Judging Meghan

Cloud10

Every week, host Meghan Judge sits down with guests to explore the real stuff—navigating grief and loss, embracing aging with more grace and less judgment, working through relationship challenges, and finding ways to make the world a little brighter. Past guests include Dr. Nadine Macaluso (as portrayed by Margot Robbie in "The Wolf of Wall Street"), Ariana Kukors-Smith (Olympic Gold Medalist), Elisa Donovan (Author & Actress), Marianne Williamson (Author & Activist), Nikki DeLoach (Actress & Philanthropist), Candy Finnigan (Addiction Specialist, Star of A&E’s, Intervention) Diane Foley (Activist & Mother of Slain Journalist James Foley), Will Jimeno (Author, 9/11 Survivor & Port Authority Officer) and many more.

  1. 1d ago

    The Hidden Pain of Adult Bullying and Friendship Loss with Dr. Noelle Santorelli (Revisited)

    In this revisited episode, I sit down again with clinical psychologist Dr. Noelle Santerelli for a conversation that feels especially important. We talk about adult bullying, relational aggression, and the deep grief that can come from losing friendships and a sense of belonging, particularly within mom groups and close communities. This episode is rooted in mental health and grief, because these losses change how safe the world feels and how we see ourselves. I share openly about why I started this podcast. A devastating friend breakup in 2020 collided with unresolved childhood trauma and brought me to one of the lowest points of my life. What began as subtle exclusion slowly became isolation and public humiliation, leaving me without a community I believed was safe. The shame, loneliness, and grief that followed were overwhelming, especially during COVID, and that loss carried a weight I did not expect. Dr. Santerelli explains why these group dynamics are so harmful and why it is never as simple as just leaving. When kids are involved, fear, guilt, and judgment keep women stuck far longer than they should be. We talk about betrayal trauma, victim blaming, and the cycle many toxic groups follow, and why reacting after months of pressure does not make someone the problem. It makes them human. This episode is about trusting your experience, listening to your body, and choosing self preservation over fixing the narrative. Sometimes healing looks like quiet distance and protecting your energy. If you have ever felt pushed out, shamed, or silenced by people you hoped would support you, this conversation is for you. You can followDr. Noelle Santerelli here: https://www.instagram.com/drnoellesantorelli/  This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #grief #mentalhealth #friendshiploss #adultbullying #relationaltrauma #betrayaltrauma #toxicfriendships #toxicmomgroups #womensmentalhealth #emotionalabuse #socialexclusion #shameandhealing #traumarecovery #boundaries #selfpreservation #healingafterloss #belonging #identityandloss #nervoussystem #emotionalsafety #friendbreakups #communitytrauma #motherhoodandmentalhealth #choosingyourself #psychologicalsafety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m
  2. Jun 9

    From Loss to Loud: Advocating for Men's Mental Health with Reshma Kearney

    This episode I’m joined by Reshma Kearney, a trauma informed yoga instructor, mental health advocate, and someone I first connected with through Instagram. We begin by talking about my own journey with mental health advocacy, the importance of suicide prevention awareness, a recent personal loss, and the incredible milestone of celebrating six years of the podcast. I also reflect on what it means to see Judging Meghan reach the Top 10 on Apple’s Mental Health charts and why these conversations continue to matter so much to me. Reshma shares her deeply personal story, including her move to California in 2023 to be closer to family after experiencing unimaginable loss. She opens up about her whirlwind love story with her late husband, Sean, an Army orthopedic surgeon who served three deployments and ultimately died by suicide. With honesty and vulnerability, Reshma talks about Sean’s long struggle with depression and anxiety, how his sense of humor, professional success, and constant activity often masked the pain he was carrying, and the heartbreaking challenges they faced together, including the loss of a child through stillbirth. Together, we discuss the realities of grief after suicide, the guilt and overwhelming responsibilities that can follow, and what it looks like to help children navigate loss while grieving yourself. Reshma shares how each of her three children has processed their father's death differently, the support they received from their school and community, and why she believes Sean continues to send signs that he is still with them. We also talk about the healing power of vulnerability, the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, and why sharing our stories can help others feel less alone. This is a heartfelt and powerful conversation about love, loss, resilience, hope, and the reminder that asking for help is one of the bravest things we can do. Learn more on Reshma’s site: https://www.reshmakearney.com/  I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website at judgingmeghan.com or send me a message on Instagram at @judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #ReshmaKearney #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness #SuicideLoss #SurvivorOfSuicideLoss #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone #HopeAfterLoss #GriefJourney #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #Resilience #MentalWellness #EmotionalHealing #GriefSupport #LossAndHealing #WidowLife #ParentingThroughGrief #ChildLoss #StillbirthAwareness #MilitaryFamilies #MilitaryMentalHealth #VeteranMentalHealth #ArmyFamily #MentalHealthAdvocate #TraumaInformedYoga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m
  3. Jun 2

    Escape to Jekyll Island & Beyond with Bestselling Author Sandy Malone

    In this episode I sit down with bestselling author Sandy Malone for a fun and inspiring conversation about her writing career, the stories that have captured readers’ hearts, and what exciting projects she has coming next. Sandy shares the journey behind her popular Gem of the Golden Isle series, which begins with Escape to Jekyll Island, and discusses why the charm, beauty, and close knit communities of Georgia’s Golden Isles continue to inspire her work.  Sandy also gives us a preview of her upcoming novel, Thicker Than Blood, which is set to be released this fall. While details are still being finalized, she shares her excitement about bringing another story into the world and what the publishing process looks like behind the scenes. We discuss the realities of being an author, balancing creativity with deadlines, and the anticipation that comes with preparing a new release. In addition, Sandy introduces her brand new series, Under the Oaks, a crossover from her Jekyll Island books that expands into neighboring St. Simons Island. Centered around a wedding planning company, the new series promises fresh characters, familiar connections, romance, community, and all the coastal charm readers have come to love from her novels. Whether you're already a fan of Sandy's books or discovering her work for the first time, this episode offers a wonderful look into her creative world and all the exciting stories readers can look forward to in the coming months. Want to check out the series? You can find her books through this link here or at your local book store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01BM5JV3I?ccs_id=4f40f626-d994-4a7c-8b2a-88fa1d53e415  I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website at judgingmeghan.com or send me a message on Instagram at @judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #SandyMalone #AuthorInterview #BestsellingAuthor #WomenWhoWrite #BookPodcast #BookLovers #ReadersOfInstagram #Bookstagram #CoastalFiction #BeachReads #RomanceBooks #ContemporaryRomance #WomensFiction #JekyllIsland #StSimonsIsland #GoldenIsles #GeorgiaCoast #EscapeToJekyllIsland #GemOfTheGoldenIsle #ThickerThanBlood #UnderTheOaks #NewBookRelease #BookCommunity #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #FictionBooks #MustReadBooks #BookRecommendations #IndependentAuthor #Storytelling #BookDiscussion #PodcastEpisode #PodcastGuest #CreativeLife #WomenAuthors #SouthernFiction #CoastalRomance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  4. May 26

    The Caregiving Crisis: Dementia, Mental Health, and Practical Prevention with Neal K. Shah

    In this episode I sit down with Neal K. Shah, a Johns Hopkins and NIH funded researcher, former caregiver, and co founder of CareYaya, for an important conversation about dementia, caregiving, and mental health. Neal shares his personal experiences caring for his grandfather during his battle with dementia and later supporting his wife through a multi year cancer journey, opening up about the emotional and physical toll caregiving can take on families. We discuss the lack of support many caregivers receive after a diagnosis, the rising costs of home care and assisted living, and the growing caregiving crisis facing families across the country. Neal also explains how chronic stress, burnout, and sleep deprivation can impact caregivers’ own health, while sharing research on dementia prevention, including movement, social connection, hearing health, and lifestyle habits that may help reduce risk. We also talk about the future of caregiving, including the role artificial intelligence may play in caregiver training and early dementia detection. This is an emotional, informative, and hopeful conversation about resilience, advocacy, and supporting the people who care for others every day. Learn more here: https://www.careyaya.org/neal-k-shah  I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website at judgingmeghan.com or send me a message on Instagram at @judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #Dementia #Alzheimers #MentalHealth #CaregiverBurnout #CaregiverStress #CaregiverLife #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness #NealShah #CareYaya #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverMentalHealth #BrainHealth #HealthyAging #CaregivingCrisis #CaregiverAdvocacy #Healthcare #AgingParents #DementiaCare #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalHealth #PodcastEpisode #MentalWellness #AIHealthcare #CaregiverResources #Resilience #SupportCaregivers #MemoryCare #WellnessPodcast #JohnsHopkins #NIHResearch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  5. May 19

