Live Well Bipolar ™

In this heartfelt episode of Live Well Bipolar, Paris shares the exciting news of expecting a baby girl in February 2026. Reflecting on the journey since finding out on June 24th, she discusses the initial surprise, the ultrasound experience and the special ways she shared the news with family. She delves into her personal journey with bipolar and pregnancy, addressing initial fears, particularly...

Paris speaks with Daniela Skinner, an artist, corporate professional and mother who shares her journey navigating bipolar to raise her now 9 year old son. Diagnosed at 27, Daniela recounts her challenging experiences with postpartum mania, hospitalizations and navigating life as a new mother under immense stress. She details her struggles, the pivotal role of finding the right medication and how s...

Jessie Bucci-Carter is a mental health advocate, regional manager at a mental health nonprofit supporting youth mental health advocates and a rescue dog lover, foster, and volunteer who shares her compelling journey living with bipolar. Together we explore Jessie's early experiences with mental health struggles, including panic attacks and depression during her teenage years and her subsequent...

In this week's episode of Live Well Bipolar, Paris welcomes Ashley Dutta, an artist, writer and mother with 15 years of experience in foreign policy, communications and technology, most recently at Microsoft. Ashley shares her story of living with bipolar II, ADHD, PMDD, and anxiety. She discusses her late diagnosis at the age of 41 and the implications it had on her life, career, and self-ide...

In this solo episode of Live Well Bipolar, host Paris Scobie addresses her fears related to living with bipolar and how she manages them through therapy, writing, and support networks. Paris shares advice she would give her younger self about overcoming isolation and stigma. She discusses the impact of her bipolar diagnosis, how she rebuilt her confidence and belief in herself and the importance o...

Paris is joined by Gordon Strain, a filmmaker, college professor, mental health advocate as well as the dad/husband of a very busy blended family. Gordon shares his journey living with bipolar, from his early signs of mania and depression to his diagnosis and finding the right treatments. Key topics include the importance of a holistic 'bipolar toolkit,' the supportive role of his wife, th...

Paris welcomes Polly Wiseman, a theater maker from the UK who uses their skills in writing, acting and a dash of comedy to spread awareness of bipolar and challenge stigma, online and on stage. Polly discusses their journey from childhood fascination with actress Vivian Lee to receiving a bipolar diagnosis at drama school. Polly candidly talks about the struggles, stigma and lack of support they f...

Sachini (Sach) Vithanage is an aspiring forensic psychologist and mental health advocate who shares her personal journey living with bipolar and how you can cultivate strength. She speaks about experiencing depression and anxiety at 12 to being diagnosed with bipolar just before her 21st birthday. She discusses the challenges she faced, including a manic episode leading to hospitalization and how...

Join Paris and she welcomes special guest Colleen Sharlow, a Prevention Educator, Mental Health Advocate, creative writer and Cat Mom. Colleen shares her journey with bipolar, starting from her childhood in a large family where mental health was seldom discussed, through her misdiagnosis with depression, struggles with an eating disorder and eventual diagnosis with bipolar I after a frightening ep...

Join Paris as she addresses topics around overcoming comparison, self-doubt, and bipolar shame spirals. The discussion delves into personal experiences and insights from Paris's own experience living with bipolar, providing detailed explanations on how manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Practical strategies for managing these spirals inclu...

Paris returns to share insights from a three-week trip through New York, London, Switzerland, Italy and France. Most importantly, she focuses on what helped her with stability on this trip and how you can try these tips out yourself! Key topics include the importance of staying present by minimizing social media use, the benefits of journaling during travel, and strategies for maintaining stabilit...

Paris brings you the story of Lauren Baker, an intern trauma therapist and case manager for victims of abuse, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with bipolar at 22 and achieving sobriety at 23 after facing difficult relapses. Lauren discusses her initial lack of understanding and recognition of the condition, her eventual diagnosis, and her tumultuous path toward finding the right medicatio...

Journey Through Music: Fatima Gerendas's Path with Bipolar Paris converses with Fatima Gerendas, a Guatemalan singer and songwriter based in Vienna. Fatima shares her inspiring journey blending pop with alternative vibes to address overlooked societal topics through her music, rooted in personal stories of struggle and growth. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 24, Fatima discusses the impact...

