Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto

Dr. Lara May is a functional medicine pharmacist specializing in gut health, mental health, and type 2 diabetes.The gut-brain connection isn't pseudoscience—it's biology. 95% of your neurotransmitters are manufactured in your gut, which means your mental health is directly tied to your digestive health. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or brain fog, the answer might not be in your head.Expect to learn why Western medicine keeps you on medications for life instead of solving root causes, what leaky gut actually means and how to recognize it, the shocking connection between type 2 diabetes and mental health, why your fiber intake might be making things worse, how vitamin D deficiency destroys your sleep and mood, the real reason functional medicine costs more upfront but saves you money long-term, which neurotransmitters control your happiness and where they come from, and much more.00:00 Introduction & Welcome02:03 Why She Left Traditional Pharmacy for Functional Medicine04:08 The Western vs Eastern Medicine Debate06:10 Type 2 Diabetes & Mental Health Connection08:13 Where Your Happy Chemicals Actually Come From12:35 Why Western Medicine Keeps You on Pills Forever16:39 The Truth About Fiber (And When It Hurts You)19:07 Vitamin Deficiencies You Don't Know You Have22:53 The Biological Side of Mental Health27:26 What Leaky Gut Actually Feels Like31:19 How to Find the Right Practitioner for YouFollow Dr. Lara May:Podcast: Lightbody RadioListen to all episodes on the Mental Meters Podcast

In this enlightening episode of "Mental Matters," join us as we delve into the world of holistic healing with our guest, Nisha. We explore the intricate connections between the mind, body, and spirit, and discuss how belief systems and lifestyle choices impact our overall well-being. Discover practical tips for improving mental health, the importance of setting goals, and the power of self-love. Tune in to learn how to become the architect of your future and embrace a holistic approach to life.

This conversation delves into the complexities of maternal health, focusing on the importance of self-worth, the challenges of postpartum depression, and the necessity of a supportive network for new mothers. Dr. Wilson shares her personal journey and insights from her book 'Post', emphasizing the need for women to prioritize their health and well-being during and after pregnancy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Maternal Health Conversations02:53 The Importance of Self-Worth in Parenting05:38 Navigating Postpartum Challenges08:39 Understanding Postpartum Depression11:30 The Role of Nutrition and Self-Care14:28 Creating a Support System17:17 The Impact of Maternal Mental Health19:49 Insights from the Book 'Post'22:42 Refocusing the Message on Postpartum Wellness25:29 Addressing Healthcare System Flaws28:23 Final Thoughts on Maternal Health Awareness

In this conversation, Kelly Majdan discusses the unpredictability of life and how it often diverges from our expectations. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and facing challenges head-on, drawing parallels between life's obstacles and those encountered in an obstacle course.

In this conversation, Elizabeth Bennett discusses the alarming rise of bullying and mental health issues among youth, emphasizing the toxic environments they navigate. She highlights the detrimental effects of social media, where children seek validation in a virtual world that often presents an unrealistic facade. Bennett encourages parents to engage in open conversations with their children about their struggles and experiences.

The conversation delves into the topic of suicide ideation, exploring how it is a common experience among individuals, particularly in a classroom setting. Asekho Toto shares personal experiences with suicide ideation, highlighting the normalization of such thoughts among peers and the importance of support in overcoming these feelings.

In this conversation, Asekho Toto emphasizes the importance of making time for oneself, especially for mothers who often prioritize their children's needs over their own. She discusses the necessity of self-reflection and creating space in one's day to foster awareness and personal growth.

In this episode, Sarah Wilson shares a deeply personal journey through the challenges of managing type 1 diabetes and the unexpected wake-up call of a heart attack. Discover how self-care, mental resilience, and informed nutrition play pivotal roles in health management. Sarah emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and personal accountability in navigating the healthcare system. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of habit tracking, the significance of gut health, and the empowering message of meeting yourself where you are.Sponsors and important linksSubscribe to my newsletter: mentalmattershostedbyasekhototo.substack.com/Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400You can buy my book on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr=Donations are welcomed at paypal.me/asekhototoSarah Wilson Website: https://www.everythingsmessywellness.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-messy-podcast-by-sarah-wilson/id1481261318

In this episode, we delve into the transformative journey of entrepreneurship and the power of women's empowerment. Join us as we explore personal growth stories, overcoming challenges, and the importance of community and collaboration. Discover how to harness your inner strength and achieve your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Tune in for insights, motivation, and actionable advice to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and empower your path to success.

