Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Today’s guest, Amita Sharma, shares her deeply personal experience with perimenopause in the corporate world, the mental health toll it took, and how she turned that struggle into NourishDoc, a global wellness platform for women 40 and over.

This award-winning episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads brings you a powerful, eye-opening conversation about the intersection of menopause, mindfulness, and mental health. With over 2 million downloads, we are proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast.

We want to hear from YOU. Drop us a voice message or leave your thoughts at:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote:
"The sooner you embrace yourself, the sooner you start living your truth. Otherwise, you're just wearing a mask." — Amita Sharma

What This Episode Covers
Amita opens up about the invisible toll of perimenopause, from brain fog and depression to sleep deprivation and lost libido—all while trying to survive in a high-stakes, male-dominated tech career. We explore how mindfulness, acupuncture, holistic nutrition, and boundary-setting became her survival tools, and how that journey became the seed for NourishDoc. This comprehensive wellness platform helps thousands of midlife women worldwide.

SEO Keywords:
Menopause mental health, perimenopause anxiety, midlife women support, mindfulness for menopause, holistic wellness, mental health for women over 40, Amita Sharma, NourishDoc

Meet Our Guest: Amita Sharma
A former high-tech executive turned wellness innovator, Amita Sharma is the founder of NourishDoc. Her lived experience as a perimenopausal woman in corporate America ignited a mission to support other women through the mental and physical chaos of midlife. NourishDoc offers integrative, evidence-based programs for women 35+, tackling sexual health, menopause symptoms, mental clarity, and long-term chronic condition prevention.

Amita’s Links:
Website: http://www.nourishdoc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nourishdoc/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/nourishdoc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nourishdoc
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nourish_doc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amita-sharma-nourishdoc/

Key Takeaways:

1. Perimenopause isn’t just hot flashes—it deeply impacts mental health, identity, and daily functioning.
2. Holistic wellness tools, such as yoga, journaling, and red-light therapy, can help restore balance.
3. There’s a serious education gap in healthcare—many doctors are not trained to recognize or treat perimenopause.

Actionable Tips from Amita:

1. Track your symptoms and advocate for testing—don’t wait for your doctor to connect the dots.
2. Start mindfulness and journaling daily to help process changes and center yourself.
3. Explore integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, dietary changes, and vaginal health supplements, to enhance quality of life.

 

Important Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Meet Amita
03:00 – From Architecture to High-Tech to Holistic Health
07:00 – What Perimenopause Really Feels Like
12:00 – Mental Health Impact: Depression, Anxiety & Fog
16:00 – Cultural Stigma & Workplace Silence
22:00 – Loss of Libido, Intimacy, and Sexual Health
28:00 – How NourishDoc Empowers Women
35:00 – Systemic Gaps in Women’s Healthcare
43:00 – Amita’s Advice to Her Younger Self

References:

• NourishDoc Research & Programs – http://www.nourishdoc.com/
• WHO and NIH studies on menopause-related mental health
• PubMed clinical research (as referenced by Amita)

 

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PerimenopauseSupport #MidlifeWomenWellness
#MenopauseJourney #NourishDoc #AmitaSharma #Grex #DirtySkittles #MindfulnessHealing
#HormoneHealth #WomenOver40 #HolisticMentalHealth #AnxietySupport #BurnoutRecovery
#SelfCareTips #PodcastForWomen #ChronicConditionPrevention #Podmatch #HealthEquityForWomen

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
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*** Trigger Warning: *** This episode contains discussions of suicidal ideation, overdose, caregiver burnout, and mental health crisis response. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are distressing, please consider skipping this episode or listening with someone you trust.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Beth and Noel, continuing one of the most personal and powerful stories ever shared on Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. In this episode, we focus on Noel’s experience as a caregiver, from crisis preparation to emotional exhaustion, and everything in between.

Our podcast is proud to be a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 2 million downloads, we’re deeply committed to keeping mental health real, raw, and accessible.

We’ve been nominated again for the 2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards — in both the Adam Curry Legacy and Health categories.
🗳️ Vote for us by July 31, 2025, at:
https://www.podcastawards.com

💬 Share your thoughts or leave us a voice message at:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote of the Episode: "If people love you, they’re going to accept it and do anything for you. That’s what I do for Beth." – Noel Episode Description: Noel opens up about the unimaginable weight of caregiving for someone facing constant mental health crises. From making the house “suicide-proof” to navigating his depression and recent ADHD diagnosis, Noel shares the emotional reality behind supporting Beth.

This episode offers a rare and compassionate glimpse into the perspective of a caregiver — the confusion, the calm under pressure, the isolation, and the love that holds it all together.

SEO Keywords: caregiver mental health, suicide prevention, partner support, ADHD and caregiving, crisis management, mental health relationships, trauma response, men and mental health, emotional regulation, support systems

Meet Our Guests: Beth is a microbiologist and survivor who has overcome severe mental health challenges with the help of DBT, supportive care, and her determination. Her honesty and insight make this a truly moving story.

Noel is a musician and podcast editor (and the one who makes us sound good!). He has spent more than two decades by Beth’s side — a caregiver, partner, and advocate — often quietly holding things together when everything else fell apart.

Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving requires resilience and preparation — from managing medication to handling emergency hospitalizations.
• Even caregivers need care — Noel shares how therapy, music, and dogs became his therapy.
• Love doesn’t mean fixing someone — it means standing by them even when it gets hard.

Actionable Items:

1. Don’t ignore the mental health of caregivers — check in, offer help, or simply listen.
2. Have a safety plan in place for households managing suicide risk.
3. Explore creative coping tools, such as mindfulness, DBT, or music therapy.

Chapters / Timestamps:

• [00:00] Noel’s Role as a Caregiver From partner to protector — how Noel managed the crisis side of Beth’s illness.
• [02:00] Suicide-Proofing the Home Practical ways Noel tried to keep Beth safe.
• [06:00] The Turning Point Moments When the ambulance had to stop for critical care, the dog that saved a life.
• [10:00] Mental Health & Masculinity Noel’s experience with depression and his ADHD diagnosis.
• [15:00] Love Without Conditions Why emotional support sometimes means going it alone — and still showing up.
• [22:00] Self-Care That Works From gardening to music to dog grooming — finding peace in the chaos.

References:

• Vote in the Podcast Awards: https://www.podcastawards.com
• Share feedback: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a
• Review our podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

Mental Health Resources Australia

• Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 24-hour crisis counselling and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online.
• Suicide Call Back Service – https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ 24/7 phone and online support. Call 1300 659 467.
• Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Mental health support for depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636, 24/7, or chat online.
• MindSpot – https://www.mindspot.org.au/ Free online and phone services for anxiety, depression, and stress. Call 1800 61 44 34.
• Medicare Mental Health – https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/ Connects you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
• MensLine Australia – https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/ 24/7 mental health support for men. Call 1300 78 99 78.
• Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorders) – https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/chat-online/ Eating disorder support 7 days/week, 8 am–midnight AEST. Call 1800 33 4673.

United Kingdom

• Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/ Free 24/7 emotional support. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk.
• SHOUT – https://giveusashout.org/ Free, confidential text support 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258.
• Mind UK – https://www.mind.org.uk/ Mental health info and support. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk.
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support Support for anyone struggling or in crisis. Call 0800 58 58 58 or use web chat (5 pm–midnight, daily).
• Beat Eating Disorders – https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Eating disorder help across the UK. Call 0808 801 0433

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Subscribe for more raw and real stories around mental health.
Rate and review us wherever you listen, or visit:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #CaregiverSupport #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaHealing #MenAndMentalHealth #ADHDAwareness #PodcastRecommendations #DBTtherapy #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Neurodivergent #PeopleChoiceAwards #Grex #DirtySkittles #MentalHealthJourney #SupportSystem #MindfulnessTools #Podmatch #RadicalAcceptance #BehindClosedDoors

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 Warning: ***  This episode contains personal stories involving eating disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and hospitalization for mental health crises. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are triggering for you, please consider skipping this episode or listening with support.

Welcome to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, where we talk honestly about what mental health really looks like — messy, real, and deeply human. In this powerful two-part series, we sit down with Beth and Noel to hear their shared story of survival, love, and resilience.

We are incredibly proud to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, and was named Best Mental Health Podcast by the 2024 Women in Podcasting Awards. With over 2 million downloads, we’re honored to keep bringing conversations like this into the light.

We're also nominated in two categories for the 2025 Podcast People's Choice Awards — the Adam Curry Legacy Category and the Health Category.
🗳️ Please vote for us before July 31, 2025, at:
https://www.podcastawards.com (you’ll need to verify your email).

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

This is Part 1 of a 2-part episode. Part 2 will be released on Thursday, July 31st, 2025.

Mental Health Quote of the Episode: "You don’t have to act on every emotion. Sometimes, noticing the storm is enough to survive it." Episode Description: In this emotionally raw and eye-opening episode, Beth shares her mental health journey, spanning childhood trauma, eating disorders, misdiagnoses, and suicide attempts. She opens up about growing up in a volatile household, dealing with body image and control issues, and finding hope in therapy later in life.

Her partner, Noel, joins to reflect on his role as both a loving spouse and a caregiver, offering a rare perspective on what it means to support someone through mental health crises. Together, Beth and Noel tell a story of heartbreak, hospitalizations, and ultimately, healing.

This episode focuses on:

• The experience of living with an undiagnosed mental illness
• The emotional toll of caregiving in a long-term relationship
• The differences in mental health support systems in the UK vs. Australia

SEO Keywords: mental health, eating disorders, suicide survival, caregiver mental health, borderline personality disorder, DBT, UK mental health system, Australia mental health services, trauma healing, mental illness recovery Meet Our Guests: Beth is a microbiologist and survivor who has overcome severe mental health challenges with the help of DBT, supportive care, and her determination. Her honesty and insight make this a truly moving story.

Noel is a musician and podcast editor (and the one who makes us sound good!). He has spent more than two decades by Beth’s side — a caregiver, partner, and advocate — often quietly holding things together when everything else fell apart.

Key Takeaways:

1. Recovery is non-linear — Beth’s healing came with setbacks, detours, and growth across decades.
2. Caregivers are deeply affected — Noel’s experience shows how supporting someone through mental illness takes an emotional toll.
3. Getting the right help matters — The difference in care between the UK and Australia was life-changing.

Actionable Items:

1. Don’t wait for a crisis — Seek therapy or support early, even if things feel manageable.
2. Check on caregivers — Partners, family members, and friends supporting someone may be suffering in silence.
3. Explore DBT — Dialectical Behavior Therapy gave Beth the tools to regain control of her life.

