Best Mentalhealthrecovery Podcasts (2025)

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Avoiding the Noise: Tips for Distraction-Free Creative Writing 9:12

Play Pause

1M ago9:12

9:12

Send us a text Ever stare at a blank page while your mind wanders everywhere except your story? You're not alone. The modern writer faces an unprecedented battle for attention – from buzzing phones to buzzing thoughts. Between environmental distractions, digital interruptions, and our own wandering minds, staying focused on creative writing has bec…

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Routine of A Fiction Writer With Schizophrenia 8:50

1M ago8:50

8:50

Send us a text Finding stability in creative chaos has been my lifelong journey as a fiction writer living with schizophrenia. Drawing wisdom from master storyteller Walter Mosley's advice on daily writing routines, I've discovered powerful connections between maintaining creative discipline and managing mental health challenges. My mornings belong…

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From Homelessness to Hope: Cristina Baker’s Story of Redemption 28:28

1M ago28:28

28:28

In this powerful episode, Pastor Brad sits down with Cristina Baker, author, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus. Cristina shares her incredible story of redemption—one marked by a difficult childhood, abuse, homelessness, and addiction. Years ago, Cristina encountered the miraculous love and power of God through a group of faithful intercess…

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Closing One Chapter, Opening Another 6:36

3M ago6:36

6:36

Send us a text Today marks a meaningful transition as I conclude "Schizophrenia As I Live It" and introduce my new creative journey, "Fractured Ink: Writing in Life's Chaos." While living with paranoid schizophrenia remains an essential part of my identity, my fiction writing is expanding to embrace the full spectrum of my experiences. "Fractured I…

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A New Podcast: Fractured Ink 6:20

4M ago6:20

6:20

Send us a text A significant transition is underway as I prepare to close "Schizophrenia as I Live it" and launch my new podcast "Fractured Ink." While schizophrenia has been central to my story, it's just one piece of a complex puzzle that includes complex PTSD, absence epilepsy, and my creative identity as a novelist and poet. These conditions, a…

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April and Abuse Prevention 13:47

4M ago13:47

13:47

Send us a text Correction: In the podcast, I talk of Dina Martinelli as the author of "Everyone Was Silent." Diane Tarantini wrote this book. My apologies! Mental illness rarely exists in isolation. Living with paranoid schizophrenia presents daily challenges, but when childhood trauma enters the equation, the struggle intensifies in ways many don'…

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Tell Me A Story 9:57

4M ago9:57

9:57

Send us a text In this episode, I explain why it has been so long since the previous episode. I then discuss the advantages I have found using the fiction genre in writing about mental illness and child abuse in my two novels, "The Overlife. A Tale of Schizophrenia" (www.amazon.com/dp/191685219X) and "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies" …

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"The Overlife" won an International Impact Book Award 6:19

6M ago6:19

6:19

Send us a text In this episode, I share my delight in winning an International Impact Book Award for my book "The Overlife, A Tale of Schizophrenia," under my pen name, Diana Dirkby. I talk about the organization that gives these awards and their crucial philanthropic work. The Founder of this organization is Nim Stant. #writing #goodstory #interna…

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Beyond Diagnosis: Creative Expression and Thrillers 8:24

7M ago8:24

8:24

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how mythological Furies could captivate the imagination in a modern-day thriller? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I unravel the exhilarating journey behind my newly published book, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies." This gripping tale explores the mysterious disappearance of three teens from different f…

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Schizophrenia and the Temptation Of Solitude 16:10

8M ago16:10

16:10

Send us a text The struggle between solitude and connection can be a profound one, especially when navigating life with paranoid schizophrenia. Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I share the allure of solitude before finding the love and support of my caregiver spouse, and how it continues to shape my journey through the challenges of absence epilepsy and a…

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https://dianadirkbywrites.com; [email protected]; (Insta) @dianadirkby_writings 8:40

9M ago8:40

8:40

Send us a text What if you could find hope and resilience in the midst of living with paranoid schizophrenia? Join Diana Dirkby as she explores her personal journey in navigating life with this challenging brain disorder. As the host of "Schizophrenia as I Live it," Diana shares how she has built a fulfilling life by setting realistic daily goals a…

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"Finding Strength in the Journey: Yvonne Borgquist on Parenting a Child with Special Needs" 35:47

9M ago35:47

35:47

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Yvonne Borgquist, a mother whose only child, a 33-year-old son, is on the Autism Spectrum, Cognitively Delayed, and has Bipolar Disorder. Yvonne shares her journey of discovering her son’s diagnosis and navigating through challenging psychosis episodes during his teenage years. Today, her son lives in a group…

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"Mental Help: Josh Wilson’s Journey with Faith and Mental Health" 23:57

10M ago23:57

23:57

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews singer-songwriter Josh Wilson, who recently released a new album titled "Mental Help," which delves into mental health and his faith in Jesus. Josh shares his personal story, including his battles with anxiety, depression, and addiction, and how his music documents his journey, offering inspiration to others …

