Episodes

When facing mental health challenges as a young person, it is easy to feel isolated and alone. As we grow, we learn that are brains are singular. Join us today as we speak with Samantha about coming to terms with her neurodiversity, her struggles finding the best treatment, and her work as a music therapist. Samantha’s website: http://www.boisemusictherapycompany.com/ Find Samantha on Instagram: @everybrainisdifferent Find Samantha on TikTok: @everybrainisdifferent Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your ve…

Almost everyone of us has traumatic instances in our childhood. As we grow older, these take root in various ways — some obvious, some not. Join us today as we have the host of “My Madness METHod” as we discuss his childhood, his years engaging in and running from his addiction, and what he learned about life and human relationships throughout the journey. Link to Jason’s website: http://www.eight19product.com/  Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/h…

As children, we are often born into a religion that provides us with community and a sense of place. Even as we grow older, we may associate that community as a support system for our own mental health struggles. Join us today as we talk with Andy about his experience being raised in the LDS church, how he came to understand his mental health struggles, and what support systems mean to him. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-…

Throughout our lives, we find ourselves working to adapt to the molds society builds around us based on our choices. Even if we are certain of the paths we have chosen, the challenges of accepting the molds we step into can be daunting. Join us today as we talk with Stephen about his childhood in New York, how he looked up to his father, his struggles with mental health in his young adulthood, and how he found balance between profession and art. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: ht…

It can not be said enough: There remains a stigma around mental health that is unhelpful and unreasonable. Join us today as we talk with David about his struggles with bipolar disorder, how he used alcohol to quell his mental health challenges, and how he has been able to thrive in sobriety. Not only does he have an extremely successful business, he is working on changing the dialogue around Mental Health one dialogue at a time. David’s website: https://davidshamszad.com Follow David on Instagram: @david_shamszad Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Tim…

Terrorism is a constant threat across the world. In America, Mass shootings remain horrendous events that occur far too often. Join us today as we speak with Dr. Nina Cerfolio about her research into mass shootings and terrorism, her harrowing journey to help those in a war zone in Chechnya, and her upcoming book “Psychoanalytic and Spiritual Perspectives on Terrorism: Desire for Destruction”.  Dr Cerfolio’s book: Psychoanalytic and Spiritual Perspectives on Terrorism: Desire for Destruction Dr Cerfolio’s op-ed in Daily Beast: The Only True Revenge for Terrorism is Achieving Peace Dr Cerfolio’s letter to the editor published in the New York Times: The Parkland Gunman, a Horrific Crime and Mental Illness Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and se…

More often than not, we take our family for granted. Growing up in the same house, we form a lasting bond like no other. However, it does not always mean that these bonds cannot be damaged or broken. Join us today as we talk with Jill about her upbringing, her relationship with her brother growing up, and how their relationship was upended as adults. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Follow Sad…

Please join us for Jon’s triumphant return! Jon was recently featured in episode 58 of Sad Times (link can be found below) discussing his history as a distance runner and its impact on his mental health. On today’s episode, Jon and Kevin discuss running the Chicago Marathon, aging, and what keeps people coming back to running.  Jon’s previous episode: https://www.sadtimespodcast.com/running-with-the-devil-jon-returns-to-discuss-endurance-mental-health-and-his-love-of-marathons/   Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.  Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.co…

Even as we move toward the middle of the 2020s, the stigma around mental health still persists. There are people all over this world working to not only combat that stigma, but also to help those in need. Join us today as we speak with one of these heroes. Tony is the Executive Director of a community mental health center and works daily with not only his team, but also members of the communities to continue to remind everyone that “wellness is wellness”. ▪ Main website for Piatt County Mental Health Center: Piatt County Mental Health Center (piattmhc.org) ▪ Our Main Piatt County Mental Health FB: https://www.facebook.com/Piatt.County.Mental.Health.Center ▪ 2 Recovery Support FB Pages for work in DeWitt and Piatt County (Illinois) ▪ Piatt ROSC - https://www.facebook.com/PiattCountyROSC ▪ DeWitt ROSC - https://www.facebook.com/DeWittROSC/ • 988 Helpline: https://988lifeline.org/ • IL Helpline for SUD: Illinois Helpline (helplineil.org) Editorial note: Sad Times is committe…

Many people have been raised in a family that has had to split up. Often, the children affected by these changes are left alone with their feelings and wonder what outlet there might be. Join us today as we talk with Adam about his childhood, his time as a heavy metal drummer, and how he was able to confidentially transition into adulthood and have a family of his own. Charity Adam would like to highlight: https://www.aguagiftingsmiles.com/  Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Follow Sad Times on F…

When we are young, we look to our parents as arbiters of our daily conflicts as well as the ones who point the direction our lives are headed. When a parent is unexpectedly lost, lives are changed forever. Join us today as we speak with Kevin’s Uncle Jon about the loss of his father, the resilience and love of family, and Jon’s adventures on his own. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Learn more about Jon: https://about.me/joncrispin Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albu…

Please join us today as we wrap up Katie’s powerful story. If you have not listened to the first or second part, please see the links to each episode below. In this final of three episodes, we conclude Katie’s remarkable story. Katie talks about her continuing struggle with alcoholism and the effect it had on her family. Finally, listen as she talks about the change that came over her during a particularly dark moment and how she is doing today. Please be advised that this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse and eating disorders and suicidal ideation — please take care while listening. If you or anyone you know has suffered from sexual abuse, please visit: https://www.rainn.org/resources If you or anyone you know is dealing with an eating disorder, please visit: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline If you are feeling suicidal, please dial 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/ Link to first (of III) episodes for Ka…

