Judging Meghan Meghan Judge

In this episode, I’m joined by Brenda Mcgaw, a courageous mother who turned personal tragedy into a mission to save lives. Brenda shares the inspiring and heart-wrenching story of her daughter, Shea-Lynn, a vibrant and driven young woman whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 16 due to a momentary lapse in wearing her seatbelt. Despite the unimaginable pain of her loss, Brenda founded Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect, an organization dedicated to promoting seatbelt safety—a cause close to her heart.
Through our conversation, we explore the complexities of grief, the enduring impact of losing a loved one, and the misconceptions about safety in the backseat. Brenda’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength within all of us to transform pain into purpose and to advocate for change. They delve into the concept of the "grief clock," the continuous presence of loss, and how each step forward is a brave act of love.
Join us for an episode filled with raw emotions, heartfelt conversations, and the transformative power of sharing our pain to help others. This episode underscores the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of community support, and the critical message of seatbelt safety. Tune in to honor Shea-Lynn’s memory, appreciate the fragility of life, and learn how we can all contribute to a safer, more compassionate world.
Learn more about Brenda and her mission at https://www.slbutterflyeffect.org/ 










This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #ShailenesButterflyEffect #vulnerability #purpose #InspiringStories #brendamcgaw #healing #grief #author #resillience #tradgedy #roadsafetyawareness #seatbeltsafety 


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In this episode of Judging Meghan, I’m joined by Banning Lyon, a trauma survivor, author, and backpacking guide. Banning shares his harrowing journey through a turbulent childhood filled with trauma, abuse, and unimaginable hardships, ultimately finding his way to recovery and thriving.
Banning's story is one of resilience and hope, as he recounts his experiences growing up in California, moving to Texas, and navigating the complex landscape of his youth. At one point, he was placed in an institution for what was supposed to be a brief assessment, which turned into a 353-day ordeal. Despite the intense challenges and isolation, Banning discovered a profound appreciation for the outdoors, finding solace and a sense of freedom in nature.
Embracing his passion for the outdoors, he eventually became a backpacking guide and author. His new book, The Chair in the Valley, details his incredible journey and is now available through Penguin Random House.
Meghan and Banning dive deep into the importance of mental health, the power of starting over, and the healing potential of the great outdoors. Banning’s message is clear: it's never too late to make a change and find peace, no matter where you are in life. His story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will remind you of the strength within us all and the endless possibilities for healing and new beginnings.
Find out more about Banning through his website https://banninglyon.com/ 










This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #support #vulnerability #overcomingabuse #InspiringStories #backpackingguide #PersonalGrowth  #thechairandthevalley #author #resillience #nature #banninglyon #mensmentalhealth



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**Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including depression, suicide, and sexual assault.**
In this episode, I’m joined by David Woods Bartley, a TED Talk speaker and mental health advocate. David shares his incredible journey from battling mental illness to achieving mental wellness. As we close out Men's Mental Health Month, David's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out and seeking help. Meghan and David discuss the silent struggles many face, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the transformative power of sharing one's story.
The episode delves into David's experiences growing up in Maryland, moving to California, and facing unimaginable challenges, including the tragic loss of his father and battling severe depression. David recounts his vulnerability in sharing his story of surviving abuse in the Boy Scouts, shedding light on the long-lasting impact of such traumas and the resilience required to confront them.
Despite these dark times, David's life is also a testament to the power of compassion and the healing bond between humans and animals. He co-founded an incredible animal sanctuary called "A Chance for Bliss," providing a loving home for senior and special-needs animals. This sanctuary became a place of hope, not only for the animals but also for those who heard the stories of these extraordinary creatures.
Through his storytelling, David emphasizes the importance of curiosity and empathy in understanding mental illness and preventing suicide. He shares insights from renowned figures like Brené Brown and Drew Ramsey, emphasizing the importance of hope and connection in overcoming life's greatest challenges. David also discusses the transformative power of therapy, including his experiences with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which brought significant improvement to his mental health.
You can reach David through his site http://davidwoodsbartley.com his Email david@davidwoodsbartley.com or through phone (916) 247-6389
**Resources:**
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988










This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #support #vulnerability #therapy #InspiringStories #EndTheStigma #PersonalGrowth #animalshelter #suicide #resillience #therapy #davidwoodsbartley #mensmentalhealth


Our Sponsors:
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This episode I’m joined by Dr. Elia Gourgouris, a coach, author, and speaker on happiness and well-being. In this episode, we explore the power of personal branding and how it affects women's lives. Learn about the detrimental self-labels many women face and how to redefine your brand through personal anecdotes and professional insights. We touch on the importance of mental health, the challenges of high-stress professions, and the transformative power of gratitude and spirituality.
In this episode, Dr. Elia Gourgouris also shares profound insights on navigating life's challenges with gratitude and forgiveness, drawing inspiration from figures like Nelson Mandela. Learn how to shift your perspective and practice self-forgiveness to foster healthier, happier relationships. Discover a step-by-step process to release long-held guilt and embrace a lighter, more fulfilling life.
Tune in for a heartwarming conversation filled with personal stories, practical tools, and life-changing insights that will empower you to transform your mindset and well-being. Don't miss this journey to self-discovery, healing, and lasting happiness!
You can get Dr. Elia Gourgouris’s books “7 Keys to Navigate a Crisis” and “7 Paths to Lasting Happiness” on his website https://www.dreliagourgouris.com/author/ 









This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #community #vulnerability #resilience #success #author #PersonalGrowth #forgiveness #happiness #DrEliaGourgouris #SelfImprovement #EmotionalWellbeing #NavigatingCrisis


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This episode I’m joined by Dr. Timothy Fong, a professor of psychiatry and co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, to dive deep into the emotional complexities of adolescence, addiction, and the power of vulnerability. Dr. Fong highlights the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to addiction, emphasizing recovery potential.
This episode we talk about the transformation of Las Vegas, the broader implications of gambling as a form of entertainment, and the need for regulation in the evolving landscape of betting. They also discuss how technology, social media, and the accessibility of online gambling impact young people today. With insights into brain development and the influence of digital content, this conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness and regulation.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the risks and cultural shifts surrounding gambling, the strategies to protect future generations, and the significance of mental health awareness, especially during Men's Mental Health Month. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength we all have to overcome adversity and the importance of supporting each other through life's transitions. 




This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #community #vulnerability #resilience #socialmediaeffects #gamblingaddiction #mentalhealthawareness  #recovery #digitalwellness #addiction #mensmentalhealth #gambling #dr.timfong




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This episode we’re delving into the transformative power of female friendships with special guest, Nina Badzin. Nina, the voice behind Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship and a seasoned writer on the topic since 2014, brings her wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to the table.
We explore the dynamics of women's friendships, the importance of supporting each other, and the impact of a scarcity versus abundance mindset. This episode we also discuss the challenges of feeling left out, the role of parents in teaching resilience, and the significance of fostering genuine connections without jealousy or competition.
Nina shares her journey from being a mom of four teenagers in Minneapolis to becoming a prominent figure in the friendship space. Emphasizing the value of lifting each other up, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in community. Hear how a quest for connection during the pandemic lockdown led Nina to start her podcast, transforming loneliness into a thriving platform for friendship.
This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for anyone looking to strengthen their connections. Whether you're navigating the complexities of new friendships, dealing with painful breakups, or seeking to deepen existing bonds, you'll find valuable insights and timeless advice.
You can learn more about nina through her website https://ninabadzin.com/ and listen to her podcast “Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship” through all podcast platforms.







This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #communitybuilding #purpose #motherhood #abundance #suport #vulnerability #connection #friendshipadvice #women #friendship #dearnina #ninabadzin


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