Beyond Well with Sheila Hamilton

Farzana Nayani (she/hers), is a recognized DEI specialist, international keynote speaker, and business coach. Of multiethnic Filipina-Pakistani background, Farzana is a passionate advocate for the multiracial community, and through her coaching practice, she supports individuals to move towards healing, transformation and achieving their full potential in a culturally sensitive and grounded way.  Nayani talks about:  Taking care of your employees and giving them a sense of well-being with ERGs Supporting marginalized groups who have faced tragedy and also have to carry on with work: How can we support them effectively as leaders and colleagues, or, if we are these professionals ourselves – how do we best address these issues? Will women and other marginalized groups suffer the highest consequences of “quiet quitting” and "labor hoarding"

Jennifer Cassetta witnessed the attack on the twin towers and, months later, endured a personal attack. Jennifer turned to the wisdom of the dojo and the training and discipline of martial arts to strengthen her body, steel her mind, and expand her compassion for herself and others. The Art of Badassery is Jennifer's program for helping women feel safe and powerful from the streets to the boardroom. A third-degree black belt in Hapkido and a master's degree in nutrition, Jennifer teaches women how to fuel themselves to rise above fear and reclaim their power.

Dr. Pritham Raj joins Sheila to discuss the newest FDA-approved treatments for depression, including Spravato, ketamine, and a fast-acting anti-depressant. For many people suffering from treatment-resistant depression, these new modalities combined with transcranial magnetic resolution may offer the best hope yet for remission.

Domi Shoemaker identifies most strongly as a "Superfat gender flexing kinky queer writer and seeker of justice." Domi has always known they are different and did not try to "fit in" with the conservative, rigid norms of Idaho. Instead, Domi played little league with the boys, came out to their mother, and moved to Portland, Oregon, to find community and purpose. Domi explored their gender fluidity long before it was acceptable, paving the way for mid-life joy and meaning. Domi's courageous insistence on authenticity has proven critical to their ability to survive and even thrive, "I am so glad I stayed alive," Domi says. "I didn't always believe it was possible." To work with Domi, go to https://www.corporealwriting.com/corporeal-community

Carolyn Donohoe Marieb already had a busy career and one child when she learned she was pregnant with triplets. The overwhelm she felt led Marieb to lean on alcohol to cope, a familiar crutch for many overstressed mothers. Carolyn finally realized that she could no longer lead a life controlled by alcohol, and when she sought help, she discovered a community of smart, capable women who had also put their wildest hopes and dreams on hold to serve an addiction. Anyone who is struggling with substance abuse will relate to Carolyn's candor, her humor in dealing with her previous mistakes, and her newly expanded joyous life as she nears some of the biggest opportunities offered by sobriety and mid-life.

Julia Stoops is an accomplished visual artist who took an extended break to write and publish her first novel.  While the writing fulfilled her, the marketing and publicity experience was not what she imagined, and the pressure left her feeling empty and alienated. "We don't talk enough about what happens when the dream doesn't work out," Julia observes.  Through a deliberate process of evaluation and acceptance, Julia returned to the work that sustains her with a clear-eyed view of what success really means.

One of the main components of mental strength is living in congruity with your values and your desires. We are focusing on stories of women who made complex and sometimes controversial decisions in mid-life to turn toward the version of their lives that they'd always imagined for themselves.  Karen Karbo uprooted her life and career as a bestselling author to live in Couillure, France, and make her way through the mountain of paperwork and bureaucracy to become a French citizen. At the same time, Karen's daughter gave birth, complicating the long-distance relationship. With exquisite grace, consideration, and compelling reasoning, Karen talks about why it's essential we navigate our own wishes with as much care as we offer to our loved ones.

Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal is a world-renowned psychiatrist, public speakinger, and best selling author who is known for his innovative research and inspirational writing. In this interview, Dr. Rosenthal talks about poetry as medicine for the soul. In a world that is maared by loss and deprived of pleasure, Rosenthal believes poetry can help fill in the gaps, offering a retreat from a troubled world and hope for a better future.

No two people will experience the same range of emotions during grief. The experience of loss is as unique as our DNA, and any attempt to define its duration, intensity or lasting impact falls short. Dr. Jim Polo discusses the intimacy of grief.

Ivan Maisel is Vice President/Editorial and Senior Writer at on3.com. He has covered college football for nearly four decades, at ESPN, where he served as Editor-at-Large for ESPN College Football 150, Sports Illustrated, Newsday, and The Dallas Morning News. His conversation on navigating a year of grief after the suicide of his only son is one of our favorite interviews of the year.

