Get on Their Turf with Dr. Suzanne Simpson

The Truth About Parenting and Kids’ Mental Health: Why It Starts at Home with Nicole Runyon
#drsuzannesimpson #getontheirturf 

Is it really fair to say that mental health starts at home? Nicole Runyon says yes—and more importantly, she says it’s where healing begins.
In this episode, Nicole and I unpack one of the most debated truths in parenting: the home is where kids learn safety, love, and self-worth. But in a ...

The Power of Seeing Differently: A Conversation with Daoud Kuttab on Truth, Media, and Perspective

#drsuzannesimpson #encounteringpodcast #getontheirturf 

We all see the world through a lens—but what if we don’t even know we’re looking through one?

In this powerful episode of Encountering, I speak with award-winning Palestinian-American journalist Daoud Kuttab about the urgent need to recognize that there are ...

Parenting a Nonverbal Child with Down Syndrome | A Smile That Changed Everything #downsyndromeawareness #parentingjourney #specialneedsparenting

What does it mean to hear “I love you” without words? That question shaped my entire journey as a father. My daughter Maddie was born with Down syndrome and is nonverbal, yet she taught me more about love than words ever could. Her smile became our unspoken language, leading me to...

What happens when a daughter grows up in a culture that preferred sons? In this powerful episode, award-winning author and human rights journalist Sylvia Yu Friedman opens up about her journey from early rejection to radical healing. She shares how childhood trauma shaped her confidence, career, and relationships—and how reclaiming her self-worth began with telling the truth, setting boundaries, and choosing forgiveness.

Whether you...

WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS DISCUSSION ABOUT TEEN SUICIDE

Tips for Supporting Your Teen's Mental Health and Reducing Teen Crisis Risk with Chris Coulter

#teensuicideprevention #youthmentalhealth #suicidewarningsigns

Are you wondering if your teen’s “fine” is just a mask? In this heartfelt conversation with Chris Coulter, I share powerful insights on recognizing teen suicide risk and supporting your child’s mental hea...

Hidden Struggles of Confident Teens | Mental Health & Parenting Insights with Darian Hooshi 

#teenmentalhealth #parentingadvice #supportingteens 

Discover how a seemingly confident young professional navigated "outing" his depression and anxiety to coworkers. This follow-up discussion explores Darian's experience and offers valuable insights for parents on supporting their teens' mental health, even ...

Authenticity, Failure & Mental Health: Erica Rankin on Owning Your Story

What happens when an entrepreneur shares her failures, mental health struggles, and unfiltered truth with the world? In this episode of Encountering, I sit down with Erica Rankin for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to be authentic—online and in life.

We explore the healing power of vulnerability, the mental health toll of social media...

CBT and Self-Compassion: Taking Back Control from Anxiety with Judy Belmont

What if anxiety didn’t have to run your life—and what if the way out started with how you speak to yourself?

In this episode of Encountering, I sit down with author and therapist Judy Belmont, whose work on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has helped thousands take back control from anxiety, negative thought patterns, and self-doubt. We explore how everyday...

Can mental health challenges be contagious? 

In this compelling conversation with Matt Hussey, a therapist, writer, and former journalist, we explore the powerful idea of emotional contagion—how we absorb the feelings of those around us, especially in close relationships. Whether you’re a parent, partner, teacher, or friend, this episode will help you support others without losing yourself.

Matt shares his own journey from ...

How do we find hope after loss? Can grief, addiction, and pain lead to personal growth and transformation?

In this episode of Encountering, I sit down with Jeff Johnston, who shares his deeply personal journey through grief, healing, and sobriety after the loss of his son and wife. Through his story, he explores the concept of beauty from ashes—how life's darkest moments can lead to resilience, self-discovery, and purpose.

🎧 Yo...

How can we create safe spaces at work that foster innovation, mental well-being, and personal growth? What role do mindset, core values, and workplace culture play in preventing burnout and improving work-life balance?

In this episode of Encountering, I sit down with Wilson Obaneme to explore the power of citizen development—giving non-IT professionals the tools to innovate and make a real impact. Through his work with The Growth Pl...

How is social media shaping our mental health, self-worth, and relationships? Is it possible to build real connections in a digital world that thrives on comparison and perfectionism?

In this episode of Encountering, I sit down with Brock Johnson (@brock11johnson)—social media expert, entrepreneur, and advocate for authentic digital presence. Brock opens up about the challenges of staying true to yourself in an industry that often p...

Struggling with anger issues, emotional outbursts, or controlling frustration? In this podcast, I, Dr. Suzanne Simpson, team up with anger management expert Alistair Moes to dive into the psychology of anger, its triggers, and powerful strategies for managing it effectively. Together, we explore the root causes of anger, its impact on the brain and body, and the importance of expressing anger in a healthy way for emotional well-bei...

Advocating for Mental Health: A Deep Dive With Christa McDiarmid

In this conversation, Dr, Suzanne Simpson and Christa McDiarmid explore the nuances of mental health advocacy, focusing on the importance of language, the distinction between 'client' and 'patient', and the implications of labeling mental health challenges as 'disorders'. Christa shares her personal experiences with bipolarity and psychosi...

NEW EPISODES WILL BE POSTED EVERY 2 WEEKS FROM NOW UNTIL SEPTEMBER. So, I will remain consistent but need to slow this down now, for my own wellness.

Healing from a Suicide Attempt: A Survivor's Journey with David Woods Bartley

NOTE: This podcast contains discussion about suicidation, a suicide attempt, and childhood sexual trauma.

In this powerful interview, suicide attempt survivor David Woods Bart...

In this episode, Cathy Nesbitt and I explore these questions and more:

• How do we live with joy?
• What is the relationship between joy and laughter?
• How does laughter help us achieve joy? 

Cathy is a laughter yoga teacher and the inspiring mind behind Cathy's Crawly Composters.  She shares her insights on the power of joy, the importance of laughter, and how we can cultivate more happiness in our lives. 

Key takea...

Join us as we delve into the complexities of bipolar disorder with mental health advocate Gabe Howard. In this insightful conversation, Gabe shares his personal journey, discussing the challenges, triumphs, and misconceptions surrounding this mental health condition. We explore the different types of bipolar disorder, the impact of trauma, and the importance of understanding and support. Discover how early recognition, effective tr...

Join us as we delve into the complexities of mental health and the art of prescribing. In this episode, I sit down with respected psychiatrist and author Dr. Warren Kinghorn to explore the power of human connection in the healing process.

We'll discuss:

• The limitations of traditional psychiatry: Why a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short.
• The importance of relationship: How a strong doctor-patient relationship can enh...

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Suzanne Simpson and Jeremy Church dive deep into the world of alternate education. We discuss the significance of this growing educational model, the journey of transitioning to an alternative setting, and the key differences between mainstream and alternative schools.

We explore the challenges faced by students who don't thrive in traditional classrooms, emphasizing the importance of person...