

Normalize The Conversation by Inspiring My Generation
Inspiring My Generation
Tune into "Normalize The Conversation" by Inspiring My Generation for insightful discussions on mental health, featuring experts and real-life stories. Join us in breaking the stigma!
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mental Health & Suicide ⚠️
Hosted by Francesca Reicherter
An initiative of Inspiring My Generation
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mental Health & Suicide ⚠️
Hosted by Francesca Reicherter
An initiative of Inspiring My Generation
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 4, 2026 • 42min
The Hidden Mental Load Every Mom Carries with Mary Catherine Starr
Join us on this heartfelt episode of Normalize The Conversation as we dive into the realities of modern motherhood, balancing work, family, and personal passions. MaryCatherine Starr shares her journey navigating the mental load of parenting, societal expectations, and the pressure to “do it all” while finding ways to prioritize herself, friendships, and creative outlets.We discuss:The invisible labor moms carry every day and why it mattersHow social media amplifies feelings of guilt and inadequacyThe importance of building a supportive community and friendships Creative outlets and self-care strategies to restore energyHow couples can set equitable roles before and after having kidsTips for letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfection in parentingWhether you’re a parent, caregiver, or navigating societal pressures, this conversation offers actionable insights, compassionate perspectives, and real-life strategies for finding balance without losing yourself.Learn More About Mary Catherine Starr: https://www.marycatherinestarr.com/

Jan 28, 2026 • 37min
How Unexpressed Anger Can Lead to Depression & What To Do About It with Bronwyn Schweigerdt
What if the emotions you’ve been taught to suppress—especially anger—are the very key to your healing? In this insightful episode, psychotherapist Bronwyn Schweigerdt unpacks the often-overlooked connection between suppressed anger and depression, and why avoiding difficult emotions can quietly intensify emotional distress.Together, we explore how unexpressed anger fuels emotional repression, impacts mental health, and keeps people feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Bronwyn shares safe, healthy ways to process and express anger, heal underlying emotional wounds, and reclaim a sense of personal peace and emotional freedom. This conversation offers compassionate, practical tools for anyone navigating depression, emotional numbness, or unspoken feelings.If you’ve ever felt weighed down by emotions you didn’t know how to name—or felt guilty for feeling angry at all—this episode provides validating insights and actionable steps toward emotional healing.Topics covered include:The link between suppressed anger and depressionEmotional repression and its impact on mental healthHealthy anger expression and emotional regulationPsychotherapy tools for healing emotional woundsReclaiming inner peace through emotional awareness

Jan 21, 2026 • 52min
How To Prepare Your Mind For Life’s Challenges Not Just React To Them with Andy Campbell
Prepare your mind to meet life’s unexpected challenges with calm, clarity, and resilience. In this powerful episode, survivor and author Andy Campbell shares the 15 core beliefs that helped him navigate profound trauma, loss, and serious health struggles. Through lived experience and hard-earned wisdom, Andy offers practical mindset shifts that anchor you in strength rather than fear when life feels overwhelming.You’ll learn how to build steady habits, regulate your nervous system, and cultivate inner peace—even during life’s storms. This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for emotional resilience, grounded thinking, and long-term mental wellness. If you’re seeking tools to face adversity with confidence instead of panic, this episode will meet you exactly where you are—and help you move forward with intention.Topics covered include:Building mental resilience through belief systemsCoping with trauma, loss, and chronic illnessMindset tools for stress, anxiety, and uncertaintyHabits that support emotional regulation and inner peaceHow to stay grounded during life’s most challenging moments

