You, Me, Empathy: Sharing Our Mental Health Stories

On Episode 152 of You, Me, Empathy, Norm Leonard and I explore how creativity can help lighten the burden of depression, our collective love of dark humor and its capacity for subversion, Norm’s early literary influences, and the origin story of Norm’s brand new fiction adventure-fantasy podcast for the whole family, Cobbler’s Gulch! Read the full show notes here. EMPATHY LINKS: Subscribe to Cobbler’s Gulch!Cobbler’s Gulch websiteCobbler’s Gulch on InstagramCobbler’s Gulch on YouTubeCobbler’s Gulch on Facebook SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: Get bonus episodes, monthly Zoom hangs, and more on PatreonRegister for Non’s MedCircle LIVE on November 18thSign up for the Feely Human newsletterSupport this podcastYou, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 151 of You, Me, Empathy, Vanessa Bennett and I explore expanding our abilities to tolerate change and the unknown, not skipping over the messy middle, why you may need to change your mind about mindfulness, and how codependency robs us of self-awareness. Read the full show notes here. EMPATHY LINKS: Vanessa BennettVanessa on IG: @vanessasbennettDene SelkinCheaper Than Therapy podcastExpecting Amy SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: Register for Non’s MedCircle LIVE on November 18th!Sign up for the Feely Human newsletterSupport this podcastCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-4563You, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 150 of You, Me, Empathy, Dr. Dyona Augustin and I explore the importance of discomfort, Dyona’s childhood curiosity, living an examined life, emotions as smoke detectors, and why hope is healing. Read the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: Dyona on IG: @drdyonaThe Mental Health SistasSo You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma OluoThe Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: Register for Non’s MedCircle LIVE on November 18th!Sign up for the Feely Human newsletterSupport this podcastCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-4563You, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 149 of You, Me, Empathy, Tim Manley and I explore why it’s brave to be a teenager, Tim’s silly and weirdo art kid childhood, making sense of bullies, bisexual representation on screen, Tim’s Emmy-nominated The Feels, and feeling like our big feelings are just too much for others sometimes. Read the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: The FeelsTimManley.comTim on InstagramThe Feels on InstagramTim on TwitterMinding the Gap documentary SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Sign up for the Feely Human newsletter10 Ways to Support Feely HumanCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-4563You, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 148 of You, Me, Empathy, artist Jordin McGrath and I explore the emotional distress and anxiety of being a military spouse, why we can’t get all we need in life from our partners, distractions vs. doing the inner work, managing the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, and finding healing and community in art. Content Warning: Suicidal ideation is mentioned in this episode. Read the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: Jordin on IG: @one3yednekoA Court of Thorn and Roses SUPPORT THE PODCAST: 10 Ways to Support Feely HumanCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-4563Join the newsletterYou, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 147 of You, Me, Empathy, clinical and forensic neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho and I explore creating space to reflect, toxic productivity and the cult of busyness, the usefulness of emotions, limiting beliefs, and why you deserve to be heard. Read the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: DrJudyHo.comDr. Judy on IG: @drjudyhoDr. Judy on FacebookDr. Judy on Twitter: @drjudyhoSuperCharged Life podcastStop Self-Sabotage book SUPPORT THE FEELY HUMAN COLLECTIVE: 10 Ways to Support Feely HumanEmpathy For Kids zineCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-4563You, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 146 of You, Me, Empathy, it’s a solo episode with me, your host, Nōn Wels! In this episode, I talk about the importance of rest, why being willing and open to change is hard but necessary, voting, and a special announcement about a new project with NAMI OC! Also, I’d love to hear if you’d be open to more solo episodes like this one? Let me know! Email me here. And don’t forget you can leave a voicemail for the show by calling 949-346-4563.

