Mindi on the Mic: From Stigma to Connection

Mindi Bernice Wikstrom
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Mindi on the Mic, where mental health meets real life, and stigma is left at the door. Join your host, Mindi Bernice—a therapist and advocate for authentic conversations—as she dives into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shape who we are. Whether it's talking through trauma, exploring relationships, or finding faith-based inspiration, each episode brings honest discussions and practical insights for growth. Expect a blend of interviews, Q&As, and storytelling from people of all walks of life, creating a space to break barriers, share experiences, and connect meaningfully.

  1. How Recovery Tools Can Heal Both Mental Health and Racial Bias | Meet Ted | Ep. 34

    09/08/2025

    How Recovery Tools Can Heal Both Mental Health and Racial Bias | Meet Ted | Ep. 34

    Mindi sits down with author and global health veteran Ted Neill for a candid conversation on writing, recovery, and doing hard things with heart. Ted shares how a major depressive episode and hospitalization led him to the 12-step world—and how "emotional sobriety" became the backbone of his life and books. They unpack his provocative series My Name Is Ted and I'm a Racist, applying recovery tools to bias and public discourse, and the real-life investigative journey behind 20 Years of Unraveling, which ultimately drew in the Washington Post and the FBI. They also explore practical mental health tools like sleep, boundaries, gratitude, and HALT, while highlighting why the opposite of addiction is connection. You'll hear: • Why vulnerability beats perfection for both healing and writing • How 12-step principles translate to confronting bias without shame • What "emotional sobriety" looks like day to day • The behind-the-scenes of investigating abuse and pursuing justice • Rapid-fire fun: coffee vs. tea, rainy-day writing, and a very good Bernedoodle Guest: Ted Neill is an author and former global health professional whose work spans memoir, social commentary, and children's literature. His books are available on Amazon and other major retailers. Content Note: This episode includes discussion of depression, suicidal ideation, and sexual abuse. Please listen with care.

    41 min
  2. Let's Talk About Mindi's New Book | Ep. 33

    09/05/2025

    Let's Talk About Mindi's New Book | Ep. 33

    Two mics, one big conversation. Joy flips the script and interviews Mindi about her new book, Men, Mental Health, and Emotions: From Stigma to Connection. They dig into why Mindi wrote it, what 30 men taught her about feeling and expressing emotion, and how to tell the difference between suppression and repression. You'll hear practical starting points for guys who feel overwhelmed, a balanced take on "strength" versus shutting down, and simple ways partners and friends can support without pushing too hard. From faith and identity to sleep, food, and finding the right words, this is a hopeful, real-talk guide for anyone who wants healthier relationships and a healthier inner life. Rapid-fire fun at the end: D&D alignments, favorite Pokémon, yoga poses, and more. Listen for • what emotional strength actually looks like in 2025 • one small step any man can take today to open up safely • how men processing emotions differently can impact dating, marriage, and family Grab the book on Amazon (paperback or Kindle): https://a.co/d/1Ut20nW Keep the conversation going with Mindi on Instagram at Mindi on the Mic or by email at mindibernicecounseling@gmail.com.

    26 min
  3. Let's Talk About Men's Mental Health - With Jeff | Ep. 32

    09/02/2025

    Let's Talk About Men's Mental Health - With Jeff | Ep. 32

    What if the depression you've been fighting for years wasn't the whole story? In this episode of Mindi on the Mic, Jeff opens up about his raw and unfiltered mental health journey. What started as years of battling depression, self-doubt, and exhaustion took an unexpected turn when he was finally diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Jeff shares what it felt like to live in survival mode for so long — the frustration of not being able to focus, the shame of thinking he was "lazy," and the weight of carrying an identity built on struggle. Then, he describes the life-changing moment he started treatment and how, for the first time, his brain felt clear instead of chaotic. We dive into: – The blurred lines between depression and ADHD – Why so many adults go undiagnosed for decades – How medication and therapy can work together instead of against each other – The emotional impact of finally feeling like yourself after years of being held back This is more than Jeff's story — it's a conversation for anyone who has ever questioned their mental health diagnosis, felt misunderstood, or wondered if there was more beneath the surface.

    44 min
  4. Our Stories of Sexual Abuse and Pornagraphy - Meet Joy & Mindi | Ep. 31

    08/23/2025

    Our Stories of Sexual Abuse and Pornagraphy - Meet Joy & Mindi | Ep. 31

    This episode of Mindi the Mic: From Stigma to Connection features a vulnerable conversation between Mindi and Joy as they open up about their personal experiences with sexual abuse, trauma, and healing. Together, they share how these painful realities shaped their mental health, relationships, and faith journeys. Listener discretion is advised: this episode discusses sensitive topics including sexual abuse, trauma, and pornography. If at any point it feels overwhelming, please take care of yourself and pause or skip the episode. Through honesty, empathy, and hope, Mindi and Joy remind listeners that healing is a process, community is essential, and no one is ever truly alone.

    45 min
  5. She Went from Witchcraft to Wanting to Be a Therapist - Meet Joy | Ep. 30

    08/05/2025

    She Went from Witchcraft to Wanting to Be a Therapist - Meet Joy | Ep. 30

    In this powerful episode of Mindi on the Mic, Joy shares her raw and unfiltered story — from growing up in a Christian family yet feeling like an outsider, to falling into witchcraft, addiction, and toxic friendships, and ultimately finding healing and purpose through faith and community. We talk about what it's like to battle mental health struggles for over a decade, the dangers of placing your identity in other people, and the hard truths about addiction recovery. Joy opens up about the car accident that became a turning point in her life, how she burned her tarot cards, and why she's now pursuing her dream of becoming a therapist specializing in addiction. Whether you share her faith or not, this conversation is for anyone searching for hope, community, and a fresh start. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Find free or low-cost counseling in your area: FindHelp.org Open Path Collective (affordable therapy sessions): https://openpathcollective.org Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (U.S.) Alcoholics Anonymous: www.aa.org Celebrate Recovery (faith-based recovery support): www.celebraterecovery.com National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1‑800‑950‑6264 or www.nami.org/help Mindi on the Mic Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MindiontheMicThePodcast/gift Listen now and be encouraged that no matter your past, redemption is possible.

    46 min
  6. Dating Series: Meeting Someone New — Therapist Explains the Spiral | Ep. 28

    07/09/2025

    Dating Series: Meeting Someone New — Therapist Explains the Spiral | Ep. 28

    Is it chemistry… or just your dopamine playing tricks on you? In this solo episode, licensed mental health counselor Mindi Wikstrom kicks off her Dating Series by diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of meeting someone new. From that initial spark to the pressure of finding "the one," Mindi breaks down what's actually happening in your brain when attraction strikes — and why it doesn't always mean soulmate status. She shares personal stories, therapeutic insights, and hard-won lessons on how to approach dating with curiosity, clarity, and calm. Topics include: • The myth of the spark = soulmate • Dopamine highs and dating anxiety • Compatibility vs. familiarity • Reducing outcome obsession • Practical ways to meet people IRL and online • First date tips from a therapist who gets it Whether you're swiping, mingling, or just getting back out there, this episode will help you slow down, self-reflect, and stay grounded — without losing the fun.

    19 min
  7. It Started with a DM—Now They're Married - Meet Caelan & Teagan | Ep. 28

    07/01/2025

    It Started with a DM—Now They're Married - Meet Caelan & Teagan | Ep. 28

    On this episode of Mindi on the Mic, I sit down with the sweetest couple—Teagan and Caelan—for a heartwarming and honest conversation about dating, marriage, conflict, and everything in between. From a chance meeting during a COVID-era pool party to navigating long distance and training their energetic puppy, they share how their relationship grew from flirty Instagram DMs to a Christ-centered marriage. We talk about what makes communication actually work in marriage, what conflict looks like behind the highlight reels, and how they stay grounded in their faith and love for each other through the messiness of real life. Plus, rapid-fire questions, date night confessions, and a hilarious debate over who's more competitive. This one's real, raw, and super relatable. 🎧 Listen now and don't forget to support the show here: https://www.patreon.com/MindiontheMicThePodcast/gift #mindionthemic #relationshiptalk #christiancouple #marriagestory #nebraskacouple #datingadvice #faithandlove #marriedlife #couplespodcast #christianmarriage #podcastlove

    36 min
  8. Let's Talk About Fitness - With Nolan & Conor | Ep. 27

    06/17/2025

    Let's Talk About Fitness - With Nolan & Conor | Ep. 27

    In this episode of Mindi on the Mic, I'm joined by Nolan and Conor for a fun and honest conversation all about fitness—what keeps us motivated, what holds people back, and how mental health plays into your workout routine. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or just trying to start somewhere, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and real talk. If you're looking for personalized training advice or have fitness questions, feel free to reach out to Conor at nicholswconor@gmail.com — he's a certified personal trainer and always happy to help! 🎧 Tune in and let's get into it.

    54 min
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About

Welcome to Mindi on the Mic, where mental health meets real life, and stigma is left at the door. Join your host, Mindi Bernice—a therapist and advocate for authentic conversations—as she dives into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shape who we are. Whether it's talking through trauma, exploring relationships, or finding faith-based inspiration, each episode brings honest discussions and practical insights for growth. Expect a blend of interviews, Q&As, and storytelling from people of all walks of life, creating a space to break barriers, share experiences, and connect meaningfully.

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