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this is bipolar

this is bipolar

this is bipolar 100 Episodes Oct 14, 2026

This is Bipolar is an unfiltered and authentic podcast that shares stories of lived experience with bipolar disorder. Hosted by mental illness advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn, it offers a real-life glimpse into the condition. Each episode aims to provide insight, shatter stigma, and offer hope. The podcast encourages voices to be heard and stories to be shared.

Episodes

When Mania Becomes Psychosis
When Mania Becomes Psychosis Oct 14, 2026 3603 The whole world has been talking about psychosis with the Lindsay Clancy case. The experience is so misrepresented and misunderstood in mainstream media. In this episode of This Is Bipolar, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with returning guest Charise Jewell about psychosis and bipolar disorder from someone who actually experienced the condition more than once. Charise shares how psychosis appeared during
The Bipolar Work Struggle | Shaley & Dr. Andrea Vassilev
The Bipolar Work Struggle | Shaley & Dr. Andrea Vassilev Sep 18, 2026 2838 In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev discuss the impact of bipolar disorder on work life, sharing personal experiences, statistics, and practical strategies for managing employment challenges. They aim to provide support and insights for those living with bipolar and navigating the workplace. Chapters (00:08:16) Managing Symptoms and Work Challenges (00:12:18) Symptoms That
The Divorce I Never Saw Coming: Trauma, Grief & Bipolar Disorder
The Divorce I Never Saw Coming: Trauma, Grief & Bipolar Disorder Sep 1, 2026 3735 In this deeply personal episode of This Is Bipolar, Dr. Andrea Vassilev sits down with Shaley Hoogendoorn for an honest conversation about one of the most difficult and unexpected years of Shaley's life. Shaley opens up about the sudden end of her marriage, how she discovered that her life was about to change, and what it has been like to navigate the shock, grief, and trauma of a divorce she neve
Living with Bipolar as a Man: Lee Formella on Acceptance, Anger & Breaking the Stigma
Living with Bipolar as a Man: Lee Formella on Acceptance, Anger & Breaking the Stigma Aug 3, 2026 3589 Living with bipolar disorder can look different for everyone, but one thing many people share is the pressure to pretend they're okay when they're struggling. In this honest conversation, Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with returning guest Lee Formella to talk about what it's has been like living with bipolar disorder as a man. Together they discuss late diagnosis, learning acceptance, managing ange
Bipolar & Travel: Chaos, Coping, and Carry-Ons | BEST OF 2025
Bipolar & Travel: Chaos, Coping, and Carry-Ons | BEST OF 2025 Jul 16, 2026 2734 Join hosts Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev as they delve into the complexities of traveling with Bipolar Disorder in this enlightening episode of 'this is bipolar'. Together, they explore how changing time zones and disrupted routines can impact mental health, offering practical tips to manage these challenges. They share personal stories and expert insights on maintaining balance and s
Beyond the Bipolar Label: Overcoming Self-Stigma & Shame | Dr. Andrea Vassilev
Beyond the Bipolar Label: Overcoming Self-Stigma & Shame | Dr. Andrea Vassilev Jun 30, 2026 2311 What if one of the biggest challenges of living with bipolar isn't just the symptoms—but the way we've learned to think about ourselves? In this powerful episode of this Is bipolar, Shaley Hoogendoorn welcomes back friend, psychotherapist, researcher, and bipolar advocate Dr. Andrea Vassilev to celebrate the release of her groundbreaking workbook, Beyond the Bipolar Label: A Workbook to Overcome S
Men's Mental Health l Work &. Bipolar Disorder with BRuss (2023)
Men's Mental Health l Work &. Bipolar Disorder with BRuss (2023) Jun 12, 2026 3501 What does bipolar disorder look like at work? In this candid and relatable conversation, Shaley sits down with mental health advocate Brandon to talk about the realities of navigating employment while living with bipolar disorder. From thriving in creative environments to struggling with organization, depression, anxiety, rejection sensitivity, and workplace expectations, they share personal stori
(BEST OF) EPISODE 19 | SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE -advice for those living alongside
(BEST OF) EPISODE 19 | SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE -advice for those living alongside May 29, 2026 2635 How to Support Someone with Bipolar Disorder (Part 1) In this deeply honest and compassionate episode of This Is Bipolar, Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft tackle one of the most requested topics from listeners: how to support someone living with bipolar disorder or another mental illness. Speaking from lived experience, they open up about the realities of being on both sides of the relationship
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT Mania & Psychosis- Mel's Story
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT Mania & Psychosis- Mel's Story Apr 28, 2026 4564 In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, Shaley sits down with mental health advocate, author, and peer mentor Mel to share her lived experience with bipolar disorder. Mel opens up about her early struggles, being misdiagnosed, and what it was like to experience severe depression, mania, and psychosis. She shares the reality of a nine-month depressive psychotic episode, the impact of medic
From Memoir to Movie: A Story of Bipolar, Science & Hope
From Memoir to Movie: A Story of Bipolar, Science & Hope Mar 27, 2026 2734 What if the story of bipolar disorder was told not just through textbooks—but through real people, real lives, and real hope? In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Shaley sits down with author Sarah Schley and filmmaker Bonnie Weltch to talk about Brainstorm, a powerful new documentary that brings together lived experience and cutting-edge science to reshape how we understand bipo
(WORLD BIPOLAR DAY 2023) Hypomania & Mania: The Most Misunderstood Side of Bipolar
(WORLD BIPOLAR DAY 2023) Hypomania & Mania: The Most Misunderstood Side of Bipolar Mar 19, 2026 3517 In this powerful World Bipolar Day episode, host Shaley is joined by mental health advocates Rudy and Tatyana to unpack the realities of hypomania and mania—often misunderstood, sometimes romanticized, and deeply complex experiences within bipolar disorder. Through raw storytelling, they explore early warning signs, grandiosity, sleep disruption, sensory changes, and the fine line between producti
(BEST OF 2024) DBT Skills for Bipolar: Finding Your Wise Mind Diana Partington
(BEST OF 2024) DBT Skills for Bipolar: Finding Your Wise Mind Diana Partington Feb 20, 2026 3946 In this powerful and practical conversation, Shaley sits down with therapist and author Diana Partington to unpack what Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) actually is—and why it can be a game-changer for people living with bipolar disorder. Diana shares her deeply personal story of living with suicidality for decades before discovering DBT, the therapy that finally gave her the “toolbox” she had

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