    Grief, Trauma & The Emotional Cost of Working Undercover with Author, Advocate & Former Detective Todd McGuire

    This episode I'm joined by Todd McGuire from Queensland, Australia, a mental health advocate, former undercover detective, and author of the memoir Donny: An Undercover Cop with a Death Wish. Todd opens up about his life before policing, growing up in a loving home with no major trauma, and how everything changed after the devastating suicide of his partner, Karen, on New Year’s Day in 2000 while her young son was in the home. He shares the heartbreaking moments that followed, the guilt he carried for years, and how that loss shaped the course of his life and mental health. Todd speaks candidly about turning to alcohol and risky behavior to cope with his grief while continuing to work in law enforcement. He explains how he eventually pursued undercover work while silently struggling with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts, often feeling like he no longer cared whether he lived or died. We talk about the psychological toll of undercover operations, the difficulty of returning to normal life afterward, and how trauma can fundamentally change the way a person sees themselves and the world around them. Together we also discuss the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, the lasting impact suicide has on the people left behind, and why so many struggle in silence. Todd shares why he now uses his voice through writing, public speaking, and advocacy to help others feel less alone, while I reflect on the importance of vulnerability, compassion, and honest conversations around trauma. This is an emotional and deeply important episode about survival, grief, PTSD, healing, and the power of speaking openly about mental health. Order Todd’s book and learn more here: https://toddmaguire.com.au/  I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website at judgingmeghan.com or send me a message on Instagram at @judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #ToddMcGuire #DonnyBook #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSD #PTSDAwareness #Trauma #TraumaHealing #Grief #GriefJourney #SuicideLoss #SuicideAwareness #MensMentalHealth #UndercoverCop #FormerDetective #PoliceMentalHealth #FirstResponderMentalHealth #Healing #Resilience #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastEpisode #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #SurvivorStory #SpeakUp #YouAreNotAlone #EndTheStigma #DepressionAwareness #AddictionRecovery #HealingJourney #SuicidePrevention #Therapy #MentalWellness #Vulnerability #HopeAfterTrauma #TrueStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 10m
  6. May 12

    House of Pretend: Healing Childhood Wounds with Author Joanne Redding

    In this episode I’m joined by writer and former Wall Street professional Joanne Redding to discuss her powerful memoir House of Pretend, releasing May 19th. Joanne shares the heartbreaking story of losing her father to suicide when she was just six years old, growing up in a home where grief was silenced, and later discovering the truth her mother had hidden from her for years. She speaks candidly about emotional neglect, family trauma, losing her brother to suicide as well, and the long journey of healing through trauma therapy and self understanding. Together we talk about the survival mechanisms so many people develop after trauma, including pretending everything is okay, emotional armor, perfectionism, and pushing through pain in high pressure environments. We discuss how grief never truly disappears but instead comes in waves, the importance of crying and releasing emotion, the impact of EMDR therapy, and how mental illness should be treated with compassion rather than shame. Joanne also shares the signs and moments of connection she still feels with the loved ones she has lost. This episode is an honest and emotional conversation about resilience, healing, kindness, and learning how to keep going even after unimaginable loss. If you or someone you love is struggling, please know there is help available and you are not alone. Reach out, talk to someone you trust, and remember that healing is possible. For questions, topic ideas, or stories  Learn more and pre-order Joanne’s book House Of Pretend: A Memoir here: https://joannereddingauthor.com/  I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me, topics you’d like discussed, or stories you want to share, please reach out through my website at judgingmeghan.com or send me a message on Instagram at @judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review really helps support the show and helps more people find these conversations. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #ChildhoodTrauma #Grief #GriefJourney #SuicideLoss #SuicideAwareness #988Lifeline #YouAreNotAlone #HouseOfPretend #JoanneRedding #TraumaRecovery #EMDR #Therapy #Healing #Resilience #EmotionalHealing #BreakTheSilence #MentalIllnessAwareness #KindnessMatters #SelfReflection #HopeAfterLoss #PodcastEpisode #MentalHealthPodcast #WomenWhoWrite #Memoir #AuthorInterview #GriefSupport #CPTSDAwareness #EmotionalWellness #HealingIsPossible #SurvivorStory #ChooseCompassion #RealConversations #PodcastCommunity #JoanneRedding #HouseOfPretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  7. May 5

