Far From Zen: Recent Episodes
Maggie Stolfa
On a scale from Chaos to Zen, where do you stand? I am Maggie Stolfa, and I feel as though my life is shit show. But I am not going to let my uneasy current state determine my fate. Instead, I am taking on new challenges to re-code the way I think. Through a mix of personal reflections and guests, I do what I love and am known for - talking to people! Oh, and side note - I have Bipolar 1 disorder. Part of my mission is to drive more conversations to help de-stigmatize mental illnesses while encouraging people to seek help when necessary. I hope by openly owning and mentioning my diagnosis at times throughout this podcast it helps others! Ready to embrace the journey to Zen with me? There is no roadmap. Just trial, error, and a lot of laughter!Instagram: Maggiestolfahttps://www.instagram.com/maggiestolfa/Website: Mjstolfa.com
I am back and thriving on my own! In this episode, I talk about running into the guy who gave me my first deep wound at a concert I was alone at thanks to the most recent dude I talked to. Somehow, I am at more peace in life than ever before. I am just trying to figure out whether I am supposed to stay put or move somewhere new. My advice to you - let go - it feels better.
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Having a bad week? The phase will pass. In this episode, I talk about how important passions are and what to do if you lose interest in what you normally like to do. Also, do not be afraid to eat alone.
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Dr. Tamilore Odimayo joins us with expertise as an Author, Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Drug and Alcohol Counselor with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Forensics specialty). Together, we discuss when individuals with mental health illnesses should disclose their struggles with a new partner, why people need to take off their mask in life, and a few of the consequences society faces from the way males are taught to handle emotions.
Listen more from Dr. Tamilore Odimayo on his podcast: Mental Health Savage
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Can the weather really jar our energy levels? Is a psychologist the same as a psychiatrist? In this episode, I share my experiences with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and more about my appreciation for psychiatric professionals along with why more doctors are needed to specialize in the field.
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The Kim Kardashian and Kanye West split is a near impossible topic to miss as media sources plaster articles daily with updates on the celebrities. Hailey and I give our perspectives on the manipulation we read covering their relationship and how it is similar to manipulation tactics most not spotlighted people, including ourselves, have seen affect our life.
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Overthinking is common! But the ability to control or end overthinking spurs varies by person. In this episode, I share how I knew my mind was unhealthy when I had no strength over my thoughts. And on the flip side, I explain why overthinking is normal and can be controlled with work like any other strengthening exercise.
Start at minute 24 for 5 overthinking solutions.
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It seems easy to write about the bad when I am bored! But the highs rarely get written because I am too busy living in the moment. In this episode, I express a mixed mood of learning that mindfulness can actually be practiced in the least expected moments - like being stopped by a cop. Also, I bring up the functional role lithium plays in my life.
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Fitness is a journey. And like most journeys, is has its highs and hurdles. From feeling overweight as a teen and running six days a week to failing Health 101 in college, I reflect on what I learned the past years through working out and its correlation to mental health.
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Chicago holds many of my favorite experiences - My first American Girl Doll, My first MLB game (Go Cubs!), My first concert, Shopping, Senior Pictures, Lolla. It'd been 7 years since I visited the city, and I was curious to feel the atmosphere from a new perspective - one where I was alone and did not have a big event to attend. On cue with my life luck, the solo traveling practice to navigate an unfamiliar place ended with me facing the person who sparked a spiral of events that pushed me to face the Windy City again - Maybe the city is Wicked (home to my first musical, too).
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Website: Mjstolfa.com
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magjstolfa)
The start of February brings flowers, messages of love, and a lot of chocolate. What do you think of the pricy, sort of random, holiday of pink love and bliss? In this episode, I share my feelings on Valentine's Day as a single person, but extend the solo title farther and reflect on why I absolutely think we can all appreciate the time we get alone!
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Website: Mjstolfa.com
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magjstolfa)
Are you always the one asking your friend to hangout? Is someone in your life your best friend after a few drinks at a club, but stares at their phone the entire time you try to hangout anywhere els? In this episode, Hailey and I talk about the pros and cons to various types of friendships and reflect on when it is time to let go of a friend without letting go of the fun memories.
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Website: Mjstolfa.com
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magjstolfa)
(Please, be aware this episode brings up some reflection of domestic violence) I reflect on a journal post that mentions the unpredictable triggers following my past. Three years later, I am taking a professors advice to finally find more confidence in myself as a writer as I fight back the abusive memories that continue to hold me back.
DM Instagram: MaggieStolfa
Website: Mjstolfa.com
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magjstolfa)
Flip Cup and Recording a Podcast have a lot in common. At least they did for me this weekend. In this episode I reflect on failing my monthly challenge to be OK not being perfect and how it haunted me the next night during a game of Flip Cup at a party.
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Website: Mjstolfa.com
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magjstolfa)
Welcome to the first episode of Far From Zen! In this episode, I discuss my first challenge - to be OK with imperfection! This is hard, especially as I dive into the unfamiliar medium of podcasting. (Yeah, my laptop is so old it wouldn't let me download any software to edit this audio... ignore the fan from my computer at the end and me gulping from talking for 20 min. straight LOL) Through a mix of reflections and projections, I share why I wanted to start this journey and invite you to join the ride to peace and living life to its fullest potential! There is no map on this journey, just trial, error, and a lot of laughs.
DM Instagram: MaggieStolfa
Website: Mjstolfa.com
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/magjstolfa)