State of Mind with Debra Sloss

Episode 91: People can grow in meaningful ways after trauma. In this episode, host and psychotherapist Debra Sloss, explores the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth with Richard G. Tedeschi, PhD, one of the researchers who coined the term, and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who shares how losing her husband to suicide shaped her life and public service. Beginning with a moving opening story from Holocaust survivor Gitta Ryle we then explore how people make meaning after trauma, why suffering and growth can coexist, and how connection, purpose, and support can help people rebuild after profound suffering.

Episode 90: Films don’t just entertain—they can shape how we understand ourselves and our lives. In this episode, media expert Yalda T. Uhls joins host and psychotherapist Debra Sloss to explore the psychological impact of cinema, especially during childhood and adolescence. Community members share powerful stories about films like Inside Out 2 and Annie Hall that helped them better understand their emotions and relationships. Join us for a thoughtful and moving conversation about how the stories we watch can help us heal.

Episode 89: Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation for mental health. In this episode, behavioral sleep medicine specialist Muriel Rose and guest Allyson Makuch explore the powerful connection between sleep and emotional well-being. Allyson shares how protecting her sleep has been critical to managing Bipolar I disorder. The episode also includes listener stories about navigating sleep disruption and using mindfulness to calm the nervous system. Join us for a practical and hopeful conversation about why protecting your sleep helps protect your mind.

Episode 88: Originally recorded in 2023 and re-released for its continued relevance, this episode explores how parents go on after the death of a child. Father and author Colin Campbell shares how he is living with “hope and purpose” after losing his two teenage children in a drunk-driving crash, alongside stories from parents grieving losses to suicide and overdose and insights from psychotherapist and grief specialist Kara Bowman. A tender, honest, and unexpectedly hopeful conversation about life after unimaginable loss.

Episode 87: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is one of the most misunderstood mental health diagnoses. In this remixed episode, Dr. Alisa Brady and guest Clay Whitten—who lives with DID—offer an inside look at the condition that separates myth from reality. The conversation explores how DID develops, the challenges of misdiagnosis, and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can support healing.

Episode 86: Writing can be a powerful tool for healing. This episode explores how storytelling, poetry, and journaling help people clarify emotions, process trauma, and make meaning from life experiences — both painful and joyful. It opens with a powerful Holocaust survival story that highlights writing as an act of healing, and continues with reflections on identity, resilience, and self-discovery, including a personal story about turning inward during the pandemic and finding a voice through poetry.

Episode 85: Hormonal changes and perimenopause can start earlier than many women expect — sometimes in the 30s — bringing shifts that deeply affect mental health. Anxiety, irritability, depression, headaches, and brain fog are common, yet often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. We’re joined by psychotherapist and hormone expert Helen Bennett, BACP, and experiencer Liz Ryan to share both clinical and personal insights into how hormonal changes impact daily life and emotional well-being. Liz’s partner, Casey, also reflects on navigating this transition together and its effects on their relationship and family. Tune in to recognize the signs, find support, and feel less alone during this transition.

Episode 84: Psychosis is more common than most realize—affecting up to 3 in 100 people in the U.S.—and early treatment not only improves recovery but also reduces negative impacts on the brain and leads to better outcomes. In this remixed episode, host Debra Sloss talks with Dr. Jennifer Davis, psychiatrist, Tim Beveridge and Kenah Roberts about understanding and recovering from psychotic symptoms. This new version also includes a heartfelt “In Your Voice” story contributed by Angela, who shares a powerful personal view of living with psychosis and finding hope in recovery.

Episode 83: Guest host Youssef Hassanein talks with therapist Lisa Slede and Harvard health communications expert Amanda Yarnell about how personal and cultural narratives can heal, connect, or mislead us. Amanda offers tips for navigating digital misinformation, and storyteller John A. Jacobs reflects on how creative expression has shaped his life. It leaves listeners with the question: What stories guide your life, and how might crafting them more intentionally support your well-being?

Episode 82: Guest host Patrice Vecchione explores the mental health challenges of living with a terminal illness. Featuring the late Megan Myers’s moving story, insights from palliative care physician Dr. John Hausdorff, and reflections from Kevin Christine Kennedy, who is now nearing the end of her life. Together, they share how people face loss while also finding courage, hope, and meaning at life’s end. Find resources from this episode in the show notes.

Episode 81: In this episode, we explore how self-care can sustain us through hard times. Host Debra Sloss and psychotherapist Kara Bowman reflect on a series of moving listener-submitted stories that reveal how simple, soulful practices can nourish resilience. From music to movement, these everyday acts offer powerful ways to stay grounded amid adversity. Tune in for wisdom, inspiration, and gentle reminders that self-care is essential.

Episode 80: What happens after a loved one dies by suicide? In this poignant episode, Leslie Nielsen shares the loss of her adult son, while another woman reflects on losing her mother. Former suicide prevention director Carly Memoli offers insight into the unique grief that follows and how healing can begin—a raw and hopeful glimpse into learning to live with unimaginable pain and grief.

Episode 79: Guest host Patrice Vecchione leads a heartfelt conversation with three vibrant elders—Barbara Stark, Alice Tao, and Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts—about how they’ve embraced aging with purpose and adaptability. Plus senior care specialist Ruth Nickens offers practical insights from her 40-year career. Whether you’re 25 or 95, this rich discussion will reshape how you think about aging.

Episode 78: More men are embracing therapy and challenging old stigmas. In this remixed episode, Guest Host Lisa Herendeen, LMFT talks with Joey Fino, Mark Vanderhoof, and psychotherapist Tim Hartnett, PhD about how therapy can transform men’s lives. We’ve also added a powerful “In Your Voice” story, reflecting on how therapy supported Daniel’s journey from adolescence to adulthood. Tune in for a compelling conversation on healing, connection, and emotional growth.

Episode 77: Awe isn’t just a beautiful emotion—it’s a powerful tool for well-being. Research shows it can reduce stress, ease anxiety, lift mood, and even relieve chronic pain. Host Debra Sloss is joined by Dr. Michael Amster, co-author of The Power of Awe, and Jaime Garcia to explore how awe regulates the nervous system, enhances mental health, and simple ways to cultivate it in just one minute a day.

Episode 76: Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) allows terminally ill, mentally capable adults to self-ingest prescribed medication to pass peacefully on their own terms. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, end-of-life choices are more relevant than ever. Psychotherapist and host Debra Sloss is joined by Dr. Lisa Segnitz, a palliative care physician, Kim Stokely, who supported her sister through MAID, and Neil Vargas-Gladen, a chaplain offering spiritual insights. Together, they explore MAID’s ethical, medical, mental health and emotional dimensions.

Episode 75: This episode unpacks the differences between codependent and interdependent relationships, focusing on setting healthy boundaries and recognizing what you can and cannot control. Psychotherapist Kat Zwick, LMFT, and Jill, a Co-Dependents Anonymous member, share insights and strategies for managing anxious or imbalanced dynamics—with a loved one facing mental health challenges, substance abuse, or other difficulties. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, spouse, or friend, this conversation offers valuable tools to navigate relationships and foster personal well-being.

Episode 74: Over 70% of U.S. adults have experienced trauma, which can deeply impact mental and physical health by altering the brain and nervous system. Fortunately, recovery is possible. Yoga teacher Abbey Asher shares how she maintained her mental health while caring for her terminally ill husband, and trauma specialist Karen Ouse, LMFT, provides strategies to heal, calm the nervous system, and build resilience. This episode offers tools and hope for rebuilding after trauma.

Episode 73: This episode sheds light on the overlooked struggles of mothers supporting adult children with mental health or addiction challenges. Balancing unconditional love with setting boundaries and preserving their own well-being requires immense resilience. Psychotherapist and author Judith Smith, PhD, shares research on mothers navigating these challenges later in life, while Cathy Pereyra, a mother and a mental health education and support group leader, offers her lived experience and practical insights. Together, our guests and several contributing mothers discuss the support needed to help these mothers not just survive, but thrive.

Episode 72: This episode tackles the impact of social media on teen mental health, featuring teen voices at the forefront. Guest host Niku Sedarat, an 18-year-old mental health advocate, joins three young adults and Harvard psychologist Dr. Emily Weinstein to share research-based findings, real life experiences, and insights. Together, they discuss the dual role of social media in both supporting and challenging well-being of youth, while offering parents and caregivers a deeper understanding of the digital lives of today’s teens.

Episode 71: In this episode, we dive into the complexities of navigating the special education system, particularly for students with hidden disabilities such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety. With 13% of California’s K-12 students receiving individualized services, understanding this process is crucial for parents and caregivers seeking the best support for their children. Joined by educator and parent Anne Childers and Dr. Kathryn Keithly, a licensed educational psychologist, we aim to provide a practical guide for advocating within the school system.

