Mentally STRONG with Dr. B

Cristi Bundukamara
  • 4.6 (5)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semiweekly

About Dr. B Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, Ed.D., PMHNP has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2000, gaining extensive experience over the last several decades. Her medical career began as an Army Medic before attending nursing school and receiving a master’s degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Florida International University (FIU). She went on to receive a doctorate in Education at Nova Southeastern University. From there, she launched the first Mentally STRONG Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO which is committed to access and serves over 7,000 patients. Today, when she’s not at the clinic attending to her patients, Dr. B dedicates a large portion of her time to speaking about mental strength, sharing her proprietary Mentally STRONG Method, and providing tips for developing mental strength.

  1. 17h ago

    Overcoming Survival Mode, Capacity for Grief & Community Support: Amanda’s Story

    Do you ever feel like you’re just trying to keep your head above water, constantly living in "survival mode" and waiting for the other shoe to drop? In this episode, Dr. B sits down with Amanda (MA in Professional Counseling) to explore how we can move past simply surviving and begin building a life we truly love. Amanda shares her deeply personal journey—from navigating the heartbreak of losing her mother to early-onset dementia, to realizing that having "big feelings" isn't a weakness, but rather a vital strength for showing up for others. Together, they discuss why "fixing" ourselves is a trap, how to build the capacity to hold deep sorrow, and why true healing happens in community rather than self-sufficiency. In This Episode: Unpacking the "Good Girl" Narrative: How people-pleasing can lead to losing your authentic selfSurviving vs. Thriving: Moving out of survival mode and into meaningful livingBuilding Emotional Capacity: Holding big stories and deep grief without being crushedThe Power of Community: Why we aren't meant to be entirely self-sufficientResources & Links Mentioned: Free Live Training: Register for the Free Mentally STRONG TrainingAmanda's Organization: Hope House Canon CityJoin the Mission: Sign up for our mailing listOfficial Website: Mentally STRONGAbout Amanda: Amanda holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Colorado Christian University and has dedicated 15 years to supporting young mothers. At Hope House Canon City, she works to eliminate barriers for teen moms and their children by providing resources, healthy family structures, and a supportive living community. About Your Host: Dr. Cristi Bundukamara (Ed.D, PMHNP-BC) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Healthcare Education. Having navigated profound personal trials, Dr. B created the Mentally STRONG Method to help others manage stress, process trauma, and cultivate mental strength. Connect with Dr. B & Mentally STRONG: Facebook: Dr. Cristi BundukamaraInstagram: @cristibundukamaraYouTube: Dr. B Mentally STRONG

  2. 4d ago

    Navigating Grief, Trauma & Fighting Through the Weight of Loss: Dr. B's Reset Framework

    I’ve had many moments where I just wanted to run times when the weight of the "fight or flight" response felt like it was going to swallow me whole. After losing my three children and my husband over the course of 20 years, I had to learn how to do more than just survive; I had to learn how to be Mentally STRONG in the midst of absolute trauma. If you are feeling overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, or a life that feels like it’s falling apart, this episode is an invitation into a mental reset. Dr. B walks through her personal framework for healing after profound loss, sharing how you can begin to separate your pain from your trauma to find an authentic path forward. We aren't just "pushing through" anymore we are authentically rebuilding. In This Episode: Navigating the "fight or flight" response during times of deep crisisPractical tools for separating immediate pain from underlying traumaRebuilding your life authentically after overwhelming lossMoving past survival mode and stepping into long-term mental resilienceResources & Links Mentioned: Free Live Training: Register for the Free Mentally STRONG TrainingReset Event: Mentally STRONG Reset LiveJoin the Mission: Sign up for our mailing listOfficial Website: Mentally STRONG

  3. 6d ago

    The Myth of Grit, Healing from Abuse & Financial Wellness: Edija Šaripova’s Story

