Episode 83: In this episode, we explore how the stories we tell about ourselves—and the ones we absorb from the world around us—profoundly shape our mental health and sense of identity. Guest host Youssef Hassanein, a college student, storyteller, and State of Mind audio editor and marketing director, leads this conversation on the power of personal and cultural narratives and how they can shape our lives. Youssef, who also runs The Cognitive Script, a nonprofit media platform blending pop culture and psychology, brings a fresh perspective on how personal narratives can both nurture and mislead us.
Together with guests Lisa Slede, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years of experience, and Amanda Yarnell, Senior Director of the Center for Health Communication at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this episode examines how stories can heal, inform, and connect—but also how they can limit us and how misinformation can distort our understanding of mental health. Amanda shares practical guidance to help listeners become more discerning consumers of digital media in an age when mental health misinformation is widespread. You’ll also hear an In Your Voice contribution from John A. Jacobs, a storyteller and Wattpad writer, who reflects on how creative storytelling through platforms like Wattpad has shaped his identity.
Through personal stories, clinical insights, and public health expertise, this episode shines a light on the powerful role narratives play in both our inner lives and culture. It leaves listeners with the question: What stories guide your life, and how might crafting them more intentionally support your well-being?
Broadcasts: 10/5/25 & 10/13/25
Producer & Host: Debra Sloss, LMFT
Guest Host: Youssef Hassanein
Guests: Lisa Slede, Amanda Yarnell
Contributor: John A. Jacobs
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Transcription. Read the full English transcript of this episode here:
English Transcription – Episode 83: Living with Psychotic Symptoms (Remix)
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🧠ABOUT STATE OF MIND
State of Mind is an all-volunteer produced mental health and wellness podcast and radio show hosted by psychotherapist Debra Sloss. Through intimate, story-rich conversations with guests and experts, we explore the complexity of being human and how to live well. Learn more at stateofmindmedia.org. Produced with support from KSQD Community Radio.
🙏 SPECIAL THANKS
Audio Production: Youssef Hassanein & VJ Lukka
Volunteer Coordination: Youssef Hassanein
Story Coaching: Patrice Vecchione
Research: Katrina Tattenham, Melony Dominguez, & Ramya Pondicherry
Transcriptions: Tanmayi Kademani
Marketing: Nimalan Elanchelvan & Youssef Hassanein
Graphic Design: Priscilla Yee & Grishma Jain
Data Management: Loan Tran
Theme Music: Adrian Legg & Favored Nations Entertainment
RESOURCE LIST
*Indicates a Monterey Bay Area resource
Books & Articles
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science by Norman Doidge M.D. (2007) – This book explores the science of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life. Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge presents both scientific research and real-life cases, including stroke recovery and unusual brain adaptations, illustrating how experiences and interventions can reshape the brain.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb (2017) – This book offers an inside look at therapy from both the therapist’s and patient’s perspectives. Psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb shares stories of her clients alongside her own experiences in therapy, illustrating the challenges, insights, and transformative potential of psychotherapy.
Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson, Ph.D. and Richard Mendius M.D. (2009) – This book explores the intersection of neuroscience and contemplative practices. Rick Hanson explains how the brain’s natural negative bias affects perception and emotional responses, and how mindfulness, meditation, and positive mental habits can reshape the brain to support greater emotional well-being.
Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life; The Revolutionary Process Called “The Work” by Byron Katie (Revised Edition 2021) – This book introduces “The Work,” a process of self-inquiry designed to examine and question stressful thoughts. Offers practical guidance for identifying beliefs that cause suffering and exploring them through four transformative questions to foster clarity, acceptance, and inner peace.
Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science – Article highlighting the most recent National Academies report on misinformation about science from National Academies Sciences, Engineering, Medicine (December 2024).
Countering Health Misinformation: 5 Lessons from an Expert Research Psychologist – Tips for countering health misinformation by Briony Swire-Thompson, the Director of the Psychology of Misinformation Lab at Northeastern University (Fall 2022)
More Than Half of Top 100 Mental Health TikToks Contain Misinformation published by The Guardian, 2025 – A Guardian study found that over 50% of the top TikTok videos under #mentalhealthtips contain misinformation, including misrepresented emotions, unproven treatments, and oversimplified advice. Experts caution that such content can mislead viewers and trivialize serious mental health issues.
Article For Providers:
Addressing Misinformation About Mental Health with Patients – from the American Psychological Association by Zara Abrams (November 6, 2024). Article for providers about how to counter mental health misinformation.
Websites & Organizations
Creators Who Have Been Though the Creator’s Program – From Harvard’s Center for Health Communication. The 2023 Creators Summit on Mental Health brought together mental health content creators dedicated to spreading evidence-based mental health information to their communities. Includes links to all the creators’ platforms.
How Can We Begin Thriving with Technology? – From Harvard University’s Center for Digital Thriving which includes extensive practical resources for how to repair and reimagine your relationship with social media and technology.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) National – an organization and website providing extensive free education and support, advocacy and resources for persons with mental health issues and their families and friends.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) California – Get mental health help, learn about mental health conditions, find more resources for individuals and families impacted by mental illness, and contact your local NAMI affiliate for support and services.
*NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz local chapter that provides free support groups and education classes for persons with mental health issues and their families and friends. All services are free to access.
Online and In-Person Support Groups for:
– Peer Connections
– Family Members of Adults (18+) in English
– Family Members – Grupo de Apoyo para Familiares in Spanish
– Parents and Caregivers of Youth (11-17)
*Arts4Healing – Arts Council for Monterey County – A program offering free and low-cost arts programs that promote healing, resilience, and wellness for individuals and communities facing illness, trauma, or other life challenges. Programs include creative workshops, performances, and artist residencies designed to support mental health and overall well-being.
ADDitude Magazine – A leading online resource for individuals and families affected by ADHD. It offers expert articles, practical strategies, free downloads, webinars, and podcasts to support daily life, learning, and emotional well-being. ADDitude also provides guidance on parenting, symptom assessment, and becoming a more informed consumer of ADHD information, combining clinical expertise with real-life experiences. Also offers an informative series of ADDitude Podcasts.
Pema Chödrön Foundation – Organization that preserves and shares the teachings of Buddhist teacher and author Pema Chödrön. It offers resources to support meditation, mindfulness, and compassionate living. The site also provides access to Pema’s books, courses, and teachings for personal study and reflection.
Counseling Support
*Family Service Agency (FSA) of the Central Coast – A long-time State of Mind underwriter, FSA offers low-cost and Medi-Cal/Medicare therapy for all ages and backgrounds, including sliding-scale options. Offices in Santa Cruz and Soquel. 📞 Santa Cruz: 831-423-9444 x200 | Soquel: 831-346-6767 x200
*Shine a Light Counseling Center– Offers affordable, quality individual, couples, family, and group therapy—including men’s groups—in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Monterey. 📞 831-996-1222
Contact Guests
Lisa Slede, LMFT
Email: lsledemft@gmail.com
Lisa Slede has a small psychotherapy private practice serving teenagers through adults struggling with mental health issues or seeking personal growth. She can be contacted with questions about this podcast or for services.
Amanda Yarnell, Senior Director
Center for Health Communications at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Includes information about the center, their team and how to contact Senior Director Amanda Yarnell.
*Indicates a Monterey Bay Area resource