Chapters / Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome & Introductions Meet Beth and Noel and learn why this episode is so personal for the hosts.
• [03:00] Childhood & Trauma Beth reflects on growing up with emotional instability and disordered eating patterns.
• [13:00] University Collapse An inside look at her breakdown during graduate school and the silent battles she fought.
• [23:00] Suicide Attempts & Overdoses Beth speaks openly about her darkest moments and her hospitalizations.
• [31:00] Discovering DBT A turning point in her recovery journey — learning tools that made hope possible.
• [36:00] Mental Health Systems: UK vs. Australia Noel and Beth explain how access to proper care changed everything.

References:

• Vote for us in the 2025 Podcast People's Choice Awards: https://www.podcastawards.com
• Leave feedback: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a
• Add your review: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

Mental Health Resources Australia

• Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Provides 24-hour crisis counselling, suicide prevention, and support groups. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online.
• Suicide Call Back Service – https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ 24/7 telephone and online support for people in emotional crisis. Call 1300 659 467.
• Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Offers mental health support and resources to reduce stigma around depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online 24/7.
• MindSpot – https://www.mindspot.org.au/ A free service for adults experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, or depression. Call 1800 61 44 34 (not for emergencies).
• Medicare Mental Health – https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/ Helps connect you to local services for mental health support. Call 1800 595 212.
• MensLine Australia – https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/ Free 24/7 telephone and online counselling for men. Call 1300 78 99 78 or chat online.
• Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorders) – https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/chat-online/ Provides specialist support for eating disorders. Call 1800 33 4673, 8 am–midnight AEST/AEDT, or chat online.

United Kingdom

• Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/ Offers 24/7 emotional support in complete confidence. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk.
• SHOUT – https://giveusashout.org/ Free 24/7 confidential text support for people in crisis. Text SHOUT to 85258.
• Mind UK – https://www.mind.org.uk/ Provides information and support for those with mental health concerns. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk.
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support A suicide prevention charity offering help for anyone struggling. Call 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat (open 5 pm–midnight daily).
• Beat Eating Disorders – https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ UK-wide support for people with eating disorders. Call 0808 801 0433

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

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #EatingDisorderRecovery #SuicideSurvivor #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #CaregiverSupport #MentalHealthJourney #PodcastRecommendations #DBTtherapy #WomenInPodcasting #PeopleChoiceAwards #TraumaHealing #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #MentalIllnessRecovery #UKMentalHealth #AustralianHealthcare #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we talk with trauma survivor, speaker, and Author Melissa Osorio, who shares her raw and deeply moving journey of rediscovering her childhood trauma and healing through ayahuasca and intentional self-work.

As a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, a 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and with over 2 million downloads, we’re proud to keep amplifying real, unfiltered stories like Melissa’s.

🎧 We want to hear from YOU! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

We’ve been nominated again — in the Adam Curry and Health categories of the Podcast People’s Choice Awards! Vote for us before July 31, 2025, at:
https://www.podcastawards.com/
(Use a valid email — they’ll verify it!)

Mental Health Quote

“You don’t have to heal all at once—just show up for yourself, one small step at a time.”

What This Episode Covers
In this episode, we explore:

• How suppressed trauma shapes adult identity
• What ayahuasca is—and isn’t
• The path from personal breakdown to community healing
• The importance of safe spaces for trauma processing
• How healing your past transforms your present and impacts future generations

SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, ayahuasca healing, childhood trauma recovery, Melissa Osorio, psychedelic therapy, hidden memories, trauma integration, self-compassion, healing retreats, Rythmia Costa Rica, women’s healing stories, reclaiming your life Meet Our Guest – Melissa Osorio Melissa Osorio is a trauma survivor, speaker, entrepreneur, and author of Hidden Memories: Discover What’s Blocking You From Life and Love. After unlocking long-buried memories of childhood abuse triggered by the sudden death of her father, Melissa found profound healing through ayahuasca. Today, she helps others reclaim their wholeness by teaching at Rythmia, a life advancement retreat center in Costa Rica.

Website: https://melissa-osorio.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaosorio_remembers

Key Takeaways

• Healing isn’t linear — Grief and growth go hand-in-hand.
• Your body remembers what your mind forgets — Trauma is stored physically and spiritually.
• You don’t have to be where you’ve always been — Sometimes, the most significant healing starts with a single step in a new direction.

Actionable Tools From This Episode

• Practice Self-Compassion Daily: Start your morning by saying one kind thing to yourself out loud.
• Choose Community Over Isolation: Join a healing circle, retreat, or online support group—even if it feels scary.
• Educate Yourself on Trauma: Read Melissa’s book or others that explain the neuroscience behind trauma and healing.

Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and Welcome 01:07 – Melissa's journey from the East Coast to San Diego 04:23 – The moment everything changed: “You don’t have to be here anymore.” 10:46 – Melissa’s early life, family secrets, and childhood in Venezuela 15:22 – Discovering Rythmia and ayahuasca 18:56 – Remembering the trauma and understanding hidden memories 24:29 – The grief cycle and navigating acceptance 28:04 – Life after the retreat: What integration means 33:36 – Finding purpose through healing and becoming a teacher 41:47 – Healing later in life and how it helps your family too 46:19 – Advice to your younger self & reclaiming your essence 49:43 – Melissa’s tools for self-love and daily care References

• Hidden Memories: Discover What’s Blocking You From Life and Love by Melissa Osorio
• Rythmia Life Advancement Center – https://rythmia.com
• Cast Feedback – https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a
• Vote in the 2025 Podcast People’s Choice Awards – https://www.podcastawards.com/

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! If this episode touched you, subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. Please leave us a review, and share it with a friend. Help us keep the conversation going at: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #AyahuascaHealing #TraumaRecovery #HiddenMemories #MelissaOsorio #PsychedelicTherapy #SelfCompassion #HealingJourney #DirtySkittles #GRex #Podmatch #WomensMentalHealth #EmotionalWellbeing #Rythmia #ChildhoodHealing #PodcastAwards2025 #HealingWithAyahuasca #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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we’re joined by Marie Alessi — grief advocate, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author. After the sudden loss of her husband, Marie found herself raising two young sons while navigating an ocean of grief. But instead of sinking, she built a new life rooted in healing, purpose, and compassion.

This episode is an honest and inspiring conversation about choosing resilience over despair, finding strength in vulnerability, and how emotional intelligence transforms the way we support each other through grief.

We’re honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over 2 million downloads and a growing global community.

Help Us Win Again! We've been nominated for the 2025 Podcast People’s Choice Awards in two categories: The Adam Curry Category and Health. Vote before July 31, 2025, at: https://www.podcastawards.com/ (Use a valid email address — email verification is required.) Share Your Feedback We’d love to hear from you. Send us your thoughts, questions, or personal stories using this link: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Quote from the Episode

“When you fall apart, you see what's left in you — and that was power.” — Marie Alessi

Episode Description After losing her husband to a sudden brain aneurysm, Marie Alessi was thrust into a new reality: single parenthood, unimaginable grief, and a choice — stay buried in sorrow or rise and heal. She chose healing.

In this episode, we explore the mental, emotional, and spiritual components of grief, parenting through trauma, and how mindset can change everything. Whether you're experiencing loss or supporting someone who is, Marie’s journey will leave you with tools, hope, and a reminder that light can exist even in the darkest spaces.

SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, grief and healing, emotional intelligence for kids, Marie Alessi interview, overcoming trauma, support for widows, healing journey, grief support, parenting through grief, resilience after loss

Meet Our Guest: Marie Alessi Marie Alessi is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and internationally recognized grief advocate. She became a widow at age 45 and turned her personal tragedy into a movement to help others heal after loss. Through books, retreats, and coaching, Marie has guided thousands in transforming grief into a catalyst for growth.

• Website: https://www.mariealessi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.alessi.speaker
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarieAlessiPublicFigure
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-alessi

Key Takeaways

• Grief isn’t just sadness — it can also be the gateway to empowerment and connection.
• Children need more than comfort — they need the language to name their emotions.
• Allowing support into your life is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Actionable Items

• When helping a grieving friend, offer specific options (e.g., “Tuesday or Thursday?”) instead of saying “Call me if you need anything.”
• Use affirming grief language: “There’s a space in my heart for them,” rather than “There’s a hole in my heart.”
• Write a letter from your loved one to yourself — a powerful reframe for healing and self-connection.

Chapters & Timestamps

• [00:01:36] Marie on Being in a Good Place — mindset, structure, and allowing help
• [00:04:20] Therapy at 21 — breaking out of the victim mindset
• [00:20:53] The Day Rob Died — shock, intuition, and loss
• [00:27:13] Spiritual Epiphany — soul contracts and acceptance
• [00:29:51] Grieving Kids — helping children name and process emotions
• [00:40:26] Power in Falling Apart — grief as transformation
• [00:56:56] Self-Love as the Hardest Lesson — unconditional acceptance

Mental Health & Grief Resources: Tools, Books, and Education Books & Tools

• Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood This book helped Marie recognize relationship patterns that were rooted in unresolved emotional trauma, and ultimately led her to therapy. *(Search on Amazon or local bookstores.)*
• Books by Marie Alessi Explore Marie’s personal stories and healing frameworks in her published works. https://www.mariealessi.com/

Education & Community

• Simon Sinek’s “8 Minutes” (YouTube) A short but emotional talk on the importance of truly listening. It Means "I Need You": The Power of 8 Minutes
• Children’s Collaborative (US) An organization bringing grief education to schools is essential for emotional development and peer understanding. https://childrenscollaborative.us/

Special Shout-Out: Women Supporting Women A big thank you to Melissa Crook of The F.E.E.L Podcast, who is helping women reconnect with themselves through intentional wellness.

• Learn More: https://www.embracinglayers.com/
• Enroll in the Course: Course Link
• Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-L-Fueled-Life-Empowerment/dp/B0FCDML1FB

Subscribe, Rate & Review Love the show? Please subscribe, rate us, and leave a review. Every comment helps us grow and reach more people who need these conversations.

Leave a review: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #GriefHealing #EmotionalIntelligence #MarieAlessi #PodcastCommunity #HealingAfterLoss #MentalHealthMatters #SelfLoveJourney #NormalizeGrief #WidowSupport #ParentingThroughGrief #GriefSupport #WomenInPodcasting #PodcastAwards2025 #Grex #DirtySkittles #MindsetShift #GriefEmpowerment #SpeakYourTruth #PodMatch

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this emotionally charged episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, addiction recovery expert and entrepreneur Richard Taite shares the powerful story of how he turned his own struggles with addiction and trauma into a mission to save lives and create lasting change. From founding groundbreaking treatment centers to launching a top-ranked podcast, Richard speaks candidly about healing, purpose, and fighting back against the fentanyl crisis.

We’re proud to be the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and have been heard in over 80 countries with more than 1.8 million downloads.

We’d love your feedback—whether you want to drop us a note or a voice message, visit: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

We’ve also been nominated for the 2025 Podcast People's Choice Awards in the Adam Curry and Health categories. Voting is open until July 31, 2025, at https://www.podcastawards.com/. Please ensure you use a valid email address, as verification is required. Thank you so much for your support!

Mental Health Quote from the Episode

“What kills people is not knowing that they’re loved and worthy of healing.”

Episode Description Richard Taite’s life and work are proof that healing from addiction isn’t just possible—it’s purposeful. In this raw and timely conversation, Richard opens up about the abuse and trauma that led him into addiction, how he clawed his way to sobriety, and why he’s using his platform to fight back against the fentanyl epidemic.

As the founder of multiple top-tier treatment centers and host of the #3-ranked mental health podcast, We’re Out of Time, Richard delivers powerful insights on recovery, identity, and what the system gets wrong—and right—about addiction. He shares the emotional cost of being publicly successful but privately broken, as well as the crucial role of compassion, data, and honesty in saving lives.

SEO Keywords: addiction recovery, fentanyl crisis, Richard Taite interview, trauma and healing, mental health and sobriety, men in recovery, overcoming childhood abuse, treatment centers, purpose after addiction, solutions for the opioid crisis, recovery podcast, drug overdose awareness, healing from trauma

Meet Our Guest: Richard Taite Richard Taite – Addiction Recovery Expert | Founder | Advocate | Host of “We’re Out of Time”

Richard Taite is a nationally recognized leader in addiction recovery and trauma-informed care. He is the founder and executive chairman of Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa and 1 Method, and the former founder of Cliffside Malibu. Across decades of work, Richard has helped thousands—including celebrities and high-risk individuals—achieve lasting recovery.

Currently hosting the acclaimed podcast We’re Out of Time, Richard is using his platform to advocate for urgent national action on fentanyl, overdose prevention, and compassionate recovery services. His life is a testament to the idea that recovery is not only possible but also transformational.

Connect with Richard Taite:
Website: http://wereoutoftime.com
Twitter: https://x.com/RichardTaite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardtaiteofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardTaiteOfficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtaite/

Key Takeaways

• The root of addiction is often deep trauma and shame, not just chemical dependency.
• Compassion, structure, and data must all be part of effective treatment.
• Your past does not define you; purpose and healing are always possible.

Actionable Items

• Educate yourself and loved ones on the signs of fentanyl exposure and how to respond.
• Listen to We’re Out of Time to understand the real-time impact of the addiction crisis: http://wereoutoftime.com
• Practice telling your own story, even if just to yourself—it’s the first step to healing.

Chapter Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction & how Richard met G-Rex
• 03:10 – Richard’s childhood trauma and roots of addiction
• 09:30 – The spark that led to sobriety
• 14:00 – Building treatment centers rooted in empathy and science
• 18:45 – Why addiction treatment in America needs to evolve
• 22:30 – What the fentanyl crisis is doing to families
• 27:00 – Mental health, identity, and finding purpose
• 32:20 – Starting We’re Out of Time and sounding the alarm
• 38:00 – Final thoughts: compassion and accountability

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #FentanylCrisis #RichardTaite #TraumaHealing #OverdosePrevention #Grex #DirtySkittles #RecoveryIsPossible #HealingThroughPurpose #DrugAddictionAwareness #OpioidCrisis #SoberLiving #PodcastAwardWinner #CarraraTreatment #WereOutOfTimePodcast #MenAndMentalHealth #RecoveryWarrior #AddictionAndHealing Subscribe, Rate & Review Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories and authentic conversations around mental health. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform or visit our website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, championship football coach Tim Racki opens up about his personal journey through mental health struggles, burnout, identity, and self-reflection. With humor, honesty, and heart, Tim shares how success on the outside can mask deep internal battles—and how he's rewriting his life's playbook.

We’re honored to be the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and proud to have reached over 1.8 million downloads globally.

📣 We want your feedback! Drop us a message (text or voice) here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

🏆 We’ve been nominated again! Vote for us in the Adam Curry and Health categories at the 2025 Podcast People's Choice Awards before July 31 at https://www.podcastawards.com/. You must use a valid email—they verify it.

Mental Health Quote from the Episode

“You can be confident without being a bragging asshole. I just started practicing what I preach—and it’s changing everything.” — Tim Racki

Episode Description This candid conversation with Tim Racki—a 10× State Champion Coach and Hall of Famer—unpacks the emotional toll of leadership and the silence behind success. Despite public accolades, Tim reveals how coaching masked internal turmoil, how performance identity shaped his personal life, and why he finally made the decision to care for his mental health.

He talks about the moment of clarity that sparked change, the deep shame he felt, and how daily habits are helping him rebuild trust in himself and reconnect with his family. Tim’s story is a roadmap for any man struggling with unspoken emotions or feeling trapped by expectations.

SEO Keywords: masculinity and mental health, coaching and burnout, men’s mental wellness, mental health in sports, emotional resilience, athlete identity crisis, performance anxiety, leadership and therapy, mental health for men, fatherhood and vulnerability

Meet Our Guest: Tim Racki Tim Racki – 10× State Champion Coach | Hall of Famer | Mental Resilience Advocate

Tim Racki is one of the most accomplished high school football coaches in the United States. Over a 26-year head coaching career, he's secured 10 Illinois state titles, made 12 state title appearances, and built powerhouse programs with lasting legacies. Beyond wins, Tim is known for his integrity, mentorship, and transformational leadership.

But behind the accolades is a deeply human story of depression, identity crisis, and the struggle to balance coaching with fatherhood and marriage. Today, Tim speaks openly about mental health in leadership and the importance of vulnerability, reflection, and small daily changes.

Connect with Tim Racki:
Twitter: https://x.com/CoachRacki
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576018534735
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachracki
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachracki/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-racki-a43294a/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/coachracki

Key Takeaways

• Even championship leaders can feel lost—success doesn’t equal peace.
• Vulnerability and presence are more powerful than titles.
• Mental health for men is overdue for normalization, especially in coaching culture.

Actionable Items

• Start each day with one intentional change that prioritizes your mental wellness.
• Reflect on how you're showing up at home, not just at work or in your leadership role.
• Listen to your own advice. If you support others, offer that same compassion to yourself.

Chapter Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome + Football roots & identity
• 04:00 – Childhood, coaching influences, and early trauma
• 08:00 – Playing through pain & performance anxiety
• 13:00 – Standing up to bullies & leadership lessons
• 18:00 – Coaching wins vs. personal losses
• 20:00 – The epiphany moment: March madness and a friend’s confession
• 24:00 – Shame, presence, and learning to be a better husband and father
• 30:00 – Small habits that sparked massive change
• 34:00 – Applying the coaching playbook to his own life
• 38:00 – Advice for other men and coaches facing mental health challenges
• 42:00 – Listener questions: self-care, balance, and theme songs
• 46:00 – How to connect with Tim Racki

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #MensMentalHealth #TimRacki #Grex #DirtySkittles
#LeadershipAndMentalHealth #AthleteWellness #BurnoutRecovery #FatherhoodAndHealing #TherapyForMen #FootballAndMentalHealth #CoachTalk #VulnerabilityIsStrength
#PodcastAwardWinner #SelfCareForCoaches #EmotionalResilience #ImposterSyndrome
#ToughConversations

Subscribe, Rate & Review Love what you heard? Subscribe for more raw and real conversations on mental health and personal growth. ⭐️ Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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’re kicking off Season 12 of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads with a deeply healing, no-fluff conversation featuring returning guest Kate King. This episode explores how to protect your peace through boundaries, reset your nervous system with intentional practices, and reconnect with joy, even when the world feels overwhelming.

Joining us once again, Kate shares accessible strategies for managing emotional burnout, practicing brain-heart coherence, and building habits that support authentic, sustainable mental wellness. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just tuning in this season opener is a reminder that you have more control over your mental health than you think.

We're proud to celebrate some incredible milestones with our community:
2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner – Health
2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner – Best Mental Health Podcast
With over 1.8 million downloads, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads continues to break the stigma by creating honest, relatable, and supportive conversations around mental health.

We’ve been nominated again for the 2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards in TWO major categories:

• Adam Curry Category
• Health Category

We need your support! Vote before July 31, 2025: Visit https://www.podcastawards.com/ and register with a valid email address (required for vote verification). Your vote makes a huge difference in amplifying real conversations that matter. Thank you for standing with us!

Got something to say? We want to hear from you.
Share your thoughts, feedback, or a story — written or voice message — right here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote from Kate: “Every cell in your body is listening to the words you say about yourself.”

What This Episode Is About This episode centers on mental health resilience, as Kate King guides us through how to tune in to our bodies, protect our energy, and create practical shifts for emotional balance. We cover how to spot burnout, how to reinforce boundaries that actually stick, and why brain-heart coherence is one of the most effective (and simple) tools to ground yourself in gratitude and calm. Meet Our Guest – Kate King Kate King is the founder of The Radiant Life Project, a Radiant Life Coach, a Board-Certified Art Therapist, an award-winning author, and a former Licensed Professional Counselor with 17+ years of experience. Kate’s work blends neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and creative practice to help people live fuller, more meaningful lives.

Her signature approach empowers people to access inner healing and joy through self-expression, conscious awareness, and daily rituals that foster a mind-body connection.

Kate’s Work Includes:

• The Radiant Life Project – a guide for cultivating creativity, healing, and authenticity
• The Authentic Mother – a therapeutic companion for new parents
• Ink & Wings Oracle Deck – a 46-card original art deck for intuitive reflection
• Retreats, public speaking, coaching, and creative consulting

Connect with Kate: 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/ References

• HeartMath Institute – Science-based research on brain-heart coherence https://www.heartmath.org
• Reasons to Be Cheerful – Positive news media alternative mentioned by Kate https://reasonstobecheerful.world
• The Radiant Life Project by Kate King – Available wherever books are sold
• The Authentic Mother by Kate King – A guide for new parents
• Ink & Wings Oracle Deck – Kate’s original artwork for intuitive reflection

Key Takeaways

1. Boundaries protect your peace, not your relationships. They’re commitments you keep to yourself.
2. Your nervous system needs support—small choices, such as media detox, movement, and mindful breathing, matter.
3. Gratitude-centered practices, such as brain-heart coherence, can shift your emotional and physiological state in just a few minutes.

