Kathryn M. Henry joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles for a raw, beautiful, and deeply human conversation about grief, love, resilience, spirituality, and learning how to keep living after losing the person you thought you?d grow old with. Through her memoir A Dime to Say I Love You, Kathryn reminds us that even the heaviest moments can become another f*cking growth opportunity when we meet them with honesty, humor, and self-compassion.

Awards & Downloads Line

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

Feedback Link Line

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Trigger Notice + 988 Crisis Reminder

This episode includes conversations about grief, childhood abuse, suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, cancer, and loss. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are loved, wanted, and needed here.

Mental Health Quote

?You?re good enough, and you don?t have to prove anything to anybody.? ? Kathryn M. Henry

Episode Description

Grief can knock the air right out of you, but Kathryn M. Henry shows us that even the most painful chapters can hold love, wisdom, and one hell of a growth opportunity. In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Kathryn, author of A Dime to Say I Love You, to talk about losing her wife Lisa, finding spiritual meaning after death, and learning how to keep showing up when life feels impossible.

Kathryn shares the story behind the dimes she and Lisa left for each other as tiny reminders of love. After Lisa?s transition following a decade-long cancer journey, those ?dime moments? became something even deeper: signs of connection, comfort, and the belief that love does not simply disappear.

Together, they talk about resilience, childhood trauma, suicide survival, spirituality, vulnerability, self-love, and the kind of healing that does not come wrapped in perfection. Kathryn also opens up about writing her memoir, living in integrity, and bringing her whole self into every room, from personal relationships to corporate leadership.

This episode is for anyone walking through grief, questioning their purpose, rebuilding after trauma, or trying to find joy again without pretending everything is fine. Keywords: mental health podcast, grief healing, emotional wellness, suicide prevention, spiritual healing, resilience, self-love, LGBTQ mental health, trauma recovery, conscious leadership, grief support, vulnerability, personal growth, healing after loss, finding joy

Meet Our Guest ? Kathryn M. Henry

Kathryn M. Henry is a writer, spiritual seeker, business leader, and author of A Dime to Say I Love You, a bold memoir that blends intimate storytelling with meditation, reflection, and personal growth practices. After a global career leading technology, operations, and people development at brands including Gap, Levi?s, and Lululemon, Kathryn now works at the intersection of leadership, inner life, social impact, and healing. Her story matters because she reminds us that grief does not have to harden us; it can open us.

Website: https://kathrynmhenry.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryn.m.henry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.henry.94
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrykathryn
Media and speaking inquiries: [email protected]

Key Takeaways Grief is not something we ?get over.? It becomes part of how we learn to live, love, and grow. Kathryn?s ?dime moments? show how signs of love can appear in small, powerful, and deeply personal ways. Resilience is built by surviving what we thought would break us and realizing we are still here. Vulnerability helps us connect in ways that polished perfection never could. Self-love means choosing practices, people, and boundaries that help us stay grounded. Living in integrity means showing up as the same whole person in every room. Actionable Items Look for your own ?dime moments? ? the small signs, memories, symbols, or reminders that help you feel connected to love. When life hands you another f*cking growth opportunity, pause before beating yourself up and ask, ?What can I learn here?? Choose one grounding practice this week, like music, nature, meditation, journaling, movement, or calling someone who helps you feel safe. References Mentioned A Dime to Say I Love You by Kathryn M. Henry 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org Global crisis resources: https://findahelpline.com Gayatri Mantra by Deva Premal Michael Bublé Stoic philosophy Buddhism Hinduism Meditation and contemplative practices Important Chapters 00:00:37 ? Welcome and episode introduction 00:01:38 ? Kathryn introduces A Dime to Say I Love You 00:03:18 ? The meaning behind Kathryn and Lisa?s ?dime moments.? 00:05:11 ? Why Kathryn uses the word ?transition.? 00:06:20 ? Signs from loved ones after loss 00:07:33 ? Writing the book to honor Lisa and help others 00:10:06 ? Another F*cking Growth Opportunity 00:12:49 ? How resilience is built through hard moments 00:16:57 ? Choosing joy and holding onto hope 00:19:26 ? Vulnerability, self-love, and real connection 00:21:02 ? The practices that keep Kathryn grounded 00:26:38 ? Sharing trauma, grief, and suicide survival 00:30:10 ? Kathryn?s spiritual path and healing practices 00:33:17 ? Turning brokenness into hope 00:40:06 ? Living in integrity in every room 00:46:03 ? Kathryn?s advice to her younger self 00:46:36 ? Learning that life gives no guarantees 00:47:51 ? Music as a grounding tool 00:49:03 ? Kathryn?s spirit animal 00:49:44 ? How to connect with Kathryn Closing CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #GriefHealing #GriefSupport #EmotionalWellness #Resilience #SelfLoveJourney #TraumaRecovery #SuicidePrevention #SpiritualHealing #HealingAfterLoss #LGBTQMentalHealth #VulnerabilityIsStrength #PersonalGrowth #ChooseJoy #ConsciousLeadership #ADimeToSayILoveYou

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

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Joe Smarro walked away from a Marine uniform, a badge, and a gun belt that almost ended his life, and walked straight into the work of healing himself and the first responders nobody else was checking on. This conversation is about what it really takes to take off the mask, do the work, and become the kind of human who gives other people permission to do the same.

 

Awards & Downloads Brought to you by the 2024 and 2026 award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, a 2026 Women Podcasters Awards nominee in the Mindset and Mental Health category and honored among the Influential Women 2026 Women of the Year, with 4.5 million plus downloads across 160 plus countries and counting in Season 17. Feedback Link We'd love to hear what landed for you in this episode. Leave us a voice or text note here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote "There's so much freedom on the other side of your suffering. There's so much freedom on the other side of your fear." Joe Smarro Episode Description Joe Smarro is a Marine Corps combat veteran, former San Antonio Police Officer, co-founder of one of the country's first Mental Health Units, and the kind of man who'll tell you exactly how close he came to not being here. In this episode, Joe sits down with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share the story behind his Emmy-winning HBO documentary Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops, his book Unarmed, and the moment he chose therapy over the gun belt sitting next to him.

This is a raw, hopeful, and surprisingly funny conversation about childhood trauma, an ACES score of nine, PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and the addiction patterns that ran his life until he stopped running from himself. Joe shares why he believes therapy is a relationship, and most people just haven't found the right partner yet, why he started attending SLAA meetings at 44, and why he gets up every day, names his alarm clock with affirmations, and practices three points of reflection before his feet hit the floor.

If you've ever worn a mask so tight you forgot what your real face felt like, this one's for you. Joe gives men, first responders, veterans, and anyone with a hard story permission to stop pretending and start healing. We talk masculine vulnerability, suicide prevention, scars versus scabs, the "selfish AF" approach to wellness, radical self-responsibility, and what it actually looks like to live on the other side of trauma.

Keywords: first responder mental health, PTSD recovery, veteran mental health, suicide prevention, childhood trauma, ACES score, Joe Smarro, Unarmed book, Ernie and Joe Crisis Cops, masculine vulnerability, de-escalation, police mental health, trauma healing, therapy for men, addiction recovery

Meet Our Guest Joe Smarro is a decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, former San Antonio Police Officer, co-founder of the SAPD Mental Health Unit, TEDx speaker, and bestselling Author of Unarmed: De-escalation Techniques to Cultivate Courage, Compassion, and Connection and 12 Laws of Maximizing the Human Experience. He's the founder and CEO of SolutionPoint+, a national consulting firm focused on mental wellness, resiliency, and crisis response training for first responders, public safety, public transit, and corporate clients. When he's not on stage or in a hotel somewhere in North America, you'll find him on the golf course.

Connect with Joe:

Website: https://www.joesmarro.com Company: https://www.solutionpointplus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joesmarro Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josephsmarro Documentary: Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops on HBO Max Key Takeaways Share from a scar, not a scab. Healing first, then teaching. Joe waited until his wounds had closed before he started talking about them publicly, and that's why his story actually helps people. Therapy is a relationship, not a one-time experiment. If the first therapist didn't fit, that doesn't mean therapy doesn't work. It means you haven't found your person yet. "Selfish AF" is not a personality flaw. It's self-awareness, self-love, and self-care so you can actually show up for the people you love. Take radical responsibility for the life you're living now. Bad things happened to you, and they weren't your fault. What you do with them today is. Hope and curiosity keep you moving. Not motivation. Not hustle. Curiosity about what life looks like on the other side of the work. Actionable Items Build your own three points of reflection. Each morning, ask yourself where you are, why you're there, and who contributed to you being there. Find three new things you're grateful for every day, and they cannot repeat. This forces you to hunt for the good rather than run on autopilot. Identify the biggest fear holding you back right now and take one small step toward it this week. References Mentioned Book: Unarmed by Joe Smarro, available at https://www.joesmarro.com Documentary: Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops on HBO Max TEDx Talk: "I See You" by Joe Smarro on YouTube SLAA (Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous): https://slaafws.org Important Chapters 00:00 Welcome 02:15 Childhood trauma and the mask 05:04 Behind the book Unarmed 09:05 The gun belt moment 13:22 First SLAA meeting at 44 16:20 Speed dating your therapist 24:21 Joe's morning ritual 29:42 Selfish AF 35:10 Nobody is coming to save you 42:56 Where to find Joe Closing CTA If this episode moved you, sat heavy on you, or made you finally pick up the phone, we want to know. Leave us a review or share your story at https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews. Listen on your favorite platform or on our website at https://www.goesoninourheads.net. Your story might be the one that unlocks somebody else's prison. #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #JoeSmarro #Unarmed #FirstResponderMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #SuicidePrevention #VeteranMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #PoliceWellness #MasculineVulnerability #ACES #CrisisCops #BreakTheStigma #TherapyWorks #SelfishAF #HealingTrauma #STGOIOH

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

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What if healing is not about going back and reliving everything that hurt you? In Part 2, Deane shares how hypnosis helped him change the way his mind responds and how that changed everything.

Awards & Downloads Line

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

Feedback Link Line

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You don?t have to relive your trauma to heal it. You just need a new way to respond.? ? Deane Benninghoven

A Word From Our Sponsor ? Cozy Earth

Burnout is real. So is the moment when you finally slow down.

Cozy Earth is built for that moment. Their robes and slippers are designed to help you actually rest, not just crash.

If you spend most of your time taking care of everyone else, this is your reminder that you deserve care too.

Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.

Episode Description

This is where things start to make sense.

In Part 2, Deane explains how hypnosis works in a way that feels practical and grounded. No gimmicks. No loss of control. Just a better understanding of how your mind actually operates.

Anxiety is not random. It is learned. It is your brain trying to protect you based on past experiences. The problem is that those responses do not always match your life today. That is where people get stuck.

Deane walks through how hypnosis helps you access the subconscious mind, where those patterns live. He also shares simple tools, like creating an anchor, that can help you interrupt anxiety in the moment and start building a different response.

This part of the conversation is about taking your power back. Not in a loud or dramatic way. In a steady, repeatable way that actually works over time.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles ask the questions people are already thinking. What if it does not work? What if you have tried before? What if you feel stuck?

The answer is not perfection. It is practice.

Part 2 shows that healing is not about becoming someone new. It is about finally working with the mind you already have.

Keywords: Deane Benninghoven, hypnosis, hypnotherapy, subconscious mind, anxiety relief, trauma healing, emotional regulation, self-hypnosis, behavior change, nervous system, mental health tools, healing journey

Meet Our Guest ? Deane Benninghoven

Deane Benninghoven is a hypnotherapist and the founder of Summit Hypnosis NW. He specializes in helping people work through anxiety, chronic pain, and trauma by addressing subconscious patterns. His approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in real-life experience.

Website: https://www.summithnosisnw.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summithnosisnw/

Key Takeaways Hypnosis works by accessing the part of the mind where patterns are stored Anxiety is often a learned response, not a permanent condition You do not need to relive trauma to heal from it Simple tools can help regulate emotions in real time Repetition is what creates lasting change Healing is about building new responses, not just understanding old ones Actionable Items Create a simple grounding action you can use during stress Practice reconnecting with a positive memory and how it feels Think about the version of yourself you want to become and take one step toward it References Mentioned

Summit Hypnosis NW
https://www.summithnosisnw.com/

Important Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Part 2 00:01:00 Anxiety explained 00:03:00 Anchors and emotional regulation 00:06:00 Healing without reliving trauma 00:10:00 Subconscious patterns 00:15:00 Everyday use of hypnosis 00:20:00 Working with kids 00:25:00 Advice to younger self 00:35:00 Closing Closing CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #Hypnotherapy #SubconsciousMind #AnxietyRelief #TraumaHealing #EmotionalRegulation #SelfHypnosis #MindBodyConnection #HealingTools #PersonalGrowth #MentalWellness

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when your body stops cooperating, and your life starts slipping through your hands? G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Deane to talk about chronic pain, trauma, and what it feels like when everything you built no longer works.

Awards & Downloads Line

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

Feedback Link Line

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?I didn?t see a way forward? until I found even the smallest glimmer of hope.? ? Deane Benninghoven

A Word From Our Sponsor ? Cozy Earth

Burnout is real. So is the moment when you finally slow down.

Cozy Earth is built for that moment. Their robes and slippers are designed to help you actually rest, not just collapse at the end of a long day.

If you spend most of your time taking care of everyone else, this is your reminder that you deserve care too.

Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.

Episode Description

Before anything started to get better, things got really dark.

In Part 1, Deane shares what it was like to go from building a life as an artist to losing control of his body after a serious car accident. The pain was constant. It was intense. And like many people, he was pushed toward opioids as the answer. That path only made things worse.

This conversation goes beyond physical pain. Deane talks about growing up with abuse, carrying anger for years, and dealing with the kind of internal voice that tells you there is no way forward. When you lose your identity, your purpose, and your ability to function the way you used to, it messes with everything.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles don?t rush past that. They sit in it with him. Because this is the part most people skip. The part where you feel stuck, exhausted, and unsure if anything will actually help.

But a shift is starting here. Not a big breakthrough yet. Just a moment of curiosity. A small opening.

Part 1 is about telling the truth about what it feels like to be at your lowest. Because you cannot heal what you refuse to look at.

Keywords: Deane Benninghoven, trauma, chronic pain, depression, opioid recovery, anxiety, childhood trauma, mental health podcast, emotional healing, identity loss, mental health awareness, healing journey

Meet Our Guest ? Deane Benninghoven

Deane Benninghoven is a hypnotherapist and the founder of Summit Hypnosis NW. He helps people work through chronic pain, anxiety, and trauma by focusing on the subconscious patterns that drive those experiences. His work is rooted in his own journey through pain, addiction, and recovery.

Website: https://www.summithypnosisnw.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summithnosisnw/

Key Takeaways Chronic pain is not just physical. It is connected to emotional and mental patterns Trauma can shape how you see yourself long before you realize it Quick fixes like medication do not always solve deeper issues The way you talk to yourself matters more than you think Change can start with something small, even just curiosity Actionable Items Pay attention to your internal dialogue during hard moments Be honest about what you are feeling instead of pushing it down Stay open to different approaches to healing References Mentioned

Therapeutic hypnosis for pain management

Important Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction 00:02:00 The accident and what changed 00:04:00 Living with chronic pain 00:06:30 Depression and identity loss 00:08:30 Childhood trauma and belief systems 00:12:00 Discovering hypnosis 00:18:00 Pain and the subconscious Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ChronicPain #TraumaHealing #DepressionSupport #OpioidRecovery #AnxietyAwareness #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealthMatters #SubconsciousMind #PainManagement

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if anxiety and pain are not problems to eliminate, but signals your body is trying to send you? In part two, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue the conversation with Shari B. Kaplan and get real about plant-based healing, nervous system balance, and taking back control of your health.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

Feedback Link Line

We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You can use the medicine, but you still have to show up and change your life.? ? Shari B. Kaplan

Community Spotlight and Sponsor Support

Vote for Us ? Women Podcasters Awards

We have been nominated for the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset and Mental Health category.

If this podcast has helped you, we would appreciate your support.

Vote here:
https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting

Voting is open through April 30th at 6 PM PST

One vote per person. Duplicate votes will not count.

A Quick Word From Our Sponsor ? Cozy Earth

Burnout is real, and so is the moment when you finally slow down.

Cozy Earth is built for that moment. Their robes and slippers are designed to help you actually rest, not just crash.

If you are always taking care of everyone else, this is your reminder that you deserve care, too.

Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.

Episode Description

In part two, Shari B. Kaplan breaks down one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics in mental health right now, plant-based healing.

From cannabis to herbal medicine, she explains how these tools can support anxiety, pain, and overall balance in the body when they are used intentionally.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles bring their own experiences into the conversation, sharing what it is like to live with anxiety and chronic pain, and how they have navigated different approaches to treatment.

What stands out most is the reminder that no tool works on its own. Real healing requires participation. Movement matters. Breathing matters. Awareness matters.

They also talk about humor, how it can interrupt negative thinking, and why learning to shift your internal dialogue can change how you experience your day.

If you are curious about natural approaches to mental health or looking for new ways to manage anxiety and pain, this episode gives you practical insight in a way that feels real and grounded.

Keywords: Shari B. Kaplan, anxiety relief, plant medicine, cannabis for mental health, chronic pain, holistic healing, endocannabinoid system, natural remedies, emotional healing, trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, alternative medicine

Meet Our Guest ? Shari B. Kaplan

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, is an integrative mental health and trauma specialist and the founder of Cannectd Wellness, where she combines psychotherapy, plant medicine, and holistic approaches to support long-term healing.

Website: https://www.cannectd.com
Meet Shari: https://www.cannectd.com/meet-sharibkaplan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharibkaplan/
Instagram (Cannectd): https://www.instagram.com/cannectd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-b-kaplan-lcsw-180b1682

Key Takeaways Anxiety and pain are signals from the body Plant medicine works best when combined with daily habits Balance in the body supports healing Humor can shift your mindset quickly You have more control over your healing than you think Actionable Items Start low and go slow if exploring plant-based options where legal Move your body daily, even in small ways Create a simple ?joy trigger? that helps reset your mood   Important Chapters 00:00 ? Reframing negative self-talk 08:00 ? Finding joy in small moments 18:00 ? Plant-based medicine explained 28:00 ? Anxiety, pain, and cannabis 40:00 ? Movement and healing 50:00 ? Final reflections Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #AnxietyRelief #PlantMedicine #CannabisEducation #ChronicPainRelief #HolisticHealing #NaturalMentalHealth #HealingJourney #MindBodyConnection #AlternativeMedicine

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the hardest moments in your life were not breaking you, but shaping you? In part one, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Shari B. Kaplan to talk about trauma, identity, and what it really takes to reconnect with yourself.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

Feedback Link Line

We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Remember who the fuck you are, because healing starts when you reconnect with yourself.? ? Shari B. Kaplan

Community Spotlight and Sponsor Support

Vote for Us ? Women Podcasters Awards

We have been nominated for the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset and Mental Health category.

This one means a lot. What started as real, sometimes messy conversations has grown into a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone. That only happened because of you.

If this podcast has ever helped you feel understood, even for a moment, we would truly appreciate your vote.

Vote here:
https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting

Voting is open through April 30th at 6 PM PST

How to vote: Click the link Select the vote button Complete the form

Only one vote per person and email is allowed, and duplicates will not count.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

A Quick Word From Our Sponsor ? Cozy Earth

We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying too much for too long.

Cozy Earth is about what happens when you finally slow down, when you finally get a moment to breathe.

Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like they exhale at the end of a long day. Soft, simple, and made for real life.

Think about the people in your life who give everything. When was the last time they felt taken care of?

This is your reminder that comfort matters, and you deserve it too.

Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.

Episode Description

Shari B. Kaplan does not just talk about healing; she has lived it, worked through it, and built her life around helping others do the same.

In this first part of a two-part conversation, she sits down with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how early life experiences, including head trauma and personal challenges, shaped the way she understands mental health today.

From discovering meditation at a young age to navigating dyslexia, performance pressure, and difficult life decisions, Shari walks us through the moments that changed everything. What stands out most is her belief that we have more choice than we think, even when life feels overwhelming.

This episode also challenges the way most people think about meditation. It is not about sitting still or clearing your mind. It is about finding something that works for your brain, your body, and your reality.

The conversation also gets real about therapy. How do you find the right person? What questions should you ask? And why does the right fit matter so much?

If you have ever felt disconnected, stuck, or unsure where to start, this episode brings it back to something simple. Start where you are, stay curious, and give yourself permission to figure it out.

Keywords: Shari B. Kaplan, trauma healing, holistic mental health, meditation, ADHD, emotional healing, mind body connection, therapy, nervous system regulation, self awareness, mental wellness, identity, healing journey, mindfulness

Meet Our Guest ? Shari B. Kaplan

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, is an integrative mental health and trauma specialist and the founder of Cannectd Wellness, a holistic mental health and plant medicine center in Florida. With more than 30 years of experience, she blends psychotherapy, trauma protocols, plant medicine, and mind-body practices to support full mind-body-spirit healing.

Website: https://www.cannectd.com
Meet Shari: https://www.cannectd.com/meet-sharibkaplan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharibkaplan/
Instagram (Cannectd): https://www.instagram.com/cannectd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-b-kaplan-lcsw-180b1682

Key Takeaways Healing starts when you reconnect with who you are Meditation should work for your brain, not against it Trauma lives in the body, but so does healing You have more control over your day than you think The right therapist can change everything Actionable Items Try different styles of meditation until something feels right Set one intention each morning for how you want your day to feel Talk to more than one therapist before choosing who to work with Important Chapters 00:00 ? Meet Shari B. Kaplan 03:00 ? Early trauma and discovering meditation 10:00 ? Rethinking meditation for ADHD 18:00 ? Finding the right therapist 25:00 ? Setting intentions and mindset 35:00 ? Responding instead of reacting Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #TraumaHealing #HolisticMentalHealth #MeditationPractice #ADHDAwareness #MindBodyHealing #EmotionalWellness #TherapyJourney #HealingTools #MentalWellness

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you?re doing everything ?right?? but it still feels wrong? In this powerful podcast swap, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles bring you Renee Swanson from The Covert Narcissism Podcast as she breaks down the invisible rules that quietly shape toxic relationships?and why none of it was ever your fault.

Awards & Downloads Line

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

Feedback Link Line

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Healthy relationships do not require you to memorize a rulebook just to exist.? ? Renee Swanson

Episode Description

This episode hits differently?and that?s intentional. As part of a podcast swap, we?re sharing an episode from Renee Swanson, host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast, and it?s one that puts words to something so many people feel but struggle to explain.

Renee dives deep into what she calls ?the invisible rulebook??the unspoken, ever-changing expectations that shape unhealthy relationships. These aren?t normal compromises or shared agreements. These are confusing, often contradictory rules that leave you constantly second-guessing yourself, walking on eggshells, and feeling like you?re always getting it wrong? even when no one ever told you what ?right? was.

Through real stories from her community, Renee highlights how these dynamics show up in everyday life?what seems small on the surface becomes a source of tension, blame, or control. Over time, this creates a cycle of hypervigilance, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion.

What makes this conversation so powerful is the clarity it brings. It?s not about the rules themselves?it?s about the environment they create. A lack of mutual respect, flexibility, and emotional safety slowly erodes your sense of self.

This episode is a reminder that if something feels off, there?s a reason. And more importantly, it?s not you.

Keywords: covert narcissism, invisible rules, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, self-doubt, gaslighting, relationship anxiety, boundaries, emotional manipulation, mental health awareness, healing journey, self-trust, trauma recovery, personal growth

Meet the Host ? Renee Swanson

Renee Swanson is the host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast and a coach dedicated to helping individuals understand and heal from emotionally manipulative and narcissistic relationship dynamics. Through her work, she brings clarity to confusion and empowers people to rebuild trust in themselves after years of self-doubt.

