Judging Meghan

This episode I’m joined by Natalia Aiza, an EMDR-trained therapist, writer, and mental health advocate, for an important conversation about OCD, postpartum OCD, and the challenges that often come with intrusive thoughts. Natalia shares her own experience with OCD, which began in childhood, and explains how hormonal changes during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and perimenopause can sometimes intensify symptoms. We also talk about how OCD goes far beyond the stereotypes many people associate with the condition, including fears around contamination, and can involve intrusive thoughts about harm, morality, and things that go against a person’s deepest values.

Natalia explains why intrusive thoughts can be so frightening, especially when they involve something a person would never want to do, and how shame and fear of being judged can prevent people, particularly new mothers, from asking for help. We discuss the difference between having an unwanted thought and actually wanting something to happen, as well as treatment options such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) and EMDR.

Natalia is also passionate about making mental health resources more accessible through self-guided workbooks, including her Self-Guided EMDR Workbook. We talk about the benefits of these resources, the limitations of trying to navigate everything alone, and why deeper trauma work should be approached carefully and with appropriate professional support. I hope this conversation helps anyone struggling with OCD or intrusive thoughts feel less alone, better understand what they’re experiencing, and recognize that effective support and treatment are available.

Learn more about Natalia here: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/natalia-aiea

Purchase Natalia’s workbooks here: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/books-workbooks

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#OCD #PostpartumOCD #IntrusiveThoughts #MentalHealthAwareness #OCDAwareness #EMDR #EMDRTherapy #ExposureAndResponsePrevention #ERP #PostpartumMentalHealth #MaternalMentalHealth #MentalHealthAdvocacy #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthSupport #BreakTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone #NataliaAiza

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In this episode I’m joined by dementia prevention and brain specialist Dr. Clint Steele to talk about brain health, stress, sleep, and simple habits that can make a difference. Clint shares his “101 Brain Hacks” approach and explains how chronic stress can keep our brains stuck in survival mode, affecting everything from our energy and focus to our sleep. We talk about why so many people wake up around 2 or 3 a.m., how cortisol plays a role, and why caffeine, phones, and blue light first thing in the morning may be adding to the stress we’re already carrying.

Clint also shares practical tools for calming the nervous system, including diaphragmatic breathing with longer exhales, setting intentions in the morning, and following a simple one hour rule to reduce stimulation at the beginning and end of the day. We talk about the reticular activating system and how our thoughts and beliefs can influence what we notice and focus on. He also breaks down the different types of stress we experience, including chemical stress from things like diet, alcohol, and plastics, physical stress from pushing our bodies too hard, and emotional stress from limiting beliefs.

This conversation gave me a lot to think about when it comes to how we care for our brains and manage stress in everyday life. We also talk about gentler approaches to exercise, general nutrition, and small changes that can support better health over time. Clint shares where you can find his work, and his books are set to be released October 27. I hope this episode gives you a few simple ideas you can take with you and start putting into practice.

Find out more here: https://drclintsteele.com/

Purchase Dr. Clint’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0FY477L8N?ccs_id=36033a38-8047-4553-bb37-28ffa12c7cef

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#DrClintSteele #101BrainHacks #BrainHealth #BrainHealthMatters #DementiaPrevention #DementiaAwareness #CognitiveHealth #BrainHacks #HealthyBrain #MentalClarity #MemoryHealth #StressManagement #ChronicStress #Cortisol #SleepHealth #BetterSleep #NervousSystem #NervousSystemRegulation #DiaphragmaticBreathing #Breathwork #HealthyHabits #HealthyLifestyle #Longevity #HealthyAging #ExerciseForHealth #Nutrition #MentalWellness #MindBodyConnection #SelfCare #WellnessTips

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This episode discusses consent, sexual assault, drugs, and other difficult topics that may be triggering for some listeners.

In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Noelle Santorelli, a clinical therapist who specializes in relationships, relational trauma, and women’s mental health. We talk about parenting and some of the difficult questions raised by the widely reported “Cornell Seven” case. We discuss how different college life is now compared to when we were growing up, from social media and the permanent “receipts” it can leave behind, to drugs like ketamine and fentanyl and the way our country has become so divided.

One of the biggest takeaways for me is how important it is to start teaching our kids about consent, respect, and boundaries when they’re young. Dr. Santorelli and I talk about parents of both boys and girls modeling respectful behavior at home, teaching kids how to handle being told “no,” and recognizing entitlement before it becomes a bigger problem. We also get into peer pressure and why people can make very different choices when they’re part of a group.

We have a very honest conversation about fraternity and sorority culture, teen drinking, parental involvement, and why keeping the lines of communication open with our kids is so important. There aren’t always easy answers, but I believe these are conversations we need to be having with our children long before they leave home. We talk about teaching respect, accountability, boundaries, and trusting your own instincts.

You can Follow Dr. Santorelli here: https://www.instagram.com/drnoellesantorelli/?hl=en

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#DrNoelleSantorelli #Parenting #ParentingTips #ParentingConversations #ModernParenting #RaisingKids #RaisingTeens #TeenParenting #CollegeParenting #Consent #ConsentEducation #TeachingConsent #Boundaries #HealthyBoundaries #Respect #HealthyRelationships #PeerPressure #Groupthink #IndependentThinking #CriticalThinking #SpeakUp #BystanderIntervention #EmotionalIntelligence #Accountability #RaisingBoys #RaisingGirls #MentalHealth #ChildSafety #FamilyCommunication #OpenCommunication #ParentingTeens #Podcast

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In this episode I’m joined by mental health advocate and speaker Heidi Ambrose for an honest conversation about suicide, grief, and finding hope after loss. Heidi and I first met when I was a speaker at a women's event, there we connected over our shared experiences with loss. She opens up about growing up in New York City with emotionally distant parents and feeling lonely despite having financial privilege. At just 17, Heidi lost her mother to suicide following her parents’ divorce, an experience that changed her life forever.

Heidi shares the shock, guilt, and stigma she experienced after her mother’s death, including how difficult it was to talk openly about what happened. Without therapy or much support at the time, she had to navigate her grief largely on her own. Through therapy and a determination not to let her loss define her, Heidi eventually found purpose in helping others. She became a mental health advocate, pursued a master’s degree in social work, and raised her two sons with an emphasis on honesty and emotional support. We also discuss spirituality, warning signs, and why people struggling with depression may feel their loved ones would be better off without them.

This conversation is a reminder of why we need to talk openly about suicide and grief without shame or judgment. We discuss the importance of connection, support, and reminding those who are struggling that they are not alone. I hope this episode offers comfort to anyone who has experienced loss or is going through a difficult time.

Help is available, and there is always hope. If you or someone you know is in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 for support.

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#HeidiAmbrose #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicideLoss #SuicideLossSurvivor #GriefAndHealing #GriefJourney #LosingAParent #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAdvocate #BreakTheStigma #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone #HopeAfterLoss #FindingHope #HealingJourney #GriefSupport #SuicideSurvivors #EmotionalHealing #Resilience #TurningPainIntoPurpose #LifeAfterLoss #SpeakUp #StartTheConversation #HopeAndHealing #988Lifeline

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Today, you’re going to hear a revisited conversation from 2022 between my Mom and me. We talk about her experience being attacked as a young girl and how it forever impacted her life. She has experienced unimaginable loss, including losing both a child and a husband, and has had to learn how to live again after these traumatic experiences.

I have experienced my own trauma through the many losses in my life, and my relationship with my Mom has had its ups and downs over the years. But through everything, the love has always been there. I wanted to share this conversation for anyone who may be going through something difficult, as a reminder that even after unimaginable loss and trauma, there can still be hope. I realize how incredibly lucky I am to have my Mom, and I will always treasure this conversation with her.

Listen, cry, and be inspired to love your family even harder and stronger.

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#MyMomsStory #MomAndDaughter #MotherDaughter #SpecialEpisode #Revisited #LossAndHealing #GriefAndHealing #GriefJourney #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #TraumaRecovery #Resilience #FindingHope #HopeAfterLoss #LifeAfterLoss #OvercomingAdversity #Survivor #Strength #Courage #Family #FamilyLove #LoveAndLoss #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #NeverGiveUp #HopeAndHealing #Mothers

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In this episode, I sit down with Lizzie Semmer, a former pre K teacher who left the classroom and started a new chapter of her life in Portugal. Lizzie shares what it was like growing up between Chicago and Manhattan Beach with a father who worked in Hollywood, and how she eventually began her own career in entertainment, working with her father. After years in the industry, she followed a calling into teaching and spent a decade working with young children before the demands and exhaustion of the post COVID classroom led her to make the difficult decision to walk away.

Lizzie also opens up about losing her father to stage four cancer at just 55 and the profound impact his illness and death had on her. Afterward, genetic testing revealed that she carried the same cancer related mutations, leading to ongoing screenings and the removal of a benign colon mass. We talk about grief, the communities that supported her through some of her hardest moments, and the signs she felt along the way, including receiving her Portugal visa on September 11, a date that held deep personal meaning for her.

Today, Lizzie is building a quieter life in Portugal while working in the travel industry and embracing the uncertainty that comes with starting over. Her story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes life forces us to change direction before we are ready, but a new chapter can still hold meaning, purpose, and hope. We talk about grief, resilience, trusting yourself, and finding the courage to create a life that feels more aligned with who you are.

Learn more here: https://thefascinatedtraveler.com/

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#LizzieSemmer #StartingOver #StartingOverAbroad #LifeInPortugal #PortugalLife #MovingToPortugal #NewChapter #GriefAndHealing #GriefJourney #LosingAParent #LossAndGrief #GriefSupport #Resilience #FindingHope #FindingPurpose #LifeTransitions #MajorLifeChanges #LifeAfterLoss #CareerChange #LeavingTeaching #FormerTeacher #TeachersOfInstagram #TeacherLife #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #TrustTheJourney #SignsFromTheUniverse #FollowingYourCalling #JudgingMeghan #JudgingMeghanPodcast #Podcast

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Two-time Emmy-nominated director/producer of TV and Broadway, Riaz Patel isn’t here because of his credentials. He’s here because of his unusual perspective: a man who has spent virtually his entire life in female-dominated worlds. He grew up surrounded by women — two sisters, countless female cousins — then spent years making television about women, for female-led networks, on female-majority teams, for female audiences. And now, as a gay dad raising two kids, he finds himself once again in a world largely populated by moms.

He comes to motherhood as an “interloper”: close enough to see it intimately, but outside enough to see it differently. He’s not here to tell women how to mother. He’s here to talk about what he’s witnessed — the expectations, the judgment, the competition, and the extraordinary pressure women put on themselves and each other.

This is a blunt, unfiltered conversation about motherhood — and one I think a lot of mothers need to hear.

Follow Riaz here: https://www.instagram.com/riazrpatel/?hl=en

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#RiazPatel #Motherhood #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MotherhoodJourney #MotherhoodRealTalk #MomLife #MomTruths #MotherhoodMatters #ThePressureOfMotherhood #MomPressure #MomJudgment #MomGuilt #MomShame #MomCompetition #Parenting #ParentingPressure #ParentingJourney #ModernMotherhood #WomenAndMotherhood #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenSupportingMothers #BreakingTheMomJudgment #NoPerfectMothers #MotherhoodWithoutJudgment #MentalHealth #SelfCompassion

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As I celebrate my sixth year of podcasting and approach my 300th episode, I’m excited to welcome angel communicator, author, speaker, and podcaster Alisha Das. During a time when the world can feel especially divided and difficult, Alisha and I have a conversation about spirituality, purpose, angels, and finding light during challenging seasons. Alisha shares her story of growing up in rural Indiana, experiencing a traumatic childhood, and encountering archangels from the age of four.

After briefly pursuing acting, she eventually embraced her gifts and became a spiritual intuitive. Alisha explains how connecting with our angelic ancestry can help us better understand our purpose. We also discuss discernment, skepticism, connecting with loved ones who have passed, and how to approach spiritual experiences in a way that feels personal and grounded.

Alisha shares insights from her book, Your Angelic Ancestry, including how to connect with angels and discover your angelic name. We also talk about navigating darkness and uncertainty while holding onto hope and trusting that difficult seasons are temporary. As we continue through Suicide Prevention Month, I want to remind anyone who may be struggling that they are not alone and that there is always the possibility of finding a new path forward. I hope this conversation with Alisha offers a little comfort, curiosity, and hope when you need it most.

