Melissa Bernstein

Summary: Episode 233 is Melissa Bernstein. Melissa along with her husband Doug is the Co-Founder of the toy company Melissa & Doug, which has created over 5,000 children’s products and sold billions of dollars of toys since its inception. Raised by educators, Melissa and Doug started the business in their garage in 1988. With all the success of Melissa’s remarkable career, she kept secret her lifelong battle with severe depression and anxiety. During our conversation, we talk about the struggles, suicide, and anxiety. We also discuss when they began, and she reveals much more in her book LIfelines.  Melissa wrote the book to help others who are also suffering. Melissa’s book heralds the launch of Lifelines.com, an online ecosystem she and Doug are underwriting to support those seeking support, guidance, and community on their mental health journeys.