About this podcast
Welcome to "This Way Up," the podcast dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers navigating the complex world of mental health. Each episode, we dive deep into conversations that matter—exploring the challenges, triumphs, and transformative journeys of those facing mental health struggles within their families. Whether you’re here for expert advice, inspiring stories, or just a little boost to get you through the day, we’ve got you covered. So grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and join us as we find the bright spots in the mental health journey—because we're all climbing our way up together!
Episodes
The newest 20 of 68 episodes
- Presence is Self Care · 6 min · Season 3 Episode 9Being present can be one of the most powerful forms of self-care for caregivers. In this short episode I reflect on caring for a loved one’s mental health, navigating a heavy…
- Emotions in the Body: How to Sit With Hard Feelings · 50 min · Season 3 Episode 8Explore felt emotion and somatic techniques with Dr. Jen Rapkin to notice, endure, and move through anxiety, anger, and other challenging emotions. Summary Dive into the essence…
- Alcoholism, Motherhood & Sobriety: Breaking Generational Cycles · 54 min · Season 3 Episode 7Being a parent doesn’t stop addiction—but it can be a reason to fight for recovery. In this raw and powerful episode, Emily Redondo, author of Wife Mother Drunk, shares her…
- Beyond Medication: Exploring TMS for Depression, Anxiety and More · 45 min · Season 3 Episode 6Imagine a treatment that wakes up the parts of the brain that have been dimmed by depression, anxiety, or trauma—without medication or downtime. That’s exactly what Andrea…
- Understanding the Power of the Neurodivergent Brain · 55 min · Season 3 Episode 5So many neurodivergent kids grow up thinking they’re the problem, when in reality they’re carrying ADHD, anxiety, or bipolar symptoms no one ever recognized. This conversation…
- How to Spot and Manage Controlling Behaviors · 37 min · Season 3 Episode 4What’s Really Behind Our Need to Control? We all like to think we’ve got it together… until life throws a curveball, and suddenly we’re trying to control everything around us. In…
- Healing with Horses Equine Therapy for Mental Health · 26 min · Season 3 Episode 3What if the key to healing anxiety, trauma, or depression wasn’t just found in an office — but in the quiet connection with a horse? In this episode, I sit down with Summer to…
- Breaking Cycles: Supporting Parents in Recovery and Their Babies · 54 min · Season 3 Episode 2Every year, thousands of babies are born into the chaos of opioid addiction—fragile, frightened, and in need of care. Tara Sundem, founder and executive director of Hushabye…
- Why Our Words Matter & Supporting Mental Health · 44 min · Season 3 Episode 1Chris Segrin from the University of Arizona opens up about the messy, complicated reality of supporting someone you love who’s struggling with mental health. Instead of handing…
- The Future of Support Groups: Online, AI and Mental Happy · 40 min · Season 2 Episode 21In this episode of This Way Up, Tamar Blue, CEO of MentalHappy, shares how technology can be a force for good in the mental health space. The conversation dives into the unique…
- PANDAS When Strep Triggers OCD, Rage, and Tics · 56 min · Season 2 Episode 20For 1 in 200 kids, a simple strep throat infection can trigger PANDAS—a devastating autoimmune condition that causes sudden-onset OCD, tics, rage, and anxiety. In this episode…
- Beyond Fear- The Energetic Shift for Relationships and Parenting · 57 min · Season 2 Episode 19Ever notice how the energy you bring into a room can shift everything—good or bad—without saying a word? In this episode, Annmarie Chereso invites us to rethink how we show up in…
- Planning for Their Future: Special Needs Trusts · 39 min · Season 2 Episode 18Who will make sure your child with special needs or mental health challenges — even as an adult — is cared for when you no longer can? In this episode of This Way Up, Andrea sits…
- How Parenthood Changes Us- Preserving Your Relationship · 53 min · Season 2 Episode 17Parenthood messing with your mind or relationship? Psychologist Marcella Kaplani reveals the truth about Matrescence & Patrescence—and how to survive the emotional shifts. With…
- Family Dynamics and High Needs Children · 43 min · Season 2 Episode 16Parenting is never easy—but when you’re raising a high-needs child, the challenges can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle McVittie, a seasoned child…
- The Power of Emotions and Art on Mental Health · 43 min · Season 2 Episode 15Emotions shape everything we do—how we think, react, and connect with others. In this episode of This Way Up, I sit down with Matt Sandoval, CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children…
- Self Care Made Simple · 39 min · Season 2 Episode 14What if self-care wasn’t a luxury, but your secret weapon for surviving—and thriving—in the chaos of daily life? In this episode of This Way Up, I sit down with Drew Greisel to…
- Emotional Clarity Through Journaling · 32 min · Season 2 Episode 13Ever find yourself staring at a blank page, pen in hand, with your mind just as empty? You're not alone. But here's the good news: journaling can be your secret weapon for…
- Supporting Mental Health Through Puberty · 45 min · Season 2 Episode 12We all remember those awkward puberty moments—the breakouts, the “We must, we must, we must increase our bust” chant, and maybe a few emotional roller coasters. But puberty is…
- Is College the Only Path? Rethinking Success After High School · 43 min · Season 2 Episode 11Did you know that nearly 40% of college students don’t complete their degree within six years, or that the transition to college is a peak time for mental health struggles? In…