Actionable Items

1. Practice 3 minutes of brain-heart coherence daily — focus on your heart, breathe deeply, and hold a moment of gratitude.
2. Create a few go-to responses for setting boundaries when emotions run high.
3. Audit your inputs — follow accounts and consume content that uplifts and grounds you.

Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Season 12 + intro to Kate 02:15 – Why joy is non-negotiable in difficult times 05:01 – Nervous system fatigue, art therapy, and daily rituals 10:26 – Protecting your peace by curating your media intake 16:12 – The difference between requests and boundaries 21:45 – Playfulness, laughter, and shifting your energy 31:05 – Kate’s new book, Mend or Move On (out Jan 2026) 33:20 – What is brain-heart coherence, and how to start 36:40 – Positive self-talk, healing, and personal empowerment

 

Special Shout-Out: Women Support Women – Featuring Melissa Crook from The F.E.E.L Podcast

New Empowerment Course for Women: Unlock Your Power. Reclaim Your Wellness. Live Fully.

New Course Launch! Embrace a F.E.E.L Fueled Life

Are you ready to prioritize yourself—authentically, unapologetically, and powerfully?
Melissa Crook of The F.E.E.L Podcast has launched her new online course:
Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life: Empowerment & Wellness Course for Women — now live!

This self-paced, soul-nourishing experience is designed for women 20 and older who are ready to reclaim their wellness, set powerful boundaries, and reconnect with their emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Built on Melissa’s transformational F.E.E.L Framework (Finding Empowerment, Embracing Layers), this course provides tools, teachings, and reflection points designed to help you heal from burnout, anxiety, and chronic people-pleasing.

Optional live Zoom Q&As
Supportive community + real stories of transformation
“I felt seen, supported, and gently guided back to myself.”

Purchase the Course:
https://www.patreon.com/EmbracingLayersNetwork/shop/embracing-f-e-e-l-fueled-life-wellness-1708477?source=storefront

Grab the Companion Workbook on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-L-Fueled-Life-Empowerment/dp/B0FCDML1FB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E9KA0XFQT6Z3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dtZbsWKYiHKO3bnkUfPbFw.7C4950BDSPdNmbV_E0aExGI7nmPO4nFkaz4Yk-VveVc&dib_tag=se&keywords=embracing+a+f.e.e.l+fueled+life&qid=1750887298&sprefix=Embracing+A+%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-1

Step into your power. Live fully. Start your F.E.E.L Fueled journey today.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
If this episode moved you, share it with someone who could use it.
Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, wherever you listen to podcasts.
Leave a review here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles
#KateKing #RadiantLifeProject #PodcastSeason12 #BrainHeartCoherence
#TherapyTools #BoundariesMatter #NervousSystemHealing #SelfCompassion
#HealingThroughArt #WomenInPodcasting #PodcastAwards2025 #BurnoutRecovery
#AuthenticLiving #CreativeHealing #EmotionalWellness #GratitudePractice

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 11 is officially wrapped — and your co-hosts are here to reflect, laugh, and get real about the growth, grief, and grace it took to get here.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles open up about their personal evolution this season: from 5 a.m. emotional check-in calls to big podcasting milestones, creative breakthroughs, and boundary-setting victories. G-Rex shares the excitement (and vulnerability) of completing the third draft of her book, and how this podcast continues to be a vehicle for her to find her voice. Dirty Skittles dives into parenting while healing — breaking cycles, confronting generational trauma, and practicing the daily work of protecting her peace.

Together, they revisit the most powerful moments from Season 11, relive the laughs, and explore the deep mental health themes that emerged, especially the recurring need for boundaries, rest, and honest conversations.

We’re proud to be your 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1.5 million downloads, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has become more than a podcast — it’s a community.

We want to hear from you. Leave us a voice message or written note here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

“You’re never fixed. You fight for yourself. You say no when it matters. You protect your peace, over and over again.” — Dirty Skittles

What’s Inside This Episode

• Reflections on G-Rex and Dirty Skittles’ personal growth
• The boundary theme that echoed through every interview
• Laughter, loss, and moments of transformation
• Guest insights that changed our perspective
• A look at what’s ahead in Season 12

Meet Our Season 11 Guests Every guest this season brought honesty, resilience, and fresh perspective. Here’s a recap, in order, with key takeaways and actionable insights you can apply to your own journey: 1. Bonnie–People–Pleaser Turned Boundary-Setter Takeaways:

• Boundaries are an act of self-respect
• Saying “no” is its own kind of healing

Action Steps:

• Practice saying “no” without apology
• Identify one boundary you’ve outgrown — and reset it

2. Pearl – Grief, Goodbye, and Growth Takeaways:

• You can grieve relationships while choosing peace
• Transforming pain into purpose is powerful

Action Steps:

• Write a goodbye letter to something or someone holding you back
• Channel grief into something creative or supportive

3. Val – Living with OCD and Intrusive Thoughts Takeaways:

• OCD involves much more than cleanliness
• Intrusive thoughts are common and manageable

Action Steps:

• Learn more at https://iocdf.org
• Practice compassion when someone shares their mental health struggle

4. Suzanne – The NOPE Coach Takeaways:

• “No” is not rude — it’s necessary
• Boundaries are a muscle you build

Action Steps:

• Say no to one thing that drains you
• Make a list of your top five energy boundaries

5. Stephanie – Understanding Irrational Fears Takeaways:

• All fears deserve space and understanding
• Humor helps in facing what scares us

Action Steps:

• Talk openly about a fear you’ve hidden
• Try journaling about its origins and emotional impact

6. Linda – Crystal Sister and Grief Survivor Takeaways:

• It’s possible to carry both joy and grief
• Choosing joy is a form of resilience

Action Steps:

• Start a simple daily gratitude list
• Light a candle in honor of someone you miss and say their name aloud

7. Yalda – Postpartum Psychosis and Advocacy Takeaways:

• Maternal mental health needs more open dialogue
• Recovery can begin with a single brave conversation

Action Steps:

• Share this episode with a new mom
• Visit https://postpartum.net for resources and support

8. Amy – Childhood Trauma to Community Builder Takeaways:

• You can rewrite your narrative
• Healing thrives in community

Action Steps:

• Plant something symbolic of growth
• Create or join a support circle in your area

9. Austin – From Surviving to Leading Takeaways:

• Childhood trauma can fuel meaningful purpose
• Safe adults change lives

Action Steps:

• Volunteer with a youth program
• Write a list of lessons you wish you knew at age 10

10. Ilise – Therapist, Podcaster, Joy Seeker Takeaways:

• Boundaries are lifelong work
• Reclaiming joy is a form of healing

Action Steps:

• Reconnect with a hobby that makes you feel free
• Remove one “should” from your weekly routine

Special Shout-Out: Women Supporting Women A huge thank you to Melissa Crook of The F.E.E.L Podcast, who’s helping women redefine wellness through her new course:

Find out more about Melissa here - https://www.embracinglayers.com/

Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life: Empowerment & Wellness Course for Women
A self-paced, whole-self journey designed to help women 20+ prioritize themselves, embrace their layers, and reconnect with emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Enroll in the course:
https://www.patreon.com/EmbracingLayersNetwork/shop/embracing-f-e-e-l-fueled-life-wellness-1708477?source=storefront

Workbook available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-L-Fueled-Life-Empowerment/dp/B0FCDML1FB

Episode Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:43 – Season 11 Wrap-Up Begins
• 02:46 – Looking Back: Early Seasons to Now
• 03:33 – Bonnie & the Boundary Theme
• 06:01 – Pearl’s Goodbye Letter
• 07:25 – Val’s OCD & Intrusive Thoughts
• 09:15 – Suzanne and the Power of “No”
• 11:03 – Stephanie’s Whale-Sized Fears
• 13:10 – Linda’s Losses and Light
• 14:28 – Yalda’s Postpartum Mental Health Story
• 16:43 – Amy’s Garden of Healing
• 18:45 – Austin’s Purpose Path
• 20:50 – Ilise’s Joy and Boundaries
• 22:45 – Listener Reflections & Season 12 Preview

Subscribe, Rate & Review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and help us continue to break the stigma. Leave a rating, review, or some love here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

Drop us your feedback or a voice message:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #GRex #DirtySkittles #PostpartumSupport #BoundariesMatter #OCDawareness #TraumaHealing #WomenInPodcasting #PodcastLife #JoyIsResistance #PeoplePleasingRecovery #HealingJourney #EndTheStigma
#TherapyIsCool #SelfCare #MentalWellness #EmpowermentTools #Season11Finale

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this powerful and heartfelt episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we sit down with Ilise Litwin—therapist, author, podcaster, and unapologetically authentic human—to explore how navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and toxic relationships can lead to personal empowerment. Ilise opens up about the healing power of empathy, the toll of social media on mental wellness, and what it means to truly show up for yourself.

We’re not just any podcast—we’re the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and we’re proud to have over 1 million downloads. Your voice matters to us! Please share your thoughts or leave us a voice message here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote from the Episode: “You can be me-centric without being selfish. You can still give to others, but the focus should always come back to you.” — Ilise Litwin

What This Episode is About: This episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a raw and empowering look at what it means to navigate mental health in a world that often tells us to “just keep going.” Our guest, Ilise Litwin, joins us to explore how anxiety, trauma, social media fatigue, and emotional burnout can evolve into tools for personal growth when we stop pretending to have it all together.

With humor, heart, and unfiltered honesty, Ilise shares her story of reinvention—from working in locked psychiatric units to building a life grounded in radical self-care and the freedom to be playful again. We explore what it means to be empathic in a chaotic world, how boundaries can protect our joy, and why reconnecting with your inner child might just be the best therapy of all.

Whether you’re a parent juggling too much, someone struggling with anxiety, or simply feeling burned out, this episode will inspire you to redefine what it means to heal—and to do it on your own terms.

Meet Our Guest – Ilise Litwin Ilise Litwin, aka "The Fiery Redhead," is a bold and dynamic podcaster, author, motivational speaker, and therapist. A graduate of the University of Florida with credentials as a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, Ilise spent years working in acute psychiatric units, where she helped patients build coping skills to reintegrate into life.

Her podcast Wide Open Spaces blends edgy storytelling with mental health truths, sparking honest conversations that challenge societal norms. Her book, Wanderlust Within: A Journey to Self-Discovery, distills her podcast’s most impactful moments into a transformational guide. Ilise is known for her transparency, authenticity, and empowering message that healing begins with truth.

• Website: https://wideopenspaceswithilise.com
• Podcast: https://wideopenspaces.podbean.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/102097171634382
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wideopenspaceswithilise
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilise-litwin-3a04051b7/

Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy is powerful, but protect your peace. Being empathic is a gift, but it can become a burden without healthy boundaries.
2. Anxiety is not a flaw. It's often a result of external pressure or biology, not a failure. Learn to adjust your coping tools.
3. Joy is healing. Reconnecting with your inner child through play, laughter, and creativity can be a powerful form of mental self-care.

