Best Sharedstories Podcasts (2025)

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Managing Holiday Stress and Depression: How to Protect Your Mental Health with Compassion and Boundaries 19:28

2h ago19:28

19:28

The holiday season can bring warmth, connection, and joy — but it can also trigger deep stress, loneliness, and depression. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Anita Sanz, psychologist and board member for Giving Voice to Depression, joins hosts Terry McGuire and Bridget to talk about how to navigate the holidays with compassion and balance. Using…

1
EFT Tapping for Depression and Anxiety: How Emotional Freedom Technique Reduces Stress and Boosts Hope 21:00

8h ago21:00

21:00

In this special episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry McGuire and her sister and former co-host Bridget Shore introduce a simple, science-backed tool that anyone can use to calm their nervous system and ease symptoms of depression or anxiety — EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), also known as tapping. They’re joined by Brad Yates, one o…

1
How to Cope with Holiday Stress: Expert Strategies for Mental Health, Boundaries, and Self-Care 18:35

11d ago18:35

18:35

The holidays are marketed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for millions struggling with depression, anxiety, and burnout, the season can feel more overwhelming than joyful. In this special Giving Voice to Depression episode, Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz discuss how to manage emotional overload and protect your mental health amid un…

1
Holiday Depression and Grief: How to Set Boundaries, Manage Expectations, and Find Peace 28:01

22d ago28:01

28:01

The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many living with depression or grief, this season can feel unbearably heavy. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, host Terry McGuire and psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz speak with grief expert Krista St-Germain about how to navigate the emotional complexiti…

1
Mothering Through Mental Illness: Surviving Depression While Raising Neurodivergent Kids 26:49

19d ago26:49

26:49

Michelle is a mom living with depression, anxiety, and ADHD — and raising children diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, and DMDD. In this candid and compassionate episode, she describes how she juggles emotional overwhelm, fights toxic productivity, and clings to small moments of self-care. You’ll hear real strategies from her therapy sessions, how she recogn…

1
When Depression Feels Endless: How Therapy and Small Moments of Hope Can Save a Life 23:11

1M ago23:11

23:11

In this deeply moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cara from Belfast, Northern Ireland, opens up about her journey through years of darkness — from living with untreated depression as a teen to finally finding validation, healing, and light through therapy. Cara describes depression not as constant sadness but as a suffocating grayness — …

1
Treatment-Resistant Depression and Recovery: How Therapy, Medication, and Self-Compassion Can Change Everything 27:10

1M ago27:10

27:10

After years of living with depression — through countless ups, downs, and failed treatment attempts — Caryn finally found light again. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, she opens up for the first time about what it’s like to live with treatment-resistant depression, the exhaustion of constantly “trying,” and the unexpected relief that …

1
How Critical or Emotionally Immature Parents Shape Your Inner Voice—and How to Heal It 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

This episode of Giving Voice to Depression features licensed therapist Carolina Bracco and a candid conversation about the profound, long-term effects of growing up with emotionally immature or overly critical parents. Co-hosts Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow explore this often-overlooked area of childhood experience, highlighting how these parent…

1
Depression in Older Adults: Breaking the Silence on Loneliness, Aging, and Mental Health 13:09

2M ago13:09

13:09

Depression in older adults is one of the most under-discussed — and most misunderstood — mental health challenges today. In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, 93-year-old Mary shares what it’s like to experience depression in later life — when most of her peers have passed away, her body feels unfamiliar, and her generation still be…

1
How to Help Someone Who Refuses Help: Compassionate Intervention for Depression and Mental Illness 26:26

2M ago26:26

26:26

When someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, or addiction, knowing how to help can be agonizing — especially when every attempt seems to fail. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, licensed psychotherapist and professional interventionist Evan Jarschauer explains what real mental health interventions look like — far from t…

1
How Pets Help with Depression: Healing Through Unconditional Love and Companionship 18:10

2M ago18:10

18:10

When depression makes it hard to get out of bed, eat, or even believe things will ever get better, a loving pet can be a lifeline. In this moving episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Lori shares how her dogs helped her survive and heal after divorce and severe depression. Lori describes days spent “swimming through mud,” unable to function—until …

1
Grieving After Suicide: How to Support Loss Survivors with Compassion and Understanding 27:26

3M ago27:26

27:26

The grief that follows a suicide is unlike any other. It’s layered with guilt, confusion, trauma, and the persistent question: Why? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Lisa Sugarman shares her journey after losing her father, cousin, and close friend to suicide — and what she’s learned about navigating the unique and compl…

