Conversations With Intent

What Do You Do When Motherhood Isn’t Perfect?

Motherhood isn’t always picture-perfect—and for many women, the journey is filled with silent struggles that go unseen and undiscussed. In this deeply personal episode of Conversations with Intent, Arden O’Connor speaks with Lindsay Halliday, a clinical case manager and mother of three, about her emotional path through infertility, miscarriage, and postpartum depression (PPD). Lindsay opens up about the highs and lows of becoming a parent—sharing her experience with fertility tracking, invasive testing, and a devastating misdiagnosis, all while trying to remain hopeful. She also bravely discusses her postpartum depression, a condition she didn’t recognize at first despite her background in mental health. Thanks to a routine screening at her 8-week postpartum visit, she was able to get the help she needed—and later took proactive steps to protect her mental health before the birth of her twins. This episode challenges the myth of "perfect motherhood" and encourages honest, supportive conversations about maternal mental health and the real-life challenges behind growing a family. Topics Covered: The emotional impact of miscarriage and infertility Navigating pregnancy after loss Recognizing and treating postpartum depression (PPD) The importance of mental health screenings for new moms Proactive care: antidepressants before and after delivery Breaking the silence around motherhood and mental health Resources & Links: Website: https://intentclinical.com [https://intentclinical.com] Email: conversations@intentclinical.com [conversations@intentclinical.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intentclinical [https://www.instagram.com/intentclinical] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentclinical [https://www.facebook.com/intentclinical] LinkedIn (Intent Clinical): https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentclinical [https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentclinical] Arden O’Connor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arden-o-connor-87715b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arden-o-connor-87715b/] Lindsay Halliday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-halliday-80b9a632/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-halliday-80b9a632/]

Going Beyond Biohacking to Integrative Mental Health

What does it really take to heal—not just survive? In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Intent, host Diana Clark speaks with Dr. Raghu Appasani, a practicing psychiatrist and thought leader in integrative mental health, about his radically human approach to healing the mind and body. Through his concierge psychiatry model, Dr. Appasani steps outside traditional office settings—meeting patients where they are, from their homes to farmers markets—to address the root causes of mental distress. He shares how lifestyle, nutrition, trauma, autoimmune conditions, and community all play a role in emotional and cognitive well-being. With a background shaped by his own struggles with anxiety and depression, Dr. Appasani works with a diverse population, including young adults, creatives, and professionals, to foster long-term habit change and self-empowered healing. This episode reframes what mental health care can—and should—look like. Topics Covered: The difference between integrative and traditional psychiatry Why connection is a core pillar of mental wellness Healing from anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction Identifying root causes vs. managing symptoms Concierge psychiatry and the future of patient care Clean living, mindfulness, and nutrition as clinical tools Resources & Links: Intent Clinical: https://intentclinical.com [https://intentclinical.com] Email: conversations@intentclinical.com [conversations@intentclinical.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intentclinical [https://www.instagram.com/intentclinical] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentclinical [https://www.facebook.com/intentclinical] LinkedIn (Intent Clinical): https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentclinical [https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentclinical] Diana Clark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-clark-jd-ma-02128031/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-clark-jd-ma-02128031/] Dr. Raghu Appasani LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raghuappasani/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/raghuappasani/]