Episode 70: In this episode, we discuss bipolar disorder and its challenges for college students. Allyson Makuch shares her inspiring journey of navigating bipolar disorder through college and graduate school, while Dr. David Lo from the University of California, Santa Cruz provides advice on managing bipolar disorder while pursuing academic goals.

Episode 69: Explore the profound impact of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in this episode. Educator and musician Lisa Taylor shares her personal journey with OCD and the treatments that help her thrive, including Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy. Psychologist Dr. Dufford discusses OCD symptoms and evidence-based treatments. Learn about an emerging therapy called I-CBT. Plus, enjoy an original song by Lisa about her experience.

Episode 68: We explore the challenges of caregiving for aging parents, a role that one in six Americans, especially women, undertake. Award-winning author Laura Davis discusses her experience of reconciling with her mother while caring for her through dementia and death. Dr. Karl Segnitz provides advice on end-of-life care and support. Tune in to gain insights and support for this vital role.

Episode 67: Research reveals that in a group of 20 children, five girls and one boy will experience childhood sexual abuse before the age of 18. We’re joined by survivor and author Alreen Haeggquist, along with Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma specialist Stefanie Klein, to discuss the complex journey of healing from such trauma. Find valuable insights, support, and resources crafted for survivors who are on this challenging, yet hopeful, path and the people who love them.

Episode 66: Join us for an enlightening discussion on adult autism with Lou Ursa and Jasmeen Miah, both psychotherapists and self-advocates on the autistic spectrum. In this conversation, we confront stereotypes, share personal stories, and offer heartwarming examples of thriving with autism. With diagnoses on the rise, we all can engage in meaningful conversations about autism, explore how societal structures shape perceptions of "disability" and offer empathy, understanding and inclusion.

Episode 65: Join us to explore the growing significance of Yoga Therapy in mental health treatment. With a cultural shift emphasizing the mind-body connection, yoga has become something crucial for holistic well-being. Our guests, including integrative mental health practitioner Dr. Juko Holiday and survivor Melaney Seacat, share insights into its therapeutic benefits that are aiding veterans and individuals like Melaney. Tune in to discover more about this transformative approach.

Episode 64: Dive into the pressing reality of the youth mental health crisis. In this episode crafted by teens, for teens, we explore how youth can lend support to their peers through mental health education, community engagement, and advocacy. Join 17-year-old guest host and mental health advocate, Niku Sedarat, as she leads a discussion featuring four teen guests from diverse Monterey Bay area high schools. Together, they discuss the unique needs of their communities and unveil the many ways in which youth-driven mental health advocacy can spark meaningful change. Meet our guests Marley Miller, Melissa Macias, Oscar Alvarez-Delgado, and Devin Bloom, as they courageously share their personal journeys and innovative approaches to promoting mental well-being among their peers.

Episode 63: Delve into the intricate world of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), a widely misunderstood psychiatric condition rooted in profound childhood trauma. Join clinical psychologist and trauma specialist Dr. Alisa Brady as she sheds light on DiD and the serious mental health symptoms associated with it. DID survivor Clay Whitten shares their firsthand experiences and the transformative impact of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy on their journey towards healing. Gain insights into the complexities of DID, and unravel the layers with experts who bring compassion, understanding, and hope to this topic.

Episode 62: Gender-based violence is an umbrella term that includes the more familiar descriptors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and dating violence. It’s a significant problem across our country and around the world, impacting one in every three American females under the age of 18. Teens and college students are particularly vulnerable. For survivors, the mental health impacts are substantial and can include an array of symptoms. Join us to learn prevention tips and prepare yourself to help stop such violence.

Episode 61: At present, nearly one in three adolescents will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by the age of 18. In this episode, we’re joined by college student Elena Shain, who courageously shares her story of navigating severe anxiety since childhood. She tells how, together with her family and her service dog, she has gained knowledge about herself and developed skills to better manage her life. Also with us is psychologist Sheilah Siegel, Ph.D., who provides information about teen anxiety symptoms, coping strategies, treatment approaches and shares resources.

Episode 60: Anorexia Nervosa is a dangerous eating disorder and the deadliest mental illness, second only to opioid overdose. Eating disorders affect people of any age, race, gender, and sexual orientation and they are common. Joining us for this inspiring story of recovery is biomedical writer Evelyn Strauss and psychotherapist Jeanne Willis, LMFT. Evelyn shares how she worked her way out of the physical and psychological manifestations of anorexia nervosa through a self-created and unconventional path. Jeanne, an eating disorder specialist, dispels commonly held myths, discusses the types of treatments available, and shares resources that support recovery.