In this episode, we delve into the essential elements of personal and professional growth. Discover how mental wellbeing is key to unlocking your full potential and why businesses should strive for impact beyond profit. Learn from failures and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. We explore the dynamic between motivation and discipline, and why celebrating small wins is crucial for sustained success. Join us as we uncover strategies to live in alignment with your full potential and transform your goals into meaningful journeys.

In this conversation, Asekho Toto discusses the importance of connecting with one's inner coach and the role of self-compassion in personal growth. Through reflective questioning, Toto encourages individuals to treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would offer to a best friend, highlighting the often contrasting ways people engage in self-talk versus how they support others.

Explore the transformative power of advocacy in this episode focused on accessibility and mental health. Our guests share their journeys and the impact of their work in fostering inclusion. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Accessibility and Disability Advocacy02:29 Navigating Education and Advocacy for Neurodivergent Children05:46 Understanding Psychological Barriers in Corporate Settings08:27 The Intersection of Mental Health and Disability11:23 Challenges in Policy and Institutional Support14:43 Balancing Personal and Professional Advocacy17:22 The Importance of Communication in Advocacy20:11 Convincing Corporations to Embrace Accessibility23:30 The Future of Accessibility in Learning Environments

In this episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho sits down with Tracy Hall, an identity-based coach who shares her powerful journey of being diagnosed with autism at age 32. Tracy opens up about the challenges of growing up feeling "different," the emotional rollercoaster of denial, anger, and eventual acceptance, and how women often mask their symptoms to fit in. Discover how rewriting limiting beliefs and embracing your authentic self can transform your life, plus practical tips on identity-based coaching to overcome self-doubt and build confidence. Whether you're navigating neurodiversity, mental health, or personal growth, this conversation shatters misconceptions about autism and celebrates the strength in being uniquely you. Tune in for relatable stories, actionable insights, and a fresh perspective on living empowered—perfect for anyone seeking inspiration to rewrite their own narrative!

High achievers often wait for permission before they act. In this Mental Matters conversation, Asekho Toto explores how self-validation, perspective, and daily habits can break cycles of anxiety and depression. Our guest shares his story growing up as the only Black kid in largely white spaces, losing his father to suicide at birth, failing exams, and still pushing through nursing school—then building a coaching practice that integrates mindset training, exercise, and macro-nutrition to improve mental health. We dig into faith vs. external approval, why relapse is part of recovery, and how the gut–brain link changes mood more than most people realize. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.High achievers often wait for permission before they act. In this Mental Matters conversation, Asekho Toto explores how self-validation, perspective, and daily habits can break cycles of anxiety and depression. Our guest shares his story growing up as the only Black kid in largely white spaces, losing his father to suicide at birth, failing exams, and still pushing through nursing school—then building a coaching practice that integrates mindset training, exercise, and macro-nutrition to improve mental health. We dig into faith vs. external approval, why relapse is part of recovery, and how the gut–brain link changes mood more than most people realize. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.

What if your ambition was born from pain? In this deeply human episode, Asekho Toto sits down with a trauma specialist to discuss how unprocessed experiences shape identity, drive, and the constant need to prove yourself.Together, they reveal how high achievers often use success to mask unhealed wounds — and how awareness, body-based healing, and vulnerability can turn pain into purpose.

In this episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho Toto sits down with Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and author of groundbreaking research on betrayal trauma. Together, they unpack the hidden wounds of betrayal—from family and partners to friends and colleagues—and how these experiences shape our beliefs, relationships, and mental health.Dr. Silber shares her personal story of betrayal, the discoveries from her PhD study, and the creation of the term Post Betrayal Syndrome. She reveals why betrayal is a unique trauma, how it leads to cycles of self-sabotage, and what it takes to move beyond survival. From National Forgiveness Day to her proven 5-stage roadmap for healing, Dr. Silber emphasizes that forgiveness and transformation begin with brutal self-honesty and the willingness to let go of outdated beliefs.This conversation challenges you to reflect on your own experiences, question long-held stories, and embrace the possibility of a new, healthier identity. If you’ve ever struggled with trust, boundaries, or moving on after deep hurt, this episode will give you a roadmap to reclaim your worth and step into a new life.

In this episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho Toto speaks with Batrice Cordova, an advocate for resilience and empowerment who has turned a life marked by trauma, loss, and addiction into a journey of healing and hope.Batrice shares her deeply personal story of losing her young daughter in a tragic fire, battling alcoholism from the age of 12, and carrying decades of unspoken pain — until she chose recovery and the courage to finally speak her truth. Today, with over 400 days of sobriety, she empowers others to face their struggles, embrace vulnerability, and redefine what it means to be strong.Together, they explore: • How trauma and silence can drive people toward addiction. • The emotional weight of pretending to be “strong” while suffering inside. • Why self-expression and vulnerability are keys to healing. • The daily fight to stay sober and the power of taking recovery one day at a time. • Misconceptions about trauma, grief, and the resilience required to keep moving forward. • Advice for young women on navigating life without falling into cycles of regret, addiction, or silence.

In this episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho Toto speaks with a guest who shares their deeply personal journey of navigating life with hearing loss. From the slow, subtle onset of hearing challenges to the life-changing moment of receiving hearing aids and later cochlear implants, this conversation sheds light on the emotional, social, and professional struggles people with disabilities often face — and the strength required to overcome them.Together, they explore: • The stigma and misconceptions surrounding disabilities, especially invisible ones like hearing loss. • How losing a sense later in life reshapes identity, mental health, and daily living. • The role of self-advocacy in securing accessibility at work and in society. • Strategies for kindness, resilience, and self-acceptance in the face of disability. • Why inclusion and awareness in schools, companies, and communities are essential for true accessibility.This episode is both eye-opening and empowering, offering hope, validation, and practical lessons for anyone living with — or supporting someone with — a disability.

In this episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho Toto sits down with Jeff Patterson, founder of Northwest Fighting Arts, meditation teacher, and author of The Yielding Warrior. With over 30 years of experience teaching martial and meditative arts, Jeff shares how practices like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and meditation can transform not only athletic performance but also mental health, emotional resilience, and everyday life.Together, they explore: • How Jeff’s journey from boxing to Tai Chi reshaped his life and teaching. • The five core benefits of meditative arts: athletic, medical, therapeutic, philosophical, and spiritual. • Why stress, distraction, and “mental masks” keep us disconnected from our true selves — and how meditation helps us return to center. • The Eastern philosophy of “yielding” and its surprising applications in relationships, business, and personal growth. • Practical steps for beginners who struggle with meditation or feel their minds are “too busy.”This conversation blends wisdom, story, and practical tools for anyone seeking balance, focus, and deeper connection with themselves. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or someone navigating stress, this episode offers a path toward resilience and peace.Sponsors and important linksSubscribe to my newsletter: Mental Matters: Self-Improvement Edition | Asekho Toto | SubstackWant to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400You can buy my book on Stan Store: https://stan.store/Asekhototo/p/get-my-book-at-the-end-i-found-healingDonations are welcomed at paypal.me/asekhototoFDN Course www.anw5astrk.com/3DDP436/2CTPL/for a $650 off use this code aff1485fdn1

In this episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho Toto sits down with Kelly Siebold for an honest conversation about the realities of postpartum depression and anxiety. Kelly opens her heart about what it felt like to step into motherhood and be hit with emotions and struggles she never expected. She explains the difference between the short-lived “baby blues” and the deeper, heavier weight of postpartum depression, which can appear anytime in the first year after birth.Together, Asekho and Kelly explore how sleep deprivation can unravel even the strongest of us, how stigma keeps too many mothers silent, and why asking a mom how she’s doing is just as important as asking about the baby. Kelly also shares how she found moments of strength in therapy, support from her community, and even small daily acts of self-care that helped her rebuild her sense of self.From her own journey, Kelly created Thrive Postpartum, a community that offers mothers a safe space, education, and support groups led by professionals who truly understand. Her message is simple but powerful: you are not alone, you are not a bad mom, and with the right support, it really does get better.Sponsors and important linksSubscribe to my newsletter: Mental Matters: Self-Improvement Edition | Asekho Toto | SubstackWant to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400You can buy my book on Stan Store: https://stan.store/Asekhototo/p/get-my-book-at-the-end-i-found-healingDonations are welcomed at paypal.me/asekhototoFDN Course www.anw5astrk.com/3DDP436/2CTPL/for a $650 off use this code aff1485fdn1