Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents

Welcome to Episode 23 of Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents.
In todays Episode, Daniel Van Nice shares his deeply personal story of overcoming mental health challenges, including a recent struggle with sleep issues. Daniel opens up about his discovery of being on the autism spectrum, his experiences with homeschooling, and the difficulties he faced when transitioning to public school. He reflects on how becoming a parent saved his life, sharing the joy and meaning he finds in fatherhood. Daniel also discusses his battle with addiction, the challenges of recovery, and the invaluable support he received along the way. This conversation highlights the complexities of addiction recovery, the impact of addiction, the importance of support systems, and the power of resilience.
Mental Health Struggles and Neurodivergence
Daniel Van Nice opens up about his mental health struggles, including a recent rough patch with sleep issues.
He reflects on his neurodivergent sixth sense and his realization of being on the autism spectrum.

The Impact of Homeschooling and Transitioning to Public School
Daniel shares his experiences of being homeschooled and the challenges he faced when transitioning to public school.
Insights into how these experiences shaped his perspective on education and social interactions.

Addiction and Recovery
Daniel's battle with addiction and his journey to overcome it.
The challenges and triumphs of addiction recovery, including the tragic consequences of addiction.

Support Systems in Recovery
The role of support groups like SMART Recovery in Daniel's recovery process.
Building a network of support and understanding to aid in recovery.

Fighting for Parental Rights
The emotional process of fighting for parental rights and its impact on mental health.
Strategies and tips for navigating the legal system and advocating for one's rights.

Housing and It's Influence on Mental Health
The struggles with housing and its effect on overall well-being and mental health.
The significance of stability in promoting a healthy mental state.

The Power of Asking for Help
Emphasizing that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The benefits of reaching out and seeking assistance during difficult times.

Emotional Openness with Children
The importance of being em

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Touched Out: A Mental Health and Parenting Support Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a rating and review. Your support helps others discover their new favorite parenting and mental health podcast.

Connect with Us:

Drop a comment on Spotify if you have any questions or thoughts. You can also visit The Touched Out Website to leave a voice message or contact me via email. If you are interested in being a guest on Touched Out you can access the guest form HERE

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Theme music written and performed by Ben Drysdale ©2025: www.bendrysdalemusic.com

Welcome to Episode Fourteen of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this heartfelt episode, host Carter and special guest George delve deep into their personal lives, sharing their hobbies, childhood experiences, and mental health struggles. Together, they recount their journey to finding each other, their relationship history, engagement, and the traumatic birth of their first child, Hendrix. Their candid discussion highlights the emotional and physical challenges they faced during each birth and the lasting impact on their mental health.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on mental health challenges, traumatic childbirth, and family dynamics. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as George and Carter discuss:

Navigating Hobbies and Childhood Memories:
Insights into George and Carter’s personal interests and how their childhood experiences shaped their mental health journeys.

Relationship History and Engagement:
A heartwarming recount of how George and Carter met, fell in love, and navigated the milestones of their relationship, culminating in their engagement.

Traumatic Birth's of Hendrix, Roman & Salem:
A raw and emotional discussion on the traumatic birth of their children, and the profound impact on their mental health and family dynamics.
Challenges of Childbirth:
The physical and emotional hurdles faced during each birth, highlighting the importance of informed consent and effective communication with healthcare providers.

Support System:
The crucial role of partners and family support during childbirth and postpartum recovery, emphasizing the strength and resilience of their family unit.

Advocacy for Better Healthcare Communication:
George and Carter stress the need for better communication and understanding between parents and healthcare providers to ensure a supportive and informed childbirth experience.

Enduring Love and Family Strength:
Their unwavering love for each other and their children, showcasing how their bond has fortified their ability to face challenges together.

Listen to George and Carter’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights into navigating childbirth, mental health struggles, and the importance of support systems. Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practical tips on navigating parenthood and mental health.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Touched Out: A Mental Health and Parenting Support Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a rating and review. Your support helps others discover their new favorite parenting and mental health podcast.

Connect with Us:

Drop a comment on Spotify if you have any questions or thoughts. You can also visit The Touched Out Website to leave a voice message or contact me via email. If you are interested in being a guest on Touched Out you can access the guest form HERE

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Theme music written and performed by Ben Drysdale ©2025: www.bendrysdalemusic.com

Welcome to Episode 27 of Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicole, the inspiring host of the "Your Say Podcast," who shares her incredible journey from corporate stress and personal turmoil to artistic fulfillment and mental health advocacy. Nicole opens up about hitting rock bottom after a life-altering breakup and how she rebuilt her life by embracing authenticity and prioritizing her mental health. Join us as we explore Nicole’s story of resilience, recovery, and her dedication to helping others through her experiences.

Nicole’s Journey to Authenticity and Mental Health Advocacy

Nicole’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and mental health awareness. After years of corporate stress, she reached a pivotal moment in her life when she came out as a lesbian at the age of 32. Nicole shares the challenges and triumphs of living her truth, co-parenting her two sons, and advocating for mental health. Her story highlights the importance of embracing one's identity and the strength required to break free from societal expectations.

