Comedian and author Maria Bamford reflects on growing up with loving parents who did their best to support her through bipolar II, OCD, and intrusive thoughts—despite not having the mental health awareness we have today. Maria shares how their compassion, humor, and willingness to adapt shaped her life and continues to influence her work, including the way she lovingly (and hilariously) portrays them in her comedy.

Vivien Lee recalls the first inklings of an existential crisis when she was eight years old. As she grew older, Vivien endured severe trauma. As the oldest of several children in a family that was part of Minnesota’s Hmong community, mental health was not something that was discussed in her family.

Dr. Michelle K. Murray sits down with her brother Aaron and nephew Asher to discuss Asher’s journey with depression, anxiety, and OCD, and how discovering his gender dysphoria helped him find clarity and self-acceptance. Aaron shares how he and Asher’s mom supported him along the way, guiding him toward a more peaceful and confident place.

Journalist and podcaster Ana Marie Cox opens up about growing up too soon — taking care of her alcoholic mother, navigating divorce, and facing her own struggles with addiction. In this powerful conversation with Dr. Michelle K. Murray, Ana shares how she turned pain into purpose, finding healing, sobriety, and peace with her past.

Author and artist Moon Zappa opens up about growing up in chaos — with a famous but absent father, a volatile mother, and a childhood marked by pain and people-pleasing. In this candid conversation with Dr. Michelle K. Murray, Moon shares how therapy and self-awareness helped her understand her past and find peace, healing, and growth.