Actionable Tips:

1. Set a Social Media Detox Routine. Schedule weekly screen-free days and use automation to reduce emotional overload.
2. Reclaim Playtime. Draw, dance, wear costumes, or revisit childhood hobbies to reconnect with joy.
3. Visualize Boundaries. Use mental imagery (like protective bubbles) to manage emotional overload and stay grounded.

Chapters & Timestamps:

• [00:03:19] – Choosing authenticity over approval
• [00:06:30] – Mental health professionals are human too
• [00:10:27] – The anxiety of social media and how to manage it
• [00:17:14] – Empathy burnout and boundary-setting
• [00:20:22] – Redefining “me-centric” as healthy, not selfish
• [00:25:14] – Parenting, play, and presence
• [00:31:25] – Reconnecting with passions and creative joy
• [00:36:00] – Protecting your peace in a chaotic world
• [00:41:03] – Daily rituals and nature as self-care
• [00:43:16] – How to find Ilise and her work

References:

• Wanderlust Within: A Journey to Self-Discovery by Ilise Litwin
• Ilise's podcast: https://wideopenspaces.podbean.com
• Mental health resource: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe for more real conversations that break stigma and spark healing. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #IliseLitwin #SelfCareTools #InnerChildHealing #EmpathyBurnout #SocialMediaAndMentalHealth #TherapistRealTalk #MentalHealthQuotes #WideOpenSpaces #WanderlustWithin #RecreationalTherapy #AuthenticLiving #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #MentalHealthSupport #PodcastInterview #NormalizeMentalHealth

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this powerful episode, we talk with Austin Davis, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Clearfork Academy, about how childhood identity, faith, and resilience shape mental health outcomes.

This episode highlights the intersections of childhood trauma, the search for identity, spiritual awakening, and breaking generational cycles. Austin shares his journey from a 10-year-old tasked with being “the man of the house” to a father, therapist, and founder of a life-changing teen treatment center.

Welcome back to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads—an award-winning mental health podcast with over 1 million downloads! We're honored to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast.

We want to hear from you! Leave us written input or a voice message at:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

"When we focus too hard on not becoming something, we often become exactly that. Healing is found in accepting what made us and choosing differently." – Austin Davis

Meet Our Guest: Austin Davis, LPC-S Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Texas. He holds a B.S. in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University and an M.A. in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary.

Austin’s career bridges the church and clinical mental health worlds. He has served youth through ministry and worked extensively in state mental health hospitals, gaining experience with nearly every mental health diagnosis.

He is the founder of Clearfork Academy, a Christ-centered residential treatment center for teens struggling with mental health and substance use. He thrives on working with clients others might call “difficult,” driven by compassion and clinical skill.

Austin is also the author of My Kid, My Crisis (2023), a moving collection of stories and insights into parenting, faith, and therapeutic transformation in the face of teen mental health challenges.

When he's not working, Austin enjoys being with his family, making music, woodworking, reading, and staying active.

📚 Austin’s Book My Kid, My Crisis – Austin Davis (2023) A collection of real-life stories from the therapy room, My Kid, My Crisis explores the emotional and spiritual journeys of families facing teen mental health and substance use challenges. Through Christ-centered therapy and community, the book offers hope, guidance, and support for parents walking a difficult road. Available now at: https://a.co/d/0QMcKSd 📌 Key Takeaways

1. Labels Matter: Childhood roles, like being told you're “the man of the house,” can deeply shape identity and emotional development.
2. Faith as a Framework: Finding purpose and healing through spirituality helped Austin redirect his life, and now he helps others do the same.
3. Building Early Interventions: Clearfork Academy is designed to help teens pivot in life before reaching a crisis point in adulthood.

✅ Actionable Items

1. Explore Your Own Origin Story – Journaling your earliest roles and expectations can uncover hidden beliefs that impact your mental health.
2. Start Mental Health Conversations Early—Whether your teen is showing symptoms or not, open dialogue is preventive care.
3. Set a Grounding Routine – Mornings that include mindfulness, journaling, or prayer can regulate emotions and prepare you for daily challenges.

🕰️ Episode Chapters

• [00:01:00] – Austin opens up: A 10-year-old becomes “man of the house”
• [00:07:50] – Choosing church over chaos: How faith saved his life
• [00:11:30] – Launching Clearfork Academy while raising three toddlers
• [00:17:30] – Why early adolescence matters in recovery
• [00:20:30] – Balancing heart and business in mental health care
• [00:22:00] – Advice to his younger self: “God is in control. You don’t have to be.”
• [00:24:30] – Learning the art of surrendering outcomes
• [00:25:58] – Real-world advice for parents on teen addiction

🔗 Resources

• Austin’s Book: My Kid, My Crisis – https://a.co/d/0QMcKSd
• Clearfork Academy: https://clearforkacademy.com/
• Podcast Feedback: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a
• Our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #AustinDavis #ClearforkAcademy #FaithAndHealing #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingAndMentalHealth #ChildhoodTrauma #MyKidMyCrisis #TherapyWorks #MentalHealthSupport #SubstanceAbuseRecovery #MensMentalHealth #PodcastForParents #HopeAndHealing #BreakingTheCycle #ChristianTherapy #YouthRecovery

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)
• Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

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In this episode, Amy Fagan shares her raw and honest story of navigating anxiety, low self-worth, and emotional recovery. She offers listeners a window into her healing process through community, creativity, and podcasting.

We are proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1 million downloads, we’re honored to be part of your journey.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Share your thoughts or leave us a voice message at:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

"Healing is not about fixing what is broken; it’s about discovering what is still whole."

Episode Description: Amy Fagan, host of the “Grounded in Maine” podcast, brings heartfelt wisdom to this powerful conversation. From struggling with an inferiority complex rooted in childhood to facing betrayal and rebuilding life after divorce, Amy opens up about the deeply personal experiences that shaped her emotional landscape.

Through her story, listeners will find relatable moments of vulnerability and resilience. Amy shows how podcasting, sustainable living, and supportive friendships have given her the strength to push through anxiety and embrace her self-worth. This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible.

Meet Our Guest: Amy Fagan Amy is the heart and voice of the “Grounded in Maine” podcast. She explores sustainability, homesteading, and building authentic communities. A New England native, Amy speaks candidly about her battles with anxiety, low self-esteem, and the deep wounds of betrayal. Through vulnerability and resilience, Amy inspires others to reclaim their stories and find healing in connection.

🔗 Website: https://linktr.ee/groundedinmainepodcast?
🎙 Podcast: Grounded in Maine

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-Worth Isn’t Tied to Success
2. Community is Medicine
3. Creativity as a Lifeline

Actionable Items:

1. Surround Yourself With Uplifting People
2. Use Creative Outlets to Heal
3. Redefine Success in Personal Terms

Episode Chapters:

• 00:03:57 – Amy's early struggle with self-worth and critical family dynamics
• 00:06:14 – Launching the Grounded in Maine podcast: purpose over perfection
• 00:10:44 – The emotional devastation of betrayal and divorce
• 00:13:16 – How podcasting became Amy’s emotional oxygen
• 00:17:29 – Therapy challenges and redefining what healing looks like
• 00:25:01 – Amy’s view on success and the intersection of passion and purpose
• 00:30:35 – Her dream to purchase farmland and build a community-centric retreat
• 00:35:52 – The joy of farming and building food security
• 00:42:38 – Advice to her younger self and reflections on self-worth

References:

• Grounded in Maine Podcast: https://linktr.ee/groundedinmainepodcast?
• Our Podcast Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews
• Feedback Portal: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Don’t miss an episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a rating, and tell the world what you think! Visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #GroundedInMaine #SelfWorthJourney #HealingThroughConnection #PodcastTherapy #Grex #DirtySkittles #SustainabilityMatters #AuthenticLiving #HealingTrauma #DivorceRecovery #EmpowermentThroughPodcasting #CommunityHealing #FarmDreams #JamMakingTherapy #EmotionalWellness #WomensVoicesMatter #SupportLocalFarms #MindfulLiving!

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this episode, we speak with Yalda Kazemi — mental health advocate, speaker, and author — as she shares the deeply personal and often unspoken truth of surviving severe postpartum depression, facing suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts, and ultimately finding her purpose through healing. If you've ever struggled with mental illness, questioned your worth, or felt misunderstood, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone.

We want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts or leave us a voice message here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Welcome to another powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1 million downloads, we’re proud to bring you real and unapologetic conversations about mental health every week.

Mental Health Quote of the Episode “Mental illness has no face. There is no look to it. You can appear put together and still be fighting the darkest battles inside.” — Yalda Kazemi Episode Description In this moving conversation, Yalda Kazemi shares her lived experience with postpartum depression, maternal mental health, and mental illness recovery. From being hospitalized in a psych ward to almost losing herself in the depths of postpartum psychosis, Yalda now uses her story to educate others, advocate for change, and empower families through their darkest moments. Listeners will gain powerful insights into the emotional complexity of postpartum mental illness and the importance of support systems, self-advocacy, and breaking stigma. Meet Our Guest – Yalda Kazemi Yalda Kazemi is a Speaker, Author, Mental Health Advocate, Educator, and Policy Consultant focused on dismantling stigma around mental illness. She is the founder of Yalda Kazemi Consulting and the author of Unapologetic Truths: The Realities of Postpartum We Don’t Talk About. Yalda speaks widely on corporate wellness, resilience, and women’s mental health related to postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.

• Website: https://www.yaldakazemi.com
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/yalda-kazemi-2864b129

Key Takeaways

1. Mental illness is not a personal failing. It's not a choice, and shame should never be part of the equation.
2. Recovery is possible. With support, medical care, and openness, healing can and does happen.
3. There is strength in vulnerability. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Actionable Insights

1. Learn the signs of postpartum mental illness so you can recognize it in yourself or support others.
2. Build open conversations around mental health in families, communities, and workplaces.
3. Normalize seeking professional help through therapy, medication, or hospitalization when needed.

Episode Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction by G Rex and Dirty Skittles
• 01:10 – Yalda's background and why she speaks so openly
• 03:43 – Her childbirth experience and immediate emotional disconnection
• 05:23 – The moment of diagnosis and fears about medication
• 10:03 – Intrusive thoughts and psychosis escalate
• 13:34 – Yalda checks into the psych ward
• 15:22 – Talking to her son about mental illness
• 17:56 – Postpartum tools prepare her for perimenopause
• 21:00 – Facing judgment and stigma head-on
• 26:35 – Teaching her son about mental health
• 36:39 – Losing support from close friends
• 40:08 – Gratitude, healing, and daily self-care

References

• Unapologetic Truths: The Realities of Postpartum We Don’t Talk About by Yalda Kazemi: https://www.yaldakazemi.com/book
• Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net
• Mental Health Resource Guide: https://www.nami.org

 

Subscribe, Rate, and Review Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads for more honest, bold, and healing conversations around mental health.

Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or leave a review at:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

We appreciate every voice. Your feedback makes this community stronger.

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PostpartumDepression #MaternalMentalHealth
#PerinatalSupport #MentalIllnessRecovery #SuicidePrevention #WomenSupportingWomen
#MentalHealthMatters #BreakingTheStigma #YaldaKazemi #Grex #DirtySkittles #MentalHealthCommunity #PostpartumHealing #SelfCareIsEssential #PsychWardRecovery
#UnapologeticTruths #PodcastForChange#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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Lynda Hugessen, a sobriety advocate, crystal healing artisan, and grief support champion. Lynda shares her powerful journey—from a turbulent childhood and struggles with addiction to a cancer diagnosis and the devastating loss of her son Ryan to alcoholism—and how she found a way to rebuild her life by helping others reclaim theirs.

Note: Since this recording, Lynda has decided not to pursue Inner Glow Rising as a formal platform. Her healing journey continues in new and meaningful directions.

We’re proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over one million downloads worldwide. Thank you for helping us break the stigma and create a safe space for mental health conversations.

🎙️ We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a voice message or written feedback at:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Quote of the Episode

“If we come together as a community and support one another, we can help each other heal. We can help each other find our inner glow again.” – Lynda Hugessen

What This Episode Is Really About Grief, Growth, and the Glow of Healing

Lynda Hugessen opens up about facing profound personal trauma, from losing her son to the emotional impact of addiction and illness. She reveals how creating healing crystal bracelets helped her move from surviving to thriving. In this conversation, Lynda reminds us that healing doesn't follow a straight line—and that community and creativity can offer meaningful paths forward.

This is an episode for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by grief, trauma, or addiction—and is seeking hope, support, and connection.

Meet Our Guest: Lynda Hugessen Sobriety Advocate | Crystal Healer | Grief Support Voice

• Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/lyndaslovelylooks
• Instagram (Bracelets): @lyndaslovelylooks
• Certified Reiki Master & Crystal Healing Practitioner
• 9+ Years Sober | Cancer Survivor | Mental Health Advocate

Key Takeaways

• Healing Isn’t Linear – Recovery from trauma, addiction, and grief is deeply personal and unfolds over time.
• Creative Expression as Therapy – Designing crystal bracelets helped Lynda reconnect with purpose and healing.
• Purpose from Pain – Lynda’s experiences inspire others to find strength and community through creativity and compassion.

Actionable Tips

• Write affirmations on your mirror to reinforce self-worth and positive thinking.
• Seek out or build a supportive community when navigating trauma or grief.
• Transform pain into purpose through creative outlets or service to others.

Chapters & Time Stamps

• [00:01:12] – Discovering crystals during cancer recovery
• [00:07:42] – Losing her son Ryan to alcoholic liver disease
• [00:16:00] – Her DUI arrest and commitment to sobriety
• [00:21:54] – Cancer diagnosis and its lasting impact
• [00:24:00] – Building community and becoming a happiness facilitator
• [00:34:25] – Advice to her younger self and the power of affirmations
• [00:37:01] – Self-care with vision boards and spiritual practices
• [00:38:48] – Where to find Lynda and support her ongoing work

References & Mentions

• Lynda’s Lovely Looks on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/lyndaslovelylooks
• Instagram (Bracelets): @lyndaslovelylooks

Subscribe, Rate, and Review Love this episode? Want more conversations about real mental health journeys? Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform.

Visit us at: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #GriefSupport #AddictionRecovery #CrystalHealing #EmotionalHealing #SobrietyJourney #TraumaRecovery #MindfulnessMatters #WomenInPodcasting #HealingJourney #SelfLoveTools #AnxietySupport #MentalHealthMatters #SpiritualHealing #ResilienceInGrief #NormalizeMentalHealth

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this special episode, we sit down with Stefani Cohen, a clinical social worker and author of Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs. Together, we explore the often-overlooked anxiety surrounding dog phobias, especially in children, and how these fears can shape emotional development and resilience.

We’re proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over one million downloads worldwide. Thank you for helping us break the stigma and create a safe space for mental health conversations.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a voice message or written feedback at:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Quote of the Episode
"You can't always control fear, but you can control how you respond to it — and that's where real growth happens."
– Inspired by Stefani Cohen’s journey

What This Episode Is Really About: Fear, Healing, and the Power of Understanding

In this heartfelt conversation, Stefani Cohen, LCSW, shares her insights on how childhood fears—especially the fear of dogs—can deeply impact mental health. Drawing from her extensive work as a clinical social worker and her personal experience as a parent, Stefani discusses how these fears often stem from a sense of lost control and how exposure therapy can help children rebuild confidence.

Listeners will discover how fear develops, the role parents play in shaping emotional responses, and how learning about animal behavior can promote emotional intelligence and resilience. This episode blends humor, expert advice, and vulnerability to open up meaningful dialogue about mental health and fear.

Meet Our Guest: Stefani Cohen, LCSW Clinical Social Worker | Author | Educator

• B.A. in Sociology, William Smith College
• Master of Social Work, New York University
• Over 30 years helping parents and children manage anxiety, fear, and emotional regulation
• Specializes in exposure therapy for children afraid of dogs through her unique OFOD protocol

Book: Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs Website: https://overcomefearofdogs.com/ Instagram: @overcomefearofdogs Facebook: OvercomeDogFear LinkedIn: Stefani Cohen, LCSW Key Takeaways

• Phobias Are Real Mental Health Issues: Dog phobias in children are valid and often misunderstood.
• Parental Influence Matters: Children can absorb anxiety from their environment, especially from their parents.
• Understanding Can Replace Fear: Teaching kids to understand dog behavior can build emotional confidence.

Actionable Tips

• Model Calm Behavior: Your reactions around dogs influence how your child feels.
• Use Gradual Exposure: Help children slowly become comfortable with dogs in safe settings.
• Respect Emotional Signals: Encourage awareness of body language in both people and animals.

Chapters & Time Stamps

• [00:01:12] – How Stefani’s daughter’s fear inspired her mission
• [00:02:41] – Four primary ways phobias develop in children
• [00:08:22] – Why boys ages 5–9 are statistically more prone to dog bites
• [00:13:19] – The role of control in childhood fear
• [00:24:18] – Understanding dog consent and the "three-second petting rule"
• [00:28:18] – Rapid-fire: resilience, favorite words, and self-care
• [00:33:31] – Where to find Stefani’s work and connect

References & Mentions

• Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs by Stefani Cohen – overcomefearofdogs.com
• DSM-5 classification of specific phobias
• Child bite prevention research and statistics
• School-based humane education programs and therapy dog visits led by Stefani

Subscribe, Rate, and Review Stay connected for more insightful conversations on mental health. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

Your feedback fuels our mission to make mental health conversations more accessible, honest, and empowering.

 

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #StefaniCohen #OvercomeFearOfDogs #DogPhobiaSupport #ParentingAnxiousKids #PhobiaTherapy #OvercomeFear #MentalHealthMatters #AnxietyInChildren #ResilientParenting #PositiveParenting #TherapyTools #FearOfDogs #EmotionalSupport #NormalizeMentalHealth #PetTherapy #ExposureTherapy

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads! This week, we’re talking about one of the most essential tools for mental well-being: setting boundaries, especially in the workplace. Our guest, Suzanne Culberg, aka The Nope Coach, shares raw truths, hard-earned wisdom, and real-life strategies for saying “no” without burning bridges, losing your mind, or being labeled "difficult."

🎉 Oh, and we’ve got some exciting news! We’re proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, the 2024 Women In Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast, and we’ve hit over 1 million downloads. 🏆 THANK YOU to our awesome listeners!

Got feedback for us? We want to hear it—written or voice, we love it all 💌
Drop yours here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

🧠 Mental Health Quote of the Episode

“Choose discomfort over resentment.” – Brené Brown (as echoed powerfully by Suzanne in this episode)

🎧 What This Episode is About This episode dives into the messy middle of workplace boundaries, people-pleasing, and the societal pressure to say yes when we want to scream NO. Suzanne breaks down how to navigate awkward conversations with coworkers or managers, how to stop justifying your “no,” and how learning to honor your own needs can radically improve your mental health. 🌱

If you’re tired of overextending yourself or being the “yes person” at work and in life, Suzanne’s techniques and mindset shifts will help you reclaim your time, energy, and peace of mind. It’s real talk, full of laughs, strong language, and permission to start prioritizing yourself finally.

🌟 Meet Our Guest: Suzanne Culberg Suzanne is a bold, brilliant boundary coach based in Sydney, Australia. She’s a Certified NLP Practitioner, Sacred Depths Coach, and author of The Beginning is Sht: An Unapologetic Weight Loss Memoir*. Her mission? Help women say “no” without guilt—and finally say “yes” to themselves.

Here’s what you need to know about Suzanne:

• Lives with her husband and two awesome kids
• Proud introvert and lover of all things sassy (especially T-shirts)
• Fitness nerd with a Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons)
• Diamond Dotz and fairy-smut fan 🤘

🔗 Find Suzanne here: Website – https://www.suzanneculberg.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_culberg/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/suzanneculberg Podcast – https://www.suzanneculberg.com/the-nope-coach-podcast/ Newsletter – https://www.suzanneculberg.com/newsletter/ Book – https://mybook.to/suzanneculberg 🎯 Key Takeaways

1. Boundaries preserve relationships – A clear “no” can be a deep act of respect.
2. You don’t owe anyone an explanation – "No" is a full sentence.
3. Resentment is a red flag – If you're frustrated, a boundary is probably missing.

✅ Actionable Tips

1. Practice saying “No, thank you” without a reason. Then leave it there.
2. Next time a task feels overwhelming, ask: “What’s the priority?”
3. Designate one day this month just for you—no plans, no guilt, all recharge.

🕰️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps

• [00:07:42] Suzanne’s Boundary-Setting Origin Story
• [00:18:00] Saying “No” at Work Without Guilt
• [00:23:13] Drama, Empathy & Emotional Overload
• [00:34:57] Daily Self-Care & Saying Yes to Yourself
• [00:39:28] What Suzanne Would Tell Her Younger Self
• [00:42:29] Favorite Words, Pet Peeves & Humor
• [00:43:30] Where to Find Suzanne & Final Thoughts

📣 Subscribe, Rate & Review Love the episode? Show us some love! ⭐ Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads 📝 Leave a review on your favorite platform 🌐 Or drop one here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #ShitThatGoesOnInOurHeads #NopeCoach #SuzanneCulberg #PeoplePleasing #WorkplaceWellness #BoundariesMatter #BurnoutRecovery #PodcastLife #WomensVoices #Authenticity #SayNoMore #MentalHealthMatters #SelfFirst #HealingJourney #PeopleChoicePodcastAward #WomenInPodcasting #Grex #DirtySkittles

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)
• Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

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In this powerful episode, Valerie Probstfeld returns to share what it’s really like to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder—beyond the clichés. From invisible mental spirals and postpartum anxiety to shame, resilience, and rewiring your thoughts, Valarie brings deep insight and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you live with OCD, support someone who does, or want to understand your mental health better, this conversation will stay with you.

We're proud to be your go-to space for mental health conversations.
🏆 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award – Best Health Podcast
🏆 2024 Women In Podcasting Award – Best Mental Health Podcast
🎉 Over 1 million downloads!

Have feedback? Please tell us what you think!
👉 https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a (Voice or written input welcome!)

Quote of the Episode:
“Thoughts are just thoughts—we give them too much credit.” – Valerie Probstfeld

What This Episode Covers:
This episode dives into Valerie’s lived experience with OCD—the obsessive thoughts, the quiet compulsions, and the constant mental “loops” that many never see. She opens up about the evolution of her symptoms, her relationship with shame, and the tools she uses today to cope and reclaim control, including mindfulness, gratitude, and naming her thoughts. We also explore the impact of media like Inside Out 2 and Disney’s portrayals of emotions and how writing has helped her reframe the narrative inside her mind.

Guest: Valerie Probstfeld
Valerie is a nurse practitioner, writer, speaker, and founder of To Mom Is To Love—a platform focused on mental wellness, gratitude, and living authentically. She’s a mom of three and firmly believes in creating mental space through mindfulness, neuroplasticity, and storytelling.

• Website: https://www.tomomistolove.com/
• Podcast: https://www.tomomistolove.com/podcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerie_probstfeld/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090022943012
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQhKAdlZP8_tq2-zv3CqhrQ
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-probstfeld-23022448/
• New Book Available: To Mom Is to Love: Pioneering a New Kind of Motherhood, Paperback will be available on May 9th

Key Takeaways:

• OCD is not just about neatness or cleanliness—it often involves internal, invisible distress.
• Labeling thoughts as “OCD” helps reduce their power and shame.
• Emotional awareness in children’s media (like Inside Out 2) is helping normalize mental health conversations.

Actionable Tips:

1. Physically break the OCD loop: walk, clean, or move your body.
2. Use the phrase “this is the OCD, not me” to reclaim your thoughts.
3. Counteract negative thinking with gratitude and minor mental resets.

Timestamps & Chapters:
00:01:12 – Welcome back, Valarie
00:04:55 – What OCD feels like beyond the stereotypes
00:11:25 – Intrusive thoughts and perfectionism in motherhood
00:25:13 – Real-life OCD loop example: “I thought I hit someone.”
00:28:00 – How medication felt like putting on glasses for the mind
00:36:00 – Disney movies and emotional education
00:47:02 – Healing through journaling and narrative therapy

Resources Mentioned:

• Brain Lock by Dr. Jeffrey M. Schwartz
• Andrew Huberman’s Podcast (on OCD and neuroplasticity)
• The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
• John Gottman’s 5:1 Positive-Negative Ratio
• Pixar’s Inside Out 2

Subscribe, Rate & Review:
Enjoy this episode? Please help us keep the conversations going!
👉 https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #ToMomIsToLove #OCDAwareness #IntrusiveThoughts #NeurodivergentVoices #MindsetMatters #NormalizeOCD #HealingJourney #SelfCompassion #EmotionalWellness #StopTheStigma #TherapyWorks #MentalHealthSupport #AuthenticLiving #PostpartumAnxiety #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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)
• Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

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Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads 💥—the podcast normalizing mental health conversations. This week, we talk with Pearl Chiarenza about grief, resilience, setting boundaries, and finding joy again.
🏆 We’re proud winners of the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award for Best Mental Health Podcast! With over 1 million downloads, we couldn't have done it without you.
💬 We want your feedback! Please leave us a message (written or voice) at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote: "Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives." Guest Bio - Pearl Chiarenza: Pearl Chiarenza is a Mental Fitness Life Coach, author, speaker, and founder of the SHERO community, which hosts events and pajama retreats for women. Pearl empowers women to live unapologetically through mental fitness, self-care, and resilience. She’s a mom, a wife, and a fierce advocate for self-discovery.

• Website: https://www.wsliving.com/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soulful-self-care-conversations/id1565952559
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearl_chiarenza/
• Facebook: https://www.wsliving.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKRrlLHaqK0FDKOl42jgZVA
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-chiarenza-8269a8b/

Podcast Shoutout! 🎧 Go check out How to Be a Grownup by Caitlin & Jenny — funny, real talk for moms navigating the chaos of life! 🙌

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT
• Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes

Key Takeaways:

• Grief is not something you "get over"—you learn to live with it.
• Setting boundaries is vital to protecting your mental health.
• Healing is an active process: it requires therapy, community, and self-love.

Actionable Items:

• Write your "Joy List"—10 things that genuinely make you happy.
• Practice saying "No" without apology.
• Stay connected with your support tribe.

Important Timestamps:

• [00:00-05:00] Meet Pearl and Mental Health Journeys
• [05:00-15:00] Coping with Grief and Family Toxicity
• [15:00-25:00] Breaking Free from People-Pleasing
• [25:00-30:00] Pearl’s Healing Practices
• [30:00-37:00] Advice to Her Younger Self and Life Lessons
• [37:00-End] Resources, Final Words, and Where to Find Pearl

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! ⭐ Subscribe for more inspiring mental health conversations. ⭐ Rate and review us on your favorite platform or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

 

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #GriefJourney #HealingAfterLoss #SelfCareMatters #WomensEmpowerment #PositiveMindset #PearlChiarenza #WSLiving #MentalHealthMatters #SelfLove #GriefSupport #DirtySkittles #GRex #MentalFitness #PersonalGrowth #TraumaHealing #BoundariesMatter #AwardWinningPodcast #PodcastRecommendations

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 Season 11 We’re kicking off Season 11 with a powerful, heart-first conversation designed to help anyone who’s ever felt unsure about therapy or struggled to believe they deserve healing.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bonnie Wims, a New York City-based Counseling Psychologist and host of Therapy Deconstructed. Bonnie opens up about her mental health journey—growing up in a home marked by trauma, chasing success as a way to quiet fear, and eventually learning to sit with the voice in her head that said she wasn’t enough.

If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy can help, or if you’re the problem, this episode is a reminder: you are not broken, and you’re not alone.

We’re proud to be the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over 1 million downloads. We’re building a brave, compassionate community—one honest conversation at a time.

💬 Your feedback means the world to us!
Share your thoughts or drop a voice message:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

🧠 Quote of the Episode

“You’re not broken. Life is hard, and things happen to you, but you deserve happiness and fulfillment just like anybody else.” — Dr. Bonnie Wims

👩‍⚕️ Meet Our Guest: Dr. Bonnie Wims Dr. Bonnie Wims knows what it means to survive trauma while chasing success and wondering why it still doesn’t feel like enough. Raised in Colorado in an abusive home, she learned early to shrink herself to survive.

Even after earning a doctorate, moving to London, and starting a thriving private practice, she still wrestled with fear—until therapy helped her meet that fear with compassion instead of avoidance.

Now, Bonnie helps others do the same through her work and her podcast, Therapy Deconstructed. She’s on a mission to help you stop hiding and start healing.

Connect with Dr. Bonnie Wims:
Website: https://www.bonniewims.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wimsassociates/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbonniewims/
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapydeconstructedpodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbonniewims/
Podcast: https://www.bonniewims.com/podcast/

🎧 Podcast Shoutout! We love supporting fellow creators, especially when they’re as real and funny as Caitlin & Jenny of How to Be a Grownup!

This hilarious and heartfelt podcast helps moms laugh, learn, and survive the chaos of adulting.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT
Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Therapy is a safe space where you can finally be honest with yourself.
• That voice telling you you’re “too much” is often fear pretending to protect you.
• You don’t have to stay with the first therapist you meet—finding the right fit matters.

✅ Action Items

1. Track your self-talk — Begin noticing how you speak to yourself and ask: “Would I say this to someone I love?”
2. Take a small first step — Reach out to a therapist or call 988 if you’re in crisis.
3. Remember you have choices — If your current therapist isn’t a good fit, it’s okay to move on.

⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Meet Bonnie and welcome to Season 11 03:00 – Why fear keeps people out of therapy 08:00 – Bonnie’s childhood and internalizing pain 14:00 – Her first experiences with therapy as a client 22:00 – The power of “speed dating” your therapist 35:00 – How self-talk shapes our emotional health 44:00 – What she’d tell her 6-year-old self 50:00 – Tools for calming your nervous system and building new patterns 📲 Subscribe, Rate & Review Don't miss future episodes of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and help us spread the message that mental health conversations are for everyone.

⭐ Leave a review here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #DrBonnieWims #TherapyDeconstructedPodcast #TherapyIsntScary #TraumaHealing #YouAreNotBroken #HealingJourney #EndTheStigma #SelfWorth #TherapyTools #TalkTherapy #SpeedDateYourTherapist #TherapistTalk #PodcastTherapy #AnxietyHelp #DepressionRecovery #SafeSpacesMatter

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 this heartfelt and hilarious season finale, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflect on the ten powerful episodes from season 10 that spotlight real mental health journeys—from grief and sobriety to anxiety and radical self-love. With their signature blend of humor, honesty, and heart, they revisit the lessons, laughs, and middle fingers that made Season 10 unforgettable.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is an award-winning mental health podcast, proudly named the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast 🏆.
🎉 We’ve also hit over 1 MILLION downloads—thanks to YOU, our amazing listeners!

🗣️ Got thoughts? Share your feedback or leave us a voice memo here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you’re going.” – Noam Shpancer

🧠 What Went Down with G-Rex & Dirty Skittles This episode isn’t just a recap—it’s a vibe 😎. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles kicked things off with their classic Zoom countdown chaos (complete with double middle fingers 🖕🖕), laughed at how their intro has become ritual therapy, and reflected on what Season 10 taught them personally and as podcast hosts. Season 10 Life Lessons They Shared:

• 💬 Therapy is everywhere – Especially when you’re recording with your bestie.
• 💡 Mental health is a lifelong practice, and each guest brought a new tool for the toolbox.
• 🌱 Purpose after pain is powerful – G-Rex shared how her new podcast, The Survivors, was born out of deep personal experience with suicide and survival.
• 👯‍♀️ You don’t have to do this alone – From finding your people to leaning on your partner, Season 10 reminded us that community matters.
• 📈 Growth is scary but worth it. From quitting jobs to starting companies, the season mirrored their transformations.

