In this episode, I have an honest and educational conversation with Stephanie Hay, who has been working in suicide prevention for the last 6 years, about suicide stigma, prevention, and the power of language. Stephanie shares how small shifts, like saying “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide,” or understanding warning signs as “invitations” to check in, can create safer, more compassionate conversations. We talk about risk and protective factors, asking direct questions with empathy, “sitting in the dark” with someone without rushing to fix it, and how resources like 988 can support both people in crisis and those worried about someone they love. Since talk around suicide is so highly stigmatized, sometimes all people need is someone to be able to talk about it with. When we choose curiosity and compassion over fear, avoidance, or toxic positivity, we may have more impact than we realize.

Disclaimer & Resources: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health support, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling, having thoughts of suicide, or in immediate danger, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. You are not alone, and support is available.

For additional context and hope around the impact of accessible support, you can read this article: 988 hotline and youth suicide decline insights.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lauren DeCicco to talk about her journey into nervous system healing after hitting the lowest point in her life, navigating major life changes, and facing burnout and an autoimmune diagnosis. What she once thought was “just life” turned out to be years of living in fight-or-flight survival mode. We explore sitting with discomfort, taking accountability, showing ourselves compassion, asking for help, and learning how boundaries, co-regulation, and doing less can help us do more of what we want to do and feel safer and more connected in our bodies. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, "lazy" or stuck in survival mode, this episode is for you!

Find Lauren at https://www.optimize-movement.com and on Instagram @dr.laurendeciccopt

In this episode, I’m sharing my intentions and goals for this new year. We discuss the physical, mental, social, and spiritual goals for the year and the why behind them. I also share how I create my goals so that they don't just stay on a list that I'll never look at again, but actually become reality with breakdowns and actionable steps. I walk you through the mindset shifts, rituals, and strategies I use to help me stick to them.