Take What Serves. Leave the Rest.

Gentle Reminders: Take Them If They Serve You

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Being human is quite the experience. And sometimes we need compassionate reminders along the way.

In this week's episode, we're exploring some of those.

Bryan is joined by Dr. Anastasia Ristau as they discuss the things they often remind themselves of, with the intention that they may be helpful for you, too.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Why Asking For Help Can Be So Hard & Why It's A Radical Act Of Courage

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Asking for help with your mental health can feel really hard. However, leaning into support is a powerful act of courage.

In this week's episode, Bryan and Dr. Anastasia Ristau talk about stepping into the space of vulnerability and surrendering into help.

Dr. Ristau is a licensed psychologist and Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Living The "Middle Path" with OCD Therapist Lucy Grantz

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Lucy Grantz lived almost 30 years with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and didn't know it. She is now a therapist specializing in the treatment of it.

In this week's episode Bryan talks to Lucy about a number of things, including:

Getting diagnosed with OCD in her 40's.
Interacting with mindfulness practices while living with OCD.
Focusing on living the "middle path".
Creating space for the grief that comes with an OCD diagnosis.

Lucy Grantz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Southwest Minneapolis. She runs a private practice called Pivot Psychotherapy.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Why A Mental Health Diagnosis Can Be Empowering

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0300

Receiving a mental health diagnosis can activate a wide array of emotions.

In this episode, we're exploring how a diagnosis can be an empowering experience - even as you experience all the other emotions that might be coming along with it, too.

Bryan is joined, once again, by Dr. Anastasia Ristau. They discuss how a diagnosis can validate what you're experiencing - and give you a path forward to show up for your life in a more expansive way. They also offer a special message to parents who might be maneuvering a mental health diagnosis for their children.

Dr. Ristau is a licensed psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Maneuvering The Change of Seasons with Kelly Grosklags

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0300

Here we are in the change of seasons. No doubt that this time of the year holds great beauty. It can also feel tender for some of us when it comes to our mental and emotional health.

In this week’s episode we’re talking about it.

Bryan and Kelly Grosklags talk about meeting ourselves gently as we ride the many seasons of our life. They discuss why the season change can sometimes be difficult - and ways to nurture yourself through it. Also, how different seasons may hold deep tenderness when it comes to grief and loss.

Kelly Grosklags is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), author, podcast host, and Founder of "Conversations with Kelly".

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Insights From My First Eight Months of Being A Therapist

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0300

It's been about eight months since Bryan has been working as a mental health therapist. In this episode, he shares some of what he's learned along the way that may help you if you're in therapy - or interested in exploring the process.

Bryan is interviewed by Kelly Grosklags about what the past eight months have been like for him. They talk about finding a therapist that is a good fit, the safe space that is often cultivated in a therapy session, naming when imposter syndrome shows up, cultivating a root system to weather the ebbs and flows of life - and much more.

Kelly Grosklags is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), author, podcast host, and Founder of Conversations with Kelly.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

Click here to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation if you are interested in working with Bryan.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Nurturing Our Relationship With Uncertainty

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:29:39 -0300

To be uncertain is to be human.

And yet, sitting in uncertainty can be a very uncomfortable experience.

In this week's episode, Bryan explores with Dr. Anastasia Ristau what it means to nurture our relationship with uncertainty - and how to start showing up for our life in the midst of the questions.

If uncertainty is feeling especially prominent in your life right now, this episode is meant to provide some comfort and hope.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

Dr. Ristau is a licensed psychologist and Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

Click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Bryan if you're interest in working with him.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Breaking The Rumination Cycle & Reconnecting With The Present Moment

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0300

Rumination can feel all-consuming when we're in the depths of it. Churning over and over again in our mind - thinking we're solving our worries. In reality, rumination is often pulling us further and further away from what's most important to us.

In this episode, Bryan talks the process of noticing when we're ruminating - and reconnecting to what's most important to us in the present moment.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

If you are interested in working with Bryan, click here to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation with him.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Maneuvering The Emotions of the Presidential Election

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0300

Many are experiencing strong emotions about the upcoming Presidential election. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about.

Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about the process of taking care of yourself if things are feeling emotionally charged right now.

Dr. Ristau is a licensed psychologist and Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

Click here if you are interested in working with Bryan and want to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation. Learn more about Bryan here.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

"Living Well" According to our Values with Dr. Marisa Mazza

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0300

We all experience thoughts that can feel distressing and sometimes pull us away from how we want to be living our life. For people living with OCD, this experience is amplified.

This week, Bryan talks to Dr. Marisa Mazza who is helping people living with OCD maneuver the noise of their mind and lean into what’s most important to them. She talks about disengaging from our thoughts, rooting into our values, and her definition of what it means to "live well".

Dr. Mazza is a licensed psychologist, and founder of choicetherapy, a
group practice specializing in evidence-based treatments for OCD and anxiety. She is also faculty at the International OCD Foundation's Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, and author of "The ACT Workbook for OCD: Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Exposure Skills to Live Well with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder".

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

Click here to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation with Bryan if you are interested in working with him.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Out of Our Heads. Into Our Hearts. Under the Sun.

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0300

Summer is a time of the year that many look forward to. It can also bring with it some nuances that may play a role in our mental and emotional health. That's what we're exploring in this week's episode.

Bryan chats with Dr. Anastasia Ristau about the shifting in day-to-day routines that happens in the summer for some of us. They also explore the expectations that we may place on this time of the year, the unique challenges facing parents in the summer - and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

Click here to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation with Bryan, if you're interested in working with him.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Maneuvering The "Portals" That Arise Throughout The Day

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0300

Each and every day we have different portals that arise along the path. Uncomfortable spaces that we step into - often with meaningful experiences on the other side.

Although the pull to avoid the portal is strong - Bryan explores, in this episode, the importance of having the courage to step in. He talks about how it often leads to living a life in alignment with what's most important to us.

Bryan explores creating space for our thoughts, emotions, and sensations in our bodies - the idea of "showing up" before we feel ready - and much more.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Allowing Ourselves To Be Imperfect Along the Healing Path

Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 -0300

Have you ever felt like the constant need to "heal" and "grow" sometimes pulls you away from living life in the present moment?

We're exploring this in today's episode.

In this conversation with Dr. Anastasia Ristau, Bryan talks about finding that balance of doing the "deep work", and also noticing when we might be slipping into the mentality that we constantly need to be "fixed".

