Becoming Okay

Meg Schirnhofer
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated weekly

Becoming Okay, real-life conversations to ease your mind and help you redefine your life. Hosted by Meg Schirnhofer, this podcast explores what it actually means to live with your mind, not against it. Through honest solo episodes and real conversations with doctors, psychiatrists, military leaders, elite athletes, high performers, entrepreneurs, and deep thinkers, Becoming Okay looks at how people build resilience, cope with anxiety and depression, find meaning beyond success, and learn to live more gently with themselves. Here's everyones version of 'becoming okay'.

  1. 1 May

    Team USA Athlete Opens Up About Betrayal, Identity Loss & Starting Again

    In this episode of Becoming Okay, Riley Tejcek shares the moment her life changed overnight, from elite performance and purpose to heartbreak, identity loss, and rebuilding from nothing. We talk about: – Being cheated on weeks before competing at world level – The mental toll of “staying strong” when you’re breaking – Why forgiveness is more about you than them – Rebuilding trust after betrayal – The identity crisis no one prepares you for – Letting go of a dream to choose a different life Chapters 00:00 The Collapse of a Relationship 05:03 Compartmentalisation and Healing 07:08 Faith, Forgiveness, and Moving Forward 18:04 The Importance of Self-Compassion 27:41 Navigating New Relationships 29:26 The Power of Partnership in Overcoming Struggles 33:29 Vulnerability and Communication in Relationships 35:46 Self-Discovery Through Relationships 38:51 Navigating Differences and Building a Healthy Marriage 42:18 Prioritising Love Over Career 47:10 The Journey of Letting Go and Embracing Change 50:50 Mental Health and the Importance of Community Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word. Find me here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer Find Riley here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/

    54 min

  2. 24 Apr

    Why The Answer Isn't Always Therapy + Medication, with The Cornwall Mind CEO...

    In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with Paul Reeve, CEO of Cornwall Mind, to break down what mental health actually is and why the system we rely on might be getting it wrong. From growing up around NHS mental health care to leading one of the UK’s most impactful charities, Paul shares a completely different perspective: mental health isn’t something you catch, it’s something life does to you and something you have to actively protect. This isn’t a clinical conversation. It’s a real one folks! We don't hold back... Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Personal Journey 07:39 Challenges in Cornwall's Mental Health Landscape 13:26 Cultural Shifts in Mental Health Awareness 17:29 Preventative Approaches to Mental Health 23:21 Five Ways to Wellbeing and Personal Insights 27:55 Navigating Personal Challenges and Isolation 33:30 The Journey to Finding Gratitude 38:52 Building Trust and Motivation in Mental Health 47:03 Redesigning the Mental Health System 53:58 Embracing the Journey of Life Cornwall Mind: https://cornwallmind.org/ If you need support, you can find your local Mind services here: https://www.mind.org.uk/

    56 min

  3. 17 Apr

    25 Years Of Everyday Stress is Making Her Go Permanently Blind!

    In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with Toni Lavery, a former U.S. Army Special Operations veteran with 25 years of service, who was told she's going blind… with no clear explanation. After years of high performance, poor sleep, chronic headaches, and pushing through pressure, her body forced her to pay attention. We talk about: - Why high performers ignore warning signs - The physical impact of long-term stress - The moment everything changed - And the interventions that helped her rebuild her life Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Stress on Health 06:13 Navigating the Medical Maze 12:06 Exploring Treatment Options 18:11 Transformative Therapy Experiences 24:22 Managing Stress and Expectations 29:26 Reflections on Regrets and Life Lessons 29:55 Navigating Life's Challenges and Choices 30:24 The Impact of Past Experiences on Personal Growth 31:35 The Power of Relationships in Healing 33:01 Communication as a Key to Relationship Success 36:00 Coping Mechanisms for Stress Management 36:32 The Importance of Discipline in Personal Development 38:24 Understanding Health Through Medical Interventions 41:42 The Role of Support Systems in Recovery 46:50 Setting Boundaries for a Healthier Life 48:02 Influential Books and Their Life Lessons Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word. Find me here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer Find Toni here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-l-nashville-professional/

    54 min

  4. 10 Apr

    Why Your Job Isn’t Making You Happy + How To Do Something About It | Happiness Expert Matt Phelan

    Most people think happiness comes from fixing their life. It actually starts by understanding why you’re unhappy. In this episode, with Matt Phelan, Co-Founder of The Happiness Index, x2 Workplace Happiness Author and Keynote Speaker, we cover: – Why your job might not be the real problem – The truth about “loving what you do” – And why happiness is more about relationships than anything else Chapters 00:00 The Hedonic Treadmill and Eudaimonia 04:46 The Connection Between Work and Personal Life 07:39 The Journey to Creating a Happiness-Focused Business 10:46 Finding Meaning in Life 12:36 Societal Norms and Personal Choices 14:59 The Challenge of Sobriety and Social Expectations 23:09 The Irony of Alcohol and Mental Health 26:38 Falling Back in Love with Work 29:06 The Taboo of Job Satisfaction 30:55 Redefining Happiness Beyond Salary 32:29 The Happiness Advantage 33:41 Childhood Influences on Mental Health 35:08 Happiness as a Team Sport 36:49 The Role of Social Media in Mental Health 39:40 The Challenge of Parenting in the Digital Age 42:14 Social Media vs. Smoking: A Comparison 44:01 Starting Conversations for Happiness 47:14 Fear and Predictions of the Future 48:00 Data Points of Happiness Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word. Find me here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer Find Matt here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewphelan/

