here to grab a copy of the FREE gift I made for you too!


00:00 Introduction and Christmas Greetings

00:19 The Importance of Ending the Silence

00:38 Working with NAMI and Mental Health Advocacy

01:53 Sharing Personal Experiences with Mental Illness

04:02 The Impact of Sexual Assault on my Mental Health

05:01 Living with Bipolar Disorder

08:52 The Power of Sharing Stories and Connecting with Others

09:14 Opportunities to Share Your Story with NAMI

10:53 The Value of Your Story and Making an Impact

12:09 Connecting with NAMI and Other Resources

16:34 Conclusion and Christmas Farewell

Dec 25, 202317:29
182: The Power of Your Environment

182: The Power of Your Environment

From the UK to Arizona: Speaking with Aridja Kals


Aridja Kals is a content creator, public speaker and host of her own podcast, the 'Aridja Kals Show' where she interviews emerging creatives and entrepreneurs. She is an advocate for having and nurturing positive mindsets to help overcome mental health challenges.

Aridja recounts her experience receiving her bipolar disorder shortly after being classified as a missing person. She shares a story she has never opened up about before and how she moved away from many of the unhealthy coping mechanisms she used to rely on.

Aridja shares her journey, which involved a traumatic encounter, episodes of hospitalization, an abusive relationship and struggles with substance use. She also discusses her transformation and resurgence through self-development and mindset changes. The creation of the 'Aridja Kals Show' is also discussed, where Aridja's love for interviewing and influencing people positively takes center stage.

Aridja talks about her belief in the power of hope and the potential for success even amidst mental health struggles. She emphasizing the power of acceptance, hope, support, and self-growth in managing bipolar disorder.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

01:15 Guest's Initial Reaction to Bipolar Diagnosis

01:49 Guest's Struggles and Experiences with Bipolar Disorder

05:40 Guest's Hospitalization and Family's Reaction

11:37 Guest's Journey to Acceptance and Recovery

19:00 Guest's Current Routine and Coping Mechanisms

21:12 Creation and Impact of the Original Cow Show

25:24 Guest's Future Hopes and Aspirations

28:25 Conclusion and Farewell

Dec 18, 202329:20
181: Surviving a Jump Off the Golden Gate Bridge to Saving Lives w/ Kevin Hines

181: Surviving a Jump Off the Golden Gate Bridge to Saving Lives w/ Kevin Hines

A Journey From Despair To Hope: Speaking with Kevin Hines


Shout-out to my friend & podcast guest, Brandi Benson, for helping bring Kevin and I together. Brandi shared her story with me back on episode 60 and shares her story again inside the powerful pages of Kevin's latest book, The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives.

In this episode of the Live Well Bipolar podcast, Kevin Hines joins us to share why your story has always mattered. He is a renowned mental health advocate, global public speaker, bestselling author, and survivor of a suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge.

Kevin details his life journey and experiences with bipolar disorder, from first hearing voices in fourth grade to his eventual diagnosis at 17. He shares the factors that contributed to his miraculous survival, discusses the importance of his wellness regimen, and expresses his dedication to giving back to communities dealing with similar struggles.

Kevin emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself, learning resiliency in the face of adversity, and remaining hopeful despite the relentless nature of the illness.

Make sure to stay connected with Kevin here and grab a copy of his story, The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives.


00:00 Introduction and About Kevin

02:11 Kevin's Early Life and Struggles with Mental Health

05:30 The Importance of Seeking Help and Adhering to Treatment

10:35 Kevin's Personal Journey and Coping Strategies

15:55 The Impact of Bullying and the Importance of Self-Compassion

20:10 Kevin's Ongoing Recovery and Advocacy Work

23:31 The Importance of Healthy Eating and Exercise

35:35 Kevin's Upcoming Book and Future Plans

40:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dec 11, 202341:49
180: Healing Through Past Mistakes

180: Healing Through Past Mistakes

Get ready for a wonderful returning guest of mine who I spoke with last back on episode 115 in March of 2022 here.


Sarah Fox returns to the podcast to answer the question "what does it look like when we are learning how to heal through past mistakes, both pre diagnosis and during our manic states?"


Sarah is a Christian woman, alumna of The King’s College with a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with a Pre-Law minor & a Case Manager/Transformational Coach for youth development. With this profession, Sarah spends most of her time mentoring at-risk youth and preparing them for job opportunities. She is also the host of the top 10% globally ranked podcast called Rough Edges where she shares educational tools about mental health, anecdotes from her healing journey, and the intersection between faith and mental illness.


We dive into all aspects of Sarah's journey with bipolar disorder, from diagnosis to starting her healing journey, her struggles with self-care and how she learned to accept her diagnosis.


Discover the role her faith played in her healing journey, and the importance of community and how Sarah first began to cultivate vulnerability. She also shares her tips on how to deal with past mistakes, how to challenge the people-pleasing mentality, setting healthy boundaries, and the importance of self-compassion for individuals living with bipolar disorder.


Make sure to connect with Sarah here to stay updated on her journey and podcast!


00:40 Getting to Know Sarah Fox

01:38 The Importance of Open Conversations

02:21 Understanding and Healing from Past Mistakes

03:07 Sarah's Personal Journey with Bipolar Disorder

04:47 The Impact of Diagnosis and Stigma

07:07 Learning from Past Attitudes and Embracing the Present

10:20 The Importance of Community and Vulnerability

20:20 The Struggle with People Pleasing and Setting Boundaries

25:12 Looking Forward: Upcoming Season of Rough Edges Podcast

28:15 Living Well with Bipolar: A Personal Perspective

30:59 Conclusion and Farewell

Dec 04, 202331:23
179: The Greatest Tool I Made For You
Nov 27, 202314:19
178: Pillars to Finding Your Way Out of The Darkness
Nov 20, 202333:52
177: Managing Depression Relapse & Life Changes

177: Managing Depression Relapse & Life Changes

I am so excited to bring back a former guest of mine I interviewed one year ago here.


We have Jean Kim returning to the podcast to talk about a very important topic so many of us have found ourselves in at one point or another... relapse of depression.


This is something I struggled with a lot in April of this year and Jean breaks down the onset and triggers that arose for her earlier this year.


Jean shares a type of volunteering she has done that has allowed her to embark upon a new career. She describes what it has been like this year to leave behind her life in LA along with her time as a DJ in order to focus on her healing.


Tune in to hear the power of a supportive partner and how her sister helped Jean accept help. Make sure to connect with Jean on IG here and Tik Tok here.

Nov 13, 202332:49
176: Asking For Help As A Man
Nov 06, 202333:35
175: Lies Bipolar Told Me
Oct 30, 202316:19
174: Practicing Radical Belief in Oneself
Oct 23, 202328:22
173: A Story on Culture's Role in Bipolar

173: A Story on Culture's Role in Bipolar

This week we are joined by a psychiatrist who took the time to create a story on bipolar for us.


Elizabeth Nguyen, MD is a multidimensional psychiatrist, writer, and author of the recently published novel, Aloha Vietnam. She was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her parents were refugees from Vietnam who arrived in Honolulu in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War. She received her BA from Stanford University in Human Biology, her MD from Northwestern University, and her Psychiatry Residency and Child Psychiatry Fellowship training at UC Davis.


She started her career in community mental health, with specific interests in cross-cultural psychiatry, the intersection of spirituality and mental health, and the healing power of water and the natural world. She currently lives and works in private practice in Davis, CA.


Dr. Nguyen speaks openly about her early experience with mental illness in her family growing up. She describes the ways in which this influenced her to pursue her career in psychiatry. This career is also what put her on the path to write and publish Aloha Vietnam.


Aloha Vietnam describes the journey of Anh Nguyen, a 17 year old senior in high school, who experiences her first manic episode. She is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, put on medications, and she and her Vietnamese-American family are suddenly thrown into the world of mental health treatment and recovery.


Tune into this episode to hear Dr. Nguyen's take on therapy, living well with bipolar and the ways in which her clients have helped her grow as both a practitioner and person.


Connect with Dr. Nguyen here and grab her book here.

Oct 16, 202330:12
172: My Sister Vienna on Mixed Episodes + Navigating Post-College

172: My Sister Vienna on Mixed Episodes + Navigating Post-College

This is the first time I have ever interviewed someone in-person and it is one of my favorite people if you could not tell from the title.... my little sister, Vienna Prynkiewicz! Vienna was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 2 & ADHD in summer of 2022, is a filmmaker, recent graduate of Northern Arizona University, and currently pursuing creative interests such as music, acting and art directing. Tune in to hear Vienna share her experience receiving her bipolar diagnosis along with ways to manage ups and downs while practicing self compassion. She speaks about her journey with sobriety, coming out of toxic relationships to finding a supportive partner and the transition between college and the real world.
Oct 09, 202329:01
171: Handcuffed & Given a Second Chance
Oct 02, 202330:37
170: What Telling My Story Taught Me

170: What Telling My Story Taught Me

I open up about why I published my book, Crooked Illness: Lessons From Inside & Outside Hospital Walls, and what vulnerability has done for my healing journey.


