the tara bixby podcast

For too long, women have been told their brains are "broken" or that every struggle is just hormones. In this episode, we shift that narrative. Dr. Sarah McKay — Oxford-trained neuroscientist and author of The Women's Brain Book, Baby Brain, and Brain Health For Dummies — joins me to break down what's really going on in the female brain. We talk about postpartum changes, perimenopause, anxiety, sleep, libido, and why so much of women's mental health is shaped not just by biology, but by support systems, stress, and societal expectations. This conversation will help you understand the female brain with more clarity, compassion, and empowerment. If you've ever been told "it's just your hormones," this episode will give you a whole new perspective. Send this to a friend who needs it — this one's too good not to share. 💛 Love the show? Hit follow and leave a short review — it helps more than you know. And if someone you love needs this message, share it with them today. Need a friend? Come hang out with me over on Instagram (@thetarabixby). Check out today's show notes here. ✨ Tired of anxiety taking over your life? Ready to feel more calm, joy, and adventure? I'm now offering 1:1 anxiety coaching and would love to help. Email me at [email protected] to get started!

Feeling a little off as the days get shorter and colder? You're not alone! In this bonus episode, we're diving into seasonal depression (aka the winter blues) — what it is, why it happens, and how to recognize the signs. I'm sharing cozy, practical, and playful ways to lift your mood and thrive during the darker months — from light therapy and getting outside to fun seasonal activities, connecting with friends, and enjoying cozy indoor moments. So grab a cozy blanket, a warm beverage, and join me — let's navigate this season together, feeling a little lighter, warmer, and more like ourselves. P.S. If you loved this bonus episode, send it to a friend who might be struggling with seasonal depression — sometimes that tiny act of sharing can make a big difference. Click here to share your ideas.

Do you have an inner critic that's always judging, shaming, or demanding perfection? You know — that little voice that quietly shapes how you see yourself and move through the world. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you! Today I'm joined by Dr. Rachel Goldsmith Turow, clinical psychologist, researcher, mindfulness and compassion teacher, and author of The Self-Talk Workout. We chat about where our inner critic comes from, why self-criticism can sometimes feel "safe," and how it affects confidence, motivation, and mental health. Dr. Goldsmith Turow also shares practical, evidence-based tips to shift your self-talk, build more self-compassion, and even help kids develop a healthier inner voice. If you're ready, let's learn how to quiet the critic, shall we? 💛 Love the show? Hit follow and leave a short review — it helps more than you know. And if someone you love needs this message, share it with them today. Need a friend? Come hang out with me over on Instagram (@thetarabixby). Check out today's show notes here. ✨ Tired of anxiety taking over your life? Ready to feel more calm, joy, and adventure? I'm now offering 1:1 anxiety coaching and would love to help. Email me at [email protected] to get started!

What happens when the systems meant to heal us end up causing more harm? In this powerful conversation, Tara sits down with Anne Bracken — activist, poet, and author of Crash: A Memoir of Overmedication and Recovery — to explore what it really means to heal beyond labels and prescriptions. Anne shares her deeply personal story of growing up with a mother who struggled with mental illness, her own experiences with medication and ECT, and the journey back to herself through alternative healing. Together, they challenge the "chemical imbalance" narrative, discuss the importance of informed consent, and shine a light on the flaws within our mental health system. This episode is a reminder that recovery is possible, your voice matters, and sharing your story can help someone else feel less alone. 💛 Love the show? Hit follow and leave a short review — it helps more than you know. And if someone you love needs this message, share it with them today. Need a friend? Come hang out with me over on Instagram (@thetarabixby). Check out today's show notes here. ✨ Tired of anxiety taking over your life? Ready to feel more calm, joy, and adventure? I'm now offering 1:1 anxiety coaching and would love to help. Email me at [email protected] to get started!

Hey, friends! I'm so excited for today's episode — I've fallen in love with sound baths as a way to invite more calm and stillness into my day, and today's guest is one of my absolute favorites. Sara Auster is a world-renowned sound therapist, meditation teacher, and creator of the PAUSE app. She's been featured in Oprah Magazine, the New York Times, TIME, Vogue, Billboard, and partnered with the World Health Organization to bring mindfulness to global health. In this episode, we explore what sound healing is, why sound baths are transformative, how to get the most out of them, and how Sara used sound to heal her own trauma. She even guides us through a quick sound bath! Whether you're new to sound meditation or curious about making it part of your life, this episode is packed with practical tips and calming insights. P.S. Sara is giving you three months free on the PAUSE app when you use code TARABIXBY. 📱 Text this episode to a stressed out friend. 💛 Need a friend? Come hang out with me over on Instagram (@thetarabixby). Check out today's show notes here. ✨ Tired of anxiety taking over your life? Ready to feel more calm, joy, and adventure? I'm now offering 1:1 anxiety coaching and would love to help. Email me at [email protected] to get started!

