Mental Mixology

Elex Simon
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Ever feel like your mental health is a complex mix of emotions? Join Elex Simon for honest, relatable conversations about the ups and downs of mental wellness. We're not afraid to get real, sharing personal stories and expert advice on everything from anxiety and depression to finding your inner peace. Discover hidden resources and alternative solutions alongside traditional therapies; if you're looking for a podcast that understands the messy reality of mental health, tune in every Thursday at 6:00 PM CST.

  1. 8H AGO

    EP 84: The “Micro-Break” Mindset - Maximizing 5 Minutes of Rest

    "My brain never shuts off, ever." — Sound familiar? In this solo "real talk" session, Elex Simon dives into the chaotic reality of wearing all the hats—Founder, Recruiter, Podcaster, and everything in between. We all know that feeling when our brain has 47 tabs open, 2 of them are frozen, and we can’t find where the music is coming from. 🧠💨 In this episode, we are breaking down the Micro-Break Mindset. Elex explores the science of brain fatigue and why a simple 5-minute reset isn't just "laziness"—it’s a biological necessity for your nervous system.✨ What’s in the Mix today: The Brain-Battery Science: Why your Prefrontal Cortex (the "boss" of your brain) needs a fast charge to keep you from glitching. Closing the Tabs: How to treat your mental health like an iPhone—swipe up on the stress and hit "Refresh." The 5-Minute Menu: Practical, fun ways to reset that don’t involve a 3-week vacation (think: movement, nature, and the power of a deep breath). The Cortisol Connection: Understanding how constant stress affects your long-term health and what you can do to "drain the chemical tank" today. 💡 Key Takeaways: Stop the Scroll: Why TikTok isn't actually a break (it's just more "mental noise"). The 1% Rule: Applying the Kaizen philosophy to your rest—better is better, no matter how small. Nature & Movement: The science-backed reason why looking at a tree or dancing to one song can save your afternoon. The Challenge: Elex challenges you to implement one "Power-Off" break every day this week. Your brain—and your gut—will thank you! 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Mental Mixology: mentalmixology.org Soul Vibration: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580512978456 Healing House: https://www.healinghousereikiandlifecoaching.com/about-brittany-mullins Immediate Support: If you are in crisis, please call or text the 988 Crisis Hotline.

    30 min

  2. APR 9

    EP 83: Life Coaching vs. Therapy - Finding Your Path w/ Kim Mabry & Lilac Farms Life Coaching

    Unlocking Emotional Balance with Kim Mabry "Therapy looks in the rearview mirror; life coaching looks out the windshield." 🚗💨 In this episode of Mental Mixology, we are sitting down with Kim Mabry, the heart and soul behind Lilac Farms Life Coaching. Kim’s journey is a powerful testament to the "Mixology" of life—moving from a career in teaching to becoming a certified life coach dedicated to helping others find their emotional footing. Whether you are navigating the aftermath of trauma or simply feeling "stuck" in your current season, Kim joins us to break down how life coaching serves as the ultimate tool for accountability and growth. We dive deep into the physical toll of stress—reminding us that "your body knows when you’ve had enough"—and explore how Kim integrates faith and mental resilience into her practice to help clients achieve lasting balance. In this episode, we discuss: The Transition: Kim’s inspiring pivot from the classroom to the coaching chair.Coaching vs. Therapy: Understanding why looking "out the windshield" is the key to moving forward.The Body Connection: How trauma and stress manifest physically and how to listen to your body’s warning signs.Accessibility: How Lilac Farms is making mental wellness affordable through creative sponsorship programs and flexible virtual or in-person sessions.Small Wins: Why celebrating the "tiny steps" is the secret to building life-long momentum. Kim’s approach is all about comfort, connection, and real results. If you’ve been looking for a sign to prioritize your personal growth, this is it. It’s time to stop staring at the rearview and start driving toward the life you deserve. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the interview on YouTube! 🔗 Resources & Guest Links: Connect with Kim Mabry via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilacfarmscoaching Connect via Email: kimmabry29@yahoo.com Start Your Journey: Reach out to Kim for a free consultation to see how Lilac Farms can support your goals.

