Episodes

That's a wrap until season 2. We will have a fresh line up of inspiring guests starting in September. Can't wait to see you then! Until then, go back and listen to your favorite episodes!

Growing up is challenging, especially in a society obsessed with achievement, comparison, and the constant influx of information through social media. Breanna Kulwin, a specialist in the mental health of girls and young women, shares her valuable insights on nurturing their well-being. Trauma is often misunderstood and oversimplified as the cause of fragile mental health. Breanna highlights the importance of processing trauma, explaining that it isn't just about major, headline-grabbing events. ...

This episode is a must-listen for parents of young athletes, musicians, or any child involved in competitive activities. It offers invaluable insights on making these activities enjoyable and creating a positive environment for your kids. Although Jennie Carlestav addresses performance anxiety in competitive sports, her advice and techniques are universal for managing anxiety in any high-pressure situation. She explains how events from our past, even as far back as early childhood and in utero, ...

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Courtney Tracy for an inspiring conversation about her journey with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and thriving in parenthood. Dr. Tracy shares her refreshing human-first philosophy, urging us to see beyond labels and roles. We dive into the world of BPD, where Dr. Tracy sheds light on the emotional rollercoaster it can entail, emphasizing the importance of a validating environment and therapeutic interventions like dialectical behavior therapy. With ...

We are thrilled to introduce Stuart Perry, a licensed clinical social worker, child therapist and the imaginative force behind Mr. Stu TV. Stuart's passion for helping children navigate their big emotions shines through his playful and insightful approach. With a spirit that's as youthful as it is wise, Stuart, who's a big kid himself, guides parents on a delightful journey through the intricacies of raising children. Throughout the episode, Stuart shares his empowering mantra: "There are no ...

Prepare to uncover the secrets to optimizing mental health through the power of nutrition! Francesca Orlando, a science-based functional and integrative nutritionist and health coach, is here to address all your burning questions about the connection of food and mental well-being. Get ready for an enlightening discussion as Francesca dives deep into the impact of nutrition on every aspect of our bodies, with a special focus on the brain. Discover the intricate relationship between the gut mic...

Get ready for an awesome episode where we chat with Veronica Alvarez, a true powerhouse in women's sports as the US Women’s National Baseball Team and the coordinator of player development for the Oakland A's. Oh, and did we mention she's also been a firefighter? Veronica's kick-ass career is nothing short of inspiring as she forges the way for females in some of the most male-dominated professions. In our conversation, she shares what these life experiences have taught her and how they trans...

In this episode of This Way Up we dive deep into the fascinating life journey of Jumpei Kontani, a man who defied the odds and found his path to joy despite a childhood filled with complexities and challenges. Growing up in Japan amidst a split family, Jumpei faced the weight of cultural norms that viewed divorce as shameful. He navigated not only the challenges of managing this perception but also, the complexities of intense internal family conflicts. But instead of succumbing to the pressures...

Join us on This Way Up as we dive into this with Gretchen Hess, the force behind The High Functioning Anxiety Solution. Gretchen opens up about her own journey, tracing back to a childhood filled with tension that shaped her into a successful yet deeply anxious adult. Despite outward success, her inner turmoil brewed. With the arrival of her children, stress escalated, and her daughter's anxiety and OCD symptoms only heightened Gretchen's own struggles. But there's hope. Gretchen shares he...

Have you ever found yourself at wit's end with a rebellious teen? You're not alone. Many parents turn to the troubled teen industry (TTI) for answers, hoping boarding schools and wilderness retreats will save the day. But guess what? Our guest, Ciara Fanlo, knows firsthand that these places often do more harm than good. Drawing from her own journey, Ciara shares that she has been through it all – residential programs, boarding schools, wilderness retreats – you name it. But instead of being w...

We're diving into the real meaning of organization. It's not just about tidying up your space or labeling boxes – it goes way beyond that. Ever wondered why some "seem" to have their lives together while others look like they're swimming in chaos? Let's unpack that mystery and uncover what true organization is all about. Meet our guest, Ann Pereira. She's not your typical organizer. Her specialty? Working with the neurodivergent community. Yeah, you heard that right. She's all about understandi...

