Episodes

102
Sept. 11, 2026

EP 102: Mental Health Hacks for Teens (and the Parents Who Love Them) | Katie K. May Teen Mental Health Expert

In this Suicide Awareness Month episode, host Elex interviews Katie K. May, a Pennsylvania-based licensed therapist, practice owner, and author specializing in high-risk teens and their families. Drawing from her personal history navigating adolescent self-harm and young adult substance use, Katie explains how discovering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) inspired her mission to help young people create a life worth living. A foundational step in breaking generational cycles of dysfunction is p...
101
Sept. 3, 2026

EP 101: Why We Stay in Bad Relationships - And How I Finally Walked Away

In Episode 101 of Mental Mixology, titled "Why We Stay in Bad Relationships (And How I Finally Walked Away)," host Elex opens up for Suicide Awareness Month about one of the most challenging chapters of her life: surviving a toxic, five-year relationship that led to severe mental health struggles and suicidal ideation. She emphasizes that this episode is not about dragging an ex, but rather throwing a lifeline to anyone currently feeling trapped or isolated in a harmful dynamic. Elex shares how ...
100
Aug. 27, 2026

EP 100: 100 Conversations Later - Chasing Joy & Finding Your "Mental Mixology"

We made it to 100 episodes! What started back in July 2022 as a simple hobby and personal side project has grown into a full-blown non-profit organization dedicated to making mental and physical wellness sustainable for everyone. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or this is your very first time tuning in, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This milestone wouldn't be possible without our incredible listeners, volunteers, board members, local business collaborators, and supporters who...
99
Aug. 20, 2026

EP 99: A Chiropractor’s Guide to Resetting Your Mental Health | Dr. Bethany Geotz with Patterns for Health Chiropractic

In this episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex sits down with Dr. Bethany Geotz, owner of Patterns for Chiropractic Health in Sedalia, to discuss how chiropractic care extends far beyond treating standard back pain or car accident injuries. Dr. Bethany explains her holistic approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body's systems to target the root cause of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. She highlights specialized, low-force adjustment techniques used at her practice...
98
Aug. 6, 2026

EP 98: The Power of “Good Enough” - Challenging Perfectionism

In Episode 98 of Mental Mixology, Elex dives deep into the complex, double-edged world of perfectionism. While standard self-help advice often writes off perfectionism as purely negative, Elex reframes it as the exact engine that drives high achievers to excel, avoid stagnation, and show up reliably for the people in their lives. Opening with a relatable story about over-analyzing a heart-shaped cake made for a friend's bachelorette trip, this episode unpacks how high standards can fuel our achi...
97
July 30, 2026

EP 97: Rewiring for Rest - The Power of Microcurrent Neurofeedback | Christina Durrill with Divine Interruptions

Have you ever felt like your mind simply will not stop racing? In this episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex sits down with Christina, the owner of KC Divine Interruptions in Odessa, Missouri, to dive into a game-changing technology that helps reboot a dysregulated nervous system: Microcurrent Neurofeedback. Elex shares her personal experience going from constant anxiety attacks and restless nights to experiencing real, peaceful mental clarity after just two sessions. Christina breaks down how ...
96
July 23, 2026

EP 96: Bouncing Back From a Bad Day

Have you ever woken up to a morning where it felt like everything that could go wrong did? In this episode, host Elex shares a chaotic real-life morning story involving a broken picture frame, stepping barefoot in cat vomit, and managing a panic attack right before an important work presentation. Drawing from insights shared by life coach Kim Maybury of Lilac Farms Life Coaching, Elex breaks down the psychology behind bad days and offers practical, actionable tools to flip your mindset, reset y...
95
July 9, 2026

EP 95: The Cost of Caring - Empathy Fatigue

In this week's episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex dives deep into the realities of navigating the world as a highly empathetic individual. While empathy is the essential human glue that forms profound connections and magnifies shared joy, being overly empathic can often feel like a disservice that leaves you mentally, emotionally, and physically depleted. Elex vulnerably shares her personal experiences with emotional burnout, the deep-seated loneliness that empaths often carry, and how an ope...
94
July 2, 2026

EP 94: Tech-Forward Healing - Filtering the Noise | Emily Weinberg, Founder of Skipit

