Judging Meghan

This episode I welcome the insightful Henry Shukman, an author, poet, and spiritual director emeritus of the Mountain Cloud Zen Center. Henry shares his profound journey from a childhood filled with trauma to a life dedicated to mindfulness and awakening. Together, we delve into the healing power of nature, the importance of new beginnings each day, and the resilience of the human spirit.  We expl...

In this episode, I’m joined by Brenda Mcgaw, a courageous mother who turned personal tragedy into a mission to save lives. Brenda shares the inspiring and heart-wrenching story of her daughter, Shea-Lynn, a vibrant and driven young woman whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 16 due to a momentary lapse in wearing her seatbelt. Despite the unimaginable pain of her loss, Brenda founded S...

In this episode of Judging Meghan, I’m joined by Banning Lyon, a trauma survivor, author, and backpacking guide. Banning shares his harrowing journey through a turbulent childhood filled with trauma, abuse, and unimaginable hardships, ultimately finding his way to recovery and thriving. Banning's story is one of resilience and hope, as he recounts his experiences growing up in California, moving t...

**Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including depression, suicide, and sexual assault.** In this episode, I’m joined by David Woods Bartley, a TED Talk speaker and mental health advocate. David shares his incredible journey from battling mental illness to achieving mental wellness. As we close out Men's Mental Health Month, David's story is a powerf...

This episode I’m joined by Dr. Elia Gourgouris, a coach, author, and speaker on happiness and well-being. In this episode, we explore the power of personal branding and how it affects women's lives. Learn about the detrimental self-labels many women face and how to redefine your brand through personal anecdotes and professional insights. We touch on the importance of mental health, the challenges...

This episode I’m joined by Dr. Timothy Fong, a professor of psychiatry and co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, to dive deep into the emotional complexities of adolescence, addiction, and the power of vulnerability. Dr. Fong highlights the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to addiction, emphasizing recovery potential. This episode we talk about the transfor...

This episode we’re delving into the transformative power of female friendships with special guest, Nina Badzin. Nina, the voice behind Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship and a seasoned writer on the topic since 2014, brings her wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to the table. We explore the dynamics of women's friendships, the importance of supporting each other, and the impact of...

This episode I’m joined by guests Lulu Daly from One World Surgery and Dr. Mary Hannon of South Bay MD. Lulu shares the incredible story of how a trip to Honduras transformed her family's life, leading to the creation of a life-saving organization. Discover the challenges they faced and the lives they’ve touched through their medical missions, including the extraordinary journey of building a thri...

This episode I’m joined by the esteemed Dr. Stephen Sideroff, a renowned psychologist and expert in resilience, longevity, and optimal performance. Dr. Sideroff shares his wisdom on managing stress, living in the moment, and finding balance in the chaos of life. His insights on turning stress into a tool for success and maintaining mental health are invaluable for parents and anyone navigating mod...

Today's episode I'm joined by Steve Jordan, a renowned fitness expert, podcaster, and author. Steve opens up about his traumatic brain injury, a life-altering experience that tested his resilience and ultimately paved his path to recovery. From being a top athlete and popular student to facing a near-death experience, Steve's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Steve discusse...

In this episode I’m joined by  Paul Summers Junior, a recovering addict, author, and musician, whose journey unfolds as a poignant narrative of self-expression, resilience, and redemption. Thi episode we discuss the evolving societal perceptions towards individuality and creativity, highlighting music's healing role in nurturing connection and empathy. With raw honesty, Paul shares his personal ba...

In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer Lasko, the founder of Very Nice Beauty and a fierce advocate for mental health. Jennifer's journey from studying chemical engineering to diving headfirst into the beauty industry is truly remarkable. Through her story, we discover a woman of incredible resilience and determination who faced rejection and toxic work environments with cou...

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Marie Quintana, a nationally acclaimed business leader, inspiring speaker, and author of the book "Last Flight From Havana." Together, Marie and I delve into the profound impact of childhood trauma, focusing on Marie's poignant journey of leaving her homeland, Cuba, at a tender age. Despite encountering discrimination and prejudice, Marie bravely embr...

This episode I'm joined by, Fawna Asfaw. Fawna is a Recovery Coach, founder of The Good Work LLC, author and podcaster. In today's episode we emphasize the importance of bridging divides and fostering dialogue between different perspectives, recognizing the polarized nature of today's political climate. As well as the intersection of addiction, privilege, and healing. Together, they challenge soci...

This episode is a re-visited episode of one of my favorite Guests: Addiction has always been an issue in the US. With the rise in fentanyl related deaths and increasing number of ads and commercials glamorizing alcohol and other substances addiction and substance abuse has become even more prevalent in today's society. This is why I am so happy to have today's guest addiction Specialist and interv...

This episode features award-winning author Robin Finn, celebrated for her Hillarious essay "When Our Daughter Walked In on Us." Together, Robin and I explore her journey from stifled aspirations to the tumultuous path of parenthood, unveiling the transformative power of art and connection amidst life's trials. Robin shares candid stories of evolution and self-discovery, shedding light on the profo...

This episode I'm joined by Stephanie Quayle, the renowned singer and author, who unveils her upcoming book, "Why Do We Stay?: How My Toxic Relationship Can Help You Find Freedom" in a candid discussion slated for release on April 30th via HarperCollins.com or Amazon Together, Stephanie and I explore the journey of resilience, diving deep into how past experiences shape our present paths.  As we un...

This episode I'm joined by guest Rachel Hart who recounts her heart-stopping encounter with a hit-and-run accident in Venice, California. Walking with her eight-month-old son, Rachel faced a life-threatening situation when a reckless 16-year-old driver in a stolen car careened towards them. Through Rachel's courageous retelling, listeners will explore themes of trauma, resilience, and the indomita...

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome award-winning hypnotist Kevin Lepine, acclaimed as the rock star of hypnosis, for a truly enlightening conversation. Kevin shares his encounters with criticism, both online and during live performances, shedding light on the corrosive nature of cyberbullying and its profound effects on mental well-being. Our conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Kev...

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 own battles...

Today’s episode is a heavier one as I go solo to reflect on losing my dad during my childhood. It's a topic that's been on my mind a lot, and until now, I haven't really shared much about it. Throughout this episode, I'll be opening up about the profound impact of his absence, which continues to resonate with me to this day. I'll share how I've carried the weight of this loss, and the reality that...

In this episode, I'm joined by Nick Klingensmith, a four-time cancer survivor, recovering alcoholic, and author who defied all odds to become an obstacle course racer. Nick sheds light on the subtle yet profound impacts of parental neglect and the complexities of addiction and self-deception. From functional alcoholism to moments of reckoning, he recounts pivotal moments that propelled him towards...

In this captivating episode on the power of human connection and its impact on our brains. Dr. Mark Williams, an award-winning author and cognitive neuroscience professor, sheds light on the concerning effects of technology on mental health, well-being, and relationships.  Dr. Williams discusses the addictive nature of devices, how they rob us of our brain's full potential, and even increase the r...

In this episode, I'm joined by former California State Assembly member Mary Chung Hayashi, author of "Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation." Together, we delve into Mary's immigrant experience, navigating identity shifts, and linguistic challenges. We explore the complexities of grief, cultural expectations, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face...

In this episode, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Julie Payne joins the discussion on the complexities of modern childhood, addressing issues exacerbated by social media and academic pressures. The conversation explores the unrealistic expectations placed on children and the impact of societal norms on mental health, with Julie emphasizing the need for parents to prioritize their children's...