Episodes

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...

Send us a text What if we could equip young people—and ourselves—with the tools to handle mental health challenges before they happen? Erin Harris, founder of Undo Mindset, shares her powerful journey from surviving a school shooting to creating a nonprofit dedicated to reshaping mental health care. Erin’s experience as a teacher in a traumatic crisis sparked a mission to make mental health skills as essential as reading and math in schools, giving students the resilience to face life’s ups and ...

Send us a text In this inspiring episode, Millionaire Williams, author of 'Military Mom on a Mission', shares her poignant journey of supporting her son through PTSD and severe mental health challenges following his return from the Iraq war. Millionaire discusses the unexpected path that led her to become a mental health advocate, highlighting the importance of family support and creating awareness about PTSD. The conversation touches on her efforts to navigate the healthcare system, her determi...

Send us a text Our children spend nearly one-third of their waking hours at school, presenting countless opportunities for positive interactions with trusted adults. In this episode of This Way Up, we discuss how the San Marcos Unified School District took this reality and turned it into an opportunity to dramatically expand mental health support for its students. Amid a growing mental health crisis and a mental health system struggling to keep up, the district—supported by the city of San Marco...

Send us a text In this lighthearted conversation between Janet Krebs and Andrea, they dive into the idea of parents as the CEOs of their families, leading with both courage and compassion. The discussion touches on the power of having a clear vision for your family, the importance of honest and open communication, and the deep connections we build with our children. Janet, who brings her wealth of experience as a consultant, coach, and former educator, shares candid stories and actionable insigh...

Send us a text Have you ever felt like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, trying to keep it all together while hiding the mess inside? I’ve been there—juggling a career, motherhood, and everything in between, looking picture-perfect but feeling completely overwhelmed. In this reel, I share a story that opened my eyes to the truth: staying polished on the outside while struggling on the inside kept me lonely and disconnected. It wasn’t until I embraced vulnerability with ...

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of This Way Up, host Andrea welcomes Gwen Gulick, a resilient mother and wife who has faced significant challenges in her family life. Gwen's journey includes supporting her husband through depression and navigating the complexities of her children's mental health conditions, including depression, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD. On top of these challenges, Gwen and her husband have both battled and overcome cancer. Gwen generously shares the invaluable lessons s...

Send us a text Welcome to Season 2 of This Way Up! We’re thrilled to kick off another season with an amazing lineup of guests, all set to dive into the topics that matter most to you, our listeners. In this clip, I’m excited to give you a sneak peek at just a few of the episodes coming your way in the weeks ahead. Thank you so much for tuning in and being a part of this journey with us! Support the show Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational p...