Mentally a Badass is the podcast that keeps it real about mental health, anxiety recovery, and self-growth. Hosted by Justine Rodes, this show dives deep into raw conversations, expert insights, and personal stories on overcoming anxiety, panic attacks, childhood trauma, and other life-altering experiences. We explore alternative mental health treatments, mindfulness, and practical coping strategies to help you heal and take back your power. Because here, we believe that being vulnerable is ...
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Justine Rodes Podcasts
Roll For Crit is your #1 resource for content from the world of tabletop gaming! Every week, Will and Jonathan are joined by a guest from the gaming world to discuss board game news, Kickstarter highlights, games they've been playing, and more! Become a High Roller by supporting us at http://patreon.com/rollforcrit or learn more at http://rollforcrit.com
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Barrett Young: Why Going Back to Being an Employee Isn’t Failure
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59:55In this episode, I sit down with Barrett Young to have an honest conversation about identity, success, and the rarely discussed reality of returning to employee life after entrepreneurship. Barrett opens up about building a successful business, the obstacles that ultimately led him to step away, and the internal struggle of redefining who you are w…
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Becoming Iconic: Amanda Paolicelli on Breakups, Healing & Owning Your Power
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54:49In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Paolicelli, the creator of Dare to Be Iconic, to talk about the breakup that shattered her—and ultimately shaped her into the woman she is today. Amanda opens up about trauma, healing, self-worth, and how she turned pain into purpose. We dive deep into confidence, empowerment, and what it really means to beco…
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Surviving 10 Years in Captivity: The Unbelievable Story of Tanya Kach
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42:23In this powerful episode, Tanya Kach shares the shocking story of how she was groomed, manipulated, and ultimately held captive for 10 years by her middle school security guard. Locked upstairs and hidden from the world, Tanya endured a decade of fear, isolation, and control before finally finding the courage to escape. We dive deep into: How the g…
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Recognizing the Signs: How Danielle Young Survived an Abusive Relationship
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46:39Danielle Young was only 18 when she met a man who seemed charming — but turned out to be a complete loser who preyed on her innocence and controlled her every move. What started as attention quickly became abuse, manipulation, and emotional destruction. In this powerful conversation, Danielle opens up about how she survived years of mistreatment, f…
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The Truth About Motherhood: No-Sugar-Coating Advice with Kayce Hodos
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55:08Motherhood isn’t always picture-perfect — and in this episode, Kayce Hodos gets real about what moms actually go through. We discuss mental health, self-care, and honest motherhood advice without the sugar-coating. Tune in for a refreshing, relatable chat every mom needs to hear. Check out Kayce: https://tinyurl.com/y4d7mvds Connect with Us: Follow…
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Coping with a Parent’s Suicide: Larry Bograd on Grief, Stigma, and Healing
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57:06Larry Bograd shares his story of losing his father to suicide and the deep grief that followed. He reflects on how hard it was to mourn in a time when no one talked about mental health or suicide. Through his journey, Larry reveals what it means to heal from a loss that once had no voice. Order Larry's Book: https://amzn.to/4oEQZLz Connect with Us:…
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Willie Handler on Inherited Pain and the Holocaust’s Lasting Impact
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50:51The trauma of the Holocaust didn’t end with liberation — it lived on in families, memories, and silence. Willie Handler shares how growing up as the child of Holocaust survivors shaped his sense of self and mental health. Together, we talk about inherited pain, the invisible weight of survival, and how healing begins with speaking the truth. Check …
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Dopamine Reset: Simple Ways to Rebuild Focus and Energy with Andy West
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59:44Ever feel like your brain just won’t cooperate? Dopamine expert Andy West joins me to talk about how to reset your brain’s motivation system. She shares easy, realistic ways to boost dopamine and find your flow again—especially if ADHD makes it feel like an uphill battle. Check out Andy: https://dopaminemountain.com/ Connect with Us: Follow us on I…
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The Trauma of Silence: Perry Power’s Story
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45:00Actor, author, and advocate Perry Power joins me to share his story of surviving sexual abuse. While the abuse itself was painful, Perry reveals that the greatest trauma came from being told to stay silent. In this conversation, he opens up about how silence shapes survivors, why breaking it is powerful, and shares his tips on finding the courage t…
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Inside Bipolar 1: Tyler Kania on the Challenges and Positives
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51:28In this episode of Mentally a Badass, I sit down with author Tyler Kania to talk openly about his journey with Bipolar 1 disorder. Tyler shares his experiences navigating manic episodes, struggling to keep a job, and facing the challenges of a serious knee injury and time in a mental health hospital. But this conversation isn’t just about the strug…
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Living in Fight or Flight: Morgan Brunner on the Aftermath of Domestic Violence
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53:51In this episode, Morgan Brunner shares her powerful story of surviving a domestic violence marriage. She opens up about why she stayed at first—for her daughter—and the moment she realized that leaving was the only way to protect them both. Morgan talks about the hidden aftermath of abuse: living in constant fight-or-flight, the exhaustion it cause…
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Life After a Cult: Brooke Deanne on CPTSD & Healing
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45:02In this episode, I sit down with Brooke Deanne for an honest conversation about her time in a cult and how that experience led to CPTSD. Brooke shares what it’s really like living with trauma, how it shows up in everyday life, and the small steps she’s taking to heal and move forward. We talk about the hard stuff—control, trust, and the weight of t…
