Mental Mixology

Elex Simon
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Mental Health
  • Biweekly

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. Oct 22

    EP 106: - Money & Mental Peace - How to Stop Worrying About Your Financial Future | John Walter with Northwestern Mutual

    Finances are one of the heaviest stress points in modern life, yet so many people feel paralyzed or embarrassed to ask for help when money feels out of control. Whether you are navigating heavy monthly debt, living paycheck to paycheck, or holding savings without knowing how to allocate them efficiently, financial disarray takes an immediate toll on your sleep, your mood, and your overall mental well-being. In this episode, Elex sits down with John Walter, a CPA and Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, to break down the deep connection between financial planning and mental peace. John begins by dispelling the widespread myth that you must already be wealthy to work with a financial planner. A planner's primary role is to meet people wherever they are starting, helping families restructure debt so their hard-earned income stops disappearing into old loan payments and begins funding their actual life goals. Rather than jumping straight into aggressive investing, John emphasizes establishing a protective foundation first. By anchoring a plan with debt management, insurance safeguards, estate documents, and an emergency reserve, you protect your baseline against life events like job loss or medical crises that could otherwise wipe out years of progress. A central focus of the episode explores the psychological transformation that occurs when you build an emergency cushion. Operating without a buffer forces the nervous system into a chronic scarcity mindset, driving emotional decisions and persistent anxiety. Securing a baseline of roughly three months of living expenses in a high-yield vehicle creates room to breathe, completely altering how you show up for daily life and seasonal expenses. To keep major ambitions from feeling paralyzing, John outlines a holistic goal-setting framework that organizes priorities into short-term, midterm, and long-term buckets. Focusing on what you want to achieve across your personal, professional, and financial life over a realistic three-year window allows you to build steady momentum without feeling crushed by abstract forty-year timelines. The conversation also breaks down intimidating technical concepts into plain language. John demystifies asset allocation across stocks, bonds, and cash, explaining why strategic diversification protects hard work far better than speculative gambling. The discussion traces how the retirement landscape has shifted from company-funded pensions to self-directed 401(k)s, requiring workers to deliberately build their own future income streams. John and Elex also explore why estate planning matters long before retirement, highlighting why every individual needs basic power of attorney and healthcare disclosure documents in place the moment they turn 18, alongside the functional differences between wills that pass through probate court and trusts that manage distribution privately. For anyone currently feeling stuck or ashamed of where their finances stand, John emphasizes that financial mistakes are universal and the first step is simply opening up an honest conversation with a trusted professional. Listeners across the Central United States can connect with John Walter for a complimentary 30-minute consultation through his website at johnwalter.nm.com, or access his information via the Central Missouri resource directory on the Mental Mixology website. If you or someone you know is navigating an emotional crisis or mental health challenge, remember that free, confidential help is always available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Be kind to yourselves, be kind to one another, and enjoy this week’s episode. Connect with John Walter directly at john.walter@nm.com or visit https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial-planning/ For more financial mental health resources, check out https://www.mentalmixology.org/mental-health-resources/ and scroll to the bottom of the page.

  2. Oct 15

    EP 105: What Is Mental Health First Aid? (And Why You Need It) | Tina Edholm & Erica Elliot with Mental Health First Aid

    Supporting someone through a mental health or substance use challenge can feel intimidating, but you do not need to be a medical professional or have a flawless script to make a lifesaving difference. In this episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex sits down with Tina Edholm (Mental Health First Aid Missouri) and Erica Elliott (Pettis County Health Center) to break down the practical steps of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Learn how to spot early warning signs, open the door to tough conversations, navigate resistance, and use the 5-step ALGEE action plan to build a supportive safety net in your community. MEET THE GUESTS Tina Edholm is a Training and Outreach Specialist with Mental Health First Aid Missouri, based at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). She coordinates a statewide network of 400 instructors who have trained more than 113,000 Missourians. Erica Elliott is a Health Instructor at the Pettis County Health Center, leading public wellness and prevention initiatives. Erica has been certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid since 2021 and Adult Mental Health First Aid since 2026. WHAT WE COVER - Starting the conversation simply by saying "I've noticed..." without overthinking the wording. - Why asking someone directly about mental health challenges or suicide does not put thoughts into their head. - How to recognize shifts away from someone's unique baseline behavior. - Treating mental health support like standard CPR or first aid—offering immediate help rather than attempting to diagnose or treat. - How to respond patiently when someone pushes back with "I'm fine". - Why trained first aiders are crucial for breaking stigma in rural and under-resourced communities. THE 5-STEP ALGEE ACTION PLAN A: Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm L: Listen nonjudgmentally G: Give reassurance and information E: Encourage appropriate professional help E: Encourage self-help and other support strategies (For teens in grades 9–12, teen Mental Health First Aid teaches the R.O.L.E. framework to help students connect peers with trusted adults.) PROGRAM & COMMUNITY LINKS National Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org Mental Health First Aid Missouri: https://mhfamissouri.org Pettis County Health Center: https://pettiscountyhealthcenter.org | (660) 827-1130 Mental Mixology Resource Library: https://mentalmixology.org CRISIS LINES & HELPLINES (FREE & CONFIDENTIAL) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | https://988lifeline.org (Available 24/7 across the U.S. for anyone in personal crisis or anyone asking how to support a friend/loved one) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 | https://www.crisistextline.org(Free, 24/7 confidential crisis support by text message) The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 | https://www.thetrevorproject.org(24/7 confidential suicide prevention and crisis intervention) Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 | https://www.veteranscrisisline.net(24/7 confidential support for veterans, service members, and their families) SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 | https://www.samhsa.gov(24/7, 365-day treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use disorders) Subscribe to Mental Mixology for weekly conversations on practical wellness, mental health education, and community support. If this episode helped you, please like, share, and leave a comment!

