Afleveringen

  • Navigating late ADHD and Autism Diagnoses: Talking With Junaid Hussain | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 15

    Join me on this episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, as Junaid and I discuss dual diagnoses of Autism and ADHD. This episode provides valuable insights and highlights the importance of support systems.

    Learn about effective tools like medication, therapy, and personal growth strategies, and gain inspiration from firsthand stories of overcoming struggles. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on mental health awareness and empowerment.

    00:00 Introduction

    03:53 Discussing Mental Health Stigmas

    09:14 Junaid's Personal Struggles and Diagnosis

    13:39 Impact of Marriage and Parenthood

    18:07 Seeking Help and Diagnosis

    28:02 Living with ADHD and Autism

    32:07 Medication and Its Effects

    46:18 Banter ;-)

  • From Loss to Healing: Stephanie's Journey of Overcoming Mental Health Struggles | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 14

    Join me on this episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast as I talk with Stephanie, a licensed marriage and family therapist from Florida.

    Stephanie shares her experiences of dealing with personal mental health struggles, including anxiety, OCD, and an eating disorder, which stemmed from the traumatic loss of her father at a young age.

    We discuss her journey from recognizing the need for help to seeking therapy and eventually turning her personal experiences into a professional calling as a therapist. Stephanie dives into the importance of self-help, family support, and telehealth in accessing mental health care.

    00:00 Introduction

    05:08 Stephanie's Mental Health Journey

    09:15 The Turning Point and Recovery

    16:10 Moving to Los Angeles and Continued Growth

    21:54 Therapeutic Work and Overcoming Challenges

    27:47 Challenges in Accessing Care

    29:53 Journey to Becoming a Therapist

    31:26 The Impact of Specialized Education

    41:46 Advice for Those Struggling

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  • Overcoming Infertility and Embracing Self-Love | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 24

    Welcome to another episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Kathy Mou, who shares her emotional journey through infertility, mental health challenges, and the transformative power of self-love.

    Kathy opens up about her two-year struggle with endometriosis and the rollercoaster of emotions she faced, including depression and the pressures of cultural expectations.

    She discusses the significance of self-care, setting boundaries, meditation, gratitude, and healthy eating in her recovery. Tune in as Kathy shares how these practices not only helped her overcome her struggles but also paved the way to becoming a more resilient and empowered individual, enabling her to help others as an empowerment coach.

    00:00 Introduction

    05:12 Mental Health and Infertility Struggles

    10:30 Understanding Endometriosis

    18:18 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Love

    21:50 Facing the Pain: Setting Boundaries

    22:41 Empowerment Through Self-Care

    26:03 The Power of Meditation

    29:05 Practicing Gratitude

    35:30 Embracing Parenthood

    41:02 Wrapping up

  • Finding Happiness Through Humor: Mike Cundall's Journey with Depression | Tracking Happiness Podcast

    In this episode of the Tracking Happiness podcast, I talk with Mike Cundall about his experience with mental health struggles, specifically dealing with depression. Mike discusses his diagnosis, treatments, and how he learned to manage his depression.

    We delve into the effects of medications, the role of humor in coping with depression, and Mike's philosophical insights as a professor.

    00:00 Introduction

    03:31 Transition to Mental Health Discussion

    03:54 Mike's Journey with Depression

    04:17 Medication and Its Effects

    08:39 Alternative Approaches to Managing Depression

    10:40 Challenges and Acceptance

    17:16 Philosophy and Personal Struggles

    20:59 The Interdisciplinary Nature of Humor Studies

    23:36 The Role of Humor in Chronic Illness and Caregiving

    32:16 The Power of Humor in High-Stress Situations

    40:24 Humor in Religion and Cultural Traditions

    41:51 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

  • Overcoming Adversity and Finding Happiness with Stephanie Shanks | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 11

    Welcome to Episode 11 of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Shanks about her journey from growing up on a farm in Wisconsin and struggling with mental health, to finding happiness and establishing her own photography business.