Dr. Anastasia Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

If you live in Minnesota and are interested in working with Bryan, click here to set up a free 15-minute mental health therapy phone consultation with him.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Infertility: The Journey & The Lessons Learned with Beth Anderson

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:31:22 -0300

This episode is intended to help anyone experiencing the impact of infertility feel less alone.

In this week's episode, we're hearing the story of Beth Anderson. Beth opens up about her experience with infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, which has included seven miscarriages over the past four years - and also the birth of her beautiful baby boy.

Beth shares what the journey has looked like for her and her husband Nate, how the experience has shifted the way she lives her life, what has felt supportive from other people along the way, and much more.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

"The OCD Blog" Founder Shares His Mental Health Story

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0300

Expressing his mental and emotional experience through drawing has been a healing outlet for Justin Jordan-Lake. He's now sharing his art through "The OCD Blog", providing light for others living with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In this week's episode, Bryan talks to Justin about his OCD journey, his approach to recovery, the intention behind "The OCD Blog", and much more.

You can follow "The OCD Blog" on Instagram: @theocdblog.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

What Does It Mean To "Be Gentle" With Yourself? Let's Discuss

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0300

What does it mean to be gentle with yourself?

In the fast-paced world we find ourselves in, it can sometimes be hard to cultivate a sense of gentleness towards ourselves. Bryan explores this more deeply with Dr. Anastasia Ristau in this week's episode.

They discuss how "being gentle" may look different for everyone, how a gentle action towards ourself may vary depending on what we're experiencing in the moment, and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist, and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Reframing OCD Treatment as a Spiritual Practice with Reverend Katie O'Dunne

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Many people with OCD experience obsessions related to God, spirituality, and their faith. Reverend Katie O'Dunn is helping bridge the gap between spiritual traditions and effective treatment for OCD.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Katie about religious and moral scrupulosity and how it can manifest for some people living with OCD. She also talks about how she is reframing effective OCD treatment as a spiritual practice, and how she's seen therapy help people deepen their relationship with God. Katie also shares her own personal journey of living with OCD.

Katie is an ordained minister and interfaith chaplain. She is also the Founder and Director of "Stick with the Ick", and lead advocate for the International OCD Foundation. Katie shares that running is a spiritual practice for her and - as an endurance athlete - she is working towards running an ultra marathon in every state to raise awareness about OCD.

Follow Katie on Instagram: @revkrunsbeyondocd
Visit her website here.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Creating Space To Acknowledge, Feel and Express Our Emotions

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Learning to truly lean in, feel, and express what is arising in our body is some of the most nuanced and deep work we can step into as a human being. Especially living in a world that is often telling us to keep our emotions hidden.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about the process of honoring our own emotional landscape. As mentioned in the episode, this conversation was inspired by this video on TikTok.

Bryan and Dr. Ristau talk about the courage it takes to trust the process when an emotion arises, holding space for others when they are maneuvering an emotion - and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Mental Compulsions, Mindfulness & Maneuvering "Pure OCD" with Lauren Rosen

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:25:39 -0400

Lauren Rosen started experiencing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) when she was seven years old, and wouldn't be properly diagnosed for 17 years. She's now transformed her own journey into a career as a mental health therapist supporting people living with OCD.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Lauren about her mental health story, the manifestation of OCD often referred to as "Pure OCD", mindfulness, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and much more.

Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Founder of "The Center for the Obsessive Mind", and co-host of the Purely OCD podcast.

You can follow Lauren on Instagram: @theobsessivemind.

If you are interested in working with Bryan you can click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation for OCD & anxiety therapy in the state of Minnesota. You can also email him at bryan@stateofmindtherapy.com.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Grief, Celebrating Average & Being Honest About Our Pain with Colleen Lindstrom

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:56:09 -0400

In a world that is constantly telling us we need to be perfect, Colleen Lindstrom is on a mission to help us all celebrate the beauty in the average of life.

In this episode, Colleen joins Bryan and Kelly Grosklags of the "See My Grief" podcast. Colleen is a former radio host in the Twin Cities, creator of The Bronze Medal Life and host of The Bronze Medal Life podcast.

Colleen shares more about The Bronze Medal Life and her relationship with grief after the loss of her three month old daughter. Colleen, Kelly and Bryan also discuss being honest with others about our pain, and much more.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Life Is A Journey, Not A Destination: Shifting Awareness To The Moment

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:36:00 -0400

There is deep messaging in our world that happiness is somewhere off in the future.

"I'll be happy when...".

While setting goals and working towards things we want to create can be deeply powerful, the journey that we take to get there can often get lost in the mix.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about the idea that life is a journey that we are all on, not a destination that we arrive at. They discuss being open to the detours along the way in life, connecting to the subtle nature of the present moment, showing up before we are ready, and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a licensed psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Creating Space For What Arises This Holiday Season

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0400

The holidays are a beautiful time of the year, and can also be very tender for some of us.

In this week's episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about creating space for what arises this holiday season when it comes to our mental and emotional health.

They discuss the shifting of routines that often happens, listening to signals from our bodies that we need some self care, creating new traditions, and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a licensed psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at Prairiecare.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Maneuvering Flying Anxiety with Jenny Matthews

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Getting on an airplane activates anxiety for many people.

In this week's episode, Bryan talks to Jenny Matthews about maneuvering flying anxiety.

Jenny is a licensed mental health therapist, and founder of State of Mind Therapy.

Jenny talks about her personal experience with flying anxiety, different core fears that people often have when getting on an airplane, and ways to maneuvering the anxiety when it arrives before and during the flight.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

Follow Jenny on Instagram: @state.of.mind.therapy

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Photographer Jared Fessler Shares His Experience with Anxiety

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0400

You can often find Jared Fessler up close and personal at concerts in the Twin Cities, photographing artists from Taylor Swift to Queen. All experiences that would have been extremely difficult for him several years ago he was struggling with intense anxiety.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Jared about how anxiety forced him to start avoiding places like large crowds and driving in the car. He also shares how anxiety latched onto the fear of getting sick, working through resistance to mental health medication, and much more.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

You can check out Jared's website here.

Follow him on Instagram: @jaredfesslerphotography & @jarredfessler

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

How Our Assumptions About Others May Be Impacting Us

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0300

We've all done it. Assuming that we know exactly what another person is thinking, feeling, or experiencing in a given moment.