Have you done everything "right"? Followed the rules, built the dream career, checked all the boxes you thought would make you happy — and yet, you still feel that ache inside? Today's guest, Megan Hellerer, knows that feeling well. After graduating at the top of her class from Stanford and spending eight years as a Google executive, she found herself crying on the bathroom floor — successful on paper, but completely miserable inside. Now, as an executive career coach for Underfulfilled Overachievers and author of Directional Living, Megan helps women realign their lives and careers with who they truly are. We talk about the "fulfillment ache," why you should forget your purpose and follow your curiosity instead, how to start making decisions that feel truly aligned, and so much more. 📱 Text this episode to someone who needs to hear it. 💛 Need a friend? Come hang out with me over on Instagram (@thetarabixby). Check out today's show notes here.

Today's episode is a raw and powerful conversation about how a prescription for sleep turned into something much darker. Best-selling author and host of The Only One in the Room, Laura Cathcart Robbins, joins me to share her journey of Ambien addiction — from stockpiling pills in her Louboutins to secretly managing withdrawals between PTA meetings and tennis matches. We talk about how her Ambien use began, what her addiction looked like behind closed doors, and the toll of keeping that secret while raising kids and trying to hold it all together. Laura shares the moment she knew she needed help, what withdrawal was really like, and how she continues to protect her sobriety. We also explore her past trauma, why addicts isolate, and what she wishes more people understood about addiction. 📱 Text this episode to someone who needs to hear it. 💛 Need a friend? Come hang out with me over on Instagram (@thetarabixby). Check out today's show notes here.

Hey friend. 👋 Today, Dr. Ben Rein joins us to explore why connection isn't just a cool idea — it's a biological necessity for a healthy mind. Dr. Rein is an award-winning neuroscientist, author of Why Brains Need Friends, Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, and a brilliant science communicator. We dive into the neuroscience of connection, how isolation triggers stress in the brain, and how meaningful relationships help us thrive. We also talk about recognizing when you're running low on connection, curating a "social diet" that meets your needs, and how modern life and social media quietly erode real relationships. Ben also shares how the loss of social cues online fuels hostility and division, why disagreement doesn't have to break connections, and how small acts of kindness benefit the brain. ✨ If this episode resonates, share it with a friend — text it, email it, or post it on social. Connection and community are what this podcast is all about. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-ben-rein-why-your-brain-needs Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Poor sleep doesn't just make you tired — it can fuel anxiety, worsen depression, and leave you stuck in survival mode. The good news? You can improve your sleep quality, and today's guest is here to teach you how. I'm joined by Dr. Sarah Silverman, a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert, to unpack the powerful connection between sleep and mental health. We cover the difference between sleep deprivation and insomnia, how to manage nighttime worries, and what to actually do when you wake up at 2 a.m. We also dive into navigating new mom sleep, whether quality or quantity matters more, the importance of morning light exposure, and her take on sleep aids, mouth taping, and night terrors. 😴 If you know someone who could use better sleep, be sure to text them this episode. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-sarah-silverman-sleep-tips-that Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Feeling like something is wrong with you? Mary O'Malley — author, teacher, and counselor — knows that struggle all too well. After a painful childhood, three suicide attempts, and multiple hospitalizations, she learned that healing isn't about fixing yourself — it's about being present with what hurts. In this conversation, Mary shares how a yoga class changed her life, why our thinking brain gets stuck in struggle, and how our toughest challenges can become a doorway to healing. We also explore facing anxiety with compassion and holding space for others without trying to fix them. If you've ever felt like you're broken, this episode is for you. Mary's wisdom offers a new way to meet your pain with compassion and truly say yes to life — exactly as it is. ✨ If you know someone who's stuck in struggle, share this episode with them — it might be the spark they need. And if you loved today's conversation, leaving a review helps more women find the show and reminds them they're not alone. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/mary-omalley-healing-starts-when Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/ Sponsor... Feeling tired, foggy, or just meh? These electrolytes changed the game for me. You can try all 8 flavors FREE with any order — click here to feel the difference!

Today's quick tip isn't about what to do — it's about what not to do. If you've ever tried using affirmations or talking yourself out of anxiety when anxious, you've probably noticed it doesn't really work. Here's why... when your nervous system is in fight-or-flight mode, your amygdala takes your thinking brain offline — it's like taking a phone off the hook (remember those days). Your thoughts can't get through. Instead of trying to think your way out of anxiety, learn how to feel your way out. That's what I'm teaching you in today's episode. If this was helpful, share it with an anxious friend. And if you're exhausted from always being anxious and ready to finally feel calm, grounded, and back in control of your life, I'm now offering 1:1 anxiety coaching. This is your chance to stop white-knuckling through your days and start actually enjoying them. Email me at [email protected] and let's take this next step together.

At 35, Erica Lugo's world went dark — depression, OCD, and suicidal thoughts took over, and she kept being dismissed by doctors. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Erica shares how she connected the dots between her mental health and her hormones, and how HRT completely shifted her life. This episode is full of hope for anyone who's been dismissed, overprescribed, or feels like they've "tried everything." Women aren't talking about this enough — Share this episode with all the women in your life. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/erica-lugo-the-hidden-mental-health Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/ Sponsor... Feeling tired, foggy, or just meh? These electrolytes changed the game for me. You can try all 8 flavors FREE with any order — click here to feel the difference! This conversation discusses thoughts about self-harm. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "LEV" to 741741.

