In this powerful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer sits down with Marie B. Philip, retired Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Human Resources Administration, to break down the realities of intimate partner violence and elder abuse. Drawing from frontline experience, Marie B. Philip offers insight into the patterns of domestic violence, the importance of community responses, and actionable steps for supporting friends, family, or yourself when abuse is suspected. The conversation dispels myths, provides resources, and always centers the survivor’s safety and dignity.

Topics Covered:

• Definition and types of intimate partner violence
• Recognizing patterns and behaviors of domestic violence
• The evolution of domestic violence programming and policy
• Elder abuse: characteristics, signs, and unique challenges
• The role of financial exploitation in elder abuse
• Practical steps for friends and family members who suspect abuse
• Barriers to reporting and seeking help (shame, isolation, dependence)
• Safety planning: go bags, document collection, cyber safety for survivors
• National resources and online safety tips for those seeking help

Key Takeaways:

• Domestic violence is a community issue—one in four individuals experience it, and it can affect anyone across the lifespan.
• Elder abuse is often under-reported and can range from physical neglect to financial exploitation.
• Supporting victims starts with nonjudgmental conversations and prioritizing their safety and agency.
• Awareness and education inject the power to intervene early and effectively.
• Modern resources include cyber safety measures for those in dangerous situations, particularly when using shared devices.

Six Best Quotes:

1. “Domestic violence isn't a problem out there, it's a problem in here.” –
   Marie B Philip
2. “It starts from the beginning, but in very discreet ways. And it builds.” –
   Marie B Philip
3. “It's not about why they didn't leave, it's about what's helping them to stay.” –
   Marie B Philip
4. “Isolation is a key factor in domestic violence... Education and awareness is a key response in domestic violence.” –
   Marie B Philip
5. “Being supportive as you can, talking about what safety would look like, because maybe leaving the situation is not what can be done at that point.” –
   Marie B Philip

Resources Mentioned:

• National Domestic Violence Helpline: https://www.thehotline.org
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/
  • Cyber safety feature for private browsing
• CDC Definition of Elder Abuse: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/index.html
• Adult Protective Services (State-By-State Finder): https://www.napsa-now.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/
• NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA): https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/index.page

Top 8 Hashtags for Sharing:

#DomesticViolenceAwareness
#ElderAbusePrevention
#MESHPodcast
#IntimatePartnerViolence
#SafetyPlanning
#CommunitySupport
#EndTheSilence
#EmpowerSurvivors

Episode Summary
In this inspiring edition of M.E.S.H., Pamela Brewer meets with acclaimed author, teacher, and writing coach Marita Golden to explore the healing power through writing. Marita Golden shares her personal journey as a writer, reveals how storytelling has shaped her life, and discusses the transformational role of writing for both self-care and societal change. The conversation highlights writing not just as a career or creative outlet, but as a therapeutic practice that can heal wounds, transcend personal myths, and foster joy—even in challenging times.

Topics Covered
The myths surrounding who gets to be a writer
Writing as a process of healing and self-discovery
The effect of writing on emotional and mental health
Challenging hierarchy and exclusivity in the practice of writing
The intersection of writing, therapy, and self-care
The upcoming workshop: "The Joy of Writing"
Facing judgment and building resilience as a writer

Key Takeaways
Writing is not reserved for a select few; everyone is capable and deserving of telling their stories.
Writing can act as both a therapeutic tool and an act of self-care, helping people make sense of their experiences and emotions.
The process of writing often brings surprising realizations and deeper understanding for the writer, not just the reader.
Giving oneself permission to write authentically is a powerful step toward healing.
Facing criticism is part of being a writer, but the desire to express oneself provides resilience.
The myths and hierarchies around writing should be challenged, making space for all voices—especially those historically marginalized.

