In this raw and powerful episode, we continue our conversation with Sarah—a fierce BPD warrior who describes emotional hijacking and high-functioning invisibility to the frustration of being mislabeled and misunderstood, this conversation is as honest as it is empowering. Our guest shares personal experiences with misdiagnosis, medication struggles, and the double-edged sword of caring deeply while being denied care in return.

We unpack the power of language, the exhaustion of daily emotional regulation, and why DBT has been a game changer. Whether you're living with BPD or loving someone who is, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope—with just enough humor to keep it real.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Guest: Sarah - BPD Warrior

Major Topic Timeline (Approximate)

00:00:00 – 00:01:30 Intro & Acknowledgment of Struggles with BPD

00:01:30 – 00:03:00 Impact of Language and Tone in Support

00:03:00 – 00:06:00 Understanding Emotional Hijacking & Dysregulation

00:06:00 – 00:08:30 Invisible Struggles and Stigma of 'High Functioning'

00:08:30 – 00:10:00 Sisyphus Analogy & Burnout in BPD

00:10:00 – 00:12:00 BPD Warriors Supporting Others But Left Unsupported

00:12:00 – 00:14:30 Misunderstood Emotions and Society's Panic Response

00:14:30 – 00:17:00 BPD vs Narcissism & Mislabeling

00:17:00 – 00:20:00 Frustration with Casual Labeling and Stigma

00:20:00 – 00:22:00 Labels vs. Symptoms: Helpful or Harmful?

00:22:00 – 00:24:00 Medication Misunderstandings in BPD Treatment

00:24:00 – 00:27:00 Self-Compassion & Looking Ahead to the Future Self

00:27:00 – 00:30:00 Final Reflections and Importance of DBT & Self-Help

00:30:00 – 00:32:00 Closing Remarks, Affirmations, and Crisis Resources

Credits:

Host and Podcast Producer: Nicole Darby

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Episode Sixteen

Today's episode features Sarah - BPD Coach & Warrior.

In this raw and powerful episode, we meet Sarah—a fierce BPD warrior whose childhood in a quiet Canadian ghost town was anything but calm. From getting kicked out of first grade for saving ladybugs to building a career surrounded by nature and frogs (yes, real ones), Sarah walks us through what it’s like to grow up misunderstood, mislabeled, and still rise with purpose.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Guest: Sarah - BPD Warrior

Major Topic Timeline (Approximate)

0:00:00 – 0:01:30: Introduction to BPD Experience

0:01:30 – 0:02:30: Guest Introduction – Meet Sarah

0:02:30 – 0:07:00: Sarah’s Childhood & Early Sensitivities

0:07:00 – 0:09:40: Nature as a Soothing Mechanism

0:09:40 – 0:11:10: Academic Journey and Finding Purpose

0:11:10 – 0:13:00: Early Feelings of Being Different

0:13:00 – 0:15:30: Advocacy, Anger, and Injustice

0:15:30 – 0:22:30: Building and Redefining Support Systems

0:22:30 – 0:25:30: What We'd Tell Our Younger Selves

0:25:30 – 0:29:00: Importance of Skills like STOP & Self-Compassion

0:29:00 – 0:34:15: Family Dynamics, Triggers & Radical Acceptance

0:34:15 – 0:36:45: The Migs Mello Project & Teaching Kids About BPD

0:36:45 – 0:38:13: Final Thoughts on Crisis Planning & Language

0:38:13 – 0:39:49: Closing Messages & Resources

Connect with the Host:

Nicole Darby: presspause4grace@gmail.com

Credits:

Host and Podcast Producer: Nicole Darby

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Research Team: Nicole Darby

In this episode, we sit down with a bold, brave voice in the BPD community who also goes by the name King Skies. His story is one of pain, poetry, and perseverance. From childhood group homes to emotional misdiagnoses, he takes us on a journey through the chaos and confusion of life with Borderline Personality Disorder — and how the moment one therapist’s encouragement changed everything and music quite literally saved his life.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

Guest:

• King Sky

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingskiesmusic/

00:00 – 00:57 | Welcome + Mission of the Show

00:58 – 02:29 | Checking In: How Are You, Really?

02:30 – 04:55 | Rollercoasters & Peace Protectors

04:56 – 06:39 | Early Signs & Life in Group Homes

06:40 – 08:45 | Diagnoses Journey: From DID to BPD

08:46 – 10:39 | Isolation, Memes, and Finding Community

10:40 – 12:23 | If I Could Talk to My 8-Year-Old Self…

12:24 – 14:41 | VENOMOUS: The Music, the Message, the AI

14:42 – 17:10 | Music as Lifeline & Therapy

Credits:

Host, Producer & Research: Nicole Darbypresspause4grace@gmail.com

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi