Mental Health News Radio

In this episode, I’m joined by the dynamic duo behind the Spark Launch Podcast—Chaya Mallavaram and Mike Cornell. Chaya is a tech entrepreneur, professional artist, and founder of Spark Launch, where she helps create transformative spaces for neurodivergent learners. Mike is a peer support specialist and lifelong creative who brings a raw, honest voice to mental health advocacy. Together, they’ve launched Spark Launch—a podcast that dives deep into the lived realities of neurodivergent life. From parenting and executive dysfunction to emotional regulation, identity, and creativity, their conversations are as real as they are healing. We talk about why they created this show, how they balance vulnerability with humor, and their shared mission to help others feel less alone. Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that imperfection holds power—and every brain carries a spark worth launching.

Join Kristin, Toni and Melinda for a deep dive into the world of Autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence experiences in Buddhist communities. Toni Boucher started working with individuals on the spectrum over 35 years ago as a foster care and emergency respite provider.  As the director of the CARE Clinic where she provided autism evaluations and determined eligibility for The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs- Autism Division, she discovered the need for further research and information about females on the spectrum and began training professionals how to identify and support neurodivergent women. Her book Autism Translated is the result of the wisdom and insights her clients have shared with her throughout these years. Today Toni is a speaker, writer and consultant. She runs numerous social groups and programs for teens and adults on the spectrum and coaches high-achieving adults. She is the founder of The Creative Community and Career Center for Autism, where members help each other thr

Our most popular and listened to guest for over a decade! Join Christine Louis de Canonville for a discussion about her newest book, The Ghost in the Machine: Unmasking the Hidden Psychology of Narcissistic Abuse. This will be done as a series for this podcast and also for Christine's YouTube channel. Today we go in depth on Chapter 2: DECODING THE DILEMMA AND TAKING CONTROL:              Navigating "Should I Stay or Should I Go."     Christine Louis de Canonville, B.A. (Hons) Theology & Psychology, MIACP, MSIACP, CMH, CHyp, MPNLP. Christine is a recently retired psychotherapist and clinical supervisor living in Dublin, Ireland. She is also an author, a professional trainer, and international speaker, a lecturer, workshop facilitator and was an external examiner. She worked in the area of mental health and trauma recovery for over 35 years, providing psychotherapy to children and adults for a range of life issues, including Addictive Behaviours, Anxiety, Anger, and Relational Issues. For 5 years, she work

Join Sarah Taylor and Kristin as they discuss the journey that neurodivergent women embark on in life! Sarah is an intuitive energy healer and awakening trail guide, helping folks find their way back home. But years ago, she was an anxious, atheistic insomniac. Plus, she was an undiagnosed neurodivergent woman, having a hard time finding her place in the world. So the idea of finding the “peace that passeth all understanding” was unthinkable! Simply wanting to get a better night’s sleep, and to be a little less angsty, she began seriously practicing Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, Dzogchen and Mahmudra). She took to the teachings immediately, and much to her surprise, began to undergo a series of profound inner shifts known as nondual awakening. Around 2011 there was the first of several radical — and now, abiding — shifts in consciousness. At that time, she began spontaneously channeling a transmission that has been a catalyst for many people deepening on their spiritual path. This transmission has changed th

Our most popular and listened to guest for over a decade! Join Christine Louis de Canonville for a discussion about her newest book, The Ghost in the Machine: Unmasking the Hidden Psychology of Narcissistic Abuse. This will be done as a series for this podcast and also for Christine's YouTube channel. Christine Louis de Canonville, B.A. (Hons) Theology & Psychology, MIACP, MSIACP, CMH, CHyp, MPNLP. Christine Louis de Canonville is a recently retired psychotherapist and clinical supervisor living in Dublin, Ireland. She is also an author, a professional trainer, and international speaker, a lecturer, workshop facilitator and was an external examiner. She worked in the area of mental health and trauma recovery for over 35 years, providing psychotherapy to children and adults for a range of life issues, including Addictive Behaviours, Anxiety, Anger, and Relational Issues. For 5 years, she worked in the Trauma Unit of St. Brendan’s Psychiatric Hospital under the watchful eye of the eminent Professor Ivor Bro

Amy Armstrong is our guest and in her work she helps parents and break through conflict with heart-centered, fool-proof boundaries.  Amy is a licensed social worker and entrepreneur, Amy has spent over a decade navigating the intersection of mental health and domestic law. She is the founder amd director of The Center for Family Resolution, Amy leads a team of skilled coaches who specialize in groundbreaking parenting and co-parenting solutions trusted by domestic courts in Ohio and beyond. She also directs The Center for Coach Development, an ICF-accredited program that is a game-changer for professionals seeking to elevate their career, evoke life-changing outcomes and gain global recognition as expert coaches.This June Amy was invited to work with social workers in Gaza and Isreal on conflict resolution. I can't think of anyone better to be there and to help us navigate this ever changing landscape called planet earth! www.thecenterforfamilyresolution.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spre

