A Couple of Multiples: The Reality of Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder

Drew & Garden System

There’s never a dull moment for hosts, Drew and Garden System, who are a couple that have both been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. While they are navigating their healing journey, they continue to manage full time careers, raise four teenagers and a house full of pets. Not only do they aim to speak to people who have lived experience with DID and their supporters, but also therapists and anyone who wants to learn more. The podcast talks about Dissociative Identity Disorder in a way that someone who knows nothing about DID will be able to understand, and at the same time is designed to be a resource for therapists, while supporting and validating those with lived experience. Dissociative Identity Disorder is a highly stigmatized mental health diagnosis that has been subject to many myths and misinformation over the years. These myths, along with highly-sensationalized media portrayals, have led to many who still believe this disorder is not real and simply created by therapists who impose themselves on highly suggestible clients. The goal of the podcast is to dispel these myths and educate the world at large the truth about Dissociative Identity Disorder, and the reality of what having this diagnosis really looks like. The brain had to find a unique way to cope in order to survive the trauma people with DID faced from a very young age. Also, this condition is not rare, although many reputable sources still cite it as such. People with DID are ordinary members in your community that you might encounter in your daily life. Drew and Garden System want to shed light on the challenging symptoms people with DID face and share how they have overcome those challenges and found the gifts of joy that all of their parts bring to each other.

  1. 3D AGO

    You Can Heal: Jade Miller, Peer Support Specialist

    Drew & Garden System share powerful healing stories from Jade Miller, a peer support specialist.  Jade Miller is a multiple, writer, and peer support worker who helps others living with dissociative experiences find community, language, and grounding. Through her coaching at Peer Support for Multiples and her upcoming Safe Harbor Peer Respite Center, she's building spaces where complexity and healing can coexist. Her teaching and writing emphasize belonging, integrity, and the quiet power of survivors leading their own recovery. Safe Harbor Peer Respite Center Thank you to our sponsors! Alix Amar with Dissociative Creative Explorations Healing My Parts Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops! And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples. Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5: Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 24(4), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000100

    48 min
  2. FEB 3

    Old Before Their Time: An Interview with Dr, Frank W. Putnam

    Welcome to Season 5! Dr. Frank W. Putnam shares the results from a 35 year long study, the Female Growth & Development Study, which he co-founded with the late Penelope K Trickett, PhD, on the effects of childhood maltreatment, particularly childhood sexual abuse. Frank W. Putnam, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and an internationally recognized expert on the health effects of child abuse and family violence. He helped to create the Dissociative Experiences Scale. You can buy a copy of Dr. Frank W. Putnam's book here:  https://amzn.to/4tcsMiK Thank you to our sponsors: Transitions Delaware LLC Healing Selves Therapeutics PLLC Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops! And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples. Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5: Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 24(4), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000100

    1h 22m
  3. 10/14/2025

    The Price of the Podcast: The Risk of Public Disclosure & Addressing Misconceptions of Dissociative Identity Disorder

    Drew & Garden System share a deep and personal story of how disclosure and having this podcast affected their personal lives. They discuss the consequences of fear and stigma that people with dissociative identity disorder face. They address system management, switching, and littles and how their systems work together to maintain employment and lead successful lives.  Thank you to our sponsors: Healing Selves Therapeutics Petals of a Rose Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops! And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples. Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5: Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 24(4), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000100

    40 min
  4. 09/16/2025

    Understanding Recovery & 12 Steps for Dissociative Identities: An Interview with Dr. Jamie+ Marich

    Drew & Garden System have an illuminating conversation with Dr. Jamie+ Marich on recovery, the 12 step program, and dissociative identity disorder. They touch on important topics such as sponsors, adaptations and language, and considerations needed for recovery. Resources: https://jamiemarich.substack.com/p/does-aa-work  Thank you to our sponsors: The Institute for Creative Mindfulness & Healing Selves Therapeutics! Visit acoupleofmultiples.com to learn more about our online community, consultations, and to join our mailing list to keep up to date with Drew & Garden System! Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops! And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples. Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5: Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 24(4), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000100

    1h 2m
  5. 09/02/2025

    Ketamine Assisted Therapy & Dissociative Identity Disorder: An Interview with Melissas Parker, LMHC

    Drew & Garden System discuss all things related to ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, other psychedelics, and dissociative identity disorder with Melissas Parker, LMHC. Thank you to our sponsors: (sponsorship of this episode does not indicate an endorsement of KAP or psychedelic therapies.) Healing Selves Therapeutics - https://www.healingselvestherapeuticspllc.com/ Yvonne Fall, LPC -https://www.yvonnefalllpc.com/ Resources: Maps.org https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10979792/ https://www.natalierusspsyd.com/therapy-harm https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ketamine-for-depression Visit acoupleofmultiples.com to join our private, online DID community ($10 or $30/monthly memberships), schedule consultations, and join our mailing list! Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops! And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples. Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5: Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 24(4), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000100

    1h 16m
  6. 08/19/2025

    Queering EMDR Therapy & Understanding Dissociation in the LGBTQIA+ Community: An Interview with Rev. Karla Fleshman LCSW, MDiv

    Drew & Garden System have an open-hearted discussion with Rev. Karla Fleshman on her contributions to Queering EMDR Therapy, an upcoming book edited by Roshni Chabra LMFT and with a forward by Dr. Jamie Marich. They dive into Rev. Karla's battle with cancer, spirituality, how gender identity can contribute to dissociative experiences, and how one can find healing and community. Preorder Queering EMDR Therapy here:  https://queeringemdr.com/ You can reach out to Rev. Karla Fleshman LCSW MDiv here:  https://transitionsde.com/about-karla-fleshman-lcsw-mdiv-2/ Thank you to our sponsors: To Life! Counseling - https://tolifecounseling.com/ Healing Selves Therapeutics - https://www.healingselvestherapeuticspllc.com/ Visit acoupleofmultiples.com to contact us, to schedule a consult with Garden System, to join Hearts Multiplied, our on-line DID community, and join our mailing list for exclusive resources! Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops! And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples. Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5: Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 24(4), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000100

    1h 12m
  7. 08/05/2025

    Differential Diagnosis: Dissociative Identity Disorder: An Interview with Dr. Mike Lloyd

    Drew & Garden System engage Dr. Mike Lloyd of the CTAD clinic in the UK in an educational conversation about recognizing, diagnosing, and treating dissociative identity disorder. Thank you to our episode sponsors: Healing Selves Therapeutics https://www.healingselvestherapeuticspllc.com/  &  To Life! Counseling https://tolifecounseling.com/ Visit our website acoupleofmultiples.com to learn more about our online community, peer coaching, and consultations!  Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops! And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples. Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5: Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 24(4), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000100

    1h 12m
4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

There’s never a dull moment for hosts, Drew and Garden System, who are a couple that have both been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. While they are navigating their healing journey, they continue to manage full time careers, raise four teenagers and a house full of pets. Not only do they aim to speak to people who have lived experience with DID and their supporters, but also therapists and anyone who wants to learn more. The podcast talks about Dissociative Identity Disorder in a way that someone who knows nothing about DID will be able to understand, and at the same time is designed to be a resource for therapists, while supporting and validating those with lived experience. Dissociative Identity Disorder is a highly stigmatized mental health diagnosis that has been subject to many myths and misinformation over the years. These myths, along with highly-sensationalized media portrayals, have led to many who still believe this disorder is not real and simply created by therapists who impose themselves on highly suggestible clients. The goal of the podcast is to dispel these myths and educate the world at large the truth about Dissociative Identity Disorder, and the reality of what having this diagnosis really looks like. The brain had to find a unique way to cope in order to survive the trauma people with DID faced from a very young age. Also, this condition is not rare, although many reputable sources still cite it as such. People with DID are ordinary members in your community that you might encounter in your daily life. Drew and Garden System want to shed light on the challenging symptoms people with DID face and share how they have overcome those challenges and found the gifts of joy that all of their parts bring to each other.

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