Shows
Show My ScarsA School Psychologist’s Journey with Music and Mental HealthIn this episode of Show My Scars, I talk with molly. — a school psychologist by day and a singer-songwriter/poet by night. Based in Springfield, Missouri, molly. shares the mental health challenges she sees in today’s students, and how active listening, validation, and creativity can make all the difference.
We dive into the emotional power of music and poetry, her personal journey with mental health, and how creative outlets have helped her process emotions since she was a teenager. molly. also opens up about the pressures artists face to “make it,” the therapeutic overlap between psychology and song...
2025-12-011h 19Show My ScarsMental Health from Both Sides: A Nurse Practitioner’s Life-Altering JourneyFormer family medicine nurse practitioner Bre opens up about losing her career to epilepsy and depression, surviving a suicide attempt, and how becoming a patient changed her view of healthcare forever. This conversation is a must-listen for providers, patients, and anyone seeking hope.
We also discuss how to improve communication with your providers, common misconceptions in the mental healthcare field, small acts of kindness making a big difference, and more.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe, like, and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
2025-10-311h 00Show My ScarsRebuilding Mental Health Care: Access, Innovation & Systemic Change with Tim DeWeeseIn this powerful episode of Show My Scars, I sit down with Tim DeWeese, Director of the Johnson County Mental Health Center in Kansas. Tim shares what sets government-run mental health centers apart from private nonprofits, how his team implemented same-day access to psychiatry, and why mental health care in America is failing so many.
We talk about:
The difference between nonprofit vs. government-run mental health centers
Why access is the #1 issue in mental health today
Open access models and “just-in-time medication” approaches
Co-responder programs with police departments and 911/988 inte...
2025-10-1747 minShow My ScarsOne Mom’s Honest Journey Through Postpartum DepressionIn this deeply personal episode, Sydney shares her powerful story of navigating postpartum depression, identity loss, and the long road to recovery. Sydney opens up about the emotional toll of becoming a mother, relocating to a rural town, and facing mental health challenges head-on. She discusses postpartum psychosis, the struggle to feel worthy of having her own needs, and the critical role her partner and therapy played in her healing journey. This episode is a raw, honest exploration of rebuilding identity and keeping hope alive.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe...
2025-10-031h 00Show My ScarsMicro-Doses of Relief: Tiny Daily Practices for Depression & AnxietyRelief from depression and anxiety symptoms doesn’t have to be large, dramatic, or external. It can come in micro-doses of presence anchored in repeatable, simple practices that your nervous system can begin to trust. The goal is not to erase sadness or anxiety in one sweep, but to create tiny, dependable pockets of safety and grounding.
In this episode, I'll give you 3 practices with examples that you can try to add to your coping strategies toolbelt.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe, like, and rate the show on the...
2025-09-1907 minShow My ScarsMeditation and Sound Therapy for RecoveryStacey Tilley operates her own meditation and sound therapy practice in Arizona called DesertZen. She also volunteers her time at the Sunrise Project, a re-entry program that supports individuals through their transition from incarceration to reintegration, emphasizing hope and possibility.
Stacey discusses her previous struggles with addiction to drugs as an escape from trauma she incurred due to sexual abuse from her father at a young age and other abusive relationships. Now that she's been sober for 24 years and has forged a new path, she's giving others the same opportunity to experience a truly healing practice.
2025-09-0540 minShow My ScarsMeditation Group Experiences and Keeping Hope AliveToday's a solo pod on how my Meditation Group at NAMI SWMO is going and how I keep hope alive when it feels like nothing is going right in my life.
During the episode, I give you 6 steps to try when you're feeling hopeless that help me out when I feel like I can't keep going.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe, like, and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2025-08-2209 minShow My ScarsHead Fake Author Scott Gordon: Humor is the Ultimate Coping SkillToday I bring you a conversation I had with award-winning author, Scott Gordon. He has a book out called Head Fake which features a character named Mikey who makes everything a joke including his clinical depression, ADHD, and various valleys in life. After a run of failed jobs, he becomes the basketball coach at a high school for high-risk offenders who also experience mental illness.
I thought this book was an authentic look at someone trying to make their way through life as they struggle with mental illness.
Scott and I talk about his inspiration f...
2025-07-2531 minShow My ScarsLMSW on Self-Discovery, Recognizing Mental Health Signals, and Listening to Your BodyIn this episode, I talk with Alexa Ochoa, a Licensed Master Social Worker currently specializing in family therapy. We talk about how she found herself in the mental health field, managing burnout, practicing radical acceptance, breaking generational trauma cycles, and the importance of recognizing physical symptoms of mental health issues early.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe, like, and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2025-07-1147 minShow My ScarsUsing Compassion, Poetry, and Laughter to Tackle Prison LonelinessToday I bring you a conversation with John Reed. John is the Director of Tutis Online over in Kidderminster, a town in the UK.
Tutis is a nonprofit that focuses on reducing loneliness and social isolation in both elder care homes and prisons.
He does this through telling stories, music, holding poetry workshops, comedy, or simply chatting.
You might ask, why would he spend his time helping incarcerated people during their time in prison? Well, he believes the point of prison is rehabilitation. Not just punishment. Otherwise, we'll continue to see the astronomical...
2025-06-2753 minShow My ScarsI Don’t Feel Okay Today: Coping with Depression and Imposter SyndromeToday's episode is a solo pod and I talk about how to be OK when you don't feel OK. I describe my recent mood which has been filled with depression and Impostor Syndrome. I give you tips I've received from my therapist which has helped me battle feelings of being an impostor. Finally, I talk about the importance of one small win in these moments.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe, like, and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2025-06-1306 minShow My ScarsThe Loneliness Crisis: Why Being Truly Heard Matters (Listener Founder Shares Insights)Today's episode is with Nathan Cole, the Founder of Listener, an app in which you can book 20-minute blocks of time to talk about whatever you need to get off your chest to a trained listener who isn't trying to fix you or give advice. The simply listen and give you space. We talk about why he started listener, a stat that says loneliness is as bad as having 15 cigarettes per day, what being truly heard does for us, and how to be more open for human connection.
If you like the show and want to support u...
2025-05-3037 minShow My ScarsThe Healing Power of Music: How intention-based playlists support mental healthToday's episode features Joel Olsen, a former music therapy major. We discuss how we can curate our music playlists more intentionally to support our mental well-being, what music therapy looks like from a generalized standpoint, and more!
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe, like, and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2025-05-191h 05Show My ScarsHealing PTSD: Retired Army MP shares how Talking, Remembering the Fallen & Finding the RIght Therapist Eases the PainOrlando Ochoa is a retired Military Police Officer who served in the Iraq War. He has battled his PTSD ever since.
In today's episode, he talks about his deployment, what helps him cope and heal, how talking with other vets help, not forgetting who he's lost, not giving up looking for compatible therapists, and how you shouldn't dismiss strategies that haven't helped others because they may help you.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2025-05-021h 09Show My ScarsStepping Down to Rise Up: Krista Peryer’s Story of Burnout, Health, and RecoveryI met Krista Peryer when she was the Founder and CEO of The Geek Foundation, which provided free education, resources, and support to women, minority groups, and low-income individuals seeking careers in tech fields; video game development, computer programming, and IT. I was immediately impressed with her creativity, outside-the-box thinking, and drive for her mission. So, I was shocked when I heard her foundation ended in 2023.
A couple of weeks ago, she made a social media post that shed some light on the reason for her stepping away. It came at a time when I was also th...
2025-04-191h 59Show My ScarsWork Is What You Do, Not Who You Are with Robert Powell of Kwik PerformanceIn today's episode I talk with Robert Powell, President of Kwik Performance. I met Robert a couple of years ago when I started shooting YouTube videos for his business.
What struck me about working with Robert was how much laughing we were doing while still making helpful and enjoyable content for his customers. It's a culture Robert said he was adamant about maintaining when he took over as President - build quality products but have fun doing it.