Hey friends — today's episode wasn't the one I had planned. I had a fertility and prenatal nutrition interview ready to go, but when I sat down to edit it, something felt off. It didn't align with where I'm at or what I want this podcast to be right now (disclosure: It was recorded a year ago). And since I've been working hard to actually trust my intuition, I listened. So today's episode is all about that — learning to tune into your inner knowing, trust it, and make decisions that feel aligned, even when it's uncomfortable. I'm also sharing a raw late-night reflection about how constant exposure to violence on social media is rewiring our brains — and why that might explain why so many of us feel anxious, numb, or both. It's unplanned, honest, and straight from the heart — and I'd love it if you shared it with a friend who might need to hear this too. ✨ Need a friend? Come hang out with me on Insta. I'd love to say hi!

If you've ever tried to think your way out of anxiety only to end up more stuck in worry and rumination, this tip is for you. In this quick tip tuesday, Dr. Russell Kennedy — doctor, neuroscientist, and one of the world's most respected voices on anxiety — shares his go-to strategy for getting out of your head and back into your body when anxious. It's simple, practical, and something you can start practicing today to calm your nervous system and find relief fast. He's also a past podcast guest, so if you love today's tip, be sure to listen to episode 33, where he shares a new prescription for anxiety relief. You can listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you tune in from. 📱If you loved this tip, don't keep it to yourself — text this episode to a friend who could use a little help getting out of their head and back into their body. ✨ Need a friend? Come hang out with me on Insta. I'd love to say hi!

Hey friends, it's just you and me today! No guest, no script — just me, sitting on the floor with my mic, following a nudge I couldn't ignore. I'm diving into a topic I'm so fired up about... what anxiety really is (and what it isn't). There's a ton of noise out there about anxiety, but I want to cut through the confusion and share my perspective with you (one that I truly believe will finally help you find freedom from your anxiety). If you're ready, hit play, and I'll see you inside. ✨ Tired of feeling anxious? Craving more calm and joy? I'd love to help you find freedom from your anxiety. I'm currently offering 1:1 coaching—just email [email protected] and I'll send you more info.

Hey friends. If you're tired of feeling anxious and want a quick, practical way to calm your nervous system, this tip is for you. Today, I'm breaking down how to use visualization to reduce anxiety and shift your nervous system out of a sympathetic state of "fight-or-flight." 📱This tip's too good to keep to yourself — text this episode to a friend who needs to hear it. ✨ Tired of feeling anxious? Craving more calm and joy? I'd love to help you find freedom from your anxiety. I'm currently offering 1:1 coaching—just email [email protected] and I'll send you more info.

Hey, my friends! Parenting can feel like a mirror—reflecting not just our child's behavior, but our own wounds, patterns, and triggers. What if the biggest shifts didn't start with our kids, but with us? Today, I'm chatting with Bryana Kappadakunnel, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, mother, and author of Parent Yourself First. For over a decade, Bryana has helped parents uncover the root of their child's struggles while healing their own nervous system and family patterns. We dive into conscious parenting—why change starts within ourselves, how our past shapes our parenting, and why it's not our child's job to manage our triggers. Bryana shares how to set boundaries, heal your inner child, see the needs beneath behavior, do repair work, practice effective discipline, and why having friends as a mom is essential. ✨ Love this episode? Check out episode 50 with Dr. Lindsay Gibson on recovering from emotionally immature parents — one of our most-loved episodes. Episode show notes... https://open.substack.com/pub/courageouslyu/p/bryana-kappadakunnel-break-generational?r=29mstw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Hey friends. 👋 Today, we're talking about something you might not realize is fueling your anxiety... blood sugar. When your morning starts with cereal, bagels, or pastries, your blood sugar spikes and then crashes—sending your nervous system into fight-or-flight. That crash triggers stress hormones, which can leave you feeling anxious, irritable, or on edge. The good news? You can hop off the blood sugar roller coaster. In this quick tip episode, I share 3 simple tips to help stabilize your blood sugar so you can feel calmer and less anxious throughout the day. I'll also give a bonus tip for parents on how to set kids up for a better morning (hint: skip the cereal). If you've ever wondered why anxiety seems to hit out of nowhere, this one's for you. ✨ Tired of feeling anxious? Craving more calm and joy? I'd love to help you find freedom from your anxiety. I'm currently offering 1:1 coaching—just email [email protected] and I'll send you more info. 🍌 Skip the sugar crash—bake up my favorite protein-packed banana muffins. Get the recipe here. 📱This tip's too good to keep to yourself — text this episode to an anxious friend.

Today's guest is the very reason I fight so hard for a better mental health narrative. Dr. Cathy Wield shares her extraordinary mental health journey — from years of hospitalizations, 100+ ECT treatments, and 33 medications, to the retraumatization she endured and the moments she felt the system failed her. She opens up about her suicidal thoughts, what it took to relearn how to sit with her emotions, and how she ultimately broke free from the shackles of psychiatry. This is a raw, eye-opening conversation and a must-listen for anyone navigating the mental health system. ✨ If this conversation made you think of someone you care about, don't keep it to yourself—text this episode to just one friend who might need to hear it too. That's how we change the mental health narrative, one conversation at a time. Episode show notes... Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Hey, friend. Today, I'm hanging out with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a psychiatrist and former pharmaceutical researcher who now dedicates his career to helping people safely taper off psychiatric medications. He's one of the few voices in medicine willing to speak out — and what he shares may just change the way you think about mental health treatment forever. In today's conversation, we're talking about... What psychiatrists are actually taught about mental health in medical school How drug companies influence the mental health narrative Why medications continue to be prescribed despite their risks The turning point that led Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring to question everything he once believed about psychiatric drugs and mental illness What he believes drives anxiety and depression Why those who speak out against the mainstream mental health narrative are often labeled as "the bad guys" Why some people credit medications with saving their lives, while others feel deeply harmed by them The real story behind side effects, drug tolerance, and psychiatric drug injury The impact psychiatric medications have on fertility The three essential rules for coming off medication safely How to know when it might be the right time to begin tapering What to know before starting a psychiatric medication How parents can best support their child's mental health journey ...and so much more! This conversation isn't about being pro-med or anti-med — it's about being pro-informed. If this episode helped you feel a little more informed and a little less alone, please share it. Someone else might need that too. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-josef-witt-doerring-the-truth Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Hey friend. In a world that never slows down, stillness isn't just nice — it's necessary. Today I'm sharing why stillness is so important for calming your nervous system, easing anxiety, and reconnecting with your inner knowing. I also walk you through my three favorite ways to invite more stillness into your day. Loved this tip? Please share it with a friend who could use a little more calm and stillness in their life. And if you're tuning in today, I'd love to know! Tag me on Instagram @thetarabixby so I can say hi and cheer you on.

Hey friend. Are you an anxious soul who's hell-bent on making your anxiety disappear? If you're nodding your head yes, this episode is for you. Today, I'm joined by Dr. David Rosmarin — Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of the Center for Anxiety. He's a clinical psychologist, scientist, author, educator, and keynote speaker who's been featured everywhere from Good Morning America to TED.com. And his message is powerful: Anxiety isn't something to get rid of — it's something to understand, and even embrace. In today's conversation, we're talking about... The two different types of anxiety and how to know which one you're experiencing. Why so many people are struggling with anxiety (and why we've become so afraid of our anxious feelings). Why trying to get rid of anxiety can keep you stuck — and what to do instead. Why the mental health system may be over-diagnosing people. The role uncertainty plays in anxiety, and how avoidance makes it worse. The four-step process that'll help you thrive with anxiety. How to support a child who may be struggling, too. ...and so much more! If this episode gives you even a small burst of hope, would you take a second to share it with another anxious soul who might need to hear it too? Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-david-rosmarin-how-to-stop-fighting Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/ Sponsor... Feeling tired, foggy, or just meh? These electrolytes changed the game for me. You can try all 8 flavors FREE with any order — click here to feel the difference!

Hey, friend. Welcome to the very first quick tip tuesday! 🥳 Today's tip is all about how to send signals of safety to your amygdala — so you can calm your nervous system, reduce your anxiety, and find a little more joy in life. If you find this helpful, please share it with a friend who's feeling a little anxious, a touch stressed out, or just craving more joy and calm in their life. And if you're tuning in today, I'd love to know! Tag me on Instagram @thetarabixby so I can say hi and cheer you on.

Hey friends. If you're a working mom feeling stretched too thin, drowning in demands, and simmering with that all-too-familiar mom rage… this episode is for you. Today, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Whitney Casares — a Stanford-trained pediatrician, speaker, mom of two, and founder of Modern Mommy Doc and the Modern Mamas Club app. She's also the host of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast and a powerful voice when it comes to helping moms stop doing it all and start doing what actually matters. We're talking about... Why so many women feel pressure to give 100% to everything they do — and how that belief is burning us out. Why it's important to triage what matters most in the season you're in. What emotion coaching looks like and why mindful self-compassion is essential. The importance of giving yourself grace in the seasons you wish would move faster. The value of outsourcing and delegating, and why half-assing on purpose is important. How to create a more centered life. How to navigate resentment when it comes up and why honest communication with your partner matters. ...and so much more. If this episode resonates with you, please take a second to share it with another mom who might need to hear it too. We're not meant to do this alone — and sometimes, one honest conversation can make all the difference. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-whitney-casares-moms-stop-trying Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Hey friend. Today, I'm opening up about my history with anxiety, panic attacks, and my journey with psych meds. I'm sharing how anxiety first showed up in my life, what I think was really triggering my nervous system to stay stuck in survival mode, and the moment things got so dark, I started having thoughts of not wanting to live. This episode is raw, honest, and from the heart—if you've ever felt overwhelmed or alone in your mental health struggles, I hope this makes you feel a little more seen. If it resonates, please send it to a friend who might need to hear it too. You're not alone—and neither are they. biggest hugs.

