PODCAST · society
Let's Talk Mental Health
by Jamie Hairston
Welcome to Let’s Talk Mental Health — an open, honest, and stigma-free space where we have real conversations about mental health, recovery, and the challenges (and victories) that come with being human. Each episode dives into important topics, from anxiety and depression to trauma, addiction, and self-care, to break the silence and build community.Whether you’re here to learn, share your story, or know you’re not alone, you belong here. Let’s talk. 💬#MentalHealth #LetsTalkMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma #Recovery #SelfCare #MentalHealthAwareness
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26
Why High Functioning People Break Quietly
In this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we’re talking about why high-functioning people often break quietly. On the outside, they may seem productive, reliable, and in control, but underneath, they may be carrying emotional exhaustion, burnout, people-pleasing, and the pressure to keep it all together. This conversation explores the hidden cost of high functioning distress and why so many people struggle in silence.We also talk about the signs of quiet burnout, the mental load that so many high achievers carry, and what healing can look like when you stop performing and start paying attention to what you really need. If you’ve ever felt like you were barely holding it together while still showing up for everyone else, this episode is for you.Here are a few SEO-friendly phrases already worked in:high-functioning burnoutquiet burnoutemotional exhaustionhidden burnoutpeople pleasingmental loadburnout recoveryhigh achieversA slightly shorter version for podcast platforms:Why do high-functioning people break quietly? In this episode, we explore the hidden burnout, emotional exhaustion, and pressure to always keep going that many high achievers experience behind the scenes. If you’ve ever looked fine on the outside while struggling privately, this conversation will feel deeply familiar.
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25
What Emotional Exhaustion Actually Feels Like
In this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we break down what emotional exhaustion really looks like—beyond just feeling “tired.” If you’ve been feeling mentally drained, overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re running on empty, no matter how much you rest, this conversation is for you.Emotional exhaustion is one of the most overlooked signs of burnout, trauma, and chronic stress. It can show up as irritability, numbness, lack of motivation, or even physical fatigue—and many people don’t realize they’re experiencing it until it starts affecting their relationships, work, and sense of self.We’ll walk through the real-life signs of emotional burnout, why it happens (especially for caregivers, creators, and those in recovery), and how to start recognizing it before it completely takes over.If you’ve ever felt like you “should be fine” but aren’t, this episode will help you understand why—and what your mind and body might actually be trying to tell you.
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24
Emotional Exhaustion, Burnout, and Nervous System Overload
Why is everyone so exhausted right now—even after rest? In this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health: Real Conversations the System Doesn’t Have, we dive into emotional exhaustion, burnout, nervous system overload, and the hidden impact of nonstop stimulation in modern life. From creator culture and trauma overload to high-functioning dysregulation and why rest can actually feel unsafe, this conversation explores what chronic stress really looks like beneath the surface. If you’ve been feeling emotionally numb, overstimulated, constantly “on,” or like you’re surviving instead of living, this episode is for you. We’re talking about the mental health cost of a world that never slows down—and practical, realistic ways to reconnect with rest, regulation, and yourself.
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23
Why Am I Like This?
Before personality tests, diagnoses, or labels… there were four simple categories that tried to explain why we are the way we are.In this episode, we go back to the roots of personality psychology—long before modern science—to explore the Four Temperaments: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. These early frameworks, developed by ancient physicians like Hippocrates and later expanded by Galen, were some of the first attempts to make sense of human behavior, emotion, and identity.But this isn’t just a history lesson.We break down how these early theories influenced modern psychology, how they still show up in today’s personality frameworks, and why people continue to search for ways to define themselves—sometimes to understand, sometimes to control, and sometimes to feel less alone.You’ll hear:What the four temperaments actually are (and where they came from)How early personality theory was shaped by medicine, philosophy, and cultureThe connection between these ancient ideas and modern personality modelsWhy personality labels can both help and harm our sense of identityThis episode is about more than personality types—it’s about the human need to make meaning out of behavior, patterns, and pain.Because understanding yourself shouldn’t put you in a box…it should give you language, awareness, and choice.
