Ariza Inspire Podcast

502: Decision Fatigue: Why Too Many Choices Leave You Mentally Exhausted

October 27th, 2026  |  Season 5  |  43 mins 18 secs

decision fatigue, overload

In this episode, we explore why even simple decisions can feel overwhelming when your brain is mentally exhausted. From choice overload and chronic stress to the tendency to default to easier options, we break down the psychology behind decision fatigue and share practical strategies to reduce mental strain, improve clarity, and make everyday choices feel more manageable.

501: Why Your Brain Feels Exhausted: Cognitive Load, Mental Fatigue & Brain Fog

October 20th, 2026  |  Season 5  |  37 mins 2 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, brain fog, cognitive load theory, cognitive overload, executive functioning, how to reduce mental overload, mental exhaustion, mental fatigue, mental health, mental load, multitasking and the brain, samantha ariza, working memory

In this episode, we explore why your brain can feel exhausted even when you haven’t done much. From multitasking and constant distractions to cognitive overload, we break down what drains your mental energy and share practical strategies to reduce brain fog, improve focus, and protect your mental bandwidth.

500: Season 05 Teaser

September 29th, 2026  |  Season 5  |  5 mins 28 secs

neuroscience, overhelm, resilience, teaser

Season 5 is almost here! In this special teaser episode, Samantha introduces the theme of the upcoming season, exploring the hidden mental processes that quietly drain our energy and make everyday life feel harder than it should. From decision fatigue and chronic stress to motivation, overwhelm, and the science behind why our brains get stuck, this season will help you better understand how your mind works—so you can stop fighting yourself and start working with your brain.

Crisis Tools: What to Do When Everything Feels Too Much | Summer School for Mental Health

September 8th, 2026  |  Season 0  |  25 mins 42 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, mental health, samantha ariza, summer school

Summer School is in session! As we wait for Season 05 to drop in Autumn, we will be releasing five special Summer School episodes to help you build up your mental health toolbox. We'll be taking a look at emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and crisis tools that you can use to better yourself and understand and respond to your mental health needs. Join us all summer long as we fill up our toolboxes as we grow together.

Social Tools: Why Healing Was Never Meant to Be a Solo Project | Summer School for Mental Health

August 25th, 2026  |  Season 0  |  33 mins 42 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, mental health, samantha ariza, summer school

Summer School is in session! As we wait for Season 05 to drop in autumn, we will be releasing five special Summer School episodes to help you build up your mental health toolbox. We'll be taking a look at emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and crisis tools that you can use to better yourself and understand and respond to your mental health needs. Join us all summer long as we fill up our toolboxes as we grow together.

Cognitive Tools: Managing the Stories Your Brain Tells You | Summer School for Mental Health

August 11th, 2026  |  Season 0  |  27 mins 48 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, mental health, samantha ariza, summer school

Summer School is in session! As we wait for Season 05 to drop in autumn, we will be releasing five special Summer School episodes to help you build up your mental health toolbox. We'll be taking a look at emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and crisis tools that you can use to better yourself and understand and respond to your mental health needs. Join us all summer long as we fill up our toolboxes as we grow together.

Physical Tools: Why Your Body Is Part of Your Mental Health | Summer School for Mental Health

July 28th, 2026  |  Season 0  |  25 mins 17 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, mental health, samantha ariza, summer school, toolbox, tools

Summer School is in session! As we wait for Season 05 to drop in autumn, we will be releasing five special Summer School episodes to help you build up your mental health toolbox. We'll be taking a look at emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and crisis tools that you can use to better yourself and understand and respond to your mental health needs. Join us all summer long as we fill up our toolboxes as we grow together.

Emotional Tools: Learning to Work With Your Feelings | Summer School for Mental Health

July 14th, 2026  |  Season 0  |  22 mins 46 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, mental health, samantha ariza, summer school, toolbox, tools

Summer School is in session! As we wait for Season 05 to drop in autumn, we will be releasing five special Summer School episodes to help you build up your mental health toolbox. We'll be taking a look at emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and crisis tools that you can use to better yourself and understand and respond to your mental health needs. Join us all summer long as we fill up our toolboxes as we grow together.

408: Understanding Healing Through Stories: Taylor Moran

June 2nd, 2026  |  Season 4  |  52 mins 56 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, healing, interview, mental health, samantha ariza, taylor moran

In this episode, we’re joined by Taylor Moran, Associate Director of Prevention Academy and a passionate advocate for mental health, substance use prevention, and student well-being. Drawing from both lived experience and clinical training in mental health and addiction counseling, Taylor shares her insights on reducing stigma, building resilience, and empowering young people through education, connection, and community support.

407: Understanding Healing Through Stories: Muzna Mahmood

May 26th, 2026  |  Season 4  |  53 mins 40 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, healing, interview, mental health, muzna mahmood, samantha ariza

In this episode, Muzna shares her journey navigating identity, culture, and mental health as a Muslim immigrant growing up between Pakistan and the United States. Opening up about anxiety, depression, family conflict, and the struggle to belong, she reflects on healing through therapy, self-acceptance, and learning to honor every part of who she is.

406: Understanding Healing Through Stories: Jon Anderson

May 19th, 2026  |  Season 4  |  57 mins 41 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, jon anderson, mental health, samantha ariza

Season 4 of The Ariza Inspire Podcast is all about stories. Stories of people's mental health journeys and the lessons they learned along the way. This week, I sat down with Jon Anderson to discuss his mental health journey.

Today, Samantha sits down and chats with Jon Anderson about his own mental health journey growing up and now as a mental health professional.

405: Understanding Healing Through Stories: Dr. Sarika Agarwal

May 12th, 2026  |  Season 4  |  54 mins 45 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, dr. sarika agarwal, mental health, samantha ariza

In this episode, Sarika shares how surviving physical and emotional abuse led her to tie her self-worth to perfection and the approval of others. Now a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma, she uses both her personal and professional experience to encourage others to seek help, embrace self-compassion, and believe that healing can lead to a truly fulfilling life.

404: Understanding Healing Through Stories: Tiffany Guerriero

May 5th, 2026  |  Season 4  |  57 mins 10 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, mental health, samantha ariza, tiffany guerriero

In this episode, Tiffany shares her powerful journey through trauma, mental illness, and recovery—from surviving abuse and loss to struggling with anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Through therapy and diagnosis, she began breaking cycles and healing, offering an honest, hopeful message for anyone navigating their own mental health journey.

403: Understanding Healing Through Stories: Brooke Marie Bridges

April 28th, 2026  |  Season 4  |  58 mins 2 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, brooke marie bridges, mental health, samantha ariza

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Brooke—an author, speaker, and holistic coach dedicated to blending ancestral wisdom with modern, evidence-based practices. Through approaches like herbalism, nature immersion, and somatic and cognitive therapies, Brooke helps people reconnect with themselves and the natural world in a deeply restorative way.

402: Understanding Healing Through Stories: Colin Quinn

April 21st, 2026  |  Season 4  |  56 mins 6 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, colin quinn, healing, mental health, samantha ariza

In this episode, Colin shares the truth behind the image of having it all—from being a standout athlete to privately struggling with anxiety, depression, and substance use. After reaching a breaking point and choosing help over harm, he now advocates for mental health, reminding others that it’s okay to struggle, to speak up, and to keep fighting.

401: Understanding Healing Through Stories: Kristen Harootunian

April 14th, 2026  |  Season 4  |  55 mins 3 secs

ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, kristen harootunian, mental health, samantha ariza

In this episode, Kristen shares her powerful journey from childhood trauma and substance use to recovery and resilience. From believing she wouldn’t live past 18 to becoming a Penn State graduate and national speaker with Minding Your Mind, her story highlights the life-changing impact of therapy, support, and learning to ask for help.