Please join us today as we present part II our three-part series with Katie! If you have not listened to the first part, please see the link to the first episode below. In this episode we pick up with Katie as she is dealing with the troubles in her marriage and follow her as she discovers secrets kept from her. Please join us as we discontinue Katie’s remarkable story as she finds herself figuring out her life with three children after a divorce, how she moves on, and the continued challenges she faces. Please be advised that this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse and eating disorders and suicidal ideation — please take care while listening. If you or anyone you know has suffered from sexual abuse, please visit: https://www.rainn.org/resources If you or anyone you know is dealing with an eating disorder, please visit: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline If you are feeling suicidal, please dial 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/tal…

Please join us today in the first part of a three part series with Katie. Katie is a strong and kind woman who has been through an immense amount of trauma throughout her life. On Part I, we will discuss the horrific trauma she experienced as a child, how she did her best to deal with the abuse, and her years as a young wife and mother. Over the next two weeks, we will play part II and part III. This is truly a remarkable story. Please be advised that this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse and eating disorders — please take care while listening. If you or anyone you know has suffered from sexual abuse, please visit: https://www.rainn.org/resources If you or anyone you know is dealing with an eating disorder, please visit: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline If you are feeling suicidal, please dial 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/ Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from genero…

Every year around the world, millions of people make the decision to train for and complete a marathon. Not only is it a test of human endurance, it also acts as a mental health release. Join us as Jon returns to talk about his amazing record of running and why he loves marathons so much. Also, Jon talks with Kevin as he prepares for his first marathon: The Chicago Marathon on Sunday October 8. Listen to some of Jon’s music: https://spotify.link/wElTVyAwzDb Support Hope for the Day: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/kevin-crispin Link to Bobette’s episode (Please note this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse. Please take care when listening): https://www.sadtimespodcast.com/overcoming-severe-childhood-traumas-bobette-discusses-her-extremely-difficult-childhood-her-recent-medical-struggles-and-the-bond-she-has-with-her-children-43/ Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shar…

Growing up in a small midwestern town can feel isolating and filled with boredom. Often, the attention can stray. However, a creative and curious mind can help develop varying interests. Join us today as we talk with Nathan about his extensive interests, his journey through different awareness and realizations, and his continued love of hobbies and his family and friends. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Follow Sad Times on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249 Follow Sad Tim…

The journey of pregnancy and childbirth is often a challenging and transcendent experience. However, when a child is born with medical complexities, the challenges become more ever present — for the child, of course, and also for the parents. Join us today as Ali returns to Sad Times to discuss her pregnancy, the birth of her son, and the challenges of parenting a child with medical complexities. Website for Lurie's Children's Hospital: www.luriechildrens.org for general info on specialists & c...

Empaths are defined as “An individual who feels more empathy than the average human.” This often leads empaths to work in fields which benefits others. Join us today as we talk with Teale about her upbringing, her career in the mental health field, the challenges of taking meaningful work home with you, and the decision she and her husband made that changed both of their lives forever. Teale’s blog: https://lavidalarosa.wordpress.com   Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/%20253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Follow Sad Times on:…

Even as artists continue to produce meaningful work, it does not always satisfy the ambitions of said artists. Join us today as we talk with Joel about all of the fantastic animation work he has produced, his long struggle with hypochondria, and how he continues to create even as he deals with doubts. Link to Joel’s website: https://electricbeard.com Link to Joel’s animation Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100077811218585 Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Follow Sad Tim…

One of the more common known phrases in the Western World is “In sickness and in health”. While many of us vow to honor these words, it is not often something that is encountered early in life. Please join us today as Elliot tells the brave story of his wife’s Stage 4 Cancer diagnosis, their struggles through the progression of the disease, and the love, mercy, and grief that often accompanies the profound challenges of sickness in a spouse.  Link to a book recommended by Elliot: https://www.amazon.com/Widowers-Notebook-Memoir-Jonathan-Santlofer/dp/0143132490 Link to Charity Supporting and Advocating for those diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer: https://www.metavivor.org/ Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect th…

We often forget the power of words. In day to day life as well as the relationships that we build, words do matter. Join us this week as we talk with Andy about his upbringing in the Midwest, his lessons learned during his time in the service, and why he wrote his book “Words Fucking Matter” and the lessons he hopes to impart. Andy’s Link Tree (Including a link to his book): https://linktr.ee/andyweins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyweins/ Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to s...

While the idea of introvert and extrovert has become a part of our understanding of personality, it does not alleviate the challenges presented by either. Join us today as we speak with Laurel about her experience as a lifelong introvert, her realization that she needed her own space and pace of life, her trepidation about becoming a mother, and the ultimate joy and presence being a mother has brought her.   Link to Laurel’s Substack: https://onlyoldthings.substack.com Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”  https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_i…

For many generations, discussing internal family strife was akin to “airing dirty laundry” — it was something that was simply not done. So it was with Whitney and her family. However, in the ensuing years, Whitney has gained amazing perspective and wisdom through day to day life. Join us today as we talk with Whitney about her upbringing, her struggles with an extremely difficult relationship, and the unexpected tragedy that befell her family. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Sad Times on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249 Instagram: @sadtimespodcast Sad Schwag: https://www.teepublic…

Addiction and a racing mind tend to go hand in hand. As addiction strengthens, it is often far more pernicious than once believed. Join us as we talk with film actor Scott Schiaffo (Clerks, Vulgar) about his harrowing tales of substance abuse, his continued film career, and the health travails he has faced along the way toward his final destination of sobriety.  Scott’s Website: www.scottschiaffo.com Link for Scott’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Vicious-Attack-Sleepless-Nights-Summer/dp/0615587402 Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Sad Times on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249 Insta…