Ep. 433: 5 Myths of Bipolar Disorder and Healing

JJ welcomes back Michelle Reittinger, author and host of The Upside of Bipolar, for a bold, hope-filled conversation that challenges common cultural narratives around bipolar disorder. Together, they unpack "myths" that can keep people stuck in fear and identity-based labels—and invite listeners into curiosity, root-cause investigation, and a more empowering view of symptoms, healing, and personal responsibility. In This Episode, We Cover ·         Michelle's story: diagnosed in 1998, years of intensive psychiatric treatment, polypharmacy, and a breaking point that became a turning point ·         Why a diagnosis can feel like an "answer," but often doesn't explain why symptoms started ·         The difference between a "cluster of symptoms" and an identified disease mechanism ·         Why curiosity (vs. shame) changes everything—especially with intense symptoms like rage, anxiety, and dissociation ·         The "detective" approach: identifying triggers, patterns, and underlying contributors ·         The role of foundational health (nutrients, sleep, nervous system regulation) in emotional resilience and symptom reduction ·         Why suppressed emotions can show up as anxiety, depression, physical pain, or crisis states ·         How identity, victimhood, and relationship dynamics can unconsciously reinforce staying stuck ·         A grounded reminder: do not abruptly stop medications—tapering/changes should be done slowly and safely with qualified support Notable Takeaways ·         Labels can reduce curiosity—and curiosity is often the doorway to change. ·         "Symptoms" are information; the goal is to explore what they're pointing to. ·         The most empowering question isn't "What's wrong with me?" but "What happened—and what is my system asking for now?" ·         Healing can have a social cost: if your "sick role" has been rewarded with attention, protection, or lowered expectations, getting better can feel threatening (even subconsciously). Resources Mentioned ·         Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker ·         The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk ·         Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno Connect with Michelle ·         Website: theupsideofbipolar.com ·         Free resource: Mood Cycle Survival Guide (available on her site) ·         Podcast + book links are also on her website.

What if the deepest wound you carry isn't about what happened to you—but about whether you ever felt truly held by life itself? In this powerful and intimate conversation, JJ is joined by a longtime soul sister, healer, and registered nurse who shares a deeply transformative experience that healed a lifelong sense of abandonment—not just from people, but from God, Source, and existence itself. After more than 25 years of personal growth, spiritual practice, and emotional work, she realized there was still an existential fracture beneath it all: a quiet belief that life was not fully safe, that love could be given endlessly but not fully received, and that stepping into her full calling might come at a devastating cost. What unfolded during a sacred, carefully held journey became a profound reclamation of safety, trust, and belonging—at the nervous-system and soul level. This episode is not about escapism or quick fixes. It's about: ·         How early experiences can fracture our sense of safety with life itself ·         Why control often masks a fear of annihilation or abandonment ·         What true surrender actually feels like in the body ·         Healing the relationship with Source beyond religion or belief systems ·         Learning to receive love after a lifetime of giving ·         Releasing the fear that being fully seen could destroy you ·         Embodiment, integration, and lasting nervous-system change JJ also speaks to the importance of integrity, preparation, emotional readiness, and sacred containment—emphasizing that this kind of work is not for everyone, not always, and never casual. At its core, this is a conversation about remembering who you are, restoring trust in life, and discovering that you were never alone—not for a single breath. If you've ever felt: ·         Like you don't fully belong here ·         Afraid to take up space or be fully visible ·         Deeply loving but unable to receive ·         Spiritually devoted yet quietly disconnected ·         Called to something more but scared of the cost This episode may speak directly to your heart. This is not an escape from life.It's an invitation into the truth of who you really are. http://Karinrose.love

In this solo episode, JJ explores a pattern she sees repeatedly in women who are deeply caring, self-aware, and ready for healing—yet hesitate when it's time to invest in themselves. Drawing from real conversations with women who are caregivers, over-givers, people-pleasers, and survivors of illness, JJ unpacks the deeper truth beneath statements like "I can't afford it." This episode isn't about money—it's about self-worth, nervous system safety, and the beliefs that quietly keep women putting themselves last. Through the energetic lens of the Year of the Snake and the approaching Fire Horse, JJ explains how awareness alone isn't enough. Healing often requires an embodied choice—a stretch that tells your nervous system, I am worth being supported. In this episode, you'll hear: Why women so often deprioritize their own healing and well-being How abandonment wounds, caregiving roles, and people-pleasing show up around money What not investing in yourself communicates to your body and subconscious Why aligned investment can be a powerful act of re-patterning and self-trust How choosing yourself builds confidence, self-love, and emotional resilience This episode is an invitation to value yourself differently in 2026—not by doing more, but by believing you're worthy of support, healing, and expansion. ✨ If you've been feeling the call to invest in yourself but something keeps stopping you, this conversation may help you understand why—and what's possible on the other side of that choice. If you're ready to break this pattern, let's chat http://jjflizanes.com/apply

JJ reconnects with longtime friend and homeopath Avghi "Avi" Constantinides (yes—at Trader Joe's!) for a timely conversation on natural immune support during the holiday season and beyond. Avghi breaks down what homeopathy is, how it differs from symptom-only approaches, and shares her go-to homeopathic "flu season trio" that many of her clients use for prevention and support. The conversation then expands into entrepreneurship, education, and why responsiveness and follow-up are essential for building a sustainable, heart-centered business. In this episode, you'll hear: How a chance reconnection at Trader Joe's brought Avghi into the West Coast Women Rising community Avghi's origin story: from the UK, to South Africa, to the U.S.—and the life-changing realization that shaped her work What homeopathy really is and how it treats the whole person rather than isolated symptoms What to expect from a first homeopathic consultation—and why it goes deep How emotional and life events often correlate with physical symptoms Avghi's recommended homeopathic flu-season support trio: Influenzinum (homeopathic preparation of the current flu strain) Briar Rose (commonly used for respiratory and chest vulnerability) Thymulin / Thymuline (supporting immune and white blood cell function) How and when to take these remedies, including travel and exposure support Why combo remedies can help—and when individualized care is needed Avghi's community work supporting first responders and clinics during the 2025 California fires Building a business as a solopreneur: Early grassroots marketing before social media Why fast follow-up builds trust (and slow follow-up loses opportunities) The importance of visibility, service, and giving back to your field Educational pathways through Avghi's school—from personal learning to professional practice Why every household should have a basic homeopathic first-aid kit Resources mentioned: Practice: HomeopathyForLife.com School: LASchoolofHomeopathy.com (site name transitioning) Email: [email protected] Homeopathic First Aid List: JJFlizanes.com/firstaid

Shedding the Skin Needed to Set the Stage for 2026 As we step into 2026, it's tempting to rush ahead with goals, intentions, and action. But energetically, we're still in a powerful transition period. Although the calendar year has changed, the Fire Horse doesn't officially arrive until February 17, meaning we're still completing the work of the Year of the Snake. In this solo episode, JJ explores why this moment is less about acceleration—and more about discernment, honesty, and conscious completion. The Year of the Snake asks us to shed old skins: identities, coping strategies, emotional patterns, and roles that once served us but now limit who we're becoming. Before the Fire Horse ignites momentum, visibility, and bold action, we're being invited to get clean, aligned, and intentional. In this episode, you'll hear: Why 2026 begins as a threshold year, not a starting line Key themes of the Year of the Snake and what we're still meant to release What Fire Horse energy amplifies—and why preparation matters The three essential lessons to integrate before February 17 How to move into 2026 authentically, intentionally, creatively, and passionately Why shedding before sprinting creates sustainable momentum This episode is an invitation to slow down just enough to listen—to your body, your nervous system, and your deeper truth—so that when the Fire Horse arrives, you're ready to ride it with clarity instead of chaos. ✨ If you feel the call to shed a skin and enter 2026 more aligned than ever, this conversation will meet you right where you are. http://jjflizanes.com/apply http://jjflizanes.com/14day http://jjflizanes.com/mm  

In this special intergenerational conversation, JJ and Doug sit down with JJ's parents—ages 80 and 77—for an honest and heartfelt discussion about happiness, perspective, and what truly matters in life. Together, they reflect on how priorities evolve over time, what contributes to lasting fulfillment, and how ideas around success, relationships, and happiness have changed across generations. The conversation also turns toward the future, with thoughtful reflections and intentions for 2026—what to protect, what to release, and what feels most important moving forward. This episode isn't about giving advice from a pedestal; it's about sharing lived wisdom, curiosity, and hope through real conversation. Whether you're looking ahead to a new year, reassessing your goals, or simply craving perspective that cuts through the noise, this episode offers a grounding reminder of what creates a meaningful life—no matter your age. In This Episode, We Discuss: What happiness really means at different stages of life How priorities and goals evolve over time Reflections on love, relationships, and fulfillment Intentions and hopes for 2026 What still matters most, no matter the generation