Jan 14, 2026 • 37min
Trauma-Informed Maternal Health Care with Olivia Verhulst
How can we better support mothers by viewing care through a trauma-informed lens?In this enlightening episode of Normalize The Conversation, therapist Olivia Verhulst joins Francesca Reicherter to unpack what trauma-informed maternal health care truly looks like — from understanding postpartum mental health to creating safe, empathetic environments for new moms.Through real-world examples and clinical insight, Olivia shares how curiosity, compassion, and awareness can change the way we recognize and respond to postpartum depression, perinatal OCD, and anxiety. Together, they explore how small shifts in language and approach can make a life-changing difference for mothers navigating their healing journey.Listen to learn how to:Recognize trauma responses in maternal health careAsk curious, nonjudgmental questions that deepen understandingDifferentiate between typical postpartum adjustment and clinical symptomsOffer trauma-informed, empathetic support to new momsTune in to Trauma-Informed Maternal Health Care with Olivia Verhulst — and discover how trauma sensitivity can transform the future of maternal wellness.Learn More About Olivia Verhulst: https://theinnerworkwitholivia.com/

Jan 7, 2026 • 51min
Who’s at Your Roundtable? Building a Support System for High Achievers with Dr. Esther Zeledon
What does it take to truly thrive as a high achiever without burning out or feeling alone?In this inspiring episode of Normalize The Conversation, Dr. Esther Zeledon joins Francesca Reicherter to explore how building your “roundtable” — a trusted circle of support — can transform your journey toward success and fulfillment.Discover how to identify who belongs in your front row, navigate the people who project their fears onto you, and cultivate a community that empowers your purpose. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or changemaker, this conversation will remind you that even the strongest need a circle of support.Tune in to learn how to:Build your own roundtable for growth and accountabilitySet boundaries with empathy and understandingReframe doubt and resistance as opportunities to lead with purposeListen now to Who’s in Your Roundtable? Building a Support System for High Achievers with Esther Zeledon — and start surrounding yourself with people who see your light.

Dec 17, 2025 • 33min
Reconnecting with Creativity in Challenging Times with Diana Weymar
How can you reconnect with your creativity during life’s most challenging moments?In this inspiring episode of Normalize The Conversation, Diana Weymar joins Francesca Reicherter to explore how difficult times, emotional struggles, and low moments can spark some of your most meaningful creative breakthroughs.Diana shares her personal journey of navigating depression and desperation, rediscovering her creative spark, and transforming struggle into inspiration. Listeners will learn practical ways to tap into their own creativity, embrace emotion over productivity, and turn hardship into a source of creative energy. In this episode, you’ll discover how to:Reclaim your creativity during tough timesUse emotional awareness as a tool for inspirationTurn challenging moments into transformative creative energyBuild resilience through storytelling and self-expressionWhether you’re an artist, creator, or anyone navigating emotional challenges, this conversation offers compassionate insight and practical strategies to harness creativity as a healing and empowering tool.Listen now to Reconnecting with Creativity in Challenging Times with Diana Weymar and learn how to turn even your toughest moments into creative breakthroughs.Connect with Diana Weymar: https://www.tinypricksproject.com/the-artist/#NormalizeTheConversation #DianaWeymar #CreativeHealing #CreativityThroughStruggle #MentalHealthPodcast #Storytelling #EmotionalAwareness #HealingThroughArt #CreativeResilience #SelfExpression #ArtTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #Inspiration #EmotionalWellness #CreativityAndHealing

Dec 10, 2025 • 38min
Why “This Too Shall Pass” Can Transform How You See Your Life with Dr. Shahrzad Jalali
Emotions are powerful—but they don’t define us.In this insightful episode of Normalize The Conversation, Dr. Shahrzad Jalali explores the transformative truth behind the phrase “this too shall pass.” Learn how understanding the impermanence of feelings can cultivate compassion, reduce self-judgment, and open a path to emotional healing.Drawing from somatic and Jungian psychology, Dr. Jalali shares practical strategies to:Shift your relationship with your emotionsBuild resilience through self-awareness and reflectionEmbrace impermanence as a tool for growth and self-discoveryApply mindfulness to navigate difficult feelings with easeIf you’re seeking perspective, practical tools, and fresh insight for emotional resilience, this episode will inspire a compassionate, empowered approach to your inner world.Listen now and begin your journey toward emotional freedom.#NormalizeTheConversation #ThisTooShallPass #EmotionalResilience #ShahrzadJalali #SomaticPsychology #JungianPsychology #SelfDiscovery #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingJourney #Mindfulness #CompassionateLiving #EmotionalWellness #SelfCompassion #EmotionalHealing #TraumaInformed

Dec 3, 2025 • 37min
Healing Sexual Trauma Through Compassion and Somatic Practices with Erika Shershun
What does it mean to feel safe in your body again after sexual trauma? In this powerful episode of Normalize The Conversation, somatically trained psychotherapist and author Erika Shershun, LMFT shares a trauma-informed, body-centered approach to healing. Drawing from her book Healing Sexual Trauma: A Workbook and Guided Journal, Erika explains how survivors can gently reconnect with themselves, reclaim agency, and rebuild trust from within.Together, we explore:How somatic practices support trauma recoveryThe role of journaling, boundaries, and body awareness in healingWhat embodied safety truly means—and how to cultivate itWhy healing is a nonlinear, empowering journeyWhether you’re a survivor or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers compassionate insight and practical tools for trauma-informed healing.🎧 Listen now and begin your journey toward feeling whole again.#NormalizeTheConversation #SexualTraumaHealing #SomaticTherapy #ErikaShershun #EmbodiedHealing #MentalHealthPodcast #TraumaRecovery #HealingJourney #BoundariesAndHealing #TraumaInformedCare #SelfCompassion #MindBodyHealing #SurvivorSupport #EmotionalWellness #TraumaHealing

Nov 26, 2025 • 43min
What 988 Crisis Lifeline Is and How It Works with Elan Javanfard, LMFT
Do you know how the 988 Crisis Lifeline can transform mental health emergency care? In this essential episode of Normalize The Conversation, licensed therapist and crisis services director Elan Javanfard, LMFT explains how 988 provides a compassionate alternative to 911. Learn about the three-part system—call center, trained responders, and crisis diversion services—and how it helps reduce unnecessary hospitalization while supporting individuals in crisis.We explore:When and how to use 988 for mental health emergencies How the Lifeline offers support for both individuals and communitiesBenefits of crisis diversion in improving outcomes and safetyKey insights for professionals, caregivers, and anyone navigating mental health supportIf you want to better understand mental health crisis response and empower yourself to act confidently in emergencies, this episode is a must-listen.#NormalizeTheConversation #988CrisisLifeline #MentalHealthAwareness #CrisisIntervention #ElanJavanfard #MentalHealthSupport #SuicidePrevention #CrisisResources #LMFT #TherapistInsights #MentalHealthPodcast #BehavioralHealth #CrisisResponse #EmergencyMentalHealth #MentalHealthProfessionals

Nov 19, 2025 • 48min
How Doomscrolling Fuels Isolation—and What to Do About It with Henry Venter
Feeling overwhelmed by the news—and more disconnected than ever? You’re not alone.In this timely episode of Normalize The Conversation, licensed clinical psychologist and global speaker Dr. Henry Venter unpacks the hidden mental health impact of doomscrolling and digital overload. Discover how constant exposure to negativity online can quietly drain your energy, increase anxiety, and deepen isolation—and what you can do to reclaim your peace.Together, we explore:Why doomscrolling keeps us stuck in fear and disconnectionHow purpose and presence can disrupt the scroll spiralSimple ways to set boundaries with technology and restore balanceWhat it means to reconnect with yourself in a digitally saturated worldIf you’ve been feeling burned out, anxious, or numb from the constant stream of information, this conversation will help you unplug, reset, and rediscover what truly matters.Learn more about Henry: https://www.nu.edu/#NormalizeTheConversation #DrHenryVenter #Doomscrolling #DigitalWellbeing #MentalHealthPodcast #AnxietyAwareness #TechBoundaries #DigitalDetox #MindfulLiving #Loneliness #ReclaimYourMind #FrancescaReicherter


