Episodios

  • Grief Connects Us All | Compassion and Common Ground with Dr. Ken Druck (Revisited)
    Jul 8 2025
    In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Ken Druck, a Ph.D. and grief expert, for a meaningful conversation about navigating "what now" moments. These moments can arise on a personal level or in response to larger global challenges, and Dr. Ken offers powerful insight into how we can meet them with resilience, compassion, and purpose. He shares how times of hardship can become opportunities for growth and positive change. We also explore the importance of finding common ground, practicing empathy, and forming unexpected friendships even when our perspectives differ. The conversation touches on the universality of grief and the unique challenges parents face in today’s uncertain world. Themes of self-compassion, patience, and humility shine through as essential tools for moving forward through uncertainty. At its core, this episode captures the human experience—the struggle with loss, the strength of love, and the possibility of discovering joy even in the midst of sorrow. To learn more about Dr. Ken Druck and his work, visit www.kendruck.com where you can explore his previous books and pre-order his upcoming release HOW WE GO ON. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #abuserecovery #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #selfhelp #addiction #addictionrecovery #lgbtqsupport #GriefSupport #EmotionalHealing #CompassionInAction #FindingCommonGround #DrKenDruck #NavigatingGrief #WhatNowMoments #SharedHumanity #SelfCompassion #HealingThroughConnection #GriefJourney #ParentingThroughGrief #ResilienceAndGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness #TheHumanExperience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Hope in Hostile Times: Congressman Eric Swalwell on Resilience, Action, and Protecting Democracy
    Jul 1 2025
    In today’s episode, I am so excited to sit down with Congressman Eric Swalwell, representative of California’s 14th Congressional District and former prosecutor, for an unfiltered, emotional, and urgent conversation about the state of our country and what it means to lead with courage and conviction in the face of chaos, fear, and division. What begins as a conversation about politics quickly becomes something far more personal and profound. Congressman Swalwell opens up about the heavy personal toll of public service in today’s increasingly hostile climate. From receiving weekly death threats to being physically blocked by protestors, he shares how he continues to show up for his constituents despite it all. He and I dive into the alarming rise in ICE raids, the erosion of voting rights, the threat of political apathy, and the real human cost of dangerous policies. Through heart-wrenching stories of families torn apart and communities living in fear, we remind listeners that these aren’t just headlines. They’re real people, our neighbors, and the backbone of our society. This episode is not just about politics. It’s about humanity. It’s about refusing to be silent when silence means complicity. It’s about staying grounded in your values even when it's hard, and finding strength in vulnerability and truth. Congressman Swalwell shares his personal mental wellness rituals, from daily runs to moments of silence, while I open up about the healing power of my daily beach walks and my mission to hold onto hope, even when it’s hard to find. With honesty, empathy, and a powerful call to action, this episode reminds us that democracy isn’t just something we inherit. It’s something we fight for. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or uncertain about the future, this conversation will meet you where you are and reignite your belief in what’s possible. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #MentalHealthMatters #JudgingMeghan #EricSwalwell #LeadershipInCrisis #ProtectDemocracy #ICEraids #HumanRights #PoliticalCourage #VoteForChange #Resilience #TraumaSurvivor #FaithAndPolitics #StandTogether #YourVoiceMatters #SpeakYourTruth #TakeAStand #ManhattanBeachMarch #InspireAction #MentalWellness #WeRiseTogether Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 m
  • The Art of Deep Listening: Healing Divides One Conversation at a Time with Journalist, Author, and BBC Veteran Emily Kasriel
    Jun 24 2025
    This episode I sit down with journalist, author, and BBC veteran Emily Kasriel to explore something that feels both radical and deeply human: the art of deep listening. At a time when the world is louder, angrier, and more divided than ever, Emily’s message is a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure how to bridge the growing gap with someone they care about. As someone who has walked through trauma, loss, and healing myself, I know how hard it is to feel truly heard and how much harder it is to listen when our emotions are high and our beliefs feel under threat. But Emily gently reminds us that we do not have to agree with someone to understand them. We just have to stay curious. Her new book, Deep Listening: Transform Your Relationships with Family, Friends, and Foes, is more than a guide. It is a call to action for