In this episode of Live Well Bipolar, Paris welcomes back Charise Jewell, a former robotics engineer turned author, who shares her personal experiences around bipolar and marriage. Charise discusses her diagnosis, the impact on her 23-year marriage and raising three children while managing her mental health. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, treating bipolar as a priority, and f...

Anthony is a third-year psychology major from the University of Chicago who openly shares his journey with bipolar 1 disorder, which was diagnosed after his freshman year. He shares his struggle through depressive and manic episodes, the importance of medication, and the impact of lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, nutrition, and maintaining sobriety. Both Anthony and Paris touch upon the...

Paris introduces Damaris Galdames-Hough, also known as Dee, who shares her personal journey living with bipolar and how fitness has played a crucial role in her mental and physical well-being. From growing up with a mother diagnosed with schizophrenia to her own experiences with bipolar, Dee opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs she's encountered. She discusses the transformative power o...

In this episode, Paris opens up about the deeply personal why behind her brand-new course, Love Well Bipolar—a course designed specifically for those who love, support and stand beside someone living with bipolar. Born out of five years of sharing stories, advocacy, and lived experience, this course is more than just information—it’s a roadmap. Paris shares how each of the five core modules came t...

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of support in loving and living with bipolar. Celebrating five years of the Live Well Bipolar podcast, Paris reflects on its evolution and underscores the influence of support networks on managing bipolar. Personal anecdotes illustrate how support from loved ones and the community can significantly impact one's mental health journey. The episode...

Join Paris as she reflects on this final day of 2024, sharing her journey of growth and challenges. Highlights include transitioning to a full-time speaking business, traveling to diverse locations, and deep work in therapy. Paris emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, overcoming personal fears, and the power of community support. Do the exercise Paris shares in the episode to reflect on yo...

A Decade of Defying Darkness: My Journey from Hospitalization to Hope In this special once-in-a-lifetime bonus episode, Paris reflects on her profound journey spanning the last decade since her psychiatric hospitalization on December 19, 2014. The episode is filled with raw emotions, deep introspection, and invaluable lessons learned from her battle with bipolar disorder. Through personal anecdote...

Paris welcomes Dr. Wendy Ingram, the CEO of Dragonfly Mental Health, a global nonprofit focused on improving mental health among academics. They discuss Wendy's personal journey with PTSD from childhood, her experience living with bipolar and the impact of societal stigma. Wendy shares how reading about mental health inspired her academic pursuits and her efforts to address mental health issues in...

Exploring BiAffect: A Technological Breakthrough for Bipolar Disorder Support Paris is joined by Dr. Alex Leow and her team to discuss BiAffect, a pioneering smartphone technology designed to aid those living with bipolar. BiAffect turns a smartphone into a brain fitness tracker, monitoring typing habits to provide real-time neuropsychological assessments without compromising user privacy. The tea...

Paris is pleased to bring you Jackie Colbeth's story. She is a mental health advocate and co-owner of MedCircle who shares her personal journey of living with bipolar 2 disorder, her initial misdiagnosis at age 13, and her path to sobriety celebrating 21 years. She highlights the importance of educating oneself about mental health diagnoses and breaking the stigma associated with them. Jackie emph...

Unveiling the Stigma: A Conversation with Sara Schley on Bipolar Awareness and Empowerment. Paris sits down with Sara Schley, a business consultant, social change entrepreneur, and author, to discuss her experiences living with Bipolar Type II disorder. Sara shares her personal journey of enduring years without a proper diagnosis and living in secrecy until revealing her condition in her memoir, '...

Finding Solace: Amanda McNamara's Journey with Bipolar Disorder and Monarch Mental Health Amanda has become a dear friend of mine after shipping me a beautiful care package, which included her journal that helped me A LOT. Amanda McNamara, founder of Monarch Mental Health, joins Paris to discuss her personal journey with bipolar 1 disorder, diagnosed in 2010. Amanda shares how her journey began wi...