Welcome to another inspiring episode of Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama. In this episode, Amy sits down with Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, positive discipline parent educator, and registered music together teacher.

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**Episode Highlights:**

**Meet Samantha Foote**

*Samantha’s Education and Career*

- Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and a Master of Music with a specialization in music therapy from Colorado State University.
- She is a neurological music therapy fellow and a dialectical behavior therapy-informed music therapist.
- When she's not working, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and children.

*Life with Neurodivergent Children*

- Samantha shares the journey of raising three children, all diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
- She describes the challenges and triumphs of managing various therapies and medical appointments.
- Samantha recounts a particularly scary moment when her son had a seizure, leading to an epilepsy diagnosis, and discusses how medication has been a blessing.

*The Transformative Power of Music Therapy*

- Samantha explains what music therapy entails and provides examples of activities used to enhance cognitive skills and communication.
- She shares heartwarming stories about the progress of her non-speaking clients through music.

*Celebrating Neurodiversity*

- Samantha hosts a podcast called "Every Brain is Different," where she shares parenting strategies and resources for the neurodivergent community.
- The podcast aims to support both parents and individuals by discussing ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions.

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**Key Takeaways:**

1. **Importance of Proper Diagnosis:**
- Samantha emphasizes the need for proper evaluation and diagnosis to access essential resources and support for neurodivergent children.
- She advises seeking specialist assessments rather than relying solely on pediatrician recommendations.

2. **The Katie Beckett Program:**
- Samantha provides valuable information about the Katie Beckett program, which offers Medicaid benefits regardless of income for children with severe diagnoses.
- She discusses additional waivers, such as Family Direct and Self Direct, which cover non-traditional therapies.

3. **Parenting Neurodivergent Children:**
- Samantha shares her experiences and strategies for connecting with and supporting neurodivergent children.
- She underscores the importance of understanding and responding to communication through behavior.

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**Resources:**

- Listen to Samantha's podcast, "Every Brain is Different," on all major platforms.
- Visit Samantha’s website, (http://boisemusictherapycompany.com), for resources on obtaining a diagnosis, increasing parent-child connection, and understanding neurodivergent terminology.

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**Final Thoughts:**

We hope you enjoyed this episode with Samantha Foote. Her insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for parents navigating the complexities of raising neurodivergent children. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama!

For more updates and episodes, follow us on facebook at .https://www.facebook.com/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-taylor-bsw-mental-health-warrior-and-neurospicy-mama-2023802b/ or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/advancing_with_amy/. You can also check out my website at www.advancingwithamy.com

**Until next time, keep advancing!**

P.S. Don't forget to check out my FREE / WHO AM I Journal and sign up for my newsletter at https://www.advancingwithamy.com/whoamijournal

And if you're looking for something upbeat, check out my friend Sage's, Here and Happy Modern Mindfullness Meditations with my affiliate link: https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147801938/MgcaNLDD

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Amy and Linda explore the journey of grief, healing, and empowerment. This week, Linda Henderson joins the conversation to share her deeply personal and emotional story of losing her beloved daughter, Andrea, in a tragic car accident caused by a texting and driving transport truck driver.

**Key Takeaways:** - **Remembering Andrea:** Linda recounts her happy memories of Andrea—describing her as a loving, patient, and kind individual who loved horseback riding, baton twirling, helping others as a social worker and writer and her young son. -

**The Tragic Event:** The devastating accident on December 20, 2011, took the lives of Andrea and her coworker. Linda shares her initial shock, disbelief, and the profound grief that followed. -

**Coping with Grief:** The conversation highlights the societal expectations of "moving on" after a loss and the reality of enduring grief. Linda emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel, seeking support, and maintaining traditions to keep loved ones' memories alive. -

**Finding Purpose:** Linda discusses how she found new purpose by writing a book, "The Road of Love and Hope," which offers insights and advice on navigating the sorrow of losing a child and finding hope. - **Support and Community:** Linda underscores the significance of support systems, embracing emotions, and self-care. She shares her ongoing commitment to support bereaved parents and underprivileged children through her work.

**Special Traditions and Honors:** - Celebrating Andrea's birthday and decorating a purple Christmas tree in her memory. - Engaging with the community through her website and social media platforms to offer support and encouragement. **Final Thoughts:** - Linda believes in finding joy in cherished memories and embracing the present moments as sources of hope for the future.

### Call to Action: If you found this episode moving and insightful, please consider rating, sharing, and subscribing to our podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and provide the inspiration and hope they need. Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and resources on mental health and healing.

**Buy Linda Henderson's book, "The Road of Love & Hope: The Journey of Child Loss ** - https://amzn.to/45Bf8u1 (This is an affiliate link, meaning I might get a very small percentage but it will not cost you any more than usual.)

Thank you for listening, and remember, you're not alone on this journey. Together, we advance and thrive. Keep on Advancing Warriors.

P.S. Check out my good friend Sage's BIG LIFE EDITOR BUNDLE which has 30 courses in it on every kind of topic. It is only available once a year and it goes back in the vault at the end of June. It normally costs $297 but she is offering it to Advancing With Amy listeners for a discounted $97.00. It's a one time offer and goes away on June 30th. Check it out at my affiliate link: https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147870142/MgcaNLDD. And while you are on Sage's page, make sure to check out all her freebies as well!!! I only recommend someone I would buy from and I do buy from Sage. I actually hired her as my life and business coach! She is AMAZING and her courses are THE BEST! Check them out: https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147870142/MgcaNLDD

## Show Notes: Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama

### Episode Title: Exploring Breathwork to Tackle Stress and Boost Mental Health, with John Hall

**Host:** Amy
**Guest:** John Hall

### Episode Highlights:

1. **Introduction to Belly Breathing**:
- John Hall introduces the concept of belly breathing as a method to signal safety to the body, differentiating it from chest breathing used in dangerous situations.

2. **Breathing Exercise Demonstration**:
- John demonstrates a calming breathing exercise: inhale through the nose for 5 seconds, then exhale through the mouth for 7 seconds. This helps tell the body it is safe.

3. **Influence of Physical Posture**:
- Discussing the impact of physical posture on mindset, John cites studies showing how smiling or adopting power poses can improve decision-making and confidence levels.

4. **Incorporating Breath Techniques**:
- John details his use of breath techniques with clients:
- **Tactical Breath** for immediate stress relief.
- **Strategic Breath** for regular practice to expand stress tolerance.
- **Transformational Breath** to challenge and dissolve limiting beliefs.
- He shares a personal story of using breath work to address his own limiting beliefs.

5. **Democratizing Breathwork**:
- John aims to democratize breathwork, sharing its benefits with a wide audience, not just entrepreneurs and executives.

6. **Physiological Aspect of Stress**:
- Stress is presented as a full somatic experience. The episode dives into how stress affects the body, and John introduces his BPM (breath physiology mindset) technique for redirecting stress responses.

7. **Understanding Stress Responses**:
- John outlines the two types of stress responses (hyper arousal and hypo arousal) and specifies that they are suitable in particular situations.
- He discusses a UK study showing that forcing a smile for ten minutes can be as effective as Prozac for clinical depression.

8. **Impact of Stress on Body Functions**:
- High stress can shut down non-essential functions like digestion and advanced critical thinking. John explains how chronic stress can lead to distress and harm health.

9. **Types of Stress**:
- The episode categorizes stress into neutral stress, healthy stress (Eustress), and unhealthy stress (distress).

10. **Utilizing Breath Work to Signal Safety**:
- Breath work techniques are highlighted for their ability to signal safety to the brain via the vagus nerve, promoting calmness and lowering stress levels.

11. **Challenging Limiting Beliefs**:
- John discusses the importance of examining and challenging limiting beliefs and the long-term health benefits of changing the way we breathe.

12. **Resources and Further Learning**:
- John introduces his course "Breathe Easier" available on his website for more comprehensive information.
- Visit [JohnHallCoaching.com](http://JohnHallCoaching.com) for contact, one-on-one sessions, and course details.

### Conclusion

- Amy appreciates the rich conversation with John and encourages listeners to rate, review, and subscribe to the show.

**Don’t miss this informative episode! Learn how simple breath work can transform your stress response and mental well-being.**

---Keep Advancing Warriors!