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22
The Emotional Toll of Being Online for Every Disaster
This episode explores the impact of constant negative news and doom scrolling on mental health, especially among Gen Z. It offers practical strategies to protect your nervous system and foster healthier digital habits.key topicsImpact of doom scrolling on mental healthNervous system response to online threatsStatistics on Gen Z mental healthStrategies for digital boundaries and self-caretakeawaysYour brain is not designed to hold the world's pain all at once.Doom scrolling triggers fight or flight, flooding your body with stress hormones.Overexposure to negative news increases anxiety, hopelessness, and physical tension.Gen Z reports high levels of stress and loneliness despite being highly connected.Small changes like morning boundaries and limiting sources can protect your nervous system.
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21
Our Life Has Become a Federal Case
This episode breaks down a personal experience navigating a federal case involving veteran mental health care. Staying within public information, I explore how systemic issues can affect outcomes and why these conversations are critical for awareness and reform.
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20
Black Sheep Becoming
What happens when you stop trying to fit into a life that was never meant for you?In this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we’re diving into what it really means to be the “black sheep”—the one who questions, breaks cycles, and refuses to follow the script. But this isn’t just about being different… it’s about becoming.I’m sharing the deeper side of what transformation looks like when it’s uncomfortable, misunderstood, and often lonely. From addiction and identity struggles to healing, growth, and stepping into purpose—this episode explores how being cast out can actually be the beginning of finding yourself.If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong, like you were too much or not enough at the same time—this conversation is for you.Because sometimes, being the black sheep isn’t a flaw… it’s the start of your evolution.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and awareness purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.Crisis Resources:If you are in the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. You are not alone.
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19
When Rest Feels Impossible
Why is it so hard to slow down—even when our bodies and minds are begging for rest?In this episode, we dive into a reality many people experience but rarely talk about: the feeling that resting is uncomfortable, unproductive, or even unsafe. For some people, slowing down triggers anxiety, guilt, racing thoughts, or a sense that they should always be doing more.We explore the psychological, emotional, and cultural reasons behind why rest can feel impossible. From trauma and survival mode to hustle culture and burnout, many of us have been conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to constant productivity.This conversation also touches on how chronic stress, mental health struggles, and past experiences can keep the nervous system stuck in “go mode,” making true rest feel unfamiliar or even threatening.In this episode we discuss:Why some people feel anxious or guilty when they try to restThe connection between trauma, survival mode, and overworkingHow burnout develops and why it’s so common todayWhat real rest actually looks like (and why it’s more than sleep)Practical ways to begin reconnecting with rest without feeling overwhelmedWhether you’re someone who struggles to relax, constantly feels “behind,” or simply wants to understand the deeper psychology behind burnout, this episode offers insight, reflection, and compassionate conversation.If you’ve ever thought, “I know I need to rest… but I just can’t,” this conversation is for you.DisclaimerThis podcast discusses mental health topics for educational and awareness purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please consider reaching out to a qualified professional.If you are in crisis in the United States, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
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18
The Money Conversation We Need to Have
In this episode, we’re talking about the mental health conversation we avoid the most: money. Financial stress can fuel anxiety, depression, avoidance, and burnout, and the shame around it keeps so many people silent and stuck. We break down the “shame spiral,” why money stress hits your nervous system so hard, and how this becomes even heavier when mental health support is expensive and hard to access. You’ll also get a few low-energy, practical steps to start rebuilding clarity and control without perfection or self-blame.Disclaimer: This episode is educational and not a substitute for professional mental health or financial advice.
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17
When Love Hurts
In this episode, we talk about what happens when love starts to hurt, and why emotional and psychological abuse can be so hard to recognize from the inside. We break down common patterns like control, manipulation, gaslighting, and isolation, plus the real reasons people stay, including fear, hope, finances, and safety. We also walk through what safety planning can look like and what rebuilding after leaving can involve.Content warning: This episode includes discussion of emotional abuse and domestic or intimate partner violence. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a domestic violence hotline in your area.
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Money Stress & Mental Wellness
Money stress affects your nervous system, your sleep, and your confidence. In this interview, Jamie talks with Constance, a tax and accounting professional, about the real connection between finances and mental health, plus practical ways entrepreneurs and creatives can reduce money anxiety and build stability over time.
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15
The Loneliness Epidemic
The Loneliness EpidemicWe live in the most connected era in human history—and yet, more people report feeling lonely than ever before. This episode dives into the loneliness epidemic: what it is, why it’s happening, and why it’s not just a personal issue but a public health crisis hiding in plain sight.We’ll unpack how modern life—social media, hustle culture, remote work, shrinking communities, and performative connection—has quietly replaced depth with distraction. Loneliness doesn’t always look like isolation; sometimes it looks like being surrounded by people and still feeling unseen.This conversation explores:The difference between being alone and being lonelyHow chronic loneliness impacts mental and physical healthWhy shame keeps people silent about itAnd practical, realistic ways to rebuild meaningful connection in a digital worldThis isn’t about blaming technology or romanticizing the past. It’s about naming the problem honestly, understanding the systems that fuel it, and reminding ourselves that connection is not a luxury—it’s a human need.
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14
When I'm Fine Means Anything But
When “I’m Fine” Means Anything ButWe say it automatically: “I’m fine.”To friends. To coworkers. To family. Sometimes even to ourselves.But what happens when “fine” is actually code for exhaustion, numbness, burnout, or quiet despair?In this solo episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we unpack the subtle, often overlooked signs of depression and emotional distress that don’t fit the stereotype of “falling apart.” We explore why so many of us keep functioning on the outside while struggling on the inside—and how high-functioning depression, chronic stress, and emotional masking can quietly take a toll on our mental health.This episode covers:Why “I’m fine” becomes a survival phraseThe difference between sadness, burnout, and clinical depressionHow emotional suppression shows up as irritability, disconnection, or constant exhaustionWhy functioning doesn’t mean you’re okayPractical steps to take when you realize you’re not as fine as you thoughtThis is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt unseen in their struggle—or worried they don’t “look sick enough” to ask for help. You don’t have to be falling apart to deserve support.You’re not weak for feeling this way.And you don’t have to carry it alone.
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13
Recognizing Depression in Ourselves
We’re often quick to notice when someone else is struggling.A change in mood. A shift in energy. A quiet withdrawal.But recognizing depression in ourselves is a different story.In this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we explore how depression doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. It doesn’t always look like falling apart. Sometimes it looks like pushing through. Like staying busy. Like irritability, numbness, or telling yourself you’re just tired—even when that feeling never really goes away.This episode discusses:How depression can hide behind productivity and “functioning”The subtle signs we tend to minimize or explain awayThe difference between everyday stress and deeper emotional depletionWhy self-awareness is often harder than supporting othersGentle, realistic ways to check in with yourself before things spiralThis isn’t about labels or diagnoses.It’s about noticing patterns, honoring your internal experience, and understanding that needing support doesn’t require a crisis.⚠️ Listener Note: This episode discusses mental health and emotional distress. Please listen at your own pace.🆘 Support Resources:If you’re in the U.S. and need immediate support, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7).If you’re outside the U.S., local crisis services can provide support in your area.You don’t have to wait until you’re falling apart to take yourself seriously.Awareness is often the first step toward relief.
