Better Weather podcast

In this heartfelt episode of the Better Weather podcast, Brandon delves into the personal struggles that arose from recent health issues with his teenage daughter. What started as a concern for a loved one quickly escalated, leading to a challenging cascade of events, including a bout of pneumonia and a severe case of the flu during a  work trip. The host reflects on this turbulent period, emphasizing the vital importance of maintaining a strong foundation in one's life. Drawing parallels between life's challenges and the need for a sturdy infrastructure, he explores the concept of self-care and the dangers of piling stressors onto an already shaky base. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to consider their own well-being and the significance of a resilient mental health foundation. The host shares personal insights and lessons learned, touching on the necessity of taking time for oneself and addressing issues before they accumulate. As the episode unfolds, our host draws upon the metaphor of life's occasional sucker punches, highlighting the resilience required to rise after each blow. Listeners are reminded of the power within them to rebuild, reinforcing the idea that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities for growth. Whether you've faced similar challenges or are seeking inspiration for self-care, Episode 24 of the Better Weather podcast offers a candid and relatable exploration of navigating life's storms while ensuring your mental health remains a top priority. Remember Fear is like a fire, you can let it burn your house down, or you can learn to cook with it. 

In Episode 23 of the Better Weather Podcast,  I dive into the power of revisiting our past selves and the vulnerability that comes with it. I begin by recounting a vivid Christmas memory from my childhood where I received a radio, sang a heartfelt song, and recorded it, only to cringe upon listening back to it later. I use this nostalgic moment to explore the discomfort we feel when facing our past selves and how it relates to broader experiences of self-reflection. Drawing parallels between that cringe-worthy recording and other instances where I've reflected on my own actions and emotions, I emphasize the importance of embracing vulnerability. Podcasting and journaling emerge as valuable tools in this journey, providing a safe space to confront our thoughts and feelings without shame. Shifting gears, I open up about the daunting experience of considering and taking antidepressants. I delve into the complexities of navigating mental health treatments and the challenge of accurately assessing our emotions while on medication. It's a candid discussion about the fears and uncertainties that accompany this aspect of mental health care. Ultimately, this episode aims to encourage listeners to accept and honor their feelings, even when they are uncomfortable or difficult to articulate. By embracing vulnerability and exploring our inner landscapes through various outlets like podcasting, journaling, or therapy, we can foster a healthier relationship with ourselves and our mental health journeys.        

n episode 22 of the Better Weather Podcast, titled "The Driver Seat," Brandon Leath takes listeners on a journey through his experiences that resonate deeply with the complexities of control and vulnerability. Beginning with a humorous yet eye-opening anecdote from his drivers education class, Brandon reflects on the realization that while he thought he was in charge behind the wheel, the instructor held control from the passenger side. This revelation sparks a contemplation about the illusion of control in life. The episode delves into a haunting nightmare Brandon had during a family road trip, where the journey mysteriously looped back to their starting point. As he grapples with the confusion of how this happened and the loss of trust from his family, Brandon draws a poignant parallel between this disorienting dream and the struggles of navigating feelings of depression. The experience mirrors the sense of being in the driver's seat but feeling powerless, as if an invisible force or passenger takes over. Through these personal stories, Brandon skillfully intertwines the intricacies of control, perception, and mental health, inviting listeners to contemplate the haunting familiarity between life's uncertainties and the challenging landscape of depression. "The Driver Seat" serves as a compelling exploration of the nuanced dynamics of control and the profound impact it has on our lives.

Episode 21 of The Better Weather podcast, hosted by Brandon Leath, delves into the intricacies of feeling like a burden and the parallels it draws to the experience of being picked last on a junior high recess football game. Brandon shares insights on the fabricated narratives our minds create when burdened, leading to self-perceived isolation and projection. Drawing from personal experiences, Brandon reflects on the powerful journey of self-discovery during a solo trip to Bali, Indonesia. He recounts how the necessity of self-reliance during this two-week excursion prompted significant personal growth and introspection. Exploring the theme of projection further, Brandon emphasizes the need to discern the reality behind the curated façade presented in photographs, suggesting that this podcast is akin to unveiling the deeper, often untold stories behind a single captured moment. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to embrace moments of isolation as opportunities for self-reflection and growth, while also challenging the reliance on surface-level representations in a visually-driven world. Tune in for an insightful discussion that uncovers the hidden narratives behind perceived burdens and the transformative power of self-reliance.

Episode 20: "Depression: A Dream Within" In this episode of "The Better Weather Podcast," host Brandon Leath delves deep into the intricate analogy between depression and a dream. Drawing from personal experience, Brandon vividly paints the similarities between these two seemingly disparate states of being. He masterfully illustrates how depression can feel like an isolated dream world, where one is cut off from the outside, trapped within their own thoughts, and devoid of control. Brandon poignantly describes the journey of awakening from this dream-like state, likening it to emerging from the grips of depression. He parallels the moment of clarity upon waking to the experience of seeing the light amidst the darkness of depression. As he shares his intimate reflections, listeners are invited to join him on this introspective exploration. Through heartfelt storytelling, Brandon extends a hand to those grappling with similar struggles, aiming to foster connection and understanding. His honest narrative provides solace to those feeling alone, offering a beacon of hope through relatable experiences. Tune in to this profound episode as Brandon, a person navigating his own battles with depression, crafts a narrative that resonates deeply, aiming to bridge the gap between the misunderstood and the understood.

Ive done a lot of episodes. Ive talked on a lot of podcasts in my day. Ive never felt something more than I have in this episode. So, if you are into reading podcast descriptions, I know this is a weird one. But I wanted it to be personal, so here it is. I'd been struggling recently, but Ive felt something that is unlike anything I have ever felt. Join me as I continue my passion of storytelling, baring a lot, crying a bit.. maybe, maybe you are crying by the end, and if so I hope you feel better. Anway, I talk about how I look at signs in life, how they make me feel peace, I try my best to communicate what depression and anxiety feels like. I talk about my family portraits and how dope i looked, wink face emoji, I ddn't talk about my Zyn habit, but I am thinking about it right now. I also talk about my visit to Red Rocks Austin church, and a connection with the big guy. God, not Joe biden. Anyway, ( I wrote that now twice) I talked unedited for 40 min straight. That is hard to do, man. Hope you dig it. Hope you have hope. Hope you never have any of the pain and cannot relate at all. But if you need it. i hope it helps you. Much love. Hold out for better weather. 

Episode 18 of "The Better Weather Podcast" delves deep into the captivating energy that shapes our experiences at different stages of life. Brandon reminisces about the palpable excitement of childhood, where the air felt charged weekend sleepovers with friends,and the taste of newfound freedom in junior high. He paints a vivid picture of how this energy evolved in high school, transitioning towards the thrill of partying with friends, creating moments that became pivotal touchstones in life. As we grow older, Brandon reflects on how these cherished memories become beacons of hope during challenging times. He explores the significance of holding onto these moments, turning to them for strength and inspiration. In this episode, the conversation takes an intriguing turn toward adulthood and the ways we seek out similar energies. Vacations, guys' trips, and for Brandon, tattoos become symbolic tokens of these experiences. With a personal history spanning 25 years of getting tattoos, Brandon shares the stories and meanings behind his favorite American Traditional style tattoos. Each piece carries a narrative, reflecting moments of joy, resilience, and personal growth. More than just ink on skin, these tattoos serve as tangible reminders of life's journeys and lessons learned. Drawing parallels between the resurgence of positive memories and emerging from a challenging depressive episode, Brandon connects the dots between finding light and the renewed drive to embrace more fulfilling experiences. He discusses how this shift in perspective fuels the desire to seek out joy, adventure, and a deeper appreciation for life's beautiful moments. Join Brandon in Episode 18 as he unravels the threads of nostalgia, tattoos, and the transformative power of rediscovering the light within.