Cheryl Strayed is a New York Times bestselling author, playwright, and screenwriter. This interview is a must listen for anyone who is also navigating grief and encountering people who cannot hold another person's suffering.

Dr. Brian Goff and Dr. Jenna LeJeuene join us to talk about the myth of the "five stages of grief."

Kimi Culp is a multi-talented producer, writer, and person living with bipolar disorder. As a creative working in the demanding field of journalism, Culp relied on her hypomania to help her succeed--until she suffered her first devastating depression and could no longer function. Kimi kept the secret about her diagnosis for decades. In this interview, Culp describes the impact of coming out regarding her diagnosis.

Dave Dahl is the face of a multi-billion dollar bread-making company and the marketing genius behind the name, 'Dave's Killer Breads.' Dave isn't a killer, but he has made some pretty bad mistakes that landed him in prison, where he began to recognize that his early drug and alcohol use was an attempt to self-medicate his bipolar disorder.  In this interview, Dave talks about the necessity of dual diagnosis and what leveling up to his potential really means.

Willa Goodfellow's extraordinary run through bipolar disorder may be familiar to others whose diagnosis was missed for many years: incredible highs, devastating lows, a difficulty maintaining relationships, a mercurial run through life. When Goodfellow finally sought help through medication, she thought her challenges might be over. For many people with psychiatric problems, medicine does not work. The side effects are so numbing and intolerable that people find other ways to cope with their minds and behaviors. Goodfellow has done just that with resilience and a belief in her own self-discovery, she is living proof that it is possible to live well with bipolar disorder.

Dr. James Polo talks about the psychiatric complications of Bipolar Disorder and why it can be so difficult to diagnose and treat. People with bipolar disorder often wait to seek help until they have experienced a devastating depression following a manic or hypomanic episode.  Polo brings hope to anyone who is living with bipolar disorder, as well as those who love someone suffering from this type of mood disorder.

Andrew Solomon is a NYTimes bestselling author, and a thought leader on mental health and well-being. In his widely viewed Ted Speech, Solomon says, "The opposite of depression is not happiness, but vitality, and it was vitality that seemed to seep away from me in that moment." This is an interview that is so important for anyone you know who battles depression.  Solomon has taken an eye-opening journey into his own experience with depression and interviewed hundreds of other people who also suffer from this brain disorder. With empathy, sensitivity, and understanding, Solomon discusses the complexity, the mystery, and the difficulty of living with depression.

Lidia Yuknavitch is the author of several bestselling books, including her latest 'Thrust' which the Los Angeles Times calls the "Best Book of the Summer."  Yuknavitch talks about the power of storytelling to make sense of the world we are living in and the one we might just be barreling toward. She describes how, after the death of her infant daughter, Yuknavitch pieced her life back together with small scraps of paper and threads of awareness.  Please share this episode with anyone who is suffering from a traumatic loss. Yuknavitch holds the listener with exquisite care and tenderness--a gift to anyone who currently can't see their way forward.

This was one of the first episodes we recorded. Performance artist Scott Erickson describes in intimate detail how mid-life, young children, little sleep, and a desire to feel again led to his creation of the one-man show, 'Say Yes, A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself.' Erickson's exploration of the spiritual journey of depression is one of the most fascinating conversations we've had regarding the role of art, faith, and getting out of bed even when you don't feel like it. Share this episode with anyone lacking the vocabulary for living through the hardest times.

Kelly Williams Brown wrote a bestselling book about adulting and then her life fell apart. In the book, "Easy Crafts for the Insane" Brown talks about how mental illness snuck up on her after divorce, friendship difficulties, and unexpected trauma, including breaking three limbs over the course of seven hundred days.  Warning: This episode deals with the impulse of attempted suicide and how common suicidal ideation is in the depths of deep depression.

The Anxiety Sisters (Abs and Mags) bonded in college over their shared difficulty with just about everything that seemed to come easy for other students. Decades later, the two have built a substantial community of people who share their experiences of living with anxiety while continuing to find joy, purpose, and happiness despite the ebbs and flows of their ongoing symptoms. (Part two)

The Anxiety Sisters (Abs and Mags) bonded in college over their shared difficulty with just about everything that seemed to come easy for other students. Decades later, the two have built a substantial community of people who share their experiences of living with anxiety while continuing to find joy, purpose, and happiness despite the ebbs and flows of their ongoing symptoms. (Part one)

Harris Goldberg is a skilled director and writer, and he also lives with debilitating anxiety and OCD. Goldberg's command of the internal parts of our lives that cause us pain and suffering is so evident in his interviews, and he shares how he may have finally cracked the code on how to live well with a severe form of anxiety.