empathy, presence, and connection. Drawing from her decades of research and experience training over a thousand people across more than one hundred countries, Emily shares seven transformative steps to deep listening. These are not just communication techniques. They are practices rooted in radical self-awareness. We talk about how our unhealed trauma often gets projected onto others, how silence can be a sacred space instead of something to fear, and how reflecting back someone’s truth even when we disagree can create profound shifts in understanding. I was struck by how people in her studies became less extreme in their views simply by being heard. That kind of change starts from within. This conversation touches every corner of life, from political arguments and friend breakups to mother-daughter relationships and everyday moments with strangers. Emily’s compassionate wisdom shows us that deep listening is not about fixing anyone. It is about making room for what is real. If you have ever felt too angry to speak, too hurt to hear, or too disconnected to try, this episode is for you. It reminded me that empathy is not weakness. It is one of the bravest and boldest gifts we can offer each other. Healing, whether personal or collective, begins the moment we choose to truly hear one another. Find out more about Emily Kasriel here: https://www.emilykasriel.com/ Get 15% off OneSkin with the code JUDGING at https://www.oneskin.co/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #DeepListening #Empathy #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #CommunicationSkills #PersonalGrowth #Relationships #Polarization #Mindfulness #MentalHealth #Parenting #Friendship #ConflictResolution #SelfAwareness #HumanConnection #AuthenticConversations #ActiveListening #HealingTogether #Compassion #Curiosity #Resilience #SelfGrowth #BreakingBarriers #TransformativeConversations #ListenToUnderstand #ConnectionMatters #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BraveSpaces #ReigniteYourVoice #oneskinpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 m
  • From Betrayal to Healing: The Heartbreak of Friendship Loss and How to Heal with Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Noelle Santorelli
    Jun 17 2025
    This week I’m joined by licensed clinical psychologist Dr Noelle Santorelli. We get into the invisible wounds left by social rejection and toxic dynamics, especially among women. I share my own deeply personal story of a friendship that turned into covert bullying and the emotional devastation that followed, while Dr. Noelle offers expert insight into how childhood trauma, complex PTSD, and early attachment wounds shape our adult relationships and our responses to betrayal. Together, we unpack why the pain of losing close friendships can cut deeper than romantic heartbreak, how the biology of shame and the human need for belonging intensify that pain, and why so many of us stay in harmful friendships just to keep the peace, sacrificing our own worth. We challenge the stigma around “mean girl” behavior and explore how people-pleasing, social anxiety, and the pressure to perform for approval keep us trapped in toxic patterns. We also reveal how these toxic dynamics mirror narcissistic abuse and the lasting emotional toll betrayal and exclusion can take on our nervous systems. Most importantly, Dr. Noelle and I want to empower you to reclaim your voice, set healthy boundaries, and choose peace and authenticity over approval and silence. If you’ve ever felt ghosted, gossiped about, or silenced by the very people you trusted, this conversation offers hope, healing, and a reminder that your pain is valid and you are not alone. This episode is a powerful call to courage and self-love—because sometimes healing means getting uncomfortable, speaking your truth, and walking away to find freedom and belonging on your own terms. Follow Dr. Santorelli here: https://www.instagram.com/dr.noelle.santorelli/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #FriendshipHealing #ToxicFriendships #RelationalTrauma #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #FriendshipBetrayal #SelfWorth #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellness #Boundaries #TraumaRecovery #FindingYourVoice #AdultFriendships #Empowerment #LettingGo #SelfLove #EmotionalResilience #ToxicDynamics #FemaleFriendships #BreakTheSilence #DrNoelleSantorelli Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 17 m
  • Unlocking the Secret Mind: How Your Dreams Hold the Power to Heal, Guide, and Transform Your Life With Dream Expert and Author Dr. Bonnie Buckner
    Jun 10 2025
