When your world shatters, sometimes the only way forward is through the broken pieces. Four years after losing my father to cancer, I found myself facing the darkest moment of my life. Today, I'm recording from Harmony, California, a fitting metaphor for the peace I've finally discovered within myself.

My Beautiful Bipolar Life isn't just a podcast title; it's the reality I've come to embrace. During my year-long hiatus, I've realized that launching this podcast prematurely was my desperate attempt to create normalcy when what I truly needed was time to heal. Listening back to earlier episodes, particularly my interview with Judge Lynn Toler, I can hear my manic state and internal struggles – evidence of a person doing their best while drowning.

What a difference a year makes. This relaunch marks a transformation in both content and purpose. This podcast will serve as a platform for authentic storytelling about mental wellness, travel, food, and the beautiful chaos of life. For anyone who feels everything that humanity has to offer, who wants to disrupt broken systems, and who strives to be the change they wish to see in the world – this space is for you.

Join me every Tuesday beginning July 15th as we navigate the complexities of bipolar disorder, challenge stigmas, and celebrate the unexpected joys found along the way. Together, we'll prove that our deepest struggles often lead to our greatest purpose. Are you ready for this beautiful ride?

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When the wisdom of Judge Lynn Toler meets the intimacy of a podcast, you're bound to unearth some life-changing insights. This very special episode takes you through a labyrinth of emotional intelligence, exploring the powerful blend of humor, perspective, and compassion derived from Judge Toler's experiences with a bipolar father and a deeply perceptive mother. Our conversation uncovers the transformative influence of emotional self-awareness and how mastering it can lead to profound personal growth and success, both in and out of the courtroom.

Strap in for a heart-to-heart on creating relationships that thrive on equality and patience, as we reminisce about the early, intentional days of romantic connections and discuss the culturally ingrained issues that plague modern partnerships. Judge Toler shares her personal stories of both grief and healing, lending comfort and guiding lights to those navigating the treacherous path of loss. Every anecdote, brimming with vulnerability, invites you to consider the resilience and power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

But it's not all heavy hearts and deep dives—there's room for a laugh, a wag of a tail from Toler's loyal companion Zora, and even a discussion on the lighter side of life post-widowhood. We traverse the spectrum of emotions, all the while examining the role of public figures in advocating for change and the impact of one's background on honesty in the public sphere. This episode promises to leave you with a tapestry of heartfelt narratives and perhaps, a newfound appreciation for the emotional superpowers we all possess.

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As I held my father's hand during his final serene moments, a world of healing and self-discovery awaited me, a journey I never anticipated but have bravely embarked upon. My story today is not just about loss but the remarkable resilience that blooms in its wake. In this deeply personal episode, I pull back the curtain on the profound impact of my father's passing. I reveal the raw emotions of saying goodbye, the strength found in confronting generational trauma, and the bittersweet process of reconnecting with my estranged brother. The path of healing didn't end with farewells; it led me through the harrowing decision to leave an unhealthy relationship and the commitment to honor my father's legacy, dreams that have taken me from the Alaskan wilderness to the electric energy of the Super Bowl.

But life, as it often does, threw curveballs that tested the very core of my being. I recount the tumultuous return from Dubai, where a board member's illegal antics set off a series of events that threatened my stability, challenging my bipolar disorder like never before. Despite the chaos, I found moments of joy—from the glamour of the governor's ball with Smokey Robinson to the playful antics at my sixth Puppy Bowl—reminding me that beauty persists among life's storms. With federal investigations looming, I share the bold gesture of honoring my late father's memory at the Super Bowl, a testament to his spirit that goes beyond the Philadelphia Eagles' defeat. And in a dance across America, inspired by the likes of Pink and Stevie Nicks, I embrace the unyielding spirit of that little girl who always knew she was destined for an extraordinary life. Join me on this intimate voyage of heartache and hope, a narrative that encapsulates the essence of true resilience.

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