Shows
Schizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Avoiding the Noise: Tips for Distraction-Free Creative WritingSend us a textEver stare at a blank page while your mind wanders everywhere except your story? You're not alone. The modern writer faces an unprecedented battle for attention – from buzzing phones to buzzing thoughts.Between environmental distractions, digital interruptions, and our own wandering minds, staying focused on creative writing has become increasingly challenging. This struggle is even more pronounced for writers managing conditions like schizophrenia, where both external stimuli and internal noise create additional barriers to creative expression. But there's hope – and practical solutions.You can significantly reduce external distractions by crea...2025-06-2309 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Routine of A Fiction Writer With SchizophreniaSend us a textFinding stability in creative chaos has been my lifelong journey as a fiction writer living with schizophrenia. Drawing wisdom from master storyteller Walter Mosley's advice on daily writing routines, I've discovered powerful connections between maintaining creative discipline and managing mental health challenges.My mornings belong to fiction writing—after coffee, breakfast, and digital newspapers, of course. This dedicated creative time, respected by my spouse and protected in my schedule, provides essential structure that benefits both my novels and my mind. When symptoms of schizophrenia threaten to overwhelm with confusion and disorientation, th...2025-06-1508 min
Tech Lead Journal#219 - Why Learning Systems Thinking is Essential in Tech - Diana MontalionTired of feeling like your team is stuck in a cycle of frustration and miscommunication? What if the biggest blocker in your tech career isn’t your code, but your thinking?That’s the core premise of Systems Thinking, and in this episode, Diana Montalion (author of “Learning Systems Thinking”) shares the practical insights and mental models to help you make that essential shift.Key topics discussed:What systems thinking is and its core principlesThe difference between linear thinking (which we need) and systems thinking (which we’re missing)Why building a metaphorical “car boat” is a f...2025-06-091h 16
The Common ReaderHelen Castor: imagining life in the fourteenth century.I was delighted to talk to the historian Helen Castor (who writes The H Files by Helen Castor) about her new book The Eagle and the Hart. I found that book compulsive, and this is one of my favourite interviews so far. We covered so much: Dickens, Melville, Diana Wynne Jones, Hilary Mantel, whether Edward III is to blame for the Wars of the Roses, why Bolingbroke did the right thing, the Paston Letters, whether we should dig up old tombs for research, leaving academia, Elizabeth I, and, of course, lots of Shakespeare. There is a full transcript below.2025-05-181h 11Schizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Closing One Chapter, Opening AnotherSend us a textToday marks a meaningful transition as I conclude "Schizophrenia As I Live It" and introduce my new creative journey, "Fractured Ink: Writing in Life's Chaos." While living with paranoid schizophrenia remains an essential part of my identity, my fiction writing is expanding to embrace the full spectrum of my experiences."Fractured Ink: Writing In Life's Chaos," or "Fractured Ink," for short, delves deeper into topics that have shaped my life beyond mental illness—from exploring sibling abuse in my second novel "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies" (https://amazon.com/dp/B0...2025-04-1906 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)"The Overlife" won an International Impact Book AwardSend us a textIn this episode, I share my delight in winning an International Impact Book Award for my book "The Overlife, A Tale of Schizophrenia," under my pen name, Diana Dirkby. I talk about the organization that gives these awards and their crucial philanthropic work. The Founder of this organization is Nim Stant. #writing #goodstory #internationalimpactbookawards #schizophrenia #mentalnealth #familiesPastime With Good Company by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company Pastime With Good Company, composed by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company2025-01-1306 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Beyond Diagnosis: Creative Expression and ThrillersSend us a textHave you ever wondered how mythological Furies could captivate the imagination in a modern-day thriller? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I unravel the exhilarating journey behind my newly published book, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies." This gripping tale explores the mysterious disappearance of three teens from different families in the quaint town of Vraboro, where myth and reality intertwine in the most chilling ways. Not only will you get a glimpse of this heart-pounding narrative, but you'll also discover how it reflects my personal belief that mental health diagnoses do not solely...2024-12-2908 min
Bookish DivesBeyond Boundaries by Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Henry Cloud
This text provides excerpts from John Townsend and Henry Cloud's book, Beyond Boundaries, focusing on rebuilding trust in relationships. The book is structured into four parts: understanding the problem of broken trust, determining readiness for new relationships, assessing the other person's readiness, and navigating the process of re-entering a relationship. The excerpts illustrate key concepts through personal anecdotes and examples, emphasizing the importance of establishing healthy boundaries and recognizing patterns in past relationships. The authors offer guidance on identifying and overcoming obstacles to trust, promoting self-awareness, and making informed choices about healthy connections. A foreword by Dr. Henry Cloud...2024-12-1418 min
Bookish DivesBoundaries in Marriage by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend
This text is an excerpt from Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend's book, Boundaries in Marriage. It explores the crucial role of boundaries in healthy marital relationships. The excerpt uses various case studies to illustrate how establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries impacts communication, conflict resolution, and overall marital satisfaction. Key concepts discussed include personal responsibility, freedom within the relationship, and the importance of respecting each other's individuality. The authors emphasize that healthy boundaries are essential for growth, intimacy, and a lasting marriage, contrasting successful marriages with those hampered by a lack of clear limits. Ultimately, the text promotes...2024-12-1333 min
Bookish DivesBoundaries for Leaders by Henry Cloud
This excerpt from Henry Cloud's Boundaries for Leaders explores the crucial role of leadership in fostering high-performing teams. Cloud argues that effective leadership necessitates a focus on the "people side" of the equation, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to manage both individual and team behavior. He utilizes neuroscience to explain how leaders can cultivate an environment that encourages focused attention, positive emotions, and a shared sense of purpose. The book offers practical strategies for improving team dynamics, productivity, and overall organizational success by focusing on the leader's ability to influence the team's mindset and behavior. Ultimately...2024-12-1324 min
Bookish DivesBoundaries in Dating by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
This text comprises excerpts from Henry Cloud and John Townsend's "Boundaries in Dating," offering guidance on establishing healthy relationships. The authors, drawing from personal experiences and real-life stories, emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and freedom within dating. The book explores common dating pitfalls, such as unhealthy dependencies and the avoidance of conflict, advocating for open communication and clearly defined boundaries. It promotes a balanced approach, encouraging dating as a valuable learning experience while warning against overlooking warning signs in potential partners. Finally, it provides practical advice and tools for navigating various challenges to develop healthy relationships...2024-12-0931 min
Bookish DivesBoundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend
This excerpt from Boundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend explains the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in various aspects of life. The book identifies common boundary problems, such as compliance and control, and explores their roots in childhood experiences. It offers biblical principles and practical strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries in personal relationships, family dynamics, work, and even the relationship with God. The authors emphasize the importance of self-responsibility and the role of supportive relationships in overcoming boundary issues and achieving personal growth.
2024-12-0933 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Schizophrenia and the Temptation Of SolitudeSend us a textThe struggle between solitude and connection can be a profound one, especially when navigating life with paranoid schizophrenia. Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I share the allure of solitude before finding the love and support of my caregiver spouse, and how it continues to shape my journey through the challenges of absence epilepsy and a recent compression fracture. This episode, 'Schizophrenia and the Temptation of Solitude,' offers a window into the delicate balance of managing mental health with the support of those who truly understand.In our conversation, discover how...2024-11-2516 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)https://dianadirkbywrites.com; diana@dianadirkbywrites.com; (Insta) @dianadirkby_writingsSend us a textWhat if you could find hope and resilience in the midst of living with paranoid schizophrenia? Join Diana Dirkby as she explores her personal journey in navigating life with this challenging brain disorder. As the host of "Schizophrenia as I Live it," Diana shares how she has built a fulfilling life by setting realistic daily goals and finding support through mental health advocacy groups like NAMI and SANE Australia. Her story is one of overcoming stigma and setbacks, and she emphasizes that life can be rewarding despite mental health challenges. Diana's mission is...2024-10-2708 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Find A Balance; Don't Mourn A Lost Dream.Send us a textCan the right attitude, therapy, and medication truly allow someone with a mental illness to achieve anything, even their wildest dreams? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I challenge this widespread notion on "Schizophrenia as I Live It." Through my personal journey living with paranoid schizophrenia, I'll reveal the compromises I've had to make and the reality of managing the illness while pursuing a career. As a former research mathematician turned writer, I share how redefining success and finding fulfillment has been crucial in my journey. Hear the unvarnished truth about balancing a...2024-09-1607 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Words In The Ears Or Eyes On The Words?Send us a textStruggling to find the perfect way to consume books while managing the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I unravel the complexities of reading with visual and auditory hallucinations and why audiobooks have become my sanctuary. Discover my personal journey from battling the chaos of jumbled words on a page to finding comfort in the soothing cadence of a narrator's voice. Gain insight into how these auditory experiences provide a much-needed escape and allow me to stay connected to the stories I love, even when my symptoms are at their...2024-09-0608 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Resilience and Renewal: Diana Dirkby's Digital Transformation Amid SchizophreniaSend us a textCan you imagine navigating the complexities of paranoid schizophrenia while managing a busy online presence? Diana Dirkby takes us through her personal journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, as she shares the latest updates in her life and work. From launching a new website to revamping her social media profiles, Diana’s story is both inspiring and insightful. She candidly discusses her recent accident and how it's impacted her work, illustrating the resilience and determination that defines her path.Get the inside scoop on Diana’s brand-new website, which promises to b...2024-08-1505 min
Cooking the Books with Gilly SmithDiana Henry: Crazy Water, Pickled LemonsThis week, we’re going back to London, 2002, a time before pomegranate molasses, when Nigella and Jamie were first on the telly and Ottolenghi had yet to chuck his flavour bombs into the salad bowl of British cuisine, to the publication of the very first Diana Henry book, Crazy Water, Pickled Lemons.Click here for Gilly's previous chats with Diana about How to Eat a Peach and Roast Figs, Sugar Snow, but this time, we’re going back to a time when they were both TV producers, intoxicated by the smells and eating habits of an incre...2024-08-0138 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)The Overlife Is A Best-Seller And What My Next Novel Says About SchizophreniaSend us a textWhat if a person’s greatest insights came during their darkest hours? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I celebrate a major milestone—my book "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia" has become a bestseller on Amazon Kindle! I'll share exclusive details on where you can purchase this powerful story and highlight the unique experience offered by the audiobook version, narrated by the talented Wendy Moman. Plus, get an exciting sneak peek at my upcoming novel, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies," featuring Isabel Morse, a brilliant scholar of Greek myths who is also livi...2024-07-1110 min
Building Unbreakable BrandsEnduring for the Long Run: Diana Fitzpatrick and the Western States 100In this episode of Building Unbreakable Brands, Meghan Lynch sits down with Diana Fitzpatrick, attorney, runner, and board president of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, the world's oldest 100-mile trail race. Since its inception in 1974, the Western States 100 has become one of the ultimate tests of endurance, embodying a rich history and a deep-rooted culture of community and volunteerism.Diana provides an in-depth look at her role as board president and shares the fascinating history of the race, which started when Gordy Ainsleigh ran the trail of the Tevis Cup horse race on foot. She explains...2024-06-1943 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Building Bridges Between Friends and Mental HealthSend us a textImagine discovering your friend has a mental health diagnosis like schizophrenia. Would you know how to respond, or would fear and hesitation cloud your judgment? This episode promises to smash through societal misconceptions and shed light on the harsh realities many face due to the stigma perpetuated by media misrepresentations. Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I unpack the damaging stereotypes often portrayed in movies, TV shows, and books, and how these contribute to personal experiences of rejection. Not all hope is lost, as we'll also celebrate movies like "A Beautiful Mind" and "The...2024-06-0612 min
The CharacteristShould I stay or should I go?Join Dr. Diana Naranjo and author Naomi Kanakia who brings her character Jhanvi to therapy. Years after fleeing San Francisco and getting sober, Jhanvi has made a life for herself working at a grocery co-op and saving for her surgeries. But when her friend (and sometimes more) Henry mentions that he and his techie festival-goer friends spent $100,000 to transform a warehouse basement into a sex dungeon, Jhanvi starts wondering if there’s a way to exploit these gullible idiots. She returns to San Francisco, hatching a plan to marry Henry for his company’s generous healthcare benefits.
Jhan...2024-05-2941 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)The Menace Of CoincidenceSend us a textHave you ever felt like the universe was conspiring against you through an eerie sequence of events? That's what we're unpacking today, as I, Diana Dirkby, share my personal confrontations with coincidence and its particularly intense effects on those of us with paranoid schizophrenia. The ever-present challenge of discerning reality from paranoia becomes even more complex when ordinary occurrences take on a sinister hue. I'm peeling back the layers on how I navigate the treacherous waters of coincidence, offering insights on keeping paranoia at bay, especially when life's misfortunes, like fraud, strike more than...2024-05-2607 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)The Gray Area Of StigmaSend us a textWhen I, Diana Dirkby, began my journey with paranoid schizophrenia, the path was fraught with misconceptions and isolation. Today, I share not only my story but also engage with the difficult realities of stigma in mental health. Our latest episode ventures into the heart of these challenges, revealing the intricate dance between misunderstanding and awareness. We traverse the landscape of severe mental illnesses and the importance of organizations like NAMI, shedding light on the potent connections social media can forge. A recent interaction I had serves as a poignant example of the discomfort some...2024-05-1422 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)May is Mental Health Awareness MonthSend us a textAs Diana Dirkby, I've walked through the shadowed valleys of paranoid schizophrenia and emerged into the light of understanding and advocacy. May, as Mental Health Awareness Month, offers a poignant backdrop to my candid narrative, where I peel back the layers of stigma and reveal the daily triumphs over the unseen battles within. Join me for a deeply personal journey that honors the history of mental health observance, champions the efforts of NAMI's "Take the Moment" campaign, and extends an empathetic hand to those wrestling with their own mental health challenges. E...2024-05-0512 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Navigating the Tightrope of Mental and Physical Health in SchizophreniaSend us a textWhen my mother's schizophrenia cast a shadow over her physical health, the consequences were heartbreakingly irreversible. Her story, interwoven with my own, underscores the often overlooked but critical importance of holistic well-being. On today's podcast, I, Diana Dirkby, delve into the complex dance of managing both mental and physical health when living with a condition like schizophrenia. Reflecting on poignant experiences from "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia," I'll guide you through the necessity of regular health check-ups, the impact of antipsychotic medications on the body, and share my personal strategies for maintaining...2024-04-2418 min
Rise With DianaThe Resilient Entrepreneur ft. Ambrea Mikolajczyk“If you keep showing up, and If you keep doing the work, you’ll look up one day and you would’ve done it…you just have to stay the course”
Talk about a WORD!
Join us on a captivating journey with Rise with Diana podcasts’ FIRST EVER guest Ambrea Mikolajczyk, entrepreneur extraordinaire, as she shares her inspiring story of resilience.
From overcoming the odds, to bouncing back from setbacks and discovering how to live and walk as her most authentic self, Ambrea’s insights will inspire and empower you.
Tune in as we explo...2024-04-2233 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)A Schizophrenic's Guide to Rising Above the BluesSend us a textOn those days when the sky seems to press down with a weight that's almost tangible, I, Diana Dirkby, understand the unique struggle of navigating life's lows with schizophrenia. Our latest heartfelt conversation delves into the complexities of managing such days, offering personal anecdotes and strategies that have proven invaluable in maintaining equilibrium amidst the chaos. It's not about battling depression but addressing that all-too-familiar sense of discouragement that can suddenly hijack our plans and intentions.Throughout our talk, I share the therapeutic benefits of engaging in small, manageable tasks—like bi...2024-04-1016 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Unveiling Unexpected Allies in the Fight Against Schizophrenia StigmaSend us a textDiscover the surprising ways support can materialize when you least expect it as I, Diana Dirkby, delve into the heart of living with schizophrenia and confronting its associated stigma. Through heartfelt reflections and through observing the likes of Elyn Saks and Michelle Hammer, we unravel the complexities of mental illness and the varied reactions it can provoke. From the unfathomable paradoxes posed by those nearest to us to the resilience required to navigate societal misconceptions, this episode becomes a sanctuary for honest dialogue about the turbulent journey of mental health awareness. Em...2024-03-2020 min
Cult Liter with Spencer HenryTeal Swan: Satan Is AliveThis week we’re back to go further down the Teal Swan rabbit hole in a deep-dive that’s giving alllll the satanic panic flashbacks. Trust me, Mike Warnke and Lauren Stratford ain’t got nothing on Teal.Buy my book: prh.com/obitchuaryMerch! Merch! Merch!: wonderyshop.com/cultliterCome see me on tour: obitchuarypodcast.com Write me: spencer@cultliter.comSpencer Henry PO Box 18149 Long Beach CA 90807 Follow along online: instagram.com...2024-03-1237 minSchizophrenia As I Live It (audio)Steadying the Ship: Staying Afloat Amidst Stress with SchizophreniaSend us a textNavigating the stormy seas of stress is a voyage I'm all too familiar with, especially as someone living with Paranoid Schizophrenia. On my latest podcast episode, Schizophrenia as I Live it, I, Diana Dirkby, recount a chapter of my life where stress loomed like an uninvited guest, knocking on the door of my mental stability. During this candid discussion, I peel back the curtain on my recent struggles with a barrage of unforeseen stressful events. I share the intimate details of how I managed to maintain my equilibrium, employing a strategy that involved...2024-03-0216 min