Aspen Warden

An 18-year-old Senior in High School living in a small town in Utah with her father, mother, and three younger siblings, Aspen has always been a curious person, which combined with her determination and enthusiasm has led to a rich set of life experiences.

In addition to excelling academically, where she is currently ranked #1 in her large high school class, Aspen has thrown herself into a host of other hobbies including guitar, theater, aerial yoga, surfing, artisan book binding, and yoga. 

Aspen’s high school experience was deeply impacted by the pandemic, and throughout this time Aspen has faced difficulties that challenged her mental health. 

From a young age, Aspen has mindfully approached these challenges with the help of her parents and other supports.  With characteristic determination, Aspen has thrown herself into learning all she can about mental health, with the result that she has found effective ways not only of coping with her distress, but has found a way to flourish with that distress.  She feels blessed to have had access to the knowledge that she and her father hope to share with her audience.

Currently a practicing psychiatrist at Intermountain Healthcare at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City Utah,  Dr. Warden is also an Associate Professor in the University of Utah Medical School, where he has worked with psychiatry residents. 

After struggling with dyslexia, ADHD, and Major Depressive Disorder in childhood and adolescence, Michael failed to graduate from high school.  Despite his lack of high school diploma, he was able to enroll in college, where he inexplicably thrived, ultimately graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Utah Valley University and later in the top ten percent of his medical school class. Michael completed residency through the University of Utah and spent a year at Mayo Clinic in a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship.  

Michael taught other students throughout college, medical school, and residency –  including teaching child development to Psychiatry Residency during his fellowship. He has found that the most valuable service he offers his patients is education on mental health principles specific to their unique challenges.

Michael’s enthusiasm for mental health and teaching has definitely carried over in his role as a father of four children.  When his oldest child, Aspen, came to him with the idea to start a podcast on mental health education, let’s just say he was excited.

Michael insists on telling everyone that he is married to the world’s best human (cause he is!!!!) – Susan Warden, his wife of twenty years. Michael’s other passions include Fly Fishing, Nordic Skiing, Pickleball, and making terrible puns.