    Stephanie dives into the challenges of being a young mother, dealing with trauma, overcoming two difficult marriages, and how she ultimately found happiness by taking time for herself and rediscovering her passions.

    It's extremely inspiring and authentic...

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, mental health, and the importance of self-discovery.

    00:00 Introduction and chit chat about farms, dogs and pancakes

    09:08 Personal Journeys and Struggles

    12:21 Overcoming Adversity

    18:38 Realization and Turning Point

    24:32 Sunny California Memories

    24:50 A Time for Self-Reflection

    26:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery

    30:03 Returning Home and Starting Over

    31:22 Empowering Changes and New Beginnings

    32:35 The Importance of Authenticity

    40:47 Challenges of Running a Business

    43:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections

  • From Struggle to Social Work: Sarah Rollins' Journey | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 10

    Welcome to the tenth episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Rollins, a social worker from Metro Detroit.

    Sarah opens up about her early struggle with an eating disorder during middle school and high school, her transformative experience in a residential treatment program, and how it influenced her career path. We delve into the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and Sarah's journey toward recovery and becoming a therapist herself.

    Join us for an insightful conversation on overcoming mental health struggles and finding purpose.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:44 Sarah's Background and Role as a Social Worker

    06:06 Early Signs and Struggles with Eating Disorders

    11:15 Realization and Seeking Help

    18:21 Residential Treatment Experience

    19:12 Reflecting on the Best Experience

    19:33 Community and Recovery

    20:50 Challenges and Adjustments

    22:45 Dealing with Stigma

    27:18 Reintegration and Continued Therapy

    33:14 The Role of Personal Experience in Social Work

    36:45 Final Thoughts and Advice

  • Nika Kabiri on Decision Science, Mental Health, and Finding Happiness | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 9

    In the ninth episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, I am joined by Nika Kabiri, a decision scientist and consultant, to discuss her journey through mental health struggles, including severe depression and suicidal ideation.

    Nika shares her insights on how understanding the science of decision-making and behavioral economics helped her transform her life.

    We also explore the influence of nature, healthy habits, and the power of making informed choices. Tune in to hear Nika's inspiring story of overcoming adversity and finding ultimate happiness.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    03:50 Nika's Professional Background

    05:54 Mental Health Struggles

    08:46 Therapy and Its Challenges

    18:57 Discovering Sociology and Decision Science

    23:27 Understanding Behavioral Economics

    25:09 The Efficiency of the Human Brain

    25:49 Survival Instincts and Modern Challenges

    26:39 Behavioral Economics and Mental Health

    28:32 Rational Choices and Emotional Struggles

    30:21 The Power of Changing Circumstances

    34:47 Personal Stories of Career Change

    37:26 Starting the Tracking Happiness Blog

    44:28 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

    45:26 Advice for Dealing with Depression

  • Rebecca's Journey from Binge Eating to Self-Compassion | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 8

    In the eighth episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, I speak with Rebecca Doring, a meditation teacher, yoga instructor, and life coach.

    Rebecca shares her journey of overcoming binge eating and self-loathing, highlighting the role of self-compassion and curiosity in her recovery.

    Living in a log cabin in Connecticut, Rebecca discusses how the natural surroundings and her tools such as journaling and meditation helped her diagnose and address her emotional struggles.

    This episode dives into the importance of mental health awareness and strategies to foster self-compassion and resilience.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:18 Rebecca's Background and Early Connection

    01:56 Life in a Log Cabin

    05:40 Mental Health and Binge Eating

    11:53 Curiosity and Compassion as Tools

    19:48 Understanding the Power of Journaling

    20:35 Living Life on Autopilot

    21:21 Questioning Negative Self-Stories

    23:54 Compassion and Self-Acceptance

    26:53 Overcoming Binge Eating and Digestive Issues

    29:17 The Role of Brain Plasticity

    30:37 Rebecca's Coaching and Meditation Programs

    32:56 Gender Differences in Eating Disorders

    37:01 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

  • Dayna Altman's Journey of Resilience and Entrepreneurship | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 7

    In the seventh episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, I meet Dayna Altman, a mental health speaker, author, and entrepreneur from Boston, Massachusetts.

