Normalize The Conversation by Inspiring My Generation

In this episode of Normalize The Conversation, I’m talking with Cassie Blakely about curiosity, self-compassion, and finding connection even in our hardest moments. We dive into mental health, ADHD, parenting, and how to move from shame to self-love. Cassie shares practical tools for navigating emotions, staying curious without judgment, and building a support system that works for you. Whether you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, or...

Join us on this heartfelt episode of Normalize The Conversation as we dive into the realities of modern motherhood, balancing work, family, and personal passions. MaryCatherine Starr shares her journey navigating the mental load of parenting, societal expectations, and the pressure to “do it all” while finding ways to prioritize herself, friendships, and creative outlets.We discuss:

1. The invisible labor moms carry every day and w...

What if the emotions you’ve been taught to suppress—especially anger—are the very key to your healing? In this insightful episode, psychotherapist Bronwyn Schweigerdt unpacks the often-overlooked connection between suppressed anger and depression, and why avoiding difficult emotions can quietly intensify emotional distress.

Together, we explore how unexpressed anger fuels emotional repression, impacts mental health, and keeps pe...

Prepare your mind to meet life’s unexpected challenges with calm, clarity, and resilience. In this powerful episode, survivor and author Andy Campbell shares the 15 core beliefs that helped him navigate profound trauma, loss, and serious health struggles. Through lived experience and hard-earned wisdom, Andy offers practical mindset shifts that anchor you in strength rather than fear when life feels overwhelming.

You’ll learn ho...

How can we better support mothers by viewing care through a trauma-informed lens?In this enlightening episode of Normalize The Conversation, therapist Olivia Verhulst joins Francesca Reicherter to unpack what trauma-informed maternal health care truly looks like — from understanding postpartum mental health to creating safe, empathetic environments for new moms.Through real-world examples and clinical insight, Olivia shares how cur...

What does it take to truly thrive as a high achiever without burning out or feeling alone?In this inspiring episode of Normalize The Conversation, Dr. Esther Zeledon joins Francesca Reicherter to explore how building your “roundtable” — a trusted circle of support — can transform your journey toward success and fulfillment.Discover how to identify who belongs in your front row, navigate the people who project their fears onto you, ...

How can you reconnect with your creativity during life’s most challenging moments?

In this inspiring episode of Normalize The Conversation, Diana Weymar joins Francesca Reicherter to explore how difficult times, emotional struggles, and low moments can spark some of your most meaningful creative breakthroughs.

Diana shares her personal journey of navigating depression and desperation, rediscovering her creative spark, and tra...

Emotions are powerful—but they don’t define us.

In this insightful episode of Normalize The Conversation, Dr. Shahrzad Jalali explores the transformative truth behind the phrase “this too shall pass.” Learn how understanding the impermanence of feelings can cultivate compassion, reduce self-judgment, and open a path to emotional healing.

Drawing from somatic and Jungian psychology, Dr. Jalali shares practical strategies to:

What does it mean to feel safe in your body again after sexual trauma?

In this powerful episode of Normalize The Conversation, somatically trained psychotherapist and author Erika Shershun, LMFT shares a trauma-informed, body-centered approach to healing. Drawing from her book Healing Sexual Trauma: A Workbook and Guided Journal, Erika explains how survivors can gently reconnect with themselves, reclaim agency, and rebuild trus...

Do you know how the 988 Crisis Lifeline can transform mental health emergency care?

In this essential episode of Normalize The Conversation, licensed therapist and crisis services director Elan Javanfard, LMFT explains how 988 provides a compassionate alternative to 911. Learn about the three-part system—call center, trained responders, and crisis diversion services—and how it helps reduce unnecessary hospitalization while supp...

Feeling overwhelmed by the news—and more disconnected than ever? You’re not alone.

In this timely episode of Normalize The Conversation, licensed clinical psychologist and global speaker Dr. Henry Venter unpacks the hidden mental health impact of doomscrolling and digital overload. Discover how constant exposure to negativity online can quietly drain your energy, increase anxiety, and deepen isolation—and what you can do to recl...

How do we find joy when life feels heavy?

In this inspiring episode of Normalize The Conversation, trauma expert and author Dr. MC McDonald shares practical ways to invite joy into your life—even during times of pain and uncertainty.

Through the lens of neuroscience and lived experience, Dr. McDonald offers gentle tools for healing through joy, cultivating emotional safety, and finding light in the dark.

Together, we explo...

Can grief spark global change?

In this powerful episode of Normalize The Conversation, climate justice leader and author Abby Reyes shares the story behind her memoir, Truth Demands: A Memoir of Murder, Oil Wars, and the Rise of Climate Justice.

After losing her partner and fellow land defender in Colombia, Abby turned unimaginable grief into a movement for environmental justice. Through writing and activism, she found healin...

Suicide in the Construction Industry: Prevention, Awareness, and Saving Lives

In this urgent episode of Normalize The Conversation, Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, exposes the alarming suicide rates in one of America’s largest industries and shares strategies to save lives.

We cover:✅ Why construction workers face unique mental health risks✅ The difference between preve...

Can Broken Relationships Heal? Rebuilding Trust, Connection, and Love ❤️

In this heartfelt episode of Normalize The Conversation, licensed clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Sabrina Romanoff shares practical strategies to repair and rebuild after relationship ruptures—whether due to infidelity, separation, or emotional disconnection.

We explore:
✅ What causes relationship ruptures—and why they are more common than y...

Finding Strength and Purpose After Life-Altering Challenges ❤️

In this inspiring episode of Normalize The Conversation, host Francesca Reicherter sits down with Rachel McCord, entrepreneur, philanthropist, founder of The McCord List, and host of The McCord List Today Show. Rachel opens up about her journey through open-heart surgery, a life-changing experience that became a catalyst for self-discovery, resilience, and authentic self...

What if falling apart is the first step to becoming your truest self?

In this inspiring episode of Normalize The Conversation, host Francesca Reicherter sits down with author and coach Lindsay Leahy to unpack the message of her book Take It All Apart. Together, they explore how dismantling old patterns, identities, and beliefs can open the door to authentic freedom and aligned living.

✨ What it really means to “take it all apart” and...

Unlock the Connection Between Astrology and Mental Health with Debra Silverman

Can the stars help us better understand who we are — and even support our healing?

In this episode of Normalize The Conversation, host Francesca Reicherter sits down with world-renowned astrologer, psychotherapist, and author Debra Silverman to explore how astrology can complement traditional therapy and mental health work. With a Master’s in Clinical Psyc...

In this episode of Normalize The Conversation, host Francesca Reicherter sits down with licensed clinical social worker Victoria Roman to explore how breaking the stigma around therapy leads to deeper, more authentic connections.Together, they dive into the importance of therapists being relatable, the role of appropriate self-disclosure in building trust, and how shifting away from clinical jargon toward real, personal insight mak...