Episode 59: In recent years, there’s been growing interest in the role that psychedelic drugs, including ketamine, can play in treating mental health conditions. In this episode, we discuss a new treatment approach called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) that is a promising treatment for patients with PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Joining me for this conversation is Spencer Wollan, who experienced “life changing benefits” from KAP, along with medical doctor, social worker, and ketamine prescriber Dr. Jesus Ramirez and psychotherapist Ellis McCauley.

Episode 58: How do parents go on after their child’s death? In this episode, we talk with father and author Colin Campbell about how he’s finding ways to live “with hope and purpose” after his two teen children were killed in a car crash caused by a drunk driver. Two other parents contribute stories about their grief after losing children to suicide and overdose. Also with us for this conversation is psychotherapist, grief specialist, and writer Kara Bowman. Join us for this honest, tender, and surprisingly hopeful conversation.

Episode 57: Psychotic symptoms, often collectively referred to as psychosis, can be part of many illnesses and are when the brain has trouble distinguishing between what is real from what is not. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness, and as many as 3 out of every 100 people will experience an episode of psychosis in their lifetime due to either a medical or a mental health condition. It is common for a person to experience psychotic symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment. Early treatment of psychosis is critical because it often means better recovery. Understanding more about and learning to recognize psychotic symptoms means being in a better position to help those experiencing psychosis get the appropriate care sooner. Joining me for this conversation is Dr. Jennifer Davis, a Double Board Certified General and Child-Adolescent Psychiatrist and two guests who are both in recovery from their mental illnesses, peer counselor Tim Beveridge and peer specialist Kenah Roberts.

Episode 56: About one third of people who have a mental health condition also develop a substance use disorder at some point in their lives. In this episode, we discuss the complicated intersection of these problems, a combination that currently afflicts nearly 17 million Americans. Joining us for this conversation about co-occurring disorders is psychotherapist Cynthia Nollenberger and artist-musician Rick, who shares about his journey to mental health recovery and, eventually, to substance use recovery. This 2019 interview has been re-edited with new material and personal stories added.

Episode 55: People have been moving their bodies through dance for thousands of years, and there’s a reason. Movement and dance offer many benefits for mental health and brain function. Joining me for this conversation about the therapeutic benefits of movement and dance are Dr. Rachel Jordana Horodezky, a licensed psychotherapist, yoga instructor, and dance instructor; entrepreneur and dancer Shankar Hemmady; and arts administrator and lifelong dancer Valéria Miranda.

Episode 54: Artistic self-expression of any kind, even making “ugly" art, can help us process emotions and create a profoundly healing process. We’re joined by psychotherapist, art therapist, and registered nurse Mary Welschmeyer, artist and cancer survivor Lisa Handley, and childcare professional and abuse survivor Elena Stenger to discuss how accessing their creative process has catalysed their healing and supplied ongoing support for mental wellness.

Episode 53: Writing and telling our stories can be powerfully healing. To honor National Poetry Month, we look at how the simple process of writing or journaling can be used to support mental health and wellness and lead to healing. We’re joined by writer, poet and teacher Patrice Vecchione and two of her former writing students, diversity trainer Erin-Kate Escobar and high school student and writer Briar Spungin. This is the first in a two-part series on creativity and wellness.

Episode 52: We’re joined by ACA Program participants Bill Trimpi and Birch Curry to discuss their childhoods in dysfunctional families, the lasting mental health impacts of those experiences, and how they found support and growth in the 12-step program Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACA). Community member Patrice Vecchione tenderly describes the confusion and heartbreak of growing up with a mother with alcohol addiction.

Episode 51: People, including men, are utilizing therapy now more than ever. We’ll explore what therapy is like for men: the barriers, the benefits and the types available. Guest Host Lisa Herendeen is joined by guests Joey Fino and Mark Vanderhoof, who share their personal experiences of therapy. Also joining us is psychotherapist Tim Hartnett, who describes how therapeutic work, in and out of the therapy room, can help men live fuller, happier lives with greater connection to those they love and care about.