This week on the podcast, Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about how those assumptions we make may be impacting us more than we realize.

Dr. Ristau talks about the act of pausing when we notice we're making an assumption, opening up to the possibility of alternate explanations, communicating with our loved ones about assumptions we're making, and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Being Healthy In An Unhealthy World With Pilar Gerasimo

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0300

How do we carve out space to nurture our health in the world we find ourselves in every day? That’s a question that Pilar Gerasimo has devoted this stage of her career to exploring.

In this week's episode, Pilar joins Bryan to talk about the "unhealthy default reality", what it means to be a "healthy deviant", developing survival skills for the new era, and much more.

Pilar is a health journalist and author of the book, "The Healthy Deviant: A Rule Breaker's Guide to Being Healthy in an Unhealthy World". She's also the Founding Editor of Experience Life Magazine and co-host of The Living Experiment podcast.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Honoring Life’s ”Difficult Gifts” with Dr. Courtney Burnett

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0300

Dr. Courtney Burnett says getting diagnosed with brain cancer has radically shifted how she lives her life, and had a profound impact on her mental and emotional health.

In this podcast, Bryan talks to Dr. Burnett about getting diagnosed with a brain tumor in Thailand at the age of 29, and how the diagnosis has taught her how to live more in the present moment.

Dr. Burnett is a practicing physician, public speaker, and author of the book "Difficult Gifts". She is also the creator of the blog "Elephant. Lotus. Brain Tumor".

As always - take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Portaging For a Purpose: A Conversation with Evan Hansen

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0300

In 2021, Evan Hansen set out on a journey to raise awareness about suicide prevention. He ended up carrying a canoe over 300 miles across the state of Minnesota. He went on to write the book, "Into the Wind".

In this episode, Bryan talks to Evan about why he decided to make this journey, his own mental health story, opening up to taking medication for his mental health as a man of faith, and much more.

As always take what serves you, and leave the rest.

Check out Evan's "Portage for a Purpose" Facebook page.
Learn more about the upcoming Portage for a Purpose 5K here.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

If you, or someone you know, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Bringing Awareness To Your Relationship With Reassurance

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0300

Wanting reassurance is a natural part of being a human being.

In this episode Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about our relationship with it.

They talk about how sometimes reassurance can be used to avoid what we're feeling in the moment, ways it can fuel anxiety, when reassurance can be especially healing, and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a licensed psychologist, and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

This conversations was inspired by the article "How To Stop Reassurance Seeking" by Nick Wignall.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Ileostomy Surgery After Living With Ulcerative Colitis

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:31:50 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to Anna Ransbotham-Cole about her journey of getting an ileostomy surgery after living with ulcerative colitis.

Anna shares the depths that she reached when ulcerative colitis was at its worst, and how she says her ileostomy surgery gave her her life back. She shares more about what an ileostomy surgery is, what this journey has taught her about life, and much more.

Resources that Anna recommends:

- United Ostomy Associations of America
- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
- Follow @betterbelliesbymolly on Instagram

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Perhaps ”Being Average” Isn’t A Bad Thing

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0300

In a world where there is constant pressure to grow, evolve, do our best, strive, and achieve - perhaps some of the best medicine we can give ourselves is the permission to "be average".

I know - encouraging someone to "be average" is almost like saying a bad word in the society we all live in today. But, hear us out.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about how "being average" maybe isn't such a bad thing, and actually an invitation to lean into and embrace our humanness.

They talk about what the word "average" means to them, how "average" may being us closer to those around us, and ways to flow between the "average" moments in life and those times where we need to push, strive and achieve.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Lindsay Guentzel Shares Journey with ADHD & Myositis

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0300

Lyndsay Guentzel was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago in her mid 30's. Then, recently was diagnosed with a rare, incurable muscle disease called Myositis.

In this week's episode, Bryan talks to Lindsay about her journey. She shares what it's teaching her about life, what helps her maneuver the day-to-day, and much more.

Lyndsay is an award-winning radio journalist and producer - working at WCCO Radio and Minnesota Public Radio in the past. She’s also a mental health advocate and the host of the ADHD Online weekly podcast called “Refocused with Lyndsey Guentzel”.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Maneuvering Conflict & How It Can Deepen Our Relationships

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 05:30:00 -0300

Conflict can be deeply uncomfortable and something many of us often avoid.

It is, however, an inevitable and natural part of being in all sorts of relationships.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about how conflict can actually deepen our relationships and draw us closer to the people in our lives.

They discuss ways to maneuver those tough conversations we may find ourselves in during conflict, how perfectionism can seep into the discussion around conflict, and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Perspective and the Present Moment: A Conversation With My Brother

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 06:30:00 -0300

In this week's episode, Bryan hops on a boat in Minnesota's lakes country and has a conversation with his younger brother Eric.

Eric shares his recent journey of traveling the world, and getting accepted into medical school. Eric shares what the process has taught him about what is most important to him, and coming into contact with the present moment.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

A Quick Message From The Lake: It’s Ok If Things Feel Hard

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:45:15 -0300

In this week's episode of the podcast, Bryan checks in from the edge of his dock in lakes country.

If things feel hard right now with your mental health, this episode is an invitation to be gentle with you.

One moment at a time.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Self-Compassion, Mindfulness & Gentle Relentlessness with Jonny Say

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:31:22 -0300

In this week's episode of the podcast Bryan talks to Jonny Say, who's a counselor and compassion & mindfulness-based therapist in the UK.

Jonny shares his own mental health story, which includes symptoms of OCD, depersonalization and panic.

Jonny shares how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has been instrumental in his healing, and how he now uses it with his clients. Jonny also shares how he cultivates self-compassion in moments where things feel really intense.

You can follow Jonny on Instagram (@jonnysaytherapy) and on YouTube.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Guided Meditation: Grounding In Moments of Overwhelm

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:24:28 -0300

In this week's episode, Bryan offers a meditation for you to help ground in moments of overwhelm.

This guided meditation is meant to help you gently come back to your heart, and your body, when the noise of your mind feels particularly intense.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

The Power of Play, Movement, and Expressing Our Bodies

Tue, 30 May 2023 11:47:32 -0300

In a world that seems to be constantly driving us all more and more up into our minds, sometimes what we need most is for our bodies to express in a way that feels good.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about the power of play, movement, and expressing our bodies.