Portland-based pop-soul singer-songwriter Laryssa Birdseye is most known for emotionally powerful and sometimes scathing "break-up" songs. But Laryssa has plumbed emotional wreckage and heartache to get to the place where she creates rather than perseverates, and the end product is both grittily honest and relevant to the lives of so many women who have struggled with  subtance-use and anxiety.

Most people with bipolar disorder do not seek care when they are enjoying the perks of hypomania. They seek care when the behaviors of mania have destroyed their relationships, jobs, or careers, or they have sunk into the inevitable low of Bipolar Depression.  Dr. Pritham Raj talks about the unique characteristics of bipolar depression and why it is so dangerous.

Comedic writer Courtenay Hameister takes an unflinching look at her life through the lens of anxiety. This is one of our most listened-to episodes because Courtenay is as real as anxiety, and anyone who has ever been told to "stop being so anxiety-ridden" understands the madness of this instruction. It is through self-compassion and understanding, humor, and the right combination of meds that Courtenay keeps her razor-sharp ability to comment on her approach to managing a serious condition.

This month we are revisiting some of our favorite conversations with artists, musicians,, and influencers whose mental health journeys inspire and educate.  Brittani Warwick is the niece of the famous Dionne Warwick, and a social media manager for some of music's most influential artists. Her personal story of rising from the stigma of mental health to become one of her generation's greatest advocates is inspired and hopeful.

During the month of May, we are revisiting some of our favorite conversations with artists who have come to a place of deep awareness and respect for their mental well-being. Storm Large is an Author, Actress, Performer and force of nature. You don't want to miss the story of inherited mental health vulnerability and how Storm battles her demons with profound honesty and individuality.

This month, we are revisiting some of our favorite conversations with artists whose mental health is pivotal to their music and creative expression.  Zachary Carothers is a member of the Grammy Award-winning band Portugal the Man, and a fierce advocate for mental health awareness. We talk with Zach about his personal wellness habits, and how he balanced life and creativity during the pandemic.

During mental health awareness month, we are revisiting some of our favorite interviews with musicians whose mental health stories inspire and transform.  Israel Nebeker, lead singer with Blind Pilot talks about the darkest experience he's ever confronted and how he maintains his mental health awareness.

It is #mentalhealthawareness month and we are revisiting some of our favorite conversations with musical artists whose personal mental health challenges, victories and transformations are transformative. Sit back, listen and enjoy. Here's global superstar, Lauv

When a person fails a third or fourth anti-depressant, the chances of success on another round of medication fall to 6.7 percent. And yet many patients whose medications have stopped working are advised to keep trying.  Todd's story of depression worsening to the point of suicidal thinking is an example of the trap these patients find themselves in. Fortunately for Todd, transcranial magnetic stimulation provided an effective alternative to medicine.

Daryl Tol is the Executive Vice President overseeing the One Mind at Work programs. He brings more than twenty years of healthcare leadership to One Mind, where a global coalition of employers and partners is transforming the approach to workplace mental health and wellness.  Tol shares how his personal battle with anxiety continues to shape his work and his belief system regarding equity, diversity and inclusion.

Dr. James Polo trained at the United States Army War College and has served two tours of duty as a behavioral health care specialist. Dr. Polo's expertise on how to remain psychologically grounded during times of war is especially relevant to the times we are in.  In part two, we discuss how to reduce the anxiety and depression brought on byevents outside of our control.

Dr. James Polo trained at the United States Army War College and has served two tours of duty as a behavioral health care specialist. Dr. Polo's expertise on how to remain psychologically grounded during times of war is especially relevant to the times we are in.  In part one, we discuss how to talk about war with children and young adults, why limiting media consumption is so important, and how to prepare for a long-drawn-out conflict.

Andrea Herron is a seasoned HR Executive, author of "There's an Elephant in Your Office," and host of the HR Scoop podcast. She is a passionate advocate for addressing mental health in the workplace, and bolstering diversity, inclusion, and belonging.  Andrea talks with Beyond Well about the important role of managers in creating a culture of mental health awareness, support, and belonging, and she answers some of the toughest "what if?" questions from our audience.  Andrea earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Western Kentucky University.

Chris Cummings is the CEO of WellBeing at Work World, an integrated multi-channel platform to make the wellbeing of the workforce a strategic priority in every organization. In this interview, Chris talks about the profound changes the pandemic brought to mental health awareness in the workplace, and what companies can do to help support and better the lives of their employees.

