Episodes

The True Story of Two Friends & One Diagnosis

By: Mara Altman, Kat Alexander

Narrated by: Mara Altman, Kat Alexander

In Episodes, lifelong best friends Kat and Mara take listeners on an unfiltered journey through friendship, mental illness, and survival. Kat, a successful professional, is preparing for marriage and motherhood. On her fourth round of IVF, it happened—a frantic call to Mara. Mara comes over to find Kat, her friend of 25 years—the one who'd always been levelheaded, hilarious, and over-the-top thoughtful—trying to jump through a window.

The unexpected Bipolar diagnosis sends Kat’s life into a tailspin, leading to frantic 9-1-1 calls, cycling in and out of hospitals, crashed cars, emptied bank accounts, and, eventually, a desperate search and rescue mission in Mexico, where Kat goes missing.

Told through their own voices, Episodes captures the profound intimacy and tension of a friendship tested by crisis. Using real-time audio to immerse listeners in their heart-wrenching saga, Episodes takes us deep into the taboo of losing one's mind and raises universal questions about the boundaries of friendship. In spite of the chaos, Kat and Mara are here to tell their story, together—a testament that not only is healing possible, but that it’s not meant to be done alone.

©2024 Mara Altman and Kat Alexander (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

A must read for all!

I learned so much listening to this book. I am a nurse and have been on the end of trying to be a caregiver during an acute mental crisis. Trying to keep the patient and myself safe is always a challenge. Also dealing with the frustration of limited resources is a huge factor. I feel like every manic person needs someone as strong as Dave and Mara who stays during the hard times. I hope this book helps others and gives people hope. I think that Kat and Mara could change the mental health world if they put their minds to it 💚💜

Captivating and sad look at bipolar disorder and friendship

 This was a really beautiful story of friendship and how it was impacted by mental illness. It was hard to listen to at times, but really have me insight into how peoples lives can be so destroyed by mental illness and why we need much better safety nets and healthcare for all of us.

Beautifully told

What an amazingly raw, beautiful, authentic story of love, friendship, heartache, mental health, LIFE! I appreciate their willingness to be so real. Defiantly sent a link to ALL my girls ;-)

Deeply authentic account of friendship

I appreciate the unconditional loving relationship these women have! I feel like I have been led into the inter-sanctum of a mental health struggle and recovery. The vulnerability is authentic and real. This story is all about real life and is full of hope and acceptance. Bravo!

Brutally honesty and refreshingly written. Loved it.

The honesty of Kat in the middle of her episode/disgnosis. She wrote her truth. Mara and Kat are just who you think they are base on the book’s character development. The audible version ends with them talking after the book was released and I felt like I knew them.

Amazing

It’s a Beautiful story of true friendship.
Also, extremely educational. Despite the fact that I have worked as a nurse in a psychiatric ER for 25 yrs, I learned so much about what it truly feels like to be in a manic state by listening to this book. Thank you very much for writing it and for reading it aloud.

I didn’t know I needed to hear this

Wow. Can that be the review? Just wow!! Every moment of the story was so much wow! Thank you for sharing!

Empathy!

2 amazing women with an incredible bond. Empathy saved a life and strengthened a friendship.Unfortunately our healthcare systems has lost empathy

Besties for life in sickness and dirty jokes.

I turn on audio books at 5:00 am when I wake and want to fall back to sleep. I could not fall back to sleep with this book and I finished it within the day. They take a serious subject (mental illness) that many of us can relate to and still make/find light of it. They highlight the importance of your besties. It’s a great listen.

When you stumble upon a gem.

A random search led me to this book. Perhaps there was a little divine intervention as I have a loved one struggling similarly. I was captivated throughout the entirety of this book. I applaud the authors’ selfless sharing. What a remarkable true friendship! Such generous women. Loved the book.