Super Feeler: A BPD Podcast
Dive into the experiences of living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).Hear powerful stories from individuals with lived experience, their families, researchers, and mental health professionals. Each episode provides a strength-based perspective on mental health, filled with humor, raw emotion, and validation.Every other week you will learn from a group of Super Feelers about how they navigate the world using Dialectic Behavioural Therapy skills. Whether you’re navigating these challenges yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to understand more about the complexities of emotional regulation, Super Feeler is here to inform, inspire, and connect. Subscribe to the pod...
Personality Disorder Assessment and Diagnosis (feat. Dr. Steven Huprich)
Dr. Steven Huprich, a leading clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor, specializing in personality disorder assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Together we unpack the differences between the DSM-5 and ICD-11 models of diagnosing personality disorders and how those differences impact people living with personality disorders and those who treat them.
We also take a closer look at what a thoughtful and effective clinical assessment should include and we dive into some of the biggest challenges in diagnosing personality disorders, including:
The impact of age and development in personalityThe limitations of self-reporting in diagnosisThe role of...Family Stories: How DBT and Sashbear Transformed a Family (feat. Alison and Laura)
Laura's BPD was first discussed when she was 13 years old - and from there her family started the healing process as a unit.
They accessed DBT-A as a family, learned new skills and ways to communicate, set boundaries and have grown tremendously over the last 13 years.
Alison, Laura's mom, is a facilitator for the Sashbear Foundation and has found tremendous support through their Family Connections program.
Their story brings so much hope that families can heal together and that love to withstand the challenges that BPD can bring.
JOIN US O...
Suicide Isn't Selfish, an Autism story (feat. Chris)
This week's guest Chris shares his powerful story of receiving an adult diagnosis of autism, being subjected to horrific emotional abuse and stigma because of it, and surviving suicide. Suicide and stigma are experieced for people without BPD too, even if this podcast usually focuses on BPD stories!
Chris's life story is a fascinating one that brought him all over the world, navigating a major life change and self-discovery in his late 30's, working through grief, and learning that his story can change others.
You can find Chris at the links below:
SubstackWebsite (purchase his...Bonus - Laurie's Story from the "If These Trees Could Talk" Podcast
Bonus little episode featuring MY story for a change! This is actually from our dear Super Feeler friend Shannon's amazing podcast If These Trees Could Talk.
Make sure you go over to her feed to follow the show because it's amazing!
You can find out all of the details about her show and this episode here.
Support the show
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.
Family Stories: Through Hell and Back (feat. Bella and Cheryl)
Bella (they/she) struggled immensely with major depression, insomnia and BPD for many years.
Cheryl, Bella's mom, facilitates Family Connections with the Sashbear Foundation and has found a beautiful community of support and learning through the groups.
Together they talk about their journey "through hell and back" and the deep learning they had to do together to understand how to set boundaries and understand their own parts of their relationship - including what they could and couldn't control.
We talk about the importance of parents also doing their own work and self-discovery alongside the...
Evolution and Neuroscience Develops New Understanding of BPD (feat. Valerie)
Valerie Porr shares her extensive experience as an advocate and her long journey to understand the science underlying borderline personality disorder. Her hopes is that with greater understandings of the role of evolution and neuroscience, more effective treatments can be shaped to meet the needs of people with BPD.
She discusses how the historical perspectives of the disorder can reshape our current understanding , the politics surrounding its diagnosis and treatment, and the biological underpinnings of the disorder.
We also explore Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT), highlighting the need for diverse treatment options and the future of BPD ad...
Family Stories: A Mother's Advocacy Journey (feat. Rita Brown)
Rita Brown is an award winning prominent advocate for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in Australia. Days after we recorded this episode she was presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia - an incredible honor.
We discuss Rita's path to advocacy following her daughter's receiving a diagnosis of BPD and attempt to receive the treatments she needed. We also talk about the importance of including carers (in this case family members) as a member of a care team and what Rita has seen change since her early advocacy days 21 years ago.
To learn mor...
A Car Accident That Changed Everything (feat. Sarah)
Sarah shares about her experience surviving a very traumatic car accident that led to a BPD diagnosis, the impacts of substance use on her life and what having BPD means to her.
We also dive into physical and emotional abuse at the hands of family and romantic partners.
*Please be aware that this episode does mention a specific method of self harm and the impacts of her accident on miscarriages. Listen with care
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BPD Relationships: Rakesh and Katie
Rakesh and Katie BOTH have borderline personality disorder and met at a BPD support group (not endorsed by the Super Feeler podcast in any way)....
Their story is so cute and the way they support each other through the early parts of their relationship is refreshing.
To learn more about Rakesh's incredible journey walking across canada click here and follow him on instagram @healingwitheverystep
Find your local BPD Society of BC Support Group (including a virtual option) here. Katie's is the New Westminster location!
<...BPD, Bipolar, Poetry and Advocacy (feat. Valéry)
Valéry Brosseau, is a social worker, poet, advocate and the CEO of Validate Mental Health.
She lives with BOTH bipolar 2 and borderline personality disorder and we discuss what that means, how the present differently and what has helped her manage the symptoms of both.
We also discuss the need for systemic change in mental health care (all of society really) and how giving back with our lived experience can help so many others and ourselves!
You can find Valéry on Instagram @validatementalhealth and @valerybrosseau or at https://www.validatementalhealth.com/
If...
BPD Relationships: Gwen and Jason
Gwen and Jason join the Relationship Series to discuss their new relationship where they are both suspected of having borderline personality disorder.
We discuss what this unique relationship dynamic looks like, how they navigate challenges like idealization of one another and their super cute little meet cute of how they got together!
You can listen to Gwen's solo episode of Super Feeler here
And her episode on Brain Stories here!
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Impacts of Adoption on Abandonment (feat. Elaine)
Elaine's life will be forever changed by being adopted by a white family and moved from the Philippines to the USA. Now 28 years old she was recently diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and has been doing a lot of self-discovery throughout her masters education to be a therapist.
We chat about identity, feeling like an outsider in every space you're in, abandonment and what brought her to her diagnosis.
Elaine's insights shed light on the importance of understanding the experiences of adopted individuals and their trauma histories.
Su...
BPD Relationships: Kati and Carl
Kati and Carl join the BPD Relationships Mini Series to talk about their love story, how they support each other when things seem to all be going wrong, and of course the importance of communication.
Their love story is on the shorter side (a couple of years) and to see them thriving both individually and each other in a safe and healthy relationship is so touching.
You can listen to Kati's solo episode of the podcast here.
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The Healing Powers of Anger and Humor (feat. Margeaux Feldman aka @softcore_trauma)
Margeaux Feldman is the creator behind the IG page @softcore_trauma, the author of Touch Me I'm Sick, and Substack writer. They join the podcast to talk all about the importance of humor in living with trauma, learning how to process our suppressed anger, and understanding attachment traumas.
We spend a lot of time talking about the current horrific state of the world and the importance of anger and protest when it is absolutely warranted and needed. With any discussion about the atrocities of our current world we also dive into discussions of privilege, s...
BPD Relationships: Chris and Christina
Christina and Chris (already off to an adorable start with the names) join the BPD Relationships Mini Series to talk about what is was like to finally find the emo boy of Christina's dreams, their nightly ritual to make sure there's open communication about how they're doing, and the huge importance of patience.
These two are relationship goals and I know you'll absolutely love this convo!
To listen to Christina's solo episode click here.
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Making Music in the Middle of the Mess (feat Alana Hil)
Singer-songwriter Alana Hil joins the show and chats about how her lived experience with BPD shapes her world and her art. Alana reflects on travelling the world, navigating challenging relationships and the complicated LA scene she finds herself in while pursuing her dreams.
We explore how music has become both an outlet and a mirror for her experiences, the role of self-help books in her healing, and the importance of being challenged and supported by her partner. Alana speaks candidly about the duality of BPD — how feeling deeply can be overwhelming, but also a powerful sour...
BPD Relationships: Brittany and Justin
Meet Justin and Brittany two awesome passionate people that Laurie actually knows IRL!
Last year Justin was diagnosed with BPD following a really chaotic period of their relationship that they had to work through together.
Justin describes feeling at times that being in a relationship is like being a wildhorse that Brittany is trying to tame and we discuss how easy it is to feel more comfortable chasing chaos.
Brittany talks about how she feels like she changed the rules to the game, knowing ho...
Processing Through Journaling (feat. Michelle)
Michelle (@the.mindful.wildflower) joins the podcast for a second time to talk all about how journaling has become a tool in our wellness journeys.
She started journaling in highschool, and I started a couple of years ago in my early 30's so our perspectives and process differs quite a bit.
Our hope is that this episode gives you some ideas for incorporating journaling into your life, with or without amazing journalling resources like The Mindful Wildflower's Big Feelings Journal or Journalling Sessions.
PLU...
BPD Relationships: Shannon and Scott
You know Shannon from our other mini series (literally all of them) and this time she's joined by her incredible husband Scott to talk all about their relationship!
The themes of their relationship success is lots of communication, honesty and a mutual commitment to learning more about borderline personality disorder and ways to regulate together.
Love these two and their love!
Support the show
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Untangling Labels of Psychopath, Antisocial and Borderline Personality (feat. Nine)
Nine has been diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder, borderline personality disorder and labelled a psychopath by psychiatrists. We dive into the impacts of significant childhood trauma on their diagnoses, the cultural differences around mental health in Hong Kong and Canada, stigma that goes unspoken when it comes to psychopathy and anti social personality disorder.
Together we dive into what each of their diagnosed personality disorders (and psychopathy which is not actually in the DSM), how they manifest and intersect and what life looks like trying to navigate the world with all three.
Trigger warnings: this ep...
BPD Relationships: Aaron and Laurie
We're kicking off a brand new called BPD Relationships!
In this series we're diving into one of the most misunderstood areas of life for people living with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Relationships are often where stigma against people with BPD shows up the strongest — but we’re here to challenge that narrative. In this mini series we'll unpack the myths and misconceptions about BPD and romantic relationships, exploring what healthy love can truly look like when one partner lives with BPD.
In this first episode Shannon interviews Laurie and her husb...
First Survival, Then Self Discovery (feat. Danny)
Danny has a historical diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and works as a social worker in the mental health field. He is passionate about destigmatizing BPD and believes that validation is the key to working with BPD clients.
Danny is also an incredible advocate for better treatment for transgender people like himself in all aspects of life but in particular when accessing health services and within their workplaces.
Together we discuss the impact of childhood trauma and the complex intersection of gender identity and BPD.
To watch the series of anti-stigma videos we spo...
BPD Symptoms: ICD Criteria
Well it's officially our final episode of the BPD Symptoms Series! In this episode we technically aren't talking about DSM criteria for borderline personality disorder but instead we're talking about the different diagnostic model that is used primarily outside of North America.
We specifically talk about the concept of having a severity scale/continuum for personality disorders and the potential pros and cons for people living with BPD.
We also dive into three symptoms that aren't in the DSM that we find particularly interesting:
1. A view of self as bad, inadequate, guilty and con...
The Impact of Intergenerational Trauma on BPD (feat. Gwen)
Gwen's story is one that many Super Feelers can relate to. With many generations of complex trauma that impacted each generation in different ways, she came to the realization that the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) go back at least as far as her maternal grandmother, her mother and now herself.
BPD isn't an excuse for behaviours, it's an explanation - something that Gwen has had to come to terms with while learning more about the disorder, herself, and what it means to live as a Super Feeler with BPD.
BPD Symptoms: Self Harm
Self-harm is something that the majority of people with BPD experience at some point in their lives (prevalence estimates range from 50-80+%).
We decided to separate suicide and self-harm for the purposes of this mini series because the two things are often conflated and are actually super distinct phenomena.
Together we explore our personal experiences with self-harm, how they different from suicidality, and how we've learned healthier coping mechanisms.
Throughout our discussion we emphasizes the importance of harm reduction and the need for understanding and compassion in addressing self-harm (aka don't freak out if...
Being Open About Your Needs at Work (feat. Christina)
Christina joins Super Feeler to talk about her experiences navigating borderline personality disorder (BPD) in the workplace and relationships. We discuss her experiences with advocating for her needs at work, the importance of skills and sobriety, and finding her perfect partner.
Support the show
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.
Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)
If...
BPD Symptoms: Dissociation
Dissociation is one of the hardest to explain BPD symptoms. It looks different for everyone and sometimes we don't even know when we are in a dissociated state.
In this episode Laurie, Shane, Shannon and Kat discuss the complexities of dissociation by sharing our personal experiences and insights on how dissociation manifests and impacts us. We also explore how dissociation is often times a coping mechanism stemming from complex traumatic experiences and the fine line between it being a helpful protective factor and a "symptom" to be a target of change.
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When Childhood Trauma Leads to Multiple Identifies (feat. Kat)
Kat (they/them) joins to explore their journey of understanding their multiple alters/parts and how their suspected Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) works alongside their Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).
Dissociative Identity Disorder is what was formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. The name actually changed in 1994 but tons of people don't know that!
Kat shares their experiences of feeling different from others, the impact of significant childhood trauma, and the complexities of their internal world, including the presence of as many as 12 distinct par...
BPD Symptoms: Suicide (part 2)
In part 2 of the suicide symptom episode we give more into our personal stories with suicide ideation, attempts and survival.
We discuss the longstanding impacts on ourselves and our loved ones and the importance of connection, planning for crisis and recognizing our reasons to stay alive.
Of course this is a sensitive topic. Please listen with care or don't listen at all!
If you are in an immediate crisis please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you need someone to talk to about your suicidal thoughts please call 988 if you are...
BPD Symptoms: Suicide (part 1)
We're talking suicide - something that impacts almost everyone with borderline personality disorder in some way. A vast majority of us have experienced suicidal thoughts and as many as 10% of us will die by suicide at some point.
Naturally this episode gets deep and you should listen with care.
In part 1 (of 2) we talk language around suicide, stigma, shame, and start to get into our personal experiences with suicide.
Suicide is a real thing and it's important we talk about it openly. It may be hard, but it's the truth.
Rele...
Sexual Assault and Fighting for Justice (feat. Molly)
Molly has experienced plenty of her own BPD stigma including as part of the legal system following a rape.
We also discuss the importance of therapy, the challenges of finding her biological family, and her discovering that she was Indigenous as an adult.
Molly's story highlights the complexities of mental health, drug use, trauma, and the search for self-acceptance.
This episode discuses rape and sexual assault in detail - please listen with caution and take care of yourself while you listen.
Support the show<...
The History and Development of the ISSPD and Studies of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Feat. Dr. Elsa Ronningstam)
Dr. Elsa Ronningstam is an expert in narcissistic personality disorders, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and the former president of the International Society of the Study of Personality Disorders (ISSPD). She joins the podcast to discuss the history and evolution of the International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders (ISSPD) and the importance of international collaboration in research and advocacy.
Dr. Ronningstam emphasizes the significance of psychoeducation and the various treatment modalities available for individuals with personality disorders, particularly focusing on narcissistic personality disorder. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in...
BPD Symptoms: Intense Anger
Intense, uncontrollable anger is the scariest part of borderline personality disorder for a lot of people. And I don't mean scary for those around us (although them too) but for many of us it's a shameful, uncontrollable rage that feels like it will ruin our lives - and it absolutely ruins our happiness.