As we spent more time together, he shared things he's learned as a business owner, a father, an...
2025-04-051h 05
Giants Amongst UsMajor Depression, And Anxiety, The Medicine Was In Meditation || DerekReal stories, told by real people.Dealing with a major depression disorder, and anxiety as well, today, Derek joins us. And he's got a story to tell.Derek is a former award-winning sportswriter. He talks about the day he gave up his dream job in order to keep 50% custody of his daughter after his divorce. Since middle school, Derek struggled with major depression, and anxiety. And after losing his career, his mental health would only get worse. When the meds didn't work or seemed to worsen his condition, he sought answers elsewhere. Diggin...
2025-03-211h 40Show My ScarsRebuilding After Prison: One Man’s Fight for Second ChancesRustin Pangburn stepped off the bus in Springfield, MO in 2010 following a 5-year stint in prison for drug trafficking. He had little money and no idea what to do with his second chance at freedom. He felt his old life calling him but resisted the urge to answer that call.
Now, he's setting out to start a re-entry program to help others who find themselves in the same situation. In this episode we talk about what led Rustin to getting locked up, how his Why Not? mindset kept him from ending up back behind bars, and his...
2025-03-2142 minShow My ScarsIncreasing feelings of self-worth, gratitude, love, and compassionI've got another solo pod for you! Do you ever feel disconnected from the world? Even those closest to you? I do. One of the ways to combat this is through Metta (Loving Kindness) meditation. However, I'll also share 7 tips you can use in everyday life to improve feelings of self-worth, gratitude, love, compassion and other happiness-inducing emotions.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2025-02-2109 minShow My ScarsKara Bryant on Massage and Mental HealthKara Bryant is a licensed massage therapist. Her practice is built upon Precision Neuromuscular Training which allows her to work with the nervous system when treating the body. She holds certification in Level Two Thai Massage, Level Two Reiki, CranioSacral Therapy, Somatoemotional Release, and Trauma Informed Care.
In this episode, we discuss the impact of massage on mental health and how it might help us release emotional trauma.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2025-02-0746 minShow My ScarsStephanie Robinson Executive Director of NAMI SWMO on recovering from Agoraphobia and becoming a mental health advocateStephanie Robinson spent 14 years of her life stuck inside with agoraphobia before finally taking her life back by trying medication and therapy. She is now the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in the Southwest Missouri area. They are a grassroots, not for profit organization dedicated to providing programs and services to individuals and family members impacted by mental illness. NAMI serves as a drop-in center and offers peer supported groups to manage and help in their recovery.
In this episode, we discuss what it was like for her during the hardest times before...
2025-01-2452 minShow My ScarsBarbara Michaels on How Humor Affects our Mental Health and PerspectiveBarbara Michaels, the Jester of the Peace, joins us today to explain how humor affects our mental health, can bridge the gap of perspectives, and can offer insight within ourselves.
She is the creator of Humorville, a participatory art experience and pop-up small town for humor for wellness, big laughs and bright love.
We talk about how she got her start in performance art, how she uses intimacy, comedy, wisdom, and change to ignite insight within visitors to Humorville, and much more.
If you like the show and want to support us please s...
2025-01-1057 minShow My ScarsPlaying catch for a year - How play affects our mental healthAuthor and baseball fan Ethan Bryan received a baseball as a Christmas gift from his daughter one year. On an extremely cold New Year's Day he was suffering from writer's block and he decided to put his new gift to use.
That led to a 366-day streak of playing catch, attracted attention across the country, and inspired others to begin playing daily.
On today's episode we talk about what play does for our mental health, what he learned from his Catch 365 experience, and he shares stories of others who decided to accept his challenge to pl...
2024-12-1349 minShow My ScarsBuilding a business from the values up with 2oddballs CreativeDuring the last 5 years of working and hanging out with Gabriel and Kylie, co-owners of 2oddballs Creative, I've learned how you can build a business that best represents and supports you as an individual. I've seen them give back to their community and employees in extraordinary ways.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2024-12-011h 30Show My ScarsBuilding a business from the values up with 2oddballs CreativeDuring the last 5 years of working and hanging out with Gabriel and Kylie, co-owners of 2oddballs Creative, I've learned how you can build a business that best represents and supports you as an individual. I've seen them give back to their community and employees in extraordinary ways.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
Merch, show ideas, advertising questions ->www.showmyscars.com
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2024-11-291h 30Show My ScarsBrief practices of mindfulnessRecently, I joked with my therapist that while I know I have meditation as a tool for anxiety, I can't meditate all day. However, I had forgotten that, while I may not be able to sit down and perform a formal practice I am, I can practice brief moments of mindfulness.
So, in today's episode I share with you some of the ways I like to practice brief moments of mindfulness to insert some calm when needed.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe and rate the show on the ap...
2024-11-1508 minShow My ScarsWorking on Your Mental Health has to Become a HabitImproving your mental health will be a lot of work, but if you don't like where you're at right now - you have to be willing to put it in.
There will be days where you feel like you're getting nowhere. However, by celebrating every small win - even when it's silly - you can combat those incorrect, negative thoughts that belittle your progress when you're feeling low.
In this short, solo pod I let you in on my progress, why I've been adamant about continuing to work on my mental health when I still st...
2024-11-0110 minShow My ScarsTurning a hobby into charityI'm a sports card collector so a few months ago I was looking through Reddit for fellow collectors who might have some cards I was wanting to add to my portfolio. I connected with Avi Tiwari, today's guest, and soon found out he had turned his hobby into a nonprofit called Packs 'N Snacks - donating portions of his profits to Feeding America.
We talk about the mental health benefits of working with charities and how making an effort to make every interaction with others - even strangers - a positive one can help you feel less...
2024-10-1849 minShow My ScarsHow I manage my anxietyIt's a solo pod today! In this episode, I'll give you the tools I've been using to manage my own Generalized Anxiety Disorder. These are techniques I've picked up through therapy, reading psychologists' and other mental health professionals' books and research, and my own experiences.
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2024-10-0413 minShow My ScarsBridge Cunningham discusses Aromanticism, Asexuality, and AttractionI first met Bridge Cunningham at the Ozarks Pridefest 2024 event in Springfield, MO. When Bridge told me they were a therapist with an emphasis on asexual and aromantic clients, I was intrigued.
Personally, I love learning how other people's brains work and trying to see things from their perspective. Maybe that's simply because I enjoy conversation but I also find it provides me a sense of connection, I always learn something, and it helps me better shape or understand my own perspectives.
In this conversation, we discuss how Bridge wound up a counselor, the different t...
2024-09-201h 45Show My ScarsMental health and our career lives with Noble BowmanHow we manage our mental health and the perspectives we have as we look at our work life have a huge impact on the trajectory of our careers, whether or not we feel we have a sense of purpose, and how fulfilled we feel in life.
Noble Bowman, a career coach and owner of Noble Business Strategies, tells us how to keep positive momentum following a setback, how to identify good sources of outside perspective, the importance of finding a passion before starting a business, and managing stress among other great information.
If you like th...
2024-09-061h 13Show My ScarsCHGO Bulls host Big Dave on being his authentic selfBig Dave is one of the hosts of the CHGO Bulls podcast which produces some of the best Chicago Bulls coverage around. As a Bulls fan, Derek fell in love with the podcast and appreciated the fun-loving personality of Big Dave - as many do.
After listening to the podcast for a couple of years and talking with Big Dave, Derek realized what it was that makes everyone love him - his authentic personality.
What does it mean to be your authentic self? It means being true to yourself, your values, your spirit, and acting...