The Six Best Quotes
"We all are writers. We write our lives. We become authors of our lives through the choices we make every day." – Marita Golden
"Writing has deeply healed me and brings me joy, and it never lets me down." – Marita Golden
"Your writing will help you unravel the knots in your heart... You could write simply to take care of yourself, even if you have no desire to publish your work." – Marita Golden quoting Louise DeSalvo
"The desire to write imbues you with so much resilience that you can take judgment." – Marita Golden
"You just have to be you. And you have to just put that first sentence on the page and the sentence will lead you by the hand." – Marita Golden

Connect with the Guest
Website: maritagolden.com
For information about upcoming workshops and classes, visit the website and sign up for the email list.

Resources
Books:
"Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives" by Louise DeSalvo
"Don't Play in the Sun: One Woman's Journey Through the Color Complex" by
Marita Golden
"How to Become a Black Creating and Honoring Black Stories that Matter" by
Marita Golden

Organizations:
Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation (co-founded by
Marita Golden)

Workshops & Courses:
The Joy of Writing: Six-Week Workshop of Discovery and Creativity (details at maritagolden.com)

Top 8 Hashtags
#MaritaGolden
#WritingAsHealing
#MESHpodcast
#Storytelling
#SelfCare
#TherapeuticWriting
#EmotionalHealth
#CreativeHealing

For more episodes, inspiration, and updates, be sure to subscribe and share M.E.S.H.!

Episode Summary:
In this moving episode of MESH, host Pamela Brewer interviews Tracy Doyle, author of Life Storms: Finding Your Clear Sky and creator of the Aurora Method. Tracy Doyle shares her personal journey through childhood adversity, trauma, and emotional burnout, explaining how these experiences led her to develop M.E.S.H.—a framework for mindfulness and emotional healing. Together, they discuss the power of self-awareness, breaking negative patterns, and building authentic connections, emphasizing that no matter our wounds, anyone can reclaim joy and fulfillment.

Topics Covered:
The impact of early wounds and trauma on adult behavior
The development and philosophy behind the Aurora Method
The concept of the “reaction cascade” and its effects on relationships
Steps and phases of the Aurora Method (self-assessment, breakthrough, restoration)
Shifting one’s perspective and connecting with others
The power and necessity of looking within and self-reflection

Key Takeaways:
Early experiences, especially trauma and neglect, shape core beliefs and behaviors that persist into adulthood unless consciously addressed.
The Aurora Method offers a personalized, step-by-step mindfulness framework to identify, name, and change negative patterns.
Healing and growth begin by looking within, not blaming outside circumstances.
By shifting one’s internal responses, interpersonal relationships and work dynamics can dramatically improve.
Self-awareness is not about fixing oneself instantly, but gradually understanding and shifting patterns for lasting change.
Emotional wounds may stunt personal growth, but recognizing and addressing these wounds unlocks fulfillment and joy.

Quotes:
“When we recognize that we can reshape what shaped us… what we get back is that inner fulfillment and joy”Tracy Doyle
"It's really about when we can understand our patterns that quietly shape everything... then we actually can change things." —
Tracy Doyle

Connect with the Guest:
Book: Life Storms: Finding Your Clear Sky – available on Amazon
Direct contact: “Schedule a one-on-one with me” via her website www.tracydoyle.life

#MentalHealth
#EmotionalHealing
#SelfAwareness
#Mindfulness
#TraumaRecovery
#AuroraMethod
#PersonalGrowth
#MESHpodcast

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In this insightful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer sits down with occupational therapist and author Stephen Nawotniak for an honest conversation about living with a bipolar condition. Stephen Nawotniak delves into his personal journey of managing bipolar disorder—from dealing with stigma and self-acceptance to practical tips for charting moods and navigating relationships and work life. Their discussion is filled with empowering advice on embracing mental health challenges as part of personal development, and practical steps for living meaningfully, rather than with shame or secrecy.

