In Episode 5 of Tell Me Everything, Danielle sits down with artist and illustrator Riley Sheehey. For the first time, Riley opens up about living with anxiety, OCD, and depression.

Riley shares how she transitioned from being an elementary school art teacher to building a successful studio. She has collaborated with major brands like Pottery Barn Kids and Ralph Lauren. The conversation delves deeply into mental health, with Riley candidly recounting her OCD diagnosis at age 6, ongoing therapy, and medication management, along with how these experiences have shaped her career and motherhood.

Danielle and Riley explore the challenges and joys of balancing creative work, parenting, and mental health. They touch on the importance of routines, exercise, and professional support, plus the pressure (and perks) of sharing personal stories on social media.

Riley talks about her self-published, illustrated edition of Little Women, and both women share relatable “real life” moments. The episode concludes with Danielle and Riley reflecting on the power of vulnerability and encouraging others to seek help and share their stories.

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Key Topics Discussed

• Riley’s path from art teacher to full-time artist and entrepreneur
• Major collaborations
• The impact of childhood OCD and ongoing mental health management
• Choosing to be open about mental health struggles on social media
• Navigating anxiety and depression: what helps and what doesn’t
• The reality of balancing creative work, business, and motherhood
• Setting boundaries on social media and handling online negativity
• Parenting with anxiety and strategies for coping
• Riley’s latest project
• Why sharing the hard (and not just the beautiful) matters