{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"The Mood Diaries with Mia du Toit","home_page_url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/json","description":"Welcome to The Mood Diaries, the podcast that opens up honest conversations about mental health. Hosted by Mia du Toit, each episode is a blend of personal stories, in-depth insight, and candid interviews with guests who share their own journeys with mental health challenges. Whether you're navigating your own struggles or seeking to understand and support others, this podcast offers a compassionate space for exploration and connection.\r\n\r\nTune in for heartfelt discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories that remind us we're not alone. From overcoming obstacles to celebrating victories, The Mood Diaries is here to support, uplift, and encourage you on your path to mental wellness.\r\n\r\nJoin us every other week as we dive deep into the realities of mental health and discover the strength within ourselves and others.","_fireside":{"subtitle":"To normalize the topic of mental health and everything that comes along with it.","pubdate":"2025-10-15T16:00:00.000-07:00","explicit":false,"owner":"Mia du Toit","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/6/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/cover.jpg?v=2"},"items":[{"id":"b21ef7fb-68b3-4417-8f04-814cafb601d3","title":"When The Spark Fades: Learning To Rest, Not Quit","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/when-the-spark-fades","content_text":"In this return episode, Mia du Toit opens up about taking a break from The Mood Diaries — and what led her to step back. \n\nMia opens up about losing her creative spark, taking a break from The Mood Diaries, and learning how to listen to herself again. She also shares what shifted within her that made her ready to return — stronger, clearer, and more passionate about sharing this journey with you. \n\nIf you’ve ever felt drained, uninspired, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this return episode, Mia du Toit opens up about taking a break from The Mood Diaries — and what led her to step back. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMia opens up about losing her creative spark, taking a break from The Mood Diaries, and learning how to listen to herself again. She also shares what shifted within her that made her ready to return — stronger, clearer, and more passionate about sharing this journey with you. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve ever felt drained, uninspired, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2025-10-15T16:00:00.000-07:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/b21ef7fb-68b3-4417-8f04-814cafb601d3.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":44017080,"duration_in_seconds":1833}]},{"id":"777ad4ed-5bac-4496-9e59-4728a06e5d30","title":"Made New","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/made-new","content_text":"In this deeply personal episode, Mia opens up about one of the most powerful moments of her life—her baptism. She will take you behind the scenes of what led up to that day, what the experience felt like in the moment, and how it’s impacted her ever since. From the nerves and emotions to the overwhelming peace that followed, Mia is sharing it all.\n\nMost importantly, she talks about how her relationship with God has grown—how she feels more connected, more grounded, and more loved than ever before. Whether you're thinking about taking this step yourself or just curious about what baptism can mean on a personal level, she hopes her story encourages and inspires you in your own faith journey.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this deeply personal episode, Mia opens up about one of the most powerful moments of her life—her baptism. She will take you behind the scenes of what led up to that day, what the experience felt like in the moment, and how it’s impacted her ever since. From the nerves and emotions to the overwhelming peace that followed, Mia is sharing it all.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, she talks about how her relationship with God has grown—how she feels more connected, more grounded, and more loved than ever before. Whether you\u0026#39;re thinking about taking this step yourself or just curious about what baptism can mean on a personal level, she hopes her story encourages and inspires you in your own faith journey.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2025-05-22T10:00:00.000-07:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/777ad4ed-5bac-4496-9e59-4728a06e5d30.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":56286272,"duration_in_seconds":2345}]},{"id":"500ebbaa-7b58-48fc-924d-3dbe5ffe6d2e","title":"A Vulnerable One: Battling The Enemy","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/a-vulnerable-one","content_text":"In this deeply personal episode,  Mia shares her raw, unfiltered journey through a recent season of intense spiritual warfare—an enemy attack that left her questioning everything. \n\nShe talks about the moments she felt completely broken, the lies she had to fight off daily, and the quiet, powerful ways God met me her in the middle of her struggle. This isn't a polished testimony—it’s real, messy faith in the trenches. \n\nIf you’ve ever felt like you were under spiritual attack or just trying to hold on to hope when everything seems to be falling apart, this one’s for you. You're not alone. Let’s get real about the battle, and the breakthrough.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this deeply personal episode,  Mia shares her raw, unfiltered journey through a recent season of intense spiritual warfare—an enemy attack that left her questioning everything. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe talks about the moments she felt completely broken, the lies she had to fight off daily, and the quiet, powerful ways God met me her in the middle of her struggle. This isn\u0026#39;t a polished testimony—it’s real, messy faith in the trenches. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve ever felt like you were under spiritual attack or just trying to hold on to hope when everything seems to be falling apart, this one’s for you. You\u0026#39;re not alone. Let’s get real about the battle, and the breakthrough.