    30 min

  3. APR 2

    EP 82: Why Women’s Brains Are High-Performance (and High-Maintenance)

    This episode of Mental Mixology dives deep into the "Chemistry of Chaos," exploring the biological and social complexities of women’s mental health. Host Elex Simon shares a chilling personal story of being followed while shopping, sparking a vulnerable conversation about the constant vigilance and safety concerns women face in a world not always built for their peace of mind. From the science of how estrogen fluctuations dictate our dopamine levels—creating natural highs and "scheduled chemical withdrawals"—to the "self-sacrifice myth" that tells us an empty cup is a badge of honor, this episode is a guide to reclaiming your happiness. Beyond the struggles, Elex provides a toolkit of science-backed "Mixology" solutions, including the power of somatic release through 3-minute dance parties and the "oxytocin overload" found in simple connections. Whether you are battling the "Good Girl" trap, navigating the 2026 dating scene, or feeling overstimulated by the mental load of home and career, this episode serves as a reminder to give yourself grace. It’s time to stop comparing your "behind-the-scenes" to someone else’s highlight reel and start celebrating your little wins as the "Operations Manager" of your own life. You’ve got it! Here are the plain-text URLs so you can easily copy and paste them directly into your podcast platform or social media descriptions: Sources/Resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org The Hormone Center: Estrogen & Neurotransmitters https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/mental-health UCLA Study: Tend-and-Befriend Response https://taylorlab.psych.ucla.edu/research/ Dr. Caroline Leaf: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-clean-up-your-mental-mess Journal of Women’s Health: Invisible Labor https://www.liebertpub.com/loi/jwh Somatic Experiencing International: Stress Management https://traumahealing.org/about-se/ Institute for Family Studies: The Dating Recession https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-dating-recession Hily 2026 Report: Relationship Pressure https://hily.com/blog/ Journal of Relationship Psychology: Power Dynamics https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/relationships Hinge Data: The Rise of Deep Dating https://hinge.co/press Mental Mixology Resource Library https://mentalmixology.org

    55 min

  4. MAR 26

    EP 81: The Glass Half Full - Why Your Mindset is the Most Important Ingredient

    In this week's solo episode of Mental Mixology, Elex Simon pulls back the curtain on her personal transformation, sharing how she navigated the shift from a default state of negativity to a life defined by optimism and purpose. This isn’t just about "thinking happy thoughts"; it’s a deep dive into the powerful intersection of faith, intentional attitude, and the hard science of neuroplasticity. Elex explains how our brains are physically capable of rewiring themselves, moving from the "Negative Nellie" loops of the past to a "Bright Light" frequency that attracts growth and resilience. Whether you are balancing a high-stress career—like Elex’s own journey in the fast-paced world of recruiting—or just trying to find your footing in a messy season, this episode provides the practical tools needed to pivot through setbacks rather than being defeated by them. Throughout the conversation, Elex emphasizes the role of gratitude and faith as the ultimate "ingredients" for a healthy mental mix, teaching listeners how to literally speak their goals into existence. You’ll learn why failure is never a dead end but a necessary course correction, and how a 7-day commitment to intentional positivity can start a ripple effect in every area of your life. By combining spiritual grounding with the biological reality of how our thoughts shape our world, this episode serves as a roadmap for anyone ready to stop being a passenger in their own mind. It’s time to stop letting your environment dictate your mood and start taking control of your outlook, one conscious thought at a time.

