The Lulu Essey Podcast

In this vulnerable episode, I share my recent relapse and return to medication after 30 years of managing bipolar disorder. But this isn’t just a story about medication — it’s about what real mental fitness looks like beyond the pills.

I introduce the Whole Self Approach to Mental Fitness: a framework that integrates physical wellbeing, emotional regulation, connection, mental practices, and environment care. It’s holistic, honest, ...

This isn’t a comeback story. It’s what healing actually looks like when you’re not okay… but trying anyway.

This week, I’m offering a quiet, honest look at what it means to rebuild from rock bottom—through what I call The Gentle Return. This episode continues from Episode 22, where I opened up about my experience with depression. Today, I speak about what happened next: returning to medication, embracing imperfection, and challengin...

In this raw and deeply vulnerable episode, I share what happened when I found myself in a dark place, unable to access the very tools I teach others to use. After recording an episode about confidence, clarity, and calm, I realized I was feeling none of those things – could I be completely honest with you about my struggles.

I reveal my journey through a mental health challenge, why accepting darkness instead of fighting it was the ...

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. Clarity doesn’t come from overthinking. And calm isn’t waiting on the world to settle down. In this episode, Lulu flips the script on three traits we often think are fixed and unreachable. She reveals how Tiny actions are the true key to building unshakable confidence, deep clarity, and a grounded sense of calm—starting exactly where you are. Whether you’re stuck in self-doubt, overwhelm...

Feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, sadness, guilt, or not knowing how to help someone you love? In this powerful episode, Lulu shares four real-life mental fitness tools designed for the messy, not-so-Instagrammable moments. These are not quick fixes or fake positivity tricks. They're grounded, practical practices you can use in real time to anchor yourself and take the next small step forward. Discover the "Tiny Tools&q...

Ever been told to "just be positive" or “you have so much to be thankful for” when you're struggling? In this eye-opening episode, Lulu dismantles the myth that mental fitness means avoiding or denying negative emotions. True resilience isn’t about forcing a smile—it’s about expanding your capacity to feel everything, from bliss to those "what the actual f*ck" moments, without being consumed by them. Learn ...

Ever wonder why your initial excitement for a new project or habit fades? In this episode, Lulu reveals why the fading spark isn’t failure—it’s a natural part of growth. Discover the "Motivation Mirage" and why waiting to feel motivated is a trap. Learn three powerful tools to keep moving forward when inspiration vanishes: Momentum Loops, the Future-Self Check-In, and the Space Shift. Stop waiting for motivation to return...

What happens the day after you break your streak? In this powerful follow-up to Episode 16, Lulu reveals the critical bridge between consistency and habits—and why understanding this distinction can save you months of frustration. Learn why habits take much longer to form than the popular "21 days" myth suggests (the science says 18-254 days!), and discover a practical 3-step comeback formula for those inevitable moments ...

Why do we struggle to stay consistent, even with the things that matter most? In this transformative episode, Lulu breaks down the neuroscience of consistency and reveals the "Tiny 15-Minute Promise"—a simple yet powerful approach that changed everything for her. Discover why traditional all-or-nothing approaches set you up for failure, how to work with your brain instead of against it and why tracking your wins (instead ...

In this raw, honest conversation, Lulu opens up about navigating everyday anxiety - from work uncertainty to health scares. She shares the transformative Facts vs Feelings tool that changed everything, showing you how to separate what's real from what your anxious mind is telling you. Through personal stories and science-backed insights, discover why your brain isn't broken when anxiety hits (it's just being overprot...

Ready to stop waiting and start being fabulous NOW? In this unedited, honest conversation, Lulu Essey challenges the 'not enough' narrative and introduces a revolutionary approach to February - one that transforms it from a month of comparison and lack into pure, unapologetic fabulousness. Discover why waiting to be fabulous is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it, and learn practical, doable ways to claim your ...

Ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated on your mental fitness journey? You’re not alone. In this first-ever Q&A episode, we’re tackling YOUR biggest mental fitness questions—how to start when it feels impossible, how to stay consistent when life keeps piling on, and what to do when you're doing everything ‘right’ but still feel stuck.

Lulu brings you real-life strategies, personal stories, and evidence-based tools to h...

What if the secret to mental fitness isn't about staying positive all the time but learning to embrace the darker moments too? In this powerful final episode of the Mental Fitness series, Lulu explores why resisting your emotions actually makes them stronger—and how accepting both the light AND shadow can lead to true strength. Through personal stories, practical tools, and science-backed insights, she shares what she's l...

In this second episode of our Mental Fitness series, Lulu introduces a powerful way to think about building and maintaining your mental wellness - the Mental Fitness Bank. Discover simple, practical ways to create reserves for life's challenging moments and to create more joy, one tiny deposit at a time.

Learn sustainable practices that work with your natural rhythms rather than against them. Perfect for anyone - whether you&ap...

Welcome to the first episode in a powerful three-part series exploring mental fitness. In this intimate conversation, Lulu shares her personal journey from mental illness to mental fitness, offering a fresh perspective on working with our natural rhythms rather than against them.

As winter wraps its arms around us, discover why this season might be the perfect teacher for our mental fitness practice. Through honest stories and pract...

You do not want to miss this powerful episode!

That sneaky, sharp and oh so clever 'not enough' voice shows up everywhere - in team meetings, at work, scrolling through social media, when we are out with friends....It's EVERYWHERE! But what if instead of chasing 'enough,' we started from it? Yes, started from enough.

Welcome to Enough-uary! In this episode, Lulu introduces the ENOUGH framework - a powerful ap...

Forget resolutions and rigid goals - this New Year, we're doing something different. In this joy-filled episode, Lulu invites you to create your own magical toolkit for 2025: a love letter that celebrates who you already are (right here, right now), permission slips that let you do things YOUR way (because why not be your own boss?), and a personal Glimmer Guide filled with tiny moments that light you up and turn you on from t...

In this intimate end-of-year episode, Lulu shares an unexpected update about her second surgery and opens up about what mental fitness really looks like when life gets messy. No highlight reels, no perfect answers - just honest conversation about navigating these final days of December, whether you're feeling the post-holiday crash, didn't experience any holiday magic at all, or don't celebrate at all. Whether you&ap...

What happens when life suddenly strips away all your usual coping tools? Through the lens of an unexpected surgery and the chaos of holiday season, Lulu shares raw insights about finding grace when everything feels sideways. From tiny alternatives to powerful reframes, discover how to flow through life's curveballs without losing yourself - or your sense of humor - along the way.

Until next time, Beautiful Souls...