Amy

P.S. Don't forget to check out my friend, Sage's, shop full of freebies and larger courses marked down until June 30th. She is giving our listeners a 30 course deal that is usually $297 away for only $97 until June 30th, when it is placed back in the vault for who knows how long. If you use my affiliate link I do obtain a small stipend at no cost to you. See link below to check it out with no committment to buy.. https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147870142/MgcaNLDD

**Show Notes: Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama**

**Episode Title:** Bringing Mental Health Conversations to Life: Ben Gonshor Discusses "The Book of Izzy"

**Host:** Amy Taylor

**Guest** Ben Gonshor

**Description:**

In this compelling episode, hosts Amy and Ben dive deep into an enlightening conversation about Ben's latest book, "The Book of Izzy." Ben opens up about his own mental health journey, discussing both the highs and lows of being on and off psychotropic medication. "The Book of Izzy" serves as a powerful narrative aimed at de-stigmatizing mental health and sparking essential conversations around the topic. Listen in as they explore the significance of a supportive community for those diagnosed with mental illnesses and touch on the genetic aspects of mental health.

**Key Takeaways:**

- **Ben’s Journey:** Insights into Ben's personal experiences with depression and anxiety, which have shaped his literary work.

- **Supporting Mental Health:** The vital role of support systems for people with mental health conditions.

- **Unique Experiences:** The importance of recognizing the uniqueness of each individual's mental health journey.

- **Izzy’s Challenges:** A closer look at Izzy, the protagonist of Ben's book, and his journey of self-discovery.

- **Realism and Authenticity:** The significance of depicting mental health challenges with authenticity, drawn from personal experience.

- **Promotion and Purchase Information:** Details on where and how to purchase "The Book of Izzy."

**Purchase "The Book of Izzy":**

Check out the link below to purchase Ben's evocative book directly. Let’s support meaningful storytelling that bridges the gap in mental health discussions. You can use my affiliate link to purchase it on Kindle through Amazon at https://amzn.to/3yLPoyL or purchase the actual book at Barnes & Noble at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-of-izzy-ben-gonshor/1144929062?ean=9781990496462

To learn more about Ben, check out his website at https://bengonshor.com

**Call to Action:**

If you found value in today's conversation, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast "Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior." Stay updated with insightful episodes that aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Also, share this episode with friends, family, and anyone who might benefit from it. Together, we can advance the dialogue on mental health.

**Connect with Us:**

- Subscribe to the podcast

- Share this episode

- Follow us on our social media handles

- E-Mail Amy at amy@advancingwithamy.com

-Check out Amy’s website at https://advancingwithamy.com

**Upcoming Episodes:**

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we continue to bring you impactful conversations on mental health and wellness.

Thank you for being part of the "Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior" community. Keep on Advancing Warriors!

PS. Make sure you take a second to check out my good friend Sage's Here & Happy: Modern Mindfullness Meditations at my affiliate link: https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147801938/MgcaNLDD

### Show Notes: Advancing With Amy - Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama

#### Episode: **23**

- **Best Summer Ever Bundle**: https://www.faithmariahevents.com/bse-waitlist

**Episode Overview:**

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of neurohacking with expert Marcelle Siegel, founder of Brainrise. Marcelle shares her inspiring personal journey and the science behind various neurohacks designed to reduce stress and improve mental health. We explore techniques like red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), neurofeedback, metabolic interventions, and much more.

**Key Topics:**

1. **Introduction to Neurohacking**

- Marcelle's background and inspiration for Brainrise.

- What neurohacking is and how it differs from biohacking.

2. **Red Light Therapy**

- Benefits for the brain and overall health.

- How it reduces inflammation and boosts cellular health.

3. **Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)**

- Treatment for neurological effects, especially post-Covid.

4. **Neurofeedback**

- Training your brain to relax using personal devices.

5. **Metabolic Interventions**

- Impact of metabolism on mental health.

- Innovations in metabolic psychiatry.

6. **Special Bundle Offer**

- Details about the Best Summer Ever bundle and available resources.

- Marcelle's VIP Radiance Pack in the bundle.

**Special Offer:**

Don't miss out on the **Best Summer Ever Bundle**! It's packed with hundreds of amazing digital resources covering wellness, mental health, personal development, hobbies, business, finances, relationships, and more. Upgrade to the VIP option for just $19 (price goes up to $29 on Monday) and receive Marcelle’s Radiance Pack, valued at $157, along with other exclusive resources.

Sign up now to take advantage of this incredible offer: **[Best Summer Ever Bundle](#)**.

**Call to Action:**

- **Subscribe and Share:** If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and share it with your friends and family.

- **Feedback:** We love hearing from you! Leave us a review or send us your thoughts on the episode.

