Messages From the Middle | Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Late Diagnosed ADHD, Undiagnosed Trauma, Neurodivergence, PTSD, Complicated Grief,

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I share a journal entry I found from one of the hardest seasons of my life—and how writing it down became the seed that eventually grew into this podcast. I talk about why journaling can be such a powerful mental health tool, from helping us name and process our emotions to gaining perspective and tracking our growth. I also bring in insights from exper...

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, we explore the stories we write for ourselves—the ones filled with magic, love, and happily-ever-afters. But what happens when life doesn’t follow the script? This week I share my journey navigating plot twists and unexpected challenges, and how the very tools and skills I developed in my younger years—like singing, dancing, and writing—became the talis...

Ever feel like you're doing "all the things"—but somehow nothing important is getting done? In this episode, we explore the sneaky habit of productive procrastination—when you're busy with tasks that feel useful, like organizing, researching, or learning, but they’re actually keeping you from the real work that moves you forward. Using a personal story about transforming her home office, your host...

What if healing isn’t about going back — but about moving forward with more strength, compassion, and resilience than you ever thought possible? In this episode, I dive into the concept of healing in mental health, unpacking what it really means beyond the buzzwords. From my not-so-secret love of time travel stories to imagining what it would be like to "fix" the past, I explore why true healing i...

This week on Messages from the Middle I talk about secondary emotions. Secondary emotions are more complex emotions that develop as a result of social and cultural influences, personal experiences, and cognitive processes. Unlike primary emotions (which are universal and biologically hardwired, such as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust), secondary emotions are learned and shap...

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I dive into a question I hear all the time: "To diagnose or not to diagnose?" Many people suspect they have ADHD or another neurodivergence but hesitate to seek an official diagnosis. Maybe they don’t see the point, worry about labels, or fear it might hold them back. I get it—I really do. But today, I’m sharing why I chose to seek diagnoses for myself...

At some point in life, we all lose pieces of ourselves—whether through major transitions, shifting identities, or unexpected challenges. In this episode of Messages From the Middle, I explore what it means to reclaim our purpose, using the story of my beloved reclaimed-wood kitchen table as a metaphor for transformation. Just like that table, we can take what’s been worn down, broken, or forgotten...

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about staying in the discomfort long enough to grow. In this episode of *Messages From the Middle*, I explore what it truly means to be resilient through the lens of one of the most controversial moments in Formula 1 history. Lewis Hamilton’s journey from heartbreak to victory isn’t just a story about racing—it’s a masterclass in perseverance. But res...

This week, let's learn about the importance integrating all the stuff your learn from therapy, the books, and the podcast. Getting what you have learned from your head and into your hear. This way you are ready to allow your feelings instead of treating them life a problem to be fixed. You allow your feeling and are able to sit in discomfort to strengthen you mental health. Ever feel stuck between...

Ever feel stuck between where you are and where you want to be? In *Messages from the Middle*, I dive deep into the realities of mental health, personal growth, and the messy middle of life. As someone who has lived with ADHD, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, I know firsthand how overwhelming the journey to healing can be. In each episode, I share personal stories, insights from therapy and coaching...

Have you ever felt stuck in patterns of blame, frustration, or emotional overwhelm? In this podcast, I explore the concept of emotional adulthood—what it means, why it matters, and how embracing it can transform your life. I share insights on how to take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, and actions, so you can step out of victim mode and into empowerment. With real-life examples, practi...

Sadness is often seen as something to avoid, but what if it’s actually a crucial part of our emotional well-being? In this episode, I reflect on a powerful moment from a recent gathering with my closest friends—a tradition of Angel Tarot readings that led me to an unexpected realization. Through personal stories and insights from the movie "Inside Out", I explore why sadness isn’t a bad thing but...

In this episode of *Messages from the Middle*, I dive into the concept of toxic positivity—the idea that we should always look on the bright side, no matter what. While positivity has its place, forcing it at the expense of real emotions can be harmful. Phrases like *“just stay positive”* or *“everything happens for a reason”* might sound encouraging, but they can actually dismiss and invalidate g...

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I, dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of ADHD: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). Last week, I shared how RSD has impacted my life and held me back from living boldly. This week, I focus on the antidote—self-confidence—and how it can help us overcome the paralyzing fear of failure or rejection. Together, we’ll explore what self-confi...

What do Gilmore Girls and my kindergarten meltdown over a happy face stamp have in common? I am glad you asked. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) From a kindergarten meltdown over not earning a double smiley-face stamp to the emotional landmines of high school and adulthood, I share personal anecdotes about how RSD has shaped my life. I discuss how RSD affects creativity, relationships, and ev...

In this new episode I talk about my sure fire strategy to manage a racing mind and anxiety. That is too get out of my head and into my body through the breath.  When life feels overwhelming, focusing on your breath can be a simple yet powerful way to calm your mind and reconnect with the present. Breathing exercises can alleviate stress, improve mood, and even help with sleep and pain management....

After a few months away, I’m back behind the microphone, and it feels so good to return to *Messages From the Middle*. In this episode, I’m sharing my journey through one of the hard seasons of my life and the steps I took to move the needle in a positive direction. From ketamine infusion boosters to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), I dive into the innovative treatments that helped me get...

In this episode, I share my thoughts on navigating challenging times and managing the stress many of us are feeling in today’s divided world. After returning from a recent break, I’ve seen how deeply fear and anxiety have taken root, especially around recent political events, even though I won’t be discussing the election itself. I explore how fear, often used as a tool to manipulate, can drive us...

I guess I should have made a plan for this... When you start a podcast about mental health because of your own mental health struggles, I should have been prepared for a relapse that leaves me pretty shut down. This week I have decided that I need to take a break to take care of myself and my mental health. I am determiened to come back as soon as possible. I love this podcast and the energy excha...

In this episode we explore the vital distinction between discomfort and feeling unsafe, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for personal growth. Drawing parallels between physical and emotional growth, we highlight the necessity of pushing beyond our comfort zones to unlock our full potential. Just as lifting heavier weights or increasing running distances leads to phy...

In this episode we delve deep into the intricacies of emotions and their profound impact on our lives. It all starts with understanding the distinction between sensations and feelings. While sensations are involuntary bodily responses, feelings are rooted in our thoughts, highlighting the significant role our mindset plays in shaping our emotional landscape. By recognizing that our thoughts are th...

In this episode of Messages from the Middle we delve into the power of self-narrative and the transformative potential of editing our life's script. Have you ever paused to consider the tale you tell yourself about yourself? Our personal narratives, whether consciously acknowledged or lingering in the shadows, profoundly shape our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. The beauty lies in the fact t...

In this episode titled "Mindfulness for a Busy Mind," I delve into the fascinating world of managing ADHD through mindfulness and meditation. One of the fun things that comes with ADHD is a busy mind, and I mean fun—like I'm never bored; my mind is always entertaining me. But this constant whirlwind of thoughts can be inconvenient when it comes to quieting intrusive and worrisome thoughts. The goo...

In this heartfelt episode I delve deep into the raw emotions and tough realities of parenthood, particularly for those of us in the middle and beyond. With honesty and vulnerability, I share my own journey of navigating the unexpected twists and turns of raising children, from the sleepless nights of infancy to the heartbreaks of adolescence. Together, we explore the profound love we have for our...

Welcome to Messages From the Middle. On the podcast today we're diving into a topic that hits close to home for many with ADHD: burnout. In this episode we'll unpack the signs, symptoms, and sneaky triggers of burnout in the ADHD community. From feeling perpetually exhausted to struggling with everyday tasks like cooking dinner or tackling the grocery store, we'll explore the unique challenges tha...