The between series: laughing on the way to the ER–a story about denial, Bipolar highs, and the cost of feeling invincible

A story about that moment of reckoning: when you finally ask yourself if the thing keeping you afloat is also the thing pulling you under.Welcome to The Between Series—a series where I take you into moments from my life that shaped the themes we explore in the main episodes, and share the meaning I’m still trying to make from them. These are the in-between chapters that echo through everything you hear on the show.In today’s story, I used to think the chaos was just part of me. Living with Bipolar II Disorder, I believed hypomania was the tradeoff for creativity, ambition, some kind of spark. Until an accident landed me in the ER laughing, with a brain contusion….and completely untouchable by reality.This is the companion to our two-part series episode with Dr. Chan Hellman about the science of hope—where we explored how hope isn’t just a feeling, but a measurable, teachable skill that can transform every domain of our lives.We talk a lot about strategy on this show—but the truth is, most of us are building things while still trying to make sense of who we are.This show isn’t just about answers—it’s about the questions we live through to find them.There’s more ahead. There always is. — Molly📬 Get Full Spectrum's actionable takeaways straight to your inbox. My newsletter What I Wish I Knew shares all the research + tools I use in my own life. Sign up at mollykawahata.com/join🔗 View the full show notes at mollykawahata.com/podcast🎥 Video episodes available on YouTubeFollow here for more:YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedInSend us Fan Mail