CW: substance abuse/addiction
In this powerful episode, Juliet (a proud Duke fan!) sits down with former Duke basketball star and 14-season NBA veteran, Mike Gminski. Now a basketball analyst, Mike opens up about his most fulfilling role yet—navigating recovery and using his story to help others.
Mike shares what it was like to be a young athlete in a hyper-competitive world where their "brains are wired to be the best." He candidly discusses his relationship with alcohol, which began at age 15, and the traumas that fueled his addiction. He reflects on the interventions attempted by former teammates and friends, as well as the pivotal moments that led him to seek change.
With deep honesty, Mike reveals how "silence and isolation almost killed me" and why he’s now committed to speaking out. You'll hear about his friendships, gestures from Coach K, and a life-changing moment with his son that reshaped his journey. Throughout the conversation, Juliet highlights themes of shame, ego, gratitude, and growth—offering insights that resonate far beyond sports.
This is a must-listen episode filled with raw honesty, resilience, and inspiration.
Mike Gminski Instagram: @gman43duke
Sana House
Juliet's Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
Juliet's Website: Yep, I Go To Therapy
Sun Counseling & Wellness
Juliet chats with Laura Phoenix, a writer, healer, yoga teacher, and somatic experiencing practitioner who is queer, neurodivergent, and traumatized. Their life's work is guiding people in yoga and bodywork for trauma recovery.
Juliet & Laura discuss going beyond 'talk therapy' and learning to listen to our bodies that are always trying to tell us something. They connect over their shared humanity in "walking the walk" in their own mental health journeys. They dive into what somatic experiencing is and how it supplements talk therapy to help clients go deeper. It makes sense as we're WHOLE beings and can access "movement as a tool to broaden our awareness."
There is lots to explore in the world of trauma and bodywork and Laura posits "isn't that where the medicine is?" regarding something specific in therapeutic work. Listen in to see if you agree!
Laura Phoenix: Warrior Pose Yoga & Healing
Juliet's Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
Juliet's Website: Yep, I Go To Therapy
Sun Counseling & Wellness
In this episode, Juliet talks with Haley Weaver...you probably know her as @haleydrewthis from her adorable and relatable illustrations on Instagram! Haley recently published her first book called Give Me Space but Don't Go Far: My Unlikely Friendship With Anxiety.
Juliet and Haley discuss the function of anxiety and how understanding your relationship with it can help you cope. Juliet shares some psychoeducation and Haley shares about her personal history with anxiety and how she uses her drawing to better understand it. She also opens up about what its like to have such a big following on social media.
Listen in to this fun conversation and let us know what you learn or how it inspires you!
Juliet on Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
Juliet's Website: YepIGoToTherapy.com
Juliet's Practice: Sun Counseling & Wellness
Haley on Instagram: @HaleyDrewThis
Haley on Substack: Haley Wrote This
Haley's book: wherever books are sold!
In this episode, Juliet talks with fellow therapist, David Sanchez. David specializes in working with clients with problematic sexual behaviors (porn, affairs/infidelity, compulsive sexual behaviors, etc.).
David educates listeners on what these behaviors actually are, removing stigma from it as his work is about understanding the person underneath the behavior: "It might be something you did, but not who you are." He also discusses the impact of these behaviors on partners and family members.
We also discuss men's mental health, in particular, and the skills that they can learn to practice assertiveness, healthy coping, and boundaries. David shares a bit about his own mental health and relating to being the "nice guy" and honing these skills himself.
Juliet on Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
Juliet's Website: YepIGoToTherapy.com
Juliet's Practice: Sun Counseling & Wellness
David's Practice: Charlotte Counseling Associates
Dr. Matthew Zakreski (known as “Dr. Matt”) is a seasoned clinical psychologist and professional speaker renowned for his expertise in serving neurodivergent individuals (people with different brains such as gifted, ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia). Passionate about reducing stigma surrounding neurodiversity, Dr. Matt is driven by his mission to promote a culture of compassion and understanding in order to support people in embracing understanding and celebrating their unique brains and ways of operating in the world.
"Z" (as I've called him since college!) and I are aligned in our mission of authenticity and ending the stigma. We discuss the value of therapy when you "bring your tea-spillingest self as you find the courage to go there."
He is an expert in living, teaching, and working with neurodivergence. We dig into ADHD, the highly sensitive trait, dyslexia, autism, & giftedness to bring you better understanding. We discuss the process of diagnosing, differences between genders, being diagnosed later in life, and how common this really is (1 in 5 people are neurodivergent!).