Episode 50: We’re joined by Laura Vollset & Maggie Muir to discuss Perinatal Depression & Anxiety (PPD). While this is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, it is often unrecognized and under-diagnosed. Laura shares her experience of having had debilitating PPD after the birth of her twins. She sought treatment, found support, and wended her way back to wellness and joy in parenting. Maggie Muir, a Licensed Psychotherapist, Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Perinatal Support Group Leader explains what PPD is, who is at risk, and how and where mothers and family members can get help.

Episode 49: This episode features a collection of nuanced and highly personal stories about making reproductive decisions and how these choices impact mental health. Some of what you’ll hear may be difficult, but we urge you to listen and challenge yourself to hold the complexity, the diversity, and the common humanity in each tale. Our feature story is by writer, teacher and poet Patrice Vecchione. Joining us to listen, reflect on, and respond to these important reproductive health stories is Alissa Perrucci, PhD, the Counseling & Administrative Manager at the Women's Options Center at San Francisco General Hospital. More information and resource list here: https://ksqd.org/reproductive-freedom-essential-for-mental-health/

Episode 48: While Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (commonly called HIV and AIDS), has been transformed from a deadly disease to a chronic, manageable condition, there is still stigma, discrimination and misunderstanding that can have a significant impact on the mental health of those living with it. Guest host and psychotherapist Kaleo Kaluhiwa is joined by mental health counselor Bryan Golson to discuss the unique and complex physical and mental health needs of those living and aging with HIV. Guest Jim Schultz also joins the conversation to share his experience of living through the AIDS epidemic and explains how he has learned to manage and even thrive with his condition over the last 30+ years. More information and resources here: https://ksqd.org/aging-with-hiv/

Episode 47: To honor Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re turning our attention to bipolar disorder, a serious mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. If not treated and managed, bipolar disorder can be dangerous and cause great disruption in a young adult’s life. Guest Allyson Makuch shares her experience of living with and managing bipolar disorder throughout her college and graduate school years. University of California, Santa Cruz Director of Psychiatry, Dr. David Lo also joins us to inform us about bipolar disorder and ways to manage it while in college. More information and resources here: https://ksqd.org/navigating-bipolar-disorder-in-college/

Episode 46: An inside look at traumatic brain injury, or “TBI,” and how these injuries influence mental health. People of all ages get them in a variety of ways—from sports injuries to car accidents to domestic falls and many of these individuals develop mental health symptoms that can last for months or even years. Our guest and author JoAnne Jones talks about recovering from a severe traumatic brain injury that occurred when she was assaulted and robbed. Also with us is rehabilitation and physical medicine specialist Dr. Jennifer Yu who shares information about the mental health symptoms, treatment approaches, and recovery strategies associated with mild to severe traumatic brain injuries.

Episode 45: People all over the world are experiencing mental health issues in response to climate change, including trauma, anxiety, and grief. In this episode, we’re joined by Gen Zer Chloe Rosen who talks about growing up with climate change awareness and its impact on their mental health. Also with us is Paula Wild, a Millennial Yoga Therapist and Outdoor Educator who shares some healing practices that can help us individually and in community be better prepared to address the growing global mental health crisis caused by climate change.

Episode 44: Psychotherapist Debra Sloss is joined by Judith Ain and Family Medicine Physician Assistant and Integrative Medicine Specialist Dr. Cynthia Quattro to discuss tick-borne Lyme Disease and the mental health effects associated with it. Judith shares her personal story of trying to figure out what was happening as her health deteriorated and how she got diagnosed, sought treatment and learned to live with long-term symptoms. Dr. Quattro offers information about the cause of Lyme Disease and how and where to get accurately diagnosed. She also shares information about integrative treatment approaches.

Episode 43: Join us this month as we take a deeper dive into the question “What’s Your Soul Food?“ We continue to explore the many ways our listeners take care of their bodies and minds. We’ll learn more about how these self-care practices help us work through traumas and find resilience when facing life’s many challenges. Joining your host Debra Sloss is psychotherapist and trauma specialist Kara Bowman. Together they discuss how self-care supports mental and physical health. Be sure to check out Episode 42, Part 1 in the Building Resilience series to hear more on this topic!

Episode 42: To honor Mental Health Awareness Month, we ask the question, “What’s Your Soul Food?“ We hear from listeners about the many ways they take care of their bodies and minds in order to support their mental health. Joining your host Debra Sloss is psychotherapist and trauma specialist Kara Bowman to discuss how these self-care choices can build resilience and support mental and physical health. Be sure to join us again next month for Part 2 in this series to hear more!