Rachel Hechtman (@soberincentralpark) joins us to get real about what it’s like to grow up with ADHD, navigate the drinking culture in college, and make the life-changing decision to get sober. She shares how her addiction began at just 14, how blackouts and burnout became her norm at Dartmouth, and what finally pushed her to stop drinking for good. Now over three years sober, Rachel opens up about the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes she’s experienced, the power of therapy, and how sobriety led her to launch her own coaching business, partner with non-alcoholic brands, and co-create NYC’s newest sober bar, Softbar.
https://www.instagram.com/softbarcafe
Whether you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol or just curious about what life looks like on the other side, this episode is raw, relatable, and filled with truth.
Grab your copy of the Let’s Get Real guided journal HERE and explore our merch at CHASINGREDFLAGS.COM - 10% of proceeds go directly to mental health causes.
Keep up with Chasing Red Flags:Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube |Chasing Red Flags Newsletter
The Chasing Red Flags Podcast is produced by Jay Del Turco.
Cover Photo by: SLY photography, Samantha Yanofsky
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes based on our lived experiences. It is not a substitute for the advice from a qualified professional.
Have you ever felt something was off on a walk home? Or found yourself gripping your keys a little tighter in a parking lot at night? You’re not alone—and you’re not helpless. In this episode of Chasing Red Flags: Let’s Get Real, Teri & Ella sit down with self-defense expert David Heineman, who brings over 30 years of martial arts training and a career dedicated to educating others on personal safety, domestic violence, and assault prevention. Whether you're navigating rideshares, walking alone, or want to feel more confident in everyday situations, David shares practical, powerful tips that everyone should know.
We cover:
-Where to sit in an Uber or Lyft to stay safest
-How to avoid being an easy target
-Smart parking strategies when you’re alone
-What to carry for personal protection
-How to trust your instincts and respond under pressure
From college students to parents, this episode is packed with real-life advice that could one day save yours. Listen now and walk away feeling more prepared, aware, and empowered.
David Heineman is a self-defense expert with over 30 years of martial arts experience, holding black belts in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Jiu Jitsu. He’s passionate about empowering others, especially women, through practical, real-world safety training. David has traveled the country educating college students on sexual and domestic violence prevention and has worked closely with law enforcement to teach self-defense strategies that save lives.
Follow David on Instagram
Grab your copy of the Let’s Get Real journal HERE and explore our merch at CHASINGREDFLAGS.COM - 10% of proceeds go directly to mental health causes.
Keep up with Chasing Red Flags:
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Chasing Red Flags Newsletter
The Chasing Red Flags Podcast is produced by Jay Del Turco.
Cover Photo by: SLY photography, Samantha Yanofsky
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes based on our lived experiences. It is not a substitute for the advice from a qualified professional.
Child and teen mental health is in crisis, and the numbers are alarming. Rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are skyrocketing, yet there aren’t nearly enough providers to meet the growing need. In this must-listen episode, Teri and Ella sit down with Dr. Crawford for an honest, compassionate conversation about how parents can support their child’s mental health. From spotting the early signs of anxiety and depression to knowing when and how to start the conversation, Dr. Crawford shares tools every parent should have — even before there's a crisis.
You'll learn:
🚩 How to recognize mental health red flags in children and teens
🚩 Why early intervention matters
🚩 How to talk to your child about mental wellness
🚩 What to do when help feels hard to find
🚩 The role parents play in reducing stigma and building trust
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who loves a child struggling with their mental health, this episode offers the support and clarity you need to show up and stay connected.
Dr. Christine Crawford is a Harvard-trained adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist who currently serves as the Associate Medical Director for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). She is an Assistant Professor and Vice Chair of Education at Boston University School of Medicine within the Department of Psychiatry. She treats patients in the Boston Medical Center Child and Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic in the Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis (WRAP) Program, where she provides psychiatric care to adolescents experiencing symptoms of psychosis. In addition to her clinical work, she has expertise in areas such as racial disparities within the mental health care system and discussing the impact of racism on the mental health of people of color. She is also the author of NAMI’s latest book, “You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health.”
Follow Dr. Crawford on Instagram
Grab your copy of the Let’s Get Real journal HERE and explore our merch at CHASINGREDFLAGS.COM - 10% of proceeds go directly to mental health causes.
Keep up with Chasing Red Flags:Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Chasing Red Flags Newsletter
The Chasing Red Flags Podcast is produced by Jay Del Turco.
Cover Photo by: SLY photography, Samantha Yanofsky
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes based on our lived experiences. It is not a substitute for the advice from a qualified professional.
Ready to unlock everything you need to know about studying abroad? Grab a notepad — this episode is part masterclass, part heart-to-heart. Teri & Ella break down what it’s like to study abroad as a college student and how parents can support from afar. Whether you're prepping for a semester overseas or helping your child make the leap, this episode is packed with real talk and practical tips.
