In this powerful episode of "this is bipolar," host Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with David Funes to discuss his journey living with Bipolar I Disorder. David shares candidly about his strict religious upbringing, early trauma, and the onset of his symptoms in college. The conversation covers the highs and lows of living with bipolar disorder, including manic and depressive episodes, addiction, crime, and ultimately, recovery and advocacy.

David’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the importance of seeking help. Both Shaley and David emphasize that healing is a journey, not a destination, and that sharing lived experiences can help others feel less alone.

(00:08:45) – Mania, Consequences, and Shame

(00:12:37) – Escalation: Addiction, Crime, and the FBI Raid

(00:21:44) – Hitting Rock Bottom: Homelessness and Loss

(00:26:46) – Recovery: Finding the Right Psychiatrist & Medication

(00:29:17) – The Long Road: Legal Battles and Sentencing

(00:34:07) – Healing, Habits, and Advocacy

David Funes is a mental health advocate, speaker, writer, and bipolar coach. His story has been featured on People and Business Insider as well as on podcasts including Soft White Underbelly, Inside True Crime, and Rise Above with Kevin Lanning. His new memoir, Manic in Miami, released in June and reached #1 bestseller in Amazon’s bipolar category. With over 100,000 engaged followers across Instagram and TikTok, David shares his journey with honesty, heart, and humor to inspire and support others who are struggling.

Connect with David:

IG: @bipolarguylovinglife

TikTok: @bipolarguylovinglife

Buy David's book here:

Manic In Miami Book

Besties,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. Reach out for support if you or someone you know is struggling—help is available and recovery is possible

Much love, Shaley xo

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Thank you for listening to "This is Bipolar." Stay tuned for more episodes and conversations that break the stigma and build understanding.

Manic in Miami: How Bipolar Mania Led to Crime, Addiction, and a Comeback