Dr. Ristau and Bryan discuss how movement can help us maneuver our minds when they are particularly active, and the wisdom we tap into when we allow ourselves to play and express.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

These Four Things Really Help Me With My Mental Health

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:21:07 -0300

We all have things that help guide us with our mental health. Here are four things that I come back to often as I maneuver the noise of my mind on a daily basis.

My hope is that this episode can offer a soft place for you to land, no matter what it is that you're experiencing.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

”Getting In Touch” With Our Pain with Kelly Grosklags

Mon, 08 May 2023 10:53:35 -0300

Truly feeling the emotions that are present within our body can feel deeply scary at times. It can feel like we are "losing it" and out of control.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Kelly Grosklags about the process of "getting in touch" with our pain. Meeting ourselves gently as we lean into what we're feeling.

Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Conversations with Kelly. She's also the author of A Comforted Heart, and the host of the See My Grief podcast.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Letting The Present Moment Surprise You With Kelly Grosklags

Mon, 01 May 2023 10:00:50 -0300

Our minds love to jump into the future and try to figure out what things are going to be like there. Often creating really scary stories about what might be ahead of us. Instead of trying to figure out what the future is going to feel like, what if we give the present moment an opportunity to surprise us?

That's the topic of this week's episode. Bryan is joined by Kelly Grosklags for a conversation about creating space for "what is" in the present, and ways to anchor a little more into "the now".

Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Conversations with Kelly. She's also the author of A Comforted Heart, and the host of the See My Grief podcast.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Holding Space For Your Child Experiencing Mental Health Struggles

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:39:08 -0300

For all of you parents out there doing your best to support a child who's struggling with their mental health, this one's for you.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau about what can be helpful when maneuvering mental health challenges within your family.

She discusses the process of holding space for your child, validating their experience, maneuvering shame that may arise for parents, and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Life Isn’t Always Instant Oatmeal with Dr. Anastasia Ristau

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:54:17 -0300

Sometimes we expect life to be simple. For things to just work out. We look around, and everything appears so simple for everyone else. Why does it feel so hard for me?

In this week's episode, Dr. Anastasia Ristau pushes back on this idea a bit and talks about how life isn't always instant oatmeal. Perhaps it's more like a pot of stovetop oats that we have to tend to, season, and nurture. A much more involved process that features the full array of human emotions.

Dr. Ristau is a Licensed Psychologist, and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always - take what serves you from this conversation, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Inviting In Humor While Maneuvering OCD with Peter Scobas

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:56:09 -0300

Living with OCD is anything but funny. And yet, learning to find moments of humor has been part of the healing journey for Peter Scobas.

In this episode, Bryan talks to Peter about the newsletter he's launched called Psychology Onions. The newsletter is aimed at using humor to help take some of OCD's power away.

Peter shares what his experience with OCD has looked like, what has helped him live with it, and much more.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

The ”Unseen” Parts of Ourselves with the TC Gay Men’s Chorus

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:27:48 -0300

We all have parts of ourselves that no one sees. Things we experience internally that go "unseen".

In this episode, Bryan talks to members of the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus about their upcoming concert, which is focused on neurodiversity and mental health. The concert is called "Unseen" and is being held March 17th and 18th at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

Gerald Gurss (Chorus Artistic Director) and Nathan Porras (Chorus Singer) talk about their own experience with mental health, what helps them ride the waves, and how music has been part of their hearing.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

The Dying Teach Us How To Live with Kelly Grosklags

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:26:41 -0400

There is sacred wisdom through the lens of someone at the end of their life.

In this episode, Kelly Grosklags talks about how the dying teach us how to live. How they teach us to be more present for our lives right now, and notice what matters most.

For the second week, the "Take What Serves. Leave the Rest" podcast is joining hands with Kelly's podcast titled, "See My Grief".

Kelly a licensed clinical social worker who’s worked for over 25 years in the field of oncology, palliative care and hospice. This includes running her own private therapy practice for over 15 years.

Kelly is also the Founder of “Conversations with Kelly”, and author of the book “A Comforted Heart”.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Talking To Your Inner Child with Kelly Grosklags

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:22:55 -0400

Learning to nurture that inner child that lives inside of you is deeply sacred work.

In this episode, the "Take What Serves. Leave the Rest" podcasts joins hands with the "See My Grief" podcast to talk about talking to your inner child.

The "See My Grief" podcast is hosted by Kelly Grosklags, who's a licensed clinical social worker who’s worked for over 25 years in the field of oncology, palliative care and hospice. This includes running her own private therapy practice for over 15 years.

Kelly is also the Founder of “Conversations with Kelly”, and author of the book “A Comforted Heart”.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

NDSU Head Football Coach Matt Entz Talks Mental Health

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 10:12:57 -0400

Matt Entz just wrapped up his 4th season as head coach of the North Dakota State University football team.

He joins Bryan this week to talk about how he maneuvers the pressure that comes along with leading the program. He talks about what he does when self doubt grows strong, the team's "Right Now Means Everything" motto, and how he addresses mental health with his players.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Experiencing Life’s Contrasts with Dr. Ristau

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:44:30 -0400

We experience a wide array of emotions as human beings and, in this episode, we talk about creating space for it all to exist within us.

Bryan talks to Dr. Anastasia Ristau, who is a Psychologist and Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare. Dr. Ristau joined us previously on the podcast to talk about the basics of therapy. You can listen to that episode here.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Kindness, Mental Health & Coming Out with Katie Steller

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:40:28 -0400

Kindness. It's at the core of the way Katie Steller is showing up in the world. She founded the Steller Kindness Project and the Red Chair Project, where she travels around Minneapolis giving free haircuts to people in need.

In this week's episode, we talk about the mental health challenges Katie has maneuvered in her life and the ways she has learned to show up. She also shares her experience with ulcerative colitis when she was a teenager, embracing her sexuality over the last few years, and much more.

Katie is the CEO of Steller Hair Company in Northeast Minneapolis.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

The Journey From Head to Heart in Addiction Recovery

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:54:26 -0400

We're focusing on addiction and recovery in this week's episode.

Bryan talks to Connor Johnson about his journey with recovery and emerging from the grips of alcohol addiction. Connor is a yoga & meditation instructor, and Lululemon Ambassador. He's also is a housing consultant and the founder of Would Works.

