Shows
I've Been Better47: w/ Kendall Phillips on putting yourself and your interests first during a worldwide pandemicOn our final episode of season 8, IBB host Susan sits down with colleague turned friend, Kendall Phillips, to talk about her role as the pandemic began, and learning how to prioritize yourself when the burnout hits.
Kendall Phillips is a public health professional who is currently finishing her graduate degree. She has primarily worked in health education and health communication on a variety of public health topics, but her favorites are maternal child health, reproductive health, child injury prevention and harm reduction. After moving to Raleigh, she picked up a side gig that utilizes her l...2023-07-2450 minI've Been Better46: w/ Erin Kelly on learning that tears are just water from your eyesOn this week’s episode of IBB, join our host Susan as she talks with esthetician turned friend, Erin Kelly, about the transition to motherhood and rediscovering your passions.
Erin Kelly is a licensed Esthetician and makeup artist. She has been in the beauty industry for 10 years and specializes in event makeup. Her style of makeup is about enhancing someone's features, not covering up what makes someone unique. She is a creative at heart. Erin’s biggest focus right now is spending time with her son and raising a kind, compassionate human being. She also has 2...2023-07-1754 minI've Been Better45: w/ Tony Templeton on knowing why he’s still standingOn episode 45, IBB host Susan talks with friend Tony Templeton about his life experiences, including the many traumas and trials he’s encountered along the way.
Tony is just a regular millennial trying to make it in society. He has two bachelors degrees, Sports Medicine & Sports Management from Indiana University. his greatest accomplishment is still being here and trying to figure out life. Tony enjoys reading, hiking with his dog, ceramics, and the driving range. Fun fact, Tony was in the Macys thanksgiving day parade his senior year of high school.
CW: a...2023-07-101h 16I've Been Better44 w/ Fiona Cordova Paul on the tragedy of losing your mother when becoming a motherOn this week’s episode, Susan talks with friend and fellow DPC member, Fiona Cordova Paul, about coming to the US as a child, having a parent with a terminal illness, and how her plans for a baby were delayed due to caring for her ailing mother.
Fiona is a licensed structural engineer and lead bridge inspector at HDR. She was born in Bolivia, is a citizen of Ireland, and naturalized American citizen as of 2018. Fiona immigrated here with her family when she was 5. She is married to her wonderful high school sweetheart with the cutest 7 month old...2023-06-261h 26I've Been Better43 w/ Sarah Smith on the Fs; fathers, friends, and green tree frogsOn this week's episode of I've Been Better, our host Susan Youngsteadt talks with good friend and fellow griefy, Sarah Smith. The two cover everything from the shared experience of the death of a parent, finding joy in the metaphysical world, and our healthy skepticism of the unknown being challenged.
Sarah currently serves as the Assistant Director of Civic Engagement at the Campus Y (UNC-Chapel Hill). The Campus Y is the hub for social justice at UNC and serves 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about making positive social change in their communities. She is a...2023-06-191h 11I've Been Better42: w/ Greg Womack-Adams on The Dawn of GregWelcome back for Season 8 of I've Been Better!
On our first episode of the season, our host Susan Youngsteadt, talks with friend Gregory Womack-Adams about his work, his passions, and what happens when the two no longer align.
Greg is the Senior Structural Engineer and founder of his own consulting firm and is a licensed Professional Engineer in NC. Graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering and a MS in Civil Engineering from NCSU in 2014 and 2016, respectively. He is passionate about the STEM education (especially for rural and underserved communities), his Sco...2023-06-1250 minI've Been Better41: w/ Kayleen Schepper on ”Am I going to hell for this?” and breaking up with religionOn this week's episode, join host Susan as she talks with guest Kayleen Schepper about her journey with religious deconstruction and how this influenced various aspects of her life.
Kayleen is a fellow LCSW and completed her MSW at Wayne State University (Detroit). She loves to travel and has done solo traveling in Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia. For fun she enjoys podcasts, reading, standup comedy, and hiking. Her Instagram feed is mostly drag queens, cats, and progressive politics.