    49 min

  5. 27 Mar

    Silenced by Family, Speaking Out as an Adult

    In this episode, Rose shares a story that most people never speak about. From a very young age, she knew something wasn’t right, but like so many, she was silenced, dismissed, and left to carry things that were never hers to carry. This conversation goes into: - what childhood abuse can actually look like behind closed doors - how silence is created and reinforced within families - and what it takes to finally speak up after years of carrying it alone This isn’t an easy watch. Viewers discretion is advised. Chapters 00:00 Childhood Memories and Feelings of Isolation 03:45 The Start of Trauma: Early Experiences 08:10 Understanding Abuse: The Impact of Family Dynamics 12:59 The Role of Neglect in Family Relationships 17:27 The Burden of Responsibility: A Child's Perspective 22:29 The Emotional Fallout: Abandonment and Resilience 27:22 Breaking the Silence: Speaking Up at 15 32:29 The Aftermath: Navigating Family Dynamics Post-Revelation 39:10 Childhood Chores and Family Dynamics 47:59 Trauma and Military Experience 53:47 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse 55:23 Finding Healing Through Motherhood 01:11:54 The Power of Laughter and Resilience 01:15:42 Empowerment and Moving Forward Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word. Find me here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543 Find Rose here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-randall-psy-d-ma-43404642/

    1hr 19min

  6. 27 Mar

    The Loneliest Place Isn’t Being Single… It’s This! | With Ferne McCann's Therapist

    What actually happens inside a therapy room? In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with licensed psychotherapist Anna Jackson, who also features as a verified therapist on Every Cloud with Ferne McCann. We go inside the conversations people have when no one else is listening. The thoughts, patterns, and truths most never say out loud. From relationships and heartbreak… to grief, identity, and mental health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Therapy and Stigma 03:05 The Importance of Maintenance in Relationships 05:33 Navigating Difficult Relationships 08:33 The Role of Comparison in Personal Growth 11:05 Grieving Relationships and Moving Forward 20:48 Navigating Grief and Celebration 23:08 The Complexity of Regret 27:30 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist 30:33 Understanding Mental Health as a Symptom 35:36 Coping Mechanisms for Mental Well-being Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word. Find me here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543 Find Anna here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annapsychotherapist/

    44 min

  7. 20 Mar

    Why You Feel Stuck In Your Career & How to Break Free! (HINT: It’s Not Burnout)

    In this episode of Becoming Okay, I speak with Gabriela Flax, Founder of Pivot School, breaks down exactly how she's helped 300+ clients pivot careers, secure offers, and build businesses, with companies like: Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, Oura, Easyjet and so on... Chapters 00:00 Understanding Body Signals and Inflammation 04:56 Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace 09:15 The Meaning of Burnout 14:07 Changing Environments and Contextual Breaks 21:04 Building Healthy Routines and Discipline 25:15 Toxic Positivity and Self-Awareness 28:16 Self-Worth and Career Identity 30:03 Finding Your North Star 33:48 Understanding Sunday Scaries 37:05 The Courage to Change 42:24 Embracing Curiosity 47:12 Creating vs. Consuming 53:02 Mission vs. Goal Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word. Find me here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543 Find Gabriela here: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ ⁨@GabrielaFlax⁩   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabriela-flax-the-career-wellness-coach?originalSubdomain=uk

    1hr 1min

  8. 13 Mar

    Raising Two Terminally Ill Children: A Mother’s Story

    In this episode of Becoming Okay, I speak with Mayer Marks about the moment that changed her life forever. At just six months old, her son was diagnosed with a rare terminal illness. Doctors told her to prepare for the worst. They didn’t expect him to leave the hospital. Years later, life would bring another shock when her daughter was diagnosed with the same condition. Chapters 00:00 Meet Mayer Marks and Her Story 01:09 The Moment of Diagnosis and Initial Reactions 03:03 Understanding the Diagnoses and Daily Challenges 06:40 Dealing with Repetition of Diagnosis and Faith 08:32 Deciding Not to Have More Children 11:01 Coping Strategies and Support Network 15:08 First Steps and Milestones Achieved 17:55 Community Support and Acceptance in Sports 21:30 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Confidence 22:43 Lessons About Living and Slowing Down 25:42 Understanding the Rarity and Medical Perspective 28:21 Reflections on Time, Grief, and Joy 30:42 Impact on Marriage and Personal Growth 34:59 The Role of Faith and Self-Compassion 40:18 The Power of Showing Up and Resilience 43:32 The Importance of Self-Kindness and Acceptance 46:09 Balancing Life, Service, and Personal Well-being 51:52 Final Message: Living Beyond Labels Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word. Find me here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543 Follow Mayer here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3mxo/

    55 min
See All (29)

About

Becoming Okay, real-life conversations to ease your mind and help you redefine your life. Hosted by Meg Schirnhofer, this podcast explores what it actually means to live with your mind, not against it. Through honest solo episodes and real conversations with doctors, psychiatrists, military leaders, elite athletes, high performers, entrepreneurs, and deep thinkers, Becoming Okay looks at how people build resilience, cope with anxiety and depression, find meaning beyond success, and learn to live more gently with themselves. Here's everyones version of 'becoming okay'.

Information

  • Creator
    Meg Schirnhofer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Meg Schirnhofer
  • Show Website
    Becoming Okay