Wired & Worthy

Hosted by Dr. Amelia Kelley

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190

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Ever been told you’re too sensitive, too emotional, or just too much? You’re not. You’re wired differently, and you’ve been worthy all along. Hosted by Dr. Amelia Kelley, Wired and Worthy explores the beautifully complex ways humans experience the world, from sensitivity, ADHD, and trauma to relationships, burnout, and personal growth. Through honest conversations, humor, and practical trauma-informed tools, Dr. Kelley and her guests create a space to laugh, learn, and stop apologizing for who you are, reminding you that what once felt like “too much” may actually be part of your strength.

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November 12, 2026Episode 2454 min

Completely Overwhelmed? How to Help Your Sensitive or Neurodivergent Brain Finally Relax

Why do everyday sounds feel overwhelming? And what does your brain's balance system have to do with ADHD, sensory sensitivity, and emotional regulation? In this episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley sits down with functional neurologist Dr. Michael Bagnell to explore how the brain processes sensory information, responds to trauma, and influences neurodivergent experiences. They discuss the surprising roles of the cerebellum, eye movements, and vestibular system, along with practical strategies to support brain regulation. Discover how understanding your brain's unique wiring can help you manage sensory overload, improve focus, and support your nervous system. Key Takeaways: Sensory overload occurs when the brain struggles to process multiple inputs, making everyday environments feel overwhelming. Trauma and past experiences can heighten sensory sensitivity and trigger protective responses. The vestibular system and cerebellum influence balance, coordination, cognition, and emotional regulation. Eye movements and screen time can affect attention and nervous system activity. Simple practices like rhythmic movement, balance exercises, and screen breaks may support brain regulation. About the Guest Dr. Michael Bagnell is a functional neurologist and chiropractic physician specializing in brain health, ADHD, autism, sensory processing, and neurological rehabilitation. He is the founder of Bagnell Brain Center in Florida and co-host of The Neuro Collective Podcast , where he explores neuroscience and strategies for improving brain function. Connect with Dr. Michael Bagnell Website: https://www.bagnellbraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagnell_brain_center/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bagnellbraincenter6360 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bagnellbraincenter305 Podcast: https://theneurocollectivepodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley: 🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/ 👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

November 5, 2026Episode 2358 min

Why You Keep Attracting Unavailable Partners: Understanding Abandonment & Attachment

Why do we keep going back to people who hurt us, even when we know it's time to let go? In this insightful episode of Wired & Worthy, Dr. Amelia Kelley sits down with bestselling author and abandonment recovery expert Susan Anderson to explore why rejection hurts so deeply and how unresolved abandonment wounds can shape our relationships. Drawing from her personal experience and decades of clinical work, Susan introduces her SWIRL framework, the five emotional phases of abandonment, and explains why heartbreak can feel like withdrawal. Together, they discuss people-pleasing, emotional dependency, the tendency to romanticize past relationships, and why we may feel drawn to emotionally unavailable partners. They also share practical ways to set healthier boundaries, process difficult emotions, and break repeating relationship patterns. Key Takeaways - Early experiences of connection and disconnection can shape our sensitivity to rejection and feelings of self-worth. - People-pleasing can leave us feeling unappreciated when the love and attention we give aren't reciprocated. - Susan's SWIRL framework identifies five overlapping phases of abandonment: Shattering, Withdrawal, Internalizing, Rage, and Lifting. - Repeated contact with someone we've lost can prolong emotional withdrawal, while euphoric recall can cause us to romanticize the relationship. - Setting healthy boundaries, processing difficult emotions, and recognizing unhealthy attachment patterns can support abandonment recovery. About Susan Anderson Susan Anderson has devoted more than 30 years of clinical experience and research to helping people heal from abandonment trauma. She is the founder of the Abandonment Recovery and Outer Child movements and the bestselling author of Journey from Abandonment to Healing, The Abandonment Recovery Workbook, Taming Your Outer Child, and The Black Swan: 12 Lessons of Abandonment Recovery. Through her books, workshops, recordings, and online resources, Susan shares practical tools to support people navigating heartbreak, rejection, emotional trauma, and loss. Connect with Susan Anderson Website: https://www.abandonment.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesusananderson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingAbandonment Books & Blogs: https://www.abandonment.net/booksandblogs/ Bookstore & Resources: https://www.abandonment.net/my-store The Abandonment Recovery Workbook (Audiobook): https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Abandonment-Recovery-Workbook-Audiobook/B0H1JPQDR1 Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley: 🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/ 👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

October 29, 2026Episode 2249 min

The Success Trap: Are We Putting Too Much Pressure on Our Kids? | Stuart Slavin

What if the pressure to succeed is actually holding our kids back? In this eye-opening episode of Wired & Worthy , Dr. Amelia Kelley sits down with pediatrician, researcher, and author Dr. Stuart Slavin to explore how academic pressure, overscheduling, and the pursuit of success may be contributing to the youth mental health crisis. Drawing from his book The Success Trap , Dr. Slavin shares surprising research showing how reducing academic demands can improve both mental health and performance. Together, they discuss the hidden costs of intensive parenting, the importance of downtime, and how we can help children thrive without sacrificing their emotional well-being.Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply passionate about children's mental health, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it really means to raise happy, healthy, and successful kids. Key Takeaways Academic pressure and overscheduling may contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout in children. Reducing academic demands can improve mental health without sacrificing performance. Children need adequate sleep, downtime, and unstructured play to thrive. Intensive parenting and competitive activities can create unnecessary stress for the entire family. Regular mental health screenings and early intervention can help support struggling students. Parents can encourage success while prioritizing their children's emotional well-being. About the guest: Dr. Stuart Slavin is a pediatrician, medical educator, nationally recognized leader in well-being, and author of The Success Trap: How the Pressure to Stand Out Is Fueling Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout in Teens—and the Fundamental Fix They Deserve . With more than four decades of experience, he has dedicated his career to creating healthier environments where children, students, and physicians can thrive. Drawing on extensive research and leadership, Dr. Slavin helps parents, educators, and communities rethink achievement pressure and discover practical, evidence-based ways to support young people's mental health and well-being. Connect with Dr. Stuart Slavin Website: https://drstuartslavin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-slavin-5b64106/ Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley: 🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/ 👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

October 22, 2026Episode 2155 min

The Psychology of Self-Worth: How to Change the Way You See Yourself

What if the voice telling you you're not good enough was never yours to begin with? In this episode of Wired & Worthy , Dr. Amelia Kelley sits down with Maximus Lerois, known as The Identity Architect, to explore how childhood trauma, limiting beliefs, and emotional patterns shape our identity and self-worth. Drawing from his experience as a Marine Corps veteran and his personal healing journey, Maximus shares insights on PTSD, moral injury, and breaking unhealthy patterns. He also introduces his four-step approach to transformation: Recognize, Reframe, Release, and Rewrite, along with a powerful mirror exercise to help you reconnect with yourself. Discover how replacing self-criticism with curiosity can help you heal, rewrite your story, and recognize that your worthiness is something you were born with, not something you have to earn. Key Takeaways How trauma and childhood experiences shape our beliefs and behaviors. Why our younger selves may still influence our adult decisions. How curiosity and self-compassion can help break unhealthy patterns. The four steps to rewriting limiting beliefs and reclaiming your identity. Why self-worth begins with accepting yourself rather than seeking external validation. Connect with Maximus Lerois Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximuslerois LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximuslerois/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Maximuslerois Book, Mental Health Is a Lie : https://mentalhealthisalie.com/ Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley:🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

October 15, 2026Episode 2055 min

Adult Children of Alcoholics: Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma with Dr. Tian Dayton

In this insightful episode of Wired & Worthy, Dr. Amelia Kelley sits down with psychologist, psychodramatist, and author Dr. Tian Dayton to explore the lasting impact of growing up with addiction. Drawing from her latest book, Growing Up with Addiction, Tian explains how childhood experiences in families affected by addiction can shape our nervous systems, relationships, and emotional responses long into adulthood. Together, they discuss codependency, complex PTSD, narcissistic family dynamics, and the intergenerational patterns that keep trauma alive. Tian also shares deeply personal stories about her own healing journey, including a profound near-death experience and a powerful moment with her daughter that changed how she understood breaking generational trauma. This episode offers a compassionate reminder that while we cannot change our childhood experiences, we can learn to recognize unhealthy patterns, take responsibility for our healing, and build healthier relationships for future generations. Key Takeaways: Growing up with addiction can create lasting emotional wounds, hypervigilance, and codependent behaviors. Trauma can pass through generations, even when addiction itself does not. Recognizing emotional triggers helps us understand unresolved pain rather than projecting it onto others. Narcissistic family dynamics can leave children feeling responsible for managing a parent's emotions. Recovery involves self-awareness, emotional honesty, forgiveness, and supportive relationships. Breaking generational trauma begins when parents take responsibility for their reactions instead of repeating learned behaviors. About the Guest Dr. Tian Dayton is a psychologist, psychodramatist, trauma specialist, and bestselling author whose work focuses on addiction, codependency, and relational trauma. She is the creator of Relational Trauma Repair (RTR), an experiential, body-based approach to helping individuals and clinicians address unresolved emotional wounds. Drawing on decades of professional experience and her personal recovery journey, Tian is passionate about helping people break unhealthy family patterns and build emotional resilience. Her books include Growing Up with Addiction, Emotional Sobriety, and The ACOA Trauma Syndrome. Connect with Dr. Tian Dayton Website: https://www.tiandayton.com/ Relational Trauma Repair: https://relationaltraumarepair.com/ Book: Growing Up with Addiction Free Reader's Guide: https://relationaltraumarepair.com/ Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley: 🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/ 👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

October 8, 202628 min

How to Accept Yourself Even When You Mess Up

In this insightful and refreshingly honest episode of Wired & Worthy , Dr. Amelia Kelley is joined by psychologist, spiritual teacher, and author Patrick Marando to explore the connection between self-worth, emotional healing, and finding inner peace. Patrick shares how trauma, perfectionism, and self-rejection can disconnect us from our authentic selves, and why learning to accept uncomfortable emotions is essential to developing a healthier relationship with ourselves. Together, they discuss how overthinking often serves as a way to avoid difficult feelings, why embarrassment and guilt don't have to define our worth, and how to break free from conditional self-acceptance. In an unexpected twist, technical difficulties interrupt their conversation, giving Patrick and Dr. Amelia a real-life opportunity to practice the emotional acceptance they're discussing. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, rejection sensitivity, perfectionism, or rediscovering yourself after trauma, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate difficult emotions, reconnect with your true self, and recognize that your worth has never depended on being perfect. Key Takeaways Trauma can disconnect us from our sense of identity, but self-discovery helps us reconnect. Overthinking is often an attempt to avoid uncomfortable emotions. Mistakes are opportunities to learn, not signs of failure. Accepting difficult emotions helps reduce self-judgment and anxiety. Guilt is about what happened, while shame affects how we see ourselves. True inner peace comes from self-acceptance, not external validation. Your self-worth is inherent and doesn't depend on perfection or approval. About the Guest Patrick Marando is a spiritual teacher, psychologist, energy healer, and author of Waking Up to Your Self: A Guide to Living Your Truth . Combining modern psychology with spiritual insight, he helps people break free from conditioned patterns, navigate difficult emotions, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through his SOULL™ Method, meditation, and energy work, Patrick guides individuals toward greater self-awareness, inner peace, and emotional healing. His approach emphasizes that true peace and self-worth are already within us. We simply need to learn how to reconnect with them. Connect with Patrick Marando 🌐 Website: patrickmarando.com 📷 Instagram: @patrickmarando ♪ TikTok: @patrickmarando1 Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley: 🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

October 1, 2026Episode 1852 min

How to Know When to Leave Your Marriage: Grief, Divorce, and Starting Over

In this deeply honest episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley is joined by certified grief support specialist and Grieve Leave founder Rebecca Feinglos for a conversation about the grief of leaving a relationship you still love. Rebecca shares how losing her father forced her to reevaluate her marriage, the warning signs she once normalized, and the moment she realized how peaceful life could feel outside of an unhealthy relationship. Together, Rebecca and Dr. Amelia explore the cycle of abuse, silent treatment and love bombing, the grief of the future you thought you would have, and why missing someone does not necessarily mean leaving was the wrong decision. Rebecca also shares practical ways she rebuilt her life after divorce, from leaning on friends instead of reaching back toward her ex to learning how to be alone, creating new friendships, and finding community through grief. Key Takeaways Healthy conflict is less about how often couples disagree and more about how they communicate, repair, and treat one another during conflict. Silent treatment, love bombing, and repeated cycles of disconnection and intense affection can make unhealthy relationships especially difficult to leave. Leaving a relationship can mean grieving both the person and the future you imagined with them, including milestones that may never happen the way you expected. Rebuilding after divorce happens one day at a time through new routines, supportive relationships, and learning what life feels like outside the relationship. Community can be an important part of healing. Rebecca suggests attending gatherings hosted by people you already know, seeking events around your interests, and actually following up when you meet someone you connect with. You can still love someone and choose not to return to the relationship. Grieving involves allowing your brain to gradually learn a new reality without that person. About Rebecca Feinglos Rebecca Feinglos, MPP, is a certified grief support specialist, founder of Grieve Leave, and host of the Grief’d Up podcast. After losing her mother as a teenager, her father suddenly in 2020, and navigating the end of her marriage, Rebecca took a year-long “grief sabbatical” that ultimately grew into Grieve Leave. Today, the organization helps individuals, workplaces, and communities better understand and support grief through education, storytelling, resources, workplace training, and community experiences like Sad Hours. Rebecca’s work has been featured in publications including TIME, the Los Angeles Times, Fortune, and Slate. Connect with Rebecca Website: Grieve Leave Instagram: @grieveleave Rebecca’s Instagram: @rfeinglos Podcast: Grief’d Up Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley:🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

September 24, 2026Episode 1748 min

Bipolar Isn't What You Think: Creativity, Sleep, and the Spiritual Side of Mania

What does bipolar disorder actually feel like beyond the stereotypes? In this episode of Wired & Worthy , Dr. Amelia Kelley sits down with artist, physical therapist, and energy healer Cait Schmitt for an honest conversation about bipolar disorder, hypomania, creativity, sleep, medication, and the spiritual experiences that can sometimes accompany mania. Cait shares her lived experience of learning to recognize bipolar cycles and distinguish genuine happiness and creative inspiration from the early signs of hypomania. She explains why changes in sleep have become one of her most important warning signs and how she has learned to protect her stability while still making space for creativity. They also explore the complicated relationship between bipolar medication and creative expression, the misconceptions surrounding bipolar disorder, and Cait’s experience of mania through both scientific and spiritual lenses. The conversation offers a nuanced look at what it means to manage bipolar disorder while maintaining a connection to creativity, identity, relationships, and spirituality. Key Takeaways Why emotional sensitivity or moodiness alone doesn’t necessarily indicate bipolar disorder How recognizing bipolar cycles can help identify changes in mood Why sleep can be an important warning sign for hypomania and mania How Cait distinguishes creativity and inspiration from an escalating bipolar episode The relationship between bipolar disorder, creativity, and hypomania Cait’s experience balancing medication with creativity and spiritual connection How support systems can help someone living with bipolar disorder Why managing bipolar disorder can involve learning your individual patterns, triggers, and boundaries About Cait Schmitt Cait Schmitt is an abstract painter, physical therapist, and energy healer based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her art practice explores art as an alchemical and healing medium through which transformation and personal evolution can occur. She works with students, private clients, and designers around the world. Cait studied Religious Studies and Dance at UC Berkeley before exploring the body from a scientific perspective at Northern Arizona University, where she earned her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. She later deepened her spiritual practice through intuitive healing, shamanic mentorship, Reiki, and Angelic Healing training. Her work brings together creativity, spirituality, energy healing, and emotional transformation. Through her art and healing practice, Cait creates spaces for people to process and integrate emotional and energetic experiences. Cait began painting in 2018 and is a self-taught artist who has learned from several mentors along the way. She primarily works with acrylic on canvas while also exploring watercolor, collage, charcoal drawing, and dance. Connect with Cait: Website: https://www.caitlinschmitt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemy_and_intuition Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley: 🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

September 17, 2026Episode 1642 min

Rewriting Your Reality: The Science of Manifestation

In this episode of Wired & Worthy , Dr. Amelia Kelley is joined by manifestation coach and author Latha Jay to explore the connection between manifestation, limiting beliefs, sensitivity, and healing. Latha shares the approach behind her book, The 24/7 Manifestation Method , and explains how intentional handwriting, present-tense affirmations, and consistent action can help shift thought patterns. She also opens up about a painful childhood experience that shaped her belief that her voice did not matter—and how therapy and EMDR helped her work through it. Together, Amelia and Latha discuss how trauma and sensitivity can influence the way we see ourselves, why focusing on what we want matters, and how small mindset shifts can create meaningful change. Key Takeaways: Limiting beliefs can quietly shape our choices and keep us playing small. The 24/7 Manifestation Method uses handwritten, positive, present-tense affirmations. Manifestation involves aligned action—not just visualization. EMDR and self-reflection can help process painful experiences and old beliefs. Highly sensitive and neurodivergent people may experience mindset practices differently. Focusing on what you want, rather than what you fear, can help shift your direction. Consistency matters more than perfection when creating change. About the guest: Latha Jay is a manifestation expert, speaker, author, and founder of the Institute for Conscious Creation, where she helps people create lasting transformation by integrating psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, and identity work. With a background in psychology, biology, integrative medicine, and Ayurvedic science, Latha is known for turning complex concepts into practical tools for transformation. Her teachings have reached millions around the world, helping people move beyond mindset alone and become the person capable of creating the life they desire. She is the author of the upcoming Wiley book The 24/7 Manifestation Method: Becoming a Magnet for Success in Just 7 Days and is on a mission to make personal transformation both deeply spiritual and scientifically grounded. Connect with Latha Jay: Website - https://www.lathajay.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latha_jay_/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@latha_jay YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lathajay8081 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/latha-jay/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LathaJay8/ Book - The 24/7 Manifestation Method: Becoming a Magnet for Success in Just 7 Days https://a.co/d/04XvGVhf Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley:🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/

September 10, 2026Episode 1550 min

How to Live Without Regret at the End of Your Life

What if the biggest regret isn’t failing, but never trying? Dr. Amelia Kelley welcomes psychologist Dr. Maike Neuhaus to Wired & Worthy to explore regret, finding your purpose, and making choices that reflect who you are. They discuss why success can feel unfulfilling, how ADHD and sensitivity can shape your path, and why self-compassion matters when you feel stuck. Through an honest conversation about difficult decisions and missed possibilities, they explore how to live more intentionally, and make peace with the regrets you cannot avoid. Key Takeaways Recognise “miswanting”: chasing goals you expect to make you happy that leave you unfulfilled. Use your values to guide decisions instead of other people’s expectations. See midlife change as an opportunity to grow. Allow yourself to grieve a path you didn’t take, even when your decision was right. Replace self-criticism with curiosity about what you need. Build a meaningful life with varied experiences, rather than expecting constant happiness. About Dr. Maike Neuhaus Dr. Maike Neuhaus (she/her) is a psychologist, speaker, coach, educator, and founder of The Flourishing Doc. Specialising in positive psychology and behaviour change, she helps individuals and organisations improve well-being and realise their potential. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a PhD in Public Health from The University of Queensland, where she previously developed and led consultancy services for two research centres. Connect with Dr. Maike Neuhaus Website: The Flourishing Doc LinkedIn: Dr. Maike Neuhaus Instagram: @theflourishingdoc Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley: 🌍 Website: ⁠https://www.ameliakelley.com⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/ ⁠ 👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/