Welcome to This Way Up

Episodes

Feb. 8, 2024

Douglas Knutson, PhD: Supporting & Affirming LGBTQ+ Kids

Close your eyes and transport yourself back to the awkwardness of being a 14 or 15-year-old, navigating the maze of where you fit in. Remember those jittery feelings and the struggle of talking to your parents, echoing Will …
Feb. 1, 2024

Clayton Johnson: A Teen's Journey to Ultimate Joy in Today's Buzzing World

Picture this: a teenager rocking his way through the ups and downs of the teenage years, while grappling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and guess what? He is given the opportunity to drop all of his classes to do a…
Jan. 25, 2024

Chris Boardman: Rhythms of Resilience-Fostering Mental Well-being with Music

“Music can heal the wounds that medicine cannot touch.” --Debasish Mrihda Get ready to be inspired by our incredible Emmy award-winning guest, Chris Boardman, as he unpacks decades of wisdom on the transformative power of mu…
Jan. 18, 2024

Marie Hommel: Unshakeable Roots-A Mother’s Journey with Her Transgender Daughter

In this episode, Marie Hommel gets real about the ups and downs of supporting her transgender daughter, Ashley. It's not just about identity exploration – mental health is in the mix too. Marie shares how trust and acceptan…
Jan. 11, 2024

Rebecca Chamaa: Breaking the Silence- Understanding Schizophrenia

Summary: As a caregiver, do you ever wish you could see behind the eyes of your loved one to really understand their experiences? Do you ever find yourself questioning the impact you, as a caregiver, make in your loved one's…
Dec. 21, 2023

Ed Bloch: The Diagnosis Dilemma

Are you finding yourself as perplexed as we are about distinguishing between "typical" child development and conditions warranting a diagnosis? In this engaging podcast, licensed therapist Ed Block challenges the current cul…
Dec. 14, 2023

Seren Waldman: Unfiltered- Insights From a School Therapist

Pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and settle in for a lively and candid conversation with Seren Waldman, a K-12 school therapist. She shares ideas on preparing our kids for adulting And keeps it real with so…
Dec. 7, 2023

Bridget Meyers: Understanding Mental Health Employee Benefits & Genetic Testing

Are you feeling stressed about navigating insurance coverage for your family's mental health care needs? If the answer is yes, tune in to this week's episode featuring Bridget Meyers, Vice President of Sales at Evernorth Hea…
Nov. 30, 2023

Lisa Druxman:Prioritizing Self Care to be a Better Caregiver

If you find yourself drained, isolated, and possibly resentful while caring for your child with special needs, this episode is just for you. Join Lisa Druxman, the Founder of Fit for Mom, as she stresses the importance of se…
Nov. 23, 2023

Tracy Slepcevic: Healing Autism through Biomedical Intervention

What lengths would you go to for your child if they were diagnosed with an "incurable disease"? When Tracy Slepcevik, the mother of Noah, learned that her three-year-old son had autism, she refused to just accept the diagnos…
Nov. 16, 2023

Glenn Dyke: Understanding Behavioral Health and Fostering Child Success

Is your child acting out, or are they simply trying to communicate their feelings without the necessary skills or words to express themselves? Join us as Glenn Dyke, owner of Blind Mule Behavioral Services sheds light on how…
Nov. 9, 2023

Christine Dowding Schmitz: Creating Calm- Mindfulness and Meditation

Have you heard the advice, “Don’t meet your child’s emotions with the same intensity as theirs.”? It sounds easy, but actually doing it is another story. In this episode, mindfulness and meditation coach Christine Dowding Sc…
Nov. 2, 2023

Kay Warren: Leading Parents Towards Hope and Joy

How do you find ways to breathe during periods of incredible stress? How do you choose joy during moments of grief and sadness? Join us to discover the healing perspective that has helped thousands of parents of children who…
Oct. 26, 2023

Christa Bailey: Embracing Autism

How far would you push to ensure your child with autism experiences the most enriching life as possible? Meet Christa, a tenacious mother whose determination and resilience shine through as she recounts her incredible journe…
Oct. 19, 2023

Dr. Heather Davidson: Neurofeedback & Virtual Reality Alternatives to Medication

Are you exploring alternatives to traditional medication for your child's mental health? Dr. Heather Davidson recently shed light on some progressive therapies for conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. She expl…
Oct. 5, 2023

Dr. Brian Grass: IEPs, 504s and Working With The School

In this episode of This Way Up, we are joined by Dr. Brian Grass for a compelling discussion centered around a crucial facet of your child's journey - their educational experience. Dr. Grass delves into the fundamental right…
Oct. 5, 2023

Amanda Cormier: When At-Home Treatment Isn’t Enough

Andrea and Emie sit down with Amanda to discuss the heartbreaking decision she made to send her 8-year-old son to live in a residential treatment facility. Amanda shares her candid feelings and imparts valuable advice on cop…
Sept. 8, 2023

Ready, Set, Go! This Way Up Podcast Preview

Welcome to Episode 0 of This Way Up, where hosts Andrea Nanigian and Emie Watters take you on a journey from their high school days in sunny Arizona to the inception of this podcast. In this episode, Andrea and Emie rekindle…