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Panic Attacks, Boundaries & Mental Health Awareness with Brittany Hansen
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55:58In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Brittany Hansen to talk openly about panic attacks, mental health awareness, and the importance of breaking the stigma around these conversations. Brittany shares her personal experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, and why it’s so important to take them seriously. We also explore the role of boundaries i…
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The Power of Being Unfiltered: Swearing, Self-Love & Showing Up as You Are with Zulma Williams
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1:04:42In this episode, I sit down with Zulma Williams—better known as The Swearing Therapist—to talk about what it really means to be authentic in a world obsessed with perfection. We get into why swearing isn’t a moral failure, how to stop caring about your looks, and why chasing happiness doesn’t have to mean pretending everything’s okay. If you’ve eve…
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Learning to Speak Grief: Laura Walton on Loss, Silence, and Choosing Openness
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45:09In this powerful and honest conversation, Laura Walton shares her experience with grief after losing her father to suicide and later a close friend. While both losses shaped her, it was the passing of her friend that hit especially hard and stirred a deeper emotional reckoning. We talk about how grief can feel different depending on the relationshi…
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Proving Them Wrong, Then Choosing Peace — with Catherine Crestani
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57:28What happens when you realize the thing you’ve been chasing… isn’t actually what you want? In this episode, I sit down with Catherine Crestani to talk about the quiet, powerful moments of self-awareness that shaped her journey. From building a company to prove people wrong, to realizing she no longer wants to spend her energy that way — Catherine s…
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Ashley Krooks Had It All — So Why Was She Unhappy?
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45:16Ever felt like you were doing everything “right,” but still felt off? Ashley Krooks joins us to share how burnout forced her to re-evaluate her definition of success. We talk about the difference between looking successful and feeling satisfied—and how she’s working to build a more grounded, peaceful life. Check out Ashley: https://www.instagram.co…
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Therapist Blake Hunt on Surviving Addiction and Facing Today’s Mental Health Crisis
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46:52In this powerful episode, I sit down with therapist and addiction survivor Blake Hunt to discuss his personal journey with alcohol and how it led him to help others through mental health work. We dive deep into the mental health crisis facing our society—touching on everything from the fentanyl epidemic to borderline personality disorder (BPD), and…
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How Nature Helped Mike Martin Overcome Depression
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47:23In this episode, I sit down with Mike Martin to talk about something so many silently face—depression. Mike opens up about his mental health journey and how reconnecting with the natural world became a key part of his healing process. From quiet walks in the woods to immersing himself in wild landscapes, he shares how nature offers more than beauty…
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Sara Thornhill on Surviving Rape and Reviving Her Power
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44:33In this deeply powerful and vulnerable episode, meditation coach Sara Thornhill shares her personal journey of survival, healing, and transformation. From surviving a brutal gang rape to navigating two divorces, Sara opens up about how she rebuilt her life and now dedicates her work to helping fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals heal from trauma. Through m…
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Healing the Wounds Within: EFT Tapping & Childhood Trauma with Amy Vincze
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52:50In this powerful episode, I sit down with Amy Vincze to explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma and how it can silently shape our adult lives—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Amy shares her personal journey and introduces us to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping, a unique and accessible healing tool that helps release deep-roote…
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23 Years Lost: Paul Davis on Addiction, Redemption, and the God Who Found Him
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51:42Paul Davis ran away from home, lived in his car, and spent over two decades caught in a spiral of addiction, self-destruction, and heartbreak. In this raw conversation, he opens up about the moment he hit rock bottom, the pain of broken relationships, and the life-changing turning point that brought him to his knees—and ultimately to healing. We ta…
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Katie Turner on Therapy, Spirituality & Being Sensitive
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44:11In this episode, I sit down with Katie Turner—an advocate for deep feeling and self-awareness—to talk about what it really means to be a sensitive human in a loud, often dismissive world. We unpack the differences between traditional therapy and spiritual alternatives, share personal insights on navigating mental health in both the U.S. and Canada,…
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Let’s Talk Perfectionism, Personality, and Borderline Personality Disorder — with Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala
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57:25Why are we so hard on ourselves sometimes? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala — a psychologist, author, and expert in emotions — to talk about perfectionism, personality traits, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We break down how your personality can shape the way you think and feel, why perfectionism shows up, and w…
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Breaking Generational Cycles Through Energy Healing: A Conversation with Kanika Vasudeva
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1:07:07In this honest and healing conversation, I’m joined by Kanika Vasudeva—energy healer and spiritual guide—as she shares how the heartbreaking loss of her daughter led her to a deeper path of self-discovery, soul work, and spiritual healing. We talk about how energy healing helped her move through grief, and how tapping into the Akashic Records revea…
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Why Celebrities Struggle with Addiction – with Dr. Cali Estes
1:07:34
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1:07:34In this episode, I sat down with Cali Estes — an addiction expert and counselor who works with celebrities — to talk about her own experience with addiction and why so many people in the spotlight quietly battle it too. We got into the pressure of constantly being “on,” what fame can do to your mental health, and why money and success don’t make yo…
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Transforming Grief into Growth: Robert Foster on Mental Health, Motivation, and Coaching After Loss
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1:00:42In this powerful episode, transformational coach Robert Foster opens up about how the death of his father became a turning point in both his personal journey and professional coaching style. We discuss how he helps clients manage anxiety and depression, his unique approach to mindset and motivation, and why healing is a critical part of achieving s…
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When Your Body Turns Against You: Holly France’s Story of Surviving GBS
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51:15In this powerful episode, I sit down with Holly France — a rare illness advocate and survivor, to talk about her journey with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare and often misunderstood neurological disorder. Holly opens up about what it’s really like to live with a rare disease, the challenges of navigating a medical system that often overlooks …
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Burnout, Grief, and Self-Care: Jenny Lytle’s Guide to Prioritizing Your Well-Being
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57:53In 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 a…
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Held at Gunpoint: Jill McMahon on Childhood Trauma and Healing
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54:24When 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 expe…
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The Beauty of a Neurodivergent Mind: A Neurospicy Talk with Dr. Kristen Williamson
1:07:25
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1:07:25In 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 bet…
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Reparenting the Wounded Inner Child — with Malisa Hepner LCSW
1:12:06
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1:12:06In 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…
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He Didn’t Just Hurt Her… He Tried to Kill Her – Eileen Santos, Part 2
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41:13This 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 questio…
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Barely Surviving Narcissistic Abuse: Eileen Santos’ Story of Domestic Violence and Survival Part 1
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56:48Eileen 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…
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Teri Brown: He Left a Dead Cat on Her Porch—She Left Him for Good
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1:03:15In 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…
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How Brian Bogert Overcame a Life-Altering Injury and Built a Powerful Mindset
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56:39What 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 epis…
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Lisa Sugarman on Her Father’s Suicide & Breaking the Silence on Mental Health
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54:35Lisa 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…
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Healing Toxic Relationships, Energy Shifts & Intuition with Danielle Ingenito
1:07:42
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1:07:42In 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 y…
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The Truth About Schizophrenia: Dale Walsh’s Story
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57:36Schizophrenia 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 ho…
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Breaking Generational Trauma: Michael Unbroken on Healing & Finding Purpose
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53:35In 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 reclai…
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Depression, Authenticity & Elections: A Conversation with David Maeda
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56:07Depression 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…
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Surviving Domestic Abuse: How Emma Jean Rowin’s Ex Became an Active Shooter
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58:57What 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 th…
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The Power of Boundaries: Breaking People-Pleasing Habits with Barb Nangle
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55:36Do 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 mainta…
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Escaping Narcissistic Abuse: Mia Hanks’ Story of Survival & Healing
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37:11In 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 rela…
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Rewiring Your Mind: Nicky Billou on Breaking Limiting Beliefs & Financial Freedom"
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50:28What’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…
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The Power of Storytelling: Healing Through Your Own Narrative with Marcy Pusey
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1:08:28Your 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 n…
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How to Clear the Mind and Heal the Body: A Conversation with Baba Sam
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51:40How 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 fo…
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Michael Ruder on His Uncle’s Murder, Addiction, and Redemption
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54:27In 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 i…
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How To Heal Generational Trauma with Kat Daou
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54:34In 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 generati…
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Rebuilding After Trauma: A Deep Conversation with Chana Studley
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1:06:10In 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 …
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