    Dayna shares her compelling journey through overcoming mental health challenges, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and an eating disorder. She talks about how her own struggles inspired her to pivot from a career in social work to sharing her story on a macro level, aiming to inspire others.

    She also discusses her innovative project, 'Bake It Till You Make It,' which uses baking to initiate conversations about mental health.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:14 Meet Dana Altman

    00:53 Dana's Background and Career

    02:54 Struggles During College

    04:17 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

    07:24 Therapy and Recovery Journey

    13:52 The Importance of Vulnerability

    18:07 The Importance of Mental Health

    19:03 Meeting My Therapist

    21:18 The Journey Through Therapy

    22:29 Discovering DBT and OCD

    26:55 The Birth of Bake It Till You Make It

    31:38 Sharing My Story and Helping Others

    35:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    37:03 Wrapping Up and Contact Information

  • From Chaos to Clarity: Overcoming a Toxic Family Past with Susan Gold

    Welcome to another powerful episode of the Tracking Happiness podcast! In this episode, Hugo sits down with Susan Gold, who shares her inspiring journey from a chaotic childhood in central Pennsylvania to a fulfilling life in rural Montana.

    Susan opens up about her struggles with mental health, addiction, and overcoming a toxic family environment.

    Learn how she found her inner strength, embraced authentic happiness, and now helps others break free from toxic loops.

    For more details, visit SusanGold.us and check out her book 'Toxic Family'.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    03:14 Susan's Chaotic Childhood

    06:14 Early Adulthood and Career Beginnings

    09:50 Struggles and Turning Points

    12:56 Reflections and Personal Growth

    17:36 Facing Abandonment and Embracing Vulnerability

    18:36 The Journey to Self-Acceptance

    20:17 Overcoming Physical and Emotional Challenges

    23:03 Finding Inner Peace and Slowing Down

    27:07 The Role of Spirituality and Empathy

    31:39 Living with Purpose and Helping Others

    33:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell

  • Overcoming Anxiety And OCD With Kyle Elliott | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 5

    In this episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, I sit down with Kyle Elliott, a career coach specializing in tech executives, to discuss his inspiring journey of overcoming mental health challenges.

    Kyle opens up about his struggles with OCD and anxiety, his five-year battle with chronic migraines, and how a two-minute diagnosis changed his life. He shares the four pillars that help him manage his mental health: medication, therapy, self-care, and community, along with his love for Disneyland as a meaningful part of his self-care routine.

    Throughout the conversation, we discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of storytelling in mental health recovery, and tips for finding joy beyond work for those struggling with work addiction.

    Tune in for an insightful and uplifting discussion about navigating mental health challenges and finding happiness.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

    01:23 Meet Kyle Elliott: Career Coach and Disney Enthusiast

    03:31 Kyle's Journey with Mental Health

    06:34 The Diagnosis and Treatment Journey

    12:33 Living with Anxiety and OCD

    15:17 Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help

    19:26 Kyle's Personal Experiences with OCD

    21:01 Understanding Anxiety and OCD

    22:21 The Role of Disney in Self-Improvement

    25:51 Navigating Therapy and Finding the Right Therapist

    28:50 The Importance of Community

    31:05 Career Coaching and Mental Health

    35:51 Overcoming Work Addiction

    37:27 Finding Joy Outside of Work

    39:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • Breaking Free from Diet Culture with Alana Van Der Sluis | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 4

    Welcome to another episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Alana Vander Sluis, a certified intuitive eating counselor, to discuss overcoming negative relationships with food and diet culture.

