• 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 hr and 21 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 hr and 2 mins
  • From Panic Attacks to Purpose: Author Carrie Berk on Healing, Heartbreak, and Finding Your Voice
    May 13 2025
    In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Carrie Berk, a fearless Gen Z mental health advocate, bestselling author, and the powerhouse behind the newly released Mind Fire: Diary of an Anxious 20-Something. Carrie doesn’t just talk about anxiety, she lives the journey of turning pain into power, and her story will move you in ways you didn’t expect. Together, we dive deep into what it’s like growing up in the chaos of New York City, how writing became her lifeline through OCD and panic attacks, and what she really needed from the adults around her (hint: it wasn’t advice, it was someone to listen). From the heartbreaks that feel like the end of the world to the panic attack that changed everything, Carrie shares it all with raw honesty and grace. Each chapter of Mind Fire explores universal emotions, grief, loneliness, heartbreak and how leaning into those feelings helped her heal. Whether you're a parent trying to better support your child, a young woman navigating anxiety and heartbreak, or someone who’s felt misunderstood in your mental health journey, this episode is a reminder that healing begins when we feel truly seen. “Mind Fire” is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Follow Carrie on all platforms @carrieberkk. And thank YOU for helping Judging Meghan hit #10 on the Apple Podcasts Mental Health charts. This community is a space for healing, growth, and truth without shame. 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. 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 #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #EmotionalHealing #MentalHealth #OCDAwareness #GenZVoices #AnxietySupport #JudgingMeghan #CarrieBurke #MindFireBook #EmotionalWellness #PanicAttacks #HealingJourney #YoungAuthors #BreakupRecovery #InnerStrength #MentalHealthMatters #AuthenticVoices #AnxietyRecovery #WomenSupportingWomen #NavigatingLife #SelfDiscovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Surviving Perfectionism and Digital Overload with Dr. Mary Donohue, TEDx Speaker, Bestselling author and Mental Wellness Trailblazer
    May 6 2025
    In this episode I sit down with Dr. Mary Donohue, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and CEO of the Digital Wellness Center, for a conversation that is both eye-opening and urgently needed. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, I open up about my own journey through trauma and complex PTSD and why this mission is so personal to me. Together, we shine a light on the silent epidemic of digital addiction and the emotional toll our screen-filled lives are having on our minds, bodies, and relationships. Dr. Donohue shares the terrifying moment her body gave out from the pressure to be perfect and how surviving a heart attack became her wake-up call. We dive into the danger of ignoring everyday stress, the spiral of WebMD searches, and what happens when you live for everyone else and forget yourself in the process. But we also explore something deeper—how faith, self-awareness, and even small shifts in how we live and love can bring us back to life. We talk about the science behind digital stress, how our brains are not built for constant stimulation, and why even a few moments of mindful solitude can change everything. We reflect on how perfectionism and comparison culture are stealing joy from women and how healing often starts with grace, not guilt. This is a call to action, a soul-level reminder that you are not broken and you are not alone. Whether you’re burned out, overwhelmed, or just looking for a sign to slow down and breathe again, this episode is for you. Let this be your invitation to pause, reconnect, and remember what truly matters. Find out more about Dr. Mary Donahue here: https://iagr.org/speakers/dr-mary-donohue/ 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. 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 #MentalHealthAwareness, #DigitalAddiction #MentalHealthAwareness #Perfectionism #SelfCare #Faith #EmotionalHealing #BurnoutRecovery #StressManagement #ComparisonCulture #Overwhelm #HealingStartsWithin #MentalWellness #MindsetShifts #Reconnection #SelfCompassion #MentalHealthAdvocacy #SecondChances #TraumaRecovery #DigitalDetox #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #Dr.MaryDonahue #DigitalWellnessCenter #oneskinpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The Power of Letting Go with Lenore Skenazy: Author, Syndicated Columnist and Co-Founder of Let Grow
    Apr 29 2025
    This week I invite the amazing Lenore Skenazy—founder of the Free-Range Kids movement and president of Let Grow. You might know her as “America’s Worst Mom,” but today, you’ll discover the powerful truth behind that nickname and why her message is exactly what parents need right now. Together, we unpack the deep anxiety so many of us carry: the fear, the pressure to be perfect, and the cultural obsession with control. We explore why it’s so hard to let go, especially when trauma or past experiences have wired us to hold on tighter. But we also shine a light on the freedom and growth that come when we begin to trust—our kids and ourselves. This episode is more than just a discussion about parenting. It’s a gentle but powerful wake-up call to reconnect with the joy, creativity, and courage of childhood. It’s about loosening our grip, finding peace in uncertainty, and remembering that our kids are more capable than we think—and so are we. If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough, felt guilty for wanting a break, or cried as you watched your child take a big step without you, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone, you’re doing better than you think, and sometimes, letting go is the bravest thing we can do. Find out more about Let Grow here: https://letgrow.org/ 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, #LenoreSkenazy #LetGrow #FreeRangeKids #LetGrowMovement #ParentingWithTrust #EmpoweredParenting #RaisingIndependentKids #Wisdom #FreeRangeParenting #TrustOverControl #ParentingThroughAnxiety #BuildingResilientKids #LetGrowMission #FreeRangeParentingCommunity #Insights #ParentingWithoutFear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 5 Years After Westside: A School Shooting Survivor’s Story with Mary Hollis Inboden (Revisited)
    Apr 22 2025
    This is a revisited episode that, unfortunately, remains deeply relevant today. The crisis of gun violence in schools continues, and stories like Mary Hollis Inboden’s are a vital reminder of why we must keep pushing for change. Since the 90s, mass shootings have continued to rise in numbers. This year alone, as of April, there have been 179 mass shootings in the US—16 of which have been school shootings. Fear and anxiety have become the default for our children as we send them to school every day, knowing that their schools are not safe. Change needs to be made, and it’s so important that we continue to speak out on this pressing issue. In this episode, I discuss the heartbreaking reality with a survivor of a school shooting that took place in 1998. Mary Hollis talks about her horrific experience at Westside Middle School when she was only 12. The aftermath of this shooting has traumatized her and her classmates to this day. Mary Hollis lost her best friend Paige on that day. The sad fact is that I had never heard of this particular shooting. Columbine put school shooters on the map, and today it’s as if Americans are expected to forget each one and move on. But these people all have names, families, and friends that love and miss them. This episode is heavy, but I could not be more proud of Mary Hollis for sharing her story—hopefully, it will spark reflection and change.  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 #abuserecovery #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #selfhelp #addiction #addictionrecovery #lgbtqsupport #death #tragedy #pandemic #america #massshootings #kids #maryholisinboden #actress #gunviolence #grief #schoolshootings #westsidemiddleschool #revisited Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Breaking the Stigma: Real Talk About Mental Illness, Medication, and Healing with Physician and Author Dr. Paul Corona
    Apr 15 2025
    As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m honored to sit down with Dr. Paul Corona—a trailblazing physician, author, and fierce advocate for mental wellness—whose mission is to transform how we understand and treat mental health. With over 30 years of experience bridging psychiatry and family medicine, Dr. Corona shares his remarkable journey, from being nicknamed “Dr. Paul” as a five-year-old with a toy medical kit to becoming a leading voice in integrative mental health care. He brings to light the vital connection between our minds and bodies, and why true healing must treat both. His newest book, The Corona Protocol, offers a bold, scientifically grounded approach to tackling some of society’s most pressing issues, including addiction, bullying, homelessness, school shootings, and suicide. We talk candidly about the science behind emotional struggles and why mental illness is not a matter of willpower. Dr. Corona explains how trauma, hormones, and genetics shape brain chemistry, and why it’s time to let go of outdated fears around medication. We also have a raw and emotional conversation about losing a child to suicide—and what we must do better as a society to support one another before it’s too late. This episode also explores the impact of technology and the mental health aftermath of the pandemic on today’s youth. Dr. Corona offers insight for parents navigating anxiety, depression, and ADHD in their children, while highlighting how healing can be affordable, accessible, and rooted in listening and compassion. Whether you’ve felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to help someone you love, this conversation will open your eyes and remind you of what’s possible. You are not alone. There is help. There is healing. And there is always hope. Tune in to be inspired and reminded that healing begins when we dare to have these conversations—and when we remember that everyone is worthy of care, understanding, and light. Find out more about Dr.Corona and check out his book series “Healing Mind and Body” on his site: https://drpaulcoronamd.com/ 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! 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, #technology, #DrPaulCorona, #TheCoronaProtocol, #YouAreNotAlone, #HopeAndHealing, #BreakTheStigma, #MindBodyConnection, #MentalWellnessMatters, #EndTheSilence, #SuicidePrevention, #technologyandmentalhealth #HealingIsPossible, #ParentingAndMentalHealth, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins