Judging Meghan

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 connected experiences. We talk about how spirituality can take many forms and how, for many people, believing that our loved ones remain with us in some way offers comfort, meaning, and hope. Throughout the episode we reflect on the importance of empathy, compassion, and human connection in a world that can often feel overwhelming and divided. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for one another is simply listen. A conversation, a shared memory, or a moment of kindness can remind someone they are not alone in their grief. Learn more at: https://www.nancyhowardcobb.com/  Follow Nancy here: https://www.instagram.com/nancyinconversation/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #GriefJourney #LivingWithLoss #HealingThroughGrief #GriefAwareness #LossAndLove #RememberingLovedOnes #SignsFromBeyond #CarryThemWithYou #LoveBeyondLoss #StoriesThatHeal #JudgingMeghan #PodcastConversations #HeartfeltTalks #StorytellingHeals #ListenAndReflect #SpiritualConnection #LifeAfterLoss #CompassionAndEmpathy #GriefAndHope #EmotionalHealing #BereavementSupport #MemoryAndLove #HopeAfterLoss #NavigatingGrief #HealingTogether #LifeAndLoss #SharedHumanity #SignsOfLove #HonoringTheDeparted #MindfulHealing #EmbraceTheJourney #LivingFully #SpiritualHealing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode contains emotionally charged discussions about stillbirth and miscarriage grief. Listener discretion is advised, as this content may be distressing or triggering for those who have experienced similar losses or are sensitive to such topics. We aim to provide a safe space for discussion and healing, but please prioritize your mental and emotional well-being while listening. Join my guest Hailey Ricks and I for an emotionally charged and compassionate exploration of stillbirth and miscarriage grief in this powerful episode. Hailey Ricks, founder of the Still Born Still Loved Foundation, shares her deeply personal journey through the heart-wrenching experience of losing a child. Through her story, she vividly portrays the post-stillbirth ordeal, from the haunting sound of newborns crying in the maternity ward while her baby rests silently to the stark contrast of leaving the hospital with just a single piece of paper amidst the celebration of other new mothers. This conversation dives deep into the unspoken world of pregnancy and infant loss, challenging societal taboos. It highlights the need for empathy and support, regardless of the stage of pregnancy, and emphasizes the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and remember the lives of lost children. Together, we break the silence around these painful topics, providing insights, support, and a safe space for anyone touched by stillbirth and miscarriage grief. I am an independent podcaster and your monthly donations and partnerships help more than you can imagine. This is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by looking forward together! #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #abuserecovery #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #selfhelp #selfhelp #newborn #stigma #mom #support #grief #stilllovedfoundation #stllbirth #miscarriage Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/judging-meghan/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 family, and the fears she faced returning to work as a therapist while questioning everything she believed about mental health treatment. We explore the complexity of suicide grief, the stigma that deepens the pain, and the small everyday mercies that slowly help you breathe again. She shares how her loss softened her, slowed her down, and shifted her spirituality, including the signs from Wiley that still show up in the most beautiful ways. This conversation is honest, grounding, emotional, and filled with compassion. It is for anyone who has lost someone to suicide, loves someone living with mental illness, or simply wants to understand grief on a deeper, more human level. It is a reminder that healing is not about perfection but about awareness, connection, and extending kindness to ourselves, especially on the days we feel anything but kind. Stay tuned for more information on Celeste’s upcoming book ‘Beyond Quick Fixes: Essential Inner Resources for Good Mental Health & A Fulfilling LIfe’ on her site: https://www.drcelestebirkhofer.com/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #GriefSupport #SuicideAwareness #MindfulLiving #EmotionalWellness #SelfCompassion #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #LifeAfterLoss #TherapistTalks #HumanExperience #InnerStrength #MentalHealthResources #OvercomingLoss #MentalWellness #TraumaRecovery #ParentingThroughLoss #BipolarAwareness #MentalHealthEducation #EmotionalHealing #FindingHope #CopingWithGrief #HealingTogether #EndTheStigma #Wellbeing #MentalHealthCommunity #SelfCareJourney #PersonalGrowth #FaithAndHealing #DrCelesteBirkhofer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, creativity, and community. Her spirituality is at the core of it all, from her roots in Christianity to meditation and deep inner work, she shares how staying connected to that inner voice has guided her through every transition and challenge. From becoming an “accidental” documentary filmmaker to traveling the world and advocating for marginalized communities, Deborah’s journey is a testament to growth, curiosity, and purpose. We talk about her work with the Smithsonian, her passion for equity, and the importance of using your voice to create change. At its heart, this episode is about motherhood, legacy, and hope, holding both rage and faith in difficult times while still choosing light. It is a reminder that it is never too late to choose yourself, to evolve, and to step fully into the life you are meant to live. Learn more about deborah and her new memoir ‘Loving The Fire’ here: https://deborahsantana.com/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #CPTSDRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalHealing #SurvivorToThriver #FindYourVoice #OwnYourStory #WomenSupportingWomen #FemaleEmpowerment #Resilience #InnerStrength #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #SpiritualHealing #FaithAndHealing #ChooseYourself #HealingIsPossible #GrowthMindset #DeborahSantana #PurposeDrivenLife #Advocacy #UseYourVoice #InspirationDaily #RealConversations #PodcastCommunity #YouAreNotAlone #LovingTheFire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 conversation goes beyond her story into something bigger. We talk about grief and how it stays with you, about finding purpose after trauma, and about the world we’re living in right now where women are still fighting to be heard. It’s about learning to trust your voice, advocate for yourself, and stop shrinking to make others comfortable. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or dismissed, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters, your story matters, and you deserve to be heard. Get her book and find out more on her site: https://saminaali.net/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #ListenToWomen #BelieveWomen #StopMedicalGaslighting #WomenDeserveBetter #PatientAdvocacy #HealthCareInequality #MaternalMortality #BlackMaternalHealth #WomensRights #HealthcareJustice #MedicalNegligence #SurvivorStory #TraumaRecovery #LifeAfterTrauma #StrengthInSurvival #UnheardVoices #BreakTheSilence #RealStoriesMatter #HumanConnection #EmpathyMatters #StrongerTogether #HopeAfterTrauma #PurposeAfterPain #YouAreNotAlone #KeepGoing #StoriesThatMatter #PodcastLife #PodcastEpisode #NewEpisode #MustListen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 conversation to have, one that reminds us we are not alone in what we’re feeling. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor MentalHealthAwareness #ComplexPTSD #TraumaHealing #GriefJourney #HealingOutLoud #YouAreNotAlone #EndTheStigma #EmotionalHealing #AnxietySupport #DepressionAwareness #TraumaRecovery #InnerHealing #SelfHealingJourney #RealTalk #VulnerabilityIsStrength #MentalHealthMatters #GriefSupport #HealingJourney #PodcastLife #StorytellingHeals #SpeakYourTruth #SurvivorStory #KeepGoing #HopeAndHealing #HumanConnection #EmpathyMatters #HardConversations #LifeAfterLoss #HealingInProgress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 open communication, embracing vulnerability, and rebuilding trust. As we talk about navigating grief, loss, and the emotional ups and downs that come with life’s transitions, Carolyn reminds us that healing is a process—one that takes time, patience, and support. Whether you're coping with the aftermath of trauma, facing difficulties in your relationships, or simply seeking inspiration to reclaim your power and live a thriving life, this episode is filled with hope, wisdom, and encouragement. We also take a sneak peek at Carolyn's upcoming book ‘Fire It Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship’, offering tools for building stronger relationships and deeper connections. Plus, Carolyn shares advice for navigating the holidays, especially if you’re facing your first holiday without a loved one or dealing with a tough life transition. If you're ready to break through barriers, reconnect with your power, and create meaningful relationships, this episode is for you. Find out more about Carolyn here: https://www.secureconnectionsretreats.com/carolyn-sharp and preorder her upcoming book Fire It Up here: https://www.secureconnectionsretreats.com/thebook  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #overcomingchallenge #support #healing #author #comunication #rebuilding #connection #holidays #inspiringconversations #fireitup #relationships #carolynsharp #healing #therapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 heartbreak and fear that comes with raising teenagers in the age of social media, constant comparison, and nonstop exposure to danger and tragedy. As a mother, I share the emotional struggle of letting go, trusting your child’s independence, and learning how to balance protection with freedom. Dr. Foose offers grounding wisdom on how modeling vulnerability, honesty, and bravery helps children feel safer, stronger, and more capable of navigating their own anxiety and emotional challenges. Learn more at: https://www.drfoose.com/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #AnxietyAwareness #TraumaHealing #ComplexPTSD #HealingJourney #Anxiety #YouAreNotBroken #PanicDisorder #TraumaRecovery #EmotionalHealing #TracyFoose #MentalHealthMatters #LivingWithAnxiety #SelfCompassion #HealingNotHustle #Resilience #HopeAndHealing #TherapyTalk #Psychiatry #HealingTogether Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, vulnerability, and human interaction collide. This episode is about survival, reinvention, courage, and choosing to build the life you want instead of waiting for permission. Whether you are navigating trauma, chasing a dream, rebuilding after disappointment, or simply trying to make it through the day, this conversation is a reminder that your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard, and it is never too late to start again. Want to see oneof Max’s shows? You can learn more on his instagram https://www.instagram.com/maxmeisel86/?hl=en or website! https://www.maxmeisel.com/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #TraumaHealing #Comedy #MaxMeisel #Resilience #Reinvention #StartingOver #PersonalGrowth #ChasingDreams #BetOnYourself #DealingWithRejection #CreativeJourney #LifeLessons #StandUpComedy #ComedianLife #TomArnold #CreativeRisk #Dating #ArtistsOnInstagram #CreativeCommunity #Laughter #Community #vulnerability  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, but about making peace with the one we already have. This episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and remember that your feelings make sense. If you are exhausted, overwhelmed, grieving, angry, or struggling to hold onto hope, you are not alone. Healing does not require perfection or calm. You are allowed to be human, complicated, and still worthy of care, compassion, rest, and connection. Found out more about Oneika and purchase her book on her website: https://www.oneikamays.com/ Follow Oneika here: https://www.instagram.com/oneikamays/?hl=en  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #TraumaHealing #ComplexPTSD #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #Mindfulness #Meditation #YogaLife #EmotionalHealing #SelfCompassion #InnerWork #TraumaRecovery #GriefAndHealing #AngerAndGrowth #FindingPeace #Resilience #EmotionalWellbeing #HealingTogether #YouAreNotAlone #SlowHealing #HumanFirst #GentleHealing #HealingInProgress #MentalHealthAwareness #OneikaMays  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, and communities divided, and why this moment must transcend political parties and center on humanity, dignity, and justice. This episode is about grief, trauma, activism, and healing, but at its core, it is about connection. It is an invitation to lean into empathy, use your voice, and choose courage over silence. Whether you are navigating loss, trauma, exhaustion, or a sense of helplessness in a heavy world, I hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone, that your story matters, and that even in the darkest moments, there is still light to be found. Follow Tanya here: https://www.instagram.com/tanya.monaghan/  Follow Luisa here: https://www.instagram.com/therevecollective/?hl=en Want to learn more about South Bay’s efforts to support democracy follow here: https://www.instagram.com/southbaytakesastand/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #ChoosingEmpathy #CommunityHealing #GriefAndHope #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #CollectiveCare #WomenSupportingWomen #FindYourVoice #HealingJourney #Resilience #ChooseKindness #HumanConnection #HopeInHardTimes #EmpathyOverFear #CommunityPower #TraumaRecovery #SpeakUp #YouAreNotAlone  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 invitation to slow down, listen to your body, and remember that healing is not a performance, it is a process. Whether you are grieving, carrying trauma, trying to mend, or learning how to move on, I hope this episode reminds you that support exists, there is still light ahead, and you deserve to feel safe, seen, and held as you keep