We also talk about bringing main character energy to your own life and how it's never too late to understand your own brain as that can only help enhance your well-being!
Juliet on Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
Juliet's Website: YepIGoToTherapy.com
Matt on Instagram: @DrMattZakreski
Matt's Websites: DrMattZakreski.com and The NeurodiversityCollective.com
CW: suicidality
Ben Greene (he/him) is transgender man, author, advocate, & public speaker. He was in Charlotte to speak at the PFLAG Charlotte Pride & Purpose Gala, so he and Juliet got to record this episode live at Queen City Podcast Network!
Ben says he's in the business of "being the person I needed when I was younger." He shares his coming out story and his curiosity around what could've been different if he had access to different resources, support, and knew how to talk about it when he was quite young: "I didn't know I was a boy, I just knew I was bad at being a girl." He also goes on to discuss his medical transition.
Ben shares about his own mental health while "locking my closet door from the inside" for so long. Finally, he shares how he didn't need his parents to be experts right away, he just needed them to say they loved him and that he was safe. He shares several practical tools and tips for allies.
Ben shares some really great metaphors about:
Ben's passion is making all of this a joy-filled conversation. He says that conversations around trans youth begin and end around suicide statistics which is so important AND we can't just stay focused on what to avoid, but also what we stand to gain.
Juliet on Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
Juliet's Website: YepIGoToTherapy.com
Ben on Instagram: @Pseudo.Bro
Ben's Website: BGTransTalks.com
Ben's Book: My Child Is Trans, Now What? A Joy-Centered Approach To Support
Recorded at the Queen City Podcast Network
Sponsored by PFLAG Charlotte
In this episode, Juliet chats with Summer Baruth, an industrial and organizational psychologist who is a global leader in human resources. Summer's passion is in making the uncomfortable comfortable and meeting people where they are to help them see things differently. In this episode, Juliet & Summer get into the real real about helping others feel seen, but discussing if they allow themselves to be truly seen?! They also discuss the grief that happens around losing friendships. This is a topic that Juliet is passionate about putting more focus on: the unique attachments that occur in friendships and how to navigate it when they change.
Other topics Juliet & Summer discuss:
Juliet on Instagram
Juliet on LinkedIn
YepIGoToTherapy.com
Summer on LinkedIn
Summer on Instagram
Amber is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional in the state of New Jersey. She is a therapist, an advocate, a feeler, and a flawed human and she's no stranger to anxiety.
In this episode, Amber and Juliet talk about their definitions of anxiety, various manifestations of anxiety, and how we know it's time to take a deeper look at our anxiety. They discuss tools for getting curious about one's anxiety and learning how to trust yourself again and tolerate anxious feelings. They also talk about the impact of social media on mental health and the nuances that aren't captured in that space. You'll finish this episode knowing that while anxiety may be a part of your story, it's not all that you are and doesn't have to stand in your way.
Juliet on Instagram: YepIGoToTherapy
Amber on Instagram: amber_vs_anxiety
Amber's The Anxiety Lab
In this episode, Juliet chats with Lindsay Anvik Henricks, co-owner of a make-your-own-charcuterie business: Babe and Butcher in Charlotte, NC. Lindsay is also a big advocate for therapy and tending to your mental wellness as she's open about her own journey with anxiety and depression.
CW: fertility, postpartum mental health
Tune in to this FULL episode as Juliet & Lindsay chat about:
Links:
Juliet on Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
Juliet's new book: Who You Callin' Crazy?!
Lindsay on Instagram: @BabeAndButcher
Babe and Butcher: https://www.babeandbutcher.com/
In this episode, fellow therapist, Danielle Hughes, discusses what it means to be a faith-based counselor. She describes what it is like to have the permission to wrestle with spirituality in a therapy session, however a client may define spirituality for themselves.
Danielle and Juliet dive into some mental health buzzwords that need our attention: embodiment and radical acceptance. As they tease out what these get to look like for individual clients, the listener gets a feel for what holistic treatment (mind, body, and spirit) can entail. As humans, we so often try to think our way out of a problem or out of discomfort when our bodies, as Danielle says, are reading and responding to emotions. She says that we need to learn to listen to our bodies and perhaps connect to our spirituality, as well.
Danielle in her practice, Cultivate Charlotte, is working to be a greenhouse for growth and an ally in cultivating faith for clients.
Links:
Juliet on Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
Juliet's new book: Who You Callin' Crazy?!
Danielle's Website: Cultivate Charlotte
In this episode of "Who You Callin' Crazy?!" Juliet Kuehnle interviews Rennie Dyball, an
author and editor. Rennie shares about her journey from ghostwriting celebrity memoirs to authoring several books. Her latest is her picture book debut entitled: B Is For Bellies, a celebration of every body. So, of course, much of their conversation centers around body image -- for us adults and how we can help influence that of our children.
Juliet and Rennie also discuss the importance of storytelling and the joy of finding one's niche. Together they explore some of the impactful topics covered in Rennie’s books, as well as the books that have impacted her; from topics including ADHD to body image.
Timestamps
[00:02:15] Currently co-authoring an ADHD and self-help book.
[00:11:35] Breaking down body image issues.
[00:15:04] The Fuck It Diet – a book that helped Rennie ease out of diet culture.
[00:20:37] Managing uncomfortable emotions.
[00:21:04] Body positivity and its evolution.
[00:25:43] The power of mantras.
[00:28:10] Talking to kids about body image.
Links:
Juliet on Instagram @YepIGoToTherapy
Rennie Dyball
B Is For Bellies
In this episode of Who You Callin' Crazy?!, Juliet Kuehnle interviews Chris Weedon, the founder of Mentally Shredded. Chris shares his journey of overcoming his own mental health challenges and finding peace after retiring from soccer. He discusses the importance of adding value to the world through advocacy and personal development. Chris also opens up about the difficulties of building a business and the rewards it brings. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and vulnerability.
Timestamps
[00:01:20] Sharing his story and advocacy.
[00:06:28] "Chris, you're more than soccer."
[00:09:24] Taking Big Risks on Yourself.
[00:13:14] Reclaiming personal power.
[00:19:11] The power of affirmations.
[00:23:41] Navigating identity and acceptance.
[00:28:20] Allowing yourself to date again.
[00:32:21] Embracing the darkness.
Detailed Synopsis
In this episode, Juliet & Chris discuss how creating a space for people to open up and share personal stories can be a catalyst for personal growth and connection with others. The importance of authenticity and vulnerability, both with oneself and with others, is highlighted. Juliet emphasizes that on the other side of vulnerability lies freedom.
In this episode, Chris shares his personal journey of self-discovery and success, emphasizing the importance of personal development and taking risks. He discusses his fear of not being able to discover purpose or have a goal that aligns with his true calling, but how his determination, willpower, and drive have been key qualities in discovering more about himself.
Links:
Juliet on Instagram @YepIGoToTherapy
Get Juliet's Book!
Mentally Shredded
In this episode of "Who You Callin' Crazy?!" host Juliet Kuehnle interviews Laura Hays, an emergency medicine physician and co-founder of Lasting Impact Wellness Group. Laura shares some of her personal story about her mental health and experiencing panic attacks. The conversation emphasizes the universality of mental health struggles and the importance of seeking help and support. Juliet and Laura explore how to take inventory of how we're truly doing as they provide practical tips for checking in on our own mental health. They provide psychoeducation around anxiety that will help listeners understand what's happening in the body alongside these feelings.
Timestamps
00:04:29 Anxiety can appear unexpectedly
00:09:45 Understanding the physiology of anxiety
00:15:20 Being proactive about self-care
00:22:44 Mind-body connection through yoga
00:23:38 The power of the breath
00:33:25 Prioritizing mental health proactively
00:34:50 The importance of self-compassion for mental health
Summary
In this episode of "Who You Callin’ Crazy," host Juliet Kuehnle interviews therapist Kayla Jones to shed light on the experiences and challenges of being a therapist. They discuss the transition from graduate school to private practice, the stigma around being a therapist, and the weight the job can place on the therapist. Tune in to gain insight into the world of therapy as we humanize the profession.
Timestamps
[00:01:45] Starting out in private practice.
[00:06:37] Therapist's pedestal and humanization.
[00:10:07] Being seen and heard.
[00:14:01] The magic of connection.
[00:17:07] Resentment in client relationships.
[00:21:49] Learning the latest slang.
[00:25:03] The heaviness of the job.
[00:31:34] Incorporating music into therapy.
[00:33:38] The magic of therapy.