CW: religious and spiritual trauma, evangelizing, discussions about various religious practices and beliefs
...2022-12-1958 minI've Been Better40: w/ Amanda Jones Stanforth on reckoning with the meaning of failure and successJoin host Susan on this week's episode as she sits down with colleague and friend, Amanda Jones Stanforth. The two talk about Amanda's transition from teacher to therapist and how she came to shift her understanding of what it means to fail and succeed.
Amanda is a psychotherapist, specifically a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and holds a graduate degree in social work. She is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and uses this often in her work. She is also a fellow member of the DPC. Amanda enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, he...2022-12-051h 04I've Been Better39: w/ James Voltz on being here now; managing trauma through community and supportJoin host Susan on this week’s episode as she talks with friend and colleague, James Voltz. The two cover James’ involvement in a local nonprofit, surviving childhood cancer, and experiencing a traumatic health event that has reshaped his view on life.
James Voltz is a Husband, Raleigh Wine Shop proprietor, and President of SAFEchild Board of Directors; Credentials. He has a PhD from Duke in Cellular & Molecular Biology; Accomplishments - couple of dozen scientific publications, successful small business owner; Passions - Music, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, travel; Hobbies - Reading, exercise, horology (Hey Josh!). Fun fact, James traveled extens...2022-11-281h 07I've Been Better38: w/ Kristie Ashton on ”is it gay in here or is it just me?”On this week's episode, join host Susan and her colleague, Kristie, as Susan hold's space for Kristie to share her coming out story.
Kristie Ashton is a psychiatric Physician's Assistant. She completed PA school at age 47 as the oldest member of her class. She enjoys endurance sports and frequently participates in marathons and long-distance triathlons. You'll almost always find Kristie outdoors even in inclement weather. She recently went snowboarding in Montana where the temperature was 19 below zero. She also broke both bones in her arm because she isn't as skilled at boarding as she thought she was.2022-11-2152 minI've Been Better37: w/ Hannah Sherlock on listening to your inner, and outer, childWe’re back!
Join host Susan for the start of season 7 of I’ve Been Better as she sits down with friend and sibling of a previous guest, Hannah Sherlock. The two discuss how Hannah’s childhood and adolescence shaped her career path and how to care for yourself when feeling alone.
Hannah Sherlock is from Asheville, NC but currently resides in Nashville, TN. Her biggest passions are caring for others, music, and art. Her goal is to become a professional nanny and spend time helping parents raise their children. Fun fact, Hannah’s birthday is 9/9/99 and she was born...2022-11-141h 12I've Been BetterComing soon: Season 7 of IBBWe’re back!!
After taking the summer off to move and get the new podloft set up, host Susan and sound engineer and tech guru, Josh, are preparing to bring you season 7 of I’ve Been Better.
Get ready for another season of real stories from real people 💚🧡
2022-09-3001 minI've Been Better36: w/ Danny Gallager on more moving, more problems, but it’s worth itOn episode 36, join host Susan as she talks with friend, Danny Gallager about sacrificing for your relationship, Autism, and what it means to be subtle as a brick.
Danny Gallager is a SEO specialist who works remotely for Transcat Calibration. He currently based out of Edmond, Oklahoma, but will be moving to Gainesville, Florida, at the end of May 2022. He is also getting married in June 2022 to the beautiful Elizabeth Moyer.
In no particular order, Danny's passions are ultimate frisbee, lifting, rock climbing, anime, his future wifey, and his animals.
Instagram: @dannyg...2022-05-161h 10I've Been Better35: w/ Kate Fox on ditching diets for self-discoveryOn Episode 35, join host Susan as she catches up with her friend, co-worker, and roommate from college, Kate Fox. Kate shares about her time in the Peace Corps, learning to ditch diet culture, and her fight for self-acceptance and discovery.
Kate Fox works as an U.S. EPA Outreach and Engagement Strategist, is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Tanzania 2017-19), a badass Pole Fitness Instructor and Competitor, and a travel Seeker. She resides with her partner in North Carolina and has pet chickens she cares for. To learn more about Kate's time in the Peace Co...2022-05-091h 16I've Been Better34: w/ Kristin Brandon on coming to terms with all your partsOn Episode 34 of I've Been Better, join host Susan as she talks with her colleague, Kristin, on her journey to becoming a therapist, grief, and recognizing all of your parts, even the ones you may not be ready to acknowledge.
Kristin Brandon is a LCSW, LCAC, and overall BADASS. Kristin raised 3 exceptional children and then went back to school at age 39 for her Master of Social degree. She is passionate about wellness, riding her bike, connecting, learning and travel. Kristin has ridden her biker along the Danube visiting 6 different countries. Her hobbies include cycling, reading, gardening an...2022-05-021h 10I've Been Better33: w/ Logan Wheless on finding your inner Zen
On Episode 33, join host Susan and her yogi inspiration and friend, Logan Wheless, as they talk about not only finding your Zen, but also finding yourself.
Logan works in marketing for the Carolina Hurricanes and is the owner/founder of Zenmeowt Yoga, a local yoga practice. Logan is highly passionate about bringing yoga to all and hope that yoga can help more people with their journey in finding themselves and better/happier mental health. She loves her kitties, Mila and Roo, and her in free time, she likes to find fun new things to do around the area, hang with fr...2022-04-251h 12I've Been Better32: w/ Melissa Ruggiero on when life hands you COVID, you make a new homeOn Episode 32, join host Susan and good friend Melissa, talk about the impact of COVID-19 from a New York perspective and being forced to make tough life-altering decisions.
Melissa Ruggiero is a brand strategist and marketer passionate about creative strategy and brand building. Skilled in translating brand insights into powerful storytelling, driving results from brand to demand. Melissa believes you can build a community of togetherness through meaningful content. In Melissa's free time, you can find her aimlessly walking around the city, volunteering her time, or coaxing her friends into taking a dance class. She is...2022-04-1857 minI've Been Better31: w/ Tyler Sherlock on ”getting by” with a little help from his friendsOn Episode 31, join host Susan and her longtime friend Tyler as they talk about being an artist, struggling to find footing after college, and the impact of getting into legal trouble with alcohol.
Tyler Sherlock is a Graphic Designer specializing in magazine layout for The N2 Company based out of Wilmington, NC. Tyler has had a passion and a natural gift for art since he was old enough to hold a pencil. He has published an adult coloring book on Amazon and does commissioned paintings when he is not doing Graphic Design. He currently resides i...2022-04-1155 minI've Been Better30: w/ Alex Allen on breaking up with a toxic careerOn Episode 30, join host Susan and new friend, Alex Allen, as the two talk about trolling on Twitter and toxic work culture.
Alex is a southerner living in Denver, Colorado. By day, he leads product strategy for the OpenTable app, and by night, he is competitive volleyball player. In his spare time, he loves doing pro-bono work through the Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute and Taproot. Fun fact: Alex raged a Twitter war and a successful Change.org petition against the DPAC in Durham to help people get their refunds after the venue was shut down f...2022-02-141h 02I've Been Better29: w/ Rachel Sherlock on obsession, to panic, to loss and everything in betweenOn Episode 29, join host Susan as she chats with her friend Rachel about anxiety, the pandemic, and unplanned loss of a furry best friend.
Rachel Sherlock is a Sales and Marketing Operations guru in the SaaS industry. She is a master in Salesforce Administration and streamlined processes in multiple companies to maximize revenue growth. Rachel has her master’s degree in psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Rachel also has her Paralegal Degree from Duke University. Education and career don’t take all of Rachel’s time; she believes in work-life balance. Besides the happy hours...2022-02-071h 03I've Been Better28: w/ Jordan Huggins on the thievery of adulthoodOn Episode 28, join host Susan as she talks with fellow podcast host and local comedian, Jordan Huggins, about being ready, or not, for adulthood.
Jordan Scott Huggins is a comic, writer, podcaster, and show producer in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a comic he's featured in a handful of national festivals including the Crom Comedy Festival, Beast Village Comedy Festival, and Cape Fear Comedy Festival.
He's written for a number of shows including The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, and Younger.
He coproduces a monthly show in Raleigh call...2022-01-3150 minI've Been Better27: w/ Megan Peedin on parenting your parentOn Episode 27, join host Susan as she catches up with her friend and colleague, Megan Peedin, about her career in social work and the impact of becoming a caregiver in your 20s.
Megan Peedin MSW, LCSW, LCAS-A lives and works in Durham, NC. She is truly passionate about social work and spends most of her time doing it, including educating folks about what social work is and what it’s not. Megan has 3 fur babies; 2 cats named Creamsicle and Sherb and sweet pup Luna. In her free time, Megan likes to go for walks on the ATT wit...2022-01-2452 minI've Been Better26: w/ Kelly Womack-Adams on making the call to leave the classroomOn Episode 26, join host Susan as she sits down with friend and coach, Kelly Womack-Adams, to discuss her love for all things math, education, and the impact of having little to no support in the classroom as a teacher.
Currently a grad student at North Carolina State University (NCSU), Kelly is working on her PhD in Education with a focus on Math teaching and learning. Kelly was born in Raleigh, NC and continues to call the City of Oaks her home. She has taught at both levels, high school and elementary school, and continues coach la...2022-01-1758 minI've Been Better25: w/ Brooke Waggoner on deciding to ”spend the most wonderful time of the year”, aloneSeason 5 is here!
On episode 25, join host Susan and her close friend and fellow D.P.C member, Brooke Waggoner, to talk about the impact of COVID over the last two years, and the important decision to put yourself first.
Brooke works from home as a small business owner. During her spare time, she works part time at a Raleigh luxury upholstery studio. Brooke is always looking for a creative outlet, and right now furniture upholstery scratches that itch. She has a degree and zoology, a Master's in business, and spent 8 years of her...2022-01-101h 00I've Been Better24: w/ Tabatha Gagliardo on giving it one more dayOn episode 24, join host Susan as she sits down with good friend, Tabatha Gagliardo, to talk about social anxiety, depression, and holding on for one more day.
Tabatha, Tabby for short, is from a small unincorporated town in Wisconsin where the most booming businesses were the local bar and a hot air balloon take off pad. Growing up in the country shaped her worldview and appreciation for nature. Her original plan to become a surgeon took a sharp turn when she realized She viewed human existence differently. Tabatha graduated with a BS in Biology and a minor...2021-10-2553 minI've Been Better23: w/ Brice Bradshaw on his rocky road to becoming a therapistOn Episode 23, join host Susan as she sits down with friend in field, Brice Bradshaw, to discuss one of the many experiences that shaped him into he is today.
CW: wilderness camp, alternative therapy styles, drug use, expulsion
Brice Bradshaw works as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and is passionate about helping members of the trans community at varying stages of coming out and living as their authentic selves. As a hobby, Brice has turned his apartment into a jungle with plants, whereas before this pandemic he didn't have a s...2021-10-1848 minI've Been Better22: w/ Mackenzie Seidl on the sticks, stones, and electric scooters that will break her bonesOn Episode 22, join Susan as she talks with Mackenzie Seidl about an unexpected *millennial* injury that rocked her world.
CW: medical emergency, broken bones, isolation, recovery, physical therapy
Mackenzie works as a digital marketing specialist in Raleigh. She spends her free time watching movies and TV, listening to podcasts, and playing trivia with her longtime team, Quiz Khalifa. She love's all things pop culture, and will always be able to tell you who that actress in that thing was.
Instagram: @ms46848
Twitter: @mackncheesin
2021-10-1157 minI've Been Better21: w/ Aly Stone, PA-C on finding your fit and carving your own path after job lossOn Episode 21, join host Susan as she talks with her friend, Aly Stone, on expectations of getting it right the first time when taking a job out of college and remembering that you are enough.
CW: healthcare, job loss
Aly Stone is a Raleigh native working as a Physician Assistant in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She is married to her husband Alan, whom she met at a Halloween party senior year of college. The two have a 6 1/2 year old Greyhound named Avery. In her free time, Aly likes to decompress from the...2021-10-041h 03I've Been Better20: w/ Vicki Hoogland on stroking outOn episode 20, join host Susan and this week’s guest, Vicki, as they talk about medical emergencies, people pleasing, and living in the “inside”.
CW: medical emergency, medical trauma and procedures, anxiety, and medication use
Victoria Hoogland, originally from North Carolina, lives in beautiful and crisp Anchorage, Alaska with her husband, Travis. She has worked in youth development for over 10 years. She enjoys bikes, her two dogs, Suna & Frankie, and being outside. As a mental health enthusiast, Vicki also started a podcast called The Memoir Excerpts Podcast for others to share stories and help bre...2021-09-271h 23I've Been Better19: w/ Spencer Bland on surviving your own thoughts through comedy and therapySeason 4 of IBB is here!