Today, I'm hanging out with Dr. Claire Plumbly — Clinical Psychologist, EMDR Consultant, and author of The Trauma of Burnout. She's also the founder of Plum Psychology, a UK-based center specializing in trauma-informed care. In today's episode, we unpack... The difference between stress and burnout Why burnout isn't your fault The invisible load that so many women carry How burnout and trauma are connected The impact chronic stress has on your mental health What it looks like when burnout leads to nervous system shutdown How to spot signs of burnout Simple ways to help your nervous system feel safe How our inner critic might be fueling burnout ...and so much more. If this conversation speaks to you, if you find yourself nodding along or thinking of a friend who needs to hear it, please share it. Post it to your stories, text it to someone who's quietly carrying too much, or leave a quick review. It helps more women find these kinds of conversations… and it means the world to me. Episode show notes... Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Today I'm joined by Dr. Jessica Zucker — clinical psychologist, author of "Normalize It" and "I Had a Miscarriage", and a powerful voice in the movement to help women speak openly about what's often left unsaid. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She's been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America and earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University. In today's episode, we talk about... Why it's essential for women to start speaking their truths — even when it feels uncomfortable How to share hard things without being labeled as negative or too much The power of normalizing struggle instead of staying silent about it How to truly support someone when they're opening up about something difficult Why we need to talk more openly about the identity shift and emotional impact of becoming a mother What it takes for women to drop their armor and step into real vulnerability How to stop taking it personally when others can't hold space for your pain The unspoken pressure on women to show up perfectly ...and so much more. If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with a friend, post it on Instagram, or leave a quick review. You doing this helps more women find the show, and it means so much to me. Episode show notes... Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Hey friend. Today's chat comes straight from my heart to your ears. I'm opening up about why I think we're overcomplicating healing, the 6(ish) things I want you to focus on, why I really dislike when professionals act like they have it all together, and—yes—my strong craving for friendships too Can you do me a favor? I'd love your honest feedback. What do you think about solo episodes? Are they annoying, or do you actually look forward to them? Don't hold back—friends tell the truth, right? Your input means a lot because it helps me create the episodes YOU need. You can share your feedback with me over on Instagram @courageously.u, or you can email me at [email protected]. Happy listening, my friend.

If you ever think motherhood is hard, or maybe even hate parts of it, then this episode is a must for you. Today, Dr. Margo Lowy is hanging out with us to help me create a conversation about maternal ambivalence. Dr. Lowy is a mother to three, author of Maternal Ambivalence, and a psychotherapist who specializes in mothering. It's safe to say that maternal ambivalence is her jam as she has spent a significant amount of time researching the topic, speaking about it at universities and in media, and has even written an academic book on the topic. In today's episode, we talk about... What maternal ambivalence is Why it's important to own the hard parts of parenting What causes judgment to creep in Why it's important to surround yourself with people who don't judge you Why mothering isn't about being perfect The power of being vulnerable Why it's important to be open and genuine with your kids Tips on how to observe your mothering The importance of being compassionate towards yourself ...and so much more. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-margo-lowy-the-loving-moments Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Hey friends. Today, I'm getting real about the occasional urge that creeps up to self-medicate. If you found this solosode helpful and know someone who'd benefit from hearing it, please share it with them. Want to make sure you never miss a solosode? Be sure to follow the tara bixby podcast so all solosodes (and regular episodes) automatically download when released. Until our next chat, biggest hugs

Dr. Julia Britz is a licensed naturopathic doctor who specializes in helping people who are struggling with mental health issues such as OCD, eating disorders, and psychiatric medication tapering. She utilizes natural and integrative modalities including targeted amino acid therapy, peptide therapy, micronutrient therapy, bioresonance, botanical medicine, and epigenetic analysis. As a "hopeless case" who got better, her passion for helping others is real. Dismissed by doctors, Julia was told over and over that there was nothing else she could try beyond pharmacotherapy, and so she was inspired to create my OCD diary, a site dedicated to documenting the daily life of OCD and related disorders. Through this project and holistic therapies, she found new levels of wellness. In today's episode, we talk about... Julia's past mental health struggles Her self-harming history What she did to find freedom from OCD What inspired her to get into naturopathic medicine Her thoughts on the root causes of OCD Her thoughts on how western medicine approaches mental health What she wished more people knew about psych meds Her experience with benzodiazepines One thing you need to practice to heal faster Her thoughts about safely tapering off psych meds ...and so much more. ✨ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or added any value to your life, would you do me a quick favor? Leaving a review only takes a minute, but it truly helps more women like you find these conversations. It's one of the biggest ways you can support me and the show. So if you're here, if you've been listening, if this podcast has impacted you in any way, please take a quick second to scroll down and tap those 5 stars. You can even write a little review telling me how the show has helped you. I'd be forever grateful. Episode show notes... Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Hey, friends. Since having a baby, I'm all about normalizing the hard parts of motherhood, and today Danika Brysha is helping me do just that. Danika is America's leading Self-Care Expert and founder of Self-Care Society and Model Meals. She is a 3x Wellness Entrepreneur, former Plus Size Fashion Model for brands like Bare Minerals, Old Navy, and Lands End, Host of the Podcast and YouTube series "Your Morning Mindset Practice," and mother to two young daughters. Danika has been featured on Chopped, People, InStyle, Shape, PopSugar, Create & Cultivate, and more. In today's episode, we talk about... Danika's postpartum experience How to protect your mental health postpartum The importance of social connection as a mom How to make self-care a priority without the overwhelm Danika's tips for navigating body image issues post-baby The importance of knowing the hard parts won't last forever How to cope with stressors without resorting to alcohol How to prioritize your partner post-baby Why Danika gave up social media for a year ...and so much more. ✨ If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or added any value to your life, would you do me a quick favor? Leaving a review only takes a minute, but it truly helps more women like you find these conversations. It's one of the biggest ways you can support me and the show. So if you're here, if you've been listening, if this podcast has impacted you in any way, please take a quick second to scroll down and tap those 5 stars. You can even write a little review telling me how the show has helped you. I'd be forever grateful. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/danika-brysha-postpartum-and-beyond Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