Welcome to The Better Weather Podcast, Episode 17! In this episode, your host Brandon takes you on a personal journey through the challenges of transitioning from being cared for to becoming a caretaker. Brandon candidly shares his experiences with depression, shedding light on the emotional complexities involved in this shift of roles. Tune in as Brandon opens up about his exploration with Bufo Alfarius, a psychedelic substance, and the profound impact it had on his life. He delves into the after-effects of this transformative experience, revealing how it catapulted him into a state of positivity and a newfound flow in various aspects of his life. Join Brandon as he reflects on the spiritual dimension of his journey, describing the moment he felt a connection with the divine—a sensation he associates with the presence of God. He shares his aspirations to sustain and nurture this positive energy without overindulging, emphasizing the delicate balance he aims to maintain. The episode offers listeners a glimpse into Brandon's evolving perspective on life, spirituality, and the pursuit of sustained well-being. Don't miss this insightful and introspective installment of The Better Weather Podcast as Brandon navigates the currents of personal growth and positive transformation.

Title: Episode 12 - "A Journey Within: Ayahuasca and Bufo Alvarius" Intro: Welcome back to another episode of The Better Weather! I'm your host, Brandon Leath, and today, we're delving into a deeply personal and transformative journey - In this episode, we'll explore my experiences with Ayahuasca and Bufo Alvarius, the wild ceremonies, and the profound changes they brought about. Segment 1: Seeking Healing I kick off the episode by sharing my own struggles with mental health and the catalyst that led me to explore alternative healing methods. I discuss how I stumbled upon Ayahuasca, a powerful Amazonian plant medicine known for its healing properties and spiritual insights. Segment 2: The Ayahuasca Ceremony I recount the intense and eye-opening experience of my first Ayahuasca ceremony. I describe the visions, emotions, and revelations that unfolded, changing my perspective on life and helping me reconnect with my masculine side. Segment 3: Encounter with the Divine I share a pivotal moment from my Bufo journey, where I encountered a higher power, a connection to God. This profound experience released my fear of death and provided a new sense of purpose and spirituality in my life. I discuss how this encounter has influenced my outlook going forward., I delve into my curiosity about psychedelics and their therapeutic potential. I explore the deep-rooted history of Bufo Alvarius in the Amazon and its unique properties. My experience with this potent toad medicine was mind-boggling, and I share the insights it brought, further cementing my belief in the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Conclusion: In the final segment, I reflect on my journey, discussing the lasting impact of these ceremonies on my mental health and well-being. I highlight the newfound compassion, spirituality, and self-discovery that have emerged from these experiences. Join me on this remarkable voyage as I share my personal odyssey to better mental health through Ayahuasca and Bufo Alvarius. It's a story of transformation, healing, and embracing a new perspective on life and the power of ancient medicines. Thank you for tuning in to The Better Weather. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share your thoughts on this episode. 

In this candid and heartfelt episode of "Better Weather," your host Brandon takes an unexpected turn from the planned discussion of an ayahuasca experience. Instead, opens up about a challenging week marked by unexpected battles with depression. This unscripted and deeply personal account sheds light on the unpredictability of the mental health journey. During this emotionally charged episode, Brandon emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong support system. They reflect on the power of genuine friendships and the profound impact they have on one's mental well-being. Through their own experience, Brandon discovered that leaning on true friends can help shift one's mood in a more positive direction, even in the darkest of times. Moreover, the episode delves into the significance of the stimuli we expose ourselves to. Brandon discusses the awareness they gained about the content they consume and how it can influence their mental state. This newfound awareness led to a profound shift in perspective, revealing the importance of mindful choices when it comes to what we feed our minds. Join Brandon on this personal journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the valuable lessons learned during a turbulent week. "Better Weather" provides an open and empathetic space to explore the complexities of mental health, where every storm ultimately contributes to the growth and understanding of one's own mental landscape.

After a week off, B returns with a story about his road trip to Utah. Brandon talks about the importrance of nature in his life, as well as a journey with psychedlic psilocybin mushrooms, leading to the beginning of a deep dive into plant medicine as therapy. Mental health struggles post rehab, and a lesson in surrender and embracing the present moment.  

Episode 13 takes a deeper look in to Brandon's history. Journaling and Podcasting has provided an amazing way to see that patterns that one can fall into. Brandon talks about the analogy of snow skiing. How you travel down a path, creating imprints in the snow. The more you travel down that path, the deeper these paths become, making it more difficult to divert, or change course. The mind operates in a similar pattern. We find ourselves in holes in our life, and more often that not, rely on something (brandon makes a reference to drugs as anything to change your experience) to cover a feeling or enhance a feeling. We rarely are encouraged to find the source of our unhappiness, making it impossible to truly treat. 