    In this episode, Dr. B sits down with Edija Šaripova (CPA and Financial Advisor at Denver Wealth Management) to explore the deep connection between mental, physical, and financial well-being. Born in Latvia and migrating to the U.S. in 2001, Edija built a successful career in investment consulting before finding her true calling: helping others achieve a balanced life. Together, they break down why the "pushing through" mentality can actually hinder healing, how to break the silence surrounding abuse, and how Stoic philosophy and faith can help you identify what you can and cannot control. In This Episode: The Myth of Grit: Why "pushing through" often blocks true healingHealing from Abuse: Overcoming the silence and shame that can trap successful womenControl & Clarity: Using Stoic philosophy and faith to separate grief, trauma, and negative self-talkSetting Boundaries: How saying "no" to others is an act of saying "yes" to your growthResources & Links Mentioned: Free Training: Register for the Free Mentally STRONG TrainingJoin the Mission: Sign up for our mailing listOfficial Website: Mentally STRONGAbout Edija Šaripova, CPA: Edija Šaripova is a Financial Advisor at Denver Wealth Management with over two decades of experience across accounting and investment management. She leads the Women Who Invest™ community, empowering women to build intergenerational wealth and invest in themselves. Outside of her professional work, Edija enjoys snowboarding in Colorado and playing the violin and piano. About Your Host: Dr. Cristi Bundukamara (Ed.D, PMHNP-BC) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Healthcare Education. Having navigated profound personal trials, Dr. B created the Mentally STRONG Method to help others manage stress, process trauma, and cultivate mental strength. Connect with Dr. B & Mentally STRONG: Facebook: Dr. Cristi BundukamaraInstagram: @cristibundukamaraYouTube: Dr. B Mentally STRONG

  4. Aug 13

    Finding Your Authentic Self & Overcoming Rock Bottom: Frank’s Story

    I’ve spent my career helping people navigate the darkest corners of their minds and the heavy weight of grief, but every so often, I meet someone whose journey reminds me exactly why we do this work. Frank Sinclair is one of those people, and his story is a profound masterclass in mental strength, authenticity, and the power of being truly seen. Have you ever felt like a "hopeless case" numb, or like you’re simply a burden to those around you? Frank lived this reality, spiraling from a high-achieving Air Force career into addiction and homelessness on the streets of Colorado Springs. Just when he was ready to give up, a moment of genuine human connection gave him a second chance, proving that our value remains unchanged even at our lowest points. In this episode, Dr. B sits down with Frank to discuss what it means to be honest with yourself, how to navigate the complex reality of recovery and losing a child, and how reframing homelessness can open our eyes to a community deserving of dignity. In This Episode: Moving from rock bottom and addiction to finding true purposeThe power of feeling seen and human connection in healingNavigating grief, child loss, and the "leaky" process of recoveryReframing how we view homelessness and dignity in our communitiesResources & Links Mentioned: Free Training: Register for the Free Mentally STRONG TrainingFrank Sinclair's Work: Dream Again LLC | Be Encouraged PodcastJoin the Mission: Sign up for our mailing listOfficial Website: Mentally STRONGAbout Frank Sinclair: Frank Sinclair is the Chief Encouragement Officer of Dream Again LLC, a coaching, speaking, and training enterprise. He is the founder of the podcast Be Encouraged with Frank and Lisa, an in-demand speaker, and author of four books, including The Encouragement Revolution. About Your Host: Dr. Cristi Bundukamara (Ed.D, PMHNP-BC) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Healthcare Education. Having navigated profound personal trials, Dr. B created the Mentally STRONG Method to help others process depression, anxiety, grief, and stress to build lasting mental resilience. Connect with Dr. B & Mentally STRONG: Facebook: Dr. Cristi BundukamaraInstagram: @cristibundukamaraYouTube: Dr. B Mentally STRONG

  5. Aug 11

    Bipolar Diagnosis & Finding Your Authentic Self: Sean’s Story

    Whether we’re in front of the camera or behind the scenes in a high-pressure job, many of us carry an internal dialogue telling us we aren't enough. In this episode, Dr. B sits down with filmmaker and clinical social worker Mari Moxley to peel back the layers on why we often sacrifice our true selves just to be "palatable" to others. Together, they dive deep into the reality of negative self-talk, the "micro-griefs" we experience every day, and why choosing authenticity even when it leads to rejection is the ultimate act of mental strength. If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing a version of yourself just to belong, there is peace waiting for you on the other side of that performance. In This Episode: The impact of negative self-talk and daily "micro-griefs"Why we sacrifice authenticity to feel acceptedHow to step out of performance mode and embrace your true selfResources & Links Mentioned: Free Training: Register for our free training todayWatch the Documentary: Watch the full documentary hereJoin the Mission: Sign up for our mailing listOfficial Website: Mentally STRONGAbout Mari Moxley: Mari Moxley’s background in clinical social work and philosophy fuels her passion for crafting film stories that highlight diverse human perspectives. She views filmmaking as a therapeutic intervention that fosters meaningful conversations and deeper understanding. Mari has led mental health awareness campaigns within the U.S. Air Force, collaborated with the Department of Defense and NATO, and documented advancements in medicine and space exploration. About Your Host: Dr. Cristi Bundukamara (Ed.D, PMHNP-BC) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Healthcare Education. Having navigated profound personal trials, Dr. B created the Mentally STRONG Method to help others manage depression, anxiety, grief, and stress to build mental strength and choose happiness. Connect with Dr. B & Mentally STRONG: Facebook: Dr. Cristi BundukamaraInstagram: @cristibundukamaraYouTube: Dr. B Mentally STRONG

  6. Mar 26

    Bipolar Diagnosis & Finding Your Authentic Self: Sean’s Story

    Register for our free training today: join.mentallystrong.com/mentallystrongtraining DBSA Colorado Springs - www.dbsacoloradosprings.org DBSA national - www.dbsaliance.org Sean Sindler is a retired Air Force veteran. He was medically retired for his bipolar 2 disorder. He has had employment, relationship, and financial struggles due to bipolar, and found significant help in dealing with these struggles in the peer support groups offered by Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Colorado Springs. Sean recently took over as President of DBSA Colorado Springs.  If you or someone you love is struggling with a mood disorder, please know that you are not alone, and there is absolutely no shame in your story. Healing starts with the courage to be seen. #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #MentalHealthMatters #CristiBundukamara #PainandPurpose #MentalStrength #mentallystrong

  7. Mar 25

    Bipolar Diagnosis & Finding Your Authentic Self: Sean’s Story

    Register for our free training today: join.mentallystrong.com/mentallystrongtraining DBSA Colorado Springs - www.dbsacoloradosprings.org DBSA national - www.dbsaliance.org Sean Sindler is a retired Air Force veteran. He was medically retired for his bipolar 2 disorder. He has had employment, relationship, and financial struggles due to bipolar, and found significant help in dealing with these struggles in the peer support groups offered by Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Colorado Springs. Sean recently took over as President of DBSA Colorado Springs.  If you or someone you love is struggling with a mood disorder, please know that you are not alone, and there is absolutely no shame in your story. Healing starts with the courage to be seen. #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #MentalHealthMatters #CristiBundukamara #PainandPurpose #MentalStrength #mentallystrong

  8. Mar 24

    Why Your Brain Stays in "Survival Mode" (And How to Stop It)

    🧠💪join.mentallystrong.com/mentallystrongtraining I’ve spent years in the mental health space, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we often confuse "grit" with simply burying our pain. Today, I’m sitting down with Nicole Weiss to peel back the layers on what it actually means to heal from PTSD and why true mental strength requires us to stop apologizing for being human. Whether you’re a veteran, a healthcare worker, or someone just trying to navigate a heavy world, I hope this conversation reminds you that you don’t have to carry it all alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the reality of trauma-informed care, the difference between resilience and mental strength, and how to manage anxiety when life feels out of your control. Nicole shares her powerful journey from a "childhood of chaos" to leading the Light Hill Institute, offering a unique perspective on how our "dumb-smart brains" try to help us survive, even when those old patterns no longer serve us. If you’ve been struggling with grief, loss, or the weight of PTSD, listen in. We’re talking about the "basic first aid" of social support and how to find clarity in the midst of the storm. #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #MentalHealthMatters #CristiBundukamara #PainandPurpose #MentalStrength #mentallystrong

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4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

About Dr. B Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, Ed.D., PMHNP has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2000, gaining extensive experience over the last several decades. Her medical career began as an Army Medic before attending nursing school and receiving a master’s degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Florida International University (FIU). She went on to receive a doctorate in Education at Nova Southeastern University. From there, she launched the first Mentally STRONG Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO which is committed to access and serves over 7,000 patients. Today, when she’s not at the clinic attending to her patients, Dr. B dedicates a large portion of her time to speaking about mental strength, sharing her proprietary Mentally STRONG Method, and providing tips for developing mental strength.

Information

  • Creator
    Cristi Bundukamara
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    277
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cristi Bundukamara
  • Show Website
    Mentally STRONG with Dr. B

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