I'm excited for you to hear my chat with the brilliant Dr. Kim Gorgens. Dr. Gorgens is a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist and Professor of Psychophysiology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Psychology of Criminal Behavior at the University of Denver. She manages a large portfolio of brain injury-related research and has lectured extensively on those issues around the world. She has a 2010 TED talk on youth sports concussions and a 2018 TED talk on brain injuries in criminal justice. In today's episode, we talk about... What brain injury is How many people don't recognize they've had a brain injury What mild injuries due to the brain How brain injuries can present as mental health struggles The correlation between brain injuries and anxiety Why it's important to tell your provider about past brain injuries when seeking mental health help The importance of supporting kids post-brain injury What you can do to heal your brain after an injury Why it's never too late to do the recovery work The correlation between suicide risk and brain injuries ...and so much more. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-kim-gorgens-is-a-brain-injury Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Today's conversation is a special one. The hosts of the Just Stay Podcast, Kenzie and Brandee, are here to share how mental health has impacted their lives. Kenzie's story resonated with me when she discussed her postpartum mental health experience, which included postpartum psychosis and a stay at a behavioral health center. Kenzie gets raw about her mental health struggles and her journey towards healing in today's conversation. Brandee's story is just as powerful. She's a wife and mom to three teenagers. In today's conversation, Brandee courageously shares how she lost her oldest son to his battle with mental health and how she found purpose as she navigated through grief. I'm telling you, friends, this conversation is raw and will have you feeling big feels. If you have been impacted by suicide, you know someone who is struggling with suicidal ideations, or you are experiencing thoughts of wanting to die, please listen to episode 48 of the podcast. It was a conversation with Dr. Rudd, whose primary focus of his research is clinical suicidology, with an emphasis on understanding acute and chronic distinctions in risk. Episode show notes: https://open.substack.com/pub/courageouslyu/p/kenzie-brandee-a-vulnerable-conversation?r=29mstw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

God gave me a mic, and I'm gonna use it. Today, I'm sharing a few thoughts on psych meds, why I want the mental health narrative to change, why I'm passionate, and why I never want you to give up on hope. If you love today's solosode, please share it with someone you know will love it too. Need a friend? Come hang out with me on Insta. I'll gladly be your friend! Until next time, biggest hugs.

Today, the fantastic Julia Hotz is hanging out with us to unpack all things social prescribing and why it's time to update the sort of prescriptions that are being given out. Julia is a solutions-focused journalist based in New York. Her stories have appeared in The New York Times, WIRED, Scientific American, The Boston Globe, Time, and more. She helps other journalists report on the big new ideas changing the world at the Solutions Journalism Network. She's also an award-winning author of the book The Connection Cure. In today's episode, we talk about... What inspired Julia to write the connection cure What social prescribing looks like Why it's important to do more of what matters to you What Julia would say to someone who questions the power of social prescribing Why Julia thinks big Pharma got so big The power of movement for improving depression Why we need to reframe how we view movement How belonging and connection impact our mental health Why nature captures our attention Where to start with social prescribing ...and so much more. Episode show notes: https://open.substack.com/pub/courageouslyu/p/julia-hotz-a-new-way-of-prescribing?r=29mstw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Hey, friends. In today's solosode, I'm teaching you why I'm obsessed with these two words... choose again. I'm also sharing why you need to become obsessed with them, too. Love this solosode? Please share it with everyone you know. Want to make sure you never miss a future solosode? Be sure to hit subscribe so all future episodes automatically download. Until our next chat... biggest hugs. Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

If you're a momma who wants to hit pause on your career to be home with your little one, this episode is for you. Today, Neha Ruch is hanging out with us to give you all the tips and tricks on how to hit pause on your career post-kids and come back stronger than ever when you're ready. Neha is a thought leader, influencer, speaker, author of The Power Pause, and momma of two. She's also the founder of Motherhood Untitled, the leading platform for ambitious women leaning into family life. Her work at Mother Untitled is catalyzing a much-needed shift in how society views stay-at-home motherhood. In today's episode, we talk about... What a power pause looks like Where to begin if you wish to take a career break post kids How to avoid feeling stuck during your pause Why it's okay to get outside help The conversations you need to have with your partner if a career break is what you desire How to not let motherhood become your sole identity What you can say to someone when they ask what it is you do How you can transition back to work without guilt ...and so much more. Episode show notes: https://open.substack.com/pub/courageouslyu/p/neha-ruch-how-to-pause-your-career?r=29mstw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Hey, friends. Today's solosode is all about... My new "why" How I stumbled upon this new "why" Why you need a solid foundation How I'm going to help you get said solid foundation If you love this solosode, please share it with anyone and everyone you know. Also... be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss a solosode in the future. Biggest hugs. Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