    This week I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Bonnie Buckner, dream expert and author of The Secret Mind: Unlock the Power of Dreams to Transform Your Life. Together we take a journey through the unconscious, as Bonnie shares how one vivid, recurring dream uprooted her life and led her all the way to the south of France. But more than a change of scenery, it was a call from deep within, a soul nudge that she couldn’t ignore. Together, Meghan and Bonnie explore the mysterious and powerful language of dreams. From childhood nightmares to adult visions that resurface unresolved emotions, they unpack how dreams are more than just nighttime stories. They are deeply connected to our bodies, our healing, and our inner wisdom. You’ll learn why recurring dreams and nightmares are signals from your nervous system, how substances like melatonin can interfere with your ability to hear what your dreams are saying, and why paying attention to what shows up at night can unlock transformation by day. This is a conversation about the freedom that comes when we stop dismissing what our intuition is whispering. It’s about letting your soul exhale. It’s about realizing that you already have everything you need within you to heal, to grow, and to make bold, beautiful changes even if they feel scary. Whether you’re a tired parent trying to find space, a dreamer seeking clarity, or someone navigating loss, grief, or transition, this episode will awaken something in you. Because your dreams are not random. They are letters from your deeper self, waiting to be opened. Find out about bonnie here: https://bonniebuckner.com/ Order her book “The Secret Mind: Unlock the Power of Dreams to Transform Your Life” on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #innerwisdom #dreamanalysis #intuitiveliving #dreamlife #spiritualawakening #selfdiscovery #dreamjourney #emotionalhealing #dreammessages #mindbodyconnection #dreamwork #consciousliving #dreampower #awakenthesoul #dreaminsights #transformyourlife #dreamscience #dreamstudy #dreamlistener #dreamspirit #bonniebuckner #thesecretmind #dreams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 m
  • From The Walking Dead to Walking Away: Reclaiming Power After Abuse with Actress, Podcaster, and BFF Alliance Co-Founder Lindsay Abernathy
    Jun 3 2025
    From The Walking Dead to Walking Away: Reclaiming Power After Abuse with Actress, Podcaster, and BFF Alliance Co-Founder Lindsay Abernathy Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of emotional abuse, sexual assault, and trauma. Please listen with care. This week on Judging Meghan, I sit down with the remarkable Lindsay Abernathy—an actress, advocate, and survivor whose journey takes us from the set of The Walking Dead to the harsh realities of emotional and financial abuse. Lindsay’s story is raw, real, and deeply moving. What started as a one-time favor for a casting friend became a years-long role on one of television’s most iconic shows. Yet, behind the scenes, she was living through a far more terrifying storyline—trapped in a relationship that, on the surface, seemed picture-perfect but was riddled with coercive control, emotional warfare, and financial abuse. From private jets to pawn shops, Lindsay pulls back the curtain on what it means to survive behind the illusion of privilege. She shares how her ambition, identity, and even basic freedoms were slowly stripped away—and how she fought like hell to reclaim them. We talk about the insidious nature of abuse that hides in plain sight, how abusers use money, shame, and even motherhood as weapons, and why the healing journey often begins after you leave. We dive into the trauma of being gaslit, smeared, and silenced, and the strength it takes to rise, rebuild, and speak out. Now, through her podcast Bitch Is a Bad Word and her nonprofit BFF Alliance, Lindsay is helping other women plan safe exits, rediscover their worth, and take their voices back. This is more than a conversation about abuse—it's a testament to resilience, a call to advocacy, and a reminder that healing is not just possible, it’s powerful. If you’ve ever questioned your reality, felt stuck in something that looked “good” on the outside but felt crushing on the inside, or given up parts of yourself for someone else’s version of love, this episode will leave you feeling seen, heard, and empowered. Because your story matters. Your truth matters. And you are not alone. You can follow Lindsay here: https://www.instagram.com/lindz_abernathy/?hl=en And listen to her podcast “Bitch Is a Bad Word” on all Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms! National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #TheWalkingDead #DomesticViolence #SurvivorStory #ReclaimYourVoice #LindsayAbernathy #BFFAlliance #EmotionalAbuse #FinancialAbuse #HealingJourney #WomenEmpowerment #PodcastEpisode #Resilience #MentalHealth #Advocacy #BreakTheSilence #TraumaRecovery #NarcissisticAbuse #AbuseAwareness #VoiceForSurvivors #Empowerment #MotherhoodAndAbuse #AbuseSurvivorSupport #HealingAfterAbuse #MentalWellness #SpeakYourTruth #EndDomesticViolence #Inspiration #Strength #SurvivorVoices #HopeAfterTrauma #YouAreNotAlone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 21 m
  • Rewriting the Script on Grief: A Conversation on Loss and Growth with John Tsilimparis, MFT, Author and Podcaster
    May 27 2025