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12
Mental Health in Underserved Communites
Mental Health in Underserved CommunitiesMental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum—but access to care often does.In this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we’re taking an honest look at mental health in underserved communities and the systemic barriers that continue to leave so many people without support. From economic inequality and lack of culturally competent care to stigma, mistrust of institutions, and geographic isolation, we unpack why mental health outcomes are often worse—not because people aren’t trying, but because the system isn’t built for them.We’ll talk about:What “underserved” actually means in mental health contextsHow poverty, race, rural living, disability, immigration status, and trauma intersectWhy traditional mental health models often fail these communitiesThe emotional cost of being told to “just get help” when help isn’t accessibleWhat real solutions look like—beyond buzzwords and surface-level fixesThis is not a blame-based conversation. It’s a reality-based one.If you’ve ever felt invisible in the mental health system—or if you care about equity, access, and doing better—this episode is for you.⚠️ Content Note: This episode discusses systemic inequities, trauma, and barriers to care. Please take care of yourself while listening.Crisis Resources:If you are in the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7).If you’re outside the U.S., check local emergency resources in your country.You’re not weak for struggling.You’re not broken for needing support.And you’re not alone—no matter what the system has made you feel.
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11
Boundaries Without Guilt
Boundaries Without Guilt: Saying No Without Apologizing for ItSetting boundaries sounds simple — until guilt shows up.In this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we talk about why boundaries feel so hard to set, why saying “no” can trigger anxiety or shame, and how many of us were taught to prioritize other people’s comfort over our own well-being.This conversation breaks down:What boundaries actually are (and what they’re not)Why guilt is such a common response when you start protecting your time and energyHow people-pleasing patterns are formed — and how to unlearn themPractical ways to set boundaries without over-explaining or self-abandoningIf you’ve ever said yes when you meant no, felt responsible for other people’s emotions, or worried that having boundaries makes you “selfish” — this episode is for you.Boundaries aren’t punishment.They’re protection.And you’re allowed to have them without guilt.
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10
Grief is Not Linear
Why Healing Doesn’t Follow a TimelineGrief doesn’t move in neat stages, and it doesn’t follow a schedule — no matter how much the world expects it to.In this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we break down the myth that healing is a straight line. We talk about why grief can resurface years later, why “doing better” doesn’t mean you’re done grieving, and how progress can coexist with pain. Some days you feel grounded. Other days it hits like it’s brand new. Both are normal.This conversation explores:Why grief looks different for everyoneHow waves of grief can come and go without warningThe pressure to “move on” and why it can be harmfulWhat it really means to live with grief instead of trying to outrun itIf you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or ashamed because your grief didn’t behave the way people said it should — this episode is for you.You’re not broken. You’re grieving. And that process is allowed to be nonlinear.
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9
Buidling a Business While Managing Mental Health
Starting and growing a business is hard enough. Doing it while managing anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, or chronic stress? That’s a different level entirely—and it’s one we don’t talk about honestly enough.In this episode, we’re having a real conversation about what entrepreneurship actually looks like when mental health is part of the equation. Not the polished highlight reels. Not the “just push through it” advice. The reality.
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8
Information Sickness
Information Sickness: The Mental Cost of 24/7 ConnectivityWe live in a world where we are constantly connected—scrolling, consuming, responding, and reacting in real time. But our nervous systems were never designed to process endless information, constant alerts, and nonstop exposure to crisis, comparison, and noise.Information sickness is what happens when the brain never gets a chance to rest. It shows up as mental fatigue, anxiety, irritability, poor focus, emotional numbness, and chronic stress. Over time, this constant stimulation keeps cortisol levels elevated, leaving us exhausted but unable to slow down.In this conversation, we explore how 24/7 connectivity impacts mental health, why digital boundaries are not selfish but necessary, and how to stay informed and engaged without overwhelming your nervous system. This isn’t about disconnecting from the world—it’s about protecting your capacity to live in it.
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7
Going No Contact
This episode is about going no contact and what the pros and cons are of doing that.
