Be Curious: Abby's Journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Be Curious: Abby's Journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

In this episode of the No Shame On U podcast, we sit down with Abby Shapiro, a sophomore psychology major at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Growing up in Northbrook, IL, Abby courageously shares her journey living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and how it has shaped her life.

Abby offers valuable insights for friends and family supporting loved ones with mental health conditions, emphasizing the importance of staying curious, asking questions, and maintaining open communication. She also discusses the benefits of more intensive treatment options like Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) that played a crucial role in her own recovery process.

Join us for this candid conversation about mental health awareness, the power of vulnerability, and breaking down stigma surrounding OCD and other mental health disorders.

Is There an Exit Ramp from Diet Culture? Yes. An Acupuncturist's Journey to Body Liberation with Intuitive Eating

Is There an Exit Ramp from Diet Culture? Yes. An Acupuncturist's Journey to Body Liberation with Intuitive Eating

From struggling with food to supporting others in their healing journey, Robin Harris combines her work as a licensed acupuncturist and intuitive eating counselor to create Body Positive Acupuncture in Baltimore, Maryland. Drawing from her own journey with disordered eating, Robin helps clients heal from the impacts of diet culture, weight stigma, systemic discrimination, and personal trauma. Her integrative approach combines traditional Eastern medicine with modern body-inclusive practices.

Body Positive Acupuncture - https://www.bodypositiveacupuncture.com/

Instagram @bodypositiveacupuncture 

Intuitive Eating - https://www.intuitiveeating.org/

ASDAH:  Association for Size Diversity and Health - https://asdah.org/

Robin Harris

Mattie, Milo, and Me: Unexpected Healing Through the Heart of a Dog

Mattie, Milo, and Me:

Unexpected Healing ThrougH the Heart of a Dog

In this episode of the No Shame On U Podcast, we sit down with author Anne Abel to discuss her powerful new book, Mattie, Milo, and Me, which explores the transformative role her dogs played in her mental health journey. Growing up in an abusive home led Anne to struggle with depression and a deep commitment to breaking the cycle as a mother. After reluctantly adopting her first dog, Mattie, she experienced profound healing. But when Mattie’s sudden death pushed her back into depression, adopting Milo, a challenging dog with a history of aggression, became another unexpected path to growth. Anne’s story is one of resilience, love, and the deep connection between humans and their pets as they help us heal in ways we never imagined. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about grief, healing, and the power of second chances.

Learn more about Anne Abel here: https://anneabelauthor.com/mattie-milo-and-me/

My Mental Health Journey: Open-mindedness, Willingness, Patience, and Persistence

My Mental Health Journey: Open-mindedness, Willingness, Patience, and Persistence

Join us for our meaningful discussion with Josh Pogonitz, a 21-year-old college undergrad student at the University of Maryland, as he shares his personal experiences and insights into mental health struggles.  Josh lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression.  Over the years, he has attended a residential program and a partial hospitalization program. Listen as he shares his story of pain and hope. 

Growing through Grief: Rena Rosen's Journey of Healing and Acceptance

Meet Rena Rosen, who lost her father to illness as a teenager. Rena shares how her grief journey has evolved over the years and the ways she has managed her loss during life's ups and downs. She is on a mission to normalize grief and embrace it as an important part of every human being's life.

This podcast is in memory of Rena’s dad, Michael Rosen.

All There Is With Anderson Cooper

Children’s Bereavement Center - Children/Teen Grief Support

From Grief to Grace: A Sister's Legacy in Pop Culture

Join us as we have an insightful conversation with Amy Sewick. In 2020 after almost 20 years of working alongside young people in various capacities, Amy had to step back from her profession due to the tragic passing of her sister to suicide and the needs of her children. She is now self-employed as she owns her own photography business. Additionally, she started a pop culture podcast a few years ago in memory of her sister Rebecca. Amy lives in Midcoast, Maine, with her wife, Mandy, and their two sons, Anderson, who is 9, and Kai, who is 7.

Amy’s Podcast - Pop Culture Retrospective:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/

Sibling Loss Grief Suppor Resources: 

Sibling Grief Club:: https://siblinggriefclub.com

Grieving a Loss to Suicide Support Group: https://www.jcfs.org/events/grieving-loss-suicide

The Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness

Bipolar General; My Forever War with Mental Illness

Today, we talk with author and retired Major General Gregg Martin. Gregg F. Martin, PhD, Major General, US Army (Retired), served on active duty for 36 years, until May 2015. He is a combat veteran, Bipolar Survivor, Airborne-Ranger-Engineer qualified soldier, and Army Strategist. General Martin recently released his new book - The Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness - published by the Naval Institute Press. Learn about his struggle with mental illness, why he wrote the book, and how he manages his health today.

Learn more here: https://www.generalgreggmartin.com/

Buy the book on Amazon.

From Taboo to Treatment: Talking Psychedelics with Bruce Sewick

From Taboo to Treatment: Talking Psychedelics with Bruce Sewick

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 46th Podcast! Today, we had an interesting discussion with Bruce Sewick, LCPC, CADC, about the use of psychedelics and mental health. Bruce retired as the CEO of Leyden Family Service and Mental Health Center (Franklin Park), and the SHARE Program (Hoffman Estates) in July of 2022 after working there for 26 years. He is now an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the CRSS Success Grant at the College of DuPage, where he has worked for 20 years in the Human Services Department. He has been lecturing on the therapeutic use of psychedelics for over 25 years and has taught a class on Psychedelics called “Psychedelic Mindview” at the College of DuPage. Listen as we discuss everything from the history of psychedelics to what treatment looks like.

Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition or mental health treatment.

http://www.brucesewick.com/

No Shame On U Podcast 45: Early Childhood Mental Health with JCC Chicago's Jen Streicher

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 45th Podcast! Today we spoke about early childhood mental health with expert Jen Streicher. Jen Streicher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Assistant Director of Social Services for JCC Chicago, where she has worked for over 17 years in various capacities. Jen holds a master’s of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago, a Master of Science in Child Development, and a post-graduate certificate in Infant Mental Health from the Erikson Institute. We talked with Jen about what mental health support looks like for early childhood-aged children, tips and tools for parents, and resources.

To learn more about JCC Chicago, go to: www.jcchicago.org .

No Shame On U Podcast 44: Samantha Kolkey and Options for College Success

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 44th Podcast. Today, we are meeting with Samantha Kolkey, the Executive Director of Options for College Success. Listen as Samantha describes her personal journey with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and how it fuels her passion and work for Options for College Success.

Options for College Success’s mission is to support young adults with learning challenges and disabilities develop the skills and confidence to succeed academically, work productively, and live independently. We envision an inclusive future where emerging adults with disabilities have opportunities to build their own successful life.

Learn more at: https://www.optionsforcollegesuccess.org/

No Shame On U Podcast 43: Live Life in Color: Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Edie Freimark

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 43rd Podcast! Edie Freimark has had a long career in business management and is a pending certified Recovery Support Specialist.  Edie works for Josselyn Center as a Peer Support Specialist in the northern suburbs of Illinois.  She was recently awarded the 2023 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)  support Group facilitator of the year by NAMI Bucks  County PA.  At NAMI, Edie was a Support Group Facilitator for many groups and was a warm-line responder.  

To learn more about the program Edie participated in to become a Recovery Support Specialist, go to:  

Recovery Support Specialist | Elgin Community College (ECC)