Brandon returns to the Better Weather podcast with stories of his past two years dealing with the highs and lows of his battle with mental health. A journey that began after episode 11, a decision to enter rehab, and ultimately a path to salvation and self love. Follow with me as I try to share this human experience, and hopefuly you can relate in some way.    Welcome back to the Better Weather podcast. It is your host, Brandon Leith. Been a little bit for some of you if you're following along. Last episode was episode 11 with Ella Kasiba. Right now we're starting episode 12. If you're paying attention to the dates, you'll notice that it's been some little bit of time. Last episode we recorded June 7th, 2021 with Ella and today is September 23rd, 2023. So I feel like I owe you an explanation. I feel like I owe it to this podcast if the reason I started it was to really be open and vulnerable. When I talk about mental health and my journey through that, and truth be told, during that period of this podcast, probably episodes 5 through 11, things weren't going great. The podcast was helping. I was able to talk about things and that's that's a really a a great part of this. It's kind of like therapy for myself, but sometimes that therapy isn't quite enough.  I've gone through a journey with trying out antidepressants, I would say unsuccessfully for the most part. I think up to this point, I'd probably tried five or six of them and that's a pretty big undertaking because the ramp up. On these medicines is kind of a little little bit of time, time, days or so to kind of really feel what's going on. Then you kind of assess how you feel and then if it's not great, you can take some medications for side effects or just take that, take that medicine down and try a new one. It's a very long, drawn out process and it's very hard on an individual. I was kind of going through this during that middle part of the podcast and adding more medicines on for the side effects that I was experiencing and I was slowly crumbling and so I just want to talk about that. I want to talk about where I had to go, what kind of happened. I'll be back here definitely for several episodes because I have a whole lot of things to tell you guys and I'm honestly really excited to tell you about it. The stories are probably going to be a little bit dark leading up to it, but but I promise you, we're leading up to a great ending. So let's just kind of jump into it.  These Ssri's were making my life fall to pieces. I was becoming to the point where I was unable to work. My job was becoming incredibly difficult for me to even just regularly function. I couldn't organize tasks in my day. For a lot of you that have been listening along, you know, I kind of work in the corporate world. I own a CrossFit gym and I kind of do both throughout the day. Obviously I have a lot of help. My wife helps tremendously with the gym, but still, it's a pretty long day and it doesn't allow for a whole lot of free time. Now, is it all bad? No. I work remote. I'm not complaining, but I probably am doing too much. Well, throw in these medicines. Throw in the lack of sleep that I was getting from these medicines. My legs were going crazy. I was having restless leg syndrome which was making me wake up almost every hour, every single night. So that lack of sleep was just building and building and simultaneously I was using cannabis. As a lot of you know, I talk a lot about how open I am with my use of that and and interest honestly in in using it as a medicine. Now during this time, I was really using it as any way to make myself sleep by. That's the only way I can describe it and it it was helping for that. And then I would notice during the day I would have these huge crying bouts where I would cry like 3 * a day uncontrollably. I would sleep to maybe just make it all end. I would just force myself to kind of lay down. And  then when I needed to kind of focus, I found that cannabis was helping with that. It would it would kind of calm things down for whatever reason. And I know if you if you don't really subscribe to that, I can understand how crazy that sounds. But, I mean, anybody could attest to it. They could see how I could actually function. Now, was that healthy? Probably not. It's definitely not something I even wanted to do. It got to the point where I didn't even want to do that. I just didn't know what else to do. I was just, I was like screaming for help. And it was the only thing that would make me kind of function for that 30 minutes or 45 minutes that it would last. Well, work was starting to start, starting to take notice. Management was like, hey, what's going on with Brandon? And it was becoming harder to hide it from them. Well, that slowly started to spill into my kids even starting to notice. Leslie's obviously very involved in noticing and doing her best to try to understand it, but it it's it's it's almost too much for anyone to kind of deal with. When it comes to the point where I was at, it was becoming harder to hide it from the kids. They were starting to notice. My friends were starting to notice. I was canceling plans. I was just acting. I was acting odd and you could see it on people's faces, and there's nothing worse than when people can see it because you start to kind of feel crazy. And I'm just sitting there and all of this guilt is just building because here I am fixing to leave Leslie is the way I wasn't. I wasn't thinking about her leaving me there. I was thinking about leaving her with all of these responsibilities  and in my chaos brain, understanding that if the roles were reversed, I don't think that I could handle it.  