  3. Oct 8

    EP 104: High-Functioning but Exhausted | The Vagus Nerve & Nervous System Regulation with Linda Carr

    In this episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex sits down with Linda Carr, founder of Heal Your Vagus Nerve and creator of The Vegas Genie Formula, to explore why so many high-functioning individuals suffer from chronic exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout despite doing "everything right" for their health. Linda explains that while clean eating, supplements, and exercise are valuable, they cannot resolve deep-seated exhaustion if the autonomic nervous system remains trapped in a chronic stress response. Accounting for roughly 80% of the autonomic nervous system, the vagus nerve acts as the primary switch governing whether the body operates in survival mode—fight-or-flight—or enters a state of growth, repair, rest, and digestion. When dysregulated, red flags often manifest as an inability to stop or receive support, persistent anxiety, and a driving belief that taking a break will lead to disaster. The discussion delves into how early childhood experiences and emotional patterns shape the adult nervous system. Linda outlines how perfectionism, parental fear, false guilt, and unwitnessed grief entrain the body to operate in perpetual defense, making dysregulation the body's baseline normal. Because protection is wired deep within the nervous system, individuals cannot simply think or talk themselves out of physical anxiety. Instead, restoring balance requires teaching the nervous system safety through small, physiological practices performed consistently—often taking just ten minutes a day to recondition the autonomic nervous system, relieve physical pain, improve gut health, restore sleep, and eliminate panic attacks. To help listeners regulate their nervous system in real time, Linda shares two key tools from her practice. The first is the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) Triad, a quick technique where you unclench your jaw to let your teeth float apart, drop your tongue flat to the floor of your mouth, and gently breathe through your nose. Maintaining this posture sends an immediate message of safety to the brainstem and can be held for a few moments daily or sustained for six or more minutes during acute anxiety attacks. The second tool is Containment, a practice of creating physical boundaries—such as wrapping yourself tightly in a blanket, wearing a beanie, or holding a stuffed animal—to ground your body and communicate safety during overwhelming moments at home. Listeners looking to dive deeper or work directly with Linda Carr can visit healyourvagusnerve.com, which offers education, articles, and details on booking a complimentary 45-minute initial consultation. Linda works with clients virtually worldwide and will also be accepting in-person clients starting at the end of October at Chill Cryotherapy in Sedalia, Missouri. As a reminder for anyone experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Find a printable PDF of the episode information at: https://www.mentalmixology.org/blog/high-functioning-but-exhausted-how-to-rewire-your-vagus-nerve-with-linda-carr-/

  4. Oct 1

    EP 103: Beyond the Spectrum: Navigating Mental Health & Autism | Zoie Rice

    In this episode, host Elex sits down with Zoie Rice, President of the Stepping Stones Foundation for Disability Support, to discuss the intersection of mental health, autism, and disability advocacy in rural communities. Highlighting the CDC statistic that approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the conversation explores how families navigate the complex and often unclear path of disability care. Zoie shares the story behind Stepping Stones—from its origins as a parent-led autism support group in Sedalia, Missouri, to its rebranding as a broader disability support organization—and emphasizes the vital need for free community resources, individualized education plan (IEP) advocacy, and dedicated support for families in smaller towns. The discussion dives deep into the strong link between developmental disabilities and mental health, pointing out that 70 to 80 percent of children on the autism spectrum experience at least one co-occurring mental health condition. Zoie and Elex discuss how environmental stressors, sensory overload, and communication barriers directly impact emotional well-being, often triggering anxiety or depression. Zoie explains that behavior is a primary form of communication, urging parents, teachers, and first responders to recognize precursor signs of distress—such as changes in speech patterns, physical tension, or self-soothing behaviors. The conversation also highlights the role of occupational therapy in evaluating and addressing individual sensory needs, reinforcing that true support requires meeting neurodivergent individuals where they are. Beyond supporting individuals, the episode shines a light on the severe burnout, isolation, and systemic gaps that caregivers experience. Zoie discusses the administrative hurdles families face with state Medicaid waivers and identifies a major gap in community infrastructure: the lack of specialized childcare and support programs for youth with higher needs between the ages of 5 and 18. The episode stresses the importance of caregiver self-care, establishing structured daily routines, and building genuine community support. True accessibility requires looking beyond basic accommodations to implement meaningful changes, such as adult-accessible restrooms with changing tables and Hoyer lifts, sensory-considered environments, and safe community spaces. Looking to the future, Zoie outlines Stepping Stones' vision to establish a physical facility in Central Missouri offering specialized childcare, community events, and eventual long-term residential options for children with behavioral support needs. Listeners are invited to support the foundation by volunteering time, donating resources, engaging in local policy awareness, or attending Stepping Stones' upcoming October "Spooktacular" event at the Smith-Cotton High School football field in Sedalia, featuring games, vendor booths, a trunk-or-treat, and a 5K walk/run. To connect with Stepping Stones or access local resources, families can reach out via email or social media, and as always, anyone experiencing a mental health crisis is encouraged to call or text 988. To connect with Zoie at Stepping Stones Disability Support check out https://www.steppingstonesfoundation.org/

  5. Sep 11

    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.

  6. Sep 3

    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

  7. Aug 27

    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!

  8. Aug 20

    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.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

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
    105
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Elex Simon
  • Show Website
    Mental Mixology

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