Topics Covered:

• Overcoming community and self-stigma
• Disclosing mental health challenges in personal relationships and the workplace
• Tools for self-awareness: the value of tracking and charting moods
• Steps for self-care and empowerment in managing mental health
• Resources and advice for those living with—or supporting someone with—mood disorders

Key Takeaways:

• Mood disorders are not rare or shameful; they’re part of the broader human experience.
• Self-stigma—internalizing your diagnosis as your identity—can be more limiting than outside stigma.
• No one needs to be alone; connecting with others who understand can make a real difference.

Quotes:
“My journey is about personal growth and development and building wisdom and self understanding more so than trying to fight or overcome an illness.” –
Stephen Nawotniak
“Curiosity is one of my favorite words.” –
Pamela Brewer
“The two biggest lies that I've experienced with depression is, number one, it will always be this way. And number two, I'm all alone.” –
Stephen Nawotniak
“While each one of us has to walk our journey ourselves, we don't have to be alone in that journey.” –
Stephen Nawotniak

Connect with the Guest:

• Website: https://www.stephennawotniak.com/

Resources List:

• Book: Handbook for Healthy Living with a Mood Disorder by Stephen Nawotniak
• Guest’s Website:https://www.stephennawotniak.com/— for further information, resources, and ways to connect with
  Stephen Nawotniak

#MentalHealth
#BipolarDisorder
#OccupationalTherapy
#SelfAwareness
#EndStigma
#HealthyLiving
#Mindfulness
#MESHPodcast
#Depression

Share this episode with someone you care about!

In this insightful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer welcomes Julia Wood from the Lewy Body Dementia Association for an important discussion about Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), the second most common type of dementia that remains unfamiliar to many. The conversation explores the distinctions between LBD and Alzheimer’s, the challenges of diagnosis and management, the importance of caregiver support, and emerging research. Julia Wood shares resources and strategies for those navigating the world of dementia, providing hope and information for individuals, families, and clinicians.

Topics Covered:

• Understanding Lewy Body Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s
• The dementia umbrella: types and misconceptions
• Symptoms, age range, and gender differences in LBD
• Diagnosis challenges and symptom checklists
• Current state of research, including environmental factors
• Treatment options, medication challenges, and quality of life
• Importance of individualized care and interdisciplinary medical teams
• Caregiver journeys, peer support programs, and resources

Key Takeaways:

• Lewy Body Dementia is the second most common dementia, yet remains underrecognized compared to Alzheimer's.
• LBD presents differently than Alzheimer’s, requiring distinct medical and support approaches.
• There is currently no cure for any dementia; treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Diagnosis is complex and often involves clinical checklists, neuropsychological evaluations, and attention to psychiatric and sleep symptoms.
• LBD does not have defined stages like Alzheimer’s; every case is unique, posing challenges for families and clinicians.
• Caregivers and families need extensive support, resources, and community to navigate the unpredictable journey of LBD.
• Building an interdisciplinary care team is crucial; self-advocacy is often required.
• The Lewy Body Dementia Association offers comprehensive support and resources for both individuals living with LBD and their care partners.

Best Quotes:

“Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia couldn’t be more different.” Julia Wood, LBD
“We have a saying…if you’ve seen one person with Lewy, you’ve seen one person with Lewy.” Julia Wood
“There’s no cure for any of the dementias.” Pamela Brewer
“Care partners…need resources, need education.” Pamela Brewer

Connect with the Guest:

• Lewy Body Dementia Association Website: lbda.org
• Support Services Line: support@lbda.org
• Phone: 1-800-539-9767

Resources List:

• Lewy Body Dementia Association: lbda.org
• Comprehensive Symptom Checklist for families and clinicians (available at LBDA website)
• Lewy Body Composite Risk Score — developed by Dr. Jim Galvin, University of Miami
• Persevere Peer Mentor Program (Rush University)
• Learning Center (LBDA website)
• Webinars, handouts, and courses via LBDA’s Lewy Learning Center

#LewyBodyDementia
#MESHpodcast
#DementiaAwareness
#CaregiverSupport
#MentalHealth
#Alzheimers
#BrainHealt
#LBDA

In this insightful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer welcomes Tahara DeBarrows, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to discuss alexithymia—a personality trait often described as "emotional blindness." Tahara DeBarrows explains what alexithymia is, how it impacts relationships and personal well-being, and offers practical advice on how individuals can develop emotional awareness. The conversation also touches on trauma, neurodivergence, and the importance of seeking help without stigma. Listeners will leave with a deeper understanding of emotional processing and actionable strategies to support themselves or loved ones.