    Alana shares her personal journey of battling with diet culture, binge eating, and how she found solace in intuitive eating. Despite societal pressures and media influence, Alana's transformative experience has driven her to help others achieve freedom with food and fitness. Tune in for insights on intuitive eating, the pitfalls of dieting, and practical steps toward a healthier, happier life.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:28 Discussing Dutch Origins and Podcast Experience

    02:02 Alana's Background and Intuitive Eating

    03:20 Struggles with Diet Culture

    04:57 Journey to Intuitive Eating

    11:51 Benefits and Science of Intuitive Eating

    19:30 Alana's Current Work and Advice

    27:56 Conclusion and Outro

  • Overcoming Seizures and Finding Purpose: Emily Guerra's Journey | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 2Welcome to another episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Emily Guerra. Emily shares her journey from dealing with childhood trauma and divorce, to experiencing rare trauma-induced seizures, and eventually overcoming anorexia. She discusses how her challenging experiences motivated her to become a certified productivity life coach, focusing on empowering self-employed women. Emily talks about the crucial role of mindset and productivity systems in achieving personal and professional success. From her struggles and eventual triumphs during the COVID-19 pandemic to creating her business 'Productivity Flow,' Emily's story is one of resilience, growth, and finding purpose. Tune in for an encouraging discussion on mental health, productivity, and the power of shifting your mindset.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Emily Guerra's Background and Work03:00 Living in Los Angeles04:48 Emily's Mental Health Journey07:54 Overcoming Seizures and Anorexia15:33 Impact of COVID-1919:18 Remote Therapy Sessions in Chicago19:32 A Pivotal Moment: Taking Control of Life20:02 Freelancing and Moving Back to LA22:40 Starting a Coaching Business26:53 The Science Behind Mindset and Productivity30:23 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck34:13 Understanding Neuroplasticity37:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    She struggled with:

    Anxiety

    Childhood

    Epilepsy

    Stress

    And she was helped by:

    Self-Care

    Self-improvement

    Therapy

    You can read more about Emily on her website here, more of what she has to share on her blog here. And here is where you can schedule a free chat to see if coaching with Emily will be the right fit, or shoot her an email.About the Tracking Happiness Podcast:

    Hugo Huijer (that’s me!) hosts the Tracking Happiness Podcast, an engaging show about destigmatizing struggles of mental health. It turns out that most people have experienced a struggle at some point in their lives.

    For some, it’s a struggle they try to hide from others, whereas others face more visible struggles. Either way, these struggles often have a serious impact on our lives.

    Unfortunately, I’ve learned that these struggles are often faced alone. Sometimes, we have no one to share these struggles with. But more often than not, we simply choose not to talk about them because we don’t want people to think less of us.

    This podcast aims to change that. There’s power in talking and listening to others about their struggles.

    Stress, panic attacks, traumatic brain injury, postpartum depression, cPTSD or paranoia: No matter what your story is, I want to talk to people because it helps others find community and strength.

    Come and join me on this journey. Subscribe and like our podcast and help me spread these inspiring stories to others.

    Want to share your own story? Head over to ⁠⁠https://www.trackinghappiness.com/share-your-story/⁠⁠

    Find me on these platforms:

    Website: ⁠⁠https://www.trackinghappiness.com⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/trackinghappinessnow/

  • Overcoming Depression and Burnout: Amanda Haro's Journey | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 2

    In this episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Haro, a burnout and confidence coach for moms, as she shares her life experiences, including battles with depression, moving across the country, and personal transformations.

    Amanda provides insight into her struggles with mental health, starting from her teenage years with Guillain-Barre syndrome to coping with isolation and depression as a young mother in Wisconsin. She also discusses the importance of journaling and seeking therapy, as well as working through trauma and grief. Amanda offers a raw and inspiring look at how resilience and self-awareness can lead to healing and empowerment.