    In this episode I sit down with podcaster, author, and MFT John Tsilimparis, to talk about one of the most universal and often misunderstood human experiences: grief. John's book The Magic in the Tragic: Rewriting the Script on Grief and Discovering Happiness in Our Darkest Days is a beautiful testament to the possibility of hope, healing, and even joy after loss. As someone who has walked through the heartbreak of losing my sister, my best friend, and my dad, this conversation felt deeply personal. We talk about what it means to stop running from our pain and instead walk toward it with grace. John shares his own story of loss and how it shaped his path, leading him to a deeper understanding of what he calls grief empowerment, an invitation to not just survive but to grow through what breaks us. Together, we reflect on the nobility of suffering, the myth of closure, and how grounding ourselves in beauty through music, nature, art, and even signs from loved ones can transform the way we carry our sorrow. This episode is not just about grief. It is about becoming a peaceful warrior. We talk about how anxiety distorts both our fears and our faith in ourselves, and how learning to coexist with discomfort can lead to unexpected transformation. You will hear practical, soul-soothing tools to help you sit with hard emotions, honor your story, and find inspiration in the midst of sorrow. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by loss, stuck in avoidance, or unsure how to move forward, this conversation is a reminder that healing does not mean forgetting. It means learning to carry the pain with purpose and allowing even your darkest days to lead you toward light. Found out more about John here: https://johntsilimparis.com/ Follow John here: https://www.instagram.com/jtsilimparis/ Listen to Johns Podcast “Mindfulness For The Soul” on Apple Podcast, Spotifiy, and anywhere you get your podcasts! Use code JUDGING at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Ready to help your kids grow money skills that will last a lifetime? Just head to acornsearly.com/judging or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Sign up now and your first month is on us! Head to Sittercity.com and find child care that has your back when life does what it does. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #GriefHealing #JohnTsilimparis #TherapistTalks #MentalHealthMatters #GriefJourney #EmotionalHealing #MFT #HealingThroughLoss #PodcastConversation #TheMagicInTheTragic #SelfCompassion #HealingJourney #EmbraceYourPain #TransformYourGrief #GriefSupport #AnxietyRelief #TraumaRecovery #LossAndHealing #HopeAfterLoss #HealingIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCareTips #HealingWithGrace #GriefEmpowerment #PeaceInPain #HeartHealing #HealingThroughArt #EmotionalStrength #FindYourPeace #SoulfulHealing #HealingConversation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 m
  • The Power of Self-Discovery: How Astrology Guides Our Growth with Astrologer, Author, and Mom Madi Murphy
    May 21 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with the radiant Madi Murphy, astrologer, author, and mom of two little ones, to explore what it truly means to live with purpose, alignment, and compassion for ourselves. Madi shares how embracing who we are, rather than who we think we should be, opens the door to real healing and joy. We dive into astrology as more than just sun signs and horoscopes. Madi explains how your birth chart can serve as a soul map, revealing your energetic blueprint, life lessons, and even clues to your emotional patterns. Whether you are navigating relationships, major life changes, or a desire to better understand yourself, her insights offer a grounded and deeply affirming perspective. This episode celebrates the beauty of growth, the freedom in letting go of perfection, and the courage it takes to trust your inner voice. We talk about how aging can bring clarity, why self-awareness is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and how astrology can be a meaningful tool for reconnecting with your truth. Madi’s approach is heartfelt, approachable, and full of encouragement for anyone in the midst of transformation. Whether you are curious about astrology or simply need a reminder that you are worthy of love and purpose just as you are, this conversation will speak to your heart. Tune in on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform and join us for a soulful and uplifting journey into self-discovery and cosmic connection. Follow Madi here: https://www.instagram.com/iammadimurphy/ And pre-order her book “In The Cosmic Zone” here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/782212/in-the-cosmic-zone-by-madi-murphy/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac5T0_PpwTcdpPgCD69ti3WpE4MAXE0T8q5Xq84rgLV4AfBLlzLix4sPbw8TQ_aem_51-4qahoN-5WbjRYpfn5Ag Use code JUDGING at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Ready to help your kids grow money skills that will last a lifetime? Just head to acornsearly.com/judging or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Sign up now and your first month is on us! Head to Sittercity.com and find child care that has your back when life does what it does. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #EmotionalHealing #MentalHealth #AstrologyForGrowth #SelfDiscoveryJourney #CosmicWisdom #AstrologyAndSelfLove #ManifestYourBestLife #EmpoweredByTheStars #PersonalGrowthThroughAstrology #AstrologyAndRelationships #SelfAcceptanceThroughAstrology #AstrologyAndManifestation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 2 m