Mental Mixology

Elex Simon
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  • Mental Health
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Ever feel like your mental health is a complex mix of emotions? Join Elex Simon for honest, relatable conversations about the ups and downs of mental wellness. We're not afraid to get real, sharing personal stories and expert advice on everything from anxiety and depression to finding your inner peace. Discover hidden resources and alternative solutions alongside traditional therapies; if you're looking for a podcast that understands the messy reality of mental health, tune in every Thursday at 6:00 PM CST.

  1. 1 day ago

    EP 102: Mental Health Hacks for Teens (and the Parents Who Love Them) | Katie K. May Teen Mental Health Expert

    In this Suicide Awareness Month episode, host Elex interviews Katie K. May, a Pennsylvania-based licensed therapist, practice owner, and author specializing in high-risk teens and their families. Drawing from her personal history navigating adolescent self-harm and young adult substance use, Katie explains how discovering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) inspired her mission to help young people create a life worth living. A foundational step in breaking generational cycles of dysfunction is practicing radical acceptance—understanding that you can only control your own healing journey and must grieve the reality that loved ones may never change. For parents supporting struggling adolescents, Katie emphasizes ditching therapist jargon and relentless questioning in favor of quiet presence, observation, and meeting kids in their unique language of support. Katie differentiates between emotion regulation, which maintains daily baseline emotional balance, and distress tolerance, which helps individuals navigate peak emotional triggers without making the situation worse. To maintain internal baseline stability, teens can practice the PLEASE skill by tending to physical health, moving their bodies, avoiding unhelpful substances, getting enough sleep, and eating regular meals. Habit stacking can make these routines manageable, while prioritizing sleep remains critical for amygdala regulation and mood stability in teens. Externally, teens benefit from accumulating positive experiences to build a bank of joyful moments and building mastery through moderately challenging tasks that encourage a productive flow state. To guard against toxic positivity, Katie advocates for a floor-versus-ceiling mindset, where individuals focus on reaching their bare minimum self-care needs on difficult days rather than expecting every day to be ideal. Regarding neurodivergence, Katie highlights profiles like ADHD, autism, and AuDHD, describing these teens as bottom-up processors who experience environmental input and sensory details through their entire bodies. Parents are encouraged to seek diagnostic clarity and accommodate these unique processing needs rather than forcing teens to fit standard molds. For communication, teens can utilize DBT's DEAR framework to set boundaries by Describing the situation, Expressing their feelings, Asserting their needs, and Reinforcing positive outcomes. Crucially, parents must prioritize regulating their own emotions first, leading with open curiosity rather than rigid control. Listeners can access resources and connect with Katie K. May at https://katiekmay.com/ , or explore the Mental Health Resource Library at mentalmixology.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available by calling or texting 988.

  2. 3 Sept

    EP 101: Why We Stay in Bad Relationships - And How I Finally Walked Away

    In Episode 101 of Mental Mixology, titled "Why We Stay in Bad Relationships (And How I Finally Walked Away)," host Elex opens up for Suicide Awareness Month about one of the most challenging chapters of her life: surviving a toxic, five-year relationship that led to severe mental health struggles and suicidal ideation. She emphasizes that this episode is not about dragging an ex, but rather throwing a lifeline to anyone currently feeling trapped or isolated in a harmful dynamic. Elex shares how the relationship began with love bombing, rapid attachment, and subtle red flags—including a glaring lie about her partner's age—which she initially excused due to cognitive dissonance, holding onto the belief that he was her dream partner despite his hurtful behavior. The episode breaks down the psychological and neurobiological reasons why walking away from toxic dynamics is so difficult. Elex explains concepts like narcissistic control, gaslighting, and the DARVO manipulation technique (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), illustrating how repeated deception causes the prefrontal cortex to freeze in self-doubt. She discusses how chronic lying and infidelity trigger Post-Infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD) and how intermittent reinforcement functions like a slot machine—flooding the body with stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) during conflict, followed by comfort chemicals (oxytocin) during affectionate moments, creating a literal chemical addiction and trauma bond. Elex details the turning point when arguments escalated to property damage and threats of harm, culminating in an incident where police were called—a moment that served as a divine wake-up call and a break in the chemical cycle. While secretly preparing for her independence, she leaned heavily on her faith, prayer, and relationship with God to gain the confidence needed to leave. After officially signing a lease and moving out in February, she began addressing the physical toll of living five years in fight-or-flight, including adrenal fatigue and digestive issues. Through somatic grounding exercises, breathwork, chakra alignment, and trauma-informed care, Elex highlights how she reclaimed her peace, self-worth, and happiness while navigating single life in 2026. Episode Resources & Support Lifelines Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | 988lifeline.org National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788 | thehotline.org Love Is Respect (Youth & Young Adult Support): Call 1-866-331-9474 or text "LOVEIS" to 22522 | loveisrespect.org Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 | crisistextline.org EMDR Therapy Directory (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): emdria.org Somatic Experiencing International (Body-Based Trauma Therapy): traumahealing.org SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Use & Mental Health Services): Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | samhsa.gov