1
What to Say (and Not Say) After Suicide: Supporting Grieving Loved Ones with Compassion 19:12

3M ago19:12

19:12

After a suicide, words can either comfort and connect — or cut and cause more pain. In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, journalist and suicide loss survivor Deb Sherwood shares her personal experience navigating the unthinkable grief following her husband’s death by suicide — and the devastating impact of well-intentioned but hu…

1
Coping with Suicide Loss: Breaking the Silence and Stigma Around Grief 20:46

3M ago20:46

20:46

Award-winning journalist and author Meg Kissinger joins Giving Voice to Depression to share the extraordinary and heartbreaking story behind her memoir “While You Were Out.” In her conversation with Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow, Meg opens up about growing up in a large family marked by bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression—as well as …

1
Breaking Mental Health Stigma: Family Trauma, Suicide Loss, and Healing Together 27:02

3M ago27:02

27:02

Award-winning journalist and author Meg Kissinger joins Giving Voice to Depression to share the extraordinary and heartbreaking story behind her memoir “While You Were Out.” In her conversation with Terry McGuire and Carly McCollow, Meg opens up about growing up in a large family marked by bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression—as well as …

1
Forgiving Yourself After a Suicide Attempt: How to Heal from Guilt and Shame 18:49

3M ago18:49

18:49

In this deeply human episode of Giving Voice to Depression, John, a survivor of a suicide attempt, shares his ongoing struggle with self-forgiveness — and what healing looks like when you’re still learning to forgive yourself. While many conversations about suicide focus on grief or prevention, John opens up about what comes after survival: the gui…

1
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: Understanding Dual Diagnosis and the Path to Recovery 25:40

4M ago25:40

25:40

What happens when mental health and addiction collide? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Shamszad shares his raw and revealing story of living with bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction — a combination often referred to as a dual diagnosis. From self-medicating through college to hospitalization, reckless mania, and rock bottom,…

1
Self-Help for Depression: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices That Help 23:46

4M ago23:46

23:46

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Barbara Moser, a trained teacher in mindful self-compassion, shares three simple yet powerful practices you can use anytime to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. These tools are free, backed by credible research, and require no appointment, transportation, or side effects. From mindful brea…

1
Bullying and Depression: How Isolation Impacts Mental Health and Recovery 27:48

4M ago27:48

27:48

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Kevin Lepine shares his deeply personal journey of growing up misunderstood, bullied, and isolated — experiences that fueled his depression long before he had words to describe it. He opens up about the pain of being unseen, living with undiagnosed ADD, and the crushing loneliness that often comes with…

1
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Hope: Rebecca Lombardo’s Decade of Progress 22:52

5M ago22:52

22:52

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we revisit the powerful story of author and advocate Rebecca Lombardo, who has openly shared her struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidality. Now 10 years removed from her last hospitalization and self-harm attempt, Rebecca reflects on her growth, resilience, and the coping strategies …

1
Intergenerational Depression: How Family Trauma and Genetics Shape Mental Health 28:57

5M ago28:57

28:57

In this intimate, unscripted conversation, Giving Voice to Depression hosts Terry McGuire and her daughter Carly McCollow open up about their personal experiences with depression across generations. They reflect on how genetics, trauma, and family silence shape mental health — and why speaking openly can break cycles of shame and stigma. Listeners …

1
Managing Depression with Spoon Theory: How to Conserve Energy and Cope Daily 18:01

5M ago18:01

18:01

In this rerun episode of Giving Voice to Depression, hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz revisit The Spoon Theory, a popular metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to explain life with chronic illness. The conversation explores how the theory applies to depression and mental health, providing listeners with a way to explain their limited energy to ot…

1
Living with Depression: The Power of Internal Family Systems and Self-Acceptance 28:26

5M ago28:26

28:26

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Eric shares his deeply personal journey of living under the crushing weight of depression and how he found a path toward healing. Instead of fighting against his pain, Eric discovered the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which allowed him to engage with his depression in a…

1
How Cancer Affects Mental Health: Depression, Therapy, and Healing 18:34

5M ago18:34

18:34

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, J.J. Singleton shares his journey of living with terminal colorectal cancer and battling depression. After enduring over 170 rounds of chemotherapy, J.J. opens up about the toll cancer has taken not just on his body but on his mental health. He discusses the stigma men face in expressing vulne…

1
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression: How CBT Helps You Heal 18:49

6M ago18:49

18:49

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. David Jacobi of Rogers Behavioral Health explains how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works as an evidence-based treatment for depression. Together with hosts Terry and Anita, Dr. Jacobi breaks down the CBT “triangle” of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and explains why behavioral activation —…

