Beyond the Smile Melissa Russiano, LCSW, LISW, CDWF

Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Twelve:  It’s A Wrap!   Lessons Learned this Season 

What a second season!  We laughed, I cried, my life turned upside down with a move and I added an AMAZING co-host.   We covered the topics of burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, self-care, social media and so many other topics that we hope you enjoyed.  Tune into our LAST episode to hear our summary of the season, what we have going on now, and maybe a preview of another season.   Maybe a discussion of a retreat to meet other like-minded people that can become your tribe?  Perhaps.  Check it out!

Want to learn more? or contact us?  Click the links below for more info:



Melissa Russiano

Melissa Jean-Charles



As always, thank you for tuning in each week to laugh with us, discuss difficult topics with us, and grow with us.   We all walk out the door most days with a picture-perfect smile and the appearance of life all pulled together.  Our goal remains to have discussions of what happens Beyond the Smile when we have Real Talk with Real People.    That is the world we want to live in.  A world where we can be authentic, completely imperfect, and totally ourselves.

Until that world exists, we are in this with you - every step of the way - and will be back soon!



Take care everyone -

Melissa & Melissa

Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Eleven:  Tribe Time!  Wait, What Does That Even Mean???   Finding Your People

Brené Brown states in Daring Greatly,  “Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.”   In our post-pandemic culture, individuals are feeling increasingly more isolated despite their ability to leave quarantine and mingle.    It is an internal longing to be understood and known by someone on a core level (that isn’t your therapist!).   Today we discuss what this concept of ‘finding your tribe’ really means and ways to connect in your own community.  In addition, we review coach vs therapist if you feel you need some additional support in finding your people.  They are out there - we promise.

Check out Episode Eleven as we dive into this important topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think!

Have a great Monday everyone -

Melissa & Melissa



Resources Referred to in Episode:

Deeper Connections

Why Human Connection Will Bring Us Closer Together

Benefits of a Bucket List

What is the Real Difference Between a Therapist and a Coach?

Life Coach vs Therapist:  8 Myths Debunked

Five Differences Between Coaching and Psychotherapy

Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Ten:  A Dolphin, A Lion, A Bear, and A Wolf Walk Into A Bar …



Confused?  No worries at all!  I will admit to being very confused when my amazing co-host broached the subject of sleep chronotypes.   I am someone who always is looking for that “great night of sleep” and never quite seeming to find it.  In addition, I have always been jealous of those who can go to the gym at 5a, or work late without caffeine and even those who can wake up without an alarm clock.   Our discussion today centers around being able to identify your sleep chronotype, why sleep patterns are so important, and what you can learn about yourself based on when your body works best.  Are we experts?  Nope.  Not yet! But we will talk through the impact of sleep on all aspects of your life, including your mental health.



Check out Episode Ten as we dive into this very interesting topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think!

Have a great Monday everyone -

Melissa & Melissa



Resources Referred to in Episode:

The Power of When

Psychological Benefits of Routines

Why Routines are Important for Your Mental Health

Dr Oz & Sleep

Chronotype Overview

Genetic Basis of Chronotypes in Humans

Chronotype Quiz

Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Nine:   Passions At A Circus Are Always In Tents



Self-care is not selfish.   Self-care is taking care of yourself so you can take care of others.  Self-care is respecting yourself the way you respect others.  Heard any of those statements in your life?   Yep, so have I.   And I roll my eyes.    As a result, we are diving in to determine what SELF CARE really means what it does not mean.    You may think you know all about self-care, but after our discussion, we hope you change that opinion.  Sound familiar?  Yep - this is round two for those overachievers in our world that need a second discussion to REALLY hear the importance of this issue.  We - ok, MJC - uses my own struggles as a working example!

Check out Episode Nine as we dive into this important topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think!



Have a great Monday everyone -

Melissa & Melissa



Resources Referred to in Episode:

Best Motivation Apps of 2020

Poverty and Self Care

Caring for Your Mental Health

Time Blocking Info/Templates

Self-care is not selfish.   Self-care is taking care of you so you can take care of others.  Self-care is respecting yourself the way you respect others.  Heard any of those statements in your life?   Yep, so have I.   And I roll my eyes.    As a result, we are diving in to determine what SELF CARE really means what it does not mean.    You may think you know all about self-care, but after our discussion, we hope you change that opinion.

Check out Episode Eight as we dive into this controversial (ok, annoying to some…)  topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think!

Have a great Monday everyone -

Melissa & Melissa



Resources Referred to in Episode:

Radical Self Care

The Global Community Connection with Radical Self Care

Your Healthiest Self

Self Care

Why Self Care Isn’t Selfish

How to Start a Self Care Routine

15 Self Care Ideas for Morning Routines

Practicing Self Care is Important

Doing What Matters in Times of Stress

Does Self Care Impact Mental Health?

What is Self Care and Why is it Critical for your Health?

Caring for your Mental Health

Self Care is a Must

Social Media is something that one either loves (or loves to hate…) or avoid at all costs.   But is there a benefit to social media?   Many individuals look to social media for their mental health information, general health advice, and overall tips and tricks for life.  Oh, and to keep in touch with people of course!   So can it be a positive avenue for information if taken from another point of view?    It may surprise you to hear that we both have different views on this subject!

Check out Episode Seven as we dive into this interesting topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think!

Have a great Monday everyone -

Melissa & Melissa



Resources Referred to in Episode:

6 Ways Social Media Impacts Our Mental Health

Social Media and Self Esteem

Positive Impact of Social Media

Diversity & Inclusion on Social Media

Why Inclusivity Matters in Social Media

How Social Media Impacts Culture & Language

6 Ways Social Media Impacts Your Mood 

How Social Media Can Affect Your Mood