  3. 27 Aug

    EP 100: 100 Conversations Later - Chasing Joy & Finding Your "Mental Mixology"

    We made it to 100 episodes! What started back in July 2022 as a simple hobby and personal side project has grown into a full-blown non-profit organization dedicated to making mental and physical wellness sustainable for everyone. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or this is your very first time tuning in, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This milestone wouldn't be possible without our incredible listeners, volunteers, board members, local business collaborators, and supporters who have believed in our mission every step of the way. In this special celebration episode, I’m taking a step back to share the raw, honest, and messy journey behind building Mental Mixology. From working through personal trauma, bad relationships, and high-anxiety ruts to navigating business trial-and-error—like accidentally deleting a year and a half of podcast data and having only 15 people show up to our first event—we talk about what it really takes to roll with the punches. We dive deep into why mental health isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, why exploring different non-traditional resources is key, and why you owe it to yourself to chase down true, genuine joy. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder to find your own "Mental Mixology"—that safe space, passion, or outlet that anchors you when life gets heavy and gives you a reason to wake up excited. Thank you for opening your heart to these 100 conversations, sharing our resource library, and walking this path with us. Stream the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or our website, and remember: be kind to yourselves and be kind to one another!

  4. 20 Aug

    EP 99: A Chiropractor’s Guide to Resetting Your Mental Health | Dr. Bethany Geotz with Patterns for Health Chiropractic

    In this episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex sits down with Dr. Bethany Geotz, owner of Patterns for Chiropractic Health in Sedalia, to discuss how chiropractic care extends far beyond treating standard back pain or car accident injuries. Dr. Bethany explains her holistic approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body's systems to target the root cause of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. She highlights specialized, low-force adjustment techniques used at her practice—including the ArthroStim, Activator, and SOT blocks—which offer a gentler, more comfortable option for patients intimidated by traditional manual adjustments or those recovering from trauma. Listeners will also learn about the Koren Specific Technique (KST), a specialized approach that uses neurological reflexes to identify precise areas of stress in the body and allow adjustments in functional "positions of challenge". Throughout the conversation, Dr. Bethany dives into how realigning the spine and resetting a nervous system stuck in "fight or flight" mode can relieve chronic pain, ease mental load, and even improve internal organ function, such as addressing referred pain from the gallbladder. Wrapping up, she shares her foundational pillars for overall well-being—hydration, nutrition, movement, and prayer—along with practical steps for starting a personal healing journey. To learn more or connect with Dr. Bethany, visit her Patterns for Chiropractic Health Facebook Page or find her listed on the Mental Mixology Missouri resources tab. (www.mentalmixology.org) If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis or going through a difficult time, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

