Ep. 95: You are not your thoughts, motherhood, & choosing hope, with Valeriya Hjertenæs

Ep. 95: You are not your thoughts, motherhood, & choosing hope, with Valeriya Hjertenæs

I sit down with Valeriya Hjertenæs, PhD researcher, international speaker, and Mrs. World Congeniality. [https://bio.site/ValeriyaImpact.Global] Valeriya's story starts in an unexpected place: a mental institution in Ukraine, in her pajamas, just weeks after adopting her daughter. She opens up about the moment her first intrusive thought hit, a terrifying image that felt completely opposite of who she was, and how not understanding what was happening led her down a dark path toward a suicide plan. Her mother's quiet intuition, noticing Valeriya packing winter clothes in the middle of summer, became the turning point that saved her life. Topics we cover: * What intrusive thoughts actually are, and why they're not a reflection of your character * Valeriya's path from crisis to diagnosis, and the doctor who told her "you are not crazy" * Living with OCD as a mother, a PhD researcher, and a public figure * The global scale of neurodivergence, and why so many people never get diagnosed * Why men in some cultures are more likely to die by suicide than admit they're struggling * How Valeriya turned her lowest moment into a mission of advocacy and hope If you've ever had a thought that scared you, one that felt nothing like the person you know yourself to be, this episode is for you. My hope is that you walk away feeling less alone, and reminded that your hardest chapter can still become someone else's hope. OCD resources for listeners - you're not alone! If this episode brought up something for you, here are trusted places to learn more or find support: International OCD Foundation (iocdf.org) [https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/other-resources/]— educational resources, treatment guides, and a directory to find OCD-specialized therapists Your Anxiety Toolkit [https://kimberleyquinlan.com/?page_id=82]— a podcast dedicated to providing mindfulness-based tools for anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, and the mental struggles that go along with these disorders.  NOCD (treatmyocd.com) [https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/online-resources-to-treat-ocd]— accessible articles and virtual therapy options focused specifically on OCD BeyondOCD.org [https://beyondocd.org/] — plain-language explanations of intrusive thoughts and OCD subtypes, including the "harm OCD" experience Valeriya describes IntrusiveThoughts.org [https://www.intrusivethoughts.org/] — resources specifically focused on understanding and coping with intrusive thoughts Maternal OCD [https://iocdf.org/perinatal-ocd/]— support specifically for parents experiencing postpartum or new-parent OCD, which mirrors much of Valeriya's story For anyone in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the US) or your local emergency services. You are not alone, and help is available. This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based sparkling kombucha tea. [https://livedivini.com/] Visit LiveDivini & use discount code Breanne10 at checkout! Follow Adventures in Adversity on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adventuresinadversitypodcast/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/adventuresinadversitypodcast/] #MentalHealth #OCD #IntrusiveThoughts #Neurodiversity #Motherhood

Ep. 94: Porn addiction, men's mental health, and breaking shame cycles with Jeremy Lipkowitz

Jeremy Lipkowitz, Founder of Unhooked Academy [https://www.unhookedacademy.com/] + Unhooked Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/7rdPRXvg3tY93PVE7tleSA], opens up about his personal journey with porn addiction, the crushing weight of shame, and how it impacted men's mental health. Jeremy breaks down: * How porn addiction quietly erodes intimacy, contentment, and self-trust * The deep shame that keeps men silent and stuck * The inner work of recovery and what actually helps men break free * Science-based, compassionate strategies for healing * Why speaking publicly about addiction changed everything for him This conversation is for anyone struggling with compulsive behaviors, men wanting to show up better in their relationships, or anyone ready to end the cycle of shame and start healing. About Jeremy Lipkowitz: Jeremy is a leading voice in destigmatizing porn addiction and educating the public on effective, science-based recovery strategies. He's the founder of Unhooked Academy and host of the Unhooked Podcast, where he addresses porn addiction recovery with both candor and compassion. Connect with Jeremy: * Website: jeremylipkowitz.com [https://www.jeremylipkowitz.com/] * Unhooked Academy: unhooked.academy [https://www.unhookedacademy.com/] * Podcast: Unhooked: Breaking Porn Addiction Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unhooked-breaking-porn-addiction-podcast/id1648984850] Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:15 - Jeremy's personal story with porn addiction 08:30 - The shame that kept it hidden 15:45 - How porn hijacks the brain 22:10 - Men's mental health and isolation 28:30 - The recovery process that works 35:00 - Practical tools for breaking free 42:15 - Closing thoughts Key topics: porn addiction, men's mental health, shame, recovery, mindfulness, intimacy, integrity Subscribe to this podcast for more conversations on addiction recovery and men's mental health.