Welcome to Episode 94 of Mental Mixology! In this episode, host Elex sits down with tech founder Emily Weinberg to discuss the profound connection between the media we consume and how we feel. While many of us rely on comfort shows and movies to unwind , we often encounter unexpected triggers that can negatively impact our mental health before we even realize it. Emily shares how her own experiences led her to develop Skip It, an innovative software designed to give viewers control over their di...
93
June 25, 2026

EP 93: Men's Mental Health - The Multi Million Dollar Mask

Welcome to a very special episode dedicated to all the men out there. It is June, which means it is Men's Health Awareness Month—and we cannot have a real conversation about men’s health without prioritizing men’s mental health. Inspired by a suggestion from one of our male listeners, this episode pulls back the curtain on the silent struggles, societal expectations, and hidden masks that even the most successful men carry. From "arrival fallacies" to hyperindependence, we are diving deep into ...
92
June 18, 2026

EP 92: Affirmations that Actually Work - And Why Others Fail

In this episode, Elex dives deep into the transformative power of daily affirmations and positive self-talk . Sharing a vulnerable, real-time look at a tough week in her staffing agency, she explains how she shifts her mindset from a "negative Nancy" to her own inner coach . Learn the history, the science, and the practical way to build realistic, impactful affirmations that reshape your brain . Episode Key Takeaways: Realism vs. Pessimism: Being a realist means seeing things exactly as they ar...
91
June 11, 2026

EP 91: The Blueprint of Resilience - Building a Life, a Business, and a Mindset | Al Simon CEO of APS Solutions

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, and we cannot talk about men's health without talking about men’s mental health. To kick off the month, Elex sits down with a very special guest co-host—the CEO of APS Solutions (and her dad!), Al Simon. Al shares his incredible journey of resilience, detailing how he went from living in poverty to owning his own multi-million dollar business. From navigating "working scared" early in his career to balancing a 26-year corporate climb with family life, Al op...
90
May 28, 2026

EP 90: The Sole Connection - Healing from the Ground Up | Laurie Little with Sole Vibration Sedalia

Have you ever felt completely disconnected from your physical body, or noticed that your stress is wreaking total havoc on your digestion and sleep? Most of us living in today's high-stakes culture are completely patterned to chronic stress and staying in a constant loop of "fight or flight." This week, Elex sits down with Laurie Little, a certified foot zoning practitioner and sound bath therapist who is helping the Sedalia community rediscover true physiological calm. Driven by a 20-year jour...
89
May 21, 2026

EP 89: Navigating Infertility and Mental Resilience | Dr. Megan Keyes

In the United States, approximately 19% of women of reproductive age face challenges with infertility. Yet, despite how common this struggle is, it is far too often experienced as a silent epidemic —shrouded in isolation, silence, and social withdrawal. In honor of National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, Elex sits down for a deeply moving, transparent conversation with returning favorite Dr. Megan Keyes. As a clinical professional with 25 years of experience in trauma, grief, and loss,...
88
May 14, 2026

EP 88: The Silent Mind - Unlocking Peace | Brittany Mullins from Healing House

Have you ever felt like your brain simply won't shut off? Whether it's the 10:00 PM "to-do list" loop or the physical toll of a never-ending mental load, many of us live in a state of constant noise. In this episode, Elex sits down with Brittany Mullins, a Reiki Master and Life Coach who is helping the Sedalia community move from "survival mode" to true mental silence. Brittany’s journey into holistic healing began through her own health crisis. After a traumatic NICU experience with her daught...
87
May 7, 2026

EP 87: The Inflammation Map - Taking Control with Danielle Sawford | Heartland Thermography & Holistic Health

Guest: Danielle Sawford, Founder of Heartland Thermography & Holistic Health Have you ever been told your labs are "normal," but you still feel like something is fundamentally off? In this episode, Elex sits down with Danielle Sawford—a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Clinical Thermographer, and Quantum Energy Practitioner—to discuss the revolutionary "heat map" that is changing how we look at preventive health. After a 2019 health crisis left her searching for answers traditional medic...
82
April 30, 2026