2024-08-2340 min
Anxiety Talk PodcastsUnlocking Self-Compassion:A Guide to Emotional Resilience & Mental HealthWelcome to the Holistic Health and Anxiety Podcast! I'm your host, Nick Jancev, a holistic health and anxiety coach. Today, I’m joined by Derek Dueker, a fellow podcaster and advocate for anxiety and depression. We'll explore the transformative concept of self-compassion, which involves being warm and understanding toward ourselves during tough times.In this episode, we’ll discuss the benefits of self-compassion, such as improved emotional resilience and stronger relationships, and share practical strategies for incorporating it into your daily life. We’ll also touch on overcoming barriers to self-compassion and the importance of gen...
2024-08-151h 01
Holistic Health Coach for AnxietyEpisode 203 The power of compassion"Welcome to the Holistic Health and Anxiety Podcast! I’m your host, Nick Jancev, a holistic health and anxiety coach dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of mental health and emotional well-being. Today, I have the pleasure in sharing the mic with Derek Dueker fellow podcaster and advocate for Anxiety & Depression. We’re going to dive deep into a transformative concept: self-compassion."In a world that often feels critical and demanding, self-compassion offers us a gentle pathway to understanding ourselves better. So, what exactly is self-compassion? At its core, it’s about being warm and understanding toward...
2024-08-151h 01Show My ScarsThe homeless person's perspective & how public perception affects us allIn this episode Derek talks with Mandie Hicks who works in the Transitional Program at The Connecting Ground's Community Outreach Center.
Mandie used to be homeless but after she got back on her feet she began her work helping others who are currently experiencing homelessness.
We talk about her history with homelessness, how being on the streets affects one's perspective, how public perception of those experiencing homelessness affects both parties, and how small acts can make a big difference.
To find out how you can support the The Connecting Ground's Community Outreach Center g...
2024-08-0919 minShow My ScarsHow to critically analyze media through media literacyMedia literacy is one of the most important abilities in my opinion. People are quick to throw the label "fake news" around these days but how often are we correct? How many times are we doing so when it simply doesn't align with our opinion?
I personally think that a lack of media literacy is causing us to become more polarized as a nation and leading to loneliness and other mental health issues.
In this episode, I talk with Kevin Swift, a Broadcast Journalism and Media Professor at the University of North Carolina Pembroke. He wa...
2024-07-2659 minShow My ScarsMental health and parenting advice from a child therapistDo you constantly worry whether you're "doing it right" as a parent? Today I bring you my conversation with Charlten Henderson, a child therapist who works in the Springfield, MO area. He's here to share with us how he talks to kids about mental health, how to parent with mental health struggles, and how to be more emotionally available to our children.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2024-07-1241 minShow My ScarsHow to have difficult conversationsDo you avoid having difficult conversations that, deep down, you know you need to have due to fear of the emotions they may evoke?
Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. Here are some tips from two communications professors from Missouri State University on how to prepare for and have productive difficult conversations.
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2024-06-2834 minShow My ScarsShannon Russell shares all sides of his addiction recoveryShannon Russell is a recovered alcoholic who shares his continuing struggles with addiction, faith, and moving forward in life after nearly destroying it all.
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2024-06-1456 minShow My ScarsMatthew Blystone on true self careDerek talks with Matthew Blystone, owner of Theta Wellness Center in Springfield, Missouri. Matthew talks about true self care, human optimization, and his own battles with mental health.
If you like the show and want to support us please subscribe and rate the show on the app you listen to us on.
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2024-06-0154 minShow My ScarsTrue self care with Matthew BlystoneMatthew Blystone of Theta Wellness Center in Springfield, MO teaches us what true self care is and describes his own mental health journey.
2024-06-0154 minShow My ScarsHow I got started on my mental health journey with Jackie Perry KornegayWelcome to the Show My Scars Podcast! This episode explains the purpose of my podcast and features an interview with former social worker Jackie Perry Kornegay. Jackie is a friend of mine (well, I call her my aunt) and a conversation with her following my divorce was my first foray into mental health. I explain how that came to be and ask her about her side of the conversation during this episode.
I want to be clear: I am not a mental health professional. I am on the same journey as you. I seek mental stability myself a...
2024-05-3133 min