Join Kristin and Melanie as they discuss one of the most stigmatizing areas of mental health: Borderline Personality Disorder. Melanie Goldman (She/Her) is a leading light in the field of mental health advocacy and helps fight on behalf of those with borderline personality disorder (BPD) based in Toronto, Canada. Melanie has spent the majority of her life working in the music industry, and she has earned a degree in psychology. After realizing she needed to fend for herself after being in a hospital ten years ago. Melanie, who has been diagnosed with BPD and ADHD, decided three years ago that she wanted to use both her music and her Master’s degree to help others with the disorders. She went to work and researched everything about BPD after her diagnosis and found the appropriate medical professionals, treatments, and community resources; she then took the next step and began directly aiding communities, gradually coming to understand that her story could help save countless lives. She has volunteered for mul

Dr. Kyra Bobinet joins us to talk about her passion for healing the world of failure disease. She is a passionate advocate for healing the world of failure that leaves us stuck in knowing what to do but not being able to do it. As a physician, public health leader, healthcare executive, and behavioral expert, she has passionately studied our human battle with failure and relapse for decades. She finally found the brain-based source of our struggles and a way to work with our brain to be free of limitations. Through her life’s work helping many thousands to get and stay healthy, she is 100 percent convinced that neutralizing failure and liberating our motivation and joy is our biggest opportunity to reduce suffering.Unstoppable Brain: The New Neuroscience that Frees Us from Failure, Eases Our Stress, and Creates Lasting Changehttps://drkyrabobinet.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mental-health-news-radio--3082057/support.

Join Kristin and Kimberly for a conversation about addiction recovery in the hospitality industry. The challenges faced when you work around all or some of your major addiction triggers.Kimberly Flear is a passionate advocate for change within the hospitality industry, combining over two decades of experience with a personal journey through addiction recovery. As the founder of Last Call Coaching, Kimberly is dedicated to fostering healthier workplace environments through enhanced understanding and support for individuals facing addiction. Having witnessed the harsh realities of addiction firsthand—notably through the loss of a close friend to an overdose—Kimberly has been driven to apply her extensive industry knowledge to combat this pervasive issue. Her approach is deeply informed by her own experiences as a person in recovery, offering a unique, empathetic perspective that resonates with both individuals and teams. Kimberly is not only an inspired speaker but also a certified coach, trainer, and facilitat

Join Kristin and Gaile as they discuss how difficult it can be, depending on where you live, to find Autism resources for your family. Gaile Valcho is originally from New York and has an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. She is a wife and mom to a teenage autistic boy. She has over a decade of experience in the autism community and is certified in Master IEP training. Gaile and her husband founded The Brady Valcho Autism Foundation in 2022 to help families in her community find much-needed resources and provide scholarships to families for autism summer camps. She and her husband are also the founders of The Holly Springs Autism Acceptance Day Event held each fall. Part of the foundation’s mission is to provide free autism training to first responders and area businesses to help others engage with the autistic population. Gaile enjoys spending time with her family, running, and traveling. Her favorite quote is by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. ~“Fight for things you care about. But do it in a way that will lead oth

Join Kristin from Mental Health News Radio and Jeremy from Nuero FM as they discuss how "unhelpful" a small part of the world of Autism can be when we try to narrate and judge other people's experiences. For those of us diagnosed later in life, we have an entire experience with many years to unpack. We will say things "incorrectly" according to ????  So why not let everyone enjoy and speak about their journey with Autism in their own words? Once you find your peeps, life gets even more hopeful, helpful, and fabulous!Jeremy Rochford is a later-in-life diagnosed Autistic/ADHD’r who is raising two Neurodivergent Children with his “NT” wife, Charity. Through guest interviews and “Team Rochford,” you’ll hear firsthand the challenges and benefits of being on the spectrum and practical advice for those who are Neurodivergent or love someone who is. Join us and experience why “NeuroFm” is called the least depressing Neurodivergent podcast in the world.https://www.jeremyrochford.com/

Join Kristin and Jenilee to discuss parenting with children on the Autism Spectrum. As a professional life coach and autism coach, Jenilee brings lived experience, problem-solving skills, compassionate support, and creativity into each coaching session. Jenilee asks hard questions while listening, guiding, and coaching clients in their unique life situations. Through one-on-one coaching and group coaching, Jenilee uses the Equipping Profile, book studies, and individual homework to establish personal development plans, helping clients move forward and reach goals in healthy ways. With many in her immediate family on the autism spectrum, Jenilee has a special place in her heart for moms of kids on the spectrum and NT wives going through the difficulties of ND marriages. There are very few places to share the full story. In coaching with Jenilee, you can share every single page of the story. Along with coaching, Jenilee loves reading, writing, coffee, walking, and watching history documentaries. You can connect

David Bartley has a story to share, and we get right into it! Join us for an intense but cathartic conversation about David's journey with suicidal ideation and his mental health. David Bartley is known as a dynamic speaker, storyteller, and trainer. With real-life anecdotes that evoke laughter and tears, David informs and captivates audiences. Along the way, David provides insights that enable listeners to see mental illness from a different point of view; a fresh perspective that creates an opening for mental wellness for those who suffer, their family, friends, and members of the community where they live, work and fellowship. Through keynote and other group presentations, interactive workshops, and specialized training programs and seminars, David helps unravel the myths and flat-out lies surrounding mental illness. Once laid to rest, David substitutes fiction with truth and reality and then equips audiences with tools and resources that lead to greater understanding. David’s goal for each speech and work

Join Angel and Kristin to discuss the 4 A's of Autism and supporting minority communities!Angel Wilson, M.S., after 15 years in the autism field, had pretty much done it all. From Therapist to Developmental Specialist, Supervisor, Trainer, Assessor, and Interventionist, she learned and saw a LOT. What she noticed, though, were the concerns coming from families and providers alike; a lot of people knew OF autism but didn't know ABOUT autism. This was especially true in minority communities or providers with many minority students or clients.​ She decided to answer this call. As this business grows, she hopes you will join her in advocating for autism awareness and acceptance across the board, regardless of color or culture. www.sparcguidance.com

Join Coach and Advocate, Jana M. Smith, and Kristin as they talk about how emotional dysregulation impacts those of us on the Neurodivergent Spectrum.www.janamsmith.com

Join Kristin and Stephanie discussing her new book on our most downloaded topic: toxic relationships.Stephanie Quayle is a Nashville recording artist who tours the world with her music and an entrepreneur with her own record label, Big Sky Music Group. Rolling Stone Country called her “an artist you need to know,” CMT named her as part of its “Next Women of Country” franchise, and she’s appeared on popular programs like The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As an indie artist with two Billboard charted singles, “Selfish” and “Whatcha Drinkin ’Bout,” she has repeatedly performed at CMA Fest and the Grand Ole Opry. The Montana native has teamed up with recognizable brands like Wrangler, Harley-Davidson, Bass Pro Shops, Montana Silversmiths, as well as, Lucchese Bootmaker in the creation of her exclusive boot line. Quayle’s latest album On the Edge chronicles her personal experience in a toxic relationship and the healing she’s gone through since—inspiring others and redefining her future.It is w

Join Kristin and Robin Tate as they talk about what being Neurodiverse means and how to navigate relationships while on this incredible spectrum!About Robin Tate:I am a trained Coach with ten years of teaching experience. As a Neurodivergent woman, I have a lifetime of personal and professional experiences with Autistic/ADHD/AuDHD adults and neurodiverse relationships. This foundation of lived experience and professional knowledge has shaped my unique coaching/education practice. My work is trauma-informed, strength-based, and person-centered. I am passionate about educating and helping couples build safe, inclusive homes where each person can be authentic.  If you’re working with me be ready to grow and reach your unique life and couple's goals. It's a privilege to help my high-achieving Neurodivergent clients accommodate and break through their obstacles. As a life-long learner I am always looking for opportunities to enhance my strengths.  I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Science in Re

Join guest David Robatin and Kristin as they discuss his mental health journey. Creating art became a way to work through alcoholism, mental illness, and more. David studied communications and art at Denison University and has been painting for quite a long time.He started to share his work more widely and continue to progress as a thinker and artist as I try new ways to explore his figures.He uses mostly acrylics on art boards and canvas, and continue pushing the boundaries within his specific style. He has been influenced by everything from chiaroscuro to color field, from Dali to Rothko.Emotional connection is the reason why he works in the style he developed.He wants the viewer to find themselves in his paintings and apply their own story. He explores the positive and negative feelings that we all go through...and wants to find a common experience with the viewer.www.davidrobatin.com

Join the amazing mother and daughter from the Which Way podcast, Shari and Jann Simmons, with Kristin discussing the healing journey of mothers and daughers. In Which Way?…Mother and daughter tell parallel stories about trauma and its impact on the generations that follow. Jann Simmons’ story is a heart wrenching account of an orphaned child who suffered brutality at the hands of her mother, as well as many others. As an adult, Jann’s mind was closed to the horrors of her abuse, betrayal and abandonment until the day they all came flooding back to her conscious mind. That awareness began a 40-year transformation from a passive victim to resilient warrior. As a young teen, Shari struggled to make sense of her mother’s pain, but as a career mental-health therapist, she began to understand her mother’s journey and learn how trauma affects the brain. She offers strategies in this book for those suffering from past or present trauma or for those who love someone who is suffering. Both women tell their stories and

Join Dr. Mary Jones and Kristin as they talk about the dreaded but accurate title of "Karen" on entitled women. Not an easy conversation in this age of internet hate but we do the best we can! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-mary-podcast/id1702069887