Hot Mess Espresso

When people think of poetry, some can think it's just pretty words, but for Deanna Repose-Oaks it’s the secret weapon behind surviving a lifetime of trauma, mental health battles, and a crazy family saga. She’s penned six poetry books, each one a raw, beautiful reflection of her journey through chaos, depression, and healing. Deanna opens up about her tumultuous past: being adopted, growing up amid drug addiction and shattered family ties, and battling the invisible wounds of trauma. You’ll hear how she turned her darkest moments into power, using poetry as both refuge and rebellion, hiding her fe...

Content creators are finally beginning to talk about the toll fame takes on mental health, and Andy Neal has been talking about it for a while. He went from 5,000 followers to international news in just months, all while balancing hiking, body positivity, and the reality of living in the spotlight. He dives into how viral fame isn’t just about likes: it’s about managing the unexpected attention, the trolls, and the sweet moments of connection with celebs like Deborah Messing. Andy also talks about how he turned his passion for outdoor mental health into a full-blown career, why auth...

Most of us have been conditioned to see anger as a dangerous, destructive force, but what if we’ve been totally wrong? Davina Hehn flips the narrative, revealing how anger is actually a vital compass guiding us toward self-awareness, healing, and transformation. Davina shares her wild personal journey from Hulk-smashing walls to masterfully managing her rage all while navigating marriage, parenting, and her own mental health crises. If you’ve ever felt like your emotions are a ticking time bomb or that dealing with anger means self-sabotage, this episode is your game-changer.

CONTENT WARNING: suicidal ideation, attempts & passive suicidality Most conversations about mental health tiptoe around the passive side of suicidality, but Olivia Meyer and I are here to blow the lid off that silence. When surviving multiple suicide attempts, you realize it's not just about wanting to die, sometimes it’s just about wanting the pain to stop, and nobody talks about that. You’ll discover how passive suicidality impacts attempt survivors long after the scars fade, and why society’s obsession with "the dramatic" leaves countless suffering in the shadows. Olivia, a survivor hersel...

Most people think podcasts are all about Hollywood gossip or the latest TikTok trends. Franky Corcoran proves it’s also about mental health, sobriety, and busting imposter syndrome wide open, all while joking about dogs eating cat poop. Yup, this episode isn’t your typical HME story; it’s a candid, hilarious deep dive into navigating life’s toughest moments with authenticity and humor. Franky’s journey from battling crushing anxiety and pandemic breakdowns to becoming a fearless mental health advocate is nothing short of inspiring. He shares how he quit drinking, how therapy saved him, and why talking about grie...

Most of us are just trying to keep it together, but what if the key to self-healing is blending music, therapy, and a little bit of parts work? Justin Randolph: songwriter, trauma-informed artist, and guy who moved his family to Thailand drops some seriously mind-expanding insights that could revolutionize how you handle your inner chaos. Justin's story is a wild ride through musical journeys, mental health breakthroughs, and how internal family systems (IFS) became his personal soundtrack for healing. He’s not just singing about feelings; he's capturing his inner parts in a concept album that explores everything from pe...

Most entrepreneurs are one bad mental health day away from meltdown mode... unless they listen to this. Christi Johnson reveals her struggle with a burnout so severe, it shut her business down & almost made her lose herself completely. But that didn't keep her down, she’s now building a business and life that prioritize her mental health first. Her story is a rollercoaster from hypomanic episodes and emergency crashes to radical self-care and boundary-setting that turned burnout into breakthrough.

Most pageant queens are all glitz, glam, and a sprinkle of cattiness, but Gillian DiAddazio is rewriting the script. After retiring her crown at 16 and making a bold comeback as an adult, she proves that authenticity beats perfection every time. You’ll discover how Gillian’s journey from shy girl to pageant queen transformed her outlook, and why modern pageantry is more about integrity and purpose than pom-poms. We break down the real pressures behind those sparkling crowns, including the mental health struggles, the social media comparison trap, and the toxic “glitz pageant” culture she’d rather see fade away. Plus...

Most people think bipolar diagnosis is something that magically appears in your late teens or early twenties. Bri McKay? She got it at just seven years old after a hospital stay at age five and a lot of research. She’s not just a storyteller; she’s breaking down childhood mental health mysteries that most adults don’t even get until they’re well into therapy. Bri’s candidly sharing her journey, from unmarked childhood signs to navigating the industry as a bipolar artist, actress, and musician. Brie also reveals her raw, unfiltered thoughts on therapy, medication, self-awareness, and the import...