EP 86: Invisible Workload - Mental Load of Home Management

Have you ever spent your entire "rest day" deep cleaning, only to end the weekend feeling more exhausted than when you started? You aren’t alone. Between a full-time career, building a foundation, staying fit, and maintaining relationships, the Invisible Workload—the mental gymnastics of home management—can become a silent killer of your mental peace. In this solo episode, Elex Simon pulls back the curtain on her own recent struggle with the "Sunday Reset" trap. We’re diving into the science of...
85
April 23, 2026

EP 85: Holistic Health - Supplements, Superfoods, and Stability w/ Kali Lucchesi & Healthy Habits

In this episode, Elex Simon sits down with holistic health expert Kali Lucchesi from Healthy Habits Sedalia to dive deep into the world of natural healing. We often talk about the mind, but today we’re talking about the body’s "engine"—the gut, the nervous system, and the essential nutrients that keep us resilient. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the supplement aisle or wondered why your "healthy" habits aren't moving the needle, this conversation is for you. From the "magical" benefits of m...
84
April 16, 2026

EP 84: The “Micro-Break” Mindset - Maximizing 5 Minutes of Rest

"My brain never shuts off, ever." — Sound familiar? In this solo "real talk" session, Elex Simon dives into the chaotic reality of wearing all the hats—Founder, Recruiter, Podcaster, and everything in between. We all know that feeling when our brain has 47 tabs open, 2 of them are frozen, and we can’t find where the music is coming from. 🧠💨 In this episode, we are breaking down the Micro-Break Mindset. Elex explores the science of brain fatigue and why a simple 5-minute reset isn't just "lazin...
83
April 9, 2026

EP 83: Life Coaching vs. Therapy - Finding Your Path w/ Kim Mabry & Lilac Farms Life Coaching

Unlocking Emotional Balance with Kim Mabry "Therapy looks in the rearview mirror; life coaching looks out the windshield." 🚗💨 In this episode of Mental Mixology, we are sitting down with Kim Mabry, the heart and soul behind Lilac Farms Life Coaching. Kim’s journey is a powerful testament to the "Mixology" of life—moving from a career in teaching to becoming a certified life coach dedicated to helping others find their emotional footing. Whether you are navigating the aftermath of trauma or si...
82
April 2, 2026

EP 82: Why Women’s Brains Are High-Performance (and High-Maintenance)

This episode of Mental Mixology dives deep into the "Chemistry of Chaos," exploring the biological and social complexities of women’s mental health. Host Elex Simon shares a chilling personal story of being followed while shopping, sparking a vulnerable conversation about the constant vigilance and safety concerns women face in a world not always built for their peace of mind. From the science of how estrogen fluctuations dictate our dopamine levels—creating natural highs and "scheduled chemical...
81
March 26, 2026

EP 81: The Glass Half Full - Why Your Mindset is the Most Important Ingredient

In this week's solo episode of Mental Mixology, Elex Simon pulls back the curtain on her personal transformation, sharing how she navigated the shift from a default state of negativity to a life defined by optimism and purpose. This isn’t just about "thinking happy thoughts"; it’s a deep dive into the powerful intersection of faith, intentional attitude, and the hard science of neuroplasticity. Elex explains how our brains are physically capable of rewiring themselves, moving from the "Negative ...
80
March 19, 2026

EP 80: Brain vs. Belly - Why Food Feels So Complicated

In episode 80 on the Mental Mixology podcast, Elex explores the complex relationship with food, discussing the science behind eating habits, the impact of stress and control, and practical tips for developing a balanced, healthy diet. This episode offers insights into overcoming food struggles and fostering a positive connection between body and mind. Mental Mixology Mental Health Resource Library - https://www.mentalmixology.org/mental-health-resources/ Resources 1. The "Famine Response" (Und...
March 12, 2026

EP 79: No More Finger Pointing - Finding Freedom in Accountability

In a world full of excuses, true accountability is the ultimate power move. In this episode, Elex dives deep into the "secret ingredient" of personal growth: taking ownership of your life without the weight of blame or shame. We often view accountability as a punishment, but science tells a different story. By understanding how our brains—specifically the amygdala—protect our egos through excuses, we can learn to bypass our defenses and build a life rooted in self-trust. What we’re mixing up i...