Handling the daytoday with the kids and work and just not having your person there and her being under all of this stress,  it it made it so difficult because I knew that although I was going to be going through a lot, being here, she was going to be going through just as much. She didn't have the luxury of escaping all the daily stressors. She now had to take on 100% of our responsibilities. And at the same time knowing that your partner is struggling so much and there's nothing you can do to help. And and that sat with me. And to this day, it's something that I think about daily, The amount of strength and compassion and love that she had to have  to get us through this dark period of time in our lives. And to this day, I'm so forever grateful for her for that. It really culminate. One of the biggest things that it really culminated with is a friend of mine and his wife had a baby and that baby passed away at birth  and he's a great friend of mine. The funeral was coming up. We were obviously set to go, and this was probably two days before the event that I'll fix and talk about happened. I I just completely crumbled  and I felt so ashamed that I couldn't be there for my friend in his time of need. And I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for that. But I just couldn't go. One day went by that next day was a complete nightmare. And then the following day I could tell Leslie had something on her mind and she wanted to talk to me and she said, hey, I want you to sit down, I want to talk to you about something and and I could almost feel what she was fixing to tell me, she said, Brandon, I don't know how to help right now. I need help helping you and I think we're going to have to put you in a a mental health facility for a period of time and hearing that is for me. It was just so soul crushing. I don't know how else to describe it. Even though I was going through a lot of turmoil. I guess you still don't think you're at that point and and to hear that that is on the table was just I I felt a fell to pieces because you're immediately thinking, hey I don't want to go do this. How am I going to deal with work? People are going to find out how am I going to explain this to my kids? But at the same time, I didn't want to put this on my family anymore. And I knew the only thing I could do was say yes, I I'm going to have to go to rehab. So yeah, that's where that's where I had to go. Now. I wasn't there the entire time. Obviously I I didn't just get out by any means. But I do want to tell  you that story about what that that was like. It was a great experience. I I say great it it was it it saved me. Was it a great experience. Now you're going to hear a lot about those details. I just wanted to use this first episode back to just tell you that story.  So here we go. Let's start packing. So I have to originally kind of figure out a how long am I planning on and going to do this. I think in the very beginning, the way this was set up, this we, Leslie had found a place that was towards, I'm in the Austin area, this was kind of out towards San Antonio. I'm thinking about mentioning the place because I it it did, it was it was an amazing place. So I'm still debating on whether I want to do that or not. But she had researched it because they had a couple of key things. It was what they call a dual treatment facility. So at this particular place, they treat  mental health and then they also treat alcohol and narcotics. So they offer training classes, therapy, a couple of specialized therapy for mental health as well, which was really interesting, which is why Leslie kind of found this place. And the plans they offered were a 30 day, a 60 day and a 90 day, just depending upon how long you needed to stay. Now, I could exit this place at any time and that was a huge thing for me is I didn't want to be held somewhere. I wanted to be there on my own free will. But at the same time, when you're going to this place, you're kind of there under the assumption that you can't just walk off the premises, You know, a conversation needs to be had. So I start packing. You know, I'm packing for 30 days trying to think of what do you take to this place? You know what, what am I, what am I going to be doing? What am I going to be wearing? Why am I

@EllaKociuba on instagram @Ellaktattoo @ella@inkery.com The Loved Art Show - June 12  From 1:00 to 3:30 pm at Atomic Outpost  9805 Beck Cir Austin Texas 78758

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@betterweatherpodcast on Instagram  Blog available: Betterweatherpodcast.wordpress.com   Podcast referenced in show: Ten Percent Happier - Dan Harris #345-Katy Milkman

Check out the blog - beatherweatherpodcast.wordpress.com Follow me on Instagram - @betterweatherpodcast May is mental health awareness month. Its ok not to be ok, remember theres always someone that wants to listen.  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1800-273-8255 Hope for the Day htfd.org - Have Hope    

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