On Episode 19, Susan talks with friend and local comedian, Spencer Bland, about his journey with mental health and his career as a comedian.
Spencer Bland is a comedian, writer, and podcaster that wants you to know that his last name has no effect on his humor. He is a regular host and feature at the Raleigh Improv and Goodnights Comedy Club in Raleigh, NC where he was born and raised. He produces a monthly comedy show in Neptunes Comedy, and cohosts the quickly growing Bop or Flop Podcast....2021-09-201h 17I've Been Better18: w/ Dr. Dorrell Briscoe on the power of the church, a healing place in a hurting worldOn Episode 18, host Susan talks with friend-turned-family, Dr. Harold Dorrell Briscoe, about his journey to becoming a pastor, his experience in the church as a black man, and how he hopes to restore the mission and value of the gospel in his community.
Dr. Harold Dorrell Briscoe is a writer, speaker, pastor, and public theologian. He focuses on the intersectionality of race, religion, law, and power. Dorrell also taught at the university level as an adjunct professor teaching public administration, management, and leadership to undergraduate students. While teaching, Dorrell pursued and was awarded a master's de...2021-08-0246 minI've Been Better17: w/ Kyle Duryea on fortune not favoring you when unprepared for the death of your momOn Episode 17, host Susan really gets into her feels with close friend and fellow DPC (Dead Parents Club) member, Kyle Duryea. Join Susan and Kyle as they talk about their cosmic connection, shared experiences in the death of a parent, and how Kyle continues to cope and prepare for all life will throw at him. You may need to grab some tissues for this one!
Kyle Duryea works in the wine and beer distribution industry. His ideal evening is a good home cooked meal watching a movie with his partner, Katie, and cats, Charlotte and T...2021-07-261h 04I've Been Better16: w/ Alix Robbins on gaining a second family, an unexpected baby, and the Ultimate supportOn Episode 16, join host Susan as she shares a vulnerable conversation with friend, Alix Robbins, about the unplanned birth of her daughter and the failures and success along the way.
Alix Robbins is an HR professional and manager of an international team of specialists. She plays Ultimate Frisbee competitively and enjoys many team sports. Alix is a mother to one human child and multiple household pets.
CW: pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, postpartum depression
2021-07-191h 06I've Been Better15: w/ Alex Brandt on fear when your plans for life don't add upOn Episode 15, host Susan talks with friend Alex Brandt about his battle with depression after college, the pressures of finding a career, and attending graduate school. Tune in to hear the two talk about how Alex found himself isolated and afraid after graduating undergrad and how he recovered.
Alex Brandt is a graduate of North Carolina State University and currently works as a data consultant at a Financial Technology company. Alex enjoys playing soccer, going to as many breweries as possible with friends, and playing video games. Fun Fact - Alex studied abroad in Australia f...2021-07-1251 minI've Been Better14: w/ Andre Fanto on the other side of fighting firesCW: death, grief, emergency services and public safety, sensitive material, motor vehicle accident
In this episode, host Susan sits down with good friend, Andre Fanto, to talk about the life of a fire fighter and the not-so-obvious aspects of being in the role of public service.
Andre is a flower salesman by day and fireman by night. He has spent the last year buying a house, getting engaged, becoming “successful,” and making life fulfilling and stress free. Andre likes to play guitar, video games, and wood craft. Fun fact: Andre has two pins in hi...2021-07-0649 minI've Been Better13: w/ Jen Bordeaux on heartbreak to happiness without breaking his windshield...even when she really wanted toCW: marriage, separation, divorce, infidelity, loss, grief
For the first episode of Season 3, host Susan sits down with friend in advocacy, Jen Bordeaux. Susan and Jen talk about finding happiness after heartbreak, what she has learned through experiencing divorce, and their shared love of musicals.