From WWE Star to Brain Advocate: The Truth About CTE & Head Injuries

What if it’s not the concussions, but the unnoticed hits to the head that cause the most damage? In this episode of Conversations with Intent, host Arden O’Connor speaks with Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, Harvard graduate, and former WWE star. After suffering multiple head injuries in football and wrestling, Dr. Nowinski was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and became a leading voice in the fight to protect brain health. He discusses the often-misunderstood condition Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and explains how subclinical brain trauma—impacts that don’t cause immediate symptoms—can accumulate and lead to long-term cognitive damage. Dr. Nowinski also reflects on the tough decisions families face when kids play high-risk sports like football, hockey, and soccer, and advocates for youth safety in athletics. Listeners will learn how to recognize early signs of concussion or CTE, the importance of brain health education, and the hope offered by emerging technologies for diagnosis and recovery. Topics Covered: What causes CTE and how it differs from concussions Dr. Nowinski’s journey from WWE to brain health advocacy The dangers of subclinical traumatic brain injury How parents can make informed decisions about youth sports Strategies to talk to a loved one about concussion risks Promising new tools for diagnosing and treating CTE Resources & Links: Intent Clinical: https://intentclinical.com [https://intentclinical.com] Email: conversations@intentclinical.com [conversations@intentclinical.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intentclinical [https://www.instagram.com/intentclinical] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentclinical [https://www.facebook.com/intentclinical] LinkedIn (Intent Clinical): https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentclinical [https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentclinical] Arden O’Connor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arden-o-connor-87715b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arden-o-connor-87715b/] Concussion Legacy Foundation: https://concussionfoundation.org [https://concussionfoundation.org]

How One Person Can Transform Your Entire Family Dynamic

When is it time to go to therapy—and how much can one person really change a family system? In this episode of Conversations with Intent, Diana Clark speaks with Eden Garcia Bis, CEO of Airport Marina Counseling Services, about the powerful ripple effects of family therapy. Together, they explore the critical differences between individual therapy vs. family therapy, and why even one person seeking help can initiate meaningful transformation across the entire family. Eden explains how family therapy focuses on communication patterns, roles, and relationship dynamics—offering insight into how to shift long-standing issues at the root. Whether it's navigating divorce, addiction, trauma, or simply wanting to improve how your family connects, this episode provides actionable insights, clinical guidance, and hope for healing. If you're curious about therapy, or wondering whether your family could benefit from support, this conversation breaks it all down with compassion and clarity. Topics Covered: * When to seek family therapy vs. individual therapy * How one person's change can shift an entire family system * Common reasons families start therapy (divorce, addiction, trauma, conflict) * Key elements of successful family therapy * The importance of working with a licensed family therapist * Long-term benefits: improved communication, empathy, reduced anxiety/depression, and stronger family bonds Key Takeaways: * Family therapy looks at patterns and interactions, not just symptoms * It only takes one motivated family member to create a ripple effect of change * A trained therapist ensures every voice is heard, even in conflict * Finding the right therapist requires research, interviews, and ensuring they have family-specific training LINKS: * Email:  conversations@intentclinical.com [conversations@intentclinical.com] * Company URL: intentclinical.com * Company IG: instagram.com/intentclinical * Company FB: facebook.com/intentclinical * Company LI: linkedin.com/company/intentclinical * Arden O’Connor LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arden-o-connor-87715b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arden-o-connor-87715b/] * Eden Garcia-Balis LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-garcia-balis-038843b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-garcia-balis-038843b/]

The Surprising Key To Slowing Alzheimer’s

In a powerful episode of "Conversations with Intent," host Diana Clark engages in a deeply moving dialogue with Dan Hogan, a man uniquely equipped to offer insights on living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Lewy body disease. Dan recounts the moment he received his devastating diagnosis, describing feelings of shock, depression, and isolation. A 2022 stroke during a squash tournament did not hold him back, illustrating his resilient spirit. Diana and Dan discuss his journey, which spans over a decade, starting with initial concerns about memory loss in 2010, leading to his eventual diagnosis. Dan's thoughtful reflections reveal a man transformed by adversity, choosing to find purpose and hope in the face of his condition. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimism and staying active both cognitively and physically. His involvement with the Alzheimer's Association and other dementia-related groups showcases his commitment to breaking the stigma around dementia and providing support to others navigating similar journeys. He shares practical advice, including the importance of having a legal and medical plan in place and the therapeutic value of community engagement and remaining purpose-driven. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Dan Hogan: A Remarkable Journey 01:13 The Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment 03:14 The Long Road to Diagnosis 05:52 Finding Purpose Amidst Struggle 07:19 Living with Alzheimer's: Daily Life and Activities 16:00 Legal and Practical Preparations 20:50 Family Reactions and Support 32:54 Hope and Joy: Finding Light in Dark Times 35:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts