When the pain feels unbearable and we feel alone in our suffering this podcast will sit with you. Let's rediscover our purpose, reduce our pain and regain our sense of belonging. Join comedian Leo Flowers M.A. as he shares his own journey through suicidality, interviews guests with lived experiences and discusses with experts on how to escape the flames and create a life worth living.
…
continue reading

1
The Psychology of Self-Injury: Exploring Self-Harm & Mental Health
Nicholas J. Westers Psy.D. ABPP
Why do people self-injure? And what is the best way to respond when someone tells us they self-injure? Dr. Nicholas Westers, a clinical psychologist at Children's Health and Associate Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, collaborates with the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) to interview the leading experts in the field of self-injury and self-harm as well as individuals with lived experience of self-injury and parents and family members ...
…
continue reading
From the nonprofit To Write Love on Her Arms comes a new podcast about mental health and the things that make us human. Each episode will cover topics we tend not to talk about, including depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
…
continue reading

1
Self-Harm in Older Adults, with Dr. Lisa Van Hove
57:26
57:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:26Just how prevalent is self-injury among older adults, specifically those ages 60 and over? Do the types and methods they use differ from those who self-injure at other ages? What about the reasons they give for self-injuring? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Van Hove from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels University) is the first to reveal the prevalen…
…
continue reading
In today's episode we discuss: Explore the life and legacy of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett Hear key excerpts from his powerful final note Analyze the emotions, thoughts, needs, and wants expressed in his writing Discuss the impact of workplace retaliation on mental health Reflect on how systems meant to protect whistleblowers may fail them Off…
…
continue reading

1
Jess Feliciano: From suicide attempts to loving myself
43:38
43:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:38In this episode Jess Feliciano shares: What led to her first suicide attempt Why breakups and heartache are so painful Why therapy is not enough to heal us How to trust yourself to love again How to set boundaries and communicate needs Efficacy of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy How getting ice cream led to community If you want to reduce your psych…
…
continue reading
We discuss ways we isolate and how to slowly emerge to re-engage with the world around us.
…
continue reading
We discuss Tony Stark's (yes, that's his real name) three suicide attempts and his road to creating a life worth living. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I explore suicide prevention not from the edge of crisis, but from the quiet places where meaning begins to erode—often, first thing in the morning. I share a personal reflection on how dopamine, novelty, and connection shape our sense of aliveness, and how a simple morning practice I call CALM—Check in, Activate, Learn, Make conne…
…
continue reading

1
Does Conflict About One’s Gender Role Predict Self-Injury?, with Dr. Moye Xin
49:58
49:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:58In this episode, Dr. Moye Xin from Xi'an University in the Shaanxi Province of central China discusses how nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is viewed in Asia and shares his thoughts about how gender role conflict may affect rates of self-harm among university students, particularly young Chinese men. Connect with Dr. Xin on ResearchGate at www.resear…
…
continue reading

1
Effects of menopause and andropause on suicidal ideation
23:36
23:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:36We discuss how menopause and andropause can impact our mental health. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are peo…
…
continue reading

1
WARBODY: A MARINE SNIPER AND THE HIDDEN VIOLENCE OF WARFARE
54:53
54:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:53Authors Joshua Howe and Alexander Lemons join me to discuss: slow violence vs acute violence coping with suicidality Three Eights for scheduling your day Why healing is not recovery How to find meaning in the meaningless Toxic exposure, trauma and head injuries What's your dream language BUY WARBODY: https://a.co/d/cL9OeKY Thrive With Leo Coaching:…
…
continue reading

1
Three "F's" of mental health: Fantasize, Frame, Follow Through
18:30
18:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:30Hope can lead to painful disappointment. Fantasizing can prevent us from taking action. How do we bridge the two? Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depre…
…
continue reading
We discuss why we need first, second, third and fourth responders as part of our mental health team. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, …
…
continue reading

1
Lived Experience: Ben's Story of Self-Injury
1:05:12
1:05:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:12In this episode, Ben Moroski from Los Angeles, CA, shares his story of lived experience of self-injury that began at age 17 when he and his family found themselves in a religious cult. He articulately communicates therapeutic gems he has learned throughout his journey of recovery while remaining honest with how he manages persisting urges to self-h…
…
continue reading

1
Misunderstandings, Mistakes & the Lone Wolf Myth
19:59
19:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:59The idea of the “lone wolf” and the “alpha” is often misunderstood—both in nature and in life. In this episode, we explore how isolation, perception, and disconnection shape our struggles, why most suicides come down to mistakes or misunderstandings, and how we can shift our perspective to stay connected, even in the darkest moments. Thrive With Le…
…
continue reading