Learn more about Alisha here: https://alishadas.com/

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#AlishaDas #YourAngelicAncestry #AngelicAncestry #ArchangelMichael #Angels #AngelCommunication #AngelCommunicator #GuardianAngels #Spirituality #SpiritualIntuition #SpiritualJourney #FindingPurpose #LifePurpose #FindingHope #HopeAndHealing #SpiritualAwakening #Intuition #DivineGuidance #SignsFromTheUniverse #Afterlife #LovedOnesInHeaven #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #FaithAndHope #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionMonth #JudgingMeghan #JudgingMeghanPodcast

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This episode is especially meaningful as I celebrate my podcast’s six year anniversary during Suicide Prevention Month. I’m joined by Riaz Patel, a two time Emmy nominated director and producer and Broadway producer, who shares his story of growing up Pakistani, Muslim, and gay in rural West Virginia and Maryland. He opens up about feeling like an outsider, constantly navigating prejudice, experiencing hostility after 9/11, and a pivotal moment when the film Maurice helped him see a different future for himself during one of the darkest times in his life.

Riaz shares how that experience led him into entertainment, the unexpected path that brought him to reality television, and the story of meeting his husband, Miles, and building a family. We also talk about the importance of hope, connection, and finding a reason to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming.

Riaz is also the creator of Connect Effect, a 53 minute entertainment based experience designed to create "on demand belonging" and help people find common ground. We talk about loneliness, our increasingly screen driven world, political division, and how easily we can focus on anger while missing the light around us. This conversation is a reminder to listen, stay connected, and remember that even in our darkest moments, there can still be hope and a path forward.

Follow Riaz here: https://www.instagram.com/riazrpatel/?hl=en

Learn more about ConnectEffect here: https://connecteffect.us/

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I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone #HopeAndHealing #ChooseConnection #Community #TogetherWeCan #SupportMatters #ReachOut #KeepGoing #LifeAfterCrisis #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePreventionAwareness #PreventSuicide #CrisisSupport #EmotionalWellness #Wellness #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #AuthenticConnection #SocialConnection #BuildingCommunity #CommonGround #ListenWithEmpathy #Compassion #KindnessMatters #LessLonely #ConnectionOverDivision

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I’m repeating this episode to honor Will Jimeno, all of the victims of 9/11, the survivors, the first responders who ran toward the danger, and all of their families. This episode originally aired in 2021, but Will’s story is one I believe should never be forgotten. September 11, 2001, is a day so many of us remember exactly where we were when we heard the news. It was a day that changed our country and countless lives forever.

Will was a rookie Port Authority police officer when he saw the shadow of American Airlines Flight 11 moments before it struck the World Trade Center. He and his fellow officers knew they had to go in and help. Will shares what it was like to walk into the towers knowing a plane had hit the building, never imagining what was about to happen. When the South Tower collapsed, Will became trapped beneath the rubble alongside Sergeant John McLoughlin and Officer Dominick Pezzulo. Only Will and Sergeant McLoughlin survived. Trapped for hours with little hope of being rescued, the two men shared deeply personal conversations about their families and the people they loved. Will even asked Sergeant McLoughlin to tell his pregnant wife that he wanted their baby girl to be named Olivia.

Eventually, Will and Sergeant McLoughlin were found and rescued by former Marines Jason Thomas and Dave Karnes. Both men suffered devastating injuries and faced a long road of surgeries, rehabilitation, and recovery. It was an absolute honor to speak with Will, hear his story, and learn how he chose to move forward from such an unimaginable experience. Will has dedicated his life to serving others, and his courage, resilience, and commitment to service are a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. I’m grateful to revisit this conversation and share Will’s story again as we remember September 11 and everyone whose lives were forever changed that day.

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #abuserecovery #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #WillJimeno #911 #September11 #NeverForget #911Memorial #911Survivor #PortAuthorityPolice #FirstResponders #Heroes #HonorAndRemember #Resilience #Courage #Service #NeverForget911 #Remembering911 #911Anniversary #JudgingMeghan #Podcast

NOTE: This Revisited Series is the re-release of my favorite most important episodes.

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I’m joined by Jacob Cooper, an author, therapist, speaker, and past life regression expert, for a fascinating conversation about near death experiences, spirituality, and what may exist beyond this life. Jacob shares the stories behind his two books, Life After Breath, which explores his own near death experience, and The Wisdom of Jacob’s Ladder, which explores the lessons and insights he took from that experience.

Jacob recounts experiencing a near death experience at just three years old in 1993 after suffocating from undiagnosed pertussis. He describes seeing a tunnel and a light, experiencing an overwhelming sense of love, encountering guardian angels and numerous other angels, entering what he calls a “soul pod,” and experiencing a life review that included memories of past lives. He also describes the profound feeling of choosing to return to this life with a service oriented purpose.

Together, we explore questions about consciousness, spirituality, purpose, and what happens when we come face to face with the possibility of death. Jacob encourages listeners to remain open and curious while still maintaining healthy skepticism, and ultimately to focus on finding joy, serving others, and making the most of the life we have.

Find out more here: https://jacoblcooper.com/

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#JacobCooper #NearDeathExperience #LifeAfterBreath #TheWisdomOfJacobsLadder #Spirituality #Consciousness #Afterlife #LifeAfterDeath #PastLifeRegression #PastLives #SpiritualAwakening #SoulJourney #Angels #GuardianAngels #LifePurpose #FindingPurpose #Gratitude #Healing #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaHealing #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #MindBodySpirit #Faith #Hope #Podcast #MentalHealthPodcast

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This episode I sit down with therapists and coaches EJ and Tara from the Relationship Renovation podcast and a counseling center in Tucson. They share their own relationship story, including meeting, marrying quickly, and then facing intense challenges after having colicky twins while blending a family with four young children. Sleep deprivation, postpartum struggles, constant conflict, and a loss of intimacy put tremendous strain on their marriage and ultimately became the catalyst for a deeper understanding of relationships.

Their experience inspired them to create the research based Relationship Renovation Model and eventually train other therapists in their approach. We talk about emotional safety, attachment, family systems, nervous system regulation, and why you sometimes need to “regulate before you communicate.” They also share their “burnt toast” code word, which allows couples to call for a time out during conflict while creating a clear plan to come back together and continue the conversation.

We also discuss the importance of men doing their own emotional work, honesty, empathy, appreciation, and finding specialized couples therapy when you need more support. From major life transitions like empty nesting to the rise of “gray divorce,” we explore how relationships can change throughout the years and what it takes to keep choosing each other. Most importantly, this conversation is about being real, doing the work, and creating a relationship where both people feel safe, heard, and valued. You can learn more about EJ and Tara at relationshiprenovation.com.

Listen to the ‘Relationship Renovation’ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

Find out more through their site here: https://relationshiprenovation.com/staff/tarah-kerwin-staff/

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#RelationshipRenovation #EJAndTara #Relationships #RelationshipAdvice #MarriageAdvice #Marriage #HealthyRelationships #CouplesTherapy #CouplesCounseling #RelationshipTherapy #EmotionalSafety #AttachmentTheory #NervousSystemRegulation #RegulateBeforeYouCommunicate #Communication #ConflictResolution #RelationshipGoals #Intimacy #EmotionalIntimacy #MarriageAfterKids #ParentingAndMarriage #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfWork #MensMentalHealth #Empathy #HealingRelationships #LongTermRelationships

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In this episode, I’m joined by Nicole Sciacca, a fitness professional and host of Shockin’ Y’all, for a deeply personal conversation about spirituality, “exit points,” divine protection, and the signs we may receive from the other side. We talk about how trauma and major life experiences can create clarity, shift our perspective, and ultimately lead us toward a deeper sense of purpose and faith.

Nicole shares her journey from growing up as a dancer in Birmingham, Alabama, to moving to Los Angeles and navigating a major back injury that completely changed her identity. She opens up about transitioning into fitness, mobility, and training women through midlife, with a focus on longevity, recovery, stress, and learning to care for our bodies through every stage of life.

Nicole also shares the devastating losses she has experienced, including finding her partner Matt after he passed away in his sleep and later losing her ex-husband. We talk about grief, the signs she continues to experience from those she has lost, and how therapy, EMDR, community, and faith have helped her heal while raising her 13 year old son. This is an honest and emotional conversation about loss, spirituality, healing, and finding meaning and purpose even when life takes us somewhere we never expected.

Find out more about Nicole’s fitness classes: https://www.sweatandstillness.com/

Follow Nicole here: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesciacca/?hl=en

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#NicoleSciacca #Grief #GriefJourney #GriefSupport #HealingAfterLoss #Fitness #Spirituality #SignsFromTheOtherSide #SignsFromLovedOnes #DivineProtection #Faith #HopeAfterLoss #FindingPurpose #Signs #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #EMDR #HealingJourney #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #MidlifeWellness #WomensHealth #MindBodyConnection

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This is a revisited episode with Penny Hawkins Smith, a compassionate hospice nurse, influencer, and author of Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living. With over 2 million followers, Penny uses her platform to educate, inspire, and bring light to the often-taboo topic of death.

Together, we delve into the emotional and spiritual depths of end-of-life care, from Penny’s personal journey of overcoming death anxiety to the remarkable, love-filled moments she’s witnessed at the bedside of her patients. We share stories of redemption, forgiveness, and the surprising ways people find peace and purpose in their final days. Penny opens up about the challenges of caregiving, the unkindness of online criticism, and the resilience it takes to continue helping others in the face of negativity.

We discuss the cultural taboos surrounding death and the importance of breaking the silence—not just to reduce fear, but to foster deeper connections with those we love. From deathbed visions to spiritual encounters with lost loved ones, this episode shines a light on the beauty, meaning, and energy that emerge when we embrace life’s final chapter.

This is an inspiring conversation about vulnerability, compassion, and the lessons we can all learn from the fragility of life. Whether you’ve experienced loss, are supporting a loved one, or are simply curious about what lies beyond, this episode will leave you reflecting on the enduring bonds that transcend life and death. Tune in for a journey of healing, hope, and the reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, there is light.

Find out more about Penny through her site: https://www.hospicenursepenny.com/

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivor#resilience#traumahealing#mentalhealthawareness#mentalhealthmatters#podcastshttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/selfhelp#WellnessJourney #FindingMeaningInLoss #Influencer #Author #Caregiving #LivingFully #Mortality #HospiceNurse #GriefAndLoss #HealingThroughDeath #PennyHawkinsSmith #trauma #DeathAnxiety #EndOfLifeCare

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In this episode, I’m joined by former actor, author, and holistic life and business coach Randy Spelling for an honest conversation about growing up in one of Hollywood’s most famous families. As the son of legendary television producer Aaron Spelling and brother of Tori Spelling, Randy shares what life was really like behind the scenes, the unique challenges of growing up in the spotlight, and how fame shaped both his family and the relationships around him.

Randy opens up about his acting career, his experience filming Sons of Hollywood while privately coping with his father’s declining health and passing, and how grief and addiction became deeply intertwined. He candidly shares his journey to sobriety, the lessons he learned after hitting rock bottom, and why leaving Hollywood gave him the fresh start he needed to build a more meaningful life.

Today, Randy helps others create lasting change as a holistic life and business coach. We discuss breaking unhealthy patterns, finding confidence and purpose, redefining success beyond money and fame, and why true fulfillment comes from living authentically. It’s an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, personal growth, and the courage to create a life that aligns with who you truly are.

Learn more about Randy’s coaching here: https://randyspelling.com/

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#RandySpelling #AaronSpelling #ToriSpelling #Hollywood #HollywoodLife #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Healing #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #TraumaHealing #Grief #Resilience #LifeCoach #HolisticHealth #Purpose #Confidence #Mindset #Transformation #Authenticity #Recovery #Podcast #MentalHealthPodcast #SelfImprovement #GrowthJourney #HealingJourney #Inspiration

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In this episode, I’m joined by grief coach, author, speaker, and Penny’s Flight founder Kate Doerge for a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, and finding purpose after unimaginable tragedy. We begin by talking about the importance of supporting other women, overcoming jealousy, and choosing to lift one another up instead of competing. Kate shares her extraordinary story of losing her father to heart failure, her mother in a tragic car accident, and, most devastatingly, her daughter Penny, who passed away at just 16 years old after years of battling neurofibromatosis, multiple surgeries, and glioblastoma.

Kate opens up about the inspiration behind her book, Reimagining Grief, and explains how we can create a greater sense of agency in our healing through five powerful steps: connection, celebration, remaining open to signs from our loved ones, movement, and turning pain into purpose. She shares the meaningful signs she's received from Penny, the beautiful ways families can honor and celebrate those they've lost, and how Penny's legacy lives on through Penny's Flight, an incredible organization that has raised more than $6.4 million and launched over 120 chapters to help fund research for a cure for neurofibromatosis.

