In this episode, I sit down with Taegan — my dear friend, a mum of two, trained physiotherapist, mental health peer worker, and the creator of Nurture by Taegan, a space that began as her way of not feeling so alone in motherhood and has since grown into a community for women navigating mental health and connection. Our stories are unexpectedly intertwined. Taegan, diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her twenties, lost her mum in a car accident when she was four. I was raised by my dad, who lived with bipolar disorder in silence for most of his life, and twenty years after Taegan lost her Mum, I lost him in the same way. Both of us have been shaped by grief and mental health, learning, in our own ways, what it means to love, to mother, and to make peace with the parts of our stories that still ache. In this conversation, Taegan opens up about her experience of living with bipolar disorder, the unpredictability of postpartum depression, and her ongoing journey with chronic suicidality. She shares the coping tools, insights, and small acts of self-compassion that have helped her rebuild and find meaning in her lived experience. Together, we explore the power of storytelling, the importance of boundaries, and the strength that comes from connection. This episode is a raw, honest reflection on mental health, motherhood, and what it really takes to nurture yourself — not perfectly, but truthfully. Content Note This episode includes open discussions about mental illness and suicidality. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, please reach out for help: Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 United States: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. (call or text 988) United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 Canada: Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 New Zealand: Lifeline Aotearoa 0800 543 354 If you’re outside these regions: Find international hotlines at [findahelpline.com], a verified global directory of mental health helplines in over 100 countries. You are not alone, and help is available. Follow: Taegan — @nurture_by_taegan Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 05:13 The Impact of Early Loss on Identity 08:13 Teenage Years and Mental Health Awareness 10:56 The Role of Dance in Coping Mechanisms 13:59 Diagnosis and the Journey with Bipolar Disorder 16:40 Motherhood and Mental Health Challenges 19:55 Exploring Recovery and Self-Understanding 22:48 The Importance of Open Conversations 25:33 Reflections on Family and Mental Health 28:37 Empowering the Next Generation 30:04 Navigating Mental Health in Peer Support 31:32 Understanding Family Dynamics and Mental Health 33:59 The Challenges of Parenting and Self-Identity 35:56 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adulthood 37:52 Empathy and Sensitivity in Relationships 39:58 The Role of Connection in Mental Health 41:56 Coping with Suicidality and Mental Health Struggles 55:20 Navigating Mental Health and Voices 56:21 Embracing Intuition and Energy Work 58:25 Health Journeys and Women's Health Issues 01:00:40 The Intersection of Mental Health and Hormones 01:02:10 Pregnancy Challenges and Miscarriages 01:04:49 Understanding Chronic Pain and Trauma 01:07:14 The Importance of Listening to Women's Health 01:08:44 Preparing for Major Surgery 01:10:06 The Holistic Approach to Health 01:13:56 Finding Balance in Life 01:16:08 The Journey of Self-Expression 01:17:59 Empowerment Through Storytelling and Community
