this is bipolar

Manic in Miami: How Bipolar Mania Led to Crime, Addiction, and a Comeback

In this powerful episode of "this is bipolar," host Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with David Funes to discuss his journey living with Bipolar I Disorder. David shares candidly about his strict religious upbringing, early trauma, and the onset of his symptoms in college. The conversation covers the highs and lows of living with bipolar disorder, including manic and depressive episodes, addiction, crime, and ultimately, recovery and advocacy. David’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the importance of seeking help. Both Shaley and David emphasize that healing is a journey, not a destination, and that sharing lived experiences can help others feel less alone. (00:08:45) – Mania, Consequences, and Shame (00:12:37) – Escalation: Addiction, Crime, and the FBI Raid (00:21:44) – Hitting Rock Bottom: Homelessness and Loss (00:26:46) – Recovery: Finding the Right Psychiatrist & Medication (00:29:17) – The Long Road: Legal Battles and Sentencing (00:34:07) – Healing, Habits, and Advocacy David Funes is a mental health advocate, speaker, writer, and bipolar coach. His story has been featured on People and Business Insider as well as on podcasts including Soft White Underbelly, Inside True Crime, and Rise Above with Kevin Lanning. His new memoir, Manic in Miami, released in June and reached #1 bestseller in Amazon’s bipolar category. With over 100,000 engaged followers across Instagram and TikTok, David shares his journey with honesty, heart, and humor to inspire and support others who are struggling. Connect with David: IG: @bipolarguylovinglife TikTok: @bipolarguylovinglife Buy David's book here: Manic In Miami Book Besties, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. Reach out for support if you or someone you know is struggling—help is available and recovery is possible Much love, Shaley xo Connect with us: thisisbipolar.com IG @this.is.bipolar Youtube: this is bipolar channel TT @this.is.bipolar Thank you for listening to "This is Bipolar." Stay tuned for more episodes and conversations that break the stigma and build understanding.

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From Mania to Mic: Dailyn's Story of Bipolar, Poetry & Healing

In this episode of This Is Bipolar, host Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with Cuban-American spoken-word poet and mental health advocate Dailyn Santana to share her powerful lived experience with bipolar I disorder. Dailyn opens up about the earliest signs she noticed in middle school, the challenges of navigating undiagnosed symptoms, and a significant manic episode that led to hospitalization during college. She reflects on how these experiences shaped her family life, her cultural identity, and her ongoing journey through stigma and misunderstanding. Through her story, Dailyn highlights the healing power of poetry, community, and compassion. Together, Shaley and Dailyn explore the importance of peer support, advocacy, and authentic storytelling in recovery, while also unpacking the complex intersection of creativity, culture, and mental health. This candid conversation offers both hope and honesty — showing how art can be a lifeline, a way to reclaim identity, and a tool to shift the conversation around bipolar disorder. What you’ll hear in this episode: Dailyn’s early signs and symptoms of bipolar I during adolescence The impact of manic episodes and hospitalization on her life and relationships How stigma and cultural expectations shaped her mental health journey The role of poetry and spoken word in expressing truth and finding community The power of peer support, advocacy, and compassion in recovery A hopeful look at how art can change the mental health conversation Be sure to listen at (00:49:23) hear the most beautiful and encouraging poem. It may or may not have brought Shaley to tears.Her words are raw, vulnerable, and powerful. this is bipolar... About Today’s Guest: Dailyn Santana is a Cuban-American poet, actress, motivational speaker, and truth-teller mental health advocate from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Through spoken word and storytelling, she shares her lived experience with bipolar I disorder, blending vulnerability with strength and art with activism. Her work has resonated on both intimate stages and national platforms, raising awareness, breaking stigma, and inviting others to find healing and connection through honesty and creativity. You can connect with Dailyn here: dailynsantana.com linkedin: Dailyn Santana Instagram: Dailyn Santana TikTok: Dailyn Santana Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. Much love, Shaley xo More about your Host: Shaley Hoogendoorn is a speaker, content creator and currently hosts the popular “this is bipolar” vlog and podcast. She lives with bipolar 2 disorder and shares her story and the stories of others to dismantle the stigma around mental illness. Shaley is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." Shaley’s greatest hope is that creating safe spaces to connect will give hope and comfort those that struggle. #thisisbipolar #bipolar #bipolardisorder #bipolarawareness

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(BEST OF 2020) EPISODE 06 | GETTING HELP - doctors and diagnoses

We are sharing some of our most listened to episodes once a month! In this BEST OF episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss their vastly different experiences of seeking professional help and receiving their bipolar II diagnoses. They describe when, where, and how they first heard the life-changing news, "You have bipolar disorder." It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that in sharing they will offer insight and encouragement to anyone going through the process of being diagnosed. This is bipolar..... Connect with Shaley on the website or IG and share your diagnoses story! Sign up for the newsletter at thisisbipolar.com Instagram - @this.is.bipolar Episode features JULIE KRAFT @julie.kraft.author www.juliekraft.com #thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpodcast