Trigger Warning: This episode discusses teen mental health struggles and a suicide attempt. Please listen with care and step away if you need to. Resources for support are listed at the end of these notes.In this deeply honest and courageous conversation, I sit down with Janelle, a mom who lived every parent’s worst fear: her teenage daughter, Noe, attempted to take her own life.

Janelle walks us through the time leading up to that terrifying moment—what Noe was experiencing, the anxiety she was battling, and the steps their family had already been taking to support her. From therapy to open conversations at home, Janelle was trying everything she knew how to do… yet things still escalated.

Janelle shares:

• The early signs that Noe was struggling and how her family, school, and medical providers were trying to help

• What happened the day of the suicide attempt and how their family reacted

• Navigating inpatient treatment—what helped, what surprised her, and what was hardest

• Life after crisis, including ongoing counseling, 24 hour watchfulness, and creating a safe environment

• How their family continues to support Noe, how healing is not linear, and the tools they rely on today

• Why Janelle wants other parents to know there is ZERO shame in asking for help and that they are not alone

This episode is a reminder that behind every strong family is a story—and no one has to face these struggles in silence.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out for help immediately:

- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741

- Local emergency services or the nearest ER if you are in immediate danger

You are not alone. Support is available 24/7.

In this powerful and conversation, I sit down with Nikki—a mom whose life changed in an instant when the Palisades wildfire tore through her neighborhood. What began as an ordinary day quickly became a race for survival as flames closed in and Nikki found herself separated from her husband and son during the evacuation.

In this episode, Nikki opens up about: - The moment she realized the fire was coming and the sheer panic of having to flee without her family by her side- The chaotic evacuation, the terrifying hours before they reunited, and the instincts that kicked in as a mother

- Losing their home and nearly every single belonging, and what it’s really like to start life over with nothing—not even a toothbrush

- The unexpected angels who showed up in the days and weeks that followed, offering generosity, resources, and emotional support -The complicated reality of surviving trauma—how she’s doing now, why she’s honest about not being okay yet, and the strength her family has shown as they rebuild together
Nikki’s story is raw, emotional, and full of the kind of hope that only comes from surviving the unimaginable. Her honesty is a gift, and her courage shines through as she shares the truth about healing after disaster: it’s messy, it’s ongoing, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Today's conversation is so very important, and I am not exaggerating when I say that listening could truly help you save someone's life. Our guest today, Aaisha, bravely shares how she has experienced severe postpartum psychosis not just once but twice - after the birth of her daughter and then following a miscarriage. While you may have heard of the term postpartum psychosis, I'm the first to admit that until I heard Aaisha's story (and read her incredible book!), I did not fully understand what it entails and how terrifying and dangerous it is. Aaisha opens up about:

- The symptoms she experienced both times she had PPP (spoiler alert- they were different each time)
- Her struggles to find help, the dangers of misdiagnosis, and how racial disparity affects getting care
- What separates postpartum psychosis from other perinatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression
- What to do if a loved one is showing signs of postpartum psychosis and how vital it is to find help

Please listen and share with anyone you can so we can spread the word about postpartum psychosis, educate healthcare providers, and and help mothers in need.

I highly recommend Aaisha's book A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis. Check it out here: https://aaishaalvi.com/
Learn more about Aaisha on IG: @aaishaalviwrites