Tatyana Frost is a writer and advocate for mental health and diversity in technology. She’s currently working on her memoir about her experience with bipolar disorder. She talks about growing up and the arc of her illness - going through extreme highs and lows, attempting to cope with suicidal depression, all while achieving academic and professional success. She speaks of being misunderstood and receiving a lack of family support on her initial efforts to get treatment and a diagnosis, as well as her own battle with feeling a stigma about being unwell or “crazy”. She now draws on her background of championing diversity in science and technology, to become a mental health advocate. She is sharing her story in a book “The Madness Effect” - a title Tatyana has coined to refer to one’s ability to develop pride in their mental health journey.
Tim Davis is the author of TRIPOLAR: The Story of a Bipolar Triathlete”. He is a coach, science teacher, 12 time Ironman finisher, and 7 time 100-mile endurance run finisher. Tim shares about his history with addiction, personal family tragedy, mental illness and recovery.
You can get Tim's book TRIPOLAR at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, and through several other stores listed on his website at ultratimdavis.com; where you can also sign up for coaching, connect to follow him on social media and subscribe to his blog.
June Converse is an author and blogger who provides an authentic look at the day-in-day-out worries, hopes, dreams, and fears of suffering from bipolar. After several downward spirals, she now is able to share and write from a place that inspires others through her struggles, helping them to feel safe to express themselves as well. June has published two fictional novels that tell the stories of hope through mental health struggles. Decide to Hope and Journey to Hope are both available on Amazon or your preferred bookseller. She can be contacted on Instagram and Facebook. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuneAConverseAuthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/converse.june/ Website / Blog: www.juneconverse.com Decide to Hope: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087J997RX?ref_=dbs_s_ks_series_rwt Journey to Hope: https://www.amazon.com/June-Converse-ebook/dp/B08FBBQY7J
Carl LaMark is a composer, pianist, and recording engineer born and raised in Chicago. He shares about living a life of music while coping with loss, anxiety, and clinical depression. He also shares insight into his experience of falling ill with Covid-19 earlier this year.
Alex Rembold is a Chicago based singer songwriter and improvisational actor. He has performed at the iO with the musical improv group "La Di Da" and is the host of the podcast "Little City; Big World". He shares about his experience living with Bipolar 1.
Eric Majeski is an innovator, a musician, and a holistic healer/counselor in-training. He’s currently in grad school cultivating new solutions for the addiction epidemic and studying mental health counseling. Eric performs and tours across North America with his band the Mystic Hearts. Eric is a fierce mental health advocate, and maintains a transformational coaching practice of select clients looking to up-level their creativity and productivity as well as become more adept at managing their energy and natural intelligence.
Luke Warner is an improviser, rapper, comedian and world traveler. Luke chats with Dave about the use of offensive language and content to reach an audience. They discuss Luke’s history with mental health and dig deeper into how people communicate in art, politics, and life. Luke a.k.a “Uncle Tasty” improvises a rap with Dave on keys.
Scott Gilmore, a Chicago based dual citizen from Canada, is a former paramedic, and aspiring actor/performer. After a more than 15 year long battle with alcoholism, addiction, and several relapses, he is nearly six months sober. He recounts his story of ups and downs with Dave, his struggles to avoid taking one more drink, and the wisdom of being a “grateful” alcoholic.
Liz Komos is a Chicago based actor and comedian who was born with a physical deformity and chronic illness. Growing up as a square peg in a world of round holes, she developed a passion to live earnestly and with a deep appreciation for every moment. It is her goal to create more access and awareness for others to express their true selves through art while also bringing light to the world with comedy. Liz shares about her powerful and spiritual journey to accomplish big things. Liz and Dave sing two improvised songs together.