- **Best Summer Ever Bundle**: https://www.faithmariahevents.com/bse-waitlist

**Connect with Us:**

- **Follow Marcelle Siegel and Brainrise:** Learn more about Marcelle’s work and get access to her neurohacking tips and techniques at brainRISEgo.com and follow her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelle-a-siegel-ph-d-a06b2a26a, https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulbrainwellness/, and https://www.instagram.com/brainrisers/

**Next Episode:**

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll continue to explore innovative techniques and strategies to improve mental health and well-being.

Check out my friend Sage's Here and Happy: Modern Mindfullness Meditations at https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147801938/MgcaNLDD

Keep Advancing Warriors!

**Show Notes: Advancing With Amy: Mental Health Warrior – Magan Outlaw Bundles.mp3**

Welcome back to another episode of Advancing With Amy, your go-to podcast for mental health, neurodiversity, and life strategies! This week, we are excited to have a special guest, Magan Outlaw, founder of The Real Raw Outlaw, who joins us to discuss neurodiversity and budgeting. Amy and Magan dive into practical advice and personal experiences that will resonate with many of our listeners.

**Episode Highlights:**

1. **Introduction to Magan Outlaw and The Real Raw Outlaw (00:00:29 - 00:01:33)**
- Magan shares the origin and evolution of her company, The Real Raw Outlaw.

2. **Importance of Neurodiversity (00:01:56 - 00:02:36)**
- Magan discusses her personal connection to neurodiversity, detailing her family's experiences and challenges.

3. **Challenges and Strategies for Budgeting with ADHD (00:02:45 - 00:04:24)**
- Magan talks about her journey from struggling with ADHD and impulsive spending to mastering budgeting and improving her financial stability.

4. **Transformative Impact of Budgeting (00:04:24 - 00:04:52)**
- The positive effects on Magan’s marriage and overall financial situation after adopting budgeting.

5. **Client Services and Budgeting Tools (00:05:39 - 00:06:15)**
- Different services Magan offers, including budget audits and long-term consultations through Zoom.

6. **The Best Summer Ever Bundle (00:06:23 - 00:09:57)**
- Amy and Magan discuss the value-packed Best Summer Ever Bundle, featuring contributions from 148 creators, including both Amy and Magan's own contributions.

7. **Financial Education for Children (00:10:14 - 00:13:46)**
- Practical tips Magan employs to teach her children about budgeting and money management, showing the long-term benefits of financial discipline.

**Call to Action:**

Don't miss out on the incredible resources available in the Best Summer Ever Bundle! The bundle is available from June 10th to June 13th and includes amazing products worth thousands of dollars that are yours for free with the bundle. Click on the link in the show notes to get access before time runs out.

**Subscribe and Share:**

If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Advancing With Amy and share this episode with your friends and family. Your support helps us continue to bring you inspiring and informative content.

**Links & Resources:**
- **Best Summer Ever Bundle**: https://www.faithmariahevents.com/bse-waitlist
- **Magan Outlaw - The Real Raw Outlaw**: Visit [The Real Raw Outlaw](http://www.therealrawoutlaw.com)
- **Follow Magan on Social Media**: @therealrawoutlaw

Thank you for tuning in, and remember, small changes can equal big results!

https://www.faithmariahevents.com/bse-waitlist

P.S. Be sure and check out my good friend Sage's Happy Here & Now: Modern Mindfullness Meditations with my affiliate link at

In this powerful episode of "Advancing With Amy," Toni Wortherly opens up about her journey with anxiety, sharing insights and strategies to navigate through it. As a singer-songwriter and mental health advocate, Toni's story is both inspiring and relatable.

Listen in to discover Toni's three-step guide to managing anxiety and gain valuable tips on how to listen, learn, and limit anxious thoughts. Delve into her personal experiences and learn how she found healing and creativity through faith and therapy.

But that's not all! Dive deeper into Toni's world by exploring her soulful music, touching on themes of mental health and faith.

Visit Tony's website http://tonilashaunmusic.com/ to access her FREE "Don't You Worry" journal and explore her music on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with Toni's music and wisdom.

Subscribe to "Advancing With Amy" for more empowering conversations and share this episode with those who could benefit from Toni's message of hope and resilience. Join us in spreading awareness and support for mental health by listening, subscribing, and sharing today! And keep Advancing Warriors!

Check out my uplifting affiliate link below, for some HERE AND HAPPY: MODERN MINDFULLNESS MEDITATIONS.

https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147801938/MgcaNLDD