In This Episode, You'll Learn Why contrast (the thing you don't want) is not personal—and not a sign you "did it wrong" How survival responses (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) can pull you out of flow automatically Why self-compassion is the "neutralizer" that helps you move from emotional intensity back to steadiness The "three buckets" model: lack → neutrality → abundance How to move from "what I don't want" into true clarity using three powerful questions The difference between observing vs. judging—and how judgment instantly shuts off flow How momentum builds around whatever you focus on (and how to choose differently moment-to-moment) Why you may need to practice the feelings you want (and build new neural pathways) What "command" means through I AM statements How "create" activates imagination and future-self alignment to become a stronger energetic match   Ready to practice the 5 C's (and build real momentum toward what you want)? Join JJ's FREE 14-Day Manifestation Challenge starting January 5th. You'll get daily guidance, simple assignments, and practical tools to help you move from contrast into clarity—then command and create from a more aligned, empowered state. Sign up NOW  http://jjflizanes.com/14day   Ready for transformation in 2026?  Let's chat  http://jjflizanes.com/apply

In this episode, JJ Flizanes welcomes back cardiologist and bestselling author Dr. William Davis to celebrate the launch of his newest book, Super Body, available starting today, December 16, 2025, wherever books are sold. Together, they explore why our culture's obsession with quick weight-loss fixes — from low-calorie diets to trending injectables — often leads to muscle loss, more visceral fat, faster aging, and even higher long-term health risks. JJ brings in her Date Your Body philosophy to highlight why resistance training is essential for staying strong, youthful, and independent as we age. You'll hear about: Why cutting calories leads to major muscle loss and metabolic slowdown The dangers of visceral fat & myosteatosis How the microbiome and endotoxemia influence body composition and aging The overlooked roles of collagen and hyaluronic acid Simple resistance-training approaches for real, lasting results A new way to think about investing in your long-term health Resources Get Super Body now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite bookstore Explore the Date Your Body program at http://JJFlizanes.com/applu

Real Women. Real Results. Real Transformation. In this very special episode, JJ checks in with past participants of Date Your Body to share where they are now, what has stayed with them, and how their lives have continued to transform long after the program ended. This is more than a "weight loss" conversation. These women healed their nervous systems, rewrote emotional patterns, and finally created a loving, sustainable relationship with their bodies. And the ripple effects? They've touched every area of their lives — relationships, confidence, movement, self-worth, energy, and even identity. In today's episode, you'll hear: ✨ The long-term impact of nervous system–based body healing ✨ The emotional breakthroughs that still influence their choices today ✨ How they shifted from survival mode to embodied safety ✨ Why old patterns didn't return — and what replaced them ✨ Real stories of weight released, inflammation lowered, mobility restored, and confidence rebuilt ✨ The spiritual and identity-level changes they never expected And of course… their incredible wins: 💜 Julie (82) — healed six decades of digestive pain, released weight effortlessly, and now loves her body for the first time in her life. 💜 Mandy — not only transformed her body, but even changed her entire family system through her healing. 💜 Karon — can finally look in the mirror and say "I love you" with complete truth. 💜 Traci — released 17 pounds, gained muscle, reclaimed athleticism, and found pride again. 💜 Ami — ditched emotional eating, restored flexibility, and now feels strong and peaceful in her body. This episode is proof: When you stop fighting your body and start listening to it, your whole life changes. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated with your body, or tired of doing "all the right things" without results, this conversation will show you what's truly possible when the nervous system feels safe and supported. ✨ Want to experience this transformation for yourself? Applications are now open for Date Your Body 2026 and the 2026 Empowerment Programs. If you're ready to change your relationship with your body, food, self-care, and emotional patterns… 👉 Apply here: JJFlizanes.com/apply  This is your invitation to finally feel at home in your body.

If you've been doing all the right things—eating clean, exercising, thinking positive—and still not seeing the changes you want… This week I recorded a solo show on Weight-Loss Resistance and the REAL reasons your body isn't changing. (Spoiler: it's not your willpower, your discipline, or your motivation.) I break down the top 7 metabolic blocks I see over and over again, plus the missing link that most programs ignore:👉 your nervous system. Because your body cannot release weight or inflammation when it doesn't feel safe. And to help you go deeper, I'm giving you FREE access to my classic Metabolic Makeover Program — normally $500 — updated with new insights on hormones, belly fat, stress, gut health, and nervous-system healing. 🎁 Get the Metabolic Makeover FREE Use code JJFREE at checkout➡️ http://jjflizanes.com/mm Inside the program you'll get:✓ The Weight-Loss Resistance Quiz✓ The 7 root causes of metabolic resistance✓ How to balance hormones naturally✓ What really drives belly fat✓ How to end emotional + metabolic burnout✓ Workbook, audios, videos, and step-by-step guidance If you've ever felt like your body is working against you… this will help you understand exactly why — and what to do next. Your body is not the problem. It's the messenger. I hope this episode — and the free Metabolic Makeover — help you finally understand what your body has been trying to tell you. With love, JJ