Jen is formally known as the Director of Public Relations but informally known as the remover of the divorce veil and bridge builder between legal teams and the community. She is a dog mom of 2 pups: Chance and Theo, a non-recovering music addict, a shameless lover of a...2021-06-281h 16I've Been Better12: w/ Kyle Shields on playing hard and dying fast (in baseball)CW; graphic language, sports injury, medical procedures, death of parent, therapy, chronic pain, mention of depression
As we wrap up the second season of IBB, host Susan sits down with friend, Kyle Shields, to open up the conversation around life not working out the way we had it planned. Kyle shares about his major sports injury that lead to the end of his baseball career, all while acknowledging what he's learned along the way.
Kyle is young professional working as a business development representative for a staffing company. He enjo...2021-05-241h 08I've Been Better11: w/ Tori Aldrin on not missing the little thingsCW: death, loss of life, talk of suicide, accidental death, mental health
On Episode 11, host Susan and one of her best friends and fellow cat mom, Tori Aldrin, record an emotional conversation on the death of a friend. Tori currently works as an office manager. She is passionate about cooking, music and gardening. Some of her hobbies include embroidery, reading, overthinking and obsessing over past mistakes. Fun fact: Tori holds the unpopular opinion of milk first, cereal second.
In honor of Hannah Hartman.
If you, or any...2021-05-1751 minI've Been Better10: w/ Kimmie Krohn on living a passionate life and breaking the evil stepmom mythEpisode 10! On this week's episode, join host Susan as she sits down with one of her best friend's, Kimmie Krohn, to talk about making the jump into a passionate life and undoing the "evil stepmom" myth.
Kimmie currently works in the craft beer industry and enjoys having the coast as part of her territory. She is affectionately known as “Kim” by those closest to her and considers everyone in her circle, family. She is a fur mom to her beagle mix, Dixie and tabby cat, Pelli and a stepmom to her partner’s three kids. Kimmie enjoys a nicely...2021-05-101h 04I've Been Better9: w/ Tessa Murray on letting go, settling down, and letting grief hit you between the eyesCW: death, death of a parent, addiction, substance use/misuse, pregnancy
On Episode 9, host Susan catches up with her close friend, Tessa Murray. Susan and Tessa cover everything from meeting as Bud Light girls in college, to experiencing death, loss, moving across the country, complex family dynamics, and more.
Tessa is currently in graduate school to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. After graduating with a degree in English from North Carolina State University (go pack!), she is finally feeling confident about her career path. She enjoys spending time with her family and frie...2021-05-031h 18I've Been Better8: w/ Jessica Parker on looking incredible in your grandpa's fur coat and inspiring confidenceCW: body image discussion, societal expectations for women/people who identify as women
For Episode 8, Susan sits down with close friend, Jessica Parker. The two cover everything from design, working in IT, being a woman with confidence, and fast fashion.
Jessica currently works in tech, and has a second job at a local record store and beer shop on the weekends for fun. She is currently working on launching her passion project - Bitxchcraft designs - a revamped take on thrifting, one of a kind creations while supporting sustainable fashion. Jess is...2021-04-261h 08I've Been Better7: w/ Cheryl Lundegard on having a little faith during the unknowns of pregnancy and adultingCW: pregnancy, childbirth, labor and delivery, medical fragility
As IBB begins Season 2, join host Susan as she catches up with one of her closest college friends, Cheryl Lundegard, as they talk about the unknowns in bearing children, where faith became a savior, and all things adulting in 2021.
Cheryl is currently living in Georgia with her husband and two littles. She spends as much time outside as she can; hiking, running, and chasing her kids at the park. Cheryl loves reading, yoga, and binge watching TV shows while drinking wine and eating all...2021-04-1952 minI've Been BetterBonus: Q&A w/ Susan and Josh on life behind the podcastAs we prepare for Season 2 to drop, host Susan and sound-engineer/partner in life, Josh, share more about the pod, working together, and the vision behind IBB. Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
Thank you to all of our listeners.
Instagram: @ivebeenbetter.pod
Guest mentions: @boporfloppod
2021-04-051h 08I've Been Better6: w/ Leigh on eating Key Lime pie and sharing dirty laundryCW: abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, advocacy work, disordered eating, recovery
On episode 6, Susan talks with colleague-turned-friend in service, Leigh.
Leigh met Susan here in North Carolina while doing work for a not-for-profit organization. They’ve been friends ever since, and bond over memes, social work issues, and their pets.