Topics Covered:

• What alexithymia is and how it manifests
• Emotional awareness and emotional vocabulary
• Neurodivergence: autism, ADHD, and its relationship to alexithymia
• Impact of emotional blindness in relationships and parenting
• The role of trauma in developing alexithymia
• Gender and cultural aspects of emotional expression
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and emotional wheels
• Somatic therapies and mindfulness
• Trauma-informed approaches in therapy
• Practical steps for supporting someone with emotional blindness

Key Takeaways:

• Alexithymia is not a mental health disorder but a personality trait, often described as emotional blindness.
• Emotional blindness can develop as a survival strategy, particularly in traumatic or emotionally disconnected environments.
• Both neurodivergent individuals and those with trauma histories may be more likely to experience alexithymia.
• Emotional vocabulary can be strengthened; skills like identifying and naming emotions can be learned and mastered.
• CBT, emotional wheels, and somatic therapies are effective tools for building emotional awareness.
• Seeking therapy is not a sign of being "crazy"—it's a step towards better self-understanding and well-being.
• Grace, patience, and modeling emotional language can support loved ones struggling with emotional blindness.
• Trauma-informed care prioritizes the client’s needs and equips them with coping skills for triggers.

The Six Best Quotes:

1. "It's not a mental health disorder. It's really just an emotional processing kind of issue." –
   Tahara DeBarrows
2. "Identifying emotions could be a skill. Meaning that it can be taught, it can be learned, it can be mastered." –
   Tahara DeBarrows
3. "We go to medical doctors for physical symptoms... What's the difference with seeing a therapist for mental health issues?" –
   Tahara DeBarrows
4. "The reality of it, usually we feel worse before we feel better when we start to uncover those feelings because we were so avoidant before. But there's hope." –
   Tahara DeBarrows
5. "If you're the one in the relationship who knows how to identify their emotions, you can kind of model what you want that to look like." –
   Tahara DeBarrows
6. "Trauma-informed means I'm just putting the client first... with a lot of grace and a lot of care for these individuals who've gone through a lot and have developed things like alexithymia." –
   Tahara DeBarrows

Connect with the Guest:

• Website: ajourneytohealingcounseling.com
• Email: info@ajourneytohealingcounseling.com
• Blog: Men with Alexithymia (find under Blogs section on the website)

Resources List:

• A Journey to Healing Counseling –Tahara DeBarrows's practice (Connecticut & Florida)
• Blog: Men with Alexithymia
• CBT Worksheets: Available under Services and Professional Development on ajourneytohealingcounseling.com
• Emotional Wheel: Search "emotional wheel" on Google for printable charts
• Somatic therapies & mindfulness practices (referenced as body scanning and progressive muscle relaxation)
• For specific therapy and information, contact info@ajourneytohealingcounseling.com

In this insightful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer welcomes Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin, CEO of Parents Anonymous for a dynamic conversation on the mental, emotional, and social challenges facing families today. The pair dive into the realities of parenting in the digital age, specifically the complexities that social media introduces to family dynamics. Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin breaks down the ethos and offerings of Parents Anonymous, and arms listeners with practical strategies to navigate children’s screen time while maintaining open, nurturing relationships. The episode wraps with guidance on where families can seek help and highlights the vital importance of connection, limits, and ongoing support.

