Dr. Jennifer “Jenn” Veilleux is a professor, licensed clinical psychologist, and author of "Open to Emotion". She studies how our beliefs about feelings—and our ability to handle tough ones—shape mental health. In this episode, she shares practical tools for understanding and regulating emotions, and catches up with Dave on her life and career since they were in high school together 30 years ago.

Olivia Candocia blends theater and therapy to help people embrace authenticity and find connection through play.

Olivia is a mental health counselor and drama therapist whose journey has woven together performance, creativity, and education. With a background as an actor, theatre director, voice actor, and preschool teacher, she first earned a B.S. in Acting before realizing she wanted to go beyond performance. A full-blown identity crisis in her twenties led her to clown school—and ultimately to an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

In this episode, Dave and Olivia explore what it means to be a drama therapist and dive into her uniquely qualified perspective on the field. Along the way, they engage in dramatic role play and improvise original songs. Olivia shares her excitement about blending her creative and therapeutic training to support others.

Her path continues to evolve, guided by a mission to help people embrace authenticity, feel comfortable with mistakes, and experience the joy of life through play and human connection.

David Vox Mullen is a Chicago-based filmmaker, nationally touring stand-up comedian, musician, and producer with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. In this episode, he speaks with Dave about role models and father figures - especially the Heavenly Father and Jesus. David is the co-founder of Under The L Productions, former frontman of the rock band The SLIPSTREAM, and host of the podcast Vox Podpuli. He shares part of his journey as a comedian who found viral success with his Donald Trump impression - which he performs during the episode - along with an improvised song about being a straight, married man who is “gay adjacent.” They also discuss Vox’s personal history with diabetes, food addiction, weight gain, and weight loss. A lifelong wrestling fan, David brings heart, humor, and authenticity to every project, blending personal storytelling with larger-than-life characters and creating spaces where community, art, and legacy intersect. Follow him @DavidVoxMullen on all platforms.

Anne, a 31-year-old musician, improviser, and educator with bipolar 2 and PTSD symptoms, opens up about her childhood trauma, self-harm, relationships, and long search for treatment. She improvises a song with Dave and shares the insight: “It’s okay to have feelings. It’s a part of the human experience.”

Tatyana Frost is a writer and advocate for mental health and diversity in technology. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she speaks about coping with suicidal depression and the stigmas she has faced. She is writing a memoir titled The Madness Effect, which celebrates finding pride in one's mental health journey.

Steel Maggie is a songwriter from Los Angeles who creates bold dance pop music. Living with bipolar disorder and a history of addiction, she discusses reclaiming the label "crazy" and her podcast Mind Made Wrong. She and Dave reflect on their shared podcast missions. Maggie is active on Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, and steelmaggie.com.

Tim Davis is the author of TRIPOLAR: The Story of a Bipolar Triathlete. He’s also a coach, science teacher, 12-time Ironman finisher, and 7-time 100-mile ultramarathon finisher. He shares his story of addiction, mental illness, family loss, and recovery. More info is available at ultratimdavis.com.

June Converse is an author and blogger who shares an authentic look at the daily emotional realities of living with bipolar disorder. After several downward spirals, she now writes from a place of inspiration and empathy. She has published two novels (Decide to Hope and Journey to Hope) and can be contacted via Instagram and Facebook. Her website is www.juneconverse.com.