Hot Mess Espresso

Heather Herington
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

HME is a mental health podcast that began in 2023 as a way to humanize Borderline Personality Disorder. Since then the host, Heather has interviewed guests with stories that even the most niche of listeners can find themselves looking within and feeling seen & heard. Want to follow along more? Follow us on IG: @hotmess.espresso & @heather.herington Business & guest inquiries: team@hotmessespressopodcast.com

  1. 1D AGO

    (121) The Secret Sauce of Creative Boundaries: Why Saying No Is the Real Power Move

    Most of us are just trying to keep it together, but what if the key to self-healing is blending music, therapy, and a little bit of parts work? Justin Randolph: songwriter, trauma-informed artist, and guy who moved his family to Thailand drops some seriously mind-expanding insights that could revolutionize how you handle your inner chaos. Justin's story is a wild ride through musical journeys, mental health breakthroughs, and how internal family systems (IFS) became his personal soundtrack for healing. He’s not just singing about feelings; he's capturing his inner parts in a concept album that explores everything from people-pleasing to boundary-setting. Trust us, this is an artful, soulful dive into the parts we all hide and how befriending them can lead to harmony, whether you’re making music or managing your mental mess.

    44 min

  2. APR 1

    (120) Why Ignoring Your Self-Care Might Be Your Best Business Strategy

    Most entrepreneurs are one bad mental health day away from meltdown mode... unless they listen to this. Christi Johnson reveals her struggle with a burnout so severe, it shut her business down & almost made her lose herself completely. But that didn't keep her down, she’s now building a business and life that prioritize her mental health first. Her story is a rollercoaster from hypomanic episodes and emergency crashes to radical self-care and boundary-setting that turned burnout into breakthrough.

    40 min

  3. MAR 25

    (119) The Surprising Truth About What Beauty Pageants Actually Teach Women With Gillian DiAddazio

    Most pageant queens are all glitz, glam, and a sprinkle of cattiness, but Gillian DiAddazio is rewriting the script. After retiring her crown at 16 and making a bold comeback as an adult, she proves that authenticity beats perfection every time. You’ll discover how Gillian’s journey from shy girl to pageant queen transformed her outlook, and why modern pageantry is more about integrity and purpose than pom-poms. We break down the real pressures behind those sparkling crowns, including the mental health struggles, the social media comparison trap, and the toxic “glitz pageant” culture she’d rather see fade away. Plus, Gillian shares her top tips on navigating competitiveness, embracing imperfections, and using a pageant platform to inspire others.

    33 min

  4. MAR 18

    (118) The Way Childhood Bipolar Gets Mistaken For ADHD, And How Early Diagnosis Changes Everything

    Most people think bipolar diagnosis is something that magically appears in your late teens or early twenties. Bri McKay? She got it at just seven years old after a hospital stay at age five and a lot of research. She’s not just a storyteller; she’s breaking down childhood mental health mysteries that most adults don’t even get until they’re well into therapy. Bri’s candidly sharing her journey, from unmarked childhood signs to navigating the industry as a bipolar artist, actress, and musician. Brie also reveals her raw, unfiltered thoughts on therapy, medication, self-awareness, and the importance of a solid support circle. Plus, hear her stories about what it’s truly like to be a billboard for mental health in Hollywood, and how her emotions fuel her creative genius, when she’s not fighting to stay afloat. This episode is your secret weapon if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up with early bipolar and how to channel that pain into art, or if you’re just curious about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the entertainment biz.

    58 min

  5. MAR 11

    (117) How 11 Years of Sobriety Taught Me That Safety Isn’t in Chaos With Michelle Savage

    Michelle Savage is here to blow the lid off that myth. She’s a mindset and nervous system coach who one day realized that regulating her body’s signals, not just her thoughts, was the secret to actually transforming her life and unlocking her best self. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of stress, anxiety, or relapse... this episode is your new best friend. Michelle shares her incredible story of battling lifelong anxiety, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately building a thriving life after 11 years of sobriety. She breaks down how stress keeps your mind in survival mode, sabotages your goals, and how tuning into your body rewires everything from relationships to business success.

    33 min

  6. MAR 4

    (116) Why You Should Treat Album releases Like Exclusive Dinner Parties With Kevin McClure

    Think you know all there is about music, mystery, and making a splash? Think again. Kevin McClure’s journey from teenage pop-punker to mind-blowing indie artist isn’t just inspiring; it’s a masterclass in intentional storytelling. through lyrics, albums, and even his own life. Kevin’s new album, “Flawlessly Flawed,” isn’t just another record, it’s a philosophical rollercoaster about embracing all your contradictions. He’s blending genres, dropping pre-release exclusives in vinyl and CD first, and tossing in a secret invite-only party that’s as rare as a unicorn at a metal festival. We break down his influences: from the grunge rebellion of Benji Madden to the introspective depths of Bright Eyes and explore how artists are now blending genres in ways that even Spotify’s playlists can’t contain. Plus, Kevin’s storytelling universe includes Cryptids, Skinwalkers, Frogman, Mothman… and yes, even Frogman’s just as weird and wonderful as it sounds. This episode isn’t just about music; it’s about living authentically, embracing complexity, and turning heartbreak and joy into art you can feel. Whether you’re a musician, a mystery junkie, or just someone who loves a good story with layers, Kevin’s insights will leave you inspired. Get ready to listen deeply, think differently, and see your potential in a whole new light.

    55 min
  7. (115) Horror Originals Usually Beat Remakes (And Why CGI Ruins Them) With The Real Reel's Josh Bell

    FEB 25

    (115) Horror Originals Usually Beat Remakes (And Why CGI Ruins Them) With The Real Reel's Josh Bell

    Josh Bell, host of the Real Reel podcast, spills the horror tea, sharing why he’s obsessed with slasher flicks, why horror is a safe zone for fear, and how movies turned him into a lifelong film nerd (spoiler: it’s not what you think).He breaks down the real-life inspirations behind classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and how even serial killers influence the genre’s dark brilliance. Curious about remakes that outshine the originals? Or why CGI can ruin rather than elevate your favorite franchises? Josh has both the facts and the hilarious takes. Perfect for horror buffs, film fanatics, and anyone craving the kind of insight that makes you look at your favorite movies and your own fears differently. Want to know which movies unexpectedly stole his heart? Or how he balances a demanding job with his podcast passion? Tune in for a masterclass in movie obsession, with a whole lot of laughs along the way. If you love gritty horror, fun debates about the best slashers, or just need a reminder that sometimes, the real scares are just behind the door (or in your social media feed) this episode is your ticket. Podcasts: The Real Reel & Couch Critics

    1h 30m
  8. (114) Why Indie Romance Authors Love Their Little Communities (And You Should Too) featuring Britton Ashley

    FEB 18

    (114) Why Indie Romance Authors Love Their Little Communities (And You Should Too) featuring Britton Ashley

    Most romance writers start with love stories. Britton Ashley? She started with grief, then turned it into a series about family, healing, and second chances that’ll hit you right in the feels. If your grandma’s passing made you question everything, her journey from heartbreak to happily ever after is exactly what you need to hear. Britton’s got a refreshingly real take on writing from the heart: she shares how a family tragedy sparked her Rocky Romance series, blending grief and romance in a way that’s both healing and painfully beautiful. You’ll discover how she navigates heavy themes like mental health, domestic violence, and chronic illness, all while keeping it real and relatable. We break down the joy of indie authors supporting each other, the rise of diverse romance, and why representation at every size, neurodivergence, and ability level isn’t just a trend but a necessity. You can currently read Casual Sparks & Covered In You in both physical and e-book now!

    1h 6m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

HME is a mental health podcast that began in 2023 as a way to humanize Borderline Personality Disorder. Since then the host, Heather has interviewed guests with stories that even the most niche of listeners can find themselves looking within and feeling seen & heard. Want to follow along more? Follow us on IG: @hotmess.espresso & @heather.herington Business & guest inquiries: team@hotmessespressopodcast.com

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Herington
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Heather Herington