Leigh’s been a professional social worker for 7 years. She specializes in sexual abuse intervention. Leigh loves all things musical theatre, music, TV, and movies. She and her partner also have a puggle named Jean Ralphio (from “Parks and Recreation”).
If you suspect a chi...2021-03-081h 10I've Been Better5: w/ Katie Ryan on gaining membership into the D.M.C. (Dead Moms Club)CW: death, grief, cancer dx, death of parent, humor around grief and loss
For episode 5, Susan chats with her friend Katie Ryan. Katie is a graduate of North Carolina State University (go wolfpack!) and remained in the area to pursue a career in finance. Her hobbies include spending time with friends, volunteering, and binge watching TV with her cat, Sebastian. Katie dedicates her time volunteering with Special Olympics North Carolina and Dress for Success Triangle NC.
Instagram: @katieeeryan
2021-03-0144 minI've Been Better4: w/ Brad Foster on gaining new friends and perspective from the worst April Fool's Day everCW: Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, family member with DMD
In this episode, Susan catches up with boss-turned-family friend, Brad Foster. Brad is the current owner of NBF Cure44, LLC; a company with goals to raise money and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Being part of a unique population of those born and raised in Raleigh and also spending his entire life in this great city, Brad has dedicated his life to recreation and now being an advocate for the fight against Duchenne. Brad is a devoted husband, father, and member of his community. To learn more a...2021-02-2251 minI've Been Better3: w/ Taylor Johnson on embracing your B wordsIn this episode, Susan sits down with another of her close friends and previous colleagues, Taylor Johnson. Taylor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has been a mental health professional for the last 3+ years. She prides herself on advocating for diversity in all areas, but especially in mental health. Taylor loves empowering people to live in their truth and love all of themselves- which includes discussing her favorite B word besides Beyoncé- Boundaries. Taylor is available for speaking engagements and meaningful conversations, so be sure to catch her on her social media site!
...2021-02-1545 minI've Been Better2: w/ John Cornett on putting a ring on life...Saturn’s ringIn this episode, Susan talks with one of her close friends from college and fellow cat lover, John Cornett. John is currently an academic advisor at Northeastern University, serving undergraduate students within the D’Amore McKim School of Business. He is also the co-host of the [I’M]Possible Podcast, that is dedicated to holding conversations surrounding identity in the workplace and how to build a resilient future fueled by individual passion and purpose. Check it out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Links to the [I'M]Possible Podcast landing page, Instagram, and email contact for the show are below!
Landi...2021-02-0843 minI've Been Better1: w/ Jasmine Williams on crying in the Dunkin' Donuts drive thruCW: death, loss, grief
For our premier episode, Jasmine Williams joins Susan to talk about grief, public speaking, and the various places we find ourselves crying. Jasmine has been an Adversity & Resilience Speaker for over six years. She's also a speaking coach for female entrepreneurs - teaching women to deliver a polished message with confidence.
If you're interested in working with Jasmine, please visit www.JasmineCWilliams.com.
Instagram: @msjasminecwilliams
2021-02-0145 minI've Been BetterIntroducing: I've Been Better w/ Susan Youngsteadt"How are you doing?" "Well, to be honest, I've been better." Hosted by Susan Youngsteadt, a full-time therapist and professional listener, I've Been Better the podcast hopes to create a safe space to bring you real connection and real stories from real people. Inspired by the podcast, Terrible, Thanks for Asking and Humans of New York, Susan look's forward sharing hre story and the stories of various people in her life with you, and encouraging others to go beyond the pleasantry, I've been better. Launching February 1, 2021, so hit subscribe to be notified when the first episode drops!
2021-01-2200 min
Thank You Heartbreak with Chelsea Leigh Trescott125: Without My Parents, Home No Longer Exists with Susan YoungsteadtAfter losing her mom to a terminal illness in high school, psychotherapist Susan Youngsteadt went on to lose her father to cancer not long after. Joining Chelsea 10 minutes in, Susan opens up about the things that go missing when your parents pass away—like, your sense of home and belonging, unconditional acceptance, as well as a living, breathing example to point to and say, “this is why I am the way I am.” She talks about what her patients sit and talk about most in her practice, why assuming positive intent works, what she did in the aftermath of grief—particul...2019-07-311h 02