Trich Talks!

In today’s episode, Barbara returns to The Trichster Diaries , revisiting some of the hardest moments from her high school years. She shares what it was like when pulling in public became more frequent, and when she realized her trichotillomania was no longer something she could quietly manage. From quitting the swim team to switching classes (a big deal at her school), this episode captures the m...

Ashley (@bfrb_ashley) lives with six different body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), including trichotillomania. This made it especially challenging for her to come forward as a BFRB and mental health advocate. However, through her journey, Ashley discovered a deep sense of passion and purpose in BFRB advocacy, which eventually led her to become one of the hosts of The BFRB Podcast . As Ashle...

Saharra @saharradixon is a Health Education Specialist, digital and performance-based storyteller, health equity researcher, and nonprofit leader dedicated to demechanize public health. With a passion for mental health, chronic illness, and reproductive justice in minoritized communities, she weaves creativity and narrative into her work—unearthing the fundamental causes of health inequity and ima...

Today marks the start of BFRB Awareness Week, a time to shed light on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and uplift those who live with them every day. In this special episode of Trich Talks , Barbara is sharing some of the most valuable foundations, podcasts, support groups, and books that offer education, connection, and hope for the BFRB community. No matter where you are in your journey...

In this episode of Trich Talks , I'm joined by Ellen Crupi and Hilary Weingarden to chat all about the upcoming Great BFRB Get Together ! We're giving you a sneak peek at what to expect, from the vibe of the event to the sessions we're excited about and why this gathering matters so much to the BFRB community. Whether you're already signed up or still on the fence, tune in for a fun and heartfelt...

Sarah @smg9452 is 27 years old and from Long Island, New York but has recently moved out of state with her husband. She has been living with trichotillomania since she was around 14. Most of her hair-pulling affects her scalp, and although she still struggles with the condition and the resulting hair loss, she has come a long way in understanding it. For much of her life, Sarah felt alone in what...

Gabby @gabbynicolosi started picking her split ends in the 8th grade and little did she know, she would do this most of her life. As she grew up and life became more stressful, she began pulling full strands. Now Gabby is learning how to build awareness of her trichotillomania and stop causing so much damage. One thing that’s brought her joy in the process? Finding comfort in community. — This epi...

In this episode, Barbara reads from her book The Trichster Diaries , and dives into the different types of hair roots and her unique pulling pattern. She then reflects on how things have (or haven’t) changed since writing those words over five years ago. Listen to find out as Barbara shares honest insights into her BFRB journey. Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries here or unsigned from...

In this deeply honest episode, Barbara continues reading from her book The Trichster Diaries and opens up about the specific rituals she engages in when pulling different types of hairs. She discusses the textures she looks for and the sensations that drive certain behaviors. It’s an intimate and unfiltered look into the patterns behind trichotillomania that many will find painfully relatable. Pur...

Alayna Offredi has lived with trichotillomania, as well as other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) since we can remember. After officially being diagnosed with trichotillomania at 16, Alayna has been involved in the BFRB community and has even attended support groups. Now living in Philadelphia, she is looking to attend an in-person support group in the area. Alayna wants to remind listene...

Liz Fisher @tapintohealth_eft is an EFT International Accredited, Certified EFT Practitioner. She originally found EFT while searching for cures for ongoing anxiety 10 years ago and taught herself how to use it by watching YouTube videos. It helped Liz so much that she decided to get certified and started her private EFT practice, Tap Into Health in 2019. In 2023, Liz launched a podcast of the sam...

In this episode of Trich Talks, Barbara opens up The Trichster Diaries and takes you back to her teenage years—the awkward, emotional, unforgettable moments of growing up with trichotillomania. She shares raw memories, especially the nerves and fear she felt around things like kissing, because of her bald spots. If you’ve ever felt held back because of your BFRB or unsure how to let someone see th...

In this special episode of Trich Talks , Barbara answers questions submitted by listeners! She is covering everything from how to explain trichotillomania to someone without a BFRB, to revealing her most unexpected trigger. With honesty and insight, Barbara shares personal experiences and practical advice, offering connection and clarity to anyone navigating life with a body-focused repetitive beh...

It has been five whole years since The Trichster Diaries was released and in this special anniversary episode of Trich Talks, I’m celebrating by sharing 5 fun facts about the book! From behind-the-scenes moments to unexpected interactions, this episode is a little love note to the journey, the readers, and the entire BFRB community. Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries here or unsigned...

Brianna @furiouslybri opens up about her mental health journey. From living with a BFRB (trichotillomania) to discovering how it connects to other things she’s been struggling with. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about self-awareness, healing, and figuring things out one step at a time. — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by giv...

Lorna @sistersasha04 is a 20-year-old university student who has been living with trichotillomania for as long as she can remember. Balancing her studies with a part-time job to support herself, she often faces stressful days but her determination never wavers. Above all, Lorna is deeply driven by a desire to make others feel seen, understood, and less alone. — This episode is brought to you by Ha...

In today’s episode of Trich Talks , Barbara reads from her memoir, The Trichster Diaries . She reflects on a surprising moment of comfort—discovering that playing with her split ends could be a way to manage her urges for the first time. Barbara also revisits a painful memory: the sting of being called out, the rush of fleeing, heart pounding, shame pressing in. This episode is a raw and honest lo...

In today’s episode of Trich Talks, Barbara is reading from her memoir, The Trichster Diaries. In this episode Barbara shares what it felt like to lose progress, return to therapy, and try medication that ultimately didn’t help. This honest glimpse into her journey reminds us that healing isn’t linear. Every setback holds the power to teach us something new. Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster...

Selena Close @selenaclosee is a psychology graduate, IT consultant, and mental health advocate. She lives with Trichotillomania and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and is passionate about sharing the honest, unfiltered reality of navigating these experiences. Through her journey, she has learned the importance of being open about your struggles, not hiding behind them, and making space for bo...

Jessy Harper @jessyh_x is back on Trich Talks! If you haven't already, listen to Jessy's first episode before this one! Jessy has lived with trichotillomania since she was 12 years old. At 34, she is more accepting of her disorder and has started sharing her experience on social media. Jessy believes that speaking about and learning to accept your trichotillomania is much more healing than hiding...

This week on Trich Talks : I’m reading straight from The Trichster Diaries and taking you back to a time when covering up my missing eyelashes felt like a daily mission. From heavy makeup routines to experimenting with false lashes (spoiler: I hated them), I open up about the ways I tried to “fix” what I thought needed hiding and look back on photographs that once made me cringe. Purchase a signed...

This week on Trich Talks , Barbara reads from her book The Trichster Diaries , revisiting some of the comments that stuck with her over the years—and how they shaped her experience with trichotillomania. She also opens up about the lies she used to tell hairstylists to avoid the truth about her hair loss… and how that’s changed. It’s an honest, vulnerable, and empowering conversation you won’t wan...

Faith Uyboco @ftotheaith is a Filipina breaking free from the cycle of fear and shame while navigating through life with trichotillomania. By sharing her story Faith hopes that other people of Asian descent will come forward and share their experiences, so that others in her community feel less alone. — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania...

Leah Terry @Leelee_5678 is back on Trich Talks sharing more of her experience! Leah has had trichotillomania since she was around five years old. Through her experience she has realized that community means everything. She is an advocate for BFRB awareness as well as eating disorders. Leah considers herself a proud member of the non-profit, BFRB Changemakers @bfrbchangemakers. — This episode is br...

On today’s episode, Barbara is reading from her memoir, The Trichster Diaries —and wouldn’t you know? There’s another surprise guest joining her in the studio: her brother, Evan! They’re talking sibling support, family perspective, and what it was like growing up together with trich in the mix. You won’t want to miss this one. Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries here or unsigned from A...