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Find A Balance; Don't Mourn A Lost Dream. 7:46

10M ago7:46

7:46

Send us a text Can the right attitude, therapy, and medication truly allow someone with a mental illness to achieve anything, even their wildest dreams? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I challenge this widespread notion on "Schizophrenia as I Live It." Through my personal journey living with paranoid schizophrenia, I'll reveal the compromises I've had to…

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Words In The Ears Or Eyes On The Words? 8:01

11M ago8:01

8:01

Send us a text Struggling to find the perfect way to consume books while managing the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I unravel the complexities of reading with visual and auditory hallucinations and why audiobooks have become my sanctuary. Discover my personal journey from battling the chaos of jumbled words on a page…

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"Miriah Rossow's Journey Through Bipolar Disorder and Homelessness" 22:32

11M ago22:32

22:32

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Miriah Rossow, a member of the Fresh Hope support group, who shares her heartbreaking story of overcoming homelessness and navigating life with a bipolar type 1 diagnosis. In her early twenties, Miriah was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, leading to multiple hospitalizations and a challenging period where she…

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Resilience and Renewal: Diana Dirkby's Digital Transformation Amid Schizophrenia 5:25

11M ago5:25

5:25

Send us a text Can you imagine navigating the complexities of paranoid schizophrenia while managing a busy online presence? Diana Dirkby takes us through her personal journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, as she shares the latest updates in her life and work. From launching a new website to revamping her social media profiles, Diana’s …

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The Overlife Is A Best-Seller And What My Next Novel Says About Schizophrenia 10:30

1y ago10:30

10:30

Send us a text What if a person’s greatest insights came during their darkest hours? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I celebrate a major milestone—my book "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia" has become a bestseller on Amazon Kindle! I'll share exclusive details on where you can purchase this powerful story and highlight the unique experience offered …

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"How To Decrease Childhood Anxiety" with Andrew Blackwood 20:44

1y ago20:44

20:44

In this episode, we replay sessions from our 2023 virtual conference, Voices of Hope. Tune in to hear Andrew Blackwood as he guides Christian parents through the Parental Peace Framework. Discover effective strategies to understand and address your child's anxiety, motivate them to excel daily, and resolve conflicts swiftly and peacefully. Learn ho…

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"In Living Color" with Amy Skogerboe 30:32

1y ago30:32

30:32

In this episode, we present a compelling session from our virtual conference, Voices of Hope 2023, featuring Amy Skogerboe. Amy challenges listeners to see their brokenness as sovereign opportunities for God's plan to unfold and His greater story to come alive through their lives. Tune in to be inspired and to gain a new perspective on how your per…

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"You Are Not Your Trauma" Interview with Caroline Beidler and Diana Dalles 30:17

1y ago30:17

30:17

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Caroline Beidler and her mother, Diana Dalles, co-authors of the book You Are Not Your Trauma. Together, they share their powerful journey through trauma within their family, including substance abuse and the profound impact it had on their lives. They discuss the challenges they faced, the healing process, a…

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Voices and Visions: Finding Myself Amidst Schizophrenia 9:09

1y ago9:09

9:09

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it's like to navigate the complex world of paranoid schizophrenia while trying to hold on to your true self? My debut novel, "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia," provides insights into this dilemma. In this heartfelt episode, I open up about my experiences with multiple relapses and psychotic breaks, h…

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Finding Purpose in the Midst of Bipolar Disorder: Jesslyn McCutcheon’s Journey 41:14

1y ago41:14

41:14

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Jesslyn McCutcheon, who has lived with bipolar 1 disorder for the past 24 years. Jesslyn shares her journey of coming to terms with her mental illness and realizing her calling to minister in this area. Last year, she began speaking at different churches about creating stigma-free environments and the importa…

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Interview with Chris Morris, Author of "Resilient and Redeemed" 34:35

1y ago34:35

34:35

In this enlightening episode, Pastor Brad sits down with Chris Morris, the author of Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons from Suicidality and Depression. Chris shares his deeply personal journey, recounting how he discovered God at the age of 15 while battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Through years of struggle, Chris has gained profound insigh…

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Building Bridges Between Friends and Mental Health 12:45

1y ago12:45

12:45

Send us a text Imagine discovering your friend has a mental health diagnosis like schizophrenia. Would you know how to respond, or would fear and hesitation cloud your judgment? This episode promises to smash through societal misconceptions and shed light on the harsh realities many face due to the stigma perpetuated by media misrepresentations. Jo…

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The Menace Of Coincidence 7:33

1y ago7:33

7:33

Send us a text Have you ever felt like the universe was conspiring against you through an eerie sequence of events? That's what we're unpacking today, as I, Diana Dirkby, share my personal confrontations with coincidence and its particularly intense effects on those of us with paranoid schizophrenia. The ever-present challenge of discerning reality…

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The Gray Area Of Stigma 22:59

1y ago22:59

22:59

Send us a text When I, Diana Dirkby, began my journey with paranoid schizophrenia, the path was fraught with misconceptions and isolation. Today, I share not only my story but also engage with the difficult realities of stigma in mental health. Our latest episode ventures into the heart of these challenges, revealing the intricate dance between mis…

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month 12:08

1y ago12:08

12:08

Send us a text As Diana Dirkby, I've walked through the shadowed valleys of paranoid schizophrenia and emerged into the light of understanding and advocacy. May, as Mental Health Awareness Month, offers a poignant backdrop to my candid narrative, where I peel back the layers of stigma and reveal the daily triumphs over the unseen battles within. Jo…

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Navigating the Tightrope of Mental and Physical Health in Schizophrenia 18:45

1y ago18:45

18:45

Send us a text When my mother's schizophrenia cast a shadow over her physical health, the consequences were heartbreakingly irreversible. Her story, interwoven with my own, underscores the often overlooked but critical importance of holistic well-being. On today's podcast, I, Diana Dirkby, delve into the complex dance of managing both mental and ph…

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A Schizophrenic's Guide to Rising Above the Blues 16:37

1+ y ago16:37

16:37

Send us a text On those days when the sky seems to press down with a weight that's almost tangible, I, Diana Dirkby, understand the unique struggle of navigating life's lows with schizophrenia. Our latest heartfelt conversation delves into the complexities of managing such days, offering personal anecdotes and strategies that have proven invaluable…

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A Voyage to Wellness 22:26

1+ y ago22:26

22:26

Send us a text Schizophrenia is a condition often shrouded in misconception, and it can be challenging to take the winding road to finding the right treatment. In this podcast episode, I delve into the personal relationship one must foster with their psychiatrist and the crucial role of accurate diagnosis. My novel "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizoph…

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Harnessing Harmony: Prioritizing at a Stressful Time 21:13

1+ y ago21:13

21:13

Send us a text Discover the often-hidden signals that herald the onset of stress as I continue to share my journey with paranoid schizophrenia in this podcast. I offer an intimate look at my techniques for managing anxiety, a well-known trigger for aggravated symptoms of mental illness. My account includes the physical manifestations of stress I ex…

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Unveiling Unexpected Allies in the Fight Against Schizophrenia Stigma 20:27

1+ y ago20:27

20:27

Send us a text Discover the surprising ways support can materialize when you least expect it as I, Diana Dirkby, delve into the heart of living with schizophrenia and confronting its associated stigma. Through heartfelt reflections and through observing the likes of Elyn Saks and Michelle Hammer, we unravel the complexities of mental illness and th…

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"From Darkness to Light: A Journey through Depression, Faith and Redemption" with Mark and Janet Soppitt 31:20

1+ y ago31:20

31:20

In this episode of the Fresh Hope for Mental Health podcast, Pastor Brad sits down with special guests Mark and Janet Soppitt, who bravely share their journey through a 7-year depression that nearly cost them everything, including Mark's life. Through their unwavering faith and resilience, they emerged from the darkness, rebuilt their lives, and no…

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A mental illness does not define you, a theme of my thriller horror novel. 16:37

1+ y ago16:37

16:37

Send us a text Imagine grappling with the shadows of your mind while being the only beacon of light for a terror-stricken town. This episode unveils the eerie and myth-laden world of my upcoming thriller horror novel, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies." The tale promises to bind you with its suspense as academic and classicist Isabel M…

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30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse Part 2 16:25

1+ y ago16:25

16:25

Welcome back to the second part of our podcast series, "30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse." If you haven't listened to the first part yet, we highly recommend starting there to catch up on the insightful discussion we had on the critical roadblocks to personal growth and fulfillment. Today Pastor Brad continues his exploration of these roadblocks, of…

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Steadying the Ship: Staying Afloat Amidst Stress with Schizophrenia 16:37

1+ y ago16:37

16:37

Send us a text Navigating the stormy seas of stress is a voyage I'm all too familiar with, especially as someone living with Paranoid Schizophrenia. On my latest podcast episode, Schizophrenia as I Live it, I, Diana Dirkby, recount a chapter of my life where stress loomed like an uninvited guest, knocking on the door of my mental stability. During …

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Embracing Hope and Identity in the Face of Schizophrenia: Elyn Saks, Steve Behnke, and Diana Dirkby 38:09

1+ y ago38:09

38:09

Send us a text Living with schizophrenia isn't a journey walked alone, and the podcast episode, recorded by Bek La, Star Royal, and Monika Caesar for the Ikon Institute in Australia, "Schizophrenia and the Self: Living Beyond Diagnosis," is a testament to that truth. The podcast features myself, Diana Dirkby, a published author with firsthand exper…

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30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse Part 1 17:20

1+ y ago17:20

17:20

In the first installment of our two-part series, "30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse," Pastor Brad delves into the critical topic of roadblocks to recovery. By dissecting these roadblocks, Pastor Brad offers invaluable insights into recognizing and overcoming them. Don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore 15 ways we inadvertently sabotage ou…