    32 min

  5. MAR 19

    EP 80: Brain vs. Belly - Why Food Feels So Complicated

    In episode 80 on the Mental Mixology podcast, Elex explores the complex relationship with food, discussing the science behind eating habits, the impact of stress and control, and practical tips for developing a balanced, healthy diet. This episode offers insights into overcoming food struggles and fostering a positive connection between body and mind. Mental Mixology Mental Health Resource Library - https://www.mentalmixology.org/mental-health-resources/ Resources 1. The "Famine Response" (Under-eating/Binging) The Resource: This is based on the Minnesota Starvation Experiment and studies on Diet-Induced Thermogenesis. The Takeaway: It’s the "science of the rebound." When the body perceives a caloric deficit, it spikes Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is a chemical that literally makes you obsessed with food until you eat. That’s why you "raid the pantry" at 9:00 PM—it's biology, not a lack of willpower. 2. The "Scale Obsession" (Cortisol & Stress) The Resource: Studies on Psychological Stress and Body Composition (often found in the Journal of Obesity). The Takeaway: This is where we get the "Cortisol" connection. Stressing over the scale is a form of chronic stress. Your body doesn't know the difference between a "scary number on the scale" and a "bear chasing you," so it keeps you in Fat Storage Mode to survive the "threat." 3. The "Healthy Food" Taste Gap (Dopamine) The Resource: This comes from Neurobiology of Food Addiction and studies on hyperpalatable foods. The Takeaway: Processed foods are "Super-stimuli." They flood the brain with more dopamine than nature ever intended. This "numbs" your dopamine receptors, making a strawberry taste like nothing compared to a Skittle. It’s a temporary "hearing loss" for your taste buds!

    26 min

  6. MAR 12

    EP 79: No More Finger Pointing - Finding Freedom in Accountability

    In a world full of excuses, true accountability is the ultimate power move. In this episode, Elex dives deep into the "secret ingredient" of personal growth: taking ownership of your life without the weight of blame or shame. We often view accountability as a punishment, but science tells a different story. By understanding how our brains—specifically the amygdala—protect our egos through excuses, we can learn to bypass our defenses and build a life rooted in self-trust. What we’re mixing up in this episode: The Brain Science of "The Excuse": Why our nervous system sees a mistake as a threat and how to rewire that response using neuroplasticity.Accountability vs. Blame: Breaking down why responsibility is about future growth, not past guilt.Micro-Ownership: Practical, small-scale ways to start building an "internal locus of control" to lower anxiety and boost confidence.The 24-Hour Rule: A simple, actionable tool for self-reflection and emotional regulation. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness habits, strengthen your relationships, or simply take the driver's seat in your mental health journey, this episode provides the toolkit to help you take control—one day at a time. Sources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Line - https://988lifeline.org/ Neuroplasticity & the Brain - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/neuroplasticity Building Better Habits: James Clear - https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

    37 min

  7. MAR 5

    EP 78: 988 Mental Health Hotline

    Elex discusses the importance of the 988 mental health crisis number, emphasizing that it's for everyone, not just those in immediate danger. He explains how to use it, its benefits, and encourages viewers to make it a part of their emergency toolkit. Episode Takeaways: 988 is available 24/7, free, and confidential.You don't need to be in crisis to call 988; it's for anyone overwhelmed.Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.You can call or text 988, and it connects you with trained professionals.Add 988 to your contacts and give yourself permission to seek help. 988 Crisis & Mental Health Support - https://988lifeline.org/ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

    7 min

  8. FEB 26

    EP 77: Why Having a "Thing" Can Save Your Mental Health

    Elex explores the importance of having a 'thing'—a hobby or interest—that nurtures mental health, provides escapism, and fosters identity beyond roles. She shares personal insights and practical tips for discovering passions, and emphasizes self-care through interests such as Disney, fitness, and baking. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting involved with the Mental Mixology Foundation team, email Elex at elexandria@mentalmixology.org.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Ever feel like your mental health is a complex mix of emotions? Join Elex Simon for honest, relatable conversations about the ups and downs of mental wellness. We're not afraid to get real, sharing personal stories and expert advice on everything from anxiety and depression to finding your inner peace. Discover hidden resources and alternative solutions alongside traditional therapies; if you're looking for a podcast that understands the messy reality of mental health, tune in every Thursday at 6:00 PM CST.

Information

  • Creator
    Elex Simon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Elex Simon
  • Show Website
    Mental Mixology