Connor shares more about his journey in sobriety, how alcohol became a tool to numb what he was experiencing, and what he's learned about connecting to his heart through the process.

Click here to register for this month's Breathwork/Meditation event in Minneapolis with Connor and Bryan.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Cold Plunges & Cold Showers: Expanding Your Comfort Zone

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:25:12 -0400

We're keeping things super "chill" on this episode.

Bryan is joined by Luis Leonardo and Harrison Klein to talk about cold plunges and cold showers. They are both using cold exposure in their daily lives to develop a new relationship with their comfort zones.

Luis is the Founder of Embrace North, which is a cold plunge & sauna space in Minneapolis. Both Luis and Harrison also have teamed up to create Built to Breathe.

They talk about what drew them both to the cold, how to maneuver your first cold plunge, and much more.

Click here to learn more about the True North Experiences that they're offering.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Riding The Wave of a Panic Attack with Dr. Chad Puffer

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:29:52 -0400

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Chad Puffer about ways to maneuver the experience of a panic attack.

Dr. Puffer is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and the Medical Director for Child and Adolescent Services in Southern Minnesota for PrairieCare.

Dr. Puffer opens up about struggling with panic attacks in medical school, and shares what helped him. He also talks about what's happening in our bodies when we experience a panic attack, the difference between a panic attack & panic disorder, and helping men be vulnerable about their mental health.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

KARE 11’s Rena Sarigianopoulos Shares Experience with Social Anxiety

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 11:19:35 -0400

In this episode Bryan talks to KARE 11 News Anchor and Reporter Rena Sarigianopoulos about her journey with social anxiety.

Rena says she's experienced anxiety in social settings for as long as she can remember. She talks about how social anxiety manifests for her and the importance of showing up for people. "Showing up for people is more important than anything that's going on in my head," Rena says.

You can follow Rena on Instagram: @renakare11
You can follow Rena on Twitter: @renakare11

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Choosing To Stay with Sam Eaton

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 08:47:47 -0400

In this episode Bryan talks to mental health advocate Sam Eaton about his journey with depression and suicidal thoughts.

In 2011 Sam nearly took his own life, but made the decision to stay. He is now a speaker and founder of Recklessly Alive. He also is the author of the book, "Recklessly Alive: What My Suicide Attempt Taught Me About God and Living Life to the Fullest".

Sam shares what helps him maneuver his mental health, how we can best support someone who's struggling, and the incredible experiences he's had in his life since 2011.

Follow Sam on Instagram: @recklesslyalive

If you, or someone you know, is in need of immediate support you can call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

The Impact of Screen Time on Kids Mental Health

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:04:21 -0300

In this episode Bryan talks with Dr. Alice Gu about the impact of screen time and kids mental health.

With technology surrounding us constantly, Dr. Gu gives advice to help parents address the topic with their children. She also discusses some of the negative impacts of excessive screen time, and how a parent can recognize the signs that their child is too attached to their device.

Dr. Gu is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at PrairieCare in their Rochester, Minnesota location.

For more information on the recommended guidelines for kids and screens, Dr. Gu encourages parents to check out HealthyChildren.org.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

OCD Awareness Week: Resources That Have Helped Me

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:36:41 -0300

To mark OCD Awareness Week, this episode is intended to offer gratitude to the resources and people within the OCD community that have helped light the way for me and so many others. I share some of the things that have been most helpful for me, and hope they can help you too.

I also talk more about the term "Pure O", which is used to describe OCD that presents as intrusive thoughts with mental compulsions. This term was a game changer for me.

Resources mentioned:

Alison Dotson

Book: Pure O: The Invisible Side of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Chrissie Hodges YouTube Page

IntrusiveThoughts.org

"Made of Millions" YouTube Channel - This is the YouTube channel that has interviews with Dr. Steven Phillipson.

The OCD Stories Podcast

International OCD Foundation

NOCD - OCD Therapy Resource

OCD Advocates on Instagram:
Chrissie Hodges: @pureochrissie
Alison Dotson: @beingmewithocd
Kimberley Quinlan: @youranxietytoolkit
Alegra Kastens: @obessivelyeverafter

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

MN Vikings Writer Lindsey Young Shares Journey With Anxiety & Depression

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:20:35 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to Lindsey Young about her journey with anxiety and depression. Lindsey is a staff writer for the Minnesota Vikings, and recently created the Getting Open Series where people within the organization publicly shared their experience with mental health.

Lindsey opens up about what has helped her maneuver dark moments in her life, and what helps her reach out to others when things feel hard. She also talks about how health anxiety surfaces for her, and what gives her hope.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

Click here for more information about Bryan's November "Meeting Ourselves Gently" Breathwork event.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Jack Jablonski Discusses Coming Out & Embracing His Sexuality

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 10:29:54 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to Jack Jablonski about the process of embracing his sexuality. Jack publicly came out in early September, posting on social media that he is gay.

Jack was paralyzed from the chest down during a high school hockey game in Minnesota back in 2011. Since then, Jack has shared his journey publicly and founded the Jack Jablonski Foundation.

In this episode Jack shares more about when he began questioning his sexuality, why he's decided to come out publicly, and what he learned about himself during moments of darkness as he leaned into accepting this part of himself.

You can follow Jack on media:
Instagram: @jackjablonski13
Twitter: @jabs_13

If you, or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

The Gifts & Challenges of Being A Highly Sensitive Person

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:53:43 -0300

In this episode Bryan talks to Matt Landsiedel about what it means to be a highly sensitive person. Being a highly sensitive person comes with many gifts to share with the world, and also can present some challenges.

Matt is a Life & Spiritual Coach, and the host of the "Inspired To Be Authentic" podcast. He talks about growing up as a highly sensitive child, and how he's learned to nurture this part of himself. He also talks about people pleasing, living authentically, and the process of learning to feel our emotions.

As always, take what serves you from this conversation - and leave the rest.

Click here to learn more about Bryan's upcoming "Meeting Ourselves Gently" Breathwork event.

Stepping Into A New Week Together

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 19:34:35 -0300

In this episode, Bryan sits down with a cup of coffee and hits record, as we all step into a new week together.

He encourages us all to notice when perfectionism tries take hold, bring some awareness to our actions - and be gentle with ourselves along the way.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

Click here for information on Bryan's virtual Breathwork event coming up on October 5th.