going. You can purchase Kate's books on Amazon or at your local bookstore! This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #KateKing #MendOrMoveOn #TraumaHealing #ComplexPTSD #HealingJourney #InternalFamilySystems #PartsWork #IFStherapy #ArtTherapy #NervousSystemHealing #EmotionalSafety #ToxicRelationships #FamilyEstrangement #SettingBoundaries #SelfTrust #GriefHealing #TraumaRecovery #HealingIsAProcess #ComingBackToYourself #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #SelfWorth #ChoosePeace #YouAreNotAlone #GroundingPractices #HealingThroughCreativity #ProtectYourPeace #LettingGo #HopeAndHealing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 shortcuts or quick fixes. It’s about removing shame, understanding your body, and learning that needing support is not a failure. It’s about choosing compassion over punishment and trusting yourself again. You are not broken. You are not failing. And you are not alone. You can find out more here: https://alexandrasowamd.com/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #WeightWithoutShame #TraumaInformedCare #MentalHealthPodcast #ComplexPTSD #BodyTrust #GLP1 #HormonesAndHealth #MidlifeHealth #FoodNoise #HealingJourney #WomenSupportingWomen #CompassionOverShame #MentalHealthAwareness #GriefAndHealing #YouAreNotBroken Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. When kids are involved, fear, guilt, and judgment keep women stuck far longer than they should be. We talk about betrayal trauma, victim blaming, and the cycle many toxic groups follow, and why reacting after months of pressure does not make someone the problem. It makes them human. This episode is about trusting your experience, listening to your body, and choosing self preservation over fixing the narrative. Sometimes healing looks like quiet distance and protecting your energy. If you have ever felt pushed out, shamed, or silenced by people you hoped would support you, this conversation is for you. You can follow Dr. Noelle Santorelli here: https://www.instagram.com/drnoellesantorelli/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #grief #mentalhealth #friendshiploss #adultbullying #relationaltrauma #betrayaltrauma #toxicfriendships #toxicmomgroups #womensmentalhealth #emotionalabuse #socialexclusion #shameandhealing #traumarecovery #boundaries #selfpreservation #healingafterloss #belonging #identityandloss #nervoussystem #emotionalsafety #friendbreakups #communitytrauma #motherhoodandmentalhealth #choosingyourself #psychologicalsafety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 carries us forward. If you’ve ever struggled with loss, self-doubt, or comparison, this episode is for you.  Want to find out more about Christiane, you can do so here: https://yourwholelifecoaching.org/  Want to find out more about Vivian, you can do so here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviangarciatunon/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #GriefJourney #HealingThroughLoss #LossAndLove #FindingPeace #SelfLoveJourney #InnerWork #MindsetMatters #LoveYourself #ChosenFamily #Sisterhood #SupportiveWomen #FriendshipGoals #MentalHealthAwareness #DailySelfCare #JournalingPractice #MindfulLiving #SignsFromLovedOnes #EnergyHealing #SpiritualGrowth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the story that shaped who we are. We touch on boundaries, expectations, empathy, and what it means to give without attachment. This episode is about choosing connection, gratitude, and life, even when it feels heavy. If you’ve been struggling, feeling responsible for everyone else, or just need the reminder, I want you to hear this clearly. You are not finished. You matter. And there is still so much ahead for you. Find out more about Peter on his site here: https://www.peter-bailey.com/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #TheEpicOfYou #ChildhoodTraumaHealing #ComplexPTSDRecovery #TraumaSurvivalStrategies #HealingYourStory #ResilienceAndGrowth #ReframeYourPast #OvercomingAddictionAndLoss #BoundariesAndEmpathy #GratitudePractice #ConnectionAndCommunity #YouAreNotFinished #YourStoryMatters #FromSurvivalToThriving #HealingFromThePast #SelfDiscoveryJourney #TraumaToStrength #HopeAndHealing #EmotionalResilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 how to have honest conversations with our kids about loss. Jenny shares how her healing journey led to her children’s book, Are You Here, and why staying open to signs, connection, and love matters. This episode is a reminder that grief and hope can exist together, and that talking about hard things makes them feel a little lighter. Find out more as well as pre-order Jennys book ‘Are You Here’ on her site: https://www.jenny-robinson.com/  LifeMD is offering a Holiday and New Year’s Sale with 50% off their Weight Management Program plus free shipping, which makes getting started easier and more affordable. Just visit lifemd.com/JUDGINGMEGHAN to activate the offer. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #AreYouHereBook #GriefSupport #CopingWithLoss #FamilyFirst #ParentingThroughLoss #HealingHearts #FaithAndFamily #MindfulParenting #EmotionalGrowth #MenAndMentalHealth #VulnerabilityIsStrength #LoveNeverEnds #SignsFromLovedOnes #ChildrenBooksWithMeaning #MarriageAndParenting #LifeLessons #HealingJourney #CreativeHealing #ConnectionBeyondLoss #SpiritualGrowth #MentalWellnessMatters #HopeAndHealing #ParentingWithPurpose #RaisingEmotionallyHealthyKids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and recognize opportunities. She explains how simple daily practices—like art, music, gratitude, and connecting with animals—can restore hope, regulate the nervous system, and open the door to transformation. At its heart, this episode is about hope, alignment, and reclaiming agency. Colette’s story shows that healing is possible, joy and creativity are essential, and we can move from surviving to thriving. It is a reminder that your story matters, you are not alone, and you have the power to shape your life. Find out more about Colette on her site: https://www.colettebaronreid.com/ LifeMD is offering a Holiday and New Year’s Sale with 50% off their Weight Management Program plus free shipping, which makes getting started easier and more affordable. Just visit lifemd.com/JUDGINGMEGHAN to activate the offer. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #JudgingMeghanPodcast #ColetteBarronReid #TraumaRecovery #HealingJourney #MentalWellness #EmotionalHealing #OvercomingTrauma #Manifestation #VisionBoardMagic #DoodleYourDestiny #SynchronicityMagic #MindBodySpirit #SelfHealing #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #SpiritualHealing #NeuroArts #CreativeManifestation #HopeAndHealing #PersonalTransformation #InnerGrowth #SelfEmpowerment #LifeAlignment #JoyfulLiving #ConsciousLiving #EmbraceYourStory #TraumaInformed #HealingThroughArt #ManifestYourDreams #GratitudePractice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 through his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therescoffeeinthefridge/. LifeMD is offering a Holiday and New Year’s Sale with 50% off their Weight Management Program plus free shipping, which makes getting started easier and more affordable. Just visitlifemd.com/JUDGINGMEGHAN to activate the offer. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #abuserecovery #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #selfhelp #addiction #addictionrecovery #lgbtqsupport #mentalhealthawareness #empathy  #breakingfree #support #resilience #vulnerability #therescoffeeinthefridge #healing #alcoholic #jamesfrancis #depression #anxiety  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 a level of determination that shaped everything that came next. Her life changed dramatically in 2019 when she became gravely ill with undiagnosed Lyme disease, mold toxicity, autoimmune encephalitis, and parasites. After years of misdiagnoses, unnecessary surgeries, and constant dismissals, she and her husband left everything behind to live simply and focus on healing. Even then she still wasn’t getting better. One night she stumbled across a TikTok video about parasites, tried a cleanse out of desperation, and within days realized she had found the missing piece. That moment eventually led her to create the parasite cleanse that has now helped millions. Kim’s work is rooted in accessibility and empowerment. She researched what other countries did, uncovered hidden ingredients companies refused to share, and created her own tinctures, binders, foot soaks, and detox tools for parasites, Candida, mold, heavy metals, and more. In this conversation, we break everything down in simple language—what parasite cleansing actually is, why sugar cravings can mean more than you think, and why women’s pain is so often overlooked. This episode is raw, eye opening, and surprisingly hopeful. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the medical system or struggled with symptoms no one could explain, Kim’s story will make you feel seen, informed, and a little less alone. Learn more here: https://rogershood.com/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #JudgingMeghan #KimRogers #WormQueen #RogersHoodApothecary #ParasiteCleanse #WellnessJourney #HolisticHealth #ChronicIllnessAwareness #LymeDiseaseAwareness #MoldToxicity #CandidaDetox #WomenInWellness #HealthAdvocate #BeYourOwnAdvocate #GutHealthMatters #HealingJourney #AlternativeWellness #NaturalDetox #MindBodyHealth #ChronicSymptoms #WellnessEducation #EmpoweredHealing #TakeBackYourHealth #FunctionalHealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices