Amanda, the Founder and Creator of Monarch Mental Health, has been a dedicated advocate for the mental health community, driven by her own lived experience with Bipolar 1. Diagnosed in 2010, her journey began with a journal, a lifeline during her first appointment with a pediatrician when she couldn't voice her suicidal thoughts. Referred to a psychiatrist, she embarked on an 11-year path of medical care, therapy, and self-discovery. Throughout her journey, Amanda found solace and clarity in journaling, a coping skill that remains vital to her today. Struggling with cognitive issues from medication, she developed a color-coded brain log to track her symptoms, empowering her to communicate more effectively with her doctors. Despite numerous challenges, including a lengthy depressive episode, dropping out of college, and a stay in a mental health hospital, Amanda's resilience shone through. She organized a mental health awareness event, found a consistent medication regimen, and engaged with a new therapist. Amanda's passion for mental health advocacy led her to establish Monarch Mental Health. She believes that breaking the stigma around Bipolar disorder starts with open conversations. Through Monarch Mental Health, Amanda aims to help others share their stories and find their voices, fostering a supportive and understanding community. Today, she continues regular visits to both psychiatrist and therapist. She continues on with life, “moment by moment”, with her rapid cycling Bipolar 1 disorder. Amanda wants those of you who also battle with Bipolar 1 or 2, to know that we can get through our struggles, even if that means restarting our day at 2:00 PM. Please support Amanda McNamara online: https://www.monarchmhealth.org/ https://www.tiktok.com/@beautifulbipolarbrain?_t=8oFGxQfNRMJ&_r=1 Insta: https://www.instagram.com/monarch_mentalhealth/ Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #coach #connection #energy #positive #education #mentalhealth #bipolar #bipolarawareness #bipolardisorder #empowerment

In this very special episode, we have our first returning guest to take a deeper dive into how they continue to own their awkward.

Cheri Hardman captivates audiences with hilarious tales about being a plus size, menopausal babe. She won Tacoma Comedy Club's 'The Comedy Voice', was a finalist in Nate Jackson's Super Funny Comedy Club's Funniest MF Out Here and performed at Bumbershoot and in Seattle International Comedy Competition. Her bawdy, sassy style makes her the perfect host for her podcast, 'Diary of an Ex Ho.'Cheri has worked with Tiffany Haddish, Steve-O, Nate Jackson, Stormy Daniels, Luenell, Jamie Kennedy, Tony Roberts, Samuel J. Comroe, Rodney Perry, Ian Bagg and more.

In this episode we talk about what it is like to be a comedian and woman with a disability working through the world of accessible and not accessible spaces to perform and handle daily life.

Find and support Cheri Hardman online:https://www.cherihardman.com/ https://www.facebook.com/cherihahahardmanhttps://www.instagram.com/cherimmhmm/

Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward

For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/

#podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #coach #connection #energy #positive #education #tacoma #selfcare #comedian #standupcomedy #personalgrowth #plussize #accessibility #disability #disabled #scooter #wheelchair

Becca Boston is a successful bestselling author, renowned speaker, coach and the Ending the Silence Coordinator for NAMI Pierce County. Despite having a learning disability, she serves as an inspiring role model, proving that disabilities should not hinder one's pursuit of their dreams. Becca's unwavering dedication lies in her motto and brand "Stay Strong. Stay You.", as she strives to assist individuals in realizing their own strength by speaking up, giving their pain a voice and receiving the help that's needed while staying true to themselves. Over time, Becca's impact has extended globally, continuously inspiring people worldwide. Becca has been featured in LA Weekly as a Powerhouse Speaker Making a Positive Impact. Her transformative message "Stay Strong. Stay You." has reached an audience of 2 million, her "I Am Purpose" conference attracted participants from different countries, and her personal journey is documented in her book, "The Story Behind The Smile: Lessons Within My Life". Despite her wide-scale influence, Becca acknowledges that her primary focus is on connecting with each individual she speaks to, including you. Buy Becca's book with my affiliate link: https://amzn.to/46U5Biw Please support Becca Boston online: Tiktok: @beccaboston6 Instagram: @beccaboston26 Website: www.beccaboston.net For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #coach #connection #energy #positive #education #tacoma #selfcare #selfharm #mentalhealth #support #staystrong