I also share my own experiences with grief, the signs I've felt from loved ones I've lost, and why faith, hope, and spirituality have become such important parts of my healing journey. This is an emotional and uplifting conversation about navigating life's hardest moments, finding light after loss, and discovering that even in our deepest grief, love never truly leaves us. If you've experienced loss or are supporting someone who has, I hope this episode reminds you that healing is possible, purpose can grow from pain, and you never have to walk through grief alone.

Learn more here:https://www.katedoerge.com/

Want to keep up to date with Kate? Follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/doergek/?hl=en

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#KateDoerge #ReimaginingGrief #Grief #GriefSupport #GriefJourney #HealingAfterLoss #HopeAfterLoss #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #Loss #Bereavement #Widowed #ChildLoss #Neurofibromatosis #Glioblastoma #PennysFlight #TraumaHealing #Resilience #PurposeAfterPain #SignsFromLovedOnes #FaithAndHealing #HealingJourney #ChooseHope #Podcast #PodcastLife #LifeJourney #Survivor #Hope #Courage #Empowerment #Education #WomenInLeadership

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joy Kong, a triple board-certified physician, educator, stem cell expert, and author of Tiger of Beijing. Dr. Kong shares her incredible journey growing up on a university campus in Beijing during a time of major economic change in China. Although her family had very little money, she was surrounded by education and developed an early fascination with America and the opportunities she believed it could offer.

Dr. Kong opens up about the many obstacles she faced while trying to build a new life in the United States, including having her visa denied despite earning a scholarship. Determined not to give up, she found creative ways to move forward, from cold-calling hotels for work to becoming a tour guide in Tibet before eventually making it to America. She also shares the painful reality of surviving an abusive and controlling relationship, making the courageous decision to leave with nothing, and rebuilding her life from a shelter with the help of compassionate mentors, an attorney, and supportive professors. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to start over and fight for the life you know you're meant to live. It truly inspired me and reinforced the importance of never giving up on your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.

We also explore her journey from training in psychiatry to becoming a leader in holistic medicine and stem cell therapy. Dr. Kong explains how regenerative medicine works, the exciting potential stem cells hold for healing, and why it's so important for patients to be informed and cautious in an industry where misinformation and low-quality treatments still exist. It's an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, hope, and the incredible things that can happen when you refuse to let your circumstances define your future.

Learn more here: https://joykongmd.com/

Get her book ‘Tiger of Beijing’ here: https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Beijing-Inspirational-Regenerative-Physician/dp/1647139740?_ga=2.57404205.664597299.1784342086-2044211131.1784342086

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#DrJoyKong #TigerOfBeijing #StemCellTherapy #RegenerativeMedicine #StemCells #HolisticHealth #IntegrativeMedicine #Longevity #HealthyAging #MedicalInnovation #Healthcare #Wellness #FunctionalMedicine #MentalHealthMatters #Psychiatry #Healing #HealthPodcast #AmericanDream #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #NeverGiveUp #LifeJourney #Survivor #Hope #Courage #Empowerment #Education #WomenInLeadership

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In this episode, I’m sharing why melanoma awareness has become so important to me. Between recently losing an old family friend to melanoma, having my own skin cancer scare when a spot on my leg thankfully turned out to be benign, and my mom’s history with melanoma, it was a real wake-up call. Those experiences made me realize how important it is to have this conversation and remind everyone that early detection saves lives. I hope this episode encourages you to protect your skin, schedule regular skin checks, and never ignore changes you notice, because it truly could make all the difference.

I’m joined by Leah Adams, a melanoma survivor, long-distance runner, and mental health advocate from Cleveland, who shares her incredible story of being diagnosed with stage 1A malignant melanoma at just 26 years old. Leah opens up about years of tanning bed use, skipping sunscreen, and the surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy that ultimately confirmed her cancer had not spread. Together, we discuss the dangers of tanning culture, the alarming rise in melanoma among younger adults, the trend of "tan maxxing," and the misinformation circulating online about UV exposure and sunscreen.

Leah also shares her family's ongoing journey after her father was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma that had spread to his brain and lungs, and how advances in treatment have helped keep his disease stable. We talk about practical sun safety, including choosing broad-spectrum sunscreen, understanding SPF, the differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens, the limitations of SPF in makeup, wearing UPF clothing, and protecting yourself while staying active outdoors. This is an important conversation about prevention, awareness, hope, and why regular skin checks could save your life—or the life of someone you love.