I'm so excited for you to hear today's conversation with Brittany Piper. Brittany is a speaker, author, Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, the voice behind the wildly popular @healwithbritt account over on Instagram, and an expert in sexual violence prevention and trauma-informed care. Her book, Body-First Healing, is a science-backed roadmap for trauma recovery and nervous system regulation. She teaches readers how to break free from survival mode and reclaim their lives using simple yet effective somatic practices. In today's episode, we talk about... How the nervous system can become stuck in a stress response cycle What trauma looks like How your body remembers trauma even when your mind doesn't What it looks like to armor up when a threat is present The importance of somatic completion How Brittany's nervous system responded during and after a sexual assault How our armor can be cloaked as a diagnosis The impact childhood wounds have on our nervous system What you can do when anxious to shift your nervous system back into a ventral state of calm ...and so much more. Episode show notes: https://open.substack.com/pub/courageouslyu/p/brittany-piper-break-free-from-survival?r=29mstw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

This conversation gave me goosebumps. No joke. I know you're going to love it. Let me tell you a little bit about my friend Kelsey. First of all, she's an amazing human with the most calming presence. She's also one of Hollywood's leading wellness experts, a momma, an inspirational speaker, the author of the book Burning Bright, the founder of the Pure Joy app, and a philanthropist who has been featured in hundreds of media outlets. In today's episode, we talk about... Having babies at an older age Kelsey's post-baby rebirth The fears that crept in surrounding her purpose post-baby The power of sacred movement The importance of checking out your hormones The power of "one" Kelsey's experience with toxic mold poisoning and the impact it had on her quality of life What Kelsey did to heal from toxic mold poisoning What to do if you're worried about mold poisoning ...and so much more. Word of warning, there are a few f-bombs dropped in today's conversation, so don't say I didn't warn you. Episode show notes: Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

And we're back, friends! I'm so excited to be back hanging out with you guys again. To say I missed you is an understatement. In today's "solosode (solo episode)," I'm chatting about... Why I changed the podcast name (it used to be called the courageously.u podcast). What my intention is for this show, and how I'm on a mission to make it a top-rated mental health podcast. My recent struggles and how I found myself questioning if I was crazy. ...and so much more. I can't wait for you to hear all the amazing conversations coming your way. To make sure you never miss an episode, be sure to subscribe to the tara bixby podcast. biggest hugs.

Friends, I'm coming back... in May. May just feels right. Hit play to hear about why I chose May, what the podcast will look like going forward, and why I want a name change. ... and be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss any episodes when they return. See you in May!!

I have something to tell you... ...and I want to take you on this new journey with me. Enjoy! Need a safe space for community? Come hang out with me on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ You can also hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Hey, friends! I'm so excited for you to hear today's chat with the fantastic Elizabeth Lesser. Elizabeth is the author of several bestselling books, including Cassandra Speaks, Broken Open, and Marrow. She's also the cofounder of Omega Institute, which is recognized internationally for its workshops and conferences in wellness, spirituality, creativity, and social change. She has given two popular TED talks and is one of Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul 100, a collection of a hundred leaders who are using their voices and talent to elevate humanity. In today's episode, we're talking about… Why we're all bozos on the bus How we can fully become alive Why remaining in a tight bud can be more painful than taking the risk to bloom The power of meditation How it takes courage to turn in and face what wants to change within you How being human is to be lost in the woods What happens when we stay awake during life changes Why problems are messages Why medicating grief is not the answer Why it's hard to ask for help …and so much more! Podcast show notes: https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/elizabeth-lesser-how-difficult-times Join my courageous community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/ Sponsor... Get 40% off your first Thrive Market order when you use this link —> Click here!

Dr. Ari Calhoun is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in neurodevelopment and pediatric neuropsychology. Her expertise lies in perinatal and early development optimization, emphasizing prevention in neurodevelopmental health. Recognizing the complex relationship between the immune system and neurodevelopment, she co-founded the Vaccine Empowerment Program, supporting parents in making informed vaccine decisions. Through her multifaceted approach to functional medicine and neurodevelopment, Dr. Calhoun is committed to enhancing health outcomes for the next generation, starting from the earliest stages of life. In today's episode, we're talking about… Where the vaccination schedule comes from How she approaches vaccinations with her patients Why you shouldn't rely on your pediatrician to tell you what to do Why understanding risk is important What vaccine injuries can look like How you can make an empowered decision Why brands matter Why aluminum is a concern How vaccines can impact neurodevelopment What makes someone more susceptible to an inflammatory response Whether or not vaccines create a level of risk for autism The trouble with delayed vaccinations Why it's important to have a provider that supports your decision no matter the decision Why the Hep B shot at birth is not necessary for the majority of babies The importance of leaning into your intuition …and so much more! Podcast show notes: https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-ari-calhoun-a-much-needed-conversation Join my courageous community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/ Sponsor... Get 40% off your first Thrive Market order when you use this link —> Click here!