1
Why Therapy Is Important for Mental Health: Beyond Crisis Care 26:39

6M ago26:39

26:39

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Anita Sanz joins Terry and Carly to discuss the importance of seeking therapy as a proactive step for mental health, not just during times of crisis. Together, they break down what therapy actually looks like, why the stigma around it persists, and how people can find the right therapist for their …

1
Suicide Prevention in Schools: How a Teacher Noticing Saved a Life 25:24

6M ago25:24

25:24

One caring adult can make the difference between life and death. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chloe shares how her teacher noticed warning signs of her depression and suicidal thoughts — and stepped in to have a direct, lifesaving conversation. Her story is a powerful reminder that teachers, coaches, and mentors play a critical ro…

1
Recovering from Depression: Signs of Healing and Hope 23:43

6M ago23:43

23:43

Depression can convince us that healing is impossible. But recovery doesn’t come all at once — it shows up in small, powerful signs of change. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Cara McErlain from Belfast shares her lived experience of depression, therapy, and gradual healing. She opens up about the darkest moments of her journey and th…

1
Depression and Memory Loss: Why Happy Memories Disappear 30:30

7M ago30:30

30:30

Depression doesn’t just impact mood — it can also steal your memories of joy. In this episode, mental health advocate and author Natasha Tracy shares her lived experience with bipolar depression and how it robs her of the ability to recall happy times. She explains the cruel cycle of memory loss and depression, how “state memory” keeps us trapped i…

1
Depression During Pregnancy: Understanding Antepartum Depression and Its Impact 12:03

7M ago12:03

12:03

When people talk about maternal mental health, postpartum depression often gets the spotlight. But what about the depression that begins during pregnancy? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Isabelle shares her experience with antepartum depression — the deep sadness, hopelessness, and stigma she felt while expecting both of her children…

1
Childhood Trauma and Depression: How Unspoken Pain Becomes a Lifelong Burden 28:20

7M ago28:20

28:20

What happens when the pain of childhood is never spoken aloud — or validated? For Trina Kennedy, it meant carrying an invisible backpack of heavy rocks: unresolved grief, shame, and loneliness. That burden grew into depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Trina shares her journey of living with the…

1
Recovering from Depression: How Self-Worth Changes the Journey 22:11

7M ago22:11

22:11

Many people living with depression are told to “get better” for their families, their partners, or their friends. But what happens when you realize you deserve to recover for yourself? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Ari Cohen shares her lifelong journey with depression, from being diagnosed at age 11 to navigating suicidal …

1
Men and Depression: Rebranding Therapy to Break Stigma and Save Lives 25:38

8M ago25:38

25:38

Men are less likely than women to seek therapy — but not because they don’t need it. Stigma, cultural expectations, and outdated ideas about masculinity often keep men silent when they’re struggling with depression or grief. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health counselor Ethan Getchell shares his personal story of losing his…

1
How to Recover from Depression: Small Shifts That Bring Hope and Healing 21:57

8M ago21:57

21:57

Recovery from depression doesn’t always come through major breakthroughs. Sometimes it begins with the smallest shift — a single degree of change that sets you on a new path. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Lori shares her raw experience of persistent depression and how discovering the “power of yet” helped her reclaim hope. With sup…

1
Living with Persistent Depression: Signs, Symptoms and Struggles 25:40

8M ago25:40

25:40

Persistent depression doesn’t just come and go. It lingers — shaping daily routines, relationships, energy, and even self-worth. In this raw and honest episode of Giving Voice to Depression, our guest shares what it feels like to “live at 60 percent,” carrying the weight of chronic depression every day. From constant fatigue to feelings of hopeless…

1
What Does Depression Feel Like? The Difference Between Sadness and Depression 12:36

8M ago12:36

12:36

What does depression really feel like — and how is it different from ordinary sadness? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologists Dr. Robert Duff, Dr. Margaret Rutherford, and Dr. Maduka Trivedi help clarify one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health. While sadness is a temporary emotional state, depression is a serious…

1
Talking About Depression: How Honest Conversations Break the Silence 28:06

9M ago28:06

28:06

What difference does it make when families actually talk about depression instead of hiding it? In this episode, Jesse reflects on growing up in a family where mental illness was openly discussed at home, long before society embraced those conversations. She shares what it was like to watch her mother struggle with depression, how honesty helped re…

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Depression Recovery Questions: 3 Life-Changing Tools from Dr. Anita Sanz 26:04

9M ago26:04

26:04

What if the right question could shift how you see yourself, your struggles, and your recovery journey? In this farewell episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz shares the three most powerful questions she’s used with clients — and in her own life — to challenge the lies of depression and uncover new paths forward. After three years as co-hos…

1
Depression Recovery with The Tors Band: When the Darkness Lifts and Small Wins Bring Hop 24:30

9M ago24:30

24:30

Depression recovery rarely happens in one breakthrough moment—it’s usually a series of small, almost invisible steps that slowly add up to change. For The Tors Band, those moments of light became the foundation of their viral song “Anything Can Happen” and their journey of speaking openly about mental health. In this episode, Matt Weedon shares how…

1
Overcoming Depression: How The Tors Turned Struggle into Hope Through Music 24:08

9M ago24:08

24:08

Coping with depression often means searching for ways to turn struggle into something that helps you keep going. For Matt Weedon of The Tors, that outlet was music. In this heartfelt conversation, Matt shares how the band’s song “Anything Can Happen” was written during a season of deep depression. He describes what it felt like to carry both pain a…

1
Coping with Depression and Bipolar Disorder: Johnny Crowder’s Mental Health Journey 31:59

9M ago31:59

31:59

Depression doesn’t just bring sadness—it can strip away hope, motivation, and even the will to fight for recovery. For Johnny Crowder, frontman, mental health advocate, and founder of Cope Notes, depression became the most debilitating part of his long list of diagnoses, which also included anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In this…

1
How to Recover from Depression After Loss and Setbacks with Johnny Crowder 25:15

10M ago25:15

25:15

What happens when everything falls apart at once? Musician and mental health advocate Johnny Crowder recently faced that exact reality—losing his home, his band, and his relationship (with the woman he expected to marry,) all within days. In this 25-minute episode, he talks about the depression that followed ("a bear he has wrestled many times befo…

1
Supporting a Partner with Depression: Coping Strategies for Caregivers 28:53

10M ago28:53

28:53

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Gwen shares her lived experience of supporting her husband and children while navigating the challenges depression brings into a family home. She discusses the importance of ground rules, open communication, and small acts of kindness that help maintain connection during hard times. Gwen also emphasize…

1
Marriage, Mental Health, and Boundaries: Coping When Your Partner Has Depression 24:23

10M ago24:23

24:23

Supporting a partner with depression is an act of love, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating. In this episode, Gwen shares her lived experience navigating marriage, parenting, and family life while her husband struggles with treatment-resistant depression. She offers candid insights about setting boundaries, managing responsibilities, an…

1
Supporting a Partner with Depression: Coping, Parenting, and Finding Hope 26:14

10M ago26:14

26:14

In this episode, we share Margaret’s story of living with a partner who struggles with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety while raising a child. Margaret opens up about the challenges of feeling unsupported, navigating parenting, and maintaining connection in the face of a mental health disorder. Clinical psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz provide…

1
Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention: A Parent’s Call for Change in Schools 22:22

11M ago22:22

22:22

After losing his teenage daughter to suicide, Chris Coulter turned his grief into a mission: demanding real change in how schools and parents address teen mental health. In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Chris shares the lessons he learned too late — about prevention, emotional intelligence, grief, and the dangerous indifferen…

1
Depression and Suicide in Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know 22:43

11M ago22:43

22:43

When 14-year-old Maddie died by suicide, her father Chris Coulter’s world shattered. In this deeply personal conversation, Chris shares his family’s story — from recognizing the first signs of Maddie’s depression to navigating multiple suicide attempts, hospitalization, and finally, unbearable loss. Chris also speaks vulnerably about his own strugg…

1
How to Recover from Depression: Coping Tools, Triggers, and Small Wins 26:20

11M ago26:20

26:20

Recovery from depression isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about gathering the right tools, managing daily triggers, and finding small wins that keep you moving forward. In this honest and metaphor-rich conversation, Davey shares what it’s like to live with depression and anxiety, and how he learned to cope after hitting rock bottom. From discovering “t…

1
Managing Depression Without Medication: Natural and Holistic Treatment Options 21:25

11M ago21:25

21:25

What if managing depression didn’t always mean medication? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Rena Shoshana Forester shares her deeply personal story of healing through a holistic approach. From meditation and yoga to breathwork, focusing, and creative expression, she found effective ways to manage her depression without antidepressants…

1
Living with Depression and Addiction: Honest Talk on Sobriety, Suicide, and Recovery 21:10

12M ago21:10

21:10

What happens when depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts collide? In this candid episode, comedian and rapper Zane Thomas shares how he talks back to the “bully” in his head, finds relief in humor, and navigates the ups and downs of bipolar disorder and substance use. With refreshing honesty, Zane opens up about sobriety, relapse, and how con…

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