Topics Covered:

• What is clinical hypnotherapy (versus popular misconceptions)
• The holistic, multi-generational support model of Parents Anonymous
• The impact and dangers of social media on children and teens
• Signs your child may be overusing or misusing social media
• Setting healthy boundaries around technology use
• The links between family routines, chores, and long-term well-being

Key Takeaways:

• Clinical hypnotherapy is about gently accessing and addressing deep emotional triggers—not stage tricks.
• Parents Anonymous provides judgement-free, evidence-based support for all caregivers, not just biological parents.
• Children do best with clear, consistent limits—even if they resist them in the moment.
• Parents' own modeling and digital boundaries are just as important as rules they set for kids.

Quotes:

1. “If you don’t deal with what we call our basic underlying feelings, you’re really only moving on one level.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
2. “It is important to set limits around social media and modeling it yourself as a parent—many parents are addicted themselves.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
3. “If you’re on your phone, you’re not interacting with each other, you’re not interacting with your peers, you’re not interacting with your children, you’re disconnected.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
4. “Children have reported over and over again when they have limits, they feel safer and more confident.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
5. “You need to create these breaks so you can foster. I think kids today don’t even know how to interact with their peers, right?” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
6. “No blame, no shame—any issue you have about yourself or any of the children or people in your life—the helpline is there.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin

Connect with the Guest:

• Parents Anonymous Website: natlparentyouthhelpline.org
• National Parent & Youth Helpline (Call/Text): 855-427-2736
• Meditations and resources: Available on the website in English and Spanish
  • No specific social media handles or personal email were provided in the episode.

Resources Mentioned:

• Parents Anonymous: natlparentyouthhelpline.org
• National Parent & Youth Helpline: 855-427-2736 (call or text, 24/7, 240 languages)
• Family support, evidence-based programs, and leadership training information via Parents Anonymous website
• Meditations and age-specific parenting resources (English, Spanish, 10+ languages): Parents Anonymous Resources
• No books, other podcasts, specific courses, or YouTube channels were mentioned in this episode.

In this episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer sits down with Nicholas Schmitt, Senior Director of Conflict Resolution and Training at Community Mediation Services in Queens, NY, to discuss practical strategies for handling difficult conversations. Whether it’s political discourse at family gatherings or heated debates among neighbors, Nicholas Schmitt shares expert tips for setting boundaries, remaining connected, and fostering brave, productive dialogue. The episode covers ways to navigate emotional triggers, establish healthy guidelines, and utilize mediation—even outside formal settings. Pamela Brewer and Nicholas Schmitt unpack what it means to approach conflicts with empathy and mindfulness, empowering listeners to engage more constructively year-round.

Topics Covered

• Setting boundaries before gatherings
• Managing triggering topics during family or social events
• Exiting conversations respectfully and maintaining connection

Key Takeaways

• Most political and emotional disagreements stem from underlying shared values, but different reasoning.
• Setting boundaries and having prepared phrases help prevent conversations from going awry.
• Hosts can bring structure to gatherings by creating spaces for challenging discussions and reminding participants of guidelines.
• It’s okay to exit a stressful conversation and prioritize your wellbeing without blaming others.

Top Quotes

1. “We operate from a space of intuitive values, and then we search for reasons from there for why we have those values.” — Nicholas Schmitt
2. “Come up with maybe some boundary phrases, so you're not hit by surprise and your brain goes blank when that topic comes up.” — Nicholas Schmitt
3. “There's no better way to break connection with another person than to say, ‘You are the problem and you are the reason we're breaking connection.’” — Nicholas Schmitt

Connect with the Guest

• Website: mediatenyc.org
• Email: nschmitt@mediatenyc.org
• Phone: 718-523-6868

Resources List

• Community Mediation Services: mediatenyc.org
• Contact: nschmitt@mediatenyc.org, 718-523-6868
• Mediation referral information (for nationwide options): Reach out to Community Mediation Services or visit their website for help finding local organizations
• Training courses offered: Conflict resolution skills, positive communication, initial mediation training (inquire via website or contact info above)