Episodes

Being 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 season, and why treating everyday moments like they matter is a gift—for them and for you. This season of This Way Up has looked a little different for me. My mom is going through cancer treatment, and over the past several months I’ve been spending more time traveling back to be with my family. It’s meaningful time—but i...

Explore 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 of 'felt emotion' with author Jen, as she gives an in-depth exploration of her book 'The Feeling Muscle: How Felt Emotion Can Help You Sit With and Outlast Hard Feelings.' Jen and Andrea discuss the concept of felt emotion—our body's physical experience of emotions such as anxiety, rage, and contentment. The conversation...

Being 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 journey with alcoholism, recovery, and breaking cycles of generational trauma. Having been in rehab and psychiatric institutions over 20 times, Emily opens up about what it’s like to navigate life as a parent while struggling with alcohol, and how addiction isn’t about being a “good” or “bad” person—it’s about what’s...

Imagine 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 explores in this episode with Dr. Suzanne Kerns, a leading expert in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), one of the most exciting advancements in mental health care today. TMS uses gentle, targeted magnetic pulses to activate and strengthen mood-related networks in the brain—essentially giving those underactive areas a nu...

So 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 digs into what that actually feels like through Arthur Williams’ story—growing up undiagnosed, masking to survive, and constantly being praised for traits instead of effort, which only widened the gap between who he was and who he thought he should be. Arthur opens up about the pivotal moments that helped him finally under...

What’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 this episode of This Way Up, I chat with Kati Morton, LMFT — licensed therapist, bestselling author, and mental health educator — about why control feels so necessary, how it shows up in our relationships, and what it’s really trying to protect. We dig into the ways control can sneak into parenting, friendships, romanti...

What 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 explore the world of equine therapy and how these incredible animals are helping people transform their mental health. We dive into the difference between traditional hippotherapy and ground-based horse therapy, why spending time with horses has such a powerful impact on the nervous system, and the unforgettable breakthrou...

Every 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 Nursery, has dedicated her life to giving these babies—and their mothers—a fighting chance. Through her work, she has already saved over 1,000 babies, transforming not just their lives, but the lives of their families.Through her work, Tara reminds us that every family deserves support, understanding, and a chance to thrive....

Chris 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 out quick fixes, Chris invites us to lean into empathy, reminding us that the illness is not the person — and that separating the two is where compassion really begins. He challenges us to communicate without judgment, to listen with curiosity instead of fear, and to find strength in acceptance. At the same time, Chris ge...

In 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 value of virtual support groups, how they differ from traditional social media, and how caregivers can find safe, tailored communities that meet their needs. Tamar also speaks candidly about the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, offering realistic self-care strategies that don't require massive time or energy. W...

For 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, Ethan shares his deeply personal journey: from misdiagnoses and medication trials to discovering that brain inflammation was the key to understanding his symptoms. He opens up about the treatments that helped him take control—like CBD for inflammation , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , diet changes, exercise, ...

Ever 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 our most important relationships—whether that’s with our kids, partners, friends, or even ourselves. She shares how tuning into your own energy and learning to trust your instincts can create more ease, better communication, and real connection. Yes, we talk parenting—but not in the usual “tips and tricks” way. Annmar...

Who 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 down with Sara Ecklein, a fiduciary specializing in special needs trusts, to tackle this critical question. They unpack what a special needs trust is, why it's essential for securing a stable future, and how it can protect both care and financial support, no matter your child’s age. Sarah also shares what it’s like m...

Parenthood messing with your mind or relationship? Psychologist Marcella Kaplani reveals the truth about Matrescence & Patrescence—and how to survive the emotional shifts. With 15+ years of experience, she breaks down the real psychological transitions into motherhood and fatherhood that no one talks about. We’re getting raw and real about what changes in your brain, your relationship, and your sense of self when you become a parent—and how to navigate it without losing your mind (or your partne...

Parenting 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 life specialist and parenting coach, to unpack the complexities of family dynamics. With over two decades of experience in pediatric medical and mental health settings, Michelle shares practical strategies for creating balance in the home. We explore key topics like co-regulation—learning to manage your own emotions while...

Emotions 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 of Arizona, for a deep, thought-provoking conversation about emotions and their role in our daily lives. We explore how curiosity can help us better understand what we feel and how creative expression—both traditional and unconventional—can be a powerful tool for emotional growth and healing. Get ready for an insightful ...

What 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 unpack self-care in a way that’s actually doable—no guilt, no fluff, just real strategies that fit into your busy life. Drew is all about helping busy parents and professionals optimize their well-being without making it feel like another full-time job. We chat about why self-care isn’t selfish (seriously, it’s survival),...

Ever 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 emotional healing and mental clarity. Samantha Hawley, a seasoned journaling expert and host of the "Journal Entries" podcast, has cracked the code with her five-step process designed to get your thoughts flowing and your emotions in check. This isn't your typical journaling prompt. Samantha's method digs deep, helping y...

We 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 more than just acne and awkwardness; it’s a natural, transformative phase that starts in the brain, setting off a cascade of changes—emotional and physical. Puberty expert Kimberly Grustus helps reframe this time of life as a positive and empowering experience. She reminds us that 50% of mental health issues are establishe...

Did 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 this thought-provoking episode of This Way Up, host Andrea Nanigian tackles these pressing issues alongside Karen Klein, author of Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree. Together, they unpack the immense pressure placed on teens and parents when planning for the future and explore how alternative paths c...

What happens when conventional mental health treatments don’t work? For Tag Frothingham, the answer came in the form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—a groundbreaking, non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, offering new hope for those battling depression and other mental health challenges. In this episode of This Way Up, Tag shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming severe depression, surviving cancer twice, and navigating a lifelong ...

In this insightful episode of This Way Up, I’m joined by Natasha Daniels, a leading anxiety & OCD therapist with over 20 years of experience. Natasha combines her clinical expertise with her personal journey of raising three children with anxiety and OCD, making her a deeply relatable and knowledgeable voice on this important topic. We dive into the key differences between OCD and anxiety—both in how they present and how they function physiologically. Natasha breaks down the concept of OCD as “...

Send us a text Did you know the average person experiences a state of hypnosis twice a day? (Center for Integral Health) So why is it such a mystery? In this episode, clinical hypnotherapist, Craig Meriwether explores the often misunderstood world of hypnotherapy. Craig highlights the misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy, emphasizing that it doesn't 'fix' people but rather empowers them to heal themselves. Through vivid anecdotes and examples, Craig illustrates how hypnotherapy can unlock de...

Send us a text Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults every year? Yet, many are left managing symptoms rather than truly healing. In this eye-opening episode of This Way Up, Andrea Nanigian sits down with Noelle McWard Aquino to redefine how we approach anxiety. Noelle introduces three distinct anxiety types—Future Catastrophizing, Control, and Distorted Beliefs—and shares practical strategies to tackle anxiety...