Mad Mel’s Mic

Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 5 I catch up on a huge week and use a “song of the week” to remind us that everything we are is enough, even on the worst days. I also reflect on how my PTSD recovery shows up in real moments like family parties, anxiety spikes, and the small routines that keep me steady. • song of the week as a self-worth reminder and a way to stay open • Rory’s 18th birthday pa...

Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 4 We break a two-week silence with a real check-in on PTSD, sleep, and why progress shows up as longer stretches between low days. From pickleball highs to a Bali trip without meds and a surprising psychedelic light session, we map tools that kept us steady. • owning the social media gap and why showing up matters • using “brighter days” as a practical frame for...

Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 3 We explore how fast life feels and why music, small joys, and steady people help us face PTSD and depression. A workshop comparing mental and physical disability weights reframes invisible pain, while a weekend of concerts, volunteering and rep basketball becomes a field test for coping skills. • time racing and naming the squeeze • song of the week as an ancho...

Send us Fan Mail Season 2, episode 2 We share a tough week shaped by poor sleep, a medication gap, and that uneasy fear of feeling okay, then map out how the five pillars of PTSD recovery help us build longer stretches between storms. Along the way we own a slip into judgment, reset with compassion, and plan real-world steps that keep us grounded. • new season update and mood check • sleep disrupt...

Send us Fan Mail Season 2, episode 1 Season two opens with a clear-eyed check-in on PTSD, family milestones, and the simple habits that shape recovery. We talk sleep, anxiety, honest wins, and a new outpatient program, ending with a gentle nudge to be kind to yourself. • song of the week and why Unwell resonates with PTSD recovery • family updates across graduation, school, and apprenticeship • ch...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1 Finale; Episode 35 We close the season with a candid look at PTSD, support that actually helps, and the messy balance between ambition, health, and holidays. Music memories, first speaking gigs, and hard-won lessons shape a toolkit for getting through Christmas without losing yourself. • deciding to pause for the year and return with interviews • why Desperado still hits...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 34: We share a preview of Melissa’s resilience talk, moving from a psychiatric ward bed to a microphone and a new sense of purpose. The story reframes PTSD as a quiet, masked struggle and offers hard-won ways to practice kindness, celebrate small wins, and keep going. • setting a clear content warning and care invitation  • hospital bed to finding a voice through...

Send us Fan Mail We share what a second run through the STAIR program revealed about PTSD, emotion regulation, and the quiet signs of progress. A poem, a song, and a freezer‑door trick anchor simple tools you can use when the threat system takes over. • outpatient stay at St John of God and why it helps  • STAIR explained as skills for emotion, communication, and boundaries  • feeling again after...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 32 We unpack a song-fueled habit challenge, explore how Emerge N See supports PTSD recovery with real community, and share honest moments from a week of anxiety spikes, parenting teens, and hard-won coping tools. Hope shows up through small steps, skilled support, and a thought that reframes struggle. • song of the week and a one-habit challenge • why Emerge N Se...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 31 We trace a month of real life with PTSD: finding hope in a new Taylor Swift track, fighting a stubborn eye stye, stepping back onto the basketball court, buying a bigger bike, and learning from sleep shifts, med changes, and a comical dosing mistake. The theme running through it all is “choose your hard,” backed by kindness, small wins, and steady practice. •...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1 Episode 30: What happens when the person who knows your childhood best sits down to tell the truth about your hardest years? We invited my older sister, Emma, to unpack what PTSD looked like from her side of the glass—how she noticed the shift from high-energy extrovert to survival mode, why asking direct questions saved us from guesswork, and the moment she knew the fog...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Episode 29! The song of the week is Taylor Swift’s “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” —a fitting soundtrack for this season of life for me. I then open up about the emotional aftermath of coming off strong anti-depressants, with the standout achievement being: I haven’t neck-throated a single soul. Progress! Then I dive into the mosaic of life lately: • Rory's Year...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it's really like to stand by someone battling PTSD? This raw, laughter-filled conversation between best friends Melissa and Mel pulls back the curtain on one of the most meaningful relationships in mental health recovery. From their first meeting at a running group to an adventurous three-day hike where they "could have died" (Melissa's words...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Episode 27! Just recapping on last week's episode and wanted to let ya all know that I was not providing commentey about any relationship that I'm in (they are all amazing) when taking about using our precious time carefully. Just wanted to clear that up!! I love you all xox  The song of the week is Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Although this is a love song, it...