    Perimenopause, Hormones & Feeling Like Yourself Again with Experts Dr. Azin Shah & Kavita Sahai

    Today I welcome wellness advocate Kavita Sahai, founder of Vibe Tribes, along with Dr.Azin Shah Shaw, a gynecologist and urogynecologist specializing in perimenopause and menopause, for an honest and empowering conversation about women’s health, hormones, mental health, and what it really means to thrive in midlife. I talk openly about my own experiences with fibroids, my hysterectomy, weight gain, depression, and hormone therapy, while sharing why I believe mental health, fitness, nervous system regulation, and hormone health are all deeply connected. Kavita shares how her own struggles with symptoms like brain fog inspired her to create Vibe Tribes, a daily wellness platform designed to help women feel more balanced, energized, and connected to themselves again. We discuss how simple, bite sized practices like breathwork, meditation, movement, mindfulness, and education can help regulate the nervous system and create meaningful changes in both physical and emotional well being.  Dr. Shah brings both medical expertise and compassion to the conversation as we discuss the realities of perimenopause and menopause, including sleep struggles, anxiety, mood changes, and the importance of self advocacy in women’s healthcare. She explains how progesterone and magnesium can support better sleep and nervous system health, while also emphasizing the powerful connection between the mind and body.  Find out more on: https://vibestribe.co/  Follow Kavita on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kavitasahai/  and Find out more about Dr. Shah: https://asktia.com/team/Azin-Shahryarinejad/  I’d love to hear from you. If you have questions for me or any topics you’d like discussed, please reach out through my website at judgingmeghan.com or send me a message on Instagram @judgingmeghan. Your questions may be featured and answered in an upcoming episode. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #JudgingMeghan #MeghanJudge #WomensHealth #Perimenopause #Menopause #HormoneHealth #HormoneTherapy #HRT #MentalHealth #MidlifeWellness #WellnessJourney #HealthyAging #SelfAdvocacy #WomenSupportingWomen #VibeTribes #KavitaSahai #DrShaw #Gynecology #Urogynecology #NervousSystemRegulation #MindBodyConnection #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #CPTSDAwareness #BrainFog #SleepHealth #Magnesium #Progesterone #EstrogenPatch #HormoneBalance #MidlifeWomen #MenopauseSupport #FitnessAndWellness #MentalWellness #WomenOver40 #WomenOver50 #EmpoweredWomen #SelfCare #Mindfulness #Breathwork #Meditation #HolisticHealth #WellnessPodcast #PodcastEpisode #HealthPodcast #WomenEmpowerment #Healing #ThriveInMidlife #YouAreNotAlone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min
5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Every week, host Meghan Judge sits down with guests to explore the real stuff—navigating grief and loss, embracing aging with more grace and less judgment, working through relationship challenges, and finding ways to make the world a little brighter. Past guests include Dr. Nadine Macaluso (as portrayed by Margot Robbie in "The Wolf of Wall Street"), Ariana Kukors-Smith (Olympic Gold Medalist), Elisa Donovan (Author & Actress), Marianne Williamson (Author & Activist), Nikki DeLoach (Actress & Philanthropist), Candy Finnigan (Addiction Specialist, Star of A&E’s, Intervention) Diane Foley (Activist & Mother of Slain Journalist James Foley), Will Jimeno (Author, 9/11 Survivor & Port Authority Officer) and many more.

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