In this episode, Nicole is joined by Dr. Gregory Serfer and Melanie Jones to discuss the stigmatization of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and its impact on personal identity. They delve into how certain words contribute to the stigmatization of BPD. The conversation expands to explore Dissociative Identity Disorder, BPD-related identity disturbances, and whether there’s a connection between self-awareness and a more stable sense of identity. Melanie shares her personal experience with a shifting sense of self, followed by Nicole’s reflections on this idea. The episode wraps up with insights into the conscious and unconscious nature of mirroring behavior, and Dr. Gregory offers some final words of wisdom.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

Guest:

• Dr. Gregory Serfer: contact@gregoryserfer.com
• Melanie Jones: emmjay993@yahoo.com

In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Interview)

• 1:07 Beginning Pleasantries with Nicole, Dr, Gregory Serfer, and Melanie Jones
• 3:30 Mel’s Perspective: Do Certain Words Increase The Stigmatization of BPD?
• 7:08 Gregory’s Perspective: Do Certain Words Increase The Stigmatization of BPD?
• 9:30 What Is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• 13:27 BPD-Related Identity Disturbances
• 16:09 Is There A Link Between BPD-Related Identity Disturbances and Self-Awareness?
• 19:14 Does Developing/Practicing Self-Awareness Help Your Identity Become More Stable?
• 21:58 The Hot Seat: Mel’s Experience With A Shifting Sense of Self
• 28:03 Nicole’s Experience With A Shifting Sense of Self
• 33:36 Is Mirroring Conscious, Self-Conscious, or Both?
• 42:07 Gregory’s Final Words

(End of Interview)

• 52:06 Nicole’s Closing Statement
• 52:29 BPD Daily Mantra
• 52:45 Outro
• 54:02 “Who Am I” by Boddhi Satva Feat. Athenai & C.Robert Walker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu8PTI-iwpQ

Episode Resources:

• Website: https://www.showmegrace.org/

Credits:

Host and Podcast Producer: Nicole Darby

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Research Team: Nicole Darby & Tamar Brignolle:

In this episode, Nicole interviews Jenn Reddy, a life coach and story transformer, about how to navigate deep trauma and reshape personal narratives. Jenn offers practical tools like self-check-ins, challenging negative thoughts, and using resources to stay grounded. She shares key questions to ask when facing trauma and emphasizes self-compassion in the healing process. Jenn wraps up with a powerful metaphor of seeing ourselves as resilient trees.

Tune in for wisdom, healing strategies, and an empowering approach to overcoming emotional challenges.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

Guest: Jenn Reddy

• Website: https://transformationcoaching.life

In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Interview)

• 1:07 Intro to Jenn Reddy’s Interview
• 2:56 The Process of Being a Story Transformer
• 7:12 What If My Trauma Is Too Deep?
• 12:04 Key Questions to Ask Yourself
• 18:52 Check In: Is It true? What Happens When I Believe This Thought? Who Would I Be Without This Thought?
• 20:07 What Are Some Things You Can Do to Stay the Course
• 27:04 Reliving the Shame, Resources, and Checklist To Tackle the Day
• 32:14 Jenn’s Final Words: See Ourselves as Trees

(End of Interview)

• 37:06 Nicole’s Closing Statement
• 37:27 BPD Daily Mantra
• 37:43 Outro
• 39:03 “Healing” by Computer Data: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi7lK10U18c

Episode Resources:

• Website: https://www.showmegrace.org/

• Crisis Hotline - Call or Text 988 or Chat At 988lifeline.org
• Jenn’s Recommendation: The Work of Bryon Katie: https://thework.com

❗Don't miss the special offer from Dr. Gregory Serfer, who is providing a 30% discount on the digital version of his book, “I Am Still Right Here” exclusively for our listeners! Use promo code XA05T3V2K1MMK on the website linked in the episode resources section. ❗

Additionally, 15% of each sale using this code will go to support the “Press Pause” podcast.

• “I Am Still Right Here”: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Still-Right-Here/dp/B0BNTZBZFT

Connect with the Host:

Nicole Darby: presspause4grace@gmail.com

Credits:

Host and Podcast Producer: Nicole Darby

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Research Team: Nicole Darby & Tamar Brignolle

In today’s episode, Nicole has an insightful conversation with author Emi Nietfeld about her journey, mental health advocacy, and her book Acceptance. She shares her experience living with mental health challenges, including having features of BPD, discussing how labels impacted her work and recovery. We also explore her thoughts on mental health tools, societal shame, and the changes needed for greater acceptance of mental health struggles.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

Guest:

• Emi Nietfeld

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eminietfeld/

Substack: https://substack.com/@eminietfeld

Book: “Acceptance”: https://tr.ee/ajpdA_8hZb (provides all links)

Website: https://www.eminietfeld.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/eminietfeld

In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Interview)

• 1:07 Intro to Emi Nietfeld’s Interview
• 1:32 Beginning Pleasantries and Emma's Introduction
• 3:06 Emily's Journey and Her Motivation for Her Book
• 5:20 Did You Have Any Advocates For Mental Health at That Time?
• 7:09 Were You Open to The Recovery Process? (Tools, Medication, etc)
• 11:07 Emi’s Experience with Features of BPD
• 14:54 How Did The Labels Affect Your Work Environment?
• 18:43 Where Are You Now In Your Journey?
• 23:57 Emi’s Perspective: What Needs To Change For Acceptance and Decrease Shame In Society?
• 27:44 Emi’s Final Words

(End of Interview)

• 28:33 Nicole’s Closing Statement
• 28:55 BPD Daily Mantra
• 29:12 Outro
• 30:29 “Acceptance” by Synkro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dNht9Zr0CE

Episode Resources:

• Website: https://www.showmegrace.org/
• ❗Don't miss the special offer from Dr. Gregory Serfer, who is providing a 30% discount on the digital version of his book, “I Am Still Right Here” exclusively for our listeners! Use promo code XA05T3V2K1MMK on the website linked in the episode resources section. ❗

Additionally, 15% of each sale using this code will go to support the “Press Pause” podcast.

• “I Am Still Right Here”: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Still-Right-Here/dp/B0BNTZBZFT

Credits:

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Production & Research Team: Nicole Darby & Tamar Brignolle