  5. 6 Aug

    EP 98: The Power of “Good Enough” - Challenging Perfectionism

    In Episode 98 of Mental Mixology, Elex dives deep into the complex, double-edged world of perfectionism. While standard self-help advice often writes off perfectionism as purely negative, Elex reframes it as the exact engine that drives high achievers to excel, avoid stagnation, and show up reliably for the people in their lives. Opening with a relatable story about over-analyzing a heart-shaped cake made for a friend's bachelorette trip, this episode unpacks how high standards can fuel our achievements while simultaneously keeping us up at 2:00 AM overthinking past emails and conversations. Elex explores the childhood roots of high standards, starting with "Oldest Child Syndrome"—the unique burden of setting the family precedent without an older sibling's blueprint or sounding board. She shares how growing up in judged environments like dance competitions and pageants, along with parental dynamics focused on independence and work ethic, wired her brain to associate worth with output. The episode dives into clinical psychology, referencing Paul Hewitt and Gordon Flett’s 1991 multidimensional model to break down self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism—especially the fear of letting people down or losing respect in professional spaces. Finally, the episode highlights the crucial distinction between Perfectionistic Strivings (the healthy drive to evolve and master skills) and Perfectionistic Concerns (the hyper-fixation on zero errors and moving goalposts). Elex breaks down the double-edged sword of reliability, growth, and efficiency, challenging listeners to recognize that task paralysis is often just perfectionism in disguise. Ultimately, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: imperfection is the fastest path to growth, messy action beats standing still, and your personal worth is never tied to your output.

  6. 30 Jul

    EP 97: Rewiring for Rest - The Power of Microcurrent Neurofeedback | Christina Durrill with Divine Interruptions

    Have you ever felt like your mind simply will not stop racing? In this episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex sits down with Christina, the owner of KC Divine Interruptions in Odessa, Missouri, to dive into a game-changing technology that helps reboot a dysregulated nervous system: Microcurrent Neurofeedback. Elex shares her personal experience going from constant anxiety attacks and restless nights to experiencing real, peaceful mental clarity after just two sessions. Christina breaks down how neuroplasticity, non-invasive EEG signals, and holistic care can help gently nudge our brains out of stress-induced ruts without having to relive past trauma. In This Episode, We Cover: Elex shares her personal breakthrough moving from high anxiety and constant brain chatter to experiencing a truly silent mind. Christina explains what Microcurrent Neurofeedback actually is, and how reading brainwaves while sending tiny, imperceptible frequencies allows the brain to reorganize itself. Christina shares her background spending 18 years in Labor and Delivery nursing, along with degrees in Psychology, Biology, and Biblical Studies, which led her to launch Divine Interruptions. We discuss healing trauma without re-traumatization and why microcurrent neurofeedback works directly on the nervous system so clients do not have to relive past painful experiences to heal. Christina shares remarkable client stories of reduced migraines, restored motor control, lower anxiety, and breaking subconscious cravings ranging from caffeine to prescription dependencies. We demystify what a session looks like, highlighting that sessions are completely painless, non-invasive, and take only 6 to 15 minutes of active impulses. Finally, we explore the intersection of neuroscience, biology, and faith to support the whole person. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Elex on dealing with anxiety, racing thoughts, and discovering Divine Interruptions03:12 - What is Microcurrent Neurofeedback and how does it work on the brain?06:43 - Christina’s background: 18 years in Labor and Delivery and finding a new calling12:37 - How your brain gets stuck in stress patterns and how to break them24:06 - Demystifying the treatment: Is it painful? What does a session feel like?37:56 - Bypassing talk therapy: Releasing trauma stored in the physical body41:44 - Real client transformations: Migraines, CP motor improvement, and menopause support45:00 - Addressing prescription dependency and breaking the cycle of pain48:07 - Financial accessibility: Offering a sliding scale for care49:31 - The intersection of neuroscience, biology, and faith1:01:00 - How neurofeedback helps Veterans and individuals living with severe PTSD1:03:00 - Closing thoughts and crisis resources Key Takeaway: "You can't always think your way out of a dysregulated nervous system. Your brain is running on old patterns, and microcurrent neurofeedback simply gives your brain permission to hit restart and remember its natural neuroplasticity." — Christina Divine Interruptions Website: https://www.divineinterruptionskc.com/Mental Mixology Website: https://www.mentalmixology.org (Find Christina listed under our local Central Missouri resources) Follow Divine Interruptions on Facebook and Instagram for weekly wellness tips, neuroscience education, and spiritual encouragement. Mental Health Support: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