Website: https://covertnarcissism.com/

Key Takeaways The problem isn?t the ?rules??it?s the environment they create Feeling like you?re always wrong is often a conditioned response, not reality Control in toxic relationships often hides in small, everyday interactions Double standards are a major red flag in unhealthy dynamics Self-doubt grows when you?re constantly managing someone else?s reactions Healthy relationships allow space for two humans to exist without shrinking   Actionable Items When you feel self-doubt, ask: ?Are the expectations clear?or constantly changing?? Practice noticing where you feel calm vs. where you feel like you?re ?performing.? Remind yourself daily: ?I don?t need a rulebook to exist in a healthy relationship.?   Important Chapters 00:00:00 ? G-Rex introduces the podcast swap and the concept of ?getting it wrong.? 00:01:07 ? Renee explains the invisible rulebook and community-driven stories 00:04:00 ? Why it?s not about the rules?it?s about the environment 00:07:00 ? Real-life examples of no-win scenarios in relationships 00:12:00 ? The emotional toll of constantly anticipating someone else?s needs 00:17:00 ? Control disguised as preferences and everyday habits 00:21:00 ? How small rules create long-term psychological impact 00:23:00 ? The erosion of identity and confidence over time 00:24:40 ? The truth: you were never the problem 00:25:00 ? What healthy relationships actually look like   Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CovertNarcissism #ToxicRelationships #EmotionalAbuseRecovery #GaslightingAwareness #SelfTrust #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #RelationshipDynamics #EmotionalWellbeing #TraumaHealing #PodcastSwap #SelfWorth #MentalHealthEducation

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you build the life you thought you were supposed to want?money, success, freedom, and still wake up feeling empty? In this raw and honest conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Louis Kim to unpack the quiet truth so many people are afraid to admit: external success doesn?t heal internal pain. Lou shares his journey through identity struggles, multiple suicide attempts, and a decade-long path of self-discovery that forced him to rethink everything he believed about happiness, purpose, and what it really means to feel alive.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

Feedback Link Line

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Special Announcements

Vote for Us ? Women Podcasters Awards

I?m incredibly proud to share that we have been nominated in the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset & Mental Health category.

This recognition means more than words can capture. What started as honest, sometimes messy conversations has grown into something bigger?a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone.

Now we have a chance to grow that impact even further, and your support would mean everything.

Vote here:
https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting

Voting is open now through April 30th at 6 PM PST

Voting is simple:
? Click the link
? Select the vote button
? Complete the form

Please note: only one vote per person and email address is allowed, and duplicate submissions will not be counted.

Thank you for being part of this journey?whether you?ve listened, shared, or supported in any way.

A Quick Word From Our Sponsor ? Cozy Earth

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth?and honestly, this one hits home.

We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments?the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day?soft, intentional, and made to support real life.

Think about the women in your life?the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back?

This is your reminder: comfort matters. And you deserve it, too.

Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.
Because the people who give the most should feel taken care of, too.

Meet Our Guest ? Louis Kim

Louis Kim is a Korean-American entrepreneur, Founder of Yusan Capital, and a leader in what he calls ?Connected Capitalism.? After building and selling a successful business, Louis found himself facing deep inner struggles that led him on a path of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and heart-centered leadership. Today, he bridges the worlds of business and inner work, helping others understand that true success starts within.

Website: http://www.loukim.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partsoflou/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partsoflou/

Mental Health Quote

?If you?re unhappy without money, you?ll just be more miserable with it. Real fulfillment comes from within.? ? Louis Kim

Episode Description

Louis Kim did everything right, built the business, made the money, and checked every box society tells us should equal happiness. But behind the success, he was struggling in silence. In this deeply honest conversation, Louis shares what it felt like to reach the top, realize something was still missing, and how that realization led him into one of the hardest, yet most transformative, chapters of his life.

Sitting down with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Louis opens up about surviving multiple suicide attempts, navigating identity struggles as the child of immigrants, and confronting the uncomfortable truth that external achievements can?t replace internal fulfillment. What followed wasn?t a quick fix?it was a decade-long journey of self-discovery, letting go, and rebuilding from the inside out.

This episode explores the power of gratitude, the importance of self-love, and why chasing joy will always take you further than chasing money. Louis also shares how his perspective on leadership has evolved, and what it really means to live authentically in a world that constantly pushes you to perform.

If you?ve ever felt like you should be happier than you are, this conversation will hit home?and remind you that purpose isn?t something you find outside of yourself. It?s something you build from within.

Keywords: Louis Kim, mental health podcast, finding purpose, success and happiness, suicide survival, self-discovery, gratitude practice, emotional wellness, burnout recovery, inner peace, personal growth, authenticity, joy vs money, mindset shift

Key Takeaways Success without purpose can feel just as empty as failure Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for shifting your mindset External validation will never replace internal fulfillment Joy comes from connection and experiences?not material things Self-love is the foundation for meaningful relationships Your lowest moments can become the beginning of real transformation   Actionable Items Create a ?joy folder? on your phone with moments that make you smile Practice daily gratitude by naming three things you appreciate Pause and ask yourself: Am I chasing this for validation or fulfillment?   References Mentioned

Marcus Aurelius (Stoic philosophy on presence and gratitude)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org

Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome + meeting Louis Kim 07:00 ? The illusion of success and feeling empty inside 15:00 ? Suicide attempts and the turning point toward self-discovery 25:00 ? Gratitude, presence, and learning to appreciate the moment 35:00 ? Why experiences matter more than material success 45:00 ? Advice to his younger self: authenticity and gratitude 52:00 ? The hardest lesson: learning to love yourself first 01:00:00 ? Closing thoughts + where to find Louis   Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #SelfDiscovery #PurposeDrivenLife #EmotionalWellness #InnerHealing #SuicideAwareness #GratitudePractice #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowthJourney #AuthenticLiving #JoyOverMoney #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastLife

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you keep walking away from conversations, feeling like everything is somehow your fault? In this special podcast swap, we?re sharing a powerful episode from Renee Swanson of The Covert Narcissism Podcast?one that breaks down the emotional weight of self-blame and why so many of us carry responsibility that was never ours to begin with. This isn?t our usual format, but it?s one we believe matters?and we truly hope you walk away from this episode learning something that shifts how you see yourself and your relationships.

Mental Health Quote

?Maybe you?re not the problem. Maybe you were just trying to be normal in a place that couldn?t tolerate normal.? ? Renee Swanson

Episode Description

This episode is something a little different?and very intentional. As part of a podcast swap, we?re featuring a powerful episode from Renee Swanson, host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast. And honestly? This is one we knew our listeners needed to hear.

Renee walks us through the subtle, often invisible dynamics of covert narcissism and self-blame?the kind that doesn?t show up as obvious conflict but instead leaves you questioning yourself after completely normal interactions. Through real-life scenarios, she unpacks how everyday conversations can twist, leaving you carrying guilt, confusion, and responsibility that were never yours.

We explore what it means to be a self-reflective person in an unhealthy dynamic, how emotional intelligence can be quietly exploited, and why some relationships make you feel like you?re constantly getting it wrong. Renee also introduces the idea of internal boundaries?simple but powerful shifts that help you stop absorbing someone else?s tension and start trusting your own reality again.

This episode hits deep because it puts words to something so many people feel but struggle to explain. And that?s exactly why we wanted to bring it to you.

We?re honored to share Renee?s work on our platform, and we hope you take something real, grounding, and empowering from this conversation?because understanding this dynamic can truly change how you show up in your life and your relationships.

Keywords: covert narcissism, self-blame, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, mental health awareness, gaslighting, self-worth, emotional intelligence, boundaries, healing journey, trauma recovery, self-trust, relationship patterns, personal growth

Meet the Host ? Renee Swanson

Renee Swanson is the host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast and a coach dedicated to helping individuals understand and heal from emotionally manipulative and narcissistic relationship dynamics. Through her work, she provides clarity, validation, and practical tools for those navigating confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion.

Website: https://covertnarcissism.com/

Key Takeaways Not every emotional reaction directed at you belongs to you Self-reflection is a strength?but in the wrong environment, it can be used against you Feeling like ?the problem? is often a learned pattern, not the truth Healthy relationships can handle normal communication without turning it into conflict Internal boundaries help you separate your emotions from someone else?s tension Patterns of self-doubt around specific people are important signals, not coincidences Actionable Items When self-blame shows up, pause and ask: ?Who was I interacting with?? Practice the boundary: ?I will not internalize someone else?s tension.? Notice where you feel grounded versus where you feel anxious or ?too much??and trust that awareness Important Chapters 00:00:00 ? G-Rex introduces the podcast swap and why this episode matters 00:00:25 ? Renee sets the stage: when something feels off but you can?t explain why 00:01:07 ? The kitchen scenario: how normal conversations turn into self-blame 00:04:29 ? Understanding emotional offloading and the ?pressure release valve? dynamic 00:06:14 ? The long-term cost of self-erasure in relationships 00:07:32 ? Why everyday questions become ?problems? in unhealthy dynamics 00:08:21 ? Workplace example: how self-doubt spreads beyond relationships 00:12:11 ? The grounding question that shifts your perspective 00:13:41 ? Why self-reflective people are more vulnerable in these dynamics 00:15:55 ? How covert narcissism exploits emotional intelligence 00:17:22 ? Weekly assignment: recognizing patterns of self-blame 00:18:58 ? Reclaiming your internal compass and sense of normal  

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CovertNarcissism #SelfBlame #ToxicRelationships #EmotionalAbuseRecovery #GaslightingAwareness #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #SelfWorth #EmotionalIntelligence #TraumaHealing #RelationshipDynamics #PodcastSwap #MentalHealthEducation

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when your body completely breaks down?and no one can tell you why? In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Shannon Salge to talk about burnout, chronic illness, and the deeper emotional roots of healing that most people never address.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

Feedback Link Line

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You can do everything ?right? and still feel broken?until you start healing what?s underneath.? ? Shannon Salge

Vote for Us ? Women Podcasters Awards

We?ve been nominated in the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset & Mental Health category?and this one means everything.

What started as real, unfiltered conversations has grown into a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone.

Vote here:
https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting

Voting is open through April 30th at 6 PM PST
One vote per person/email

Thank you for being part of this journey.

A Quick Word From Our Sponsor ? Cozy Earth

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth?and honestly, this one hits home.

We talk a lot about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments?the ones where you finally get to exhale.

Their robes and slippers are soft, intentional, and made to support real life.

Think about the women in your life?the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back?

Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.

Because the people who give the most deserve to feel taken care of, too.

Episode Description

Shannon Salge thought she was doing everything right?eating clean, working out, pushing through, and showing up at the highest level. Until her body completely shut down.

In this honest and powerful conversation, Shannon joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to discuss what really happens when burnout, chronic stress, and unresolved emotional patterns manifest as physical symptoms. After years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and gaslit by doctors, Shannon was eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune condition?but that diagnosis didn?t explain everything.

What she uncovered next changed the way she sees health entirely.

This episode challenges the idea that healing is just about fixing symptoms. Shannon breaks down how gut issues, hormone imbalances, fatigue, and chronic pain are often tied to deeper stress patterns, nervous system dysregulation, and emotional suppression. She shares that learning to slow down, set boundaries, and listen to her body was the turning point in her recovery.

You?ll also hear about alternative approaches like bioresonance testing and functional labs, and why advocating for yourself within the medical system is non-negotiable.

If you?ve ever been told ?everything looks normal? but you know something isn?t right?this conversation is for you.

Keywords: Shannon Salge, burnout recovery, gut health, autoimmune disease, mental health, chronic stress, nervous system healing, women?s wellness, hormone imbalance, emotional healing, functional nutrition, root cause healing, fatigue recovery, health advocacy, holistic healing

Meet Our Guest ? Shannon Salge

Shannon Salge is the founder and CEO of The Wellness Paradigm, a virtual practice helping women move beyond symptom-chasing and heal at the root. As a functional nutritionist, metabolism and hormone expert, and autoimmune warrior, she blends science-backed testing with emotional and energetic healing to help women restore their health, energy, and resilience.

Website: https://www.thewellnessparadigm.com
Podcast: https://thewellnessparadigmpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon.salge/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.salge/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-salge
Brand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wellness_paradigm/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wellness-paradigm/id1809268079

Key Takeaways Burnout and chronic illness often start long before symptoms show up in labs Mental health and physical health are deeply connected?not separate issues Treating symptoms without addressing root causes keeps you stuck Nervous system regulation is a critical piece of long-term healing Advocating for yourself in the medical system can change everything There is no one-size-fits-all approach?alignment matters in healing   Actionable Items Pay attention to patterns: when do your symptoms flare, and what?s happening in your life at that time? Set one boundary this week that protects your energy or reduces stress If something feels off in your body, trust that instinct and seek another perspective   Important Chapters 00:00 ? Introduction and why mental health is part of total wellness
The hosts set the stage for a deeper conversation about the connection between mental and physical health. 05:00 ? Shannon?s breaking point: from athlete to autoimmune diagnosis
Shannon shares how her high-performance lifestyle led to a complete physical collapse. 15:00 ? Being dismissed by doctors and learning to advocate for yourself
A candid discussion on medical gaslighting and the importance of pushing for answers. 25:00 ? The connection between stress, emotions, and physical illness
How unresolved emotional stress can manifest as physical symptoms. 35:00 ? Discovering nervous system healing and setting boundaries
The moment Shannon realized stress and overworking were major contributors to her illness. 45:00 ? Alternative healing methods and finding what works for you
Exploring bioresonance, functional medicine, and non-traditional healing approaches. 55:00 ? Final thoughts: healing is possible, and you are not stuck
A powerful reminder that change is possible?even after years of feeling unwell.   Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #BurnoutRecovery #GutHealthHealing #WomensWellness #HormoneHealth #ChronicIllnessSupport #NervousSystemHealing #RootCauseHealing #AutoimmuneAwareness #FunctionalNutrition #StressAndHealth #HealingJourney #HolisticHealth #HealthAdvocacy

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we?re doing something a little different. As part of a special episode swap, we?re sharing a powerful episode from Renee Swanson of The Covert Narcissism Podcast?and this one is going to hit you right in the heart.

Mental Health Quote

?It?s not confusion?it?s communication. Different parts of you are trying to be heard.? ? Renee Swanson

Episode Description

This episode is different?and intentionally so.

We?re bringing you a raw and deeply validating conversation from Renee Swanson, host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast, as part of a special episode swap. And if you?ve ever asked yourself, ?Why do I still miss someone who hurt me???this is for you.

Renee breaks down the internal war so many survivors of covert narcissistic abuse experience. That push-and-pull between what you know is true and what you still feel isn?t weakness?it?s your internal system trying to protect you.

Using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework, she explains how different parts of you?like the ?firefighter? that urges you to reconnect and the deeper ?exile? carrying pain?are working overtime to keep you safe, even when it feels confusing or overwhelming.

This episode isn?t about fixing yourself. It?s about understanding yourself. It?s about learning to sit with what?s coming up instead of judging it?and realizing that healing happens when you start listening inward instead of fighting yourself.

If this episode resonated with you, I highly recommend checking out Renee Swanson and her Covert Narcissism Podcast.
Her work goes so much deeper into understanding these patterns and helping you reconnect with yourself in a way that actually creates change?not just more awareness.
You can find her podcast wherever you?re listening right now. I?ll link her podcast and coaching in the show notes, so you can easily find her.

Keywords: covert narcissism, narcissistic abuse recovery, emotional abuse healing, trauma bonding, internal family systems, IFS therapy, toxic relationships, emotional healing, self-awareness, trauma recovery, attachment wounds, healing journey, self-trust

Meet the Host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast ? Renee Swanson

Renee Swanson is the host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast and a coach dedicated to helping people make sense of emotionally abusive and confusing relationship dynamics. Through her work, she offers grounded, compassionate guidance to help listeners untangle internal conflict, rebuild self-trust, and reconnect with who they are after covert narcissistic experiences.

Podcast: https://bleav.com/shows/the-covert-narcissism-podcast/
Coaching: https://www.covertnarcissism.com/

Key Takeaways Missing someone who hurt you is a normal part of trauma and attachment Internal conflict is not weakness?it?s different parts of you communicating ?Firefighter? parts act urgently to protect you from deeper emotional pain Healing begins when you stop judging your feelings and start listening to them You don?t need to rush your healing?awareness is progress Actionable Items Pause when you feel the urge to reconnect and ask: what part of me is speaking right now? Try Renee?s 6-step IFS process: find, focus, flesh, feel, befriend, fear Practice responding to your emotions with curiosity instead of judgment References Mentioned

The Covert Narcissism Podcast: https://bleav.com/shows/the-covert-narcissism-podcast/
Coaching with Renee Swanson: https://www.covertnarcissism.com/

Important Chapters

00:00 ? Why you can still miss someone who hurt you
05:00 ? Understanding internal conflict after narcissistic abuse
12:00 ? Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)
25:00 ? Firefighters, managers, and exiles explained
40:00 ? The 6-step process for navigating emotional triggers
55:00 ? Building self-trust and ending the internal war

Closing CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more powerful conversations like this from Renee Swanson and The Covert Narcissism Podcast.

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CovertNarcissism #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #TraumaHealing #IFStherapy #EmotionalHealing #ToxicRelationships #SelfAwarenessJourney #HealingAfterAbuse #AttachmentHealing #InnerWork #SelfTrust

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when someone risks their friendship to save your life? In this powerful conversation, Justin Goodman sits down with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how surviving addiction, bipolar disorder, and a suicide attempt led him to change how we show up for each other?especially at work.

Trigger Notice

This episode includes discussions of suicide, addiction, and mental health crises.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.
Call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Find global support: https://findahelpline.com

Awards & Downloads Line

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 4x award-winning podcast ? including the 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), and the 2026 NYC Podcast Awards Audience Choice Award (Best Hosts) ? with over 4.5 million downloads and counting.

Vote for Us ? Women Podcasters Awards

I?m incredibly proud to share that we have been nominated in the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset & Mental Health category.

This recognition means more than words can capture. What started as honest, sometimes messy conversations has grown into something bigger?a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone.

Now we have a chance to grow that impact even further, and your support would mean everything.

Vote here:
https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting

Voting is open now through April 30th at 6PM PST

Voting is simple:
? Click the link
? Select the vote button
? Complete the form

Please note: only one vote per person and email address is allowed, and duplicate submissions will not be counted.

Thank you for being part of this journey?whether you?ve listened, shared, or supported in any way.

A Quick Word From Our Sponsor ? Cozy Earth

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth?and honestly, this one hits home.

We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments?the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day?soft, intentional, and made to support real life.

Think about the women in your life?the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back?

This is your reminder: comfort matters. And you deserve it, too.

Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.
Because the people who give the most should feel taken care of, too.

Feedback Link Line

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You can?t save everybody?and it?s not your job to carry their pain, only to help them through it.? ? Justin Goodman

Episode Description

Justin Goodman?s story is one of those that stays with you. Not because it?s polished?but because it?s real.

From being bullied as a kid to living with chronic pain and developing an addiction to painkillers, Justin found himself in a place where he didn?t want to be anymore. What changed everything wasn?t a grand plan?it was one person paying attention and stepping in at the exact right moment.

In this conversation, Justin opens up about being misdiagnosed for years before finally learning he was living with bipolar disorder. He talks about how the wrong medication made things worse, how hard it was to find stability, and what it actually took to rebuild his life from the inside out.

But what makes this episode hit differently is what Justin chose to do with that experience. Through Project 55, he?s helping everyday people learn to recognize when someone is struggling, have real conversations, and step in before things reach a breaking point.

Because the truth is, most people don?t get help when they need it. And most workplaces still don?t know how to respond when someone is clearly not okay.

This episode is a reminder that you don?t need to be a therapist to make a difference. Sometimes, you just need to notice?and care enough to act.

Keywords: Justin Goodman, suicide prevention, bipolar disorder, workplace mental health, addiction recovery, mental health awareness, Project 55, depression, crisis support, employee wellbeing, burnout, anxiety, leadership, stigma, emotional wellness

Meet Our Guest ? Justin Goodman

Justin Goodman is an entrepreneur and mental health advocate, and the founder of Project 55, a nonprofit focused on improving workplace mental health outcomes. After surviving addiction, a suicide attempt, and years of misdiagnosed mental health challenges, Justin now helps people learn how to recognize and respond to mental health struggles before they escalate.

Connect with Justin:
Website: https://project55.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project55/

Key Takeaways Most people struggling with mental health never get help?and that gap is bigger than we think You don?t have to be a professional to support someone who?s hurting Misdiagnosis can delay healing, but the right tools can change everything Workplaces often miss the signs because no one is trained to look Feeling seen and valued can interrupt even the darkest thoughts   Actionable Items Check in on someone who feels ?off? instead of assuming they?re fine Practice asking direct, compassionate questions?even if it feels uncomfortable Identify one person in your life you can be honest with when things get heavy   References Mentioned Project 55: https://project55.org 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Support: https://findahelpline.com   Important Chapters 00:01:00 ? Justin?s career path and how he found purpose in mental health advocacy 00:02:30 ? Chronic pain, addiction, and reaching a breaking point 00:03:40 ? The intervention that saved his life 00:05:00 ? Bipolar diagnosis and the impact of getting it wrong first 00:07:00 ? Why workplaces struggle to support mental health 00:10:00 ? The E.A.G.E.R. framework and how to help someone in crisis 00:20:00 ? The truth about not being able to save everyone 00:31:00 ? Daily habits that help Justin stay grounded   Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more real, honest conversations. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #SuicidePrevention #BipolarDisorder #WorkplaceMentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthSupport #LeadershipMatters #EmotionalWellness #BurnoutRecovery #CrisisSupport #Project55 #JustinGoodman #GLDNPR

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the voice in your head telling you you?re not enough? isn?t actually the truth? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with therapist Nicole Penrod to unpack the toxic shame cycle, perfectionism, and what it really takes to come back to yourself?and finally feel like you?re enough without having to prove it.

A Quick Word From Our Sponsor ? Cozy Earth

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth?and honestly, this one hits home.

We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments?the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day? soft, intentional, and made to support real life.

Think about the women in your life?the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back?

This is your reminder: comfort matters. And you deserve it, too.

Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.
Because the people who give the most should feel taken care of, too.

Awards & Downloads

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 4x award-winning podcast ? including the 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), and the 2026 NYC Podcast Awards Audience Choice Award (Best Hosts) ? with over 4.5 million downloads and counting.

Feedback

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You?re allowed to be a work in progress without being a problem to fix.? ? Nicole Penrod

Episode Description

Why do so many of us feel stuck between ?I?m not enough? and ?I need to be perfect?? In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, therapist Nicole Penrod breaks down the toxic shame cycle?a pattern that keeps us bouncing between self-criticism and impossible expectations.

Nicole shares her personal journey through depression, eating disorder recovery, and undiagnosed ADHD, revealing how even the most driven and capable people can feel like they?re constantly falling short. Together with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, they unpack how perfectionism, fear of rejection, and the pressure to ?do it all? can disconnect us from our real selves.

But this episode isn?t just about awareness?it?s about change. Nicole offers practical ways to recognize when you?re stuck in a cycle, set realistic goals that actually work, and celebrate small wins as one of the most powerful mental health tools you have.

They also dive into boundaries, self-respect, and the uncomfortable truth that growth sometimes means people won?t always see you as the ?nice? one anymore.

If you?ve ever felt like you?re either failing or trying to be everything at once, this episode will hit?and help you find your way back to center.

Keywords: toxic shame cycle, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-worth, emotional healing, therapy tools, boundaries, mental health podcast, self-acceptance, rejection, personal growth, coping strategies

Meet Our Guest ? Nicole Penrod

Nicole Penrod is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in California, specializing in relationships, anxiety, and nontraditional partnerships, including ethical non-monogamy. She works with individuals and couples to deepen self-awareness, improve communication, and navigate complex emotional patterns with clarity and compassion.

Nicole is also a creative writer, bringing storytelling and humanity into her work?helping people feel seen, understood, and less alone in their mental health journeys.

Website: https://nicolepenrodmft.com/about/
Practice: https://relationshipcenter.com

Key Takeaways The toxic shame cycle keeps you stuck between ?I?m not enough? and ?I must be perfect.? You?re not broken?you?re responding to unrealistic expectations Small, realistic goals are more powerful than overwhelming, perfect plans Celebrating wins (even tiny ones) builds real confidence over time Boundaries can feel uncomfortable?but they create self-respect You don?t have to save the world to make a meaningful impact   Actionable Items Start a daily ?wins list? and include even the smallest accomplishments Ask yourself: ?What is realistic for me today?? before setting goals Notice all-or-nothing thinking and gently bring yourself back to the middle   Important Chapters 00:01:30 ? Meet Nicole: therapist, writer, and creative thinker 00:10:30 ? Mental health journey: depression, eating disorder recovery, ADHD 00:24:00 ? Navigating fear, overwhelm, and today?s world 00:29:50 ? The toxic shame cycle explained 00:34:30 ? How to break the cycle with realistic goals 00:48:00 ? Boundaries and letting go of being ?too nice.? 00:52:00 ? Rapid fire: anxiety theme song, favorite word, and more

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ToxicShameCycle #PerfectionismRecovery #AnxietyHealing #SelfWorth #EmotionalWellness #TherapyTools #ADHDAwareness #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #SelfAcceptance #MentalHealthSupport

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the hardest relationship you have to walk away from is the one you thought would heal you? In this powerful Season 17 opener, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with returning guest Kate King to unpack toxic relationship patterns, emotional healing, and how to finally choose yourself.

Awards & Downloads

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has over 4.5 million downloads and counting, we are listened to all over the world, and we are an award-winning podcast.

2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) 2026 NYC Podcast Award Winner (Best Hosts) Feedback Link

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You don?t have to keep abandoning yourself just to keep a relationship alive.? ? Kate King

Episode Description

Relationships can shape us?but they can also slowly break us if we?re not paying attention. In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, Kate King returns to the mic to talk about the patterns, blind spots, and emotional traps that keep people stuck in relationships that hurt more than they heal.

Drawing on over 17 years of experience in mental health, art therapy, and coaching, Kate shares the inspiration behind her book, Mend or Move On, and walks us through the subtle ways we normalize dysfunction. From ignoring red flags to confusing chemistry with compatibility, this episode pulls back the curtain on why leaving isn?t always as simple as it sounds.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles keep it real as they explore the emotional tug-of-war between staying and going, how trauma and nervous system responses play into our relationship choices, and what it actually looks like to rebuild self-trust. Kate brings a grounded, compassionate approach?blending neuroscience, creativity, and practical tools?to help listeners reconnect with themselves and start making empowered decisions.

If you?ve ever questioned your worth in a relationship, felt stuck in cycles you can?t explain, or wondered if it?s time to walk away, this episode will hit home?and help you find your next step forward.

Keywords: toxic relationships, emotional healing, mental health podcast, relationship trauma, self-worth, boundaries, nervous system healing, leaving toxic relationships, codependency, relationship red flags, healing journey, self-awareness, personal growth, trauma recovery

Meet Our Guest ? Kate King

Kate King is the founder of The Radiant Life Project, a Radiant Life Coach, Board-Certified Art Therapist, award-winning author, and former Licensed Professional Counselor with over 17 years of experience. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and creativity to help people heal, reconnect, and live more authentic lives.

Kate is the author of Mend or Move On, a therapeutic guide to recognizing and recovering from harmful relationships, and the creator of tools like The Radiant Life Project, The Authentic Mother, and the Ink & Wings Oracle Deck.

Website: https://TheRadiantLifeProject.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradiantlifeproject/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadiantLifeProject/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxGCo2H8iWIReg8X6ADubg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theradiantlifeproject/ Key Takeaways Not all relationships are meant to be saved?and recognizing that is part of healing Toxic patterns often feel familiar because they?re rooted in past experiences Self-abandonment is one of the highest costs of staying in unhealthy relationships Awareness is the first step, but action is what creates real change Healing isn?t about perfection?it?s about reconnecting to your truth Actionable Items Write down the patterns you keep repeating in relationships and identify what they?re trying to teach you Practice setting one small boundary this week?even if it feels uncomfortable Create a daily check-in with yourself: ?Am I honoring my needs right now?? Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome back Kate King & why this conversation matters now 08:15 ? How to recognize toxic relationship patterns early 18:40 ? The emotional traps that keep people stuck 29:10 ? Trauma, nervous system responses, and attachment 41:25 ? When to mend vs. when to move on 52:00 ? Rebuilding self-trust and choosing yourself again Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ToxicRelationships #EmotionalHealing #RelationshipTrauma #SelfWorth #Boundaries #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #TraumaRecovery #Codependency #MentalHealthSupport

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 16 has been a powerful ride. In this special finale, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflect on the wisdom, healing, and hard-earned lessons shared by this season?s incredible guests?all centered around one powerful truth: reclaiming your authentic self is one of the bravest things you can do.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), a 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), the 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and the 2026 NYC Podcast Awards Audience Award Winner for Best Hosts, with over 4 million downloads and counting.

Feedback Link

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Reclaiming your authentic self means letting go of who you were told to be and choosing who you truly are.?

Episode Description

Season 16 of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads brought together powerful voices in mental health, resilience, and personal growth. Throughout the season, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sat down with professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experiences who shared honest stories about healing, boundaries, trauma recovery, and rediscovering identity.

Each episode peeled back another layer of what it really means to prioritize mental health in a world that often tells us to push through and stay silent. Our guests spoke openly about navigating difficult life experiences, learning to forgive themselves, and building healthier relationships with others and with themselves.

What emerged across these conversations was a powerful theme: authenticity. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to be seen honestly?without shame, without masks, and without the pressure to be perfect.

Some guests brought professional insight from decades of work in psychology, counseling, or advocacy. Others shared deeply personal journeys of overcoming adversity and reclaiming their voice. Together, these stories formed a season that reminded us of the importance of talking openly about mental health.

In this season finale, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflect on the lessons that resonated the most and celebrate the incredible community that continues to grow around these conversations.

Because when we share our stories, we help others realize they?re not alone.

SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, emotional wellness, authenticity, trauma recovery, personal growth, resilience, therapy conversations, healing journey, self-discovery, boundaries, mental health awareness, recovery stories, mental health advocacy

Meet Our Season 16 Guests

** Dr. Esther Zeldon
Dr. Esther Zeldon shared powerful insights from her work helping individuals understand emotional patterns and reclaim their mental well-being. Her conversation focused on self-awareness, emotional healing, and the importance of compassionate self-reflection.

** Katherin Giovanni
Katherin Giovanni brought a perspective rooted in forgiveness and emotional release. She discussed how letting go of resentment and learning self-forgiveness can open the door to deeper healing and personal freedom.

** Zulma Williams
Zulma Williams shared her inspiring story of resilience and advocacy. Her work emphasizes empowering individuals to find their voice and create positive change in their communities while prioritizing mental wellness.

** Jeff Luther
Jeff Luther offered an honest look at the challenges of navigating mental health struggles and the strength it takes to ask for help. His story highlighted vulnerability, courage, and the importance of connection.

** Dr. Kristen Williamson
Dr. Kristen Williamson joined the show to discuss the realities of trauma recovery and the tools people can use to rebuild their emotional health. Her insights emphasized practical strategies and hope for long-term healing.

** Greg and Mike
Greg and Mike brought a powerful shared conversation about lived experiences, resilience, and the value of open dialogue around mental health. Their episodes highlighted the impact of community support and honest storytelling.

** Scott Harris
Scott Harris spoke about personal transformation and the lessons that come from confronting life?s hardest moments. His story underscored the strength that emerges when people face adversity with honesty and determination.

** Yvonne Trost
Yvonne Trost shared her journey of personal growth and healing, offering insights into emotional resilience and the power of self-discovery.

** Olalu Ogunyemi
Olalu Ogunyemi brought a unique perspective on mental wellness, leadership, and personal development. His conversation focused on growth, mindset, and empowering others through knowledge and storytelling.

** Jack Bohannan
Jack Bohannan discussed the realities of mental health challenges and the importance of vulnerability. His story highlighted how sharing experiences can inspire others to seek support.

** Barb Nangle
Barb Nangle?s conversation focused on boundaries, self-worth, and the courage to change unhealthy patterns. Her work encourages people to reclaim their lives by choosing healthier emotional habits.

Key Takeaways Healing often begins with honest conversations about our experiences. Authenticity requires courage but creates a deeper connection. Boundaries are a critical part of emotional wellness. Sharing stories helps reduce stigma around mental health. Personal growth happens when we allow ourselves to learn from struggle. Actionable Items Reflect on what authenticity means to you. Identify one boundary that could improve your mental well-being. Start a conversation about mental health with someone you trust.

 Important Chapters 00:00 ? Season 16 Reflection
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles open the finale by reflecting on the journey through this season. 08:15 ? Lessons from Our Guests
Key insights and memorable themes were shared throughout the season. 20:40 ? Reclaiming Your Authentic Self
A deeper look into how authenticity supports mental health and healing. 35:10 ? Gratitude for the Community
Celebrating the listeners and guests who made Season 16 possible. 45:00 ? Looking Ahead
Closing thoughts and excitement for the future of the podcast. Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #EmotionalWellness #AuthenticSelf #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthAdvocacy #HealingCommunity #PodcastLife #MentalHealthConversations

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Healing isn?t about becoming someone new?it?s about finally feeling safe enough to be yourself.

In Part 2, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their conversation with boundaries coach Barb Nangle, diving deeper into trauma recovery, nervous system healing, meditation, and the mindset shifts that help people build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4 million downloads and counting.

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We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Boundaries help you go from reacting to life? to actually living it.? ? Barb Nangle

Episode Description

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, boundaries coach Barb Nangle explores what happens after we begin to recognize our trauma patterns.

Growing up in dysfunctional environments can keep the brain locked in fight-or-flight survival mode, making it difficult to access the part of the brain responsible for clear thinking, decision-making, and identity.

Barb explains how codependency often develops as a survival strategy?where people learn to focus entirely on the needs of others while disconnecting from their own feelings, preferences, and boundaries.

Through recovery, meditation, and boundary-building, Barb discovered how to shift from being a reactor in life to becoming an actor?someone who consciously chooses how to respond instead of reacting from fear, anxiety, or old trauma patterns.

The conversation also dives into the importance of community, mindset work, and challenging negative self-talk, as well as how meditation and nervous system regulation can help retrain the brain toward calm and emotional resilience.

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn?t mean becoming perfect?it means learning to respond to life with awareness, compassion, and intention.

Keywords: Barb Nangle, trauma recovery, boundaries coaching, codependency healing, nervous system regulation, people pleasing recovery, meditation for mental health, emotional healing, therapy, mindset work, recovery journey, mental health podcast

Meet Our Guest ? Barb Nangle

Barb Nangle is a boundaries coach, speaker, author, and podcaster who helps professional women stop saying yes when they mean no and build emotionally healthy relationships.

After nearly 40 years of therapy and personal development, Barb entered 12-step recovery at age 52, where she discovered that codependency and childhood trauma had shaped her life far more deeply than she realized. Recovery didn?t just add tools?it fundamentally changed how she related to herself and the world.

Today, Barb helps women build internal safety, stronger boundaries, and emotionally available relationships through coaching, professional speaking, and her podcast, Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery.

Connect with Barb:

Website: https://higherpowercc.com/
Podcast: https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbnangle/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higherpowercoaching

Key Takeaways Trauma can keep people stuck in reactive survival patterns. Boundaries help rebuild internal safety and emotional stability. Healing involves learning to respond intentionally rather than reacting automatically. Meditation and mindset practices can retrain the brain toward calm. Connection and community are powerful tools for recovery.

Actionable Items Notice when you are reacting emotionally versus responding intentionally. Try a short daily meditation or mindfulness practice. Replace negative self-talk with supportive internal dialogue.

References Mentioned

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
12-Step Recovery Programs
Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics

Important Chapters 00:00 ? Trauma, fight-or-flight, and survival responses 07:00 ? Becoming an actor instead of a reactor 16:00 ? The importance of community in recovery 24:00 ? Recognizing and interrupting negative self-talk 31:00 ? Meditation and nervous system regulation 37:00 ? Advice Barb would give her younger self 41:00 ? Final reflections and closing thoughts

Closing CTA

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #TraumaRecovery #BoundariesCoach #CodependencyHealing #MeditationPractice #EmotionalHealing #SelfGrowth #MindsetMatters #HealingJourney #MentalWellness #RecoveryCommunity

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the reason you struggle with boundaries isn?t weakness?but survival?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with boundaries coach Barb Nangle to talk about codependency, trauma, and the moment that forced Barb to completely rethink how she related to herself and everyone around her.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4 million downloads and counting.

Feedback Link Line

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Boundaries are the antidote to codependency.? ? Barb Nangle

Episode Description

Many people believe boundaries are simply about saying no. But according to boundaries coach Barb Nangle, that?s only a small part of the story.

In this powerful first half of a two-part conversation, Barb joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to unpack the deeper roots of codependency, trauma, and people-pleasing, and how those patterns shape our relationships long before we recognize them.

Barb shares the life-changing moment that sent her into recovery: inviting a homeless man into her home in an attempt to help him, only to realize she had completely lost herself trying to rescue someone else.

That experience led her into 12-step recovery programs, including Al-Anon, Codependents Anonymous, and Adult Children of Alcoholics, where she began to understand how childhood trauma and emotional abandonment had shaped her behavior.

Through recovery, Barb discovered something profound: boundaries don?t just protect relationships?they create internal safety, allowing us to show up in the world without constantly abandoning ourselves.

This episode is an honest and deeply relatable conversation about healing, awareness, and what it really takes to break free from lifelong patterns.

Keywords: Barb Nangle, codependency recovery, boundaries, trauma healing, people pleasing, emotional safety, adult children of alcoholics, therapy, relationship boundaries, self-awareness, mental health recovery, trauma patterns, emotional healing

Meet Our Guest ? Barb Nangle

Barb Nangle is a boundaries coach, speaker, author, and podcaster who helps professional women stop saying yes when they mean no and build emotionally healthy relationships.

After nearly 40 years of therapy and personal development, Barb entered 12-step recovery at age 52, where she discovered that codependency and childhood trauma had shaped her life far more deeply than she realized. Through recovery, she developed the boundary-building framework that now forms the foundation of her coaching and teaching.

Today, Barb helps women create internal safety, healthier relationships, and stronger personal boundaries through coaching, speaking, and her podcast, Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery.

Connect with Barb:

Website: https://higherpowercc.com/
Podcast: https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbnangle/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higherpowercoaching

Key Takeaways Codependency often develops from childhood trauma and emotional abandonment. Boundaries are about understanding what is and isn?t okay for you. Many people confuse helping others with rescuing them. Recovery begins when you stop focusing on fixing others and start caring for yourself. Emotional safety is the foundation of healthy relationships.   Actionable Items Pay attention to moments when you say yes but feel resistance internally. Ask yourself regularly: ?Is this my responsibility or someone else?s?? Start identifying what feels emotionally safe and unsafe in your relationships.   References Mentioned

Al-Anon
Codependents Anonymous (CoDA)
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome and why boundaries matter 06:00 ? Barb?s work and how she teaches boundaries 13:00 ? The story of Dan and the turning point in Barb?s life 22:00 ? Discovering Al-Anon and codependency 31:00 ? Understanding childhood trauma and emotional abandonment 40:00 ? How recovery began transforming Barb?s life Closing CTA

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CodependencyRecovery #HealthyBoundaries #TraumaHealing #PeoplePleasing #EmotionalSafety #AdultChildrenOfAlcoholics #RecoveryJourney #SelfAwareness #MentalHealthSupport #HealingWork

 

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

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Why do some people crave closeness while others pull away the moment things get too real? In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jack Bohannan to unpack attachment theory, childhood emotional conditioning, and the patterns that quietly shape our adult relationships. The conversation gets real about anxious love, avoidant partners, and how healing attachment wounds can change the way we connect.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?If we weren?t truly seen as kids, we spend adulthood trying to find someone who will finally see us.? ? Jack Bohannan

Episode Description

Why do we keep repeating the same relationship patterns?even when we swear we won?t? According to attachment theory, the answer often begins in childhood.

In this episode, Jack Bohannan joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to break down the psychology of attachment styles and how early relationships with caregivers shape how we connect with others as adults. From secure attachment to anxious, avoidant, and disorganized patterns, Jack explains how these emotional blueprints develop and why they often show up in our romantic relationships.

The trio explores the familiar push-and-pull dynamic many couples experience?where one partner seeks closeness while the other pulls away. Jack shares how these patterns are often rooted in childhood experiences where emotional needs were either met, ignored, or inconsistently supported. The result? Adults who may struggle with intimacy, emotional vulnerability, or trust.

But this episode isn?t about blame?it?s about awareness and healing. Jack discusses how attachment styles exist on a spectrum and how people can develop earned secure attachment through therapy, self-reflection, and healthier relationships.

Along the way, the conversation dives into modern relationship dynamics, the impact of social isolation and digital culture, and why community connection matters more than we realize. Jack also shares personal insights into his journey through relationships, coaching, and the work it takes to truly understand himself.

If you?ve ever wondered why relationships can feel like an emotional dance?or why you keep attracting the same type of partner?this episode offers powerful insight into the psychology of connection.

Keywords: Jack Bohannan, attachment theory, attachment styles, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, secure attachment, disorganized attachment, relationships, emotional intimacy, childhood trauma, therapy, mental health, relationship psychology, emotional healing

Meet Our Guest ? Jack Bohannan

Jack Bohannan is a somatic coach and relationship educator who helps people understand how attachment patterns shape emotional connection and intimacy. Through coaching and personal development work, Jack guides clients toward healthier relationships by addressing the deeper emotional roots behind their behaviors.

Website:
https://polarityunscripted.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/polarityunscripted

Key Takeaways Attachment styles are often shaped by early childhood experiences with caregivers. Many relationship conflicts stem from the anxious?avoidant dynamic, in which one partner pursues, and the other withdraws. Avoidant behavior is often misunderstood?it can stem from unmet emotional needs early in life. Healing attachment patterns is possible through self-awareness, therapy, and healthy relationships. Community and connection outside of romantic partnerships are essential for emotional health. Actionable Items Reflect on your own attachment style and how it may influence your relationships. Practice expressing your emotional needs clearly rather than assuming your partner understands them. Build supportive community connections outside your romantic relationship.

Important Chapters 00:01:30 ? What Attachment Theory Really Means
Jack explains the basics of attachment styles and how they shape adult relationships. 00:10:00 ? Avoidant vs. Anxious Relationships
The push-and-pull dynamic is experienced by many couples. 00:16:00 ? How Childhood Experiences Shape Emotional Connection
Why unmet emotional needs can show up later in adult relationships. 00:23:00 ? COVID, Isolation, and Relationship Pressure
How modern life can intensify attachment dynamics. 00:31:30 ? Advice Jack Would Give His Younger Self
The importance of being truly seen and emotionally understood. 00:38:00 ? Learning Self-Worth from Within
Jack shares his personal journey of healing and self-discovery. Closing CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #AttachmentTheory #AttachmentStyles #RelationshipPsychology #EmotionalHealing #SecureAttachment #AvoidantAttachment #AnxiousAttachment #HealthyRelationships #ChildhoodTraumaHealing #EmotionalWellbeing #RelationshipGrowth

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to raise confident, emotionally resilient kids in a world that feels louder, harsher, and more disconnected than ever? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Marine Officer, leadership mentor, and children?s author Olaolu Ogunyemi to talk about insecurity, identity, discipline, and why leadership always starts at home.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote

?You?re good enough as you are.? ? Olaolu Ogunyemi

Episode Description

Before he became a Marine Officer, leadership mentor, and award-winning children?s author, Olaolu Ogunyemi was a kid who didn?t feel like he fit in. Growing up as the son of Nigerian immigrants in Louisiana, struggling with insecurity about his name, his appearance, and his identity, Olaolu found himself acting out just to belong.

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, he shares how rebellion turned into resilience ? and how those early struggles shaped his mission to help parents raise confident, emotionally strong children.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dig into the real stuff: why discipline isn?t about punishment, how insecurity shows up in kids (and adults), the pressure boys feel to hide pain, and why connection at home is the foundation for leadership everywhere else. Olaolu opens up about fatherhood, military life, his son?s health challenges, and the hard lesson of learning you can?t control everything.

This episode is for the parents who want to do better than what they were taught. For the dads who want to lead with empathy. For the moms raising boys to be emotionally aware men. And for anyone who needed to hear, at 12 years old, ?You?re already enough.?

Because raising resilient kids doesn?t start with control.
It starts with connection.

Keywords: Olaolu Ogunyemi, emotionally resilient children, confident kids, parenting tips, mental health, fatherhood, emotional intelligence, discipline vs punishment, leadership at home, raising boys, identity development, self-worth, resilience, family connection, positive parenting

Meet Our Guest ? Olaolu Ogunyemi

Olaolu Ogunyemi is a Marine Officer, leadership mentor, parenting advocate, and award-winning children?s book author. As the founder of Parent-Child-Connect and author of Crow From the Shadow, Billy Dipper?s Time to Shine, and Horace the Horsefly, he equips parents with practical tools to build connection, confidence, and character in their children. His upcoming book, Lead Last, continues his mission to develop service-driven leaders at home and beyond.

Website: https://parent-child-connect.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olaolu.ogunyemi
X: https://x.com/Olaolu_Ogunyemi
Pinterest: https://pin.it/3heBVMv
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@olaoluogunyemi?si=zL0_VWAq81g2B5hK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olaolu.ogunyemi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaolu-ogunyemi-465ba453

Key Takeaways Discipline should build connection, not fear. Insecurity in kids often shows up as rebellion. Boys need emotional permission, not just toughness. You can?t control everything ? and trying to will exhaust you. Leadership begins in the home, long before it shows up in the workplace.

Actionable Items Tell your child one thing you genuinely admire about who they are ? not what they achieve. Replace ?Why did you do that?? with ?Help me understand what was going on for you.? Schedule 15 minutes this week to enter your child?s world ? their game, their hobby, their music. No correcting. Just connecting.

References Mentioned

Parent-Child-Connect: https://parent-child-connect.com/

Important Chapters 00:01:00 ? Who is Olaolu Ogunyemi? From insecurity to impact 00:12:00 ? Why fitting in nearly derailed his future 00:20:00 ? The real meaning of discipline 00:30:00 ? Military systems vs emotional intelligence 00:35:00 ? Parenting through health scares and letting go of control 00:45:00 ? Advice to his 12-year-old self

Closing CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #EmotionallyResilientKids #ParentingTips #ConfidentChildren #FatherhoodMatters #PositiveParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #RaisingBoys #FamilyConnection #IdentityAndSelfWorth #ResilientFamilies #ParentingPodcast

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the anxiety, control, and burnout you?re battling aren?t flaws ? but outdated survival strategies from childhood? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Yvonne Trost to unpack subconscious programming, inner child healing, and what it really takes to escape the success trap and finally feel emotionally free.

About the Show + Vote

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Help Us Bring This Award Home We?re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards ? Best Mental Health Podcast.

If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we?d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy:

You do not need to sign up for Patreon Once you hit submit, your vote is sent

Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA

Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

Mental Health Quote

?You have a mind, but you are not your mind ? and you don?t have to let it slap you around anymore.? ? Yvonne Trost

Episode Description

For 25 years, Yvonne Trost thrived in high-pressure corporate leadership roles. On paper, she had the success. The title. The image. The achievement. But underneath it all? She was running on empty.

In this raw and honest conversation, Yvonne shares how her divorce became the wake-up call that forced her to confront the subconscious beliefs driving her perfectionism, control, and constant need to prove her worth. What she discovered changed everything: most of the ?shit that goes on in our heads? was programmed before we were 10.

Together, we talk about subconscious reprogramming, hypnotherapy, inner child healing, fear of failure, fear of success, and how anxiety often shows up as protection ? not weakness. Yvonne introduces her three-step framework: Realize, Recode, Rewrite ? a process designed to help high achievers stop operating from outdated survival scripts and start living from intention and emotional freedom.

If you?ve ever felt trapped in the success trap ? chasing achievement while secretly feeling unfulfilled ? this episode is your permission slip to upgrade your internal operating system.

Because real success isn?t about the title. It?s about how free you feel inside.

Keywords: Yvonne Trost, inner child healing, subconscious reprogramming, hypnotherapy, anxiety recovery, emotional freedom, burnout recovery, perfectionism, fear of success, fear of failure, corporate burnout, mindset transformation, nervous system regulation, self-worth, high achievers

Meet Our Guest ? Yvonne Trost

Yvonne Trost is a Mindset Transformation Expert, speaker, and co-founder of LimitlessYou, a transformational coaching company helping high-achieving professionals break free from subconscious limitations. With 25 years of experience in corporate leadership and business transformation, Yvonne now guides entrepreneurs and leaders through neuroscience-backed subconscious reprogramming, hypnosis, and coaching to create lives rooted in confidence, peace, and authenticity.

Website: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/why-us/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlocklimitlessyou/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unlocklimitlessyou/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockLimitlessYou

Key Takeaways Most anxiety and control patterns are subconscious survival strategies formed before age 10. You are not your thoughts ? you can retrain your mind. Depression and burnout are often protective responses, not personal failures. Compassion + curiosity are more powerful than judgment. Real freedom starts with healing your inner child. Actionable Items Try mirror work: Tell your younger self what you?re proud of, what you?re releasing, and what you?re committing to. Notice when fear, doubt, judgment, or self-pity show up ? pause and ask what your body is trying to protect you from. Shift from ?Why is this happening to me?? to ?How is this happening for me?? References Mentioned

Unlock Limitless You: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/why-us/ Self-Love Quiz: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/

Important Chapters 00:02:30 ? The ?Door to Anywhere? metaphor and breaking small-town limitations 00:07:00 ? Why control is your subconscious mind trying to protect you 00:18:30 ? Fear of success vs. fear of failure 00:24:00 ? The Unfabulous Four: fear, judgment, doubt, and self-pity 00:34:00 ? E = MC² redefined: Mindful thinking, compassion, and curiosity 00:44:00 ? Mirror work and reconnecting with your inner child 00:48:50 ? Favorite word: Breathe. Least favorite word: Fair. Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #InnerChildHealing #SubconsciousMind #AnxietyRecovery #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalFreedom #MindsetShift #NervousSystemRegulation #CorporateBurnout #HighAchievers #SelfWorth #Hypnotherapy #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if buying a house wasn?t just a transaction?but a transformation? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Scott Harris to talk about addiction recovery, ADHD, emotional growth, and why finding a home is deeply tied to our mental health.

 

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

  Help Us Bring This Award Home

We?re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards ? Best Mental Health Podcast.

If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we?d be grateful for your vote.

Voting is quick and easy:

You do not need to sign up for Patreon Once you hit submit, your vote is sent

Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA

Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

 

Mental Health Quote

?You don?t have to do this alone. The moment you stop trying to be the hero is the moment everything changes.? ? Scott Harris

Episode Description

When Scott Harris woke up on May 19, 2019, after drinking too much tequila, he made a decision that would change everything: he was done. Not because he hit rock bottom?but because he was tired of the anxiety, the noise in his head, and the feeling that he wasn?t living up to his potential.

In this honest and unexpectedly emotional conversation, Scott joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about addiction recovery, ADHD, leadership, and the surprising mental health journey behind buying a home. As a top New York City real estate broker and author of The Pursuit of Home, Scott explains why purchasing a house is rarely ?just a deal.? It?s a transition?one that tests relationships, communication styles, identity, and self-trust.

Scott shares how alcohol once helped him self-medicate his ADHD and social anxiety, and how sobriety opened the door to clarity, vulnerability, and writing his bestselling book. Together, the trio unpacks the emotional rollercoaster of house hunting, why communication can make or break both marriages and real estate deals, and how the right support system changes everything.

This episode is about more than property. It?s about healing, connection, courage, and learning that you don?t have to go through life?or recovery?alone.

Keywords: Scott Harris, addiction recovery, ADHD, sobriety journey, mental health podcast, buying a home, emotional intelligence, anxiety recovery, leadership vulnerability, personal growth, real estate psychology, The Pursuit of Home, communication in relationships, life transitions

Meet Our Guest ? Scott Harris

Scott Harris is a nationally bestselling author and top New York City real estate broker who has sold nearly $2 billion in residential property. Founder of MAGNETIC and creator of The Magnetic Method, Scott empowers clients to align their real estate decisions with their personal growth. His book, The Pursuit of Home: A Real Estate Guide to Achieving the American Dream, blends practical strategy with emotional insight.

Connect with Scott: Website (Book): https://pursueyourhome.com Company: https://magneticre.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottieharris/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottHarrisResidentialTeam YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@magneticre X: https://x.com/scottieharris TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scottharrisfindinghome?lang=en Substack: https://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/ Key Takeaways Sobriety can unlock clarity, leadership, and untapped potential. ADHD isn?t a flaw?it?s energy that needs direction and awareness. Buying a home is a psychological and emotional transition, not just paperwork. Communication styles matter?especially between partners during big life decisions. The right support system can steady you during life?s most stressful moments. You don?t have to be the hero. Connection heals.   Actionable Items Before making a major life decision, ask: Who?s in my support circle?and are they truly supportive? If you?re house hunting, clarify your communication style and share it with your partner and agent. If alcohol or another habit is quieting anxiety temporarily, explore what it might be covering?and consider reaching out for support.   References Mentioned The Pursuit of Home ? https://pursueyourhome.com 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org/ Global Crisis Resources ? https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:02:00 ? Scott?s sobriety wake-up call 00:07:00 ? ADHD, self-medication, and anxiety 00:15:00 ? Writing The Pursuit of Home at 5 AM 00:22:00 ? Why buying a home is emotionally intense 00:30:00 ? Communication styles and relationship stress 00:40:00 ? The house that contributed to a divorce 00:44:00 ? Why you shouldn?t go through big transitions alone Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #AddictionRecovery #ADHDAwareness #SobrietyJourney #AnxietyRecovery #EmotionalWellness #HomeBuyingJourney #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #LifeTransitions #CommunicationSkills #RecoveryIsPossible #RealEstateLife #HealingThroughConnection #ThePursuitOfHome

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***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Part 2 of this powerful two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their deep dive with Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan of Embodied Recovery ? and this one hits straight at the heart of parenting, anxiety, emotional regulation, and breaking generational trauma cycles.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Help Us Bring This Award Home We?re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards ? Best Mental Health Podcast.

If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we?d be grateful for your vote.

Voting is quick and easy:

You do not need to sign up for Patreon Once you hit submit, your vote is sent Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA

Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

 

?It?s okay to be who you are.? ? Michael Nolan

Episode Description

if Episode 1 was about personal recovery, Episode 2 is about what happens when that recovery starts shaping the next generation.

Greg and Michael open up about parenting through the lens of emotional awareness, breaking generational trauma, and refusing to pass down unprocessed wounds. They talk honestly about anxiety, codependency, setting boundaries, and how to validate your child?s emotions without minimizing them ? even when it feels uncomfortable.

The conversation moves into leadership, accountability, and the hard truth that good intentions don?t always land the way we hope. From inner child healing to conscious parenting and staying ?unhooked? from others? reactions, this episode is about doing the inner work so your kids don?t have to undo it later.

If you?ve ever asked yourself, ?How do I parent differently than I was parented?? ? this episode is your starting point.

Keywords: Greg Vorst, Michael Nolan, Embodied Recovery, parenting and mental health, generational trauma, anxiety management, codependency recovery, conscious parenting, emotional regulation, inner child healing, addiction recovery podcast, trauma-informed parenting, boundaries in families, mental health leadership Meet Our Guests ? Greg Vorst & Michael Nolan

Greg Vorst, LMFT is Co-Founder and CEO of Embodied Recovery in Los Gatos, California. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems, humanistic psychology, and Korean Taoist breathwork (SunDo), Greg helps clients transform addiction and trauma into embodied living and spiritual growth. His personal healing journey began after a failed surgery left him in prolonged suffering, ultimately guiding him into therapy, inner child work, and decades of spiritual practice.

Website: https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodiedrecoverycenters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodiedrecoverycenters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@embodiedrecoverycenters

Michael Nolan, CADC-II, ICADC is Co-Founder and COO of Embodied Recovery. Sober since August 8, 2007, Michael?s recovery began in Alcoholics Anonymous and evolved into a life of service. Through years of addiction counseling and deep personal work, he now supports clients in integrating accountability, humility, and embodied peace into their recovery journey.

Key Takeaways You cannot break generational trauma without doing your own inner work. Emotional literacy must be modeled before it can be taught. Boundaries are not rejection ? they are protection. Children need validation before correction. Staying ?unhooked? keeps you from projecting your past onto the present. Recovery shapes families, not just individuals. Actionable Items When your child (or partner) expresses a big emotion, validate it before solving it. Notice where your reactions may be tied to your childhood experiences. Practice one clear boundary this week without apologizing for having it. References Mentioned

Embodied Recovery ? https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Melos Center (Nonprofit Partner) ? https://meloscenter.org Alcoholics Anonymous ? https://www.aa.org/ NAMI ? https://www.nami.org/ SAMHSA ? https://www.samhsa.gov/

Important Chapters 00:01:00 ? Daily anxiety tools and grounding practices 00:10:00 ? Inner child work and expressive healing 00:20:00 ? Parenting differently than you were parented 00:32:00 ? Breaking generational trauma cycles 00:40:00 ? Leadership, accountability, and staying unhooked 00:50:00 ? Words matter: favorite and least favorite words Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

 

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ParentingAndMentalHealth #GenerationalTrauma #ConsciousParenting #InnerChildHealing #CodependencyRecovery #AnxietyManagement #EmotionalRegulation #AddictionRecovery #BoundariesMatter #TraumaHealing #HealingGenerations #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthLeadership

podscan_kAnSuShcgs1b3mdEgys8N1z7XDPUQXFn

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When recovery becomes more than just staying sober ? when it becomes embodied, lived, and deeply felt ? everything changes. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan to unpack addiction, inner child healing, breathwork, and what real transformation actually looks like.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Help Us Bring This Award Home We?re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards ? Best Mental Health Podcast.

If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we?d be grateful for your vote.

Voting is quick and easy:

You do not need to sign up for Patreon Once you hit submit, your vote is sent Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA

Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

 

?You don?t have to believe everything you think.? ? Greg & Michael

Episode Description

In this first half of our conversation, Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan, co-founders of Embodied Recovery in Northern California, share how their personal journeys through addiction, anxiety, trauma, and spiritual crisis led them to build a treatment center rooted in lived experience ? not just theory.

Michael opens up about entering treatment at 20 and the humility of 12-step recovery. Greg shares his unexpected transition from opera singer to therapist after a failed surgery triggered years of physical and emotional suffering. Together, they unpack the wounded healer model and why authentic recovery requires more than clinical knowledge ? it requires doing your own work.

We talk about codependency, emotional regulation, nervous system healing, and the Korean Taoist breathwork practice SunDo ? a cornerstone of their daily lives and programming. This episode dives deep into inner child work, identity, validation, and the courage it takes to stop performing and start living.

If you?ve ever felt like you?re surviving instead of embodying your life, this conversation will hit home.

Keywords: Greg Vorst, Michael Nolan, Embodied Recovery, addiction recovery, trauma healing, inner child work, breathwork, SunDo meditation, codependency recovery, 12-step program, mental health podcast, anxiety recovery, nervous system regulation, emotional healing

Meet Our Guests ? Greg Vorst & Michael Nolan

Greg Vorst, LMFT is Co-Founder and CEO of Embodied Recovery in Los Gatos, California. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems, humanistic psychology, and Korean Taoist breathwork (SunDo), Greg helps clients transform addiction and trauma into embodied living and spiritual growth. His personal healing journey began after a failed surgery left him in prolonged suffering, ultimately guiding him into therapy, inner child work, and decades of spiritual practice.

Website: https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodiedrecoverycenters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodiedrecoverycenters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@embodiedrecoverycenters

Michael Nolan, CADC-II, ICADC is Co-Founder and COO of Embodied Recovery. Sober since August 8, 2007, Michael?s recovery began in Alcoholics Anonymous and evolved into a life of service. Through years of addiction counseling and deep personal work, he now supports clients in integrating accountability, humility, and embodied peace into their recovery journey.

Key Takeaways Recovery is not just about abstinence ? it?s about embodiment. You don?t have to believe every thought that runs through your mind. Codependency drains helpers faster than addiction drains users. Inner child work isn?t optional ? it?s foundational. Daily practices create lasting emotional regulation. Healing requires accountability AND compassion. Actionable Items Try box breathing or diaphragmatic breathing when anxiety spikes. Notice one self-critical thought today and practice not attaching to it. Identify one daily practice (gratitude, breathwork, journaling) and commit to it for 30 days. References Mentioned

Embodied Recovery ? https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Melos Center (Nonprofit Partner) ? https://meloscenter.org Alcoholics Anonymous ? https://www.aa.org/ NAMI ? https://www.nami.org/ SAMHSA ? https://www.samhsa.gov/

Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome + how Greg & Michael met 09:00 ? Michael?s early addiction and entering treatment 16:00 ? Greg?s spiritual crisis and opera-to-therapy journey 25:00 ? Codependency and the wounded healer 35:00 ? SunDo breathwork and nervous system regulation 45:00 ? Inner child work and reclaiming authenticity Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

 

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #InnerChildWork #EmbodiedRecovery #CodependencyHealing #12StepRecovery #AnxietyRecovery #BreathworkHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #EmotionalWellness #SobrietyJourney #HealingIsPossible #RecoveryCommunity #MentalHealthMatters

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their discussion with Dr. Kristen Williamson, diving deeper into identity, relationships, work, and what it really means to thrive as a neurodivergent adult in a world that wasn?t built for your brain.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Help Us Bring This Award Home

We?re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards ? Best Mental Health Podcast.

If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we?d be grateful for your vote.

Voting is quick and easy:

You do not need to sign up for Patreon

Once you hit submit, your vote is sent

Vote here:
https://shorturl.at/mpReA

Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

Mental Health Quote

?We?re different, not less ? and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.?
? Dr. Kristen Williamson

Episode Description

Part 2 continues the conversation with Dr. Kristen Williamson, moving from awareness into lived experience. This episode explores how neurodivergence shows up across different stages of life ? from childhood to adulthood, through parenting, relationships, work, and major transitions like puberty, hormones, and menopause.

Dr. Kristen explains how autism and ADHD don?t stay static over time. Instead, they evolve as life demands change. She breaks down why middle school is often when ADHD becomes more visible, how puberty and hormones can disrupt previously effective coping skills, and why adulthood often requires constant recalibration rather than ?figuring it out once and for all.?

The conversation also dives into friendships, marriage, and communication ? including how neurodivergent and neurotypical partners can unintentionally clash over clutter, routines, and expectations. Dr. Kristen shares openly about masking, scripts, and the exhaustion of trying to fit into a world that doesn?t always make space for difference.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles ask thoughtful questions about inclusion, the workplace, gender identity, and how to support neurodivergent people without reducing them to their diagnoses. This episode is honest, funny, validating, and deeply human ? a reminder that neurodivergence isn?t something to outgrow or fix, but something to understand, support, and honor.

SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism and adulthood, ADHD across the lifespan, neurodivergent identity, masking, workplace neurodiversity, sensory overwhelm, relationships and autism, late diagnosis healing, mental health podcast

Meet Our Guest ? Dr. Kristen Williamson

Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, speaker, and creator of neurodivergent-affirming resources. Diagnosed later in life with autism and ADHD, she brings lived experience, compassion, and humor into conversations about identity, parenting, relationships, and mental health.

Connect with Dr. Kristen:
Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1

Key Takeaways Neurodivergence changes as life stages, hormones, and responsibilities change. Coping skills may need to be rebuilt multiple times throughout life. Masking can help you survive, but it comes at an emotional cost. Diagnosis explains behavior; it doesn?t excuse harm or remove accountability. Supportive environments unlock extraordinary strengths in neurodivergent people.

Actionable Items Reflect on which coping skills no longer work and what might need to change. Practice explaining your needs clearly instead of masking through discomfort. Look for environments ? at home or work ? where accommodations are normalized.   References Mentioned Neurodiversity in the workplace Sensory regulation and masking Autism and ADHD across the lifespan Neurodivergent-affirming mental health resources   Important Chapters 00:00 ? Part 2 welcome and continuing the conversation
Picking up where Part 1 left off and expanding the discussion. 04:30 ? How autism and ADHD evolve over time
Childhood, puberty, adulthood, and constant change. 09:00 ? Hormones, perimenopause, and emotional regulation
Why coping skills sometimes stop working. 14:15 ? Masking, scripts, and fitting into social spaces
The exhaustion of wearing a ?human skin suit.? 19:00 ? Neurodiversity in the workplace
Why accommodations benefit everyone. 23:00 ? Diagnosis versus identity
Understanding the difference between explanation and limitation. 27:00 ? Relationships, clutter, and communication
Navigating neurodivergent?neurotypical partnerships. 30:00 ? Advice to a younger self
What Dr. Kristen wishes she?d known sooner.   Closing CTA

Subscribe, rate, and review.
Remember to subscribe for more real conversations around mental health. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#NeurodivergentAdults #AutismAcceptance #ADHDAwareness #LateDiagnosis
#NeurodiversityAtWork #MentalHealthMatters #NormalizeMentalHealth
#IdentityAndHealing #Neurospicy

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the things you?ve always called ?quirks? were actually your brain asking to be understood? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to discuss autism, ADHD, parenting neurodivergent kids, and the deep relief of finally feeling seen.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Help Us Bring This Award Home

We?re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards ? Best Mental Health Podcast.

If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we?d be grateful for your vote.

Voting is quick and easy:

You do not need to sign up for Patreon Once you hit submit, your vote is sent

Vote here:
https://shorturl.at/mpReA

Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

Mental Health Quote

?We?re different, not less ? and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.?
? Dr. Kristen Williamson

Episode Description

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a self-described ?neurospicy? family. What begins as a conversation about autism and ADHD quickly turns into a deeply validating discussion about identity, masking, sensory overload, and self-acceptance.

Dr. Kristen shares what it was like to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life ? and how that diagnosis reframed decades of confusion, anxiety, and self-blame. She opens up about parenting a neurodivergent child before fully understanding her own neurodivergence, and why women are so often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Together, the trio talks honestly about sensory overwhelm, everyday burnout, and why ?functioning? doesn?t always mean thriving. From food textures and crowds to noise and emotional regulation, this episode gives language to experiences that many people have struggled to explain.

This conversation isn?t about labels for the sake of labels. It?s about understanding your nervous system, honoring your needs, and letting go of the belief that you?re broken. Part 1 is about awareness, permission, and the power of finally realizing there?s nothing wrong with you ? your brain just works differently.

SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism, ADHD, neurodivergent adults, late autism diagnosis, women and ADHD, sensory overload, mental health podcast, parenting neurodivergent kids, masking, self-acceptance, emotional wellness

Meet Our Guest ? Dr. Kristen Williamson

Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and speaker specializing in autism, ADHD, and mental health. Diagnosed later in life herself, she blends clinical knowledge, lived experience, and humor to help individuals and families understand their brains and thrive without shame.

Connect with Dr. Kristen:
Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1

Key Takeaways Neurodivergence often presents differently in women and is frequently missed. Late diagnosis can bring relief and grief at the same time. Sensory overwhelm is information, not a personal failure. Masking may help you survive, but understanding helps you heal. Feeling seen can reduce anxiety, burnout, and shame.   Actionable Items Start tracking what overstimulates you, including sounds, textures, crowds, and environments. Build in decompression time after social or sensory-heavy situations. Practice leading with curiosity instead of judgment ? especially with yourself.   References Mentioned Neurodivergent-affirming mental health care Sensory regulation strategies Autism and ADHD advocacy concepts   Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome and why this is a two-part conversation
Setting the stage for a deeper discussion on neurodiversity and mental health. 04:30 ? Dr. Kristen?s late autism and ADHD diagnosis
How adulthood finally brought clarity to a lifetime of unanswered questions. 09:45 ? Autism and ADHD in women
Masking, perfectionism, and why so many women go unnoticed. 15:00 ? Sensory overload in everyday life
Noise, crowds, food textures, and nervous system burnout. 22:30 ? Parenting neurodivergent kids
Advocacy, accommodations, and releasing parental shame. 30:00 ? The impact of feeling seen
Why understanding your brain can change everything.   Closing CTA

Subscribe, rate, and review.
Remember to subscribe for more real conversations around mental health. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#Neurodivergent #Neurospicy #AutismAcceptance #ADHDAwareness #LateDiagnosis
#WomenAndADHD #SensoryOverload #ParentingNeurodivergent #NormalizeMentalHealth

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice + Crisis Support

This episode includes discussion of sudden cardiac arrest, near-death experiences, suicidal ideation, and mental health crises. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 (U.S.) ? Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Or visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources.

What happens to your mind when your heart stops and you come back? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jeff Luther, a father and athlete who survived sudden cardiac arrest, to talk about fear, trauma, resilience, and how rebuilding life sometimes starts in 30-second increments.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You still choose. Even when everything is taken away, you still get to choose.? ? Jeff Luther

Episode Description

Jeff Luther was fit and competitive, training alongside his teenage son, when his heart suddenly stopped. No pulse. No breath. Two shocks from an AED brought him back ? but life as he knew it was over.

In this raw and deeply human episode, Jeff joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about surviving sudden cardiac arrest, living with trauma, and the mental health fallout no one prepares you for. From the fear of his own body betraying him again, to the shame of pretending to be strong instead of being honest, Jeff opens up about what it really means to rebuild a life after death.

This conversation goes beyond survival. Jeff shares what it felt like to truly believe he was dying, why gratitude felt impossible at first, and how resilience didn?t come from pushing harder ? but from choosing again and again to stay. Sometimes for a year. Sometimes for a day. Sometimes for just 30 seconds.

They also explore how trauma reshapes identity, how children carry invisible fear, and why connection ? not toughness ? is the real currency of healing. Jeff?s story is a reminder that mental health struggles don?t always come from weakness. Sometimes they come from surviving something that should have ended you.

If you?ve ever faced a life-altering event, lived with anxiety after trauma, or wondered how to keep going when fear takes over, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

SEO Keywords: Jeff Luther, sudden cardiac arrest survivor, near-death experience, trauma recovery, mental health podcast, resilience, anxiety after trauma, cardiac arrest recovery, mindset healing, overcoming fear, post-traumatic growth, emotional resilience

Meet Our Guest ? Jeff Luther

Jeff Luther is a speaker, mindset coach, and sudden cardiac arrest survivor who helps people question the stories they tell themselves and rebuild their lives after trauma. After collapsing in front of his teenage son and being clinically dead for eight minutes, Jeff began a journey of resilience, belief work, and intentional living ? 30 seconds at a time.

Connect with Jeff:
Website: https://www.jeffluther.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inspector-alliance/id1658627241
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdluther2.0/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdluther2.0
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-luther/

Key Takeaways Surviving trauma doesn?t automatically bring gratitude ? it brings reality. Fear often shows up after the crisis, not during it. You don?t have to rebuild your life all at once; sometimes 30 seconds is enough. Strength without connection can turn into silent suffering. Children notice more than we think, even when we try to protect them. Healing begins when we question the stories we tell ourselves.   Actionable Items When overwhelmed, ask: ?What can I handle for the next 30 seconds?? Challenge catastrophic thoughts by asking: ?Is that actually true?? Check in with loved ones using open-ended questions and listen without fixing.   References Mentioned

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org
Global Crisis Resources ? https://findahelpline.com

Important Chapters 00:03:00 ? Jeff?s daily rituals and the guilt of slowing down 00:10:30 ? Collapsing at the gym and surviving sudden cardiac arrest 00:18:45 ? Fear, bitterness, and losing trust in his own body 00:29:00 ? Emotional rock bottom and wanting to quit 00:32:30 ? The 30-second decision that changed everything 00:38:00 ? Trauma, parenting, and the cost of pretending you?re okay 00:47:00 ? Being shocked back to life and facing fear again 00:53:00 ? Advice to his younger self and the danger of comparison

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review.
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#SuddenCardiacArrest #TraumaRecovery #NearDeathExperience #ResilienceJourney
#AnxietyAfterTrauma #PostTraumaticGrowth #MindsetHealing #SurvivorStories
#EmotionalWellness #988Lifeline #YouAreNotAlone

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice + Support

This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, abuse, cancer, and trauma recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling, you?re not alone.
In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For international support, visit: https://findahelpline.com

What happens when life tries to break you?and you decide not to let it? In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with therapist and survivor Zulma Williams to talk trauma, healing, and why you don?t need to be ?fixed? to move forward.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote

?If you woke up today, your mission in life is not complete.? ? Zulma Williams

Episode Description

Zulma Williams has survived more than most people can imagine?breast cancer, abusive relationships, depression, and suicidal ideation. But she never saw herself as a victim. In this raw, honest episode, Zulma joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share why survival isn?t about toughness?it?s about truth.

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Zulma moved to the United States in her 30s, reinvented herself in midlife, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after cancer forced her to stop and reevaluate everything. Along the way, she learned something powerful: trauma doesn?t mean you?re broken?it means you adapted.

Zulma opens up about emotional and verbal abuse, how subtle control can dismantle your sense of self, and why so many people don?t realize they?re being harmed until they?re already isolated. She also explains why therapy only works when you?re allowed to be fully yourself?swearing included.

As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma talks about trauma recovery, nervous system healing, and why short-term, evidence-based therapies can create real change. This conversation is bold, validating, and deeply human?especially for anyone who feels ?too old,? ?too damaged,? or ?too far gone? to start over.

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn?t require perfection. It requires honesty, courage, and the willingness to honor your own internal hero.

SEO Keywords: Zulma Williams, trauma recovery, mental health podcast, therapy healing, PTSD support, emotional abuse recovery, anxiety and depression, ART therapy, survivor mindset, suicide prevention, healing trauma, self-worth, resilience, therapy that works

Meet Our Guest ? Zulma Williams, LCSW, ACSW, CTMH

Zulma Williams is the founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma recovery. A breast cancer survivor and Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma brings lived experience, direct honesty, and evidence-based care to help clients stop surviving and start healing.

Connect with Zulma:
Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214/

Key Takeaways Trauma doesn?t mean you?re broken?it means you adapted to survive. Emotional and verbal abuse are real, damaging, and often invisible. You?re never ?too old? to change your life or start over. Therapy only works when you?re allowed to be your authentic self. Being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness. You are allowed to choose yourself?even if others don?t like it.

Actionable Items If therapy doesn?t feel safe or real, give yourself permission to find a better fit. Ask yourself: ?Am I honoring my internal hero?or ignoring them?? Notice where you?re minimizing your pain and name it honestly.   References Mentioned Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources ? https://findahelpline.com

Important Chapters 00:02:00 ? Zulma?s immigration journey and starting over 00:10:30 ? Going back to school later in life 00:15:00 ? Recognizing emotional and verbal abuse 00:22:00 ? Therapy, trauma, and reclaiming your voice 00:30:00 ? Why authenticity matters in healing 00:37:00 ? Self-care, self-love, and choosing yourself 00:40:00 ? Zulma?s message to anyone still struggling

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#TraumaRecovery #TherapyWorks #PTSDHealing #SurvivorStory #EmotionalAbuseRecovery
#AnxietySupport #DepressionAwareness #HealingJourney #InternalHero #ARTTherapy
#MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #SelfWorth

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice & Support Reminder

This episode includes discussion of suicide, sexual assault, trauma, addiction, and cancer.
If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 in the U.S. or visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources.

What if forgiveness wasn?t about letting someone off the hook ? but about finally setting yourself free? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Katherine Giovanni to talk about trauma, anger, and how forgiveness can be a deeply personal, life-changing act of self-healing.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Forgiveness isn?t about them. It?s about getting your life ? and your peace ? back.?
? Katherine Giovanni

Episode Description

Forgiveness gets thrown around a lot ? but nobody really teaches us how to do it, or what to do when we don?t want to. In this deeply human and eye-opening episode, Katherine Giovanni joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to flip the script on forgiveness, trauma, and healing.

A three-time award-winning author, transformation mentor, and stage 3 breast cancer survivor, Katherine shares her powerful personal journey through childhood trauma, addiction, loss, and survival ? and how forgiveness became the tool that helped her reclaim her life. Not as a pass for harmful behavior, but as a boundary-setting, self-preserving act of freedom.

Katherine introduces her practical, step-by-step forgiveness process, including her unique approach to forgiving not only people but also the energy around painful memories. Together, the trio explores why forgiveness is selfish (in the best way), why you don?t owe anyone a relationship, and why some things may never be forgivable ? and that?s okay.

They also dive into forgiving yourself, releasing guilt and shame, and even unpack why our relationship with money often needs forgiveness, too. This conversation is raw, insightful, and unexpectedly empowering ? especially for anyone who feels stuck replaying old wounds or carrying anger that?s quietly draining their joy.

If you?ve ever said, ?I?ll never forgive them,? this episode might just change how you think about healing ? and about yourself.

Keywords: Katherine Giovanni, forgiveness, emotional healing, trauma recovery, self-forgiveness, mental health podcast, letting go, emotional freedom, healing from abuse, guilt and shame, boundaries, cancer survivor, addiction recovery, forgiveness process

Meet Our Guest ? Katherine Giovanni

Katherine Giovanni is a three-time award-winning best-selling author, speaker, and one of the original founders of the independent concierge industry. A stage 3 breast cancer survivor and transformation mentor, she helps people release guilt, shame, and emotional blocks through forgiveness, intuition, and self-awareness.

Connect with Katherine:
Website: https://www.katharinegiovanni.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katharine.giovanni
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katharinegiovanni
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0PPtlSUPldGNl9mIRRtAmA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinegiovanni/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathgiovanni
Substack: https://katharinegiovanni.substack.com/

Key Takeaways Forgiveness is not weakness ? it?s a powerful act of self-protection. You can forgive someone without allowing them back into your life. Holding onto anger keeps you stuck in the past; forgiveness restores your freedom. Forgiving the energy around a memory helps stop emotional triggers. Self-forgiveness is often the hardest ? and most important ? healing step. Healing is a marathon, not a sprint.

Actionable Items Write a forgiveness list and start with the easiest people first ? not the biggest wounds. Practice forgiving the energy around painful memories, not just the people involved. Check in with your body after forgiveness work and pace yourself gently.

References Mentioned The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness by Katherine Giovanni 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources ? https://findahelpline.com

Important Chapters 00:03:00 ? Why forgiveness is misunderstood and rarely taught 00:06:30 ? The truth about forgiving without reconnecting 00:10:00 ? Katherine?s step-by-step forgiveness process 00:14:30 ? Forgiving trauma, abuse, and the ?unforgivable.? 00:23:00 ? Why forgiving yourself is often the hardest part 00:31:00 ? Forgiving money and breaking old survival patterns 00:38:30 ? Freedom, peace, and reclaiming your life

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#ForgivenessHealing #EmotionalFreedom #TraumaRecovery #SelfForgiveness
#LettingGo #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #CancerSurvivor
#AddictionRecovery #EmotionalWellness #InnerPeace #HealingTools

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you do everything right, earn the degrees, land the title, and build security, yet still feel empty inside? In this powerful Season 16 opener, G Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Esther Zeldon to talk honestly about burnout, anxiety, people pleasing, and the moment you realize the life you built is slowly eroding your mental health.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote ?There is no such thing as real safety if you are betraying yourself to keep it.? ? Dr. Esther Zeldon Episode Description Burnout does not always come from failure. Sometimes it comes from success. In this raw and deeply human conversation, Dr. Esther Zeldon joins G Rex and Dirty Skittles to unpack what happens when a lifetime of chasing stability, titles, and external validation leads straight to anxiety, depression, and disconnection from purpose.

Esther shares her powerful story, from surviving a life-threatening illness as a child, to becoming a high-achieving diplomat and international development professional, to realizing that the ?safe? life she built was quietly damaging her mental health. Together, they explore how childhood trauma can disguise itself as ambition, why people pleasing keeps so many of us stuck in toxic jobs, and how fear of failure often hides a deeper fear of finally being honest with ourselves.

This episode is not about reckless quitting or overnight success. It is about alignment. It is about learning to say no. It is about recognizing that security is often an illusion, and that true safety comes from knowing you can rebuild, pivot, and survive hard seasons without abandoning who you are.

Esther also opens up about anxiety, financial fear, boundaries, and the realities of entrepreneurship, including losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in contracts and choosing purpose anyway. If you are quietly burning out, questioning your career, or feeling guilty for wanting more meaning in your life, this conversation will resonate.

Keywords: Esther Zeldon, career burnout, anxiety, mental health, toxic workplace, purpose-driven life, people pleasing, trauma healing, entrepreneurship stress, alignment, emotional wellness, burnout recovery, meaningful work

Meet Our Guest, Dr. Esther Zeldon Dr. Esther Zeldon is a coach, best-selling author, social entrepreneur, and former diplomat dedicated to helping people uncover their unique superpower and live purpose-driven lives. With global experience spanning governments, nonprofits, and communities, Esther blends strategy, science, and compassion to help individuals and organizations create sustainable impact without sacrificing mental health.

Website: https://beactchange.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beactchange/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.act.change/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beactchange

Key Takeaways Burnout can come from success just as easily as failure. Anxiety often stems from living out of alignment, not weakness. Safety is often a trauma response, not a true motivator. People pleasing keeps you stuck in toxic environments. Saying no is a mental health skill, not a personality flaw. Purpose is not found; it is remembered.   Actionable Items Write down what safety really costs you emotionally. Identify one boundary you need to set this month and honor it. Ask yourself, am I chasing security, or am I chasing alignment?   References Mentioned Purpose-driven coaching and alignment work: https://beactchange.com

 

Important Chapters 00:02 - Esther?s childhood trauma and how safety became her driving force 06:30 - High achievement, toxic workplaces, and silent burnout 12:45 - Anxiety, depression, and people pleasing patterns 18:00 - Leaving security and facing fear head-on 25:30 - Financial fear, entrepreneurship, and redefining success 33:00 - Boundaries, saying no, and protecting your peace 40:00 - Purpose, joy, and mental health alignment Closing Call to Action Subscribe, rate, and review. Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:

https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CareerBurnout #AnxietySupport #PurposeDrivenLife #ToxicWorkplace #EmotionalWellness #BurnoutRecovery #PeoplePleasing #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #AlignmentOverAchievement #HealingJourney

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 15 reminded us why this podcast exists. In this special season ender, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down as friends ? not interviewers ? to reflect on the stories, lessons, laughter, and growth that defined the season, and how healing shows up when you keep showing up for each other.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote

?Healing is easier when you?re not doing it alone ? sometimes all it takes is someone willing to sit with you in the mess.? ? G-Rex

Episode Description

This episode is different ? and intentional. There are no guests this time. Just G-Rex and Dirty Skittles closing out Season 15 together, reflecting on what they learned, how they grew, and why this podcast has become more than just a show.

Throughout the season, we heard stories about anxiety, OCD, PTSD, medical trauma, parenting through crisis, creativity as healing, and learning how to advocate for yourself when life doesn?t play fair. But as we looked back, something else stood out just as clearly ? the power of connection, humor, and friendship in the middle of hard seasons.

In this season ender, we talk honestly about growth, boundaries, resilience, and the lifelong work of healing. We reflect on how our guests helped us learn, laugh, and sometimes rethink the way we handle our own mental health. This conversation is about choosing hope, staying curious, and reminding ourselves that it?s okay to still be learning.

Season 15 comes full circle here ? grounded, grateful, and hopeful for what?s next.

SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, season recap, healing journey, resilience, trauma recovery, anxiety support, PTSD healing, emotional wellness, self advocacy, hope, therapy tools, mental health awareness

Season 15 Episodes, Air Dates & Lessons Learned

Melissa ? OCD & Anxiety Recovery: Real Tools That Actually Help
Aired 12/2/2025
Lesson: Intrusive thoughts don?t mean you?re broken ? they?re signals you can learn to respond to instead of fear.

Virginia ? Rising Inch by Inch: Hope, Healing, and Reclaiming Your Life
Aired 12/4/2025
Lesson: Healing doesn?t require giant leaps; consistent, small steps can rebuild an entire life.

Michael ? Trauma Without the Pain: The Cortina Method That?s Changing PTSD Forever
Aired 12/9/2025
Lesson: You don?t have to relive trauma to heal it ? effective therapy can reduce pain without re-traumatization.

Kelly ? Traumatic Brain Injury, Neurofatigue, and the Fight to Feel ?Normal? Again
Aired 12/11/2025
Lesson: Invisible injuries are still real, and listening to your body early can change long-term outcomes.

Jenn Robb ? Supporting a Child Through Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts
Aired 12/16/2025
Lesson: Loving someone through a mental health crisis requires fierce advocacy ? and caregivers need care too.

Adriene Caldwell ? Foster Care, Abuse, Suicide Survival, and the Power of Hope
Aired 12/18/2025
Lesson: Even the hardest beginnings don?t define your ending ? hope can be learned and reclaimed.

Carrie ? Mental Health, Trauma, and Healing Through Creativity
Aired 12/23/2025
Lesson: Creativity can be a powerful form of therapy and a way to choose yourself after trauma.

Talaya ? Cancer, Medical Gaslighting, and Emotional Healing
Aired 12/30/2025
Lesson: Self-advocacy matters ? especially when systems fail ? and boundaries are part of healing.

Susanna Calvert ? How to Build Emotional Resilience
Aired 1/6/2026
Lesson: Emotional resilience is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened at any age.

Amy Koford ? Hypnotherapy for Anxiety, Fear, Trauma, and Deep Emotional Healing
Aired 1/8/2026
Lesson: Healing isn?t one-size-fits-all ? alternative therapies can work when traditional approaches don?t.

Alisa ? Trauma Therapy, EMDR, and Healing Without Re-Traumatization
Aired 1/13/2026
Lesson: Healing can be gentle, intentional, and effective without reopening old wounds.

Friendship Reflection

As we looked back on Season 15, what stood out most wasn?t just the topics ? it was how much we learned together. Every guest taught us something new, challenged how we think, or reminded us that humor, honesty, and connection matter just as much as therapy tools.

This season reflected the way G-Rex and Dirty Skittles have grown alongside the show ? using laughter to cope, learning from other people?s pain, and supporting each other through real life in real time. Season 15 reinforced that healing doesn?t happen in isolation, and friendship can be one of the strongest tools we have.

Key Takeaways Healing isn?t linear ? progress still counts. Humor can be a coping tool, not an avoidance tactic. Friendship and connection matter in recovery. Advocacy and boundaries protect mental health. Choosing hope is an ongoing decision.

Actionable Items Revisit one episode that resonated and apply one takeaway this week. Use humor or creativity as a grounding tool when things feel heavy. Check in on a friend ? healing is easier together.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#HealingJourney #Resilience #TraumaRecovery #Hope #EmotionalWellness #TherapyWorks #MentalHealthSupport #PodcastCommunity #ChoosingHope #SeasonFinale

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice

This episode includes discussions of trauma and past suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S., or visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources.

What if healing trauma didn?t require reliving every painful detail? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with trauma therapist Alisa Gracheva to discuss EMDR, self-awareness, and how real healing occurs without retraumatization.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote

?You don?t have to relive the pain to heal it ? you just have to feel safe enough to let it go.?
? Alisa Gracheva

Episode Description

Trauma healing doesn?t have to mean reopening every wound ? and in this deeply grounding episode, Alisa Gracheva explains why. Joining G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Alisa shares her journey from surviving early trauma and immigration upheaval to becoming a licensed trauma therapist specializing in EMDR and nervous-system?informed care.

Together, they unpack one of the biggest myths about trauma therapy: that you have to relive every painful detail to heal. Alisa explains how trauma lives in the body, not just the mind, and why safety, pacing, and self-awareness matter more than storytelling alone. The conversation weaves through personal healing, therapy, ?speed dating,? seasonal depression, grounding practices, and the reality of holding space for others without losing yourself.

Alisa also shares the hardest lessons she?s faced ? including financial loss, burnout, and learning to ask for help ? while offering listeners a compassionate framework for change: self-awareness, willingness, and readiness. From boundaries and daily rituals to art, nature, and spirituality, this episode is a reminder that healing is not a destination ? it?s a relationship with yourself.

If you?ve ever felt broken by trauma, exhausted by therapy that didn?t fit, or afraid that healing would hurt more than staying the same, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and permission to do it differently.

Keywords: Alisa Gracheva, trauma therapy, EMDR, healing trauma, nervous system regulation, mental health podcast, PTSD recovery, self-awareness, grounding techniques, therapy without retraumatization, spiritual healing, emotional wellness

Meet Our Guest ? Alisa Gracheva

Alisa Gracheva is a licensed trauma therapist, EMDR practitioner, and author dedicated to helping people heal without re-traumatization. Blending evidence-based trauma therapy with spiritual awareness, Alisa supports clients in reconnecting with safety, self-trust, and wholeness after trauma.

Website: https://since.life/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisa_art/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-gracheva-61081670/
Book: Walking with Spirit: A Sacred Path to Wholeness

Key Takeaways You don?t have to relive trauma in detail to heal it. Trauma lives in the body ? healing must involve the nervous system. Finding the right therapist matters more than sticking with the first one. Self-awareness is the first step toward real change. Boundaries are essential for helpers, healers, and caregivers. Healing is a lifelong relationship, not a finish line.   Actionable Items If therapy hasn?t worked before, give yourself permission to try a different approach. Add one grounding practice to your day (stretching, nature, breathwork, or art). Ask yourself: ?What would safety feel like right now?? ? and honor that answer.   References Mentioned EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy Man?s Search for Meaning ? Viktor Frankl The Myth of Normal ? Dr. Gabor Maté 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources ? https://findahelpline.com   Important Chapters 00:02 ? Alisa?s journey into trauma therapy 07:30 ? Why reliving trauma isn?t required for healing 12:00 ? EMDR and trauma stored in the body 19:00 ? Self-awareness, readiness, and willingness to change 28:00 ? Grounding, nature, and nervous system regulation 38:00 ? Boundaries, burnout, and caregiver self-care 45:00 ? Advice to her younger self and hardest life lessons Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#TraumaHealing #EMDRTherapy #NervousSystemHealing #PTSDRecovery
#TherapyWorks #EmotionalWellness #SpiritualHealing #GroundingPractices
#SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #MentalHealthSupport

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice This episode includes discussions of anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, you are not alone. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For international resources, visit https://findahelpline.com.

What if anxiety wasn?t your enemy?just old programming that needs an update? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Amy Koford, also known as The Happy Hypnotist, to talk about fear, trauma, and how hypnotherapy can help rewire the subconscious mind for lasting emotional healing.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote ?You don?t have to believe every thought you have?especially the ones rooted in fear.? ? Amy Koford

 

Episode Description Anxiety has a way of convincing us that control equals safety?but what if letting go is where healing actually begins? In this eye-opening episode, Amy Koford, bestselling author, clinical hypnotist, and motivational speaker, joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to break down how hypnotherapy helps people release fear, process trauma, and find real emotional peace.

Amy shares her personal journey through depression, postpartum struggles, and life-threatening illness?experiences that shaped her mission to help others heal faster and deeper than traditional talk therapy alone. Together, the trio explores why anxiety often becomes a ?security blanket,? how subconscious beliefs shape emotional reactions, and why so many people struggle to quiet their minds at night.

This conversation dives into how hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind to reframe trauma, release stored emotional responses, and replace fear with calm, confidence, and clarity. Amy also explains why sleep improves, anxiety eases, and emotional healing accelerates when the nervous system finally feels safe.

If you?ve tried therapy, medication, or coping strategies and still feel stuck, this episode offers a hopeful, practical alternative. It?s a reminder that you?re not broken?you?re responding exactly how a nervous system learns to survive. Sometimes healing doesn?t come from pushing harder. It comes from reprogramming what?s been running quietly in the background all along.

SEO Keywords:
Amy Koford, hypnotherapy for anxiety, trauma healing, fear and anxiety, subconscious mind, emotional healing, mental health podcast, anxiety relief, hypnosis therapy, healing trauma, sleep anxiety, mindset reprogramming

 

Meet Our Guest ? Amy Koford Amy Koford, known as The Happy Hypnotist, is a bestselling author, clinical hypnotist, motivational speaker, and CEO of Amy Koford. With thousands of one-on-one hypnotherapy sessions completed, Amy helps people overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, fear, insomnia, and self-doubt by reprogramming the subconscious mind. Her mission is to create a world where love wins over fear.

Connect with Amy:
Website: https://www.amykoford.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amythehappyhypnotist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.koford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-koford-012637184/

Key Takeaways Anxiety is often learned, which means it can be unlearned. Fear is not protection?it is outdated programming. Hypnotherapy works by addressing subconscious patterns, not just surface thoughts. You do not need to remember trauma for healing to occur. Letting go of control can be the most empowering step toward peace. Actionable Items When anxiety hits, ask yourself: What thought am I believing right now? Practice allowing calm instead of fighting fear; resistance fuels anxiety. Explore alternative healing modalities like hypnotherapy alongside therapy. References Mentioned Hardwired to Rise ? Live Fearlessly, Prosperously, and Optimally by Amy Koford 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources: https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:06 ? Amy?s journey into hypnotherapy and why traditional therapy wasn?t enough 00:12 ? Why control fuels anxiety and how to release it 00:20 ? Subconscious vs. conscious mind explained simply 00:29 ? Trauma storage, memory blocking, and emotional release 00:37 ? Why hypnotherapy improves sleep and calms the nervous system 00:45 ? Fear as a ?security blanket? and how to let it go 00:52 ? Amy?s mission: creating a world where love beats fear Subscribe, Rate, and Review Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #Hypnotherapy #AnxietyRelief #TraumaHealing #EmotionalHealing #SubconsciousMind #FearRecovery #MindsetShift #HealingJourney #MentalWellness #AnxietySupport

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice This episode includes discussion of trauma, mental health challenges, and suicide statistics. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For global resources, visit: https://findahelpline.com

 

What better way to kick off 2026 than with a conversation about emotional resilience? In the very first episode of the new year, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Susanna Calvert to talk about healing trauma, reclaiming personal power, and learning the skills most of us were never taught ? but desperately need.

 

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote ?Resilience isn?t about being tough or pushing through ? it?s about learning how to come home to yourself after life knocks you down.? ? Susanna Calvert

 

Episode Description As the first episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads for 2026, this conversation sets the tone for the year ahead ? honest, hopeful, and rooted in real tools for mental health. Resilience is often treated like a personality trait ? something you either have or you don?t. But Susanna Calvert is here to dismantle that myth and show why emotional resilience is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened at any stage of life.

In this deeply thoughtful episode, Susanna joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how her own experiences with generational trauma, spiritual awakening, and repeated ?dark nights of the soul? led her to create the Foundation for Family and Community Healing. Drawing from decades in higher education and well-being research, she explains why grit and ?toughing it out? aren?t enough ? and how unhealed trauma quietly shapes families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities.

The conversation explores why emotional education should be as foundational as reading or math, how kids and adults alike benefit from learning resilience together, and why community-wide healing is the missing piece in today?s mental health crisis. Susanna also introduces the concept of the Hero?s ? or ?Shiro?s? ? Journey, offering a powerful framework for turning crisis into growth and hopelessness into meaning.

This episode is a reminder that healing isn?t about fixing what?s broken ? it?s about reclaiming your power, learning new skills, and choosing to grow even when life feels overwhelming. If you?re looking for a grounded, hopeful way to start 2026, this conversation is it.

Keywords: emotional resilience, mental health healing, trauma recovery, generational trauma, resilience skills, emotional wellness, community healing, childhood trauma, mental health education, personal growth, coping skills, self-healing

 

Meet Our Guest ? Susanna Calvert Dr. Susanna (Sanna) Wu-Pong Calvert, MAPP, PhD is the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Family and Community Healing, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching emotional resilience and well-being as learnable life skills. She is also the Founder of Sanctuary of Earth and the Community Director at MentalHealth.com, blending science, education, and spiritual growth to support healing for individuals and communities worldwide.

Connect with Susanna:
Website: http://www.HealingEdu.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyandcommunityhealing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyandCommunityHealing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanna-wu-pong-calvert-551b616/

 

Key Takeaways Emotional resilience is a skill ? not a personality trait. Unhealed trauma often gets passed down quietly through generations. Grit alone doesn?t heal; awareness and skill-building do. Kids and adults learn resilience best when communities heal together. A crisis can become a doorway to growth when we?re given the right tools.   Actionable Items Notice where you?re ?pushing through? instead of checking in with yourself. Practice naming your emotions without judgment ? awareness builds resilience. Seek out skill-based mental health resources, not just motivation or inspiration.   References Mentioned Foundation for Family and Community Healing ? http://www.HealingEdu.org 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources ? https://findahelpline.com   Important Chapters 00:01 ? Why resilience must be taught, not assumed 06:40 ? Generational trauma and the limits of ?being tough? 14:30 ? Why schools and workplaces miss emotional education 23:45 ? The Hero?s (Shiro?s) Journey as a healing roadmap 31:10 ? Social media, overwhelm, and reclaiming personal power 37:45 ? Hope, healing, and building a better future together   Subscribe, Rate, and Review! As we step into a new year, we?re grateful you?re here ? choosing healing, growth, and real conversations with us. Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories, rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

 

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #EmotionalResilience #TraumaHealing #GenerationalHealing #CommunityWellbeing #MentalHealthEducation #HealingJourney #ResilienceSkills #HopeFor2026

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when your body knows something is wrong, but the system refuses to listen? In this robust conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with cancer thriver and advocate Talaya Dendy to talk about medical gaslighting, emotional survival, and what it takes to fight for your life, literally and emotionally. This is our final episode of 2025, and we are closing the year with a reminder that you deserve to be heard.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote ?Those gaps in the system are the problem, you?re not.? ? Talaya Dendy

 

Episode Description Being told ?it?s probably nothing? nearly cost Talaya Dendy her life.

In this candid, emotionally grounded episode, Talaya joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share what it was like to be dismissed by a doctor, diagnosed with Hodgkin?s lymphoma a year later, and then left alone with the news on a Friday afternoon. What followed was not only a fight against cancer, but a battle against medical gaslighting, isolation, and a healthcare system that too often forgets the person behind the chart.

Talaya opens up about navigating cancer in her early 30s, enduring months of chemotherapy and radiation, and managing the stress of a new workplace while trying to protect her insurance and privacy. She also shares the heartbreak of learning who shows up and who disappears when your life is upended, and how boundaries become survival tools, not ?nice-to-haves.?

Along the way, Talaya explains how journaling, mindset work, faith, and self-advocacy helped her stay grounded when support systems fell short. That lived experience ultimately became her purpose: serving others as a cancer doula and board-certified patient advocate, helping people ask better questions, get better care, and feel less alone.

As we close out our last show of 2025, this episode is a powerful reminder as we enter the new year: you are not a burden, you are not ?too much,? and you have every right to demand care that is competent and compassionate.

Keywords: Talaya Dendy, cancer thriver, medical gaslighting, emotional healing, cancer trauma, self-advocacy, patient advocacy, cancer support, mental health podcast, emotional wellness, boundaries, healthcare trauma, survivorship, healing journey

 

Meet Our Guest ? Talaya Dendy Talaya Dendy is a cancer thriver, Cancer Doula, Board-Certified Patient Advocate, Health & Wellness Coach, and host of the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER podcast. After surviving Hodgkin?s lymphoma, she dedicated her work to filling the emotional and advocacy gaps in cancer care. Hence, patients and families feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout the journey.

Website: https://www.ontheotherside.life
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontheotherside17/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/NCTpodcastfan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talayadendy/

 

Key Takeaways Medical gaslighting is real, and trusting your body can save your life. You have the right to ask questions, seek second opinions, and walk away. Cancer impacts mental health just as much as it affects the body. Not everyone will show up, and that clarity can change your life. Advocacy is a skill that can be learned, even in survival mode.   Actionable Items Write down symptoms and concerns before appointments, and bring them with you. Practice one boundary this week that protects your health or energy. Ask yourself: ?Do I feel heard here?? If not, consider another provider or a second opinion.   References Mentioned Journaling as a therapeutic practice Patient self-advocacy in healthcare   Important Chapters 00:01 ? Talaya?s lump is dismissed, and the path to diagnosis begins 05:00 ? Getting the diagnosis by phone and feeling abandoned 12:30 ? Learning self-advocacy and reframing ?doctor knows best.? 18:00 ? Isolation in treatment spaces and rejecting negativity 27:30 ? Work, disability leave, insurance stress, and lack of empathy 39:00 ? Leaving corporate and becoming a cancer doula and advocate 45:40 ? Advice to her younger self and reclaiming worth 50:45 ? Favorite word: Thriver; least favorite word: Authenticity Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thank you for being part of our 2025. This is our last episode of the year, and we will be back with a new episode on 1/6/26. Leave a review or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

 

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CancerThriver #MedicalGaslighting #CancerSupport #PatientAdvocacy #EmotionalHealing #HealthcareTrauma #HealingJourney #CancerSurvivorship #BoundariesMatter #AdvocateForYourself #LifeAfterCancer

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the thing that saved your mental health wasn?t therapy alone?but your hands, your creativity, and your ability to choose differently? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Carrie to discuss trauma, abandonment, people-pleasing, and how creativity became her lifeline amid chaos.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3 million downloads and counting.

 

We Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters.

Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads
Important Dates:
? Voting ends December 25, 2025

Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.

Listener Feedback We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote ?You can visit devastation, but you can?t live there.? ? Carrie Episode Description Carrie?s mental health journey didn?t begin in adulthood?it started in childhood, shaped by sudden moves, family instability, abandonment, and the quiet expectation to ?be okay? no matter what. In this deeply honest episode, Carrie joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how creativity became her survival tool when life felt completely out of control.

From waking up to moving trucks without warning to becoming a parentified child at twelve, Carrie learned early how chaos can wire the nervous system. Rather than numbing out or self-destructing in obvious ways, she chose a more socially accepted?but equally damaging?path: people-pleasing, over-functioning, and carrying everyone else?s emotional weight.

Through art, crafting, and intentional use of her hands, Carrie discovered a way to temporarily shut off trauma, regulate her nervous system, and reclaim a sense of power. This episode explores how creativity isn?t just a hobby?it?s a form of mental health care. Carrie also opens up about breaking generational trauma, setting boundaries with family, redefining self-care, and teaching her children emotional agency instead of emotional suppression.

This conversation is raw, validating, and deeply human. If you?ve ever struggled with anxiety, trauma, abandonment wounds, or the pressure to be ?the strong one,? this episode will remind you that healing doesn?t have to be perfect?it just has to be intentional.

Keywords: Carrie, mental health, trauma healing, creativity and mental health, childhood trauma, abandonment issues, people-pleasing, anxiety coping skills, generational trauma, boundaries, self-care, emotional regulation, creative healing

Meet Our Guest Carrie is a creative mother and lifelong advocate for using hands-on creativity to support mental health and emotional regulation. Shaped by childhood trauma, family instability, and abandonment, she learned to transform chaos into meaning through art, crafting, and intentional self-reflection. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is often built?not found. Key Takeaways Creativity can regulate the nervous system and quiet trauma responses. People-pleasing is a socially accepted form of self-abandonment. You can choose healing?even if you have to choose it daily. Boundaries protect mental health, even when they disappoint others. Trauma doesn?t disappear, but it can lose control over your life.   Actionable Items Find a ?busy hands? activity that helps calm your mind (drawing, knitting, baking, crafting). Give yourself permission to feel devastation?then set a limit on how long you stay there. Ask yourself daily: Am I choosing myself or abandoning myself?   References Mentioned Between Two Worlds (book on the impact of divorce on children)   Important Chapters 00:04:20 ? Waking up to a moving truck and the roots of abandonment 00:10:30 ? How creativity helps turn off trauma 00:17:10 ? People-pleasing as a hidden destructive coping skill 00:18:30 ? ?You can visit devastation, but you can?t live there.? 00:23:40 ? Breaking generational trauma and setting boundaries 00:36:40 ? Advice Carrie would give her younger self 00:38:10 ? Self-love, anger, and permission to take up space Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #TraumaHealing #CreativeHealing #ChildhoodTrauma #AnxietySupport #PeoplePleasingRecovery #GenerationalTrauma #BoundariesMatter #EmotionalWellbeing #SelfCareTools #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode contains explicit discussion of severe trauma, including emotional and physical abuse, childhood sexual assault, foster care abuse, extreme poverty, mental illness, eating disorders, homelessness, death, and suicide attempts.

Adriene herself urges listeners to proceed with caution. Please prioritize your well-being and pause or skip this episode if needed.

If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available:
United States and Canada: Call or text 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
International resources: https://findahelpline.com

You matter. You are not alone.

From foster care and extreme poverty to abuse, homelessness, and surviving suicide attempts, Adriene Caldwell has lived through more trauma than most people can imagine. In this raw, unfiltered, and deeply human conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Adriene, author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, to talk about what it means to survive when the odds are stacked against you, and how hope can still take root in the most unforgiving places.

Adriene shares the reality of growing up in systems that failed her, the teachers who quite literally saved her life, and the truth behind the statistic that fewer than 3 percent of former foster youth ever attend college. This is not a story wrapped in platitudes or false positivity. It is honest, heavy, and courageous. It is about staying when leaving felt easier, and choosing to believe that life could be different, even when there was no proof.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3 million downloads and counting.

We Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters.

Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads
Important Dates:
? Voting ends December 25, 2025

Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.

 

Listener Feedback We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote ?I have done more than survive. I have thrived. Hope is the reason I am still here.? ? Adriene Caldwell Episode Description Adriene Caldwell?s story is not easy to hear, but it is necessary. In this deeply honest conversation, Adriene joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share what it means to grow up in extreme poverty, endure horrific abuse, survive foster care, and attempt suicide, yet still choose to stay.

From childhood trauma and an untreated mentally ill parent to homelessness and abusive foster placements, Adriene?s life was shaped by systems that failed her again and again. School became her refuge. Education became her way out. And hope, quiet, stubborn, and hard won, became her anchor.

Adriene also opens up about the teachers who risked everything to protect her, the reality that fewer than 3 percent of foster youth ever attend college, and why emotional abuse can leave deeper scars than physical violence. She shares what finally led her to write her memoir, Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, and how revisiting her trauma forced healing she never expected.

This episode is raw, heavy, and deeply human. It is also a reminder that your current chapter is not your final one. If you have ever felt trapped by your past or unsure whether staying is worth it, Adriene?s story offers proof that hope can survive even the cruelest circumstances.

 

Meet Our Guest ? Adriene Caldwell Adriene Caldwell is the author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, a memoir documenting her journey through foster care, extreme poverty, abuse, mental illness, and suicide survival. A former foster youth who defied overwhelming odds, Adriene uses her story to offer real, grounded hope that trauma can end and life can improve.

Connect with Adriene:
Website: https://www.unbrokencaldwell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575765845419&sk=professional_dashboard
X: https://www.twitter.com/@unbrokencaldwell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@unbrokencaldwell
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/unbrokencaldwel

Key Takeaways Emotional abuse is real abuse, and its impact can last for decades. Foster care outcomes are not predetermined, but the odds are unfairly stacked against them. Education can be a lifeline when everything else feels unsafe. Survival does not mean you are broken. It means you adapted. Hope does not erase trauma, but it helps you outlive it.   Actionable Items If you feel overwhelmed, choose one small decision today that supports your future self. Learn your local and national crisis resources before you need them. If it feels safe, write your story, even if no one else ever reads it.   References Mentioned Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines by Adriene Caldwell https://988lifeline.org/ https://findahelpline.com   Important Chapters 00:02:00 ? What being unbroken really means 00:08:00 ? Losing safety and losing childhood 00:15:00 ? Poverty, homelessness, and survival 00:22:00 ? Teachers who changed everything 00:35:00 ? Suicide attempts and choosing to stay 00:44:00 ? Writing the book and reopening old wounds 00:50:00 ? Hope as a radical act   Closing Call to Action Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #FosterCareAwareness #TraumaSurvivor #SuicidePrevention #HopeAfterTrauma #ChildhoodAbuseRecovery #CPTSD #ResilienceStory #HealingJourney #SurvivorVoices #MentalHealthMatters

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice

This episode contains discussions of child mental health, self-harm, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, and mental health crises involving minors. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone.
In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.
If you?re outside the U.S., visit https://findahelpline.com to find resources in your country.

When Jenn Robb?s daughter was just 12 years old, subtle changes turned into terrifying realities?crippling anxiety, depression, self-harm, and a moment that nearly took her child?s life. What followed wasn?t a clean, linear healing journey, but a relentless fight fueled by intuition, love, and a mother?s refusal to give up. In this raw and deeply human episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jenn to talk about what it truly means to parent through a child?s mental health crisis?and how survival sometimes comes before understanding.

Kicking off this robust conversation, Jenn discusses the warning signs many parents miss, the unbearable tension between protecting your child and not pushing them away, and the hard decisions no parent ever expects to make. From navigating therapy and medication to learning when to speak?and when to remain silent?this episode offers honesty, clarity, and hope for parents walking similar paths. If you?ve ever felt afraid, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help your child without losing yourself, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

 

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3 million downloads and counting.

We Have Been Nominated

We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters.

Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads
Important Dates:
? Voting ends December 25, 2025

Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.

Feedback Link

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You?re allowed to feel what you feel?but you don?t get to stay stuck there.?
? Jenn Robb

Episode Description

What do you do when your child is hurting?and won?t tell you why? For Jenn Robb, nurse practitioner, author, and Warrior Mom coach, that question became her reality when her daughter began struggling with anxiety, depression, and self-harm at just 12 years old. In this profoundly moving episode, Jenn joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share what it looks like to fight for your child?s life while learning how to respond instead of react.

Jenn walks us through the warning signs parents often second-guess, the importance of trusting your intuition, and why finding the right therapist can take time?and persistence. She speaks candidly about advocacy within the mental health system, pushing back against overmedication, and why ?fixing it? isn?t always the goal. Sometimes, love looks like restraint. Sometimes, it?s a code word and a piece of cake instead of questions.

This conversation also highlights the caregiver?s experience?the burnout, the guilt, the loss of identity, and the slow realization that you can?t pour from an empty cup. Jenn shares practical tools for parents in the trenches, reminders that perfection isn?t required, and proof that healing is possible?even after unimaginable fear.

This episode is for parents, caregivers, and anyone who loves a child navigating mental health challenges. You are not failing. You are not alone. And you are stronger than you think.

SEO Keywords: Jenn Robb, child mental health, parenting anxiety, childhood depression, suicidal thoughts in kids, self-harm awareness, parenting through crisis, caregiver burnout, mental health advocacy, therapy for teens, suicide prevention, Warrior Mom

Meet Our Guest ? Jenn Robb

Jenn Robb is a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in functional and integrative medicine, author of Warrior Mom Rising, and founder of Warrior Mom Coaching. Through faith, practical tools, and unapologetic honesty, Jenn helps moms move from burnout to clarity, confidence, and hope while advocating for their children?s mental health.

Website: https://warriormomcoach.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriormom_jennrobb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15ue2hq9PL/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-robb-msn-aprn-acnp-c-fim-p-fmp-c-346992106

Key Takeaways Trust your intuition?you often notice changes before your child can explain them. Advocacy sometimes means pushing back against ?quick fixes.? The right therapist matters more than the first available one. Love doesn?t always look loud; sometimes it?s a quiet presence. Caregivers need care too?burnout helps no one. Healing isn?t linear, but it is possible.

Actionable Items Create a code word with your child to signal ?I need support, not questions.? If therapy isn?t helping, give yourself permission to find a better fit. Take 10 minutes a day to do something that restores you?no guilt required.

Important Chapters 00:02:30 ? Early warning signs parents often dismiss 00:09:45 ? Discovering self-harm and navigating fear 00:17:30 ? The moment everything changed 00:25:10 ? Advocacy, therapy, and medication conversations 00:34:40 ? Supporting without pushing 00:41:20 ? Caregiver burnout and self-care realities 00:48:00 ? Warrior Mom tools for everyday survival

Closing CTA

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ChildMentalHealth #ParentingThroughCrisis #SuicidePrevention #SelfHarmAwareness #CaregiverSupport #TeenMentalHealth #WarriorMom #AnxietyInKids #DepressionAwareness

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a car crash left her with a traumatic brain injury, Kelly spent months believing she was ?fine? ? until neurofatigue, memory lapses, and frightening moments behind the wheel told a different story. In this emotional and eye-opening episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Kelly to talk about the invisible aftermath of TBI, the terror of feeling unlike yourself, and the long, patient fight to find your way back.

Kicking off this powerful conversation, Kelly shares how she hid her brain injury for years, what neurofatigue actually feels like, and how therapy, mindfulness, and sheer determination helped her rebuild a life she thought she had lost. If you?ve ever felt ?not yourself,? overwhelmed, or misunderstood in your healing process, this episode brings clarity, compassion, and hope.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting.

We Have Been Nominated

We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters.

Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads
Important Dates:
? Voting ends December 25, 2025
? Judging begins in January
? Shortlist announced January 26
? Winners revealed February 28

Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.

Feedback

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You?re not ?crazy? ? your brain is hurt, and hurt things need care before they can function again.? ? Kelly Tuttle

Episode Description

When Kelly?s car accident in 2015 left her concussed, she did what so many of us do ? she tried to push through it. What she didn?t know was that she was living with a traumatic brain injury that would slowly dismantle her energy, her clarity, and her sense of self. Months later, after falling asleep at the wheel, mixing up words, and feeling wildly unlike herself, Kelly finally learned the truth: her brain was fighting for its life, and she needed help.

In this powerful episode, Kelly joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about neurofatigue, the fear of feeling ?broken,? and the devastating impact of invisible injuries. She shares how she hid her disability for years, the therapies that actually helped, and the moment she realized she needed to tell her story so other survivors wouldn?t feel alone.

From martial arts to mindfulness, from toast-and-coffee mishaps to rebuilding her identity one baby step at a time, Kelly?s journey is a reminder that recovery isn?t linear ? and it isn?t fast. But it is possible.

Whether you?re healing from a brain injury, dealing with cognitive overwhelm, or trying to understand a loved one?s struggles, this episode brings clarity, compassion, and hope to a conversation that desperately needs it.

Keywords: traumatic brain injury, neurofatigue, concussion recovery, brain health, TBI survivor, cognitive fatigue, mindfulness for healing, speech therapy, brain injury support, invisible disabilities, Kelly Tuttle, mental health recovery, neuro rehabilitation, post-concussion symptoms

Meet Our Guest ? Kelly Tuttle

Kelly Tuttle is a neurology nurse practitioner, TBI survivor, and author dedicated to helping people navigate the hidden challenges of life after brain injury. Through her book After the Crash and her online community, she offers practical tools, hope, and validation to those struggling to return to work, school, and daily routines. Kelly also brings decades of martial arts experience, a wicked sense of humor, and a deep passion for brain-loving habits to her advocacy.

Website: https://kellytuttle.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brain_np_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-tuttle-72589810/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084306369863
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brainlovingnp

Key Takeaways Neurofatigue is real, disabling, and often misunderstood ? and it can shut the brain down without warning. You?re not ?fine? just because you look functional; invisible injuries still deserve care. A brain injury can change your identity, but it can also uncover deeper compassion and clarity. Recovery takes years, not weeks ? and every tiny step forward counts. You cannot heal alone. The right people, tools, and structure make a world of difference.

Actionable Items Treat your energy like currency?budget it intentionally and stop before you run out. Use external supports like timers, journaling, and visual cues to reduce cognitive load. Advocate for yourself: accommodations aren?t a weakness; they?re a matter of survival and sustainability.

References Mentioned After the Crash by Kelly Tuttle Neurotherapy and speech therapy for cognitive rehabilitation Behavioral optometry for vision-related TBI symptoms Mindfulness and adult coloring as grounding practices

Important Chapters 00:01:17 ? The crash that changed everything 00:02:58 ? Falling asleep at the wheel: the wake-up call 00:06:00 ? What neurofatigue really feels like 00:11:17 ? Losing martial arts skills and realizing ?I?m not okay.? 00:13:43 ? How her family carried her through the darkest moments 00:16:02 ? Sound sensitivity, vision issues, and therapies that helped 00:18:34 ? Meeting the ?new me? after brain injury 00:23:30 ? Writing After the Crash to help other survivors 00:24:35 ? Finding joy again through small, intentional moments 00:38:45 ? From forgetting toast to writing a book 00:41:48 ? Kelly?s best advice: ?Don?t do it alone.? 00:42:33 ? Theme songs, favorite words, and the power of humor

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#TraumaticBrainInjury #Neurofatigue #BrainInjurySurvivor #ConcussionRecovery
#InvisibleDisability #BrainHealth #HealingJourney #NeuroRehab #MindfulnessPractice
#CognitiveFatigue #BrainInjurySupport #KellyTuttle #AfterTheCrash

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kicking off this mind-blowing conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Trauma Resolution Expert Michael Cortina, the creator of The Cortina Method. This groundbreaking, brain-based approach helps people heal trauma without reliving a single moment of pain. From frustration with outdated therapy models to developing a 90% effective trauma-healing process, Michael brings the kind of hope and clarity our hurting world desperately needs.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting.

We Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters.

Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads
Important Dates:
? Voting ends December 25, 2025
? Judging begins in January
? Shortlist announced January 26
? Winners revealed February 28

Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.

Feedback We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote

?Hope is great ? but real healing is when you leave with joy, energy, and relief.? ? inspired by Michael Cortina

Episode Description

What if healing trauma didn?t have to hurt? What if you never had to relive a single painful memory again? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Michael Cortina, founder and creator of The Cortina Method ? a brain-based methodology designed to resolve trauma, PTSD, and deeply rooted emotional pain without retraumatization. And yes? It?s as life-changing as it sounds.

Michael shares how years of witnessing clients suffer through traditional therapy models ? reliving trauma, crying through sessions, leaving drained instead of hopeful ? pushed him to rethink everything we?ve been taught about healing. His frustration with old-school approaches and his belief that ?there has to be a better way? led him to develop a method so effective that many people report complete symptom resolution in a single session.

Together, the trio dives into why reliving trauma isn?t necessary, how the brain actually reprocesses pain, what ?conscious ketchup? means, and why hope isn't the goal ? true resolution is. Michael also opens up about the backlash he faced for challenging outdated mental health systems? and why he refuses to stop.

If you?ve ever wished healing could be faster, gentler, or more empowering, this episode will expand your entire understanding of what?s possible. Real transformation doesn?t have to be torture ? and Michael is here to prove it.

Keywords: trauma resolution, PTSD healing, brain-based therapy, emotional healing, The Cortina Method, trauma recovery without reliving, subconscious reprocessing, mental health innovation, trauma treatment breakthrough, healing trauma gently, therapist burnout solutions, brain rewiring, limiting beliefs healing, emotional pain relief, sustainable trauma healing

Meet Our Guest ? Michael Cortina

Michael Cortina is a Trauma Resolution Expert and the Founder, Creator, and CEO of The Cortina Method. This brain-based healing methodology resolves trauma and disturbing emotions without requiring people to revisit painful memories. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, Michael is a national keynote speaker, international PTSD authority, and leader in cutting-edge trauma intervention. His groundbreaking work on PTSD was published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in 2024.

People worldwide seek Michael?s services and trainings, and his work has been featured across ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, THE CW, and 400+ media outlets.

Connect with Michael:
Website: https://michaelcortina.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcortinamethod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.cortina.184/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIPdyf3qwC3rJck9fwBwgQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cortina-ptsd-expert/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mike_dancing_therapist?_r=1&_t=ZP-91wxIo0fV0g

Key Takeaways Healing trauma does not require reliving trauma ? and it can even feel energizing. The ?mission of the organism? is to avoid pain, not bathe in it ? and therapy should honor that. Resistance isn?t real; it?s the brain protecting you in the only way it knows. The Cortina Method aims for completion, not coping ? resolution rather than lifelong symptoms. Practitioners deserve healing too; they shouldn?t leave sessions drained or traumatized. Healing is possible ? not just theoretically, but measurably, joyfully, and sustainably. Actionable Items If past trauma still triggers you, explore modalities that don?t require retelling the story ? your healing doesn?t have to hurt. Ask yourself: ?Is this pain coming from memory loops my brain hasn?t reprocessed yet?? Visit Michael?s directory to find a trained practitioner or learn more about the method: https://michaelcortina.com/ References Mentioned The Cortina Method Practitioner Directory ? https://michaelcortina.com 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org/ Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome + Meet Michael 00:02:00 ? Imagining trauma care with 90% effectiveness 00:06:00 ? Why traditional therapy retraumatizes people 00:11:00 ? The moment Michael almost left the field 00:15:00 ? Early success stories that changed everything 00:21:00 ? ?Conscious ketchup? and how the brain catches up after healing 00:30:00 ? Boundaries, growth, and healing through joy 00:37:00 ? Trauma healing for veterans 00:39:00 ? Advice Michael would give his younger self 00:46:00 ? How he practices self-maintenance as a healer 00:47:20 ? Closing reflections + CTA Closing CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#TraumaHealing #PTSDRecovery #TheCortinaMethod #BrainBasedHealing #EmotionalHealing #TraumaTherapy #HealingJourney #MentalHealthInnovation #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaRecoveryTools #NeuroscienceHealing #TherapyWorks #PodcastCommunity #Bleav

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kicking off this conversation with a story that reminds us what real resilience looks like, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with the extraordinary Virginia Oman, licensed clinical mental health therapist, mindset coach, and living proof that transformation is possible inch by inch. From losing her mobility and her music to rebuilding her life through intuition, movement, nature, and radical hope, Virginia brings a deep, soul-level understanding of what it means to rise again.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting.

We Have Been Nominated

We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters.

Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads
Important Dates:
? Voting ends December 25, 2025
? Judging begins in January
? Shortlist announced January 26
? Winners revealed February 28

Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.

Feedback

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Hope isn?t a feeling ? it?s a decision you make one inch at a time.? ? inspired by Virginia Oman

Episode Description

When life pulls the rug out from under you, inch-by-inch progress can feel impossible ? but for Virginia Oman, it became the blueprint that saved her life. In this powerful and deeply human episode, Virginia shares her journey from a wheelchair, chronic pain, and total hopelessness to becoming a licensed mental health therapist, mindset coach, positive psychology practitioner, and wellness master who helps others rebuild their lives with intention and joy.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles talk with Virginia about the moment a quiet inner voice told her, ?Listen to what your body is telling you,? and how following that intuition ? even when it contradicted medical advice ? led her to design her own healing plan fueled by perseverance, movement, gratitude, and nature. She opens up about swimming inch by inch, trusting her instincts, and refusing to let outside forces define her future.

Together, they explore the emotional exhaustion of hopelessness, the power of small wins, and why joy is something you intentionally create rather than stumble into. Virginia explains how she now guides clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions using holistic, mind-body practices rooted in freedom, joy, and self-trust.

This episode is a reminder that healing isn?t linear ? it?s a choice, a practice, and an act of courage. If you?ve ever felt stuck, defeated, or like your life has shrunk around you, Virginia?s story is the spark you?ve been waiting for.

Keywords: mindset coach, trauma recovery, emotional healing, chronic illness resilience, hope after despair, mind-body wellness, positive psychology, gratitude practice, anxiety tools, depression support, nature healing, movement therapy, rebuilding your life, personal transformation, resilience stories

Meet Our Guest ? Virginia Oman

Virginia Oman, LCMHC, NCPT, is a licensed clinical mental health therapist, mindset coach, personal trainer, and wellness master who helps people move from despair to joy-filled living. After rebuilding her own life from the depths of hopelessness and physical collapse, Virginia now guides clients through holistic mind-body practices that foster resilience, freedom, and fulfillment.

Connect with Virginia:
Website: https://virginiaoman.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaomanofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaomanofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSfzfJKG2YGi3FRB_TYeMig
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-oman/

Key Takeaways Healing starts with one decision: don?t give up on yourself ? even when progress is microscopic. Your body holds wisdom your mind may not yet be ready to hear. Learn to listen. Joy is intentional. You create it through movement, gratitude, and connection with nature. Medical advice matters, but only you get to be the captain of your life. Laughter, friendship, and community are powerful forms of medicine. Trauma and darkness don?t erase your future ? they prepare you for it. Actionable Items Try Virginia?s ?triple shot?: gratitude + movement + nature to shift your state fast. Identify one area where you?re letting outside voices overrule your intuition ? and reclaim it. Take one tiny, inch-by-inch step toward something your future self will thank you for. References Mentioned

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org
Virginia Oman?s Website ? https://virginiaoman.com

Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome + Virginia?s introduction 00:04:00 ? Losing hope and hearing the voice that changed everything 00:06:00 ? Swimming inch by inch and refusing to quit 00:11:00 ? Rebuilding life, mobility, and meaning 00:15:00 ? Gratitude, joy, and daily intention 00:23:00 ? Nature, movement, and healing the mind 00:33:00 ? Freedom, joy, and the life she lives today 00:36:00 ? How listeners can connect with Virginia CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#MindsetCoach #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #ChronicIllnessJourney #Resilience#PositivePsychology #GratitudePractice #NatureHealing #AnxietySupport #DepressionSupport#HolisticWellness #PersonalTransformation #YouAreNotAlone #PodcastCommunity #Bleav

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kicking off Season 15 with a conversation that hits straight at the heart of what so many people silently struggle with, Dr. Melissa Dufrene joins us to unpack the mental noise, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion that OCD and anxiety can create ? and what becomes possible when someone finally gets the right support. From the battles people fight behind closed doors to the quiet courage it takes to challenge fear rather than accommodate it, this opening episode sets the tone for a season rooted in honesty, healing, and hope. In this deeply human conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Melissa ? board-certified clinical psychologist and co-owner of Rise Center for OCD & Anxiety ? to explore recovery, resilience, and the real work of reclaiming your life.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

We have been nominated for Best Mental Health Podcast

We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote has real impact.

Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads?

Important Dates:?
? Voting ends December 25, 2025
? Judging begins in January
? Shortlist announced January 26
? Winners revealed February 28

Your love and support have carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.

Mental Health Quote

?You don?t rise by avoiding fear ? you rise by walking with it.? ? inspired by Dr. Melissa Dufrene

Episode Description

When the world shut down in 2020, anxiety didn?t shrink ? it intensified. Clinicians were overwhelmed, families were struggling, and people with OCD suddenly found themselves trapped in a nightmare of uncertainty and isolation. In this powerful Season 15 opener, Dr. Melissa Dufrene joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to pull back the curtain on what OCD and anxiety actually feel like from the inside ? and why healing is absolutely possible with the right tools.

Melissa shares how she and her business partner launched Rise Center for OCD & Anxiety during the pandemic, driven by the urgent need for specialized care. She explains why accommodating anxiety might feel comforting in the moment but can create long-term hardship ? especially for kids who slowly retreat into smaller, safer worlds without realizing what they?re losing.

Together, they explore the emotional exhaustion that comes with living in a noisy, fear-driven mind, the power of being truly heard, and why sometimes the most healing phrase in the world is, ?Yeah? that sucks.? G-Rex shares her experience helping a stranger through a grounding exercise in a crowded conference hall. At the same time, Melissa offers practical, research-backed strategies rooted in exposure therapy, values-based action, and learning to let fear exist without feeding it.

This episode is heartfelt, hopeful, and packed with real-talk reminders that anxiety isn?t weakness ? it?s a signal. And when people get the right support, they rise higher than they ever imagined.

Keywords: OCD recovery, anxiety tools, exposure therapy, intrusive thoughts help, cognitive behavioral therapy, ERP therapy, mental health support, emotional resilience, anxiety recovery tips, social anxiety, mental wellness, OCD specialist, pandemic mental health, fear response, coping skills, Rise Center for OCD & Anxiety

Meet Our Guest ? Dr. Melissa Dufrene

Dr. Melissa Dufrene, PsyD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist and the co-owner of Rise Center for OCD & Anxiety, where she specializes in evidence-based treatment for OCD, anxiety disorders, and related conditions. Trained at Rogers Memorial Hospital, one of the nation?s top OCD programs, Melissa blends clinical expertise with compassion, clarity, cultural humility, and humor.

She is devoted to increasing access to high-quality OCD and anxiety treatment, training clinicians, and empowering clients to stop avoiding life and step toward the things they value most.

When she?s not working with clients, Melissa can be found chasing after her two boys, enjoying New Orleans food and festivals, diving into music with her husband, or daydreaming about her next scuba trip.

Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://riseocdandanxiety.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseocdandanxiety
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riseocdandanxiety
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riseocdandanxiety/

Key Takeaways Anxiety doesn?t mean you?re broken ? it means you?ve been carrying too much alone. Accommodating anxiety feels good short-term, but becomes restrictive long-term. OCD recovery requires willingness, courage, and letting discomfort exist without feeding it. Safe, honest relationships create the foundation for healing. The right therapist doesn?t ?fix? you; they help you rise. Kids and adults alike need exposure to life, not retreat from it.

Actionable Items Choose one value and take a single small action aligned with it today ? even if your anxiety pushes back. Use a one-time-per-day news summary to reduce doom-scrolling and fear spirals, a strategy inspired by Melissa?s client. When supporting someone, ask: ?How can I show up for you ? listening, or problem-solving??

References Mentioned International OCD Foundation ? https://iocdf.org 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org Rise Center for OCD & Anxiety ? https://riseocdandanxiety.com/

Important Chapters 00:00 ? Season 15 kickoff and New Orleans conversation 00:09:00 ? COVID, anxiety overload, and why kids struggled most 00:13:00 ? Navigating conferences and events with anxiety and OCD 00:19:00 ? Safe spaces, honesty, and community support 00:26:00 ? How to actually find the right therapist 00:35:00 ? Anxiety theme songs and G-Rex?s subway moment 00:47:00 ? Why ?Rise? is Melissa?s favorite word

Closing CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#OCDRecovery #AnxietyTools #ExposureTherapy #CBTSkills #EmotionalHealing
#AnxietySupport #RiseCenterForOCDAandAnxiety #HealingJourney #YouAreNotAlone
#Resilience #TherapyWorks #MentalHealthCommunity #PodcastCommunity #Bleav

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We made it ? Season 14 is officially in the books! In this special season-ender, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down to reflect on the incredible humans who opened their hearts, shared their truths, and reminded us that healing is anything but linear. This season was all about joy, boundaries, and the beautifully messy middle ? the place where real growth happens. Together we laughed, cried, fangirled, and found purpose in the hard sh!t life throws our way. And that?s what makes Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads: real talk, real stories, no shame, no judgment.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

We have been nominated for Best Mental Health Podcast We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote has real impact.

Vote here:https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads?

Important Dates:

Voting ends December 25, 2025 Judging begins in January Shortlist announced January 26 Winners revealed February 28 Your love and support have carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words. Mental Health Quote

?Healing isn?t a straight line ? sometimes the messiest moments are where you rediscover yourself.?

Episode Description

This isn?t your average episode ? it?s our Season 14 Ender, and damn, what a season it was. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles kick back to reflect on the stories, breakthroughs, laughter, chaos, and deeply human moments that made this year unforgettable.

From the absolute holy sht* excitement of interviewing Mayim Bialik, to Joe?s powerful return-to-his-roots story of helping kids through trauma? from Diane?s fearless humor and resilience while navigating chronic pain, to B-Side?s raw honesty about MS, identity, and finding your worth? every guest brought something real, tender, and necessary. We revisit Tabitha?s bravery as a listener-turned-guest sharing her healing journey, Jewel?s heartwarming conversation about friendship and belonging (yes, the one that made G-Rex cry), Brenda?s blend of spooky-season fun and anxiety awareness, Melissa?s courage during her ?ER wakeup calls,? Arlene?s reminder to chase joy over titles, Heather?s laughter-packed conversation about womanhood and menopause, Dr. Pete?s sports-psychology wisdom, and Angie?s story of shame, survival, and rebuilding from the inside out.

Season 14 was a beautiful mix of grit and grace ? a reminder that healing isn?t linear, that boundaries matter, that joy is essential, and that connection keeps us going. Whether you?ve been here since Episode 1 or you joined us this year, this season finale is your invitation to honor your own messy middle.

SEO Keywords: mental health stories, healing journey, women?s mental health, trauma recovery, friendship and belonging, anxiety tools, MS journey, chronic illness, boundaries, joy, resilience, emotional wellness, coping skills, community healing, podcast for mental health

Meet Our Guests ? Season 14 Lineup Mayim Bialik ? Actor, neuroscientist, podcaster, and mental health advocate, reminding us that even people we idolize struggle. Joe ? Survivor-turned-mentor helping kids through trauma with compassion and presence. Diane ? A hilarious, resilient soul living with rheumatoid arthritis and choosing joy daily. B-Side (Robert) ? Musician navigating life and purpose after MS changed everything. Tabitha ? A Listener who became part of the story, sharing her truth and healing with courage. Jewel ? Friend, connector, and reminder that belonging is a lifeline. Brenda Ganske ? Host of Horrifying History, blending spooky stories with real talk on anxiety and OCD. Melissa ? Creator of Embracing Layers, teaching us to stop abandoning ourselves. Arlene ? Former attorney turned coach, helping people rediscover joy beyond burnout. Heather ? A vibrant, hilarious voice speaking honestly about womanhood and perimenopause. Dr. Pete ? Sports psychologist advocating for mental strength on and off the field. Angie ? Survivor who turned shame into purpose and built a community out of pain. Key Takeaways Healing isn?t linear ? joy, pain, and growth coexist. Boundaries aren?t selfish; they?re protection for your peace. Everyone has a messy middle, even people who seem confident or accomplished. Laughter and connection make the hard stuff survivable. Community is medicine ? and this one keeps getting stronger. Actionable Items Check in with yourself weekly: Where do I need more joy? Where do I need more boundaries? When anxiety hits, try grounding ? 5-4-3-2-1, breathing rituals, or a quick emotional inventory. Practice reaching out ? one text, one call, one moment of connection can shift your whole day. References Mentioned 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org EMDR Therapy Horrifying History Podcast Embracing Layers Network Important Chapters 00:00 ? Season 14 Kickoff + ?How the hell did we get here?? energy 06:58 ? The Mayim Bialik fangirl moment of the century 10:40 ? Joe?s full-circle healing journey with trauma-impacted kids 14:45 ? Diane?s stories, humor, chronic pain, and living fully 17:03 ? B-Side?s MS story + dark humor therapy 18:15 ? Tabitha?s serendipitous connection and story of healing 20:46 ? Friendship, belonging, and the episode that made G-Rex cry 23:16 ? Brenda brings spooky-season wisdom + anxiety tools 24:47 ? Melissa?s anxiety journey and learning to choose peace 26:25 ? Arlene on burnout, purpose, and quitting the chase 28:49 ? Heather on menopause, womanhood, and laughing through chaos 30:23 ? Dr. Pete?s sports psychology magic + ?mind is a muscle? 33:23 ? Angie?s survival story and the power of ending shame 36:36 ? Final reflections + what Season 15 and beyond will bring Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#EmotionalWellness #BoundariesMatter #HealingJourney #Resilience #WomenInPodcasting
#AnxietySupport #TraumaHealing #ChronicIllnessWarrior #CommunityHealing
#SelfDiscovery #JoyAndHealing #PodcastCommunity #MessyMiddle #FindYourJoy #PodcastTonight

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice

This episode contains discussion of suicide, a suicide attempt, trauma, and themes of hopelessness. Please take care of yourself while listening.
If you are in the United States or Canada and need immediate support, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For listeners outside these regions, visit https://findahelpline.com for global crisis resources.

From childhood wounds and people-pleasing to moving across the ocean in search of happiness, Angie Hawkins has lived a thousand emotional lifetimes. In this raw and deeply human conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Angie ? Inner Glow Coach and author of Running in Slippers ? to discuss self-worth, emotional survival, and the courage to be seen after years of hiding behind a smile.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Hopelessness is dangerous ? one tiny thread of belief can be the thing that keeps you alive.? ? inspired by Angie Hawkins.

Episode Description

When Angie Hawkins hit emotional rock bottom in 2020, she truly believed she had no reason left to stay alive. After a lifetime of people-pleasing, chasing external validation, and struggling to feel lovable, she reached a moment of sheer hopelessness that led to a suicide attempt ? one she openly and bravely discusses in this episode.

In this candid conversation, Angie joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how that moment became the turning point that changed everything. She talks about what it was like growing up in a home with emotionally unavailable parents, the patterns she carried into adulthood, and why moving to Hawaii didn?t magically fix the internal pain she was running from. Instead, it was the moment a friend said, ?It?s not your time,? that sparked her decision to rebuild her life from the inside out.

Together, they explore how boundaries, intuition, and true emotional regulation became her foundation for healing. Angie opens up about working with a coach who helped her relearn how to respect herself, what it means to become a ?functional adult? after years of survival-mode living, and how sharing her story (including in her memoir Running in Slippers) has become part of her purpose.

This episode is raw, hopeful, and packed with real-talk reminders that you are not alone ? and that the most painful chapters of your life can become the ones that help someone else feel seen.

Keywords: Angie Hawkins, suicide attempt survivor, emotional healing, boundaries, intuition, trauma recovery, people-pleasing, self-worth, emotional regulation, women?s mental health, resilience, healing journey, Hawaii, Running in Slippers, Inner Glow Coach, mental health awareness, hopelessness, purpose

Meet Our Guest ? Angie Hawkins

Angie Hawkins is an Inner Glow Coach, author, and powerful voice in women?s emotional healing. She specializes in helping high-achieving women who have lost themselves in people-pleasing, perfectionism, and chronic self-doubt reconnect with their self-worth and build unshakable confidence from the inside out. Her work centers on two core pillars ? boundaries and intuition ? the very tools that helped her rebuild her own life after years of emotional suppression and a near-fatal suicide attempt.

Angie is the author of Running in Slippers, a raw and vulnerable memoir that chronicles her journey through grief, heartbreak, island upheaval, and her eventual emotional resurrection. Her story cuts through the noise and gets straight to the truth: survival is messy, healing is nonlinear, and self-love is a skill you can learn no matter how far you feel you've fallen.

Despite jumping out of helicopters, skydiving, bungee jumping, and cliff diving, Angie?s bravest act has been choosing to be seen ? sharing her story openly so others don?t feel alone in theirs. She now blends life experience, emotional literacy, and compassionate coaching to help women stop performing for approval and finally feel worthy just as they are.

Connect with Angie:
Website: http://www.runninginslippers.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiehawkins808/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angie.hawkins.50/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiehawkins1/

Key Takeaways Hopelessness can be deadly ? even one small spark of belief can interrupt it. Boundaries are an act of self-respect, not selfishness. External validation can?t fix internal wounds. Healing requires being honest with yourself, not just everyone else. You don?t have to hit rock bottom to get help ? but if you do, your story isn?t over. Sharing your truth removes shame and creates connection.

Actionable Items If you?re feeling overwhelmed, tell one safe person the truth about where you?re at. Practice one boundary this week ? even a small one counts. Ask yourself daily: ?Am I abandoning myself right now?? If you have no one to talk to and you?re in crisis, call 988 (U.S. & Canada).

References Mentioned Running in Slippers ? by Angie Hawkins Shine From the Inside Coaching Program ? by Angie Hawkins 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources ? https://findahelpline.com

Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome + Angie's iconic statement eyewear 03:59 ? Growing up unseen: emotionally unavailable parents 05:30 ? Moving to Hawaii & realizing you can?t escape your pain 07:41 ? Survival mode, grief & the unraveling before COVID 08:09 ? The suicide attempt: hopelessness, pills & a life-changing moment 10:15 ? Getting home from the hospital & choosing to fight for her life 11:50 ? Hiring a coach & learning to be a ?functional adult? 16:47 ? The power of boundaries: why they?re not selfish 19:36 ? Extroverts, masks & the danger of looking ?fine? 21:31 ? Turning pain into purpose 24:52 ? If you could go back? advice to her younger self 26:50 ? Fun questions: theme songs, favorite words & ?moist? 27:54 ? How to find Angie + her free coaching call for new clients Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #SuicideSurvivor #EmotionalHealing #BoundariesMatter #SelfWorthJourney #TraumaRecovery #PeoplePleasingRecovery #HealingJourney #InnerGlowCoach #WomensMentalHealth #Resilience #RunningInSlippers #MentalHealthSupport #PodcastCommunity #Bleav

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From bartending and modeling in New York City to becoming a Zen psychologist working with elite athletes, Dr. Pete Economou?s story is all about transformation, discipline, and radical self-awareness. In this honest and often hilarious conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Pete to discuss healing from the inside out, breaking the stigma around men?s mental health, and finding peace in a world that never stops moving.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?Whatever you?re in right now ? it will pass. Everything moves. Everything changes.? ? Dr. Pete Economou

Episode Description

Dr. Pete Economou has lived a few lifetimes in one. From swimming at Olympic trials to tending bar at one of New York City?s most exclusive nightclubs, his journey eventually led him to the one place he never expected to land?inside his own mind. Now a Zen teacher, sport psychologist, and professor, Dr. Pete brings a rare blend of science, spirituality, and straight talk to the world of mental health.

In this powerful and refreshingly real conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dive deep into how Dr. Pete bridges East and West, blending Buddhist philosophy with cognitive behavioral therapy to help people heal from burnout, anxiety, and perfectionism. He shares how working on the sidelines with elite athletes has taught him that mental health struggles don?t discriminate?everybody, no matter how successful, has their own internal battles.

Together, they unpack the power of boundaries, why vulnerability is a form of strength, and how the ?middle path? can transform our approach to healing. Dr. Pete also opens up about his long-term meditation practice, his work mentoring future psychologists at Rutgers University, and how moderation?not extremes?is the foundation of sustainable wellness.

This episode is part pep talk, part mindfulness lesson, and part wake-up call for anyone who?s ever tried to ?fix? themselves into wellness. Whether you?re a high performer, an athlete, or someone simply trying to stay grounded in a chaotic world, Dr. Pete?s insight reminds us that healing isn?t about perfection?it?s about presence.

Keywords: Dr. Pete Economou, mindfulness, Zen psychology, men?s mental health, sports psychology, emotional wellness, athlete mindset, healing journey, meditation, CBT, stress management, boundaries, resilience, self-care, psychology, mind-body connection, wellness

Meet Our Guest ? Dr. Pete Economou

Dr. Peter J. Economou, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Board-Certified Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist, Zen teacher, author, and professor at Rutgers University?s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, where he directs the Master of Applied Psychology program. As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), he has spent over 15 years working with professional and collegiate athletes to integrate mindfulness, performance optimization, and mental wellness.

Dr. Pete?s background uniquely bridges science and spirituality. With advanced training in neuropsychology and sport psychology, and formal Zen training under the White Plum lineage, he combines modern therapy with ancient wisdom. His work focuses on helping people cultivate awareness, compassion, and emotional regulation in their daily lives.

He is the author of Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners and Meditation Journal for Anxiety, co-host of the podcast When East Meets West, and an active advocate for mental health normalization across industries?from locker rooms to boardrooms.

Connect with Dr. Pete:

Website: https://officialdrpete.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdrpete/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterjeconomou X (Twitter): https://x.com/officialdrpete LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-j-economou-4b4000a/

Key Takeaways Mental health isn?t weakness?it?s part of being human. Healing begins when we stop overcomplicating and start listening to ourselves. Mindfulness is about moderation, not perfection. Boundaries protect both peace and purpose. Vulnerability, especially for men, is a sign of strength. Everything in life moves?nothing stays stuck forever.

Actionable Items Set healthy tech boundaries: keep your phone out of the bedroom and shut it off at a consistent time each night. Try a mindfulness practice that fits your life, not someone else?s?whether it?s breathwork, meditation, or movement. When stress spikes, remind yourself: this moment will pass; everything changes.

References Mentioned Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners ? by Dr. Pete Economou Meditation Journal for Anxiety ? by Dr. Pete Economou When East Meets West Podcast ? hosted by Dr. Pete Economou & Dr. Rubin Naiman 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org

Important Chapters 00:00 ? Dr. Pete?s story: from swimmer to bartender to psychologist 08:30 ? How bartending led to psychology and helping others 10:50 ? Normalizing mental health in sports and breaking the stigma 13:30 ? Zen, mindfulness, and finding peace in performance 21:00 ? The power of boundaries and the ?middle path? 26:00 ? What parents can do to support their athletic kids 27:10 ? Dr. Pete?s top three mental health tools for life 28:25 ? ?Fuck it?: the advice he?d give his younger self

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #Mindfulness #ZenPsychology #MensMentalHealth #SportsPsychology #HealingJourney #CBT #MeditationPractice #AthleteWellness #SelfCareMatters #Boundaries #Resilience #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalHealth #WellnessPodcast #OfficialDrPete #Bleav

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When PMDD, shame, and self-silencing took over, Heather Hendrie discovered that laughter could be its own kind of medicine. In this raw and real conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Heather ? bestselling author and nature-based therapist ? to talk about using humor, wilderness, and truth-telling to heal from the inside out.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark honest, unfiltered conversations about mental health.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote

?When we laugh at what once shamed us, we take our power back.? ? Heather Hendrie

 

Episode Description

PMDD has a way of turning everyday life into emotional chaos ? but what if laughter, honesty, and nature could help calm the storm? In this deeply human episode, Heather Hendrie, bestselling author of the awfully hilarious series and founder of True Nature Wilderness Therapy, joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about what happens when mental health meets humor and wild places.

Heather opens up about her own battles with PMDD and the shame so many women carry around their bodies, moods, and ?messy? moments. Through her candid storytelling and nature-based counseling work, she?s made it her mission to remind us that we?re never as alone ? or as broken ? as we think.

The conversation is equal parts emotional and hilarious as they explore what it means to heal without hiding, find peace in imperfection, and use humor as both a coping tool and a connector. From therapy sessions in the woods to writing about awkwardly human moments, Heather proves that healing doesn?t have to look polished ? it just has to be honest.

This episode is a love letter to everyone navigating PMDD, burnout, or emotional exhaustion, showing that humor and self-compassion aren?t distractions from healing ? they?re essential parts of it.

Keywords: Heather Hendrie, PMDD, humor and healing, nature-based therapy, mental health awareness, women?s wellness, shame resilience, storytelling, emotional health, wilderness therapy, self-acceptance, empowerment, laughter therapy, destigmatizing mental health

 

Meet Our Guest ? Heather Hendrie

Heather Hendrie is an Amazon #1 bestselling author, counsellor, and creator of Awfully Hilarious: Stories We Never Tell. Based in Whistler, British Columbia, she runs True Nature Wilderness Therapy, helping people reconnect with themselves through nature-based healing. Her writing and therapy work both aim to end shame, uplift women?s health, and make space for messy, honest conversations about mental health.

Website: https://heatherhendrie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather.hendrie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherannehendrie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhendrie/

 

 

Key Takeaways

Humor can be a radical act of healing ? especially when we use it to face shame. PMDD and mental health struggles thrive in silence; storytelling breaks that silence wide open. Nature isn?t just a backdrop for therapy ? it?s a co-therapist. Healing doesn?t mean being ?fine?; it means being honest. Laughter helps us metabolize pain and reconnect with joy.   Actionable Items Write your own ?awfully hilarious? story ? something you once felt ashamed of ? and notice how it feels to name it. Spend 15 minutes outdoors daily without your phone, just breathing and observing. Share one truth with someone safe this week ? even if your voice shakes.   References Mentioned awfully hilarious: stories we never tell ? by Heather Hendrie True Nature Wilderness Therapy ? https://heatherhendrie.com/ PMDD Awareness ? https://iapmd.org   Important Chapters 00:00 ? Welcome + Why laughter belongs in mental health conversations 05:40 ? Heather?s story: From PMDD chaos to compassion 13:20 ? The birth of awfully hilarious and ending shame through storytelling 21:10 ? Nature as a mirror for emotional healing 31:00 ? What PMDD taught Heather about self-trust 43:00 ? How humor and vulnerability change therapy 52:30 ? Closing reflections + mental health reminder   Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

 

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #PMDD #WomenInTherapy #HealingThroughHumor #AwfullyHilarious #WildernessTherapy #ShameResilience #SelfAcceptance #EmotionalHealth #StorytellingHeals #LaughterTherapy #WomensWellness #TherapyWorks #NatureHealing #MindBodyConnection

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When burnout hit, former attorney Arlene Miller didn?t just slow down ? she transformed her life. In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Arlene to talk about identity loss, stress recovery, and what it really takes to lead and live from the heart. Together, they explore how letting go of ego and embracing love can turn chaos into calm and fear into focus.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting ? continues its mission to spark honest, unfiltered conversations about mental health.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

?You?re not your title, your past, or your burnout. You?re a human being learning to lead from love.? ? Arlene Miller

Episode Description

What happens when your career becomes your identity ? and then you realize it?s burning you out? For Arlene Miller, that moment of truth became the turning point toward healing. After more than three decades as an attorney, Arlene sold her law firm, traded the courtroom for compassion, and rebuilt her life as a Work-Life Harmony and Leadership Coach.

In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dive deep into Arlene?s journey from doing it all to being enough. They talk about the real costs of perfectionism, why women in high-stress careers often ignore their own needs, and how to reconnect to purpose after burnout. Arlene shares her tools for self-regulation, mindfulness, and what she calls ?negotiating from the heart? ? a method that replaces control with connection.

Through laughter, honesty, and a few ?been there? moments, this conversation reminds us that healing doesn?t mean giving up who you were; it means remembering who you are.

Whether you?re rebuilding after burnout, craving emotional peace, or learning to set boundaries with grace, Arlene?s story will inspire you to trade hustle for harmony ? and choose your mental health every time.

Keywords: Arlene Miller, burnout recovery, emotional wellness, women?s mental health, work-life balance, self-compassion, executive presence, leadership coaching, mindfulness, anxiety relief, career burnout, emotional healing, boundaries, personal growth, resilience

Meet Our Guest ? Arlene Miller

Arlene Cohen Miller is a Work-Life Harmony & Leadership Coach, retired attorney, and CEO of Jewel Consultancy. With over 30 years of legal experience and credentials as a Professional Certified Coach (ICF), Arlene helps women reclaim calm, confidence, and clarity in their personal and professional lives. A long-time yoga and meditation practitioner, she blends practical strategy with heart-centered wisdom to guide others from stress to serenity.

Website: https://jewelconsultancy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlene.jewel/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/JewelCoachPCC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewelcoach2/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arlenecmiller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-cohen-miller-54435b59/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jewelcoach2

Key Takeaways Burnout isn?t weakness ? it?s a signal for change. You?re not your job title; you?re a person who deserves peace. Boundaries are love in action. Authentic leadership starts with self-awareness. We grow most when we learn to celebrate small wins.   Actionable Items Pause before saying ?yes.? Ask: Does this honor my peace? Practice a daily gratitude or breathing ritual to reset your nervous system. Identify one area where you can replace hustle with heart this week.

References Mentioned Jewel Consultancy: https://jewelconsultancy.com International Coaching Federation: https://coachingfederation.org 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): https://988lifeline.org

Important Chapters 00:05 ? From attorney life to heart-centered coach 00:08 ? Identity loss, ego, and learning to let go 00:13 ? Burnout in the legal profession 00:17 ? What coaching really looks like (vs. therapy) 00:21 ? Saying no to fear and following inspiration 00:23 ? Age, resilience, and redefining success after 60

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalWellness #WomenInLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #MindfulnessMatters #SelfCompassion #AnxietyRelief #HealingJourney #Resilience #HeartOverHustle #CareerPivot #MentalHealthSupport #CoachingForWomen #Bleav

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice:

This episode discusses anxiety, burnout, and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.
988 (U.S. & Canada) ? Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Find a global helpline: https://findahelpline.com

When anxiety and perimenopause collided, Melissa Crook?s body said ?no more.? In this episode, Dirty Skittles and G-Rex sit down with the inspiring Melissa ? founder of The Embracing Layers Network and host of The F.E.E.L. Podcast ? to talk about anxiety, burnout, and finding peace through emotional healing and self-discovery.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote:
?You don?t have to hit the wall to start healing. You have to stop abandoning yourself.? ? Melissa Crook

 

Episode Description

When Melissa Crook hit 50, her body and mind forced her to face decades of anxiety, burnout, and people-pleasing. Two ER visits later, she realized the panic wasn?t random ? it was her body?s way of demanding change. In this candid conversation, Melissa joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how she went from panic to peace by learning to listen to her body, trust her intuition, and honor her emotional truth.

Melissa opens up about her journey through perimenopause, therapy, and the creation of her F.E.E.L. Framework?a guide that helps women navigate life?s chaos with compassion rather than control. Together, they talk about setting boundaries, learning to rest without guilt, and finding laughter even in the middle of the storm.

This episode is a reminder that anxiety doesn?t mean you?re broken. It means you?ve been strong for too long. Whether you?re managing burnout, struggling with self-worth, or craving emotional freedom, Melissa?s story offers fundamental tools and hope for healing.

Keywords: Melissa Crook, Embracing Layers, F.E.E.L. Framework, anxiety, menopause, self-discovery, therapy, emotional health, boundaries, burnout, women?s mental health, healing journey, self-compassion, empowerment

Meet Our Guest ? Melissa Crook

Melissa Crook is a thought-leader, speaker, and creator dedicated to helping women break free from performance pressure, reclaim their emotional truth, and live unapologetically aligned. Based in Fresno, California, she?s the founder of The Embracing Layers Network and host of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, creating brave spaces for women to connect with their emotional and physical well-being. After a health crisis at 50 forced her to confront decades of anxiety and codependency, Melissa turned her healing journey into her life?s work?helping women cultivate emotional literacy, boundaries, and self-compassion.

Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://www.embracinglayers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracinglayers/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@embracinglayers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084428100763
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/embracinglayers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqVVXe8SbTtBuzOyFTMjNFA
X: https://twitter.com/embracinglayers
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melmcrook2025
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-crook-967395106

Key Takeaways Anxiety isn?t something to ?fix? ? it?s a signal that something needs attention. Perimenopause can heighten anxiety, but awareness and support change everything. Healing begins when you stop abandoning yourself for others. Boundaries are a form of self-respect, not selfishness. Curiosity fuels growth; comfort keeps you stuck. True friends celebrate your healing, not question it.   Actionable Items Check your bandwidth vs. time: if you?re overextended, permit yourself to cancel something. Create a grounding ritual to start your day calmly ? like Melissa?s sunrise breathing routine. Ask yourself daily: ?Is this asking me to abandon myself?? If yes, pause and choose differently.   References Mentioned The F.E.E.L. Framework ? https://www.embracinglayers.com/ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ? https://988lifeline.org/ Global Crisis Resources) ? https://findahelpline.com

Important Chapters 00:05:00 ? Melissa?s ?shitstorm week? and learning to honor her emotions 00:09:00 ? Canceling plans without guilt and redefining self-care 00:22:30 ? The health scare that forced her to face anxiety head-on 00:28:00 ? Therapy breakthroughs and redefining her relationship with anxiety 00:43:00 ? Morning rituals, grounding, and emotional literacy 00:47:40 ? Why curiosity matters more than comfort 00:51:00 ? Melissa?s favorite word: Curiosity; least favorite: Comfort

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #AnxietyAwareness #PerimenopauseSupport #SelfDiscovery #WomensMentalHealth #HealingJourney #TherapyWorks #EmotionalWellbeing #SelfCompassion #BoundariesMatter #HealingInProgress #AnxietyRecovery #PodcastCommunity #WomenSupportingWomen #FEELEFramework #EmbracingLayers #Bleav

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever wonder why haunted houses can sometimes feel like your own anxious mind? Today, Dirty Skittles and G-Rex sit down with the incredible Brenda Ganske, creator and host of Horrifying History ? the show where history, science, and the supernatural collide. Together, we unravel how fear, empathy, and history intersect with mental health and anxiety.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting.

We?d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote:
?You can?t heal what you don?t face ? even if what you?re facing has a ghost attached to it.?

Episode Description
Paranormal meets personal healing in this hauntingly honest episode with Brenda Ganske, host of Horrifying History. We talk anxiety, OCD, and the surprising ways spooky stories and mental health collide ? from haunted houses to healing minds. Tune in for empathy, humor, and real talk about finding calm in the chaos.

Brenda opens up about her journey living with generalized anxiety and OCD, and how exploring history?s darkest corners became her therapy. From the Salem witch trials to haunted hotels, she explains why understanding fear helps us better understand ourselves. This episode is equal parts eerie and empowering ? just in time for Halloween.

We also talk about therapy wins, boundary-setting, and real-world anxiety tools, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. It?s spooky season with a dose of serotonin ? because healing doesn?t always come wrapped in calm music and crystals. Sometimes it?s in the stories we tell.

Brenda shares how storytelling and curiosity helped her manage anxiety and OCD, while the trio dives deep into therapy wins, coping skills, and how humor makes healing possible ? even when life feels haunted. Expect honest conversation, a little history, and a reminder that anxiety doesn?t define you; it teaches you to feel deeply.

Keywords: Brenda Ganske, Horrifying History, anxiety, OCD, mental health, podcast, healing, haunted houses, therapy, empathy, history, spooky season, trauma healing, coping tools, self-care, Halloween

Meet Our Guest ? Brenda Ganske
Brenda Ganske is the creator and host of Horrifying History, the podcast where history, the supernatural, and science collide. An amateur historian and expert ?spookstoryian,? Brenda brings her analytical background and love of mystery to explore urban legends and historical hauntings in search of truth.

She was born and raised in Alberta, Canada, and when she?s not uncovering ghostly tales, she?s hanging with her co-host Gizmo the Shih Tzu ? the most loyal (and snoring) sidekick in podcasting.

Listen to Horrifying History: https://bleav.com/shows/horrifying-history
Website: https://horrifying-history-shop.fourthwall.com
X: https://x.com/HorrifyingHist1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horrifying_history/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horrifyinghistory

Key Takeaways

History and mental health often mirror each other ? we repeat what we don?t understand. Anxiety doesn?t make you weak; it makes you deeply aware. Empaths and creatives often carry emotional residue from places and people. The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique is a powerful way to manage anxiety. Therapy and self-awareness help turn old fear responses into healing moments. It?s okay to love spooky things and talk about mental health.  

Actionable Items

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise when you feel anxious. Write down what ?haunts? your thoughts ? then ask what truth it?s trying to tell you. Make space for fear and curiosity; both can lead to healing.  

References Mentioned

Horrifying History Podcast: https://bleav.com/shows/horrifying-history 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique (for anxiety management) EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy  

Important Chapters
00:00 ? Welcome + Why this episode is Dirty Skittles? ?Jimmy Jam? 02:00 ? Brenda on the Salem Witch Trials & the psychology of fear 06:00 ? Haunted energy and being an empath in spooky spaces 19:00 ? Living with anxiety and OCD 25:00 ? Tools and therapy that actually work (EMDR, grounding) 34:00 ? Advice Brenda would give her younger self 39:00 ? Learning to walk away from toxic people 41:00 ? Closing + our mental health reminder

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #AnxietyRelief #HauntedHistory #OCDRecovery #PodcastCommunity #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #HauntedMind #WomenInPodcasting #EmpathEnergy #ParanormalPodcast #SelfCareTools #HalloweenPodcast #GhostStories #HorrifyingHistory #Bleav

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to another episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads?the podcast where we stop pretending everything?s fine and actually talk about it.

This week, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jewell Hohman, a friendship and connection coach who proves that the antidote to loneliness isn?t another self-help trend?it?s learning how to build real human bonds. Jewell opens up about her journey through social anxiety, people-pleasing, and isolation?and how she turned those struggles into a movement that helps people rediscover authentic friendship and true belonging.

We?re proud recipients of the 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award (Best Health) and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award (Best Mental Health Podcast). With over 2 million downloads, this community continues to grow stronger every day.

Episode Description

She drops truth bombs about how loneliness can wreck your mental health, why vulnerability matters more than perfection, and how friendship can be your most powerful form of therapy. This conversation isn?t fluff?it?s real talk on the emotional mechanics of connection, and it might just make you rethink how you show up for the people who matter most.

?True belonging is about embracing your authentic self so much that you can confidently share who you are with the world?and still stand strong when you?re alone.? ? Jewell.

If you?ve ever felt unseen, disconnected, or stuck in your head about whether people actually like you, this one?s for you. Let?s break down the stigma, laugh through the pain, and remember that connection is medicine.

Listeners are invited to leave feedback?written or voice?at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Keywords: friendship, mental health, loneliness, social anxiety, connection, vulnerability, belonging, emotional wellness, self-confidence, healing through friendship

Meet Our Guest ? Jewell Hohman

Jewell Hohman is a certified friendship and self-confidence coach, speaker, and soon-to-be clinical social worker. She helps people around the world create meaningful friendships, overcome high-functioning social anxiety, and rediscover joy in being themselves.

Jewell is the founder of Connection with Jewell, a platform that teaches practical tools for belonging, vulnerability, and emotional wellness. Her mission: to help 10,000+ people find real connection?not performative, surface-level ?friendship.?

Follow Jewell:

Website: https://www.connectionwithjewel.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionwithjewel

Why she matters: Jewell gets it. She?s lived the loneliness, learned the science, and built a framework for friendship that actually heals. She?s not talking theory?she?s lived this, and she?s here to help you stop overthinking and start connecting.

Key Takeaways Friendship isn?t optional?it?s a vital part of your mental health ecosystem. Loneliness and social anxiety feed each other, but neither is permanent. True friendship requires vulnerability, not perfection. Meaningful connections heal shame, boost emotional safety, and build resilience. You don?t have to fix yourself to be loved?you need to show up honestly.   Actionable Items Reconnect intentionally. Pick one person this week and send them a real message?no memes, no filler. Ask how they truly are. Notice your inner critic. When you catch yourself thinking ?I?m too much? or ?I?m not enough,? pause and reframe. Create consistency. Friendship grows in the small, steady moments?text, coffee, or call. Just keep showing up.   References Mentioned ConnectionWithJewell.com ? Friendship and belonging resources Jewell?s trainings: ?How to Belong at Any Event? and ?How to Turn People You Meet Into Friends? Listener feedback: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a   Episode Chapters

00:00 ? 02:30 | Welcome back + podcast updates
02:31 ? 10:45 | Jewell?s story?social anxiety, loneliness, and rebuilding connection
10:46 ? 20:00 | The science behind friendship and mental health
20:01 ? 33:00 | Overcoming social anxiety and creating emotional safety
33:01 ? 45:00 | The three essentials for real friendship
45:01 ? End | Closing thoughts and actionable takeaways

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #FriendshipAndMentalHealth #Connection #Loneliness #SocialAnxiety #EmotionalWellness #Authenticity #Community #SelfConfidence #Belonging #HealingThroughFriendship #JewelHohman

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we?re talking with the powerhouse that is B-Cide ? rapper, producer, and Author of Myelin My Shoes. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2011, B-Cide went from rocking stages to fighting for his health and sanity. But instead of giving up, he turned his pain into power ? using music as therapy and mental resilience as his foundation.

Recently featured in over 170 media outlets, including Yahoo Finance and Digital Journal, B-Cide?s story isn?t just about illness ? it?s about survival, creativity, and grit. From managing a record deal to building his streetwear brand, 55 Strong, he proves that no diagnosis can silence your drive.

We also talk about the brutal mental toll of losing independence, the power of creative outlets, and how choosing optimism can literally save your life.

?You don?t get to choose what knocks you down, but you do get to choose how loud you get back up.? ? Unknown.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is proud to be the 2024 People?s Choice Podcast Award (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award (Best Mental Health Podcast) winner ? with over 2 million downloads and counting.

Got thoughts on this episode? We wanna hear ?em ? written or voice feedback welcome at:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Episode Description

In this episode, Robert ?B-Cide? Cardillo II takes listeners on a brutally honest ride through the highs and lows of his life. Known across the underground hip-hop scene for his raw lyrics and fearless storytelling, B-Cide built his career on perseverance and passion ? long before his diagnosis ever entered the picture. He toured the country, produced tracks with major underground acts, and earned a reputation for being unapologetically authentic.

Then, in 2011, everything changed. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, B-Cide suddenly faced a world of hospitals, medication, and losing control of his own body. What followed wasn?t just a health battle ? it was a mental one. He speaks candidly about depression, identity loss, and how music became his escape and lifeline.

This episode dives deep into how B-Cide rebuilt his world piece by piece: transforming his pain into poetry, launching his 55 Strong clothing brand, and writing his memoir Myelin My Shoes ? a raw and powerful look at life, illness, and reinvention. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles guide the conversation into what resilience really looks like when life takes away what you love most.

It?s not just a story about surviving MS. It?s a story about refusing to be silenced, about finding new purpose, and about using creativity to fight back when your body, your mind, and the world say you can?t.

Meet Our Guest ? Robert ?B-Cide? Cardillo II

Featured on 170+ news outlets, including Yahoo Finance, Digital Journal, and Benzinga. Rapper, producer, and author of Myelin My Shoes ? a raw, unfiltered memoir about life with MS, mental health battles, and a 25-year underground music grind.

After his MS diagnosis, B-Cide turned his creativity toward resilience ? building 55 Strong, a clothing brand and record label that embodies his ?never quit? mindset. His story isn?t just about surviving a diagnosis; it?s about redefining what?s possible when life hits hard.

Connect with B-Cide:

Website: http://www.b-cide.com Memoir: http://www.myelinmyshoes.com Bandcamp: https://bcide.bandcamp.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcide X: https://x.com/RealBCIDE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@btvstudio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcide/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bcide   Key Takeaways Music can be therapy ? creativity gives purpose and relief when life feels unbearable. Mental health isn?t linear ? some days suck, and that?s okay; the trick is to keep showing up. Chronic illness doesn?t define you ? your story does. Community matters ? connecting with others breaks the cycle of isolation. Resilience is a daily decision ? even when your body quits, your spirit doesn?t have to.   Actionable Items Write or record what you?re feeling ? even raw emotion counts as therapy. Reach out to someone today and talk about what?s on your mind. Explore creative outlets (art, music, journaling) to release emotional tension.   References Mentioned Myelin My Shoes by Robert ?B-Cide? Cardillo II ? https://www.myelinmyshoes.com B-Cide Clothing & Music ? https://www.b-cide.com Easy Anxiety by Krizz Kaliko   Important Chapters

00:00 ? Intro: G-Rex & Dirty Skittles welcome B-Cide
04:00 ? Growing up with music and discovering rap
10:00 ? The MS diagnosis that changed everything
15:00 ? Turning pain into music and mental healing
20:00 ? Creating 55 Strong: clothing and resilience
27:00 ? Lessons from heartbreak and loss
30:00 ? B-Cide?s message on mental health, gratitude, and creativity
33:00 ? Closing thoughts and call to action

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #BCide #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness #MusicTherapy #HipHopHealing #ChronicIllnessWarrior #MyelinMyShoes #Resilience #DisabilityAwareness #Inspiration #MindsetMatters #MentalHealthJourney #UndergroundRap #CreativityForHealing #ShitThatGoesOnInOurHeads

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don?t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it?s OK not to be OK?talking to someone can make all the difference.

United States: Call or Text 988 ? 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 ? 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.