Most pageant queens are all glitz, glam, and a sprinkle of cattiness, but Gillian DiAddazio is rewriting the script. After retiring her crown at 16 and making a bold comeback as an adult, she proves that authenticity beats perfection every time. You’ll discover how Gillian’s journey from shy girl to pageant queen transformed her outlook, and why modern pageantry is more about integrity and purpose than pom-poms. We break down the real pressures behind those sparkling crowns, including the mental health struggles, the social media comparison trap, and the toxic “glitz pageant” culture she’d rather see fade away. Plus, Gillian shares her top tips on navigating competitiveness, embracing imperfections, and using a pageant platform to inspire others.

Most people think bipolar diagnosis is something that magically appears in your late teens or early twenties. Bri McKay? She got it at just seven years old after a hospital stay at age five and a lot of research. She’s not just a storyteller; she’s breaking down childhood mental health mysteries that most adults don’t even get until they’re well into therapy. Bri’s candidly sharing her journey, from unmarked childhood signs to navigating the industry as a bipolar artist, actress, and musician. Brie also reveals her raw, unfiltered thoughts on therapy, medication, self-awareness, and the importance of a solid support circle. Plus, hear her stories about what it’s truly like to be a billboard for mental health in Hollywood, and how her emotions fuel her creative genius, when she’s not fighting to stay afloat. This episode is your secret weapon if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up with early bipolar and how to channel that pain into art, or if you’re just curious about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the entertainment biz.

Michelle Savage is here to blow the lid off that myth. She’s a mindset and nervous system coach who one day realized that regulating her body’s signals, not just her thoughts, was the secret to actually transforming her life and unlocking her best self. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of stress, anxiety, or relapse... this episode is your new best friend. Michelle shares her incredible story of battling lifelong anxiety, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately building a thriving life after 11 years of sobriety. She breaks down how stress keeps your mind in survival mode, sabotages your goals, and how tuning into your body rewires everything from relationships to business success.

Think you know all there is about music, mystery, and making a splash? Think again. Kevin McClure’s journey from teenage pop-punker to mind-blowing indie artist isn’t just inspiring; it’s a masterclass in intentional storytelling. through lyrics, albums, and even his own life. Kevin’s new album, “Flawlessly Flawed,” isn’t just another record, it’s a philosophical rollercoaster about embracing all your contradictions. He’s blending genres, dropping pre-release exclusives in vinyl and CD first, and tossing in a secret invite-only party that’s as rare as a unicorn at a metal festival. We break down his influences: from the grunge rebellion of Benji Madden to the introspective depths of Bright Eyes and explore how artists are now blending genres in ways that even Spotify’s playlists can’t contain. Plus, Kevin’s storytelling universe includes Cryptids, Skinwalkers, Frogman, Mothman… and yes, even Frogman’s just as weird and wonderful as it sounds. This episode isn’t just about music; it’s about living authentically, embracing complexity, and turning heartbreak and joy into art you can feel. Whether you’re a musician, a mystery junkie, or just someone who loves a good story with layers, Kevin’s insights will leave you inspired. Get ready to listen deeply, think differently, and see your potential in a whole new light.

It only took 70 episodes, but the reason HME exists joined me today! Justin shares the mental struggles of moving cross country & pursuing a music career with only knowing his now wife, along with talking about how music genres can box people in. He talked his music influences then & now, and we chatted about the thing that brought us together: bands that really spoke to us.

In this conversation, Heather and Morgan DeNicola discuss their experiences with borderline personality disorder (BPD), therapy, medication, and the importance of support systems. They explore the challenges of navigating mental health, the impact of empathy in philanthropy, and the significance of personal growth. Morgan shares her journey from struggling with her mental health to running a family foundation focused on helping others, emphasizing the importance of community and connection.

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my friend Anthony, better known as Badge502. We talked about so many things, but some big takeaways were his first week as an EMT, his sudden rise to becoming known for his reactions to inanimate objects (if ya know, ya know) and how he is able to work through rough calls on the job. Bonus points if you're a Buffalo Bills fan, you get an honorable mention.

** Content Warning: SI, SA, etc**

We're back! I'm sitting down with my friend and we are going over her life; but more importantly we are diving into comparing BPD and how it looks for different people. You can catch the second part next week, and that's where we're really diving in!