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2025-04-24T10:00:00.000-07:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/500ebbaa-7b58-48fc-924d-3dbe5ffe6d2e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":51043183,"duration_in_seconds":2126}]},{"id":"9de77395-9c03-4813-ada4-6da3643d555c","title":"Happiness Guilt?","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/happiness-guilt","content_text":"In this episode of The Mood Diaries, Mia du Toit opens up about her experience with happiness guilt—the unsettling feeling that comes when life is going well, but you feel like you don’t deserve it. \n\nMia shares where this guilt came from, how her past struggles shaped her mindset, and the ways she's learned to embrace joy without shame. \n\nIf you’ve ever felt guilty for feeling happy, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about why it happens and how we can give ourselves permission to truly enjoy the good moments.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of The Mood Diaries, Mia du Toit opens up about her experience with happiness guilt—the unsettling feeling that comes when life is going well, but you feel like you don’t deserve it. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMia shares where this guilt came from, how her past struggles shaped her mindset, and the ways she\u0026#39;s learned to embrace joy without shame. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve ever felt guilty for feeling happy, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about why it happens and how we can give ourselves permission to truly enjoy the good moments.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2025-03-06T17:00:00.000-08:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/9de77395-9c03-4813-ada4-6da3643d555c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":37169654,"duration_in_seconds":1548}]},{"id":"6aa57c84-71ef-4de6-8cf8-36d6aee875e1","title":"2025 Reset: What I've Learned \u0026 How I'm Moving Forward","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/2025-reset","content_text":"In this 2025 debut episode of The Mood Diaries, Mia du Toit sits down to reflect on everything that’s happened since last year—the highs, the lows, and all the lessons in between. \n\nFrom personal growth to challenges she never saw coming, Mia's sharing the biggest takeaways that have shaped her and the advice she's carrying into the new year. If you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or just a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey, this episode is for you. \n\nLet’s dive into fresh starts, mindset shifts, and how we can make this year one of healing and growth!","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this 2025 debut episode of The Mood Diaries, Mia du Toit sits down to reflect on everything that’s happened since last year—the highs, the lows, and all the lessons in between. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom personal growth to challenges she never saw coming, Mia\u0026#39;s sharing the biggest takeaways that have shaped her and the advice she\u0026#39;s carrying into the new year. If you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or just a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey, this episode is for you. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s dive into fresh starts, mindset shifts, and how we can make this year one of healing and growth!\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2025-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/6aa57c84-71ef-4de6-8cf8-36d6aee875e1.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":112900727,"duration_in_seconds":3528}]},{"id":"bd329819-dab5-46e8-aa31-c50cf33afd14","title":"Happier Than Ever","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/happier-than-ever","content_text":"In this season finale of The Mood Diaries, Mia du Toit reflects on the incredible journey she's been on over the last three months.\n\nFrom a place of uncertainty and struggle, God stepped in and transformed her life in ways she never imagined. She shares how His love and guidance has renewed her spirit, brought joy and peace into her heart, and helped her become the happiest and most fulfilled she's ever been. \n\nIf you're in need of hope or encouragement, this episode is for you—a reminder that true transformation is possible when you let God take the lead.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this season finale of The Mood Diaries, Mia du Toit reflects on the incredible journey she\u0026#39;s been on over the last three months.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a place of uncertainty and struggle, God stepped in and transformed her life in ways she never imagined. She shares how His love and guidance has renewed her spirit, brought joy and peace into her heart, and helped her become the happiest and most fulfilled she\u0026#39;s ever been. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026#39;re in need of hope or encouragement, this episode is for you—a reminder that true transformation is possible when you let God take the lead.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2024-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/bd329819-dab5-46e8-aa31-c50cf33afd14.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":96826852,"duration_in_seconds":3025}]},{"id":"62ecc486-b909-4305-afd8-dd8dbad358e6","title":"A Match Made In Heaven with Anastasia Carson","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/a-match-made-in-heaven","content_text":"In this inspiring episode, Anastasia Carson shares her journey of overcoming mental health challenges through the power of faith and how God set her free.\n\nTogether, we dive into the beauty of godly relationships and explore how keeping Christ at the center transforms marriages and connections into sacred unions. \n\nJoin us for a heartfelt conversation about healing, love, and building relationships that honor God’s design.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this inspiring episode, Anastasia Carson shares her journey of overcoming mental health challenges through the power of faith and how God set her free.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, we dive into the beauty of godly relationships and explore how keeping Christ at the center transforms marriages and connections into sacred unions. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us for a heartfelt conversation about healing, love, and building relationships that honor God’s design.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2024-11-29T10:45:00.000-08:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/62ecc486-b909-4305-afd8-dd8dbad358e6.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":80808697,"duration_in_seconds":4040}]},{"id":"b3e41085-a9b9-49b5-8d00-55dd0ab7308e","title":"The Mood Diaries Unplugged: Listener Q\u0026A","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/listener-qa","content_text":"In this special Q\u0026amp;A episode of The Mood Diaries, Mia du Toit sits down to answer your mental health questions and sharing advice on how to navigate life’s challenges. \n\nFrom managing relationship stress and anxiety to coping with difficult emotions, we dive into real questions submitted by listeners, exploring practical tips and insights to help on your mental wellness journey. \n\nTune in for honest, compassionate advice and empowering strategies designed to break the stigma and support mental health for all. Whether you're looking for guidance or simply want to feel understood, this episode has something for everyone.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this special Q\u0026amp;A episode of The Mood Diaries, Mia du Toit sits down to answer your mental health questions and sharing advice on how to navigate life’s challenges. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom managing relationship stress and anxiety to coping with difficult emotions, we dive into real questions submitted by listeners, exploring practical tips and insights to help on your mental wellness journey. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTune in for honest, compassionate advice and empowering strategies designed to break the stigma and support mental health for all. Whether you\u0026#39;re looking for guidance or simply want to feel understood, this episode has something for everyone.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2024-11-13T16:45:00.000-08:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/b3e41085-a9b9-49b5-8d00-55dd0ab7308e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76045921,"duration_in_seconds":2376}]},{"id":"692b687a-5787-4cb7-a905-c39fc50e5130","title":"Defeating Disappointment","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/defeating-disappointment","content_text":"In this episode, Mia du Toit shares her personal journey of facing and overcoming disappointment. \n\nMia reflects on the challenges and emotional hurdles that came with setbacks and how she navigated through them. From moments of frustration to newfound strength, she discusses the key lessons learned and how these experiences ultimately led to personal growth and resilience. \n\nJoin her for an honest conversation about turning life’s disappointments into opportunities for transformation and finding hope in unexpected places.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode, Mia du Toit shares her personal journey of facing and overcoming disappointment. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMia reflects on the challenges and emotional hurdles that came with setbacks and how she navigated through them. From moments of frustration to newfound strength, she discusses the key lessons learned and how these experiences ultimately led to personal growth and resilience. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJoin her for an honest conversation about turning life’s disappointments into opportunities for transformation and finding hope in unexpected places.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2024-11-02T14:30:00.000-07:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/692b687a-5787-4cb7-a905-c39fc50e5130.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":72574352,"duration_in_seconds":2267}]},{"id":"578fbe9e-6a9a-4aa5-b71e-9fc5154375ea","title":"Bipolar and Us: A Candid Conversation With My Mom","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/bipolar-and-us","content_text":"In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Mia du Toit sits down with her mom to reflect on her childhood and the challenges they faced as a family.\n\nThey dive into Mia's journey with depression, how it shaped their relationship, and the moment her mom had to confront the reality of her bipolar diagnosis. Together, they explore the emotional ups and downs, her process of acceptance, and how they've grown stronger as a result. \n\nThis is a raw and honest conversation about mental health, family, and finding hope in the midst of adversity.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Mia du Toit sits down with her mom to reflect on her childhood and the challenges they faced as a family.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey dive into Mia\u0026#39;s journey with depression, how it shaped their relationship, and the moment her mom had to confront the reality of her bipolar diagnosis. Together, they explore the emotional ups and downs, her process of acceptance, and how they\u0026#39;ve grown stronger as a result. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a raw and honest conversation about mental health, family, and finding hope in the midst of adversity.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2024-10-16T11:45:00.000-07:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/578fbe9e-6a9a-4aa5-b71e-9fc5154375ea.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":84462783,"duration_in_seconds":2639}]},{"id":"5421cb45-0fbb-430d-bbb5-24efd75c3927","title":"Living With Bipolar","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/living-with-bipolar","content_text":"In this episode, Mia du Toit takes a deep dive into the science behind bipolar disorder, exploring what causes the condition, how it affects the brain, and the latest research on treatment options. \n\nShe'll break down the differences between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, what the first few months after being diagnosed can look like, and address common misconceptions. Along the way, Mia answers some of the most frequently asked questions, such as how bipolar disorder is diagnosed, what triggers mood episodes, and how individuals can manage their symptoms to live a balanced life. \n\nTune in to listen to this episode to learn more about the condition, what it can look like for most people and to gain more in-depth knowledge into this unknown mental condition.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode, Mia du Toit takes a deep dive into the science behind bipolar disorder, exploring what causes the condition, how it affects the brain, and the latest research on treatment options. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe\u0026#39;ll break down the differences between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, what the first few months after being diagnosed can look like, and address common misconceptions. Along the way, Mia answers some of the most frequently asked questions, such as how bipolar disorder is diagnosed, what triggers mood episodes, and how individuals can manage their symptoms to live a balanced life. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTune in to listen to this episode to learn more about the condition, what it can look like for most people and to gain more in-depth knowledge into this unknown mental condition.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2024-10-02T00:00:00.000-07:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/5421cb45-0fbb-430d-bbb5-24efd75c3927.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67200233,"duration_in_seconds":2099}]},{"id":"01eb7d6f-c92a-4aca-b64a-16d8b75a9a1a","title":"BP vs. BPD with Alyssa Bette","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/bp-vs-bpd","content_text":"In this heartfelt and empowering episode, we sit down with Alyssa Bette as she opens up about her personal struggles with mental health and the difficult challenges she faced growing up. From surviving a tumultuous childhood to battling alcoholism, Alyssa shares her raw, unfiltered story of resilience. \n\nThrough her vulnerability, she discusses the tools and support that helped her conquer addiction, heal emotional wounds, and ultimately thrive in her personal and professional life. Now living a life of purpose and balance, Alyssa offers hope and inspiration for anyone on their own journey toward mental wellness. \n\nThis episode is a must-listen for those seeking motivation, comfort, and the reminder that recovery and thriving are always possible.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this heartfelt and empowering episode, we sit down with Alyssa Bette as she opens up about her personal struggles with mental health and the difficult challenges she faced growing up. From surviving a tumultuous childhood to battling alcoholism, Alyssa shares her raw, unfiltered story of resilience. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough her vulnerability, she discusses the tools and support that helped her conquer addiction, heal emotional wounds, and ultimately thrive in her personal and professional life. Now living a life of purpose and balance, Alyssa offers hope and inspiration for anyone on their own journey toward mental wellness. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis episode is a must-listen for those seeking motivation, comfort, and the reminder that recovery and thriving are always possible.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2024-09-24T14:00:00.000-07:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/01eb7d6f-c92a-4aca-b64a-16d8b75a9a1a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":84390476,"duration_in_seconds":5274}]},{"id":"689c122f-b0a5-4ef5-9118-f27113eee6c8","title":"Hi, I'm Bipolar!","url":"https://themooddiaries.fireside.fm/hi-im-bipolar","content_text":"In the debut episode of The Mood Diaries, host Mia du Toit opens up about her deeply personal experience with mental health. This solo episode takes you through a raw and honest recounting of her journey, from the initial decision to seek therapy to battling severe depression and receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.\n\nMia shares the highs and lows of her path to healing, offering insights into the challenges faced and the strategies that helped her find hope and resilience. Whether you’re familiar with these struggles or simply seeking to understand them better, this episode provides a heartfelt and courageous look at one person’s journey through darkness and into the light of recovery.\n\nJoin us for a powerful start to The Mood Diaries and discover the strength found in vulnerability and the possibility of transformation.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn the debut episode of The Mood Diaries, host Mia du Toit opens up about her deeply personal experience with mental health. This solo episode takes you through a raw and honest recounting of her journey, from the initial decision to seek therapy to battling severe depression and receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMia shares the highs and lows of her path to healing, offering insights into the challenges faced and the strategies that helped her find hope and resilience. Whether you’re familiar with these struggles or simply seeking to understand them better, this episode provides a heartfelt and courageous look at one person’s journey through darkness and into the light of recovery.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us for a powerful start to The Mood Diaries and discover the strength found in vulnerability and the possibility of transformation.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Hi, and welcome to the first episode of The Mood Diaries! This episode takes a deep dive into the childhood of Mia du Toit and her journey through depression and being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.","date_published":"2024-09-03T00:00:00.000-07:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/6b426e8a-f986-4c5c-9368-a5446ecc871a/689c122f-b0a5-4ef5-9118-f27113eee6c8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":87228837,"duration_in_seconds":2725}]}]}