Yeah No, I’m Not OK
Yeah No, I'm Not OK is a mental health podcast created in collaboration with LAist Studios, hosted by someone who grew up never being able to talk openly about mental health. The show aims to open up the conversation for young people, especially people of color, who are disproportionately affected by mental health issues yet often lack resources. Each episode features conversations with friends, activists, artists, and healthcare professionals about topics like addiction, depression, anxiety, suicide, and radical self-love. The podcast seeks to start a mental health revolution, encouraging listeners to share how they really feel without shame. What begins as casual conversation becomes a deeper narrative about the challenges young people face today.
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Imperfect Paradise: Is your smoke-damaged home safe? The toxic aftermath of LA’s 2025 fires 11.09.2026 25minMany of the homes that survived the Palisades and Eaton fires are still not habitable because of contamination from smoke damage. Residents have been left battling with insurance companies over who is responsible for post-fire cleaning and testing. LAist’s David Wagner dives into where we are with rebuilding, new proposed rules around safety-testing and what they might mean for the future of home insurance in California. Grow your business – no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. -
Imperfect Paradise: Is LA becoming a public transit city? 04.09.2026 27minLos Angeles has long been considered a “car-centric” city, but is that changing? On this episode of Imperfect Paradise, LAist transportation correspondent Kavish Harjai joins to talk about the history of transit in L.A., the backstory behind the much-delayed People Mover train at LAX, and whether there’s enough time for L.A. to deliver what organizers have said will be a “transit-first” 2028 Olympics. Grow your business – no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. -
Imperfect Paradise: How one man rebuilt his life, 100 miles at a time Redux 28.08.2026 48minThis episode originally aired on January 8, 2025. Struggling with addiction and reentry after multiple stints in prison, Cesar Quijano discovers ultrarunning, a hobby that turns into his addiction and salvation. Through Cesar’s story to complete a 100-mile race, Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and producer Lucy Copp explore urgent questions around what support people need to successfully transition out of prison and into society. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. -
Imperfect Paradise: Most Californians don't own a home until 47. What that says about the CA Dream 21.08.2026 23minIs homeownership falling out of reach for millennials and Gen Z in the Golden State? LAist housing correspondent David Wagner joins Imperfect Paradise to examine this trend, the obstacles to homeownership and why we may need to shift our conception of what housing looks like in California. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. -
Imperfect Paradise: More than an internet star. The life & legacy of Big Bear’s famous eagle Jackie 14.08.2026 23minThe death of Jackie signals the end of her story with Shadow – as well as for Big Bear Lake, and for millions of fans who followed the eagles’ saga on livestream for years. LAist reporter Makenna Cramer joins Imperfect Paradise to examine how the eagles turned the tides for a fight against luxury housing development in the San Bernardino Mountains, as well as what celebrity animal culture can tell us about our relationship to nature and to ourselves. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. -
Imperfect Paradise: After two years of progress, homelessness went up in LA. Why? 07.08.2026 32minHomelessness increased in Los Angeles this year following two previous years of declines, according to the recently released 2026 “point-in-time” homeless count. It’s a setback for the region, and for L.A. Mayor Karen Bass who’s touted prior declines as evidence that her approach to addressing the homelessness crisis is working. But is it really? On this episode of Imperfect Paradise, LAist reporter Aaron Schrank examines how the count is conducted, why it matters so much, and who’s responsible for its results.UPDATE: Since recording this episode, we have learned that Rick Cole is an unpaid advisor on Nithya Raman's mayoral campaign. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. -
Imperfect Paradise: Can a city built by the oil industry stop drilling for good? 31.07.2026 30minThe city of Los Angeles is home to over two thousand active oil wells, many concentrated in communities of color where residents have long reported serious health issues. On this episode of Imperfect Paradise, LAist’s Erin Stone takes us inside one neighborhood’s fight to shut down a drill site, and explores what a broader effort to phase out drilling could mean for a region whose economy and infrastructure were built on an oil field. Read Erin’s reporting on LAist.com Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. -
Imperfect Paradise: Who gets due process? Inside the fight over immigration bond hearings at Adelanto 24.07.2026 24minImmigration bond denials have jumped sharply under the second Trump administration — nowhere more than at the Adelanto ICE detention center in Southern California. On this week's Imperfect Paradise: LAist's Jared Bennett follows the case of a 70-year-old L.A. street vendor held at Adelanto for six months, what it took for his family to get him released, and what immigration advocates say is behind the shift in bond denials. Read Jared’s reporting on LAist.com. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. -
Listener Stories 26.05.2021 51minDiane plays some of the messages we’ve received from listeners. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources For more resources on addiction or to get help, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. More mental health support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters Sponsors include: Mood Health Get an additional $10 off your first psychiatry or therapy visit with coupon code NOTOK10 at moodhealth.com/notok Framebridge Save additional 15% off first order Framebridge.com promo code notok Gravity Blankets Get 15% off first purchase with promo code Notok Headspace One month free trial at Headspace.com/notok This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Dr. Carl Hart on Drug Use in the Pursuit of Happiness 17.05.2021 43minTalking with psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Carl Hart, author of Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear. For more resources on addiction or to get help, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. More mental health support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters Sponsors include: Feals.com/notok and you’ll get 50% off your first order with free shipping. Theragun.com/notok and get your Gen 4 Theragun TODAY. Gravity Blanket: Get 15% off first purchase with promo code Notok Mood Health: Get an additional $10 off your first psychiatry or therapy visit with coupon code NOTOK10 at moodhealth.com/notok This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Cristela Alonzo on How You Can’t Buy Self Care 10.05.2021 1h 17minCristela Alonzo talks about getting a show, losing a show, getting help and moving forward. More mental health support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Additional Information on depression and anxiety can be found here: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression For more resources on addiction or to get help, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters Sponsors include: Better Help and YNINO listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/notok Free one-month trial- Headspace.com/NOTOK with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation. Feals.com/notok and you’ll get 50% off your first order with free shipping. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Jermaine Fowler Is A Fun Dad 30.04.2021 54minJermaine Fowler (“Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Coming 2 America”) talks about how his curiosity is his superpower. More mental health support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Additional Information on depression and anxiety can be found here: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression For more resources on addiction or to get help, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters Sponsors include: This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Byron Bowers On Freedom Through Acceptance & Bad Acid 26.04.2021 30minThe actor and comedian on developing his uniquely dark style of comedy and how standup has helped him develop a healthy outlook on life. More mental health support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/1 If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. Additional Information on depression and anxiety can be found here: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression For more resources on addiction or to get help, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters Sponsors include: Theragun.com/notok and get your Gen 4 Theragun TODAY. This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Janaya Future Khan On What Comes Up In The Ring 19.04.2021 1h 9minThe Black Lives Matter International Ambassador on the power of trusting that you are doing the thing that's right over doing the thing that’s popular. More mental health support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Additional Information on depression and anxiety can be found here: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression Resources for LGBTQIA+ Youth: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Information on the Black Lives Matter Network can be found here: https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Residente on How He Quiets the Noise 12.04.2021 33minRené Pérez Joglar AKA Residente tells Diane how he stays centered and creative during even the hardest of times. For more resources on addiction or to get help, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. More support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Additional Information on depression and anxiety can be found here: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters. This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Demi Lovato on ‘Dancing With The Devil’ 05.04.2021 24minDemi is revisiting her nearly fatal overdose in a new documentary, Dancing With The Devil, telling the story on her own terms. She tells us what gets her up in the morning and explains the importance of self-care and how it might also help you. For more resources on addiction or to get help, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. More support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Additional Information on depression and anxiety can be found here: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters. This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Eric Andre Wants You to Take Care of Yourself, Silly 29.03.2021 51minDiane and Eric talk about therapy, meditation and making sure that you put your mental health first. For more on Transcendental Meditation, visit: www.tm.org More information on Dr. John Sarno’s book “Healing Back Pain” here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/144873.Healing_Back_Pain If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters. This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Dascha Polanco on her Bodyodyody 18.03.2021 34minDascha and Diane talk about what it meant to come up together as actors and Latinx artists. They also discuss their personal experiences with body image and what it means to continuously choose to embrace what is uniquely yours. For more information and support for eating disorders, please visit: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Karla Cornejo Villavicencio on Being the King of New York 11.03.2021 52minKarla shot to fame when she wrote an essay about being an undocumented student at Harvard. But instead of book deals, she looked for more meaning in writing and exploring her identity. Along the way, she learned more about herself and tells Diane how the correct diagnoses, therapy, strict personal boundaries, and self-acceptance have all changed her life for the better. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. More information on borderline personality disorder here: https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/consumer-recovery-resources/ Learn about DBT therapy here: https://www.onlinedbtcourses.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of new episodes with a note from Diane, recommendations from listeners and our team, and listener stories. Sign up at laist.com/newsletters. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. -
Let Me Explain 01.03.2021 50minWho is Diane Guerrero and why is she talking about mental health? In this episode, we learn more about Diane’s personal experience and her commitment to making mental health a priority in communities nationwide, especially communities of color. Then for the very first time, Diane sits down with her big brother Eddie to have an honest conversation about their family history of addiction, anxiety, and depression. For more resources on addiction or to get help, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/sapc/ More support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Additional Information on depression and anxiety can be found here: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.