Episode Details

CONTENT WARNING: Suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt. Please see time stamps below.

Bean Nunnerley is an artist, massage therapist, self-taught, builder, mother, swimmer, and long-time singer in the Montréal women’s choir Choeur Maha. I met Bean at a birthday weekend at her exquisite DIY island cottage. I knew she’d be the perfect guest when, during an unbridled discussion about boundaries, Bean asked me, “What colours are yours?” In this wholehearted episode, we dive into boundaries, mental health, and what it’s like to get diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 49. Other highlights include:

- Bean’s unconventional love story with her partner and the father of her children, and what “doing the work” looks like after 24 years.

- How to tap into just enough capitalism to meet your needs, but to tap out before hoarding and greed set in.

- Bean’s recent mental health “breakdown,” and the beautiful healing journey that followed. We talk about the perils of long-term weed use, plus the reality of ADHD, neurodivergence, perimenopause, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and how painting, meds, hormones, radical self-care, community, and other resources can help. And don’t worry, we won’t tell you to start meditating. Or do yoga.

- A harrowing listener question from “Jerk Wife,” who cheated while her wife was pregnant with their second child. Eight years later, should she disclose? Is it okay to keep corresponding with her former lover? Is she really a jerk? Erica and Bean can’t fix it, but they have thoughts.

It’s an important conversation and Bean was so generous with sharing her story. I hope that this episode brings you healing, insight, and hope; HOWEVER, I must also include a crucial content warning. In addition to general mental health struggles, we get into darker spaces like suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt. If these topics feel risky for you, please take note of the following time stamps and consider skipping the heavier sections. If you are struggling, please do not delay reaching out to a friend, crisis line, or mental health service. Your life is of supreme importance. You will not always feel like you feel today. Take the next right step. I’m so proud of you. Full show notes for Apple Listeners at erica's website.

Trigger Warning Time Stamps

28:30 - Bean describes her “nervous breakdown” that began during the beginning of the pandemic. She talks about her panic disorder and panic attacks. Mention of suicidal ideation comes up at 31:23.

31:52 - Bean talks about her long-term weed addiction and how that went downhill.

34:21 - Bean’s last joint, Trigger warning: Suicide Attempt (34:48-36:00)

Beyond 36:00, we move onto the aftermath of the crisis, along with care and solutions.

This Is Your Strange and Beautiful Life has been created for love and entertainment purposes and it is not meant as a substitute for medical advice. Please do not diagnose yourself with ADHD based on this or any other