Showing Up In The Midst of the Muck

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:07:23 -0300

The beginning of the week can certainly be a time of anxiety and overwhelm. Bryan offers a few words to help you ground as you step into your Monday.

He talks about not waiting for things to feel "perfect" before we show up for our lives, and bringing awareness to our actions.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

You can learn more about, and register for, Bryan's upcoming virtual Breathwork event here.

The Process of Exploring Mental Health Medication

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 08:32:50 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Kyle Cedermark about the process of beginning mental health medication. Deciding to take medication for your mental health is a very individual, personal choice. This episode is aimed at helping answer some of the common questions you might have, if you decide that medication is a helpful piece of your mental health "toolkit".

Dr. Cedermark talks about when medication might be helpful, how medication works in the brain, some of the common hesitations people have, and more.

Dr. Cedermark is a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist - and the Chief Psychotherapy Officer at PrairieCare.

As always, take what serves you from this conversation - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Weaving Spirituality Into Mental Health Treatment

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 09:55:45 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to Lora Devore-Matz. Lora brings over forty years of experience as a psychotherapist and educator. She is specifically drawn towards spiritual psychology and transpersonal development.

Lora is a senior faculty member with the internationally recognized Center for Mind-Body Medicine, and also is a Clinical Education Specialist at PrairieCare.

In this interview, Lora discusses her new book, "Darkness Was My Candle" where she reveals her personal healing journey.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

If you, or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Yoga and Making Ourselves a Priority with Hope Elliott

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 11:32:10 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to Hope Elliott about her mental health story, and what she has learned along the way.

Hope teaches yoga and is a wellbeing educator based out of Burlington, Vermont. She shares her experience of growing up in a home with a parent experiencing mental health struggles. Hope also talks about her experience getting diagnosed with anxiety, depression, ADHD and panic disorder.

In this episode, Hope also shares how her yoga practice has helped her heal and the importance of making her self care a top priority.

You can follow Hope on Instagram: @hopefj

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 17:28:00 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Suzanne Jasberg about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is being used to help people struggling with treatment resistant depression, along with other mental health conditions.

Dr. Jasberg talks more about what TMS is, how it works, and who qualifies for it. Dr. Jasberg is a psychiatrist in the Center for Neurotherapeutics at PrairieCare.

As always, take what serves you from this conversation - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Mental Health & Music with Allegra Miles

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 10:47:12 -0300

In this episode Bryan talks to Allegra Miles. Allegra just appeared on Season 20 of American Idol, and was also a semi-finalist on The Voice.

Allegra shares her journey with her mental health, including struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder. She also shares how music has been instrumental in her healing, how cleansing it can be to cry - and much more.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Supporting Someone When They Come Out

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 14:53:57 -0300

In honor of Pride month, Bryan talks in this episode to Lisa Bauer about how to support someone through the coming out process.

Bryan and Lisa share pieces of their own coming out process and help guide parents on what to say to their kids when they come out. In addition, Lisa talks about how parents can maneuver their own emotions as they continue to show up for their child.

Lisa is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker at PrairieCare.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Connecting To Your Heart Through Breathwork with Michelle D’Avella

Tue, 31 May 2022 12:56:41 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to breathwork facilitator and author Michelle D'Avella about how breathwork can help you heal.

Michelle talks about how breathwork has impacted her life, how the practice can help guide you into your heart, and what she would say to anyone who's finding themselves in a dark place.

You can learn more about Michelle and her offerings on her website, PushingBeauty.com.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

A Therapist’s Experience with Perinatal OCD

Mon, 23 May 2022 13:04:33 -0300

In this episode, we continue our conversation about perinatal mental health. Bryan talks to Perinatal Therapist Lisa Cross about her own experience with perinatal OCD and how she's now helping new moms nurture their mental health.

Lisa works in the Perinatal Clinic at PrairieCare. She also recommends reaching out to Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota if you're in Minnesota. You can also contact Postpartum Support International no matter where you live.

As always - take what serves you from this conversation, and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Feeling What’s There, Without Trying To Figure It Out + Meditation

Thu, 12 May 2022 18:19:27 -0300

In this episode, Bryan explores the concept of opening up to the emotions we're experiencing, without needing to know why they are there.

Sometimes we may know where an emotion is coming from, other times we may have no clue. This episode is an invitation to allow what's present to be felt, and expressed. We don't need to "figure it out" in order to heal.

Bryan also guides you through a meditation around this concept.

Take what serves you, and leave the rest.

Riding The Waves When Emotions Feel Intense

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:02:02 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks about what's helped guide him when emotions are feeling particularly intense.

He talks about leaning into connection, feeling emotions vs. thinking about them - and giving ourselves space to do what we need in the moment.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

A Mother’s Experience with Perinatal OCD

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 12:13:47 -0300

In this episode, Bryan talks to Chelsea Elker, who started experiencing intrusive thoughts about her newborn baby shortly after giving birth.

Chelsea talks about how Perinatal OCD shook her to her core, and how it's led her to the work she's doing today. Chelsea is now a Clinical Care Coordinate for the perinatal speciality clinic at PrairieCare.

If you are a new or pregnant mom in need of mental health resources you can reach out to Postpartum Support International, Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota, and PrairieCare's Perinatal Clinic.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

How To Help Someone Who Is Suicidal

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 10:14:31 -0300

In this episode Bryan talks to Dr. Josh Stein about how to help someone who is suicidal.

This can be a very heavy conversation to absorb, so we encourage you to take care of yourself as you listen.

Dr. Stein gives us advice on opening up dialogue with someone you might be worried about, and how to help keep them safe. He also explains the QPR approach to preventing suicide.

Dr. Stein is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at PrairieCare.

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @BryanPiatt

If you, or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Perfectionism & Self Compassion with Kimberley Quinlan

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 12:09:12 -0300

This week, Bryan chats with licensed therapist Kimberley Quinlan about her journey maneuvering perfectionism & cultivating self compassion.

Kimberley also shares her experience living with an eating disorder.

Kimberley specializes in treating people with anxiety & OCD. She's the host of the "Your Anxiety Toolkit" podcast, and the author of the "Self Compassion Workbook for OCD". Kimberley is also the creator of CBT School.

You can follow Kimberley on Instagram: @youranxietytoolkit

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @BryanPiatt

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:16:10 -0400

The news about the LGBTQ+ community that’s been making headlines recently has been difficult to absorb. Today on the podcast, we’re talking about it.

Bryan chats with QUEERSPACE Collective Founder Nicki Hangsleben (she/her) and QUEERSPACE Board Member Micah Helle (They/Them & He/Him) about the incredible work they’re doing for LGBTQ+ youth. We learn more about their coming out journeys, get their reaction to what’s unfolding right now in states like Florida, talk about some of unique mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community - and discuss how we can all show up for trans & non-binary youth.

However you identify, we celebrate you. We honor you. We need you.

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @BryanPiatt
You can follow QUEERSPACE Collective on Instagram: @queerspacecollective

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Miss Minnesota Elle Mark Shares Mental Health Journey

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 13:14:35 -0400

In this episode, Bryan chats with current Miss Minnesota Elle Mark about what she's experienced with her mental health.

She shares how she started struggling with anxiety, depression & panic disorder in college, her reaction to the death of Cheslie Kryst, the visual analogy that helps her maneuver anxious thoughts - and much more.

You can listen to Elle on the "Rank You Very Much" podcast and follow her on Instagram (@missamericamn).

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @bryanpiatt

If you, or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Mental Health In The BIPOC Community

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:18:21 -0400

In this episode, Bryan talks to Dr. Asfia Qaadir about mental health within the BIPOC community.

Dr. Qaadir is a child & adolescent psychiatrist and clinical consultant to diversity, equity and inclusion at PrairieCare.

Dr. Qaadir talks about racial inequities within the healthcare system, how implicit bias shows up in mental health therapy, establishing trust within the BIPOC community when it comes to mental health treatment - and much more.

You can reach out to Bryan on Instagram: @BryanPiatt
You can email Bryan: bryanmpiatt@gmail.com

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

I Had Panic Attacks On Live Television

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 10:55:24 -0400

In this episode, Bryan shares his experience of struggling with panic attacks on live television while working as a news anchor.

For years, Bryan experienced panic attack symptoms while working on the air as a news anchor in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He talks about the first time panic showed up on the job and his journey of learning to maneuver it.

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @BryanPiatt
You can email Bryan: bryanmpiatt@gmail.com

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Finding Calm in the Storm with Ginger Zee

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 15:21:53 -0400

In this episode Bryan interviews ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee.

In addition to reporting the weather on Good Morning America and World News Tonight, Ginger is also publicly sharing her journey with mental health. The mother of two has struggled with depression, anorexia, and borderline personality disorder - and has opened up about attempting suicide twice. In her most recent book, "A Little Closer To Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm", Ginger shares that her second suicide attempt was after she had an abortion.

Ginger shares how she manages her mental health every day, reminds us that no storm lasts forever - and much more.

You can follow Ginger on Instagram: @ginger_zee

If you, or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

My Experience with Mental Health Medication

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 13:08:27 -0400

This week I’m talking about my experience with medication for mental health.

There can be a lot of fear, opinions and anxiety around this topic.

I get it. I’ve been there.

There have been times where I’ve questioned if medication would change who I am. If it would zap my creativity. If it would disconnect me from who I authentically am. I’ve wondered if I was cheating on life, or taking the easy way out.

As a mental health advocate, I think it’s important for me to share that medication has been very helpful for me. I take it every morning. It’s a piece of my toolkit, along with a number of different things that help me ride the waves of this human experience.

You can resonate with holistic approaches AND take meds. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.

GeneSight test website: https://genesight.com/

Follow me on Instagram: @BryanPiatt

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

New To Therapy? We’ve Got You Covered

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:32:40 -0400

Stepping into therapy can feel overwhelming sometimes. If you're new to the process, we've got you covered in this episode. Bryan explores some of the common questions that come up when beginning therapy and helps you lean in.

Bryan chats with Dr. Anastasia Ristau & Dr. Anna Bohlinger about what therapy is, how to find a therapist, what they hope people experience when working with them, and much more.

Dr. Ristau is a Psychologist and the Director of Psychotherapeutics at PrairieCare. Dr. Bohlinger is a licensed marriage and family therapist at PrairieCare.

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @BryanPiatt

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Meditation & Mental Health with Jesse Israel

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 10:22:02 -0400

In this episode, Bryan chats with Jesse Israel about meditation.

Jesse is the Founder of The Big Quiet, which is a mass meditation movement, aimed at gathering people to meditate together. Jesse recently went on tour with Oprah for her Vision 2020 tour.

Jesse shares his struggles with mental health when he was operating a successful record label in his early 20's, and how meditation helped him find relief. He talks more about what it was like to go on tour with Oprah, and what's happening in our bodies when we meditate.

Visit TheBigQuiet.com to learn more about his virtual meditation course, and upcoming events.

You can follow Jesse on Instagram: @jessieisrael.

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @bryanpiatt.

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Real Talk About Intrusive Thoughts

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 13:53:14 -0400

In this episode, Bryan continues his conversation with OCD advocate Chrissie Hodges. They get real about intrusive thoughts that are very common for some people who struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Chrissie talks about the type of therapy that is considered the "gold standard" for people who struggle with OCD, and why it's important to start talking to kids about intrusive thoughts.

You can follow Chrissie on Instagram: @pureochrissie
You can follow Chrissie on YouTube, too.
Chrissie's website: http://www.chrissiehodges.com/

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @bryanpiatt

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 12:37:31 -0400

In this episode Bryan talks to OCD advocate Chrissie Hodges.

Chrissie shares her experience of living with symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder for over 12 years, and not having any idea what it was. She shares how intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions consumed her life - eventually causing her to attempt suicide. Chrissie is now an absolute force in the world of OCD advocacy. She’s the Founder of OCD Peers & OCD Gamechangers, a peer support specialist, and the author of “Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder”.

You can follow Chrissie on Instagram: @pureochrissie
You can follow Chrissie on YouTube, too.
Chrissie's website: http://www.chrissiehodges.com/

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @bryanpiatt

(This podcast is not meant to replace therapy. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional)

Navigating Grief During the Holidays

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 14:35:13 -0400

In this episode, Bryan invites grief therapist Kelly Grosklags on the podcast to talk about navigating grief during the holidays.

While the holidays can be a time of abundant joy, it can also be a very heavy, challenging time of the year for those experiencing grief.