You'll learn:
- How to apply to study abroad
- Picking the right location
- Navigating culture shock & change
- Staying safe while traveling
- The biggest highs (and lows)
- Resources every student should know
- What parents can do to help — without hovering
- And how the experience transforms you, far beyond the classroom
This episode is perfect for students, parents, and anyone considering life abroad.
If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or pick up some Chasing Red Flags merch visit chasingredflags.com.
Keep up with Chasing Red Flags:Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube Chasing Red Flags Newsletter
The Chasing Red Flags Podcast is produced by Jay Del Turco.
Cover Photo by: SLY photography, Samantha Yanofsky
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes based on our lived experiences. It is not a substitute for the advice from a qualified professional.
Join Teri and Ella for an inspiring conversation with three-time Olympian and Canadian middle-distance runner Melissa Bishop-Nriagu. From competing in the London, Rio, and Tokyo Olympics to balancing motherhood, elite training, and mental health advocacy, Melissa shares the pivotal moments that have shaped her life and career. This episode dives into the realities of chasing big goals, staying resilient through setbacks, and supporting others through her work with MOMentum and Classroom Champions. Packed with wisdom and real-world advice, this is one you don’t want to miss!
Melissa Bishop-Nriagu is a 3-time Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020) and one of the world’s top middle-distance runners, specializing in the 800 meters. She holds the Canadian record in the 800 and finished an impressive 4th in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Beyond her athletic achievements, Melissa is a proud mom of three and an advocate for balancing family life with athletic careers. She co-founded MOMentum, a Canadian-based organization supporting athletes with family planning during competitive journeys. She serves as the Head of Athletes at Classroom Champions, a nonprofit that inspires kids by instilling the athlete mindset and fostering social-emotional learning through mentorship from high-performance athletes.
If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or pick up some Chasing Red Flags merch visit chasingredflags.com.
Keep up with Chasing Red Flags:Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube Chasing Red Flags Newsletter
The Chasing Red Flags Podcast is produced by Jay Del Turco. Cover Photo by: SLY photography, Samantha Yanofsky
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes based on our lived experiences. It is not a substitute for the advice from a qualified professional.
Join Teri and Ella for another no-holds-barred chat with the 'College Doc,' Dr. Jill Grimes, as she returns to break down today’s college life realities. Tackling everything from managing ADHD to the truths about tattoos and tanning, Dr. Jill delivers essential advice straight from her book, The ULTIMATE College Student Health Handbook. This episode is packed with practical tips for both students and parents, equipping you to handle anything college throws your way. Tune in and get ready to take on college with confidence!
Jill Grimes, MD, the 'College Doc,' is a nationally recognized medical expert and award-winning author of The ULTIMATE College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness. With over 20 years of experience in family medicine and seven years working directly with college students in a busy university health center, Dr. Jill brings a unique blend of real-world medical expertise, academic teaching, and relatable advice for students and their parents.
Connect with Dr. Jill:
Website | Book link | TikTok | Instagram
If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or pick up some Chasing Red Flags merch visit chasingredflags.com.
Keep up with Chasing Red Flags:Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube Chasing Red Flags Newsletter
The Chasing Red Flags Podcast is produced by Jay Del Turco. Cover Photo by: SLY photography, Samantha Yanofsky
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes based on our lived experiences. It is not a substitute for the advice from a qualified professional.
Join Teri and Ella in a moving conversation with Bradi Harrison, who shares the story of her son Jack Nathan, a 19-year-old college student and founder of HappyJacksWorld, who tragically died from an accidental FNTL overdose. Bradi discusses Jack’s battles with anxiety, his advocacy through art, and the broader FNTL crisis. They explore the critical role of Narcan in preventing overdoses, the dangers of 'one pill can kill,' and actionable steps for communities to stay safe. Bradi also highlights the importance of continuing Jack’s legacy to inspire hope and break the mental health stigma.
Bradi Harrison is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. As the co-owner of HappyJacksWorld, Bradi has transformed unimaginable grief into a powerful movement, creating a platform that inspires hope, educates about mental health, and raises awareness of the devastating impact of FNTL poisoning.
This episode reminds us of the urgent need for awareness and action. Jack’s story has the power to save lives, and his legacy lives on through HappyJacksWorld. Visit HappyJacksWorld.com to explore Jack’s designs and access mental health resources. If someone needs to hear this, please share this episode.
Follow HappyJacksWorld
If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or pick up some Chasing Red Flags merch visit chasingredflags.com.
Keep up with Chasing Red Flags:Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube Chasing Red Flags Newsletter
The Chasing Red Flags Podcast is produced by Jay Del Turco.
Cover Photo by: SLY photography, Samantha Yanofsky
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes based on our lived experiences. It is not a substitute for the advice from a qualified professional.
In this episode of Chasing Red Flags – Let’s Get Real, we sit down with Annabelle Hasselbeck, former Boston College...