Overcoming Depression and Anxiety

In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the often-misunderstood world of depression and anxiety. Nicole and I share personal stories about the emotional pain that can lead to suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the critical need for understanding and support. We discuss the intense strength required to overcome these mental health challenges, the importance of recognizing signs of distress, and the transformative power of seeking help. Our dialogue sheds light on how mindset and support systems play a crucial role in recovery and healing.

Parenting in the Digital Age

Parenting today comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially in the digital age. Nicole candidly discusses the intricacies of co-parenting her sons, balancing screen time, and addressing teenage experimentation with alcohol and drugs. We explore the impact of different household rules on children’s development and the importance of preparing them for the real world. Nicole's insights on modern parenting provide valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of raising children today.

Future Collaborations and Exciting Podcast Ventures

Looking ahead, Nicole shares her excitement about future collaborations and podcast ventures, including her plans to feature h

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Touched Out: A Mental Health and Parenting Support Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a rating and review. Your support helps others discover their new favorite parenting and mental health podcast.

Connect with Us:

Drop a comment on Spotify if you have any questions or thoughts. You can also visit The Touched Out Website to leave a voice message or contact me via email. If you are interested in being a guest on Touched Out you can access the guest form HERE

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Theme music written and performed by Ben Drysdale ©2025: www.bendrysdalemusic.com

Welcome to Episode 16 The Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents.
I'm your host, Carter, and today, we're diving into the fascinating and often misunderstood dynamics of ADHD and Autism in our society.

Meet Jo, the mother of Kai and Kobe. Kai, a brilliant young mind, founded Kaiko at just 11 years old in 2017. Kaiko was created to provide age-appropriate sensory solutions and fidget toys, born out of Kai's personal experiences with dyslexia and autism. These sensory solutions have significantly boosted his confidence and mental well-being.

Challenging Stigmas Around Autism

In our conversation, Jo and I discuss the negative stigma often associated with Autism and how it impacts late diagnoses. We delve into Kai's mental health journey and how his struggles led to the creation of Kaiko.

The Growth of Kaiko

Starting at local markets, Kaiko has now expanded to over 120 stockists. They focus on creating needs-based tools designed to replace non-suicidal self-harm practices. We explore the difference between self-harm as a coping mechanism for sensory overload and using tools like wrist and finger spiky's to provide non-harmful pain relief.

The Importance of Wearable Fidgets

Wearable fidgets offer individuals immediate sensory relief. Jo and I emphasize the importance of having these tools readily available, discussing how they can improve daily life for those with sensory needs.

Neurodiversity, Gender Fluidity, and Body Modification

Drawing from personal experiences, I share my history with self-harm and masking behaviors. We discuss the strong overlap between neurodiversity and gender fluidity, theorizing a potential connection between body modification and neurodiversity.

Powerful Insights and Continued Conversations

Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode. Let's continue to break down stigmas and explore innovative ways to support our neurodiverse community. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions.

Explore Kaiko's Range

You can browse and purchase Kaiko’s extensive range at Kaiko Fidgets. Head to the podcast Instagram and hit the bio link to sign up for preorder today.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Touched Out: A Mental Health and Parenting Support Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a rating and review. Your support helps others discover their new favorite parenting and mental health podcast.

Connect with Us:

Drop a comment on Spotify if you have any questions or thoughts. You can also visit The Touched Out Website to leave a voice message or contact me via email. If you are interested in being a guest on Touched Out you can access the guest form HERE

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Theme music written and performed by Ben Drysdale ©2025: www.bendrysdalemusic.com

Welcome to Episode Two of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this heartfelt episode, host Carter is joined by Michelle from Canada, who courageously shares her journey from multiple miscarriages to motherhood. Michelle opens up about her mental health struggles, her husband's ADHD and autism, and their shared experiences with seasonal and postpartum depression.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on miscarriage, birth trauma, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Michelle discusses:

Overcoming Miscarriages: Michelle and her partner's emotional journey through two traumatic miscarriages before welcoming their son, who was born via emergency C-section and spent time in the NICU.

Mental Health Challenges: Insights into Michelle's battle with postpartum depression, seasonal depression, and anxiety, and how her husband's ADHD and autism have impacted their family dynamics.

Birth and NICU Experiences: Personal recounting of the birth trauma and NICU stay, shedding light on the emotional and physical toll these experiences take on parents.

Coping Strategies: Practical advice on navigating mental health challenges while parenting, including seeking medical support, leveraging social media for community, and finding balance with a supportive partner.

Empowerment Through Sharing: Michelle's story underscores the importance of community and destigmatizing mental health issues, offering a platform for others to feel seen and heard.

Listen to Michelle's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights and support for your own parenting challenges. Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practical tips on navigating parenthood and mental health.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Touched Out: A Mental Health and Parenting Support Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a rating and review. Your support helps others discover their new favorite parenting and mental health podcast.

Connect with Us:

Drop a comment on Spotify if you have any questions or thoughts. You can also visit The Touched Out Website to leave a voice message or contact me via email. If you are interested in being a guest on Touched Out you can access the guest form HERE

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Theme music written and performed by Ben Drysdale ©2025: www.bendrysdalemusic.com