Trich Talks!

Stacy Nakell @stacynakell_lcsw is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and author specializing in treating body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania and skin picking. Having lived with skin picking herself, Stacy leads with a compassionate and evidence-based approach that she has shared with clients and treatment professionals alike. Learn more about Stacy by visi...

Kate Blake @kate_blake_author grew up in the United States, moved to South Korea then Japan, and now lives in Australia with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs. She's had trichotillomania for over 20 years—since she was 13 years old. She recently published the book BFRBs for Kids: A Gentle Introduction to Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors , an affirming, non-judgmental book for little ones...

Season 5 of Trich Talks kicks off with a powerful and personal episode! Host Barbara Lally takes us on an intimate journey as she reads from her book, The Trichster Diaries . Through raw and heartfelt stories, Barbara sheds light on the realities of living with trichotillomania, offering listeners a unique glimpse into her world. Whether you’re new to the community or a long-time listener, this ep...

Gabe Howard @askabipolar is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after speaker, who was diagnosed with bipolar in 2003 after being committed to a psychiatric hospital. Gabe is the author of Mental Illness is an Asshole and Other Observations as well as the host of the Inside Mental Health podcast. Previous guests have included Dr. Phil and Jeannette McCurdy. He has appeared on all fou...

Jessy @jessyh_x has lived with trichotillomania since she was 12 years old. At 34, she is more accepting of her disorder and has started sharing her experience on social media. Jessy believes that speaking about and learning to accept your trichotillomania is much more healing than hiding and striving to be pull-free. It’s okay if trichotillomania is part of your life, you will learn to manage it...

Keaton @Whatsthetrich_ has been dealing with trichotillomania for as long as he can remember. After doing a lot of research throughout the years, he has noticed how rare it is to see a man talk about living with trichotillomania. Keaton is hoping to break the stigma around men speaking about trichotillomania and mental health by sharing his experience today. — This episode is brought to you by Hab...

Sara Cannon @saracannonportraits is a creative mama from the Chicago suburbs. She's been an artist her whole life but a trichster since she was 9, starting with lashes. She first shared her story in the form of a portrait and a decade later here she is on her second episode of Trich Talks with Barbara Lally! Sara is sharing her updates in her pulling journey since participating in Barbara's SOS me...

Sammy @italiansammygal has lived with trichotillomania, the hair pulling disorder, for most of her life. Some of the ways she has helped manage her trichotillomania is by frequently going to the gym as well as maintaining an undercut. Sammy currently works at a psychiatric hospital in California. — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by gi...

Francesca @francizoia has lived with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) from a young age, often feeling weird and out of place because of it. However, as an adult she was able to do a lot of therapy, participate in many support groups, and find her community of BFRBers. This inspired her to create the first Italian community @comunita_crfc aimed to raise awareness and support those with BFR...

Ausha @waxaboutit is a Licensed Esthetician who has been specializing in full body waxing for almost 10 years. As an award-winning Waxologist in Columbus, Ohio, she prides herself on providing a judgment-free space for her clients. Her favorite part of the profession is getting to know each client, learning what their needs are, and helping to empower them with the confidence to love their skin. A...

As someone who has had trichotillomania for over 30 years, Alexandra's journey to acceptance and self-love has been a long one. She is just beginning to share her trichotillomania experiences with the world, but is excited about opening up and making new connections. Her main goals are to eventually be a published author, and have a loving cat family. Alexandra is currently living and working in c...

Nearly 30 years with trichotillomania, Jen @the_jennifer_grace has been through it all, tried it all, felt it all, and has come out even stronger—as the super mom to help her kids with BFRBs and build up self-love :) Listen to Jen’s first appearance on Trich Talks by clicking here! — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by giving my wrist a...

A big fan of Doctor Who, Back to the Future, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mary Ann Jensen @booksbymaryann has always dreamed of time travel. Specifically, she wishes to go back to December 2, 2017 - the day her life changed. Luckily, she discovered a way to time travel: through writing. Having struggled with trichotillomania since 2017, she is now sharing her story through Grace and the Sund...

Macy has trichotillomania and uses her own struggles with the disorder to propel her research on the topic. She also teaches psychology and uses her platform to educate students on the realities of body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Read Macy's research here: https://digital.library.txst.edu/items/b0072932-ecdd-4dc8-b689-a160c79251ce — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2...

Daniela @elarocp is a psychology student in Mexico who has lived with trichotillomania (hair pulling) and trichophagia (hair eating) since birth. Besides being a student, Daniela also loves to write, dance, listen to music, and a little bit of everything else! Daniela’s trichotillomania has become part of her personal identity and has impacted the way she perceives life. Most recently, Daniela’s t...

Lori @lori.lee86 has been living with trichotillomania since she was 10 years old. Now at 61, and after doing a lot of work, she finally feels like she is on the recovery side of it all! — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by giving my wrist a gentle hug or vibration when I’m doing the scanning behavior. Bring awareness into your life by...

Madison @Madison_lathrop has lived with dermatillomania (skin picking) and trichotillomania (hair pulling) since childhood. During the last three years, Madison has gone through tremendous growth within herself as well as her body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). She took two huge steps in her journey by shaving her head as well as attending therapy. If you’re thinking of going to a therapist...

Treja @trejabeauty is a permanent makeup and paramedical tattoo artist as well as educator. Treja has been in the beauty industry for almost 20 years with her work having been featured in magazines and commercials. Part of being in the permanent makeup and paramedical tattoo industry means that Treja has worked closely with people who have trichotillomania. It has brought tears to her client's eye...

During finals week of her senior year of college, Marie-Elena @thepluckapp_ studied on her laptop in the library, not realizing she pulled countless eyelashes and eyebrows out... Then the idea of Pluck came to her! Pluck is an AI chrome extension that recognizes when you're pulling using the webcam on your laptop, and then sends a pop-up screen with a replacement behavior and affirmation to refocu...

Jess @jessloufawcett lives with trichotillomania, dermatillomania, as well as autism. Although she still pulls and picks, her relationship with her body-focussed repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) has changed for the better. Jess’s advice for those outside of the BFRB community: if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 br...

Barbara @barbara_valliere1337 has had trichotillomania, specifically eyelash pulling, for over 20 years. Although this was new and shocking to Barbara at such a young age, she did not have to experience her trichotillomania alone. Her twin sister also developed trichotillomania at the same time she did. Together they were able to lean on each other for support, try different management strategies,...

J. Dana Trent is a speaker, professor, award-winning spirituality author, and minister. A graduate of Duke Divinity School, she teaches world religions and critical thinking at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. J. Dana recently published her memoir, Between Two Trailers that includes her experience with trichotillomania, the hair-pulling disorder. J. Dana’s Between Two T...

Gessie Perez @triumphanttrichster has had trichotillomania since age 11. Once living in shame and secrecy, she has since become a proud advocate and "Triumphant Trichster." Gessie is the author of two books about trichotillomania and the founder of Trichster Sisters, a program in which she sends care packages to young girls with trichotillomania and acts as a mentor. Gessie serves as the Programs...

Carmen has struggled with trichotillomania in varying intensities for 16 years now and it has been something that she has felt very alone with. Having the opportunity to share her experience is incredibly important to her because it will show others with trichotillomania that there is no reason to be ashamed. — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotil...

Lauren @laurenkotowski12 is a dog mom of 3, living in Wisconsin. She has a professional background in social work and has always been passionate about mental health and breaking the stigma. Lauren developed trichotillomania when she was in 6th grade and is telling her story to continue shed light on barriers that people with BFRB's experience & normalize it. — This episode is brought to you by...