Detailed Synopsis
In this episode, Kayla shares her personal experience with burnout. After taking a break and working for a while, she made the decision to pursue graduate school with the goal of becoming a therapist. This decision was influenced by herpassion for psychology and her desire to assist others with their mental health, though she admits being and becoming a therapist has positively impacted her own mental health, more than she ever expected.
During the episode, the significance of finding the right therapist who can provide validation and empower individuals to explore their mental health is emphasized. They discuss the “art of being a therapist.” Juliet and Kayla acknowledge that at times the process of therapy can be challenging for both client and therapist. They acknowledge that by sharing that reality and humanizing the therapist and their experience in the process, they can help the client trust the process as well.
Kayla & Juliet identify some of the beneficial differences for a client between talking to a good friend and speaking with a therapist. Additionally, the therapists touch on the emotional weight of their job and how it can impact them. They acknowledge the weight of their responsibility in helping clients navigate their emotions, behaviors, and actions and emphasize the importance of therapists seeking their own therapy.
Welcome back to Who You Callin' Crazy?! We're finally back! I've missed y'all.
In this short episode, I give info on where I've been for the past year. Hint: I wrote a book!
I'm so excited for this season with lots of new guests. Let's keep ending the stigma, together. Please reach out if you'd like to be a guest or have a suggestion. This season's conversations will also include REAL talk with other therapists and helpers to continue making this information super accessible and relatable.
Follow me on Instagram: @YepIGoToTherapy
More info on the book here: https://whoyoucallincrazy.com/
TW/CW: abuse, addiction
The culture of the food and beverage industry has long been infamous for being an environment that perpetuates mental health struggles and substance use. But to Steve Palmer, this is also the same industry that saved him from his addictions.
Palmer is the founder of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, a hospitality and consulting company that owns and operates more than 20 restaurants and 4 hotels across the southeastern US. He is also the co-founder of Ben's friends, a national nonprofit that acts as a bridge to sobriety for those in the hospitality industry struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Steve's personal journey to sobriety is what makes his work so special as it is all personally stamped by his passion ("obsession with hospitality") and his purpose ("service to others.")
Tune in as we chat about:
… and so much more!
Connect with Steve Palmer:
Personal Website: www.aboutstevepalmer.com
Company's Website:www.Indigoroad.com
Steve's Book: Say Grace: How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life
Links
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
Website: Sun Counseling and Wellness
From a young age, Kenzie Harkey could pick up on the chaos that a dysfunctional space caused in her physical and mental state. Fast forward to 2017, after spending the previous decade in the health + wellness field, Kenzie knew she was ready for something different but with the same intention: to make a positive impact. And that's how Simply Dare was born!
Simply Dare is a home organization and relocation company that helps you create a simple + functional home so you can do more of what you love. Kenzie and I talk about the psychology behind organization and how our physical spaces can impact mood. She opens up about her journey with ADHD and in family therapy as we explore the both/and of having compassion and hurt from families of origin.
In this episode, Kenzie and I chat about:
... and so much more!
Simply Dare Website
Simply Dare Instagram
Links:
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
Website: Sun Counseling and Wellness
CW/TW: child abuse, sexual abuse
In this episode, I speak to Sam Hart, chef and owner of Counter- as well as a new restaurant opening this Fall, called Biblio. Sam's culinary journey and innovative restaurant concepts are informed by his mental health journey and, while aligned with his principles, run things counter to what you might expect.
Counter- is a fine dining, story-driven, progressive tasting menu in West Charlotte, where on a seasonal basis, they change not only the food that's on the plates, but also the story that is the driving force behind it. And Biblio, opening up later this year, honors of all the winemakers, vineyards, and distributors that tell their stories through wine lists.
In this rich episode, Sam and I chat about:
... and so much more!
Connect with Sam on Instagram: @chefloosely @counterclt
Check out Counter-: https://www.counterclt.com/
The Relatives
Time Out Youth
CW/TW: suicide, substance use
In today's episode, I speak to Chryssie Whitehead, an actress, singer, educator, passionate mentor, and dancer on Broadway, film, and television. Chryssie talks about her recent coming to terms with her diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder and the process of deciding to write a show about it! About her show, In My Own Little Corner, Chryssie says: "I wrote a show about my journey with bipolar disorder. I wrote a show about my mother's death & her journey with mental illness. I wrote a show about deep love, forgiveness, and letting go of shame."
In this episode, Chryssie and I talk about:
… and so much more!
Connect with Chryssie:
Website: www.chryssiewhitehead.com
Facebook: Chryssie Whitehead
Ellen Forney's Graphic novel: Marbles
Links
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
Website: Sun Counseling and Wellness
In this episode, I speak to Tiffany Donovan Marino, the owner of Confetti Castle and the queen of many ideas. Her company, based in Charlotte, NC, specializes in creating fun and unique balloon designs for parties and events. Tiffany is a make-it-happen kind of person and opens up to us about having to be this way while growing up and learning she could only count on herself. Her emphasis on trusting oneself, not getting caught up in criticism, and having the courage & freedom to accept when you're struggling and ask for help are key takeaways.
Tune in as we chat about:
… and so much more!
Connect with Tiffany:
Company's Website: www.theconfetticastle.com
Instagram: @confetticastle
Personal Instagram account: @confetticastlequeen
Links
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
We don't talk enough about invisible illnesses and disabilities...those that you can't see simply by looking at a person. This is truly the point of my podcast -- to highlight people's stories and struggles rather than making judgments and assuming we know everything about someone.
In this episode, I speak to my friend Brendan Sage, father of two, who opens up about his journey with epilepsy. Brendan, who's now seizure-free, shares a lot about his mental health during this years long experience. It will surely stir you to embrace gratitude and find acceptance.
Tune in as we chat about:
…and so much more!
Connect with Brendan:
LinkedIn: Brendan Sage
Links
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
Website: Sun Counseling and Wellness
Mary Beth Somich is a licensed therapist in private practice. She owns a group practice in North Carolina called Your Journey Through, where she primarily works with teens and young adults around issues of family dynamics. Mary Beth also mentors other therapists looking to grow their mental health platforms on Instagram as a modern way to become more accessible and reach more people. She is also the co-host of the “My Therapist Thinks” podcast.
Tune in as we chat about:
…and so much more!
Connect with Mary Beth:
Website: http://yourjourneythrough.com
Instagram: @yourjourneythrough
LinkedIn: Mary Beth Somich
Links
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
Website: Sun Counseling and Wellness
CW/TW: abuse, kidnapping, suicidal ideation, substance use, postpartum mood disorders
Good moms have bad days, too! These bad days can be exacerbated by childhood and adulthood traumas.
In this episode, I speak to Eren Simpson, friend of mine since 2nd grade (!), a freelance writer, author, grant writer, and artist/illustrator. Eren is a mom of two. Having fought through postpartum mood disorders and not finding the resources she wanted and needed, Eren is on a mission to raise awareness around postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis.
We dive deep into family of origin wounds!
Tune in as we chat about:
-Eren's fractured relationship with her parents from childhood and how it shook her sense of trust and safety
-Finding balance of compassion + anger + hurt, as an adult
-Manic depression brought on by postpartum hormones
-How her childhood experiences shaped her as a parent
-The role her therapist and psychiatrist play in her mental health journey (and when it's okay to break up with one and find a new one!)
... and so much more!
Connect with Eren:
Instagram: @goodmomshavebaddays
Website: https://www.goodmomshavebaddays.com/
Her Book: Good moms Have Bad Days: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorder
Links
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
Website: Sun Counseling and Wellness
Our worth has nothing to do with our body weight, size, or shape. And yet, we humans are constantly renegotiating our relationships with food, exercise, and our bodies as many of us fall into the trap of shaming, blaming, or hating our bodies. This episode explores what we mean by our "relationship" with these things!
Ashley Moser joins me in this rich discussion. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified eating disorder specialist. She works with the Renfrew Center of Charlotte, an eating disorder treatment center - the sponsors of this episode!
Tune in to hear us chat about:
…and so much more!
Links
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
Website: Sun Counseling and Wellness
To learn more about the Renfrew center for eating disorders or to schedule an assessment visit: https://renfrewcenter.com/ or call 1- 800 RENFREW.
It happens in a lot of therapy sessions: You're talking about your thoughts and feelings while the therapist listening to you scribbles down their own, private notes that you're not invited to see. Do you ever wonder what it is we're writing down?!
In this episode, I answer questions you all have submitted, including what we're writing, how we remember details about all of our client's stories, & what we do between sessions. I also talk a bit about what it means for us to conceptualize a client's case and what stages of change are. I hope this makes the process a little less mysterious and more approachable!
Keep the questions coming!
Links:
Instagram: @yepigototherapy
Website: Sun Counseling and Wellness