Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

Every Monday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life.

Meet Craig Conover

Craig Conover is an attorney who stars in Bravo TV’s reality show, Southern Charm. He’s also the author of “Pillow Talk: What’s Wrong With My Sewing?”

He’s the owner of a business called Sewing Down South. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the company sells pillows, apparel, and home goods. 

Why Craig Conover Is Mentally Strong

Craig could easily make it look like he has everything figured out. He’s successful in so many different ways. 

He’s also encouraging others to follow through with their passions, even if most people don’t understand. He wants to help other people find things they love to do, even if their passions don’t conform to traditional gender norms and don’t seem to fit within certain labels someone might have.

But, he chooses to talk openly about his struggles with mental health and his past Adderall abuse. He shares about how he’s been bullied, how not everyone understands his passion for sewing, and how he’s managing his mental health.

What You’ll Hear on the Show

  • How Craig struggled to figure out who he was and how being on reality TV made this more difficult
  • How he found peace being a lawyer, a reality star, and someone who loves to sew pillows all at the same time
  • How he turned his passion into a business
  • The symptoms of OCD he experienced during childhood and what he continues to notice now
  • How he became addicted to Adderall
  • How Craig realized he was depressed
  • What helped him give up his addiction
  • The steps he’s taking to manage his mental health
  • How to get over the fear of not being liked
  • Craig’s advice to anyone who wants to turn a side hustle into a business

What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength

Spending time doing something that you love is a great way to build mental strength. Leisure time activities give your brain a much-needed break from work. 

Your hobby might use different parts of your brain that you typically don’t use. Or it might give you an opportunity to rest and feel rejuvenated.

Doing fun things is a great investment of your time. Whenever you’re engaged in a hobby, you get an opportunity to learn about yourself. 

So while you might feel guilty doing something you love or you might think you don’t have time, hobbies can be key to healthy psychological well-being.

Quotes From Craig

  • “If you can just make it through high school, all of the things that you get bullied for actually become cool, like being in school becomes cool.”
  • “I’d rather be judged on who I am entirely than this partial shadow version of myself.”
  • “If some of your coworkers are making fun of the craft that you’re making in your garage, or you’re selling your [whatever], or whatever you’re doing, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. They’re either just jealous or can’t see your vision. I mean, if everyone had the same idea, there wouldn’t be any value in yours.”

More About the Podcast

The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Craig Hanover

Having my hobby turned into a business now makes me feel complete almost. Don’t let anyone steal your happiness. If that’s what makes you happy, do it. 

Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too.

If You Liked This Episode, You Might Also Like These Episodes

Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Thank you.

For media or public speaking inquiries, contact Amy here.

Download the Transcript

Links and Resources

  • Follow Craig on Instagram: @Caconover

  • Check out Craig’s business: Sewing Down South

  • Buy Craig’s Book: Pillow Talk

  • How to Fight Depression With NFL Reporter Jay Glazer

  • Friday Fix: Simple Tips for Improving Your Mental Health

  • How to Stop Numbing Your Emotions With Bestselling Author Mallory Ervin