    She struggled with:

    Depression

    Divorce

    Grief

    And she was helped by:

    Medication

    Self-Care

    Self-improvement

    TherapyYou can read more about Amanda on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. My podcast, ⁠⁠F*ck It Mothering⁠⁠, can be found anywhere you get your podcasts.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:12 Meet Amanda: From California to Wisconsin

    01:13 Weather Talk and Podcast Experience

    04:06 Amanda's Journey: From California to Wisconsin

    06:14 Mental Health Struggles Begin

    09:22 Depression and Survival Mode

    19:50 The Role of Journaling

    21:25 Recent Struggles and Financial Hardships

    22:22 Family Business and Early Career

    23:11 Loss and Grief During the Pandemic

    24:34 Struggles with Depression

    25:52 Seeking Help and Medication

    30:12 Embracing Depression and Self-Care

    37:43 The Power of Journaling

    41:45 Life Coaching and Personal Growth

    44:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

    About the Tracking Happiness Podcast:

    Hugo Huijer (that’s me!) hosts the Tracking Happiness Podcast, an engaging show about destigmatizing struggles of mental health. It turns out that most people have experienced a struggle at some point in their lives.

    For some, it’s a struggle they try to hide from others, whereas others face more visible struggles. Either way, these struggles often have a serious impact on our lives.

    Unfortunately, I’ve learned that these struggles are often faced alone. Sometimes, we have no one to share these struggles with. But more often than not, we simply choose not to talk about them because we don’t want people to think less of us.

    This podcast aims to change that. There’s power in talking and listening to others about their struggles.

    Stress, panic attacks, traumatic brain injury, postpartum depression, cPTSD or paranoia: No matter what your story is, I want to talk to people because it helps others find community and strength.

    Come and join me on this journey. Subscribe and like our podcast and help me spread these inspiring stories to others.

    Want to share your own story? Head over to

    ⁠https://www.trackinghappiness.com/share-your-story/⁠

    Find me on these platforms:

    Website: ⁠https://www.trackinghappiness.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/trackinghappinessnow/
  • From Tragedy to Triumph: Andy Johnson's Journey to Healing | Tracking Happiness Podcast Ep. 1

    Welcome to the first episode of the Tracking Happiness Podcast! I sit down with Andy Johnson, who shares his incredible journey of resilience and recovery following a devastating accident.

    Andy, originally from South Korea and adopted by a family in Wisconsin, recounts how a life-altering accident led him to pursue psychology over music. Despite facing physical and cognitive challenges, Andy's determination and support system helped him overcome immense obstacles. He opens up about forgiving both himself and the driver, and how his experiences shaped his career as a therapist. Tune in for an inspiring story of growth, forgiveness, and finding purpose.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    01:04 Meet Andy Johnson

    02:47 The Life-Changing Accident

    05:16 Recovery and Rehabilitation

    12:16 Forgiveness and Moving Forward

    18:29 Becoming a Therapist

    26:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    He struggled with:

    Bipolar Disorder

    Depression

    Physical trauma

    Suicidal

    Traumatic Brain Injury

    And he was helped by:

    Medication

    Religion

    Self-improvement

    Therapy

    About the Tracking Happiness Podcast:

    Hugo Huijer (that’s me!) hosts the Tracking Happiness Podcast, an engaging show about destigmatizing struggles of mental health. It turns out that most people have experienced a struggle at some point in their lives.

    For some, it’s a struggle they try to hide from others, whereas others face more visible struggles. Either way, these struggles often have a serious impact on our lives.

    Unfortunately, I’ve learned that these struggles are often faced alone. Sometimes, we have no one to share these struggles with. But more often than not, we simply choose not to talk about them because we don’t want people to think less of us.

    This podcast aims to change that. There’s power in talking and listening to others about their struggles.

    Stress, panic attacks, traumatic brain injury, postpartum depression, cPTSD or paranoia: No matter what your story is, I want to talk to people because it helps others find community and strength.

    Come and join me on this journey. Subscribe and like our podcast and help me spread these inspiring stories to others.

    Want to share your own story? Head over to

    ⁠https://www.trackinghappiness.com/share-your-story/⁠

    Find me on these platforms:

    Website: ⁠https://www.trackinghappiness.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/trackinghappinessnow/