Today, Dr. Marilyn Sanders is hanging out with us to help me create a conversation about the impact trauma has on a child's developing nervous system. Dr. Sanders is a board-certified pediatrician, neonatologist, author, scholar, and educator. She provides clinical care for critically ill newborns, infants, and young children at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut. As a neonatologist, she cares for babies with a wide range of medical problems that require intensive care services, and she also sees babies from four months to three years of age who are at risk for developmental challenges. Dr. Sanders is also a professor of pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Her scholarly work focuses on enhancing the social and emotional well-being of vulnerable infants and children, many of whom were exposed to early trauma. Her approach to trauma-informed care is embedded in the Polyvagal Theory that elaborates how our unconscious nervous system's sense of safety, danger, or life threat affects our emotions and behaviors. Dr. Sanders also co-authored a must-read book called The Polyvagal Theory and the Developing Child. In today's episode, we're talking about… What the nervous system looks like. How exposure to trauma, neglect, chronic stress, and adversity impacts a child's nervous system. How childhood survival responses can carry into adulthood. How dorsal shutdown can manifest as self-medicating. Why it's important to stop asking what's wrong with you, but rather what happened to you. The importance of repair after disruption. Why it's important to understand your nervous system response so you can better respond to children's dysregulation. …and so much more! Podcast show notes: https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/marilyn-sanders-how-childhood-trauma Join my courageous community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/ Sponsor... Get 40% off your first Thrive Market order when you use this link —> Click here!

Today, the hilarious Caitlin Murray is joining me on the show to discuss all things motherhood. Caitlin is a humorist, writer, podcaster, future author, mother of three, wife of one, and voice behind the wildly popular Instagram account Big Time Adulting. We're talking about... What Caitlin does to maintain her sanity How she navigated her son's cancer How sharing her real feelings with the world is therapeutic The impact her hormonal cycle has on her mood and ability to juggle all the things How she manages stress The importance of asking why you're doing something The insane pressures placed on moms Why it's okay to slightly ruin your child How she keeps her marriage alive What she'd say to moms of littles …and so much more. Podcast show notes: https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/caitlin-murray-an-honest-conversation Join my courageous community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/ Sponsor... Get 40% off your first Thrive Market order when you use this link —> Click here!

Hey, friends! Today the brilliant Dr. Jodie Skillicorn is hanging out with us to help me create a conversation on how you can holistically heal depression. Dr. Skillicorn is a holistic, integrative psychiatrist and author of Healing Depression without Medications: A Psychiatrist's Guide to Balancing Mind, Body, and Soul. She integrates conventional medical training with evidence-based holistic methods that blend mindfulness-based psychotherapy with a variety of complementary, research-based modalities including breathwork, meditation, EMDR, Emotional Freedom Techniques, nutrition, exercise, and nature at her virtual practice in Ohio. Her passion is in guiding, supporting, and teaching her patients self-care techniques that help balance their bodies and minds, thus empowering them to take an active role in their unique healing journeys on the road to optimal health. These skills may also help in reducing and often eliminating the need for medications. We're talking about... How what Dr. Skillicorn was taught in med school was misleading The impact psych meds have on the chemistry of your brain The consequences of long-term antidepressant use The power of placebo on depression How Dr. Skillicorn's approach to helping people heal differs from conventional psychiatry The power of mindfulness on the brain Why it's important to move your body to discharge stress The impact poor sleep has on your mental health What Dr. Skillicorn believes drives increased depression How a biochemical bandaid isn't healing the wound The role stress plays in inflammation The importance of eating clean foods What you can do to improve your depression holistically …and so much more! Podcast show notes: https://open.substack.com/pub/courageouslyu/p/dr-jodie-skillicorn-healing-depression?r=29mstw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Join my courageous community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/ Sponsor... Get 40% off your first Thrive Market order when you use this link —> Click here!

Today the beyond brilliant Brigid Titgemeier is hanging out with us to help me create a conversation about the impact diet and lifestyle has on our mental health. Brigid is a Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian, Entrepreneur, professor, and Mom who is on a mission to help you use food to create health. She is the CEO and Founder of Being Functional Nutrition, a digital coaching company that has helped more than 20,000 people use targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies for better labs, symptoms, and relationship with food. Previously, Brigid was a co-founding dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine under Dr. Mark Hyman. In today's episode, we talk about... The current mental health crisis Where conventional medicine gets it wrong How gut health influences brain health How you can optimize your gut health How blood sugar fluctuations mimic anxiety Why it's important to eat a blood sugar-stabilizing diet The impact nutrient deficiencies have on mental health Why you need more magnesium to help calm your nervous system The impact stress has on your b vitamins The role inflammation plays in depression The importance of exercise Why you need to spend more time in nature How going at mental health struggles with medication alone is failing people The top three foods she'd encourage you to eat less of The importance of preconception health How to increase energy and mental clarity postpartum Why we need to redirect our focus from weight loss to overall health postpartum How you can include more protein into your diet ...and so much more! Podcast show notes: https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/brigid-titgemeier-the-impact-diet Join my courageous community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/ Sponsor... Get 40% off your first Thrive Market order when you use this link —> Click here!