Ep. 93: Men's mental health - the hidden crisis no one talks about

Nearly 80% of suicide deaths in the U.S. are men...and yet, men’s mental health is one of the least talked-about crises of our time. In this episode, we break down: * Why men are more likely to suffer in silence * How societal expectations around masculinity shape emotional behavior * Why so many men avoid therapy and emotional expression * The real impact of “be strong” culture * How to redefine masculinity and emotional strength * Practical ways to support a man who is struggling * How to raise emotionally healthy boys This conversation explores the real reasons behind the stigma around men’s mental health...and what needs to change. You’ll also learn why vulnerability is not weakness, but a critical form of strength. This episode is sponsored by DIVINI [https://livedivini.com/], a honey-based sparkling kombucha. Use code BREANNE10 at checkout for a discount. Key topics covered: * Male suicide rates and mental health statistics * The help-seeking gap for men * Cultural expectations of masculinity * Emotional expression in history and culture * Teaching emotional skills early * Building resilience through emotional awareness * Removing shame from vulnerability Need support? You're not alone! BetterHelp [https://www.betterhelp.com/] TalkSpace [https://www.talkspace.com/] American Addiction Centers [https://americanaddictioncenters.org/] Mental Health America [ https://mhanational.org/] Christian therapists [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?search=Christian+therapist] The Kevin Love Fund [ https://kevinlovefund.org/] Jordan Peterson on dealing with depression [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm_2zmX6Akc] If this episode helped you or someone you know, please share it. Follow this podcast for more conversations on mental health, growth, and leadership. #MensMentalHealth #MaleSuicide #MentalHealthMatters #MasculinityAndMentalHealth #EmotionalVulnerability #MentalHealthAwareness #MenWhoCry #EndTheStigma

Ep. 92: DIVINI's sparkling honey kombucha tea story - Adversity to wellness with Mason & Cameron

I sit down with Mason and Cameron, the co-founders of DIVINI [https://livedivini.com/], to talk about how a homebrew kombucha recipe turned into a growing wellness brand built around gut health, intentional ingredients, and real-life resilience. Follow DIVINI on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/livedivini/?hl=en] Their story is a reminder that big things often start with one idea, one sip, and a willingness to keep going. We talk about the adversity behind building a company, the health struggles that inspired the product, and how both of them turned personal challenges into something meaningful. Mason shares how gut issues, acne, and a deeper focus on internal health shaped his approach, while Cameron opens up about his own transformation and how the brand became part of his journey, too. Topics we cover: -The story behind Divini and how the name came to be -What adversity looks like when you’re building a business from the ground up -Mason’s gut health and skin journey -Cameron’s health transformation and how it shaped the brand -Why kombucha became the base for Divini -The ingredients, flavors, and functional benefits behind the drink -Brand design, scaling, and getting into retail If you’ve ever thought about starting something of your own or making changes in your health, this episode is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect...it just has to be intentional This episode is sponsored by ⁠DIVINI, a honey-based sparkling kombucha tea.⁠ [https://livedivini.com/] Use code Breanne10 for a discount at checkout. Follow the podcast on⁠ Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/adventuresinadversitypodcast/] and⁠ Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/adventuresinadversitypodcast/] #DIVINI #HoneyKombucha #KombuchaTea #GutHealth

Ep. 90: John Kippen on rebuilding life after a brain tumor & facial paralysis

I sit down with John Kippen [https://www.johnkippen.com/], whose story is a powerful reminder that adversity can become purpose. John shares how a brain tumor and the facial paralysis that followed completely changed the course of his life, and how he spent years learning to accept himself, rebuild his confidence, and find meaning on the other side of trauma. What stayed with me most was John’s honesty about how long healing can take. He talks about the 12-year journey it took to truly love himself again, and how helping other people became the turning point that helped him step out of his own pain. Through magic, coaching, and deep human connection, John found a way to turn limitation into impact. In this conversation, we talk about: * His brain tumor diagnosis and the facial paralysis that changed his life. * The emotional toll of hiding, isolation, and self-image struggles. * How magic became a path back to confidence and connection. * Why helping others is one of the most powerful ways to heal yourself. * His belief that being different is your superpower. John also shares unforgettable stories from his work as a magician and speaker, including moments that showed him just how much one conversation can change someone’s life. John Kippen’s website [https://www.johnkippen.com/] *This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based sparkling kombucha tea. *Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiveDivini⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://livedivini.com/]and use discount code *Breanne10* at checkout for a discount!