Mental Notes is a podcast about mental health representation in young adult novels. In it, host Symmone Gauer has conversations with authors about their real life experiences with mental health and how it informed the characters in their books, having often learned new insights about themselves in the process.
Join author Heidi Dischler as she discusses her book "All the Little Things," which follows a young girl dealing with anxiety and grief after her mother’s passing. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of personal choice in the healing process, healthy coping skills, and setting helpful boundaries within a relationship.
4 Dec 2025
Ep. 6 - Home Home
Join author Lisa as she discusses her book “Home Home,” which follows a teen from Trinidad who is sent to live with her aunt in Canada. This episode explores anxiety and suicidal ideation, cultural nuances surrounding beauty standards and mental illness, and the true meaning of home and family.
This episode does feature discussion on self-harm and suicide.
26 Nov 2025
Ep. 4 - The Words We Keep
Join author Erin as she discusses her book “The Words We Keep,” a story that somewhat mirrors her own mental health journey. In this episode, we’ll discuss anxiety and perfectionism as portrayed through main character Lily, glass child syndrome and feeling the need to shoulder one’s family, and learning to seek help before hitting rock bottom. This episode does feature discussion on self-harm and suicide.
26 Nov 2025
Ep. 5 - Breathe and Count Back from Ten
Join author Natalia Sylvester as she discusses her book “Breathe and Count Back from Ten,” which follows a girl with hip dysplasia who has always dreamt of being a mermaid performer. In this episode, we’ll discuss the parallels between mental and physical health, healing from trauma, learning to advocate for oneself and one’s body, and the desire for acceptance from family and strangers alike. This episode does touch on consent and sexual abuse.
19 Nov 2025
Ep. 3 - Darius the Great
Join author Adib as he discusses his book "Darius the Great is Not Okay," which explores family and friendship dynamics, depression, evolving identities, and the role culture plays in everything.
12 Nov 2025
Ep. 1 - Highly Illogical Behavior
Join author John Corey Whaley as he shares the inspiration behind his book "Highly Logical Behavior," which explores agoraphobia and the complexities of mental illness. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of community and friendships in supporting mental health while also touching on the evolution of societal attitudes towards mental health, the role of fiction in fostering empathy, and the problems that can arise when we try to “fix” mental illness.
12 Nov 2025
Ep. 2 - Shadowsong
Join author S. Jae-Jones as she discusses her fantasy book "Shadowsong," sequel to "Wintersong," and its surrounding themes of bipolar disorder, love, and self-acceptance. In this episode, we’ll also discuss the significance of sibling relationships, the impact of mental health across generations, and the complexities of navigating mental illness and creativity.
Contact Mental Notes
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Mental Notes?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