On Episode 145 of You, Me, Empathy, Shelby Forsythia and I explore the vulnerability of putting our voices out into the world, the acknowledgement that grief is part of you and not something you fix, grief in context of being present, and Shelby’s brand new book, Your Grief, Your Way. Read the full show notes here. EMPATHY LINKS: ShelbyForsythia.comShelby on IG: @shelbyforsythiaBuy Shelby’s new book, Your Grief, Your Way!Shut Up & Write! SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: 10 Ways to Support Feely HumanEmpathy For Kids zineCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-4563You, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 144 of You, Me, Empathy, eating disorder therapist Jess Sprengle and I explore growing up as bookworms, looking back at our childhood selves with compassion, the early trauma that led to Jess’s eating disorder, and why we are inherently worthy of the things that are good for us. Content warning: Eating disorders and behaviors are mentioned in this episode. Read the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: JessicaSprengleLPC.comJess on IG: @thecrankytherapistJess on Twitter: @jesssprenglelpcKnow My Name by Chanel MillerThe Great Unlearn SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: 10 Ways to Support Feely HumanEmpathy For Kids zineCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-4563You, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 143 of You, Me, Empathy, psychosomatic therapist, herbalist, and flower practitioner Heidi Smith and I explore the assets of the wounded healer, un-burdening ourselves of childhood traumas, cosmic balance, plant medicine, ecological and social justice, and the universality and interconnectedness of healing. Read the full show notes. EMPATHY LINKS: MoonandBloom.comGet Heidi’s book, The Bloom BookHeidi on Instagram: @moonandbloomThe Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: Empathy For Kids zineCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-456310 Ways to Support Feely HumanYou, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 142 of You, Me, Empathy, musician Joshua LeBreton and I talk about looking at our feelings objectively, Joshua’s disruptive childhood and the abandonment struggles that resulted from that, retreating into ourselves, building authentic communities, and how music can make us feel seen and less alone. Read the full show notes here! CONNECT WITH JOSHUA: The Canary YellowThe Canary Yellow on SpotifyJoshua on IG: @thecanaryyellow SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN & THE PODCAST: Empathy For Kids zineCall in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-456310 Ways to Support Feely HumanYou, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 141 of You, Me, Empathy, grief explorer Alica Forneret and I talk about why it’s okay and critical to pause, the importance of self-care and inquiry over pushing through our feelings, the empathy and community of the Dead Moms Club, and honing the capacity for showing up for others in their grief. Read the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: AlicaForneret.comAlica on IG: @alica.forneretAlica on FacebookSign up for Alica’s newsletters! SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: Call in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-456310 Ways to Support Feely HumanYou, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 140 of You, Me, Empathy, Manya Chylinski and I explore the messy middle, challenging our own biases and preconceptions about people and the world, comparing traumas, and Manya’s terrifying and inspiring story of surviving the Boston Marathon bombing. We also of course talk about the global pandemic, putting things into boxes to help our anxiety, Manya’s transition from a binary (“black and white”) thinker to a “messy middle” thinker, why should is an asshole (love you, Jen Pastiloff), and Manya’s experience being witness to the Boston Marathon bombing. Manya was in the stands at the Boston Marathon finish line, and was mere feet away from the two bombs that went off in April 2013. She shares her experience with the immediate aftermath of witnessing violence, the nightmares and sobbing and anger and panic attacks, and even smelling the bomb smoke days after. Read the full show notes here. EMPATHY LINKS: ManyaChylinski.comManya on Twitter: @ManyaChylinskiMargie Warrell SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: Cal

On Episode 139 of You, Me, Empathy, author and mental health advocate Kitt O’Malley and I explore how we’re coping with our mental health during Coronavirus (this episode was recorded in April!), hyper-focusing in times of crisis, growing up in chaotic households, and giving ourselves the grace of imperfection. Kitt shares about her bipolar disorder diagnosis at age 39, creating boundaries with parents, growing up around substance use disorder, the feeling of belonging, the validity of childhood emotional experiences, and Kitt’s amazing writing and advocacy work in the area of bipolar disorder and mental health awareness at large. Content Warning: Suicidal ideation, sexual assault, and eating disorders are very briefly mentioned in this episode. EMPATHY LINKS: Balancing Act (Amazon)Balancing Act (Barnes and Noble)KittOMalley.comKitt on TwitterKitt on FacebookKitt on InstagramKitt on LinkedInKitt on PinterestKitt on YouTube SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: Call in and leave a message for the show! 949-346-456310 Way

On Episode 138 of You, Me, Empathy, DJ Chuang and I explore the journey of naming our feelings, finding the motivation for living, DJ’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and story, and the shame that persists in mental health and Asian culture. Check out the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: ErasingShame.comDJ on IG: @djchuang SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN AND THE PODCAST: Share your message on the podcast (we have a phone number)!10 Ways to Support Feely HumanYou, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook Group

On Episode 137 of You, Me, Empathy, Tamar Chansky, PhD and I explore the continuum of human feeling, reminding ourselves that we can narrate what’s going on in our lives, being a doer, anxiety in kids and the pressure to achieve, and how we can free ourselves from anxiety and worry. In this conversation, we gab about burnout, doing for the sake of doing, the cultural and parental pressure of achievement for kids, and why grades don’t make sense in the time of Coronavirus. Tamar is an expert on anxiety, and has written numerous books on the subject. So we talk anxiety! Lots of it. We talk about Tamar’s experience working with anxious kids, reinforcing our anxiety when we don’t make choices for ourselves, learning over performance, and the tools we can learn to free ourselves from anxiety, including fact checking our own narratives, making worry wait for us, the Four Doors exercise, and my favorite of all, The Possibility Panel! Read the full show notes and fun Possibility Panel activity instructions here!

On Episode 136 of You, Me, Empathy, somatic and transformational coach Rebecca-Monique beautifully shares about the time she literally lost her voice after losing her adoptive mother, protecting herself early on from pain and trauma by internalizing it, psychological abuse, and how we have everything within ourselves to thrive, despite the barriers and challenges. Rebecca-Monique and I talk about how she moved from Africa to the UK when she was a child, how she developed survival techniques throughout childhood that would later hinder her, the juxtaposition of becoming a mom and not having a strong mother figure in her life, why shame silences us, attachment styles, defensive mechanisms, communicating the “why”, the suffering we experience when we don’t look, and why healing is relational and communal. Finally, we explore intergenerational trauma and racial trauma, including inner child work, the covert forms of racism that persist at the foundational level in our society that we need to unlearn and disrupt

On Episode 135 of You, Me, Empathy, author Amy Beashel and I explore the push and pull of being in Covid-19 lockdown, the curious and adorable space hopping hobby of Amy’s, writing the things we need to hear, and finding our own self-worth. We kick off the show talking about Coronavirus (duh), and what the situation is like over in the UK where Amy lives. We talk about how we’ve felt guilt for feeling frustrated, and ponder if this global experience will bring us all closer together in the end. Read the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: Amy on IG: @beashelwritesAmy on Twitter: @beashelwritesThe Sky Is MineRefugeSex Education (Netflix)Untamed by Glennon DoyleStella Duffy SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: Leave a rating and review in Apple PodcastsYou, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook GroupJoin the Book ClubWrite for Feely HumanEnroll in Feely Human 101Get Yourself a T-Shirt, Pin, and Sticker!

On Episode 134 of You, Me, Empathy, therapist and researcher Hillary L McBride and I explore the myriad ways to open-heartedness and empathy, the way our bodies remember trauma, emotion-focused communication in therapy, asking ourselves “what’s happening here?”, and embracing the wonder and uncertainty as the bedrock of what it means to be human. Read the full show notes here! EMPATHY LINKS: HillaryLMcBride.comHillary on IG: @hillaryliannamcbrideOther People’s Problems podcastThe Liturgists PodcastHillary on Twitter: @hillarylmcbrideMothers, Daughters, and Body Image (affiliate link)Sacred Feminine SUPPORT FEELY HUMAN: You, Me, Empathy on InstagramYou, Me, Empathy on FacebookFeely Human on InstagramFeely Human on FacebookFeely Humans, Unite! Facebook GroupJoin the Book Club for JulyWrite for Feely HumanEnroll in Feely Human 101Get Yourself a T-Shirt, Pin, and Sticker!

On Episode 133 of You, Me, Empathy, Shereen Lani Younes and I talk about the early days of the Coronavirus pandemic (we recorded this in April), self-care during quarantine, feeling like we’re “too emotional,” sexual identity and growing up in a Muslim family, and being kind to ourselves so we can be kind to others. We also gab about how we may think we’re lone wolves but in reality we grow in connection with others. Shereen shares a mushrooms in the woods story, we empathize over being middle children, we talk about using comedy to cope with darkness, and Shereen opens up about the time she ghosted her therapist, taking medication, her queer and Syrian-American identities, and how we’re all just trying our best to feel alive. Plus, SO much more, including the most important takeaway from this episode: WE HAVE TO BE KIND TO OURSELVES FIRST BEFORE WE CAN TRULY BE KIND AND CARE FOR AND MAKE AN IMPACT ON OTHERS. It’s so easy to forget this. We hope this episode is a reminder for you, feely human :) Thanks