Send us Fan Mail Hey hey, welcome to Episode 26! I know I kinda ghosted last week—life happened. So today I’m back to catch you up on everything: my health stuff, some deep thoughts on friendships, and yep… 20 years of marriage while juggling PTSD. Wild ride. Here’s what’s on my mind: - First off, those weird tingles I’ve been getting? Turns out it’s anxiety, not anything neurological. Saw the neu...

Send us Fan Mail Back home after hospital, I'm navigating my emotional landscape while balancing adventures with the need for self-care. My journey includes attending a friend's funeral and weekend trips that have taught me about finding joy amid healing. • Attended a beautiful beachside funeral for a hospital friend, complete with meaningful music (Broken Halos and Luke Combs) • Still w...

Send us Fan Mail Melissa sits down with her 15-year-old son to discuss how her PTSD diagnosis has impacted him over the past four years, revealing surprising insights about family resilience and emotional growth. • Son shares his experience growing up with a mother diagnosed with PTSD when he was 11 • The practical impacts of PTSD on family life, including hospital stays and household management •...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 23 Trigger warning - discussion of suicide. Please seek help if you need assistance. Returning home after eight weeks in hospital has been a whirlwind of emotions, especially while processing the loss of two friends from the hospital community and adjusting to life without antidepressants. Despite physical challenges like paresthesia and severe nausea, I'm f...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 22 I am super excited to be heading home after seven and a half weeks in hospital. I give a shout out to my sister who does the show notes (including this one). This week I also discuss how the week has been without anti depressants.  Song of the Week: Alanis Morissette - You learn https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 21 Welcome to episode 21. This week I discuss ongoing meds changes and still currently an inpatient. Hoping to be home in a week or so but the past week has been a scary, sleepless rollercoaster ride with me starting new meds.  I shout out to the amazing nurses in hospital and one in particular who lent me "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins. It is an...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 20 This episode I discuss the side effects I have experienced while weaning off my anti depressants.  Song of the week: Im so proud of you - Julie Anne Vargas https://youtu.be/hmalRaJ26E8?si=qRPuvgwm2lonMpPQ Thought of the week: " "What's the bravest thing you've said?" asked the boy. "Help" said the horse " Tactical Yoga A...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 20 Welcome to episode 20 after a six week break from recording. I am still in hospital and I am podcasting from here. Join me while I discuss my current TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment and under go a med change. I share an amazing poem from an equally amazing human.  This episode also has our song of the week and finishes with a thought of the w...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1 Episode 18 Welcome to episode 18 where I discuss what pillars and anchors keep me motivated. Song of the week Liar - Jelly Roll https://youtu.be/HcNILY4gtNI?si=nr_ahNd2sn_SlGcq

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, Episode 17 ****disclaimer content as this episode I discuss suicide and self harm**** Welcome to episode 17. It’s a tear jerker. Please look after yourself and call Lifeline on 131114 if you need assistance. Please also know that whilst I am not ok, and I am struggling, I am not suicidal. I start the episode with a song of the week which discusses our very human question...

Send us Fan Mail Season 1, episode 16 Welcome to episode 16. I start the episode with the week that was recounting an adventure I had with my car Stella Blue. I discuss how the weather affects your mood. There is a song and thought of the week. Song of the week Carry it well Sam Fisher https://youtu.be/nHLkmf_wOac?si=-HcdkgisL66glBHS Thought of the week: “Life has taught me I am not always in cont...