Mentally A Badass

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jenny Lytle — a former hospice nurse turned stress-relief and self-care coach — for a powerful conversation about the real cost of burnout. Jenny shares how losing her mother and her years of caregiving led her to deeply understand that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential. We talk about the emotional toll of always putting others first, the danger of ignoring...

When Jill McMahon was a kid, a man held her family at gunpoint—an experience that would change the course of her life. Now a trauma counselor, Jill shares what it’s like to live through something so terrifying and how trauma can stick with us for years. We talk about the long-term impact of that day, how trauma shows up in ways we don’t always expect, and what healing has looked like for her. This...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to dive into what it means to have a neurodivergent brain—something she playfully refers to as neurospicy . We get real about our own experiences navigating life with neurodivergent minds and explore how neurodivergence shows up differently for everyone. Kristen breaks down the distinctions between autism and other forms of neurodivergence, a...

In this episode, I talk with therapist Malisa Hepner about the weight of childhood trauma—how it lingers, how it shapes who we think we are, and what it takes to begin healing. We explore what it really means to reparent ourselves, the messy process of learning to love the parts of us we were taught to hide, and how astrology can help make sense of our stories. Malisa speaks with so much honesty a...

This episode gets real heavy. Eileen is back to share what happened the night her narcissistic ex almost killed her. We talk about the fear, the manipulation, and the moment she realized she might not make it out. This conversation is raw, emotional, and honestly, hard to hear at times. But it’s real. And it’s Eileen’s truth. If you’ve ever questioned what emotional abuse can turn into, or felt tr...

Eileen Santos barely survived the horrors of narcissistic abuse. In this powerful episode, she shares her terrifying experience of being trapped in a relationship filled with manipulation, extreme control, brutal beatings—even in public—and sexual violence. Her abuser isolated her, broke her down, and made escape feel impossible. This episode sheds light on the devastating reality of domestic viol...

In this powerful episode, Teri Brown opens up about her journey of escaping a toxic, narcissistic relationship that left her emotionally scarred—and how she found the strength to rebuild her life. From her partner’s relentless harassment, including a chilling dead cat left on her porch, to the threats that followed, Teri refused to let fear dictate her future. She took back control in the most ext...

What happens when life hits you—literally—with something unimaginable? Brian Bogert knows this reality all too well. As a child, he was run over by a truck, severing his left arm. After enduring over 24 surgeries and years of intense rehabilitation, Brian discovered that the real battle wasn’t just physical—it was mental and emotional. In this episode, Brian shares his powerful story of survival,...

Lisa Sugarman’s world changed when she discovered—at 45 years old—that her father had been battling depression before dying by suicide in the 1970s, a time when mental health was shrouded in stigma and resources were scarce. Now, as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, she’s on the front lines of suicide prevention, offering hope and support to those in need. In this eye-opening conversatio...

In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Ingenito , an energy healer and intuitive expert, to dive deep into toxic relationships, healing, and trusting your intuition . Danielle opens up about her divorce and how she transformed her life through energy work and self-discovery . I also share a bit about my own experience with toxic relationships. If you’re ready to break free, reclaim your power,...

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often clouded by myths and misconceptions. In this episode, I sit down with Dale Walsh, who shares his journey of living with schizophrenia—including the time he believed he was God. We dive deep into the realities of the condition, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss how loved ones can offer meaningful support. This co...

In this episode of Mentally a Badass , Michael Unbroken opens up about his journey of breaking generational trauma. Growing up in a chaotic home and facing mistreatment from his racist grandmother, he turned to alcohol and self-destruction at a young age. But his story didn’t end there. Now a successful author and coach, Michael shares how he reclaimed his life, healed from his past, and now helps...

Depression doesn’t discriminate—even those in leadership positions face it. In this episode, I sit down with David Maeda, Director of Elections, to talk about depression, authenticity, and the often-overlooked mental health struggles that come with high-pressure roles. We also dive into the flaws in the mental health system and what needs to change. Tune in for a raw and honest conversation about...