Kelly talks about being mindful of our expectations as we step into the holidays, ways to honor the loved ones we’ve lost, and how the pandemic may be adding an extra layer to our grief.

Kelly Grosklags is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in grief and loss. She is the founder of “Conversations with Kelly”, which is an online platform and healing community bringing people together regardless of what they’re struggling with. Kelly is also the author of “A Comforted Heart” and the host of the Conversations with Kelly Podcast.

Follow Kelly on Facebook here.
Kelly's Instagram: @cwkheals

You can follow Bryan on Instagram: @bryanpiatt

(This podcast is not meant to replace work with a therapist. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional.)

BONUS EPISODE: Guided Breathwork Meditation

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 15:00:59 -0400

To go alongside the episode about breathwork, Bryan has released this guided breathwork meditation for you to try, if the practice is speaking to you.

Find a comfortable place to lay down, cover yourself with a blanket - and breathe.

It might feel nice to put an eye/sleep mask on to block out the light. It's best to lay your head directly on the ground, without using a pillow. We like to keep your throat open throughout the process.

IMPORTANT: If you have any medical conditions it is your responsibility to consult with your doctor before doing breathwork. I do not provide medical advice or grant permission for what is safe for your body. If at any time you feel unsafe moving forward with this meditation you can stop, breathe through your nose, and open your eyes. Affirm your safety. If you have a history of trauma and prefer to do this work in person or live virtually you can contact me or another practitioner for a 1:1 session.

My email: BryanMPiatt@gmail.com

Meeting Ourselves Gently Through Breathwork

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 13:27:09 -0400

In this episode, Bryan explores the world of Breathwork.

Breathwork is a powerful tool to help guide us from our minds, into our bodies. Beyond just bringing awareness to our breath, Breathwork is an active breathing practice that has the power to help us release emotions that we carry within - and meet ourselves more gently.

Bryan is joined by George Ramsay, who is a breathwork facilitator living in Venice, California. George shares how he discovered the practice - and how it’s helped cultivate more self love after growing up gay in North Carolina.

Bryan also talks with Samantha Collins, who’s a breathwork facilitator in the Twin Cities. Samantha describes what Breathwork means to her and what the practice feels like in her body.

Be sure to check out the guided breathwork session Bryan released along with this episode, so you can experience the practice yourself.

George’s website: https://bit.ly/3ECjyT9
George teaches breathwork with the online platform “Open”: https://o-p-e-n.com/
*Use the promo code “GEORGE30” for a free month with Open.
Follow George on Instagram: @thebreathworks

Follow Samantha on Instagram: @samanthaconnected

(This podcast is not meant to replace work with a therapist. If you feel you need it, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional.)

Feeling Unreal: What Is Depersonalization & Derealization?

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 09:23:00 -0400

In this episode, Bryan talks about depersonalization & derealization.

Depersonalization is often described as feeling detached from oneself, and derealization is described as feeling detached from one’s surroundings. Both can leave someone feeling like they are living in a dream-like state, which can be incredibly scary.

Bryan shares how he started experiencing it when he was in middle school and lived several years having no idea what was going on. He shares what eventually helped him find out that he wasn’t the only one feeling this, and the tools that have helped him maneuver it.

If you are experiencing depersonalization or derealization, we hope this episode is a soft place to land, and a reminder that you are not alone.

Check out Kimberley Quinlan on Instagram: @kimberleyquinlan

You can find Bryan on Instagram, too: @BryanPiatt

This is the YouTube video that Bryan referenced: https://bit.ly/3lmS2BL

This is the book about depersonalization Bryan mentioned: https://amzn.to/3roFvRZ.

(This podcast is not meant to replace work with a therapist. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed professional)

It‘s OK If You Don‘t Feel Grateful This Thanksgiving

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 15:02:05 -0400

In this episode, Bryan talks about being mindful of our expectations this Thanksgiving.

We're bombarded with messages that we're "supposed" to feel gratitude and joy around the holidays. Bryan reminds us that there's also room for anxiety, depression, shame, doubt & grief when it arises, too. It doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. It means you're human.

Bryan shares what helps many of you manage your mental health this time of the year.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

Follow Bryan:
Instagram: @BryanPiatt
On Facebook here.

(This podcast is not meant to replace work with a therapist. If you feel you need it, please reach out to a licensed professional.)

The Power of ”Both/And” Thinking

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:55:48 -0400

In this episode, Bryan interviews licensed psychotherapist Kelly Grosklags about the healing power of “both/and” thinking.

They discuss this simple, yet profound way of looking at our lives that can help us gently hold space for - and honor - what’s present for us in any given moment. The “both/and” can be a very powerful tool to move us away from “either/or” thinking, which often leads to anxiety, worry and overwhelm.

Kelly and Bryan recently co-produced the award-winning documentary “Dying Is Not Giving Up”, which is aimed at helping medical professionals lean into end-of-life conversations with their patients.

Follow Kelly on Facebook here.
Kelly's Instagram: @cwkheals

Follow Bryan on Facebook here.
Bryan's Instagram: @BryanPiatt

(This podcast is not meant to replace work with a therapist. If you feel you need it, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed professional.)

Cultivating Self Compassion

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 13:00:33 -0400

In this episode, we talk about the importance of meeting ourselves gently, and with compassion.

Bryan talks with the friend he’s known the longest, Matt Lenyo, about his recent experience cultivating self compassion.

We explore what self compassion means, and some ways to implement it into your daily routine.

As always, take what serves you - and leave the rest.

Reach out to Bryan here:
Instagram: @BryanPiatt
Facebook: Click here.

Tools That Help Me Manage My Mental Health

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:16:13 -0300

In this episode, Bryan shares what helps him maneuver his mental health every day.

He talks more in-depth about how inviting anxiety, doubt and uncertainty “along for the ride” has been pivotal in helping him show up for his life - and how the “bus” analogy has been very helpful for him.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

Welcome & My Mental Health Story

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:09:52 -0300

Welcome to the "Take What Serves, Leave the Rest" podcast.

In this episode, your host Bryan Piatt shares what this podcast is all about, and his journey with mental health. He opens up about first struggling with anxiety & depersonalization in middle school, maneuvering panic attacks on live television as a TV news anchor, and understanding how OCD impacts him.

As always - take what serves you, and leave the rest.

You can follow Bryan on Instagram at @BryanPiatt and on Facebook here.