Learn more here: https://www.curemelanoma.org/blog/from-melanoma-patient-to-caregiver

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecoveryMelanomaAwareness #SkinCancerAwareness #Melanoma #SkinCancer #SPF #BroadSpectrumSPF #MineralSunscreen #SkinHealth #HealthAwareness #CancerAwareness #LeahAdams #MelanomaSurvivor #CancerSurvivor #Stage4Melanoma #PublicHealth #HealthEducation #RunningCommunity #RunnerLife #OutdoorSafety #BeProactive #EarlyDetection #HealthTips #SelfCare

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In this episode I'm then joined by Michelle Crosby, a registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in critical care, plastic surgery, and aesthetics. We dive into the connection between internal health and outward appearance, discussing how nutrition, hormones, sleep, and overall wellness can dramatically impact not only how we look but how we feel. Michelle shares how her work with PRP and PRF treatments inspired her to take a more holistic approach to health, focusing on achieving optimal wellness rather than simply falling within "normal" lab ranges.

Michelle also introduces her innovative app, IntegratedHER, which helps women track everything from sleep, diet, medications, symptoms, and skincare to identify patterns and provide personalized wellness insights. We also discuss the growing popularity of peptides and GLP-1 medications, why proper testing and medical guidance are so important, Korean skincare, and some of the latest aesthetic treatments, including ONDA Pro and Sofwave. Finally, we talk about how to find qualified injectors, what questions to ask before any cosmetic procedure, and why education is the key to making safe, informed decisions about your health and beauty.

Find out more about IntegratedHER here: https://www.integratedher.com/

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#MichelleCrosby #IntegratedHer #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #HealthyAging #AgingWell #WellnessJourney #PreventativeHealth #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealth #BeautyFromWithin #Skincare #MedicalAesthetics #AestheticMedicine #HealthySkin #SkinHealth #Longevity #GLP1 #Peptides #Biohacking #WellnessTips #HealthyLifestyle #NutritionMatters #SleepHealth #PreventiveCare #MedicalInnovation #BeautyPodcast #WomenSupportingWomen #MentalHealthMatters #MindBodyConnection #Healthcare #PatientAdvocacy #SkinCareTips #AestheticNurse #GlowFromWithin #BeautyAndWellness

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In this episode I sit down with ADHD coach, consultant, podcast host and Beyond ADHD author Sam Led for a conversation about what ADHD actually feels like from the inside. Sam shares his own story of being misdiagnosed with anxiety, OCD and other labels before understanding his ADHD brain. He explains why he believes ADHD is not an attention deficit but an attention difference, why many ADHD brains experience the world in “Technicolor,” and why sensitivity, hyperfocus, creativity and intuition can become strengths once people stop seeing themselves as broken.

We also talk about ADD vs ADHD, why the “H” was added, rejection sensitive dysphoria, justice sensitivity, emotional reactivity, sensory overwhelm, panic, thought storms, late diagnosis, medication, school struggles, math, foreign language, SATs, creative careers, podcasting, relationships, men’s mental health and why so many neurodivergent people feel like outsiders before they understand how their brain works.

This episode is for adults with ADHD, women diagnosed later in life, people who grew up feeling different, parents trying to understand neurodivergent kids, creatives, empaths, overthinkers and anyone who has ever wondered why their mind feels faster, louder, more emotional or more intense than everyone else’s.

Find Sam on:

His site: https://www.samledconsulting.com/

Instagram: @samledadhdcoach

Or listen to his podcast: The Fearless Now which is available on all podcasting platforms.

You can purchase his book “Beyond ADHD” Here: https://www.samledconsulting.com/beyondadhd

I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website athttps://judgingmeghan.com/ or send me a message on Instagram at@judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth#selfcare#self#judgingothers#judgingmeghan#suicideawareness#suicideprevention#survivorhttps://www.youtube.com/hashtag/abuserecovery#AdultADHD #ADHD #ADD #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #ADHDWomen #ADHDCoach #SamLed #BeyondADHD #Hyperfocus #RejectionSensitivity #OCD #Creative #EmotionalDysregulation #ADHDAnxiety #CPTSD #CreativeBrain #HighlySensitivePeople #MentalHealthAwareness #ADHDSuperpower #The FearlessNow #Coaching #Empath #Anxiety

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