John Harrison is the General Manager of WebMd Health Services, where he is instrumental in developing the company's vision to empower organizations and their populations to improve well-being. John has more than 25 years of strategic, client, and operational leadership. In this interview, John talks about the critical need for mental health screening, outreach, and education to be a part of every organization's well-being charter.

Dr. R. Pritham Raj is both an internist and a board-certified psychiatrist. In this interview, he talks about the scientific evidence behind transcranial magentic stimulation, or TMS, an FDA approved therapy that is helpful for people with treatment resistant depression. (TMS is covered by most insurance.)

Abby Greenberg and Maggie Saracheck (Abs and Mags) join Sheila in part two of a conversation about managing anxiety, the benefits and realities of medication management and why belonging to a growing community of people who openly live with panic disorders and anxiety helps in every aspect of life.

Abbie Greenberg and Maggie Saracheck (Abs and Mags) met in college when they struggled with anxiety. Their bond and daily conversations about coping led to a lifelong friendship and a new book-- The Anxiety Sisters Survival Guide, part evidence-based journal, part heart-based memoir. Highly recommended.

Yuvi Zalkow is a writer, novelist, software developer and a man who deals with chronic pain through creativity, setting realistic goals, and loving his interior.  This conversation with Yuvi about his new book, 'I Only Cry With Emoticons" is a perfect release for Valentine's Day, since it is filled with my love for this brilliant Portland-based writer.

Kimi Culp is a multi-media producer devoted to bringing original ideas and concepts to life online and onscreen. She is also a person who kept her diagnosis of bipolar disorder a secret to all but her closest friends and family. Kimi's experience as a producer for NBC, ABC, and The Oprah Winfrey Show provided the perfect context for a person working with hypomania--until the fast pace of news and storytelling began to extract an incalculable toll.  We talk with Culp about self-stigmatizing, shame, and how living openly with bipolar disorder has changed her perspective on herself and her potential.

Steven Milanese takes us on an intimate path from addiction to how he eventually elevated his life as a supervisor of alcohol and drug treatment programs at Fora Health. How much does a person share about their past? What conditions are best for a person who wants to live in long-term recovery? From trauma to triumphing over drugs and alcohol, Milanese concludes our focus on #recovery during #DryJanuary.

Mike Hovey ran a successful drug trade. He luxuriated in money, women, and status. He even made that profile work for him in prison, where he was at the top. Until it all came crashing down and Hovey had to go on a journey of self-exploration, mindfulness and meditation to recover. Every path to recovery is different. But Hovey is on a mission to help others see the benefits of an inner exploration.

Mariah Myton, Naomi Castor, and Connie McDowell share the heartbreaking and potent realities of loving someone with a substance abuse disorder. When one member of a family gets sick, the entire family unit tilts on its axis until that person is in recovery--and sometimes that recovery is not guaranteed. How do we accept our loved ones where they are, and at the same time draw healthy boundaries around our loved one's behaviors and actions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves someone with alcoholism or addiction.

Many people are curious about what would happen if they stopped their drinking habit. Whether it's one glass of wine, or several cocktails a night, Dry January is gaining in popularity as people test the limits of their personal sobriety. What if you made the one biggest mistake of your life while under the influence? How do you rebuild a life without alcohol in a culture built around drinking? Angela Teuscher's story of drinking while parenting is riveting and serves as a cautionary tale for other parents.

There is no more powerful testimony as to the challenges and rewards of sober living than to hear from former addicts turned recovery champions. Monta Knudson describes the difference in the way he interacts with family and clients as he helps others navigate sobriety, and Kelly Stromberg became an Addictions Counselor Supervisor after getting the help she needed to live without substances. Raw, emotional, and uplifting, these interviews are aptly timed for Dry January, when many people are considering cutting back or quitting alcohol and drugs.

People in toxic relationships need help from friends, family, and professionals to commit to change. There is no AA or NA for this. Changing is a process and not simply a decision. In this interview, Dr. Izmirian and Goff discuss the warning signs of a toxic relationships and the important steps partners need to take to heal. (If you are being physically, verbally, or sexually abused in a relationship you need to exit it immediately and seek help.)

Dan Devaney and Taj Dashuan were both incredibly successful college athletes, Dan at the University of Oregon, and Taj at Stony Brook University. But when the rigor, concentration and training of sports went away for Dan and Taj, so did their will to live. Both men struggled with substance abuse and depression. Dan found himself seriously considering suicide.   Through an excruciating journey of self discovery and giving back, both men have found the ability to connect with other former athletes who are struggling with addiction and mental health problems.