Subscribe to
The Ariza Inspire Podcast
Where mental health meets real life
Welcome to The Ariza Inspire Podcast, the podcast that breaks down barriers to mental health care with clear, compassionate guidance. Hosted by a licensed mental health professional, each episode combines expert insights with real-world tips to help you take the first step toward emotional wellness.
Start your journey with confidence.
Available in audio and video formats
Subscribe to get every episode on your phone as soon as it releases.
In Season Five, we explore the science behind cognitive overload, mental fatigue, and how the demands of everyday life impact our brains and mental health. From decision fatigue and multitasking to executive functioning, chronic stress, and mental exhaustion, this season breaks down the psychology and neuroscience behind why our brains sometimes feel overwhelmed — even when we haven't done anything physically demanding. Through research-based explanations, relatable examples, and practical strategies, we uncover what happens when our mental load becomes too much and how we can better manage our cognitive resources.
This season answers important questions like:
Why do I feel mentally exhausted even when I haven't done much?
What is cognitive overload, and how does it affect my brain?
Why does making too many decisions leave me feeling drained?
Is multitasking actually making me less productive?
How do stress and pressure affect focus, motivation, and performance?
Why do unfinished tasks keep taking up space in my mind?
What's the difference between executive dysfunction and laziness?
How do expectations, culture, and emotions contribute to our mental load?
Subscribe now and discover the science behind mental exhaustion, cognitive load, and how your brain manages the demands of everyday life.
See all of the episodes on Fireside.
Season 5: The Overloaded Mind
Summer Show 1: Summer School for Mental Health
In Summer School for Mental Health: Build Your Toolkit, a special mini-season of The Ariza Inspire Podcast, we explore practical, evidence-based mental health tools to help you better understand your emotions, manage stress, and navigate life's everyday challenges. From emotional regulation and physical coping strategies to managing negative thoughts, building healthy relationships, and handling difficult moments, this season breaks down five essential categories of mental health skills. Through easy-to-understand explanations, relatable examples, and practical exercises, we explore how to build a personalized mental health toolkit that works for you.
This season answers important questions like:
What are coping skills, and how do I know which ones actually work for me?
How can I manage overwhelming emotions in healthier ways?
What physical techniques can help calm my body and reduce stress?
How can I challenge unhelpful thoughts and change negative thinking patterns?
What communication and relationship skills can improve my mental well-being?
How do I know which mental health tools to use in different situations?
What can I do when my usual coping strategies aren't enough?
How can I build a mental health toolkit that supports my everyday life?
This is a special Audio Only podcast season for the summer.
See all of the episodes on Fireside.
In Season Four, we explore real-life mental health stories, resilience, personal growth, and the journey toward healing and hope. Through meaningful conversations and personal experiences, we uncover how people navigate life's challenges, overcome adversity, find emotional support, and rebuild their lives. From mental health struggles and life transitions to finding purpose and developing resilience, this season highlights the human side of mental health and reminds us that healing doesn't follow a straight line.
This season explores important questions like:
What does resilience look like when facing life's challenges?
How do people find hope during difficult times?
What does the mental health recovery journey really look like?
How can we heal and grow after difficult life experiences?
Why are connection and emotional support important for mental health?
How do we rebuild confidence and purpose after setbacks?
What can personal stories teach us about emotional well-being?
How can we develop resilience and move forward through adversity?
Subscribe now for inspiring mental health conversations, personal stories of resilience, and meaningful insights into healing and personal growth.
See all of the episodes on Fireside.
Season 4: Understanding Healing through Stories
In Season Three, we explore the science of emotions, emotional regulation, and how the brain and body influence our mental health. From understanding intense emotions and anxiety to emotional numbness, rumination, chronic stress, and burnout, this season breaks down the psychology and neuroscience behind what we feel and how we can better understand and manage our emotional experiences.
This season answers important questions like:
Why do my emotions feel so intense?
How can I improve emotional awareness and regulation?
Why do I sometimes feel emotionally numb or disconnected?
What happens in the brain when we experience anxiety?
How can I stop overthinking and ruminating?
How does chronic stress affect the brain and body?
What's the difference between emotional burnout and workplace burnout?
How do everyday stressors impact our mental health?
Subscribe now and discover the science behind your emotions through research-based explanations, relatable examples, and practical mental health insights.
See all of the episodes on Fireside.
Season 3: The Science of Emotions
In Season Two, we dive into the bold, uncomfortable, and sometimes controversial conversations happening in the mental health world today. From self-diagnosis on TikTok, to burnout vs. laziness, to the debate over “everyone has trauma,” this season unpacks the hot takes — and what the research actually says.
This season answers important questions like:
Is everyone actually traumatized?
Is self-diagnosis helpful or harmful?
Are we overusing therapy language?
Is burnout the same thing as depression?
Are diagnostic labels empowering — or limiting?
Is wellness culture helping us… or making things worse?
Subscribe now and join the conversation.
See all of the episodes on Fireside.
Season 2: Mental Health Hottakes
Here are some clips from Season 2
Season 1: The “How To Therapy” Guide
In Season One, we focused on how to access therapy, from understanding different types of mental health professionals, to finding the right therapist, navigating insurance and costs, and knowing what to expect in your first sessions.
This season can answer these important questions:
Why should I start therapy?
How do I pay for therapy?
What does a first session look like?
How do I know what therapy modality works for me?
How do I know this therapist is a good fit?
How do I break up with my therapist?
Subscribe now and start your therapy journey with confidence. Because taking care of your mental health should be accessible, empowering, and stigma-free.
See all of the episodes on Fireside.
Download the Season 1 Companion Guide
Struggling to start therapy or overwhelmed by the process? The How to Therapy Guide is your no-stress, step-by-step roadmap for finding a therapist, choosing the right type of therapy, and making empowered decisions about your mental health journey.
This downloadable guide simplifies the confusing parts of therapy—so you can focus on healing. Whether you're looking for in-person or online support, paying with insurance or seeking affordable options, this resource has you covered.
Inside, you’ll find:
Easy-to-follow steps for finding and contacting a therapist
Sample messages and questions to ask in consultations
A breakdown of popular therapy modalities like CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, ACT, and more
Budget-friendly tips including sliding scale therapy, student interns, and community clinics
A clear comparison of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace
Gentle scripts and support for knowing when—and how—to end therapy if it’s not the right fit
This guide is perfect for first-time therapy seekers, those returning to therapy, or anyone wanting to feel more confident and informed. It’s designed to be inclusive, approachable, and supportive—no clinical jargon or pressure.
Keywords: how to find a therapist, therapy guide, therapy for beginners, mental health support, types of therapy, online therapy, affordable therapy, starting therapy, therapy red flags, therapy resources
If you're not just curious about mental health — but actually struggling in the moment — this is for you.
Emotional First Aid for Crisis Moments is a structured, step-by-step course that teaches you what to do when emotions feel overwhelming, spiraling, or out of control.
Guest Appearances on other Podcasts
CF Stories
July 22, 2021.
In 2021, I was interviewed by Elliott Johnson for the CF Stories Podcast, where we discussed how I found a career as a mental health clinician, what mental health is, and how we can approach a mentally healthy lifestyle.