  7. 23 Jul

    EP 96: Bouncing Back From a Bad Day

    Have you ever woken up to a morning where it felt like everything that could go wrong did? In this episode, host Elex shares a chaotic real-life morning story involving a broken picture frame, stepping barefoot in cat vomit, and managing a panic attack right before an important work presentation. Drawing from insights shared by life coach Kim Maybury of Lilac Farms Life Coaching, Elex breaks down the psychology behind bad days and offers practical, actionable tools to flip your mindset, reset your nervous system, and regain control when life feels overwhelming. Key Takeaways The Brain as a Search Engine: When you tell yourself "today is going to be a bad day," your brain actively searches for evidence to prove you right. Mind Your Prompts: Just like AI tools, your brain relies heavily on the prompts you feed it. Shift the Question: When bad moments stack up, transition from asking "Why is this happening to me?" to "What is this telling me?". Grace Over Perfection: Focus on meeting your basic needs during survival weeks and separate a single bad situation from a bad day or bad life. 9 Tools to Reclaim Your Day 1. The Circuit Breaker: Perform a physical action—like showering, washing your face, or putting on fresh PJs—to signal to your brain that the stressful moment is officially over. 2. Flip the Prompt: Counter negative defaults by asking yourself positive questions, such as "What's the best that could happen?". 3. Micro-Wins & Rewards: Stack small victories (e.g., making your bed or folding laundry) and give yourself something small to look forward to. 4. Protect Your Input: Avoid doom-scrolling, bad news, or sad music when you're feeling down. Curate your environment and feed with positive energy instead. 5. The Grievance Timer: Set a strict 5-to-10-minute timer to vent, cry, or feel your emotions completely before intentionally moving forward. 6. The 5-5-5 Perspective Check: Ask yourself if the situation causing you stress will matter in 5 minutes, 5 days, 5 weeks, or 5 months. 7. Somatic Grounding: Calibrate your nervous system using the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory awareness technique or box breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4). 8. The Friend Test: Offer yourself the same grace, empathy, and constructive advice you would give a best friend in the same situation. 9. Dump and Distance Technique: Write out all your unfiltered frustrations on paper to externalize them and trick your brain into feeling like they are handled. Resources: Life Coach Guest Mentioned: Kim Maybury (Lilac Farms Life Coaching) Mental Health Hub: Visit mentalmixology.org for national and local Mid-Missouri resources. Crisis Line: Call or text 988 for immediate mental health support. Enjoyed the episode? Please leave a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube! Be kind to yourself, be kind to one another, and tune in next week for more!

  8. 9 Jul

    EP 95: The Cost of Caring - Empathy Fatigue

    In this week's episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex dives deep into the realities of navigating the world as a highly empathetic individual. While empathy is the essential human glue that forms profound connections and magnifies shared joy, being overly empathic can often feel like a disservice that leaves you mentally, emotionally, and physically depleted. Elex vulnerably shares her personal experiences with emotional burnout, the deep-seated loneliness that empaths often carry, and how an open heart can leave you vulnerable to master manipulators and people-pleasing cycles. This episode serves as an essential guide for anyone who feels the weight of the world, offering validation and a path toward finding harmony between caring for others and preserving yourself.

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About

Ever feel like your mental health is a complex mix of emotions? Join Elex Simon for honest, relatable conversations about the ups and downs of mental wellness. We're not afraid to get real, sharing personal stories and expert advice on everything from anxiety and depression to finding your inner peace. Discover hidden resources and alternative solutions alongside traditional therapies; if you're looking for a podcast that understands the messy reality of mental health, tune in every Thursday at 6:00 PM CST.

Information

  • Creator
    Elex Simon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Elex Simon
  • Show Website
    Mental Mixology