There were a number of things I had to change in order to even get to a stable place before Live Well Bipolar ™ could be born. Part of these changes came with stripping away the stigma I attached to myself after receiving my diagnosis.


Publishing my book allowed me the opportunity to share the numerous solutions I had discovered from so many guests on this podcast. I asked myself "where do I want to be? What do I want to feel like?"


This equation of getting to where I wanted contained many pieces that I dive into inside my book. I share what it was like to survive a psychiatric hospitalization, misdiagnosis, sexual assault, abusive relationships and returning to work at the same hospital I was once a court-ordered patient at.


To enter the giveaway to win a signed copy of my book, make sure to read my post and enter here. I am so grateful you are here and thank you for being part of my story.

Sep 25, 202317:03
169: Habit Tracker for Bipolar
Sep 18, 202328:26
168: More Than Motherhood & Bipolar

168: More Than Motherhood & Bipolar

Mel Howard joins me to discuss parenting while living with bipolar, warning signs and how to keep your family healthy and safe. Mel is a stay at home mom, part-time dog walker and advocate for mental illness. She works to silence the stigma through sharing her lived experiences, fundraising and volunteering with initiatives that support mental health awareness.
Tune in to hear Mel's story on her lived experience that has enabled her to identify triggers that can create an episode. She has lived with bipolar I for over 24 years since her diagnosis and describes the role that a bad accident played for her.

She explains her experiences with multiple hospitalizations, struggling with an eating disorder and facing past traumas in order to understand and heal.

For more Mel, connect with her here.
Sep 11, 202339:56
167: Therapy for Bipolar Stigma

167: Therapy for Bipolar Stigma

Have you ever felt crippled by the stigma of bipolar disorder? Living with bipolar is not always easy but it gets really challenging when stigma enters the picture.
Andrea Vassilev is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, specializing in bipolar disorder, and a person with 25 years of experience with the condition. She speaks and writes for outlets such as Slate Magazine, NAMI, and the International Bipolar Foundation. Andrea is the creator of the world's first self-stigma program for bipolar disorder and hopes that telling her own story of life with bipolar through the lenses of clinical causes, treatments, and outcomes will provide education, hope, and comfort to others.
Andrea joins me on the podcast to detail her experience being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 14 all the way to developing the world's first program designed to help reduce self-stigma in individuals living with bipolar disorder. Tune in to learn what it means to truly get to know how bipolar lives in you and the ways to understand how it shows up in your life using psychotherapy.
Many myths about therapy for bipolar will be busted along with key insights into how you can get the most out of therapy. Andrea shares how she has taken her lived experience with bipolar and turned it into wisdom to help others overcome common obstacles.
You can connect with Andrea at her website here or on Instagram. You can learn more about her Overcoming Self-Stigma in Bipolar Disorder (OSSiBD) program here. Last but not least, you can check out her article on acceptance and bipolar here.
Sep 04, 202326:56
166: Things I'm Giving Up On
Aug 28, 202321:35
165: Writing for Bipolar Care
Aug 21, 202329:09
164: Sobriety Journey with Bipolar
Aug 14, 202326:45
163: The Path of Lived Experience
Aug 07, 202331:27
162: Power of Peer Support
Jul 31, 202329:09
161: Identifying Root Causes
Jul 24, 202328:26
160: Why I Started Tracking Habits
Jul 17, 202312:52
159: Why My Healing Looks Different Today
Jul 10, 202312:25
158: Honeymoon Triggers
Jul 03, 202314:31
157: I'm Married but.... There's More
Apr 03, 202322:37
156: Intersection of Bipolar, Body Image & Eating Disorders
Jan 30, 202329:47
155: I'M GETTING MARRIED
Jan 23, 202320:15
154: Finding Your Purpose After Loss
Jan 16, 202332:37
153: Facing Addiction to Rediscover Self
Jan 09, 202327:41
152: Breaking Out of Survival Mode
Jan 02, 202328:19
151: No More Secrets
Dec 26, 202232:20
150: This is Bipolar
Dec 19, 202235:21
149: Getting Underneath it All
Dec 12, 202234:49
148: Choice to Commit
Dec 05, 202227:42
147: Writing to Release Stigma
Nov 28, 202226:55