In this episode, mental health expert and author Julie Fast joins Christina to share her journey with bipolar disorder – and how it led her to become an advocate, educator, and the original consultant on the TV show Homeland.
Julie explains the genetic nature of bipolar disorder, the different types, and why understanding the illness is key to managing it. She talks about the stigma around medication and why a comprehensive approach – including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes – is essential.
We cover the different types of medications used (mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, antidepressants) and the role of sleep, exercise, and the ketogenic diet in treatment. Julie introduces the Bipolar Significant Seven—substances that can interfere with treatment—and explains why it’s critical to avoid them.
Julie also shares why asking for help (especially when stable) and involving loved ones is so important, and why even healthcare professionals often misunderstand bipolar disorder. Finally, she talks about her mission to create tools and resources for people living with bipolar disorder, especially as they age.
Whether you’re living with bipolar disorder, supporting someone who is, or just want to learn more, this episode offers practical insights and powerful advice.
About Julie
Julie Fast is a bestselling author of Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder and Getting It Done When You’re Depressed. She's an award-winning mental health expert and consultant known for her groundbreaking work in bipolar disorder education. She was the original consultant for the TV series Homeland.
How to get in touch with Julie
Website: juliefast.com
Instagram: @juliefast
How to get in touch with Christina
Instagram: @christina_simone
TikTok: @barely_naked_podcast
LinkedIn: Christina Beischl
In this episode, Dr. Omar Babar joins Christina to talk about all things Ozempic, weight loss injections, and the future of health treatments. Omar is a medical director at Healand Clinic and has spent over 14 years working in the NHS. He shares how his clinic offers innovative options that go beyond what’s usually available – and how these treatments are helping people make real, lasting changes in their health.
We dive into how weight loss injections like Ozempic actually work, who they’re for, and what to keep in mind when using them long-term. Omar explains how microdosing these medications can even help with inflammation, autoimmune conditions, PCOS and addiction, and why professional support is key.
We also talk about the growing interest in NAD treatments, the risks of ordering medication online, and how body image pressures are shaping people’s choices. Whether you're curious about these injectables, considering treatment, or just want to understand the bigger picture, this episode offers a clear and honest look at what’s really going on.
About Dr. Omar Babar
Dr. Omar Babar is the Medical Director at Healand Clinic, a forward-thinking health practice in Leicester, UK. With over 14 years of medical experience, Omar combines traditional and modern approaches to help people feel better, safely and sustainably.
How to get in touch with Omar
Website: healand.co.uk
Instagram:@healandclinic
How to get in touch with Christina
Instagram: @christina_simone
TikTok: @barely_naked_podcast
LinkedIn: Christina Beischl
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics related to mental health, borderline personality disorder and substance use.
In this episode, Dr. Courtney Tracy shares insights into the unconscious mind, personal growth, and mental health treatment. She discusses her new book, Your Unconscious is Showing, and the work behind ExistCenters, a facility specialising in borderline personality disorder and substance use. She also explains the difference between the unconscious and subconscious mind and introduces her 12 Steps of Consciousness - a framework designed to support self-awareness and healing.
Beyond her professional work, Dr. Tracy opens up about her personal experiences with borderline personality disorder and autism, the impact of public scrutiny, IVF and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. She reflects on the importance of emotional regulation, self-awareness, and navigating life’s complexities with greater understanding.
This conversation offers a deep look into both the professional and personal aspects of mental health, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in psychology, therapy, or personal development.
About Dr. Courtney Tracy
Dr. Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, CCTP, C-PD
Dr. Courtney Tracy, also known as The Truth Doctor, is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and activist. She has dedicated her career to making mental health education accessible, particularly in the areas of personality disorders, neurodivergence, and addiction.
Courtney's book, Your Unconscious Is Showing: Take Control of Your Life With the 12 Steps of Consciousness, is out now!
How to get in touch with Courtney
Website: thetruthdoctor.com
Instagram: @the.truth.doctor
Facebook: thetruthdoctorfb
TikTok: @the.truth.doctor
How to get in touch with Christina
Instagram: @christina_simone
TikTok: @barely_naked_podcast
LinkedIn: Christina Beischl
Trigger warning: This episode covers mature topics including trauma, PTSD, CPTSD and more.
In this episode, Christina talks to licensed professional clinical counsellor Brooke Halliday about her work in trauma therapy and the transformative power of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Brooke specialises in working with millennials and Gen Z, helping clients navigate trauma, anxiety, and depression. They discuss what to look for in a therapist, trauma as a spectrum – including complex PTSD and relational trauma – and the stigma surrounding borderline personality disorder. Brooke explains how EMDR helps the brain process and store traumatic memories, the importance of safety and stabilisation in therapy, and the role of the therapist-client relationship in healing.
About Brooke
Brooke is an EMDRIA-certified trauma therapist in Minnesota. She’s worked in the mental health field for almost 10 years and currently focuses on helping Gen Z and Millennial women work through their traumas to create a life they enjoy. Brooke is also the host of the podcast Coloring Outside the Lines where she interviews people about their real-life challenges and how they survived them.
How to get in touch with Brooke
Website: redbirdwellness.org
Instagram: @therapy.with.Brooke
Facebook: @redbirdwellness
How to get in touch with Christina
Instagram: @christina_simone
TikTok: @barely_naked_podcast
LinkedIn: Christina Beischl
Trigger Warning: This episode covers mature topics including severe mental health issues, Schizophrenia and addiction.
In this episode, Christina talks to mental health advocate and creator Kody Green aka Schizophrenic Hippie about his journey of living with schizophrenia, overcoming addiction and incarceration, and using his experiences to educate and break the stigma around severe mental illness. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia, the role of humour and social support in coping, and the ongoing stigma around psychiatric medication. Kody shares insights into his recovery, the importance of mental health education, and his book Minds Over Meetings, which explores how workplaces can better support employees with mental health challenges.
Note: When Kody refers to the Vice President of the United States, he refers to the Biden Administration, as this episode was recorded before the change in government.
About Kody
Kody Green is a mental health advocate, speaker, and content creator dedicated to raising awareness about schizophrenia and severe mental illness. After being diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early 20s, Kody has used his platform to educate others, fight stigma, and provide hope to those navigating similar experiences.
How to get in touch with Kody
Minds Over Meetings is out now. Find out more here
Instagram: @schizophrenichippie
TikTok: @schizophrenichippie
YouTube: @SchizophrenicHippie
How to get in touch with Christina
Instagram: @christina_simone
TikTok: @barely_naked_podcast
LinkedIn: Christina Beischl