What happens when love turns into fear? Emma Jean Rowin survived an abusive marriage, won full custody of her child, and thought she had escaped the worst—until her ex-husband became an active shooter. In this chilling episode, Emma shares how his descent into psychosis and conspiracy theories led to a violent attack on his neighbors. We discuss the warning signs of domestic abuse, the trauma surv...

Do you struggle with saying no? Feel guilty for setting boundaries? In this episode of Mentally a Badass , Barb Nangle, a boundaries coach and the founder of Higher Power Coaching , shares how boundaries can transform your life, protect your energy, and help you break free from people-pleasing. We dive into the mindset shifts needed to set and maintain boundaries, the impact of unhealthy patterns,...

In this powerful episode, Mia Hanks opens up about her experience in a narcissistic abusive relationship—how it started, the red flags she ignored, and the moment she knew she had to leave. We break down the signs of narcissistic abuse, the emotional toll it takes, and what life looks like after breaking free. If you’ve ever questioned a toxic relationship or needed a reminder of your strength, th...

What’s holding you back from the life you want? In this episode, I sit down with Nicky Billou to dive deep into limiting beliefs, empowerment, and the mindset shifts needed for financial freedom. He shares his personal journey—the highs, the lows, and the lessons that helped him break through barriers to create success. If you’re ready to challenge your own doubts and take control of your future,...

Your story has power—not just for others, but for your own healing. In this episode, Marcy Pusey joins the conversation to share how storytelling can be a powerful tool for processing trauma and reclaiming self-worth. She opens up about her experience in a relationship with a narcissist, the struggle of feeling unworthy, and how embracing her own narrative helped her heal. Whether you're navigatin...

How does quieting the mind help the body heal? In this conversation, Baba Sam shares his journey of overcoming decades of chronic illness—including MS—by clearing mental clutter and shifting his mindset. We discuss how our thoughts affect our health, why letting go is essential for healing, and practical ways to create the inner stillness needed for the body to restore itself. If you're looking fo...

In this gripping episode, Michael Ruder shares his powerful journey through tragedy, addiction, and ultimate redemption. He opens up about the devastating murder of his uncle, the darkest days of his addiction, and the struggles that nearly broke him. Despite it all, he found a way to rebuild his life and achieve success. If you’re looking for an inspiring story of resilience, personal growth, and...

In this episode of Mentally a Badass, we explore healing generational trauma, the science of epigenetics, and the mental health impact of working in social media. Our guest shares her experience navigating burnout, digital pressures, and breaking toxic cycles while prioritizing her well-being. We dive into how trauma is passed down through generations, the role of epigenetics in mental health, and...

In this episode, I chat with Chana Studley about her journey of healing after being mugged multiple times. She shares how she shifted out of a victim mindset, processed her trauma in a whole new way, and changed her life by letting go of negativity. We dive into resilience, mindset shifts, and what it really takes to heal. If you've ever struggled with past trauma or want to break free from a nega...

In this episode, I sit down with Ryann to unpack what it was like growing up in chaos and how she found her way to inner peace. We talk about who she used to be, what healing looked like for her, and how she learned to let go of the past. If you’ve ever struggled with making peace with your childhood, this one’s for you. Tune in for an honest and real conversation about growth, healing, and findin...

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Gerlach to dive deep into the realities of burnout, success, and resilience. Matt opens up about his personal journey—pushing himself to the limit, ending up in the hospital, and learning how to move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. We explore the pressures of achievement, the importance of balance, and strategies for navigating tough times. If you’ve...

In this raw and inspiring episode, I sit down with Jonathan to explore his incredible journey of resilience and growth. We dive deep into: The challenges of overcoming binge eating and battling an eating disorder. How self-sabotage plays a role in mental health struggles and breaking the cycle. A harrowing story of survival—the time Jonathan narrowly escaped being murdered. Connect with Jonathan:...