1
Suicide prevention and the risks of being in love
1:03:58
1:03:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:58Mark Schorr LPC, joins us to discuss why relationship crisis is strongest motivator for suicidality differences between feeling helpless, worthless and hopeless myth about suicides in winter what's most important part of treating someone with suicidality what is "tragic optimism" how TIPP pulls us out of despair value of "planned pleasurable events…
…
continue reading
Our anger isn't something to be feared, it's to be alchemized and utilized for a bigger purpose. It's a signal of hurt and unmet needs. Let's explore. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suici…
…
continue reading
We discuss the five musical notes of mental health to reduce suicidality: Self-Awareness Connection Resilience Purpose Rest Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxi…
…
continue reading

1
Self-Injury Awareness Day (March 1), with Drs. Sylvanna Mirichlis & Stephen Lewis
1:41:56
1:41:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:41:56In this episode, Dr. Sylvanna Mirichlis from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, and ISSS Past President Dr. Stephen Lewis from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada share about the origins of the annual March 1st Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD), what people around the world are doing as part of this day, and what our ISSS Stigma, Recover…
…
continue reading
We discuss: headaches link to suicidality, what triggers headaches how to reduce headaches Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs t…
…
continue reading

1
Benefits of prepaying for our mental health
22:30
22:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:30We discuss how the joy of prepaying for a lead also leads to the joy of prepaying for our mental health. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, ups…
…
continue reading

1
Valentine's Episode: Five musical notes of a relationship
27:47
27:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:47We discuss the five musical notes of a relationship: Communication Trust Intimacy Playfulness Growth Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, …
…
continue reading
We discuss why that overwhelming and distressing feeling we have might be empathy fatigue. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs t…
…
continue reading

1
Are Therapists Willing to Treat Self-Injury?, with Spencer Ellison & Dr. Jennifer Muehlenkamp
49:19
49:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:19In this episode, Spencer Ellison and Dr. Jennifer Muehlenkamp read a hypothetical case vignette of a client who engages in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), has experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or is experiencing significant depression. They then tell us how willing therapists are to treat each case (self-injury vs. suicide vs. depression)…
…
continue reading

1
Random episode (four mental health tidbits)
25:41
25:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:41We discuss four random topics: joy of standing in line benefits of eye contact long term vision over short term glory why couples divorce Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-ha…
…
continue reading
Sometimes loss is an opportunity to revamp ourselves. Let's discuss. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are peop…
…
continue reading
We dissect the emotions behind each sentence of a suicide note, then address the antidote for each emotion. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, …
…
continue reading

1
Paramedical Tattooing for Self-Harm Scars, with Tattoo Artist Elena & Her Client
49:17
49:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:17What is paramedical tattooing and scar camouflage and how is it different than other treatments for self-injury scars? Not everyone with lived experience of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) wants or needs to address self-harm scars, but some may choose to reduce or get rid of them as part of their recovery journey. Elena from Illusions by Ink Studio …
…
continue reading

1
Finding the joy in going "Oops!" instead of "Ugh!"
16:14
16:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:14There's a difference between laughing at ourselves (Oops!) instead of berating ourselves (Ugh!). Let's explore more. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, de…
…
continue reading

1
What is RSFC and what is it's link to suicidality?
29:09
29:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:09RSFC stands for "resting state functional connectivity," which is a measure of how brain activity in different regions of the brain is correlated while the brain is at rest. We discuss how it links to serotonin and suicidality. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewith…
…
continue reading

1
The joy of seeing others as drunk, distracted, dysfunctional or destructive
23:21
23:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:21I assume that other people are rational, logical human beings. However, by viewing people as either drunk, distracted, dysfunctional or destructive has allowed me to have compassion for myself and others. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your j…
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Eran Magen - Divorcing Dads and Suicide
1:03:37
1:03:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:37Dr. Eran Magen joins me to discuss how divorcing dad's can reduce their emotional pain, find hope and create connection. Dr. Eran Magen earned his M.A. in education and Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University, completed post-doctoral training in child psychology and population health, and currently serves as an assistant clinical professor at …
…
continue reading

1
The 2Share Method of telling an empowering story
21:37
21:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:37How do we tell our story so that it doesn't lead to more shame and secrecy? How do we tell our story so that we feel supported and empowered? It's what we discuss today. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know i…
…
continue reading
Brooke Feldman is a Self-Love Coach empowering others to transform their relationship with themselves. Contact her: https://shorturl.at/OgBAP Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or sel…
…
continue reading
If you're struggling with chronic pain and finding purpose, this is the episode to listen to. Leo shares how a 2 hour car ride gave him both purpose and alleviated his pain.
…
continue reading

1
Three "S" of Suicide (Shock, Shame, Secrecy)
26:43
26:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:43We discuss how shock, shame and secrecy can feed our despair and pain and how to respond with countermeasures. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depresse…
…
continue reading
We explore why we self-cut and self-harm and five ways to cope with emotional distress. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to t…
…
continue reading

1
Brian Reisinger - Land Rich, Cash Poor (Farmer Suicides)
51:42
51:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:42Brian Reisinger discusses his new book, "Land Rich, Cash Poor," about challenges farmers face driving them to suicide and how policy changes and innovation can reverse the trend. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone y…
…
continue reading

1
Lived Experience: Ellie's Story of Atypical Severe Self-Harm
1:25:35
1:25:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:35In this episode, Ellie from the United Kingdom and National Health Service (NHS) shares her lived experience of atypical severe self-injury while participating in a psychiatric inpatient stay for an acute increase in severity of eating disorder symptoms. She discusses how she has used her experiences as a patient and recipient of mental healthcare …
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Duygu Balan: Managing anxiety in the workplace
44:08
44:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:08Psychotherapist and author, Dr. Duygu Balan discusses how to manage anxiety in young adults and at the workplace. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depre…
…
continue reading

1
Five qualities to seek for a relationship that lasts
11:51
11:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:51In the movies, women seek the guy who is rich, tall, funny, decisive and handsome. We discuss the five traits that actually lead to a more meaningful and long lasting relationship. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone…
…
continue reading

1
What keeps us alive when contemplating suicide?
22:59
22:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:59We explore the questions: "What's getting in the way of killing yourself?" "Why do you want to live?" "What are you looking forward to?" "What are your plans after a session?" Should we report our breakups as deaths? Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to …
…
continue reading

1
3 potential factors driving us to suicidality and how to combat them
35:34
35:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:34Psychache, thwarted belongingness and hopelessness can all lead us to suicidality. Let's discover how to fight back. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, de…
…
continue reading

1
How to cope when feeling TRAPPED internally and externally
22:29
22:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:29Discovery why feeling trapped is link to suicidal ideation and discover how to free ourselves. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or nee…
…
continue reading

1
Self-Injury Among Ethnically Diverse Populations, with Dr. Maryam Gholamrezaei
52:10
52:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:10In this episode, Maryam Gholamrezaei, PhD, C.Psych, shares about her interviews with racially and ethnically diverse individuals who self-injure, including their responses to her question, “In your culture, what is the general response to people who engage in self-harming behaviors?” She also discusses gender differences in nonsuicidal self-injury …
…
continue reading
When our words fail to help us connect with others, it's the pen that can save us. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, …
…
continue reading

1
Improve Study Habits: A Comprehensive Approach to Deepening Knowledge
22:21
22:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:21We learn everything in school except how to study and recall information. This information is valuable in school, in therapy and in life. Substack: Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide …
…
continue reading

1
Build social connection through handshakes, high-fives and hugs
25:41
25:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:41Social connections are strong buffer for suicidality. We discuss how to foster social connections through handshakes, high-fives and hugs. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-h…
…
continue reading

1
What are three meaningful things that happened today?
17:08
17:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:08We tend to ruminate on the unpleasantries of our day. What if we asked "What are three meaningful things that happened today?" Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is a…
…
continue reading

1
Effects of Emotions on Self-Injury Pain Perception, with Michelle Hiner
47:26
47:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:26Does the emotion someone experiences immediately preceding an episode of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) influence how painful that episode of self-harm feels? In this episode, Michelle Hiner, MS, a Clinical Psychology PhD student in the Emotion and Psychopathology (EmP) Lab at Rutgers University in New Jersey talks about how individuals who self-ha…
…
continue reading

1
What to do before, during and after a therapy session
20:48
20:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:48Sometimes we dread going to therapy, because we don't know what to talk about or do before/during/after the session. Here are some tips. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-har…
…
continue reading
Dinner conversations can quickly become combative and divisive. Being armed with meaningful questions can harmonize and bring peace to our mealtimes. Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicid…
…
continue reading