Dave, Shannon, Laurie, Heather and Kat talk about what anger looks like in their lives, the differences between the internal and external expressions of anger, and how we have learned to manage our anger and unproductive coping mechanisms that often come with it.
...
Resilience and the Study of Suicide in Teens (feat. Dr. Shirley Yen)
Dr. Shirley Yen, is a clinical psychologist and researcher at Harvard Medical School and board member of the International Society of the Study of Personality Disorders (ISSPD) in addition to so many other roles and publications that you can learn about here.
In this episode we discuss the critical issues surrounding adolescent mental health, particularly focusing on suicide, non-suicidal self injury (NSSI) and the importance of resilience-based interventions.
Dr. Yen shares her personal motivations for studying these topics, the complexities of self-harm, and we discuss two of the most a...
BPD Stigma and Changing the Narrative (feat. Ciara)
Ciara Toddington, is a new registered clinical counselor who is passionate about destigmatizing borderline personality disorder (BPD) for her clients and providing dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT) in a way that works for them.
Together we discuss what led Ciara to becoming a counsellor, the stigma around BPD in education and clinical settings, and the importance of working to change the narrative.
To find out more about Ciara's work and to reach out about her therapy services you can find her at the Unitive Wellness Clinic in Vancouver British Columbia Ca...
Meet the Man Walking Across Canada for BPD Awareness (feat. Rakesh)
Rakesh Kumar (@healingwitheverystep) is currently walking across Canada to raise awareness about borderline personality disorder.
Rakesh shares his personal journey, the cultural challenges surrounding mental health in the South Asian community, and the impact of finding peer support.
Rakesh's inspiring mission just goes to show the incredible perseverance that people with BPD embody.
As of October 2nd 2025 - Rakesh has walked 2,798km (1739 miles) for which he brought no money and has been relying on generous donations of food and spaces to sleep by strangers he meets along the way.
In...
BPD Symptoms: Unstable Self Image/Identity Disturbance
Who am I? That's a question a lot of people with borderline personality disorder find themselves asking. We're expert chameleons in ways that are really helpful but our shifting self-image can also cause a lot of distress.
In this episode, I'm joined by Dave, Kat, and Shannon to explore the BPD symptom of identity disturbance (aka unstable self-image). We talk about all of the existential questions, fears of our own inauthenticity, and the ways people with BPD often shape-shift to fit in, be accepted and survive.
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Swinging, Parenting, Addiction and The Chaos of it All (feat Heather)
Heather the self proclaimed chaos goblin shares her story of self-discovery, learning how to deal with BPD and sobriety and finding her voice to raise awareness about Super Feelers like us.
You'll recognize Heather from the BPD Symptoms and DBT Skills mini series but in this episode we dive even deeper and discuss her life as a swinger, a parent and a person who is just starting to learn the skills that are already helping change her life.
We discuss the challenges of self-doubt, the impact of childhood experiences on...
BPD Symptoms: Intense Mood Swings
The emotional rollercoaster, intense mood swings, affective instability, over reacting, moody, etc. We've heard it all and we've lived it.
In this episode the whole crew gets into what it's like to struggle with intense mood swings as part of BPD.
We get into the importance of understanding subjective units of distress (SUD) scale, the stigma surrounding BPD and the misconceptions that often arise in discussions about emotional instability.
We also talk about the impact of intense emotions on relationships, our own self-worth and our ability to use our skills.
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My Best Friends Interview Me (feat. Beth, Patrick and Sara)
My incredible friends of 16+ years are my chosen family and have been with me through some of the hardest parts of my life.
Many people with BPD struggle with maintaining friendships and I hope this episode provides some insights into what supportive friendships look like, the work that goes into maintaining them, and gives you some good laughs to start off the season.
In this episode my friends ask me questions like:
You’re really good at making friends, how do you do it?What do you do when all of your friends are rea...