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Regulate First, React Later
Regulate First, React Later: Coping Strategies That Actually WorkIn this episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, Jamie shares lived experience around emotional regulation—what it looks like in real life, why it matters, and how learning to regulate before reacting can change everything.Originally recorded live on TikTok, this conversation brings together Jamie and other panel members to talk honestly about coping strategies that go beyond clichés. Together, they explore what helps in moments of overwhelm, how nervous system regulation shows up differently for everyone, and why regulation—not perfection—is the foundation of emotional safety and healing.This episode isn’t about “staying calm” or suppressing emotions. It’s about learning how to respond instead of react, even when life is loud, stressful, or triggering.Topics include:What emotional regulation actually means (and what it doesn’t)Coping strategies that work in the moment—not just in theoryPersonal insights from lived experience
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How We Grieve Loss, Life, and the Living
In this episode, our panel gets real about something we all face but rarely know how to talk about: grief in all its forms.We begin with a raw and honest conversation after a member of our panel experienced a recent loss. From there, we open the door to the many ways grief shows up—grieving someone who passed, grieving someone who’s still alive, and grieving the version of a relationship we wish we had.Key Topics We Explore:What to say instead of the usual “my condolences” when words feel awkwardHow to offer unconditional support without clichés or pressureWhy grieving the living—because of boundaries, change, or distance—hits just as hardWhat words actually bring comfort (and which ones don’t)Why grief can make us angry, numb, or unrecognizable to ourselvesJamie opens up about the anger she carried after losing her fatherBritt talks about the heartbreak of letting go of people who are still hereOver 21 shares her perspective on grief and what it’s teaching her nowHow grief can throw your whole life out of balance—and how to find your footing againThis is a powerful conversation about loss, love, boundaries, identity, and the messy human truth that grief doesn’t follow rules. If you’re grieving anything or anyone—past or present—you’re not alone.
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4
12 Biases That May Harm Your Decision Making
✅ TikTok-Compliant Description (Mental Health + Education)🧠 In today’s mental health LIVE, we’re breaking down 12 common thinking biases that quietly shape your choices, your relationships, and your everyday judgment. These patterns show up in all of us — and most of the time, we don’t even notice them. Understanding them can help you make clearer, healthier decisions and reduce stress, conflict, and overthinking.We’re talking about:• How biases form• Why the brain takes shortcuts• How these habits impact emotional wellness• How to recognize and interrupt them in real timeThis episode is part of my ongoing series where I turn LIVE conversations into a podcast-style mental health deep dive. Join the discussion, take what applies, and start upgrading your mindset one insight at a time.
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3
When Bullying Starts At Home
📜 Episode Description / Show NotesWe often talk about bullying as something that happens on the playground or in school hallways — but what happens when the first bully you ever met lives under your own roof?In this deeply honest and emotional episode of Let’s Talk Mental Health, we open the conversation on a topic many people never speak about: bullying that begins within the family. The host shares a raw and personal reflection on her own upbringing — including what she believes her mother endured at the hands of her mother (host's grandmother).Our panelists join the discussion with their experiences, offering multiple perspectives on how bullying at home shapes identity, trust, self-worth, and mental health well into adulthood. Some stories are hard to hear — and one was so deeply sensitive that it has been removed from this replay out of respect for the survivor — but the conversation remains honest, powerful, and necessary.💬 In this episode, we explore:How bullying within families often hides behind “discipline” or “tough love”The ripple effects of generational trauma and how cycles repeatWhy early emotional abuse is often minimized — and how that impacts healingThe lifelong struggle with self-esteem, trust, and boundaries that begins in childhoodThis is not an easy conversation, but it’s an important one — because healing begins the moment we name what happened and refuse to carry it into the next generation.⚠️ Trigger WarningThis episode contains candid discussions of childhood bullying, emotional abuse, and generational trauma. Listener discretion is advised, and support resources are available below if you need them.📞 U.S. & Canada: Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, and confidential)📞 U.K. & ROI: Samaritans at 116 123 or www.samaritans.org📞 Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.auIf this conversation resonates with your story, know that you’re not alone. Subscribe, share, and join us every week for Let’s Talk Mental Health, where we bring light to the experiences too often left in the dark — and create space for healing, hope, and honest conversations.
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Mental Health & Recovery: Stigma & Rebuilding Your Life
📜 Episode Description / Show NotesWhat happens after recovery — when the dust settles and real life begins again? In this raw and honest conversation, we dive deep into the often-overlooked side of healing: the mental health challenges that come with breaking stigma, setting boundaries, and repairing relationships after addiction.From the pressure to “just be better” to the complicated feelings of reconnection, this episode explores the realities of rebuilding trust — with yourself and with others — while staying committed to your growth. We talk about why some relationships thrive post-recovery while others fade, how to protect your peace without shutting people out, and the power of choosing yourself even when others don’t understand.If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, shame, or fear about what comes next in your healing journey, this conversation is for you. It’s real talk about second chances, self-worth, and the hard but hopeful work of becoming who you were always meant to be.💬 In this episode, we discuss:The heavy weight of stigma and how to push back against itSetting and enforcing boundaries — even with people you loveWhat healthy reconnection looks like after addiction
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Mental Health & Recovery: An Honest Pop-Up Live Discussion
This pop-up live turned into an open and honest conversation covering a wide range of mental health and recovery topics. We dive into the realities of narcissistic abuse, what it means to set healthy boundaries, and how to recognize toxic dynamics in our lives. We also touch on borderline personality disorder, different recovery styles, and the importance of meeting people where they are.Andrew Kase joins to share his perspective on medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and we expand the discussion to include addiction modalities, process addictions, and the many paths people take toward healing.There’s no script here—just raw discussion, different viewpoints, and the kind of dialogue that makes space for growth and understanding.
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Let's Talk Mental Health Myths
Think you know the truth about mental health? In this episode, I break down some of the most common myths that keep us stuck in stigma and silence. From the idea that therapy is only for “crazy” people, to the belief that mental illness is a sign of weakness, we unpack where these myths come from, why they’re harmful, and what the facts really say.This conversation is for anyone who’s ever questioned their own struggles, worried about judgment, or wanted to support the people around them better. Let’s set the record straight and start talking honestly about mental health.
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AI Psychosis
Step into the conversation no one else is having: the rise of AI psychosis. In this podcast, I unpack the ways artificial intelligence is shaping our minds, behavior, and society—sometimes in unsettling ways. Each episode features replays from my TikTok Live discussions, where I dive deep into the blurred lines between human psychology and machine learning. Expect raw, unfiltered takes, thought-provoking dialogue, and a community willing to explore the shadow side of technology. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is changing the way we think—or feared what happens when it does—you’re in the right place.
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Toxic Positivity Open Discussion
We’ve all heard it—“just stay positive,” “good vibes only,” “it could be worse.” But when positivity dismisses real struggles, it becomes toxic. In this open panel discussion, we dive deep into how toxic positivity shows up in everyday life, why it’s harmful to mental health, and what healthier support really looks like. Honest voices. Real stories. No sugar-coating.🎙️ Tune in to this raw and authentic conversation where we unpack the difference between encouragement and invalidation—and explore how to create space for both positivity and pain.
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Let's Talk Mental Health Episode 1
Last night on TikTok Live, I hosted my very first Let’s Talk Mental Health panel — an open, honest conversation about mental health from multiple perspectives. Alongside fellow hosts and guests, we explored what mental health really means, busted common myths, shared personal challenges, and dove into hot topics like stigma, therapy, medication, self-care, and men’s mental health.We also brought the audience into the discussion with a quickfire Q&A, and closed with powerful takeaways and resources for anyone who might be struggling. This panel was all about connection, education, and breaking the silence around mental health.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Let’s Talk Mental Health — an open, honest, and stigma-free space where we have real conversations about mental health, recovery, and the challenges (and victories) that come with being human. Each episode dives into important topics, from anxiety and depression to trauma, addiction, and self-care, to break the silence and build community.Whether you’re here to learn, share your story, or know you’re not alone, you belong here. Let’s talk. 💬#MentalHealth #LetsTalkMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma #Recovery #SelfCare #MentalHealthAwareness
HOSTED BY
Jamie Hairston
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