Michelle Savage is here to blow the lid off that myth. She’s a mindset and nervous system coach who one day realized that regulating her body’s signals, not just her thoughts, was the secret to actually transforming her life and unlocking her best self. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of stress, anxiety, or relapse... this episode is your new best friend. Michelle shares her incredible story of battling lifelong anxiety, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately building a thriving life after 11 years of sobriety. She breaks down how stress keeps your mind in survival mode...

Think you know all there is about music, mystery, and making a splash? Think again. Kevin McClure’s journey from teenage pop-punker to mind-blowing indie artist isn’t just inspiring; it’s a masterclass in intentional storytelling. through lyrics, albums, and even his own life. Kevin’s new album, “Flawlessly Flawed,” isn’t just another record, it’s a philosophical rollercoaster about embracing all your contradictions. He’s blending genres, dropping pre-release exclusives in vinyl and CD first, and tossing in a secret invite-only party that’s as rare as a unicorn at a metal festival. We break down his influences: from...

Josh Bell, host of the Real Reel podcast, spills the horror tea, sharing why he’s obsessed with slasher flicks, why horror is a safe zone for fear, and how movies turned him into a lifelong film nerd (spoiler: it’s not what you think).He breaks down the real-life inspirations behind classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and how even serial killers influence the genre’s dark brilliance. Curious about remakes that outshine the originals? Or why CGI can ruin rather than elevate your favorite franchises? Josh has both the facts and the hilarious takes. Perfect for horror buffs...

Most romance writers start with love stories. Britton Ashley? She started with grief, then turned it into a series about family, healing, and second chances that’ll hit you right in the feels. If your grandma’s passing made you question everything, her journey from heartbreak to happily ever after is exactly what you need to hear.Britton’s got a refreshingly real take on writing from the heart: she shares how a family tragedy sparked her Rocky Romance series, blending grief and romance in a way that’s both healing and painfully beautiful. You’ll discover how she na...

Your favorite indie singer-songwriter just went deep, and it’s worth every emotional mile. Imagine pouring your soul into a record about the toughest battles with mental health, grief, and identity, and then sharing it with the world. Reeya Banerjee did just that, turning her personal pain into a raw, healing album called The Way Up. Yep, it’s a record about falling apart and rising stronger, and she’s here to tell you exactly how she did it.But hold up, this isn’t just about music. Reeya’s journey through bipolar episodes, suicidal crises, and childhood trauma reads like a...

Ever wonder how to create a life that feels as good as it looks, without the hype? Ana Jones, the bliss facilitator with a Mexican passport and a Lisbon address, spills her secrets on transforming inner chaos into lightness and joy. She’s cracked the code on ancestral trauma, emotional freedom, and why you’re not as “special” (in a good way) as you think. Spoiler alert: everyone’s been through it, and it’s all part of the human experience. You’ll learn how awareness is your best tool, how to spot parallels in your lineage, and why the line betwe...

This week I had Clara Ritger on, and we talked about how she navigates the world of chronic pain, globe-trotting adventures, and the transformative power of meditation. From the unexpected twists of medical challenges to the serene landscapes of her travels, Clara shares her unique insights and humor in embracing life's chaos. Discover how meditation became her anchor, turning pain into peace and wanderlust into wisdom. Be sure to follow her on IG: @clararitger and dive into her retreats & travels.

Join me this week as I dive into the world of pop punk with Tony, Mike & Nick from their band: Nonsense. Discover the origins of their quirky name, the creative process behind their hit singles, and the unexpected journey from garage jams to the stage. With a mix of humor, heartfelt stories, and a dash of chaos, this episode is a must-listen for music lovers and aspiring rockstars alike. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the band that's turning heads and making noise in the punk scene!

This week I sat down with Abigail Gagnon: podcast host of BeYOUtiful Legacy and chronic illness advocate as she shared her journey of living with chronic pain and the challenges of navigating life with invisible disabilities. Abigail opens up about her experiences with silent migraines, the struggle for diagnosis, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood. Listen in for how she found a purpose through podcasting & in doing so created a platform to connect with others and raise awareness for the Spoonie community.

It's the sequel you've been asking for! Dr. Joli Hamilton and I once again delve into the complexities of non-monogamy, exploring terms like "nesting partner" and "anchor partner." This episode unpacks the nuances of relationship dynamics, communication, and the importance of understanding personal boundaries. Whether you're curious about open relationships or seeking to enhance your own, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice.

This week I welcome Victoria Cortez, a licensed therapist and founder of First Gen Feeler. We dive into the why of becoming a therapist, the inspiration behind First Gen Feeler, and the importance of setting boundaries. Victoria shares insights on breaking generational patterns, the challenges of being a first-generation individual, and the power of self-care and creativity. Tune in for an engaging discussion on mental health, identity, and personal growth.