EmotionAL Support with Alessandra Torresani

Alessandra Torresani
  • 4.9 (153)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to EmotionAL Support - the unfiltered space where mental health meets motherhood, identity, and everything in between. Hosted by Actress, Mental Health Advocate and Lady’s Mom, Alessandra Torresani , EmotionAL Support dives deep into the real, raw, and often hilarious parts of being human. Whether you’re navigating postpartum emotions, reimagining your identity, or just trying to keep it together with a toddler on your hip—this podcast is your trusted place to feel it all. Each week, Alessandra brings heart-centered conversations with psychologists, authors, comedians, and fellow moms to explore topics like:     •    Mental health & emotional wellness     •    Motherhood & identity     •    Anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence     •    Self-care that goes beyond the bubble bath     •    Honest, funny, and powerful personal stories No toxic positivity. No filters. Just real talk, real feelings, and real connection. If you’re looking for a community that gets it and isn’t afraid to laugh through the chaos, you’ve found your people. ✨ New episodes every Monday. Subscribe now for your weekly dose of EmotionAL Support.

  1. 8h ago

    Blue’s Clues Co-Creator Angela Santomero on Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids, Building Confidence & Why Slow Childhood Matters

    What if the shows our children watch could help them become more resilient, emotionally intelligent, and confident? This week on EmotionAL Support, Alessandra Torresani sits down with Angela Santomero, the Emmy Award-winning creator behind Blue’s Clues, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Super Why!, and Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things. Angela shares the intentional philosophy behind creating some of the most beloved children’s programs of all time and why slowing things down, encouraging imagination, and treating children with respect became the foundation for programming that continues to resonate with families decades later. Together, Angela and Alessandra explore how children’s media shapes emotional development, self-esteem, resilience, and critical thinking—and why kindness should never be underestimated as a superpower. They discuss the importance of diverse representation, fostering creativity in a screen-saturated world, the emotional impact of Steve’s viral Blue’s Clues farewell message, and practical ways parents can nurture confidence, curiosity, and emotional intelligence in everyday life. Angela also shares insights from her newest franchise, Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things, a whimsical series designed to help children build empathy, resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills through imaginative storytelling. Whether you’re raising young children, creating content, or simply interested in how we shape the next generation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that what we teach our children today becomes who they are tomorrow. In This Episode: • The surprising philosophy behind the success of Blue’s Clues • Why slower-paced content supports emotional development • How children’s media influences confidence, resilience, and self-esteem • The importance of diverse representation and inclusive storytelling • Why emotional intelligence is one of the most valuable skills a child can develop • How parents can foster critical thinking and curiosity at home • The lasting impact of Steve’s farewell message on an entire generation • Angela’s newest project, Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things • Simple ways parents can raise kind, creative, resilient kids • Why community, collaboration, and creativity matter more than ever About Angela Santomero Angela Santomero is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning creator, producer, and author whose work has helped shape generations of children through educational and emotionally intelligent storytelling. She is the co-creator of Blue’s Clues, creator of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Super Why!, and the creator of Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things. Her work focuses on helping children develop empathy, resilience, creativity, curiosity, and confidence through research-backed media and storytelling. Connect with Angela Santomero Website: https://www.angelasclues.com Princess Penelope: https://princesspenelope.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelasclues LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasantomero Connect with Alessandra Torresani Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessandratorresani TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamalessandratorresani Podcast: EmotionAL Support If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who believes in raising kind, confident, emotionally healthy kids.

    51 min

  2. 8h ago

    Blue’s Clues Co-Creator Angela Santomero on Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids, Building Confidence & Why Slow Childhood Matters

    What if the shows our children watch could help them become more resilient, emotionally intelligent, and confident? This week on EmotionAL Support, Alessandra Torresani sits down with Angela Santomero, the Emmy Award-winning creator behind Blue’s Clues, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Super Why!, and Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things. Angela shares the intentional philosophy behind creating some of the most beloved children’s programs of all time and why slowing things down, encouraging imagination, and treating children with respect became the foundation for programming that continues to resonate with families decades later. Together, Angela and Alessandra explore how children’s media shapes emotional development, self-esteem, resilience, and critical thinking—and why kindness should never be underestimated as a superpower. They discuss the importance of diverse representation, fostering creativity in a screen-saturated world, the emotional impact of Steve’s viral Blue’s Clues farewell message, and practical ways parents can nurture confidence, curiosity, and emotional intelligence in everyday life. Angela also shares insights from her newest franchise, Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things, a whimsical series designed to help children build empathy, resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills through imaginative storytelling. Whether you’re raising young children, creating content, or simply interested in how we shape the next generation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that what we teach our children today becomes who they are tomorrow. In This Episode: • The surprising philosophy behind the success of Blue’s Clues • Why slower-paced content supports emotional development • How children’s media influences confidence, resilience, and self-esteem • The importance of diverse representation and inclusive storytelling • Why emotional intelligence is one of the most valuable skills a child can develop • How parents can foster critical thinking and curiosity at home • The lasting impact of Steve’s farewell message on an entire generation • Angela’s newest project, Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things • Simple ways parents can raise kind, creative, resilient kids • Why community, collaboration, and creativity matter more than ever About Angela Santomero Angela Santomero is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning creator, producer, and author whose work has helped shape generations of children through educational and emotionally intelligent storytelling. She is the co-creator of Blue’s Clues, creator of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Super Why!, and the creator of Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things. Her work focuses on helping children develop empathy, resilience, creativity, curiosity, and confidence through research-backed media and storytelling. Connect with Angela Santomero Website: https://www.angelasclues.com Princess Penelope: https://princesspenelope.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelasclues LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasantomero Connect with Alessandra Torresani Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessandratorresani TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamalessandratorresani Podcast: EmotionAL Support If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who believes in raising kind, confident, emotionally healthy kids.

    51 min

  3. Jun 16

    The Science of Ayahuasca: Dr. Jeff McNairy on Trauma Recovery, PTSD, Addiction & Psychedelic Healing

    What happens when traditional mental health treatments aren’t enough? In this powerful episode of EmotionAL Support, Alessandra Torresani sits down with Dr. Jeff McNairy, Psy.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Officer of Rythmia and one of the leading voices in psychedelic-assisted healing and trauma recovery. With more than 25 years of experience in psychology, addiction treatment, and mental health care, Dr. Jeff shares how unresolved trauma can become trapped in the body and brain—and why many people struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, and emotional pain continue searching for answers long after conventional treatments have failed. Together, they explore: ✨ The neuroscience of trauma and emotional memory ✨ How the brain stores unresolved experiences ✨ The growing role of ayahuasca and psychedelic-assisted therapy in mental health treatment ✨ Why emotional healing often requires more than symptom management ✨ The connection between trauma, addiction, depression, and the nervous system ✨ What thousands of patient transformations have taught him about recovery ✨ The future of mental health and psychedelic medicine Whether you’re curious about plant medicine, trauma recovery, emotional wellness, or the evolving landscape of mental health treatment, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how healing may be possible in ways many people never imagined. #MentalHealth #TraumaHealing #Ayahuasca #PsychedelicTherapy #PTSDRecovery #DepressionHelp #EmotionalHealing #AddictionRecovery #Psychology #WellnessPodcast #EmotionALSupport

    50 min

  4. Jun 16

    The Science of Ayahuasca: Dr. Jeff McNairy on Trauma Recovery, PTSD, Addiction & Psychedelic Healing

    What happens when traditional mental health treatments aren’t enough? In this powerful episode of EmotionAL Support, Alessandra Torresani sits down with Dr. Jeff McNairy, Psy.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Officer of Rythmia and one of the leading voices in psychedelic-assisted healing and trauma recovery. With more than 25 years of experience in psychology, addiction treatment, and mental health care, Dr. Jeff shares how unresolved trauma can become trapped in the body and brain—and why many people struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, and emotional pain continue searching for answers long after conventional treatments have failed. Together, they explore: ✨ The neuroscience of trauma and emotional memory ✨ How the brain stores unresolved experiences ✨ The growing role of ayahuasca and psychedelic-assisted therapy in mental health treatment ✨ Why emotional healing often requires more than symptom management ✨ The connection between trauma, addiction, depression, and the nervous system ✨ What thousands of patient transformations have taught him about recovery ✨ The future of mental health and psychedelic medicine Whether you’re curious about plant medicine, trauma recovery, emotional wellness, or the evolving landscape of mental health treatment, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how healing may be possible in ways many people never imagined. #MentalHealth #TraumaHealing #Ayahuasca #PsychedelicTherapy #PTSDRecovery #DepressionHelp #EmotionalHealing #AddictionRecovery #Psychology #WellnessPodcast #EmotionALSupport

    50 min

  5. Jun 8

    From Abuse to Independence: Angela Harger Thompson on Surviving, Reinventing Yourself & Finding Purpose | Quarantine at Sea

    What happens when the life you planned disappears overnight—and you’re forced to discover who you really are? This week on EmotionAL Support, actress, filmmaker, author, and storyteller Angela Harger Thompson joins Alessandra for a deeply honest conversation about surviving abuse, finding independence, rebuilding your identity, and learning how to create a life that is truly your own. Angela shares the incredible true story behind her documentary Quarantine at Sea, documenting the moment she found herself stranded in the Pacific Ocean during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with nowhere to land and no idea what the future would hold. But beyond the adventure is a much deeper story of resilience, faith, healing, and personal transformation. Together, Angela and Alessandra discuss: • Overcoming emotional abuse and reclaiming your voice • Building independence after difficult relationships • Learning to trust yourself again • The power of storytelling as a path to healing • Reinventing your life in your 30s and beyond • Turning pain into purpose • Following God-given dreams and creating a future that feels aligned with who you are • The making of the documentary Quarantine at Sea • Angela’s powerful new memoir, Worst T**s Ever • Why every person’s story matters Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, rebuilding after trauma, seeking greater independence, or stepping into your own “second act,” this conversation is a reminder that your past does not define your future. About Angela Harger Thompson Angela Harger Thompson is an actress, filmmaker, author, and founder of The Storytell Initiative. She directed, produced, and starred in the documentary Quarantine at Sea, chronicling her unexpected months stranded in the Pacific Ocean during the global pandemic. Her memoir, Worst T**s Ever, expands on the personal journey behind the film and explores themes of faith, resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Follow Angela and learn more about her work through The Storytell Initiative.

    43 min

  6. Jun 8

    Overcoming Abuse, Finding Independence & Rebuilding Your Life with Angela Harger Thompson | Quarantine at Sea

    What happens when the life you planned disappears overnight—and you’re forced to discover who you really are? This week on EmotionAL Support, actress, filmmaker, author, and storyteller Angela Harger Thompson joins Alessandra for a deeply honest conversation about surviving abuse, finding independence, rebuilding your identity, and learning how to create a life that is truly your own. Angela shares the incredible true story behind her documentary Quarantine at Sea, documenting the moment she found herself stranded in the Pacific Ocean during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with nowhere to land and no idea what the future would hold. But beyond the adventure is a much deeper story of resilience, faith, healing, and personal transformation. Together, Angela and Alessandra discuss: • Overcoming emotional abuse and reclaiming your voice • Building independence after difficult relationships • Learning to trust yourself again • The power of storytelling as a path to healing • Reinventing your life in your 30s and beyond • Turning pain into purpose • Following God-given dreams and creating a future that feels aligned with who you are • The making of the documentary Quarantine at Sea • Angela’s powerful new memoir, Worst T**s Ever • Why every person’s story matters Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, rebuilding after trauma, seeking greater independence, or stepping into your own “second act,” this conversation is a reminder that your past does not define your future. About Angela Harger Thompson Angela Harger Thompson is an actress, filmmaker, author, and founder of The Storytell Initiative. She directed, produced, and starred in the documentary Quarantine at Sea, chronicling her unexpected months stranded in the Pacific Ocean during the global pandemic. Her memoir, Worst T**s Ever, expands on the personal journey behind the film and explores themes of faith, resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Follow Angela and learn more about her work through The Storytell Initiative.

    43 min

  7. Jun 1

    Why So Many Women Feel Off: Hormones, Fertility, Perimenopause & How to Feel Like Yourself Again with Dr. Michelle Sands

    In this deeply inspiring episode of EmotionAL Support with Alessandra Torresani, Dr. Michelle Sands joins Alessandra for an honest conversation about women’s hormone health, fertility, perimenopause, and how to feel like yourself again. Dr. Michelle shares her extraordinary journey from being diagnosed with primary ovarian failure and early menopause at just 20 years old to reclaiming her health through holistic healing, restoring her cycle, and eventually becoming a mother later in life. Her story is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis does not have to define your future.   Together, they explore the early signs of hormonal imbalance, the connection between gut health, anxiety, stress, and hormone decline, and practical ways women can support their bodies through fertility, perimenopause, menopause, and motherhood. This episode is packed with empowering tools around bioidentical hormone therapy, personalized testing, nutrition, detoxing, self-care, breathwork, and daily habits that help women restore balance naturally. Dr. Michelle’s work focuses on helping women optimize hormones, navigate perimenopause and menopause confidently, and achieve vibrant health at any age.   Whether you’re feeling off, navigating fertility later in life, managing anxiety, or simply wanting to understand your body better, this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful, informed, and empowered. In this episode:     •    Early signs your hormones may be changing     •    Fertility, ovarian insufficiency, and pregnancy later in life     •    Perimenopause and menopause symptoms women often miss     •    How gut health, antibiotics, and stress affect hormones     •    Natural and bioidentical hormone support options     •    Anxiety, burnout, and the emotional side of hormone shifts     •    Simple daily rituals for hormone balance and energy     •    Self-care, meditation, and breathwork for nervous system support ✨ Follow EmotionAL Support for more honest conversations on women’s wellness, reinvention, motherhood, joy, and emotional healing. Dr Michelle Sands: https://www.glownaturalwellness.com/

    51 min

  8. Jun 1

    Why So Many Women Feel Off: Hormones, Fertility, Perimenopause & How to Feel Like Yourself Again with Dr. Michelle Sands

    In this deeply inspiring episode of EmotionAL Support with Alessandra Torresani, Dr. Michelle Sands joins Alessandra for an honest conversation about women’s hormone health, fertility, perimenopause, and how to feel like yourself again. Dr. Michelle shares her extraordinary journey from being diagnosed with primary ovarian failure and early menopause at just 20 years old to reclaiming her health through holistic healing, restoring her cycle, and eventually becoming a mother later in life. Her story is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis does not have to define your future.   Together, they explore the early signs of hormonal imbalance, the connection between gut health, anxiety, stress, and hormone decline, and practical ways women can support their bodies through fertility, perimenopause, menopause, and motherhood. This episode is packed with empowering tools around bioidentical hormone therapy, personalized testing, nutrition, detoxing, self-care, breathwork, and daily habits that help women restore balance naturally. Dr. Michelle’s work focuses on helping women optimize hormones, navigate perimenopause and menopause confidently, and achieve vibrant health at any age.   Whether you’re feeling off, navigating fertility later in life, managing anxiety, or simply wanting to understand your body better, this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful, informed, and empowered. In this episode:     •    Early signs your hormones may be changing     •    Fertility, ovarian insufficiency, and pregnancy later in life     •    Perimenopause and menopause symptoms women often miss     •    How gut health, antibiotics, and stress affect hormones     •    Natural and bioidentical hormone support options     •    Anxiety, burnout, and the emotional side of hormone shifts     •    Simple daily rituals for hormone balance and energy     •    Self-care, meditation, and breathwork for nervous system support ✨ Follow EmotionAL Support for more honest conversations on women’s wellness, reinvention, motherhood, joy, and emotional healing. Dr Michelle Sands: https://www.glownaturalwellness.com/

    51 min
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4.9
out of 5
153 Ratings

About

Welcome to EmotionAL Support - the unfiltered space where mental health meets motherhood, identity, and everything in between. Hosted by Actress, Mental Health Advocate and Lady’s Mom, Alessandra Torresani , EmotionAL Support dives deep into the real, raw, and often hilarious parts of being human. Whether you’re navigating postpartum emotions, reimagining your identity, or just trying to keep it together with a toddler on your hip—this podcast is your trusted place to feel it all. Each week, Alessandra brings heart-centered conversations with psychologists, authors, comedians, and fellow moms to explore topics like:     •    Mental health & emotional wellness     •    Motherhood & identity     •    Anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence     •    Self-care that goes beyond the bubble bath     •    Honest, funny, and powerful personal stories No toxic positivity. No filters. Just real talk, real feelings, and real connection. If you’re looking for a community that gets it and isn’t afraid to laugh through the chaos, you’ve found your people. ✨ New episodes every Monday. Subscribe now for your weekly dose of EmotionAL Support.

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