Imagine thinking you had it all under control, only to have life throw you a curveball with the surprise arrival of a special needs child. How would you respond? In today's moving episode, we have the pleasure of introducing super mama Susan Hedstrom who with fearless honesty opens her heart to share how she manages the intricate dance of navigating family dynamics while caring for her son, Jayden. Jayden was born with the rare genetic disorder of Prader-Willi syndrome, a condition laden with p...

“What I love about breathwork is that I feel like it really shows us the untapped potential that we have as something that comes so natural to us, but it can be something that is so profound.” Ashlene Patten Breathing. Yes, that simple, automatic act we usually don't give a second thought to. But what if we told you that paying attention to how you breathe could change everything? Today, we're joined by Ashlene Patten, a holistic breathwork facilitator and somatic therapy practitioner. She...

Today, we're tackling a subject that's often misunderstood and downright frightening for parents: PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal. Yep, it's a mouthful, but trust me, understanding it could make a world of difference for your child. Our special guest today is Jennifer Kozek, a licensed clinical social worker and a mom who's intimately familiar with PANDAS because both of her children have been diagnosed with it. Jennifer's journey is no...

Today, we're tackling a topic that's become all too familiar: our obsession with screens. It used to be that baseball was America's favorite pastime. But now? It's all about those screens—video games, social media, and more. But are we going too far? Are we inadvertently hurting our kids by giving them free rein with technology? Our guest today, Nicole Rawson, founder of Screentime Clinic, knows firsthand the damaging effects of technology overload. As a mom to two boys, she initially saw the...

“If you sit and just experience thoughts and emotions fully, you will be able to process them and make way for logical thought.” Ella Srholez, The Art of Vulnerability, 2018 TEDxYouth@Vail In this episode, we will introduce you to Ella, a bubbly and confident, 20-year-old, who shares her thoughts on the importance of vulnerability to healing and health. Art became her sanctuary and her way to speak out. It turned into her relief valve for all the tough moments, allowing her to process her deep ...

Today we're diving deep into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: eating. But hold up, because we're not just talking about grabbing a snack here. We're delving into what happens when food becomes a battleground, a weapon even, especially when it's your child who's caught in the crossfire. Our guest, Judy Krasna, opens up about her daughter, Garbiela's journey. From a vibrant, happy teenager to someone tormented by the mere thought of eating, Judy shares the raw truth of navigating t...

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 Smith's timeless phrase, 'Parents just don't understand.' Today, we're joined by the insightful Douglas Knutson, a seasoned psychologist specializing in the LGBTQ+ community. He's here to share his wisdom, not just for kids in the LGBTQ+ community but for all parents wading t...

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 an independent project. Hold on tight because this isn't your average project completed by an average teenager – it's the kind that becomes a superhero cape for building a lifestyle of peace and contentment and against those pesky intrusive thoughts. Clayton Johnson, started ...

“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 music in our latest episode. After basking in the spotlight for years, Chris had a life-altering moment that ignited his passion to create something meaningful for future generations. Join us as he delves into the impact of music on our emotions, the intricate dance with brain...

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 acceptance were foundational in creating a safe space for her daughter to open up, which is not easy as a teenager. This episode is a straight-up, no-nonsense conversation that's part heart, part uplifting. BIO: Marie began her career as an educator. She taught High School English. S...

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 life? In today's episode, we join Rebecca, who has grappled with paranoid schizophrenia for decades as she takes us through her personal evolution, from encountering her first delusions at 27 to the transformative impact of finding her soulmate. She highlights the crucial ro...

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 culture of labeling and delves into its potential impact on the healthy development of adolescents. Drawing inspiration from the theories of Polish psychologist Dabrowski, specifically the concept of Positive Disintegration, Block explores the idea that personality evolves throu...

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 social media expectations and how it messes with our heads. She even shares practical and simple advice on taming anxiety. The best part? Seren will calm your worries by letting you in on a little secret: therapists, just like the rest of us, goof up in parenting too. Get ready t...