🔥 Season 10 Highlights – Meet Our Guests 💔 Lisa Sugarman Key Takeaways:

• Grief can revisit you at any age.
• Purpose can grow out of pain.

Actionable Tips:

1. Check out her crisis resources at https://helphub.co
2. Share your story to break the silence around suicide loss and prevention.

❤️ Johnny and Cristy Key Takeaways:

• Healthy love requires honest work.
• Sobriety doesn’t erase your past—it helps rewrite your future.

Actionable Tips:

1. Attend an Al-Anon meeting to learn how to support loved ones through addiction.
2. Prioritize boundaries even in loving relationships.

🏋️‍♂️ Curt Key Takeaways:

• Your pain can push you toward reinvention.
• Physical health feeds mental health.

Actionable Tips:

1. Start small: 15 mins of movement a day.
2. Set a goal that excites (and slightly scares) you.

🐾 Honey Badger Key Takeaways:

• Grief hits everyone differently—and that’s okay.
• Preparing for loss is an act of love.

Actionable Tips:

1. Get a document organizer like “So I’ve Died, Now What?”
2. Respect how others grieve, even if it looks different from your process.

🧠 Alyssa Key Takeaways:

• Self-care is non-negotiable.
• Boundaries protect your peace.

Actionable Tips:

1. Build a night routine to improve your sleep hygiene.
2. Reframe anxiety through CBT techniques.

🍷 Hadley Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need a rock bottom to make a change.
• Sobriety can be joyful, not restrictive.

Actionable Tips:

1. Take a 30-day alcohol break and journal your experience.
2. Explore sober communities online for support and connection.

🌸 Summer Key Takeaways:

• Radical honesty is a healing act.
• You are allowed to do what feels good—even if others don’t get it.

Actionable Tips:

1. Create a comfort ritual for tough days (music, writing, movement).
2. Listen to Stressed, Depressed, and Anxious for real talk from someone who gets it.

🎤 G-Rex & Dirty Skittles Say… This season was a mirror, a medicine cabinet, and a masterclass all rolled into one. Whether you’re lifting weights, setting boundaries, grieving losses, or ditching the booze, we’re right there with you. Thanks for showing up and growing with us 💛 📍 Chapter Timestamps

• [00:00:00] – Opening chaos + countdown hijinks
• [00:02:15] – Reflections on podcast growth + purpose
• [00:05:43] – Lisa Sugarman & the birth of “The Survivors”
• [00:07:21] – Grieving twice: Lisa’s powerful story
• [00:09:55] – Honey Badger on generational grief + getting your affairs in order
• [00:11:17] – Johnny & Cristy’s journey through addiction and healing
• [00:14:05] – Curt and the healing power of fitness
• [00:16:39] – Alyssa on anxiety, music, and nurturing yourself
• [00:21:04] – Hadley reclaims her life through sobriety
• [00:24:03] – Summer brings the raw, real, and relatable energy
• [00:26:52] – Season 10 wrap-up + tools to take with you

🎧 Podcast Shoutout Shoutout to Caitlin & Jenny of How to Be a Grownup 🙌 They’re hilarious and helpful, and they are 100% your people if you navigate #MomLife with humor and heart.

🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714
📱 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT
🌐 Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes

🎙️ Subscribe, Rate, & Review Want more raw stories and radical honesty? 🔔 Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ⭐ Rate & review on your favorite podcast app 📝 Leave us a review: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews 📣 Send us a voice memo: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #PodcastTherapy #GriefJourney #SuicidePrevention #SoberLife #AnxietySupport #HealingTools #WomenInPodcasting #MenTalkMentalHealth #EmotionalWellbeing #BoundariesMatter #FitnessForTheMind #RadicalSelfCare #TherapyTalk #SelfDiscovery #MentalHealthMatters #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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 back to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, the award-winning mental health podcast that's not afraid to get real. In this episode, we sit down with Summer, the honest and hilarious host of Stressed, Depressed, and Anxious, to talk about living through anxiety, coping with depression, and what it really means to survive your own mind.

Summer opens up about experiencing her first panic attack at 19, how writing became her emotional escape hatch, and why sometimes the simple act of spite is enough to keep going. From family stigma to workplace burnout, this conversation will hit home for anyone who's ever felt like their mental health story doesn’t “fit the mold.”

We’re proud to be the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and the show that’s crossed over 1 million downloads worldwide.

We want to hear from YOU. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us written feedback or even a voice message here:
👉 https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a 👈

🧠 “The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn is that no one is coming to save you. You have to save yourself.” – Summer

🎧 Meet Our Guest: Summer Summer is the creator and host of Stressed, Depressed, and Anxious, a podcast that brings mental health conversations out of the shadows and into the real world—with all the mess, honesty, and humor intact.

A self-described survivor and storyteller, Summer was the first in her family to address her mental health struggles head-on. After enduring clinical depression at 17 and navigating anxiety attacks in her early 20s, she found comfort in therapy, journaling, and connecting with others through raw, unfiltered storytelling. Her show is a home for listeners who want more than cookie-cutter advice—to feel understood.

• Website: https://www.sdanxious.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdanxious/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stressedepressedanxious/
• X: https://twitter.com/sd_anxious
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/stresseddepressedanxious

⏱️ Episode Chapters [00:01:00] – Meet Summer and her mental health journey [00:05:00] – First anxiety attack and the weight of misdiagnosis [00:08:30] – When anxiety shows up in everyday moments [00:11:00] – Coping with chaos through writing and laughter [00:16:00] – Breaking generational silence on mental health [00:20:00] – Mental health at work: Toxicity and burnout [00:26:00] – System failures: What happens when support isn't there [00:35:00] – What Summer would tell her 5-year-old self [00:39:00] – The courage to trust and be seen [00:41:00] – Summer’s comfort rituals and self-care toolkit ✅ Actionable Tips from This Episode

1. Write a letter you’ll never send—a powerful and private release for stress and anger.
2. Track your anxiety triggers. Look for repeated moments where anxiety creeps in—especially when leaving isn't an easy option.
3. Name your emotions. Saying "I'm feeling anxious" can stop your brain from spiraling.

🧠 Takeaways That Hit Hard

• Mental health can be invisible, but it’s always real.
• Your story doesn’t have to be polished to be powerful.
• Empathy begins where silence ends.

🎧 Podcast Shoutout! Big shout out to Caitlin & Jenny from How to Be a Grownup! These two are a must-listen for moms and adulting humans who need to laugh, cry, and feel heard.

• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT
• Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes

💬 Subscribe, Rate & Review! Don’t miss future episodes of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads 🎧 ✔️ Subscribe on your favorite podcast app ⭐ Rate & Review to help us reach more listeners 🌐 Submit a review here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #sdanxious #AnxietySupport #DepressionRecovery #NormalizeTherapy #StressedDepressedAnxious #PodcastForChange #PodcastCommunity #SelfLoveJourney #MentalHealthConversations #TherapyIsCool #HealingInProgress #WomenInPodcasting #MentalHealthMatters #SurvivalStory #RawTalk #StorytellingHeals

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 back to another episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads! We’re not just any podcast—we’re the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast 🏆💥 With over 1 million downloads, we’re here to normalize honest conversations about mental health, healing, and hope.

In this episode, we sit down with writer, mom, and sobriety advocate Hadley Sorensen to discuss what happens when you step away from “mommy wine culture” and start listening to your mental health. We’re talking about gray area drinking, anxiety, antidepressants, and the internal shift that happens when you stop numbing out and start showing up. Hadley’s story is for anyone who thought, “I’m not that bad... so I must be fine,” while silently struggling.

💬 Got thoughts or feedback on this episode? Leave us a voice message or written note here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

💬 Quote of the Episode: "If it’s worsening your life, you don’t need to keep doing it. You don’t need a rock bottom to make a change." — Hadley Sorensen

💁‍♀️ Meet Our Guest – Hadley Sorensen Hadley is a mom of three boys, a passionate distance runner, and the author of The Dirty Truth on Social Drinking: “Everything in Moderation” and Other BS, which was released in 2024 and is available now.

After years of participating in social drinking culture—and silently questioning her relationship with alcohol—Hadley decided to stop ignoring her intuition. Now three and a half years sober, she’s helping others realize that sobriety isn’t just for rock bottoms—it’s for anyone who wants to feel better.

Find Hadley online: Website: http://www.hadleysorensen.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hadley_sorensen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadley-sorensen-3bbb979/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HadleySorensenWellnessHypeGirl

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. You don’t have to look like you have a drinking problem for it to be impacting your mental health.
2. Alcohol can dull the effectiveness of antidepressants like Lexapro or Zoloft.
3. Self-care starts with self-honesty—when you stop pretending everything’s fine, healing can begin.

✅ Actionable Tips

1. Start a “feel log” – note how you feel physically/emotionally after drinking vs. when you don’t.
2. Swap your 5PM drink for a fun, alcohol-free ritual like kombucha, tea, or mocktails.
3. Be honest with your support circle—what would change if you told them the truth?

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

00:02:10 – Hadley’s wake-up moment: “I’m doing this to myself” 00:10:21 – The mental health-medication-alcohol triangle 00:16:21 – Writing The Dirty Truth for gray area drinkers 00:19:47 – Breaking up with wine culture and reclaiming her peace 00:28:37 – Talking to teens about drinking in an honest, shame-free way 00:39:13 – Hadley’s real self-care toolkit (spoiler: no bubble baths)

🎧 Podcast Shout Out! We LOVE supporting other creators, and Caitlin & Jenny of How to Be a Grownup are the real deal 🙌 They’re hilarious, honest, and relatable—helping moms laugh and learn through the chaos of adulting.

🎙️ Listen here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes

💥 Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Do you love what you’re hearing? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or leave your review here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

📣 Keep the Conversation Going

Listener Feedback: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Podcast Website: https://goesoninourheads.net Hadley's Book: The Dirty Truth on Social Drinking – Available now on Amazon and major booksellers

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney #SoberCurious #MentalHealthMatters#GrayAreaDrinking #AlcoholFreeLiving #SoberLife #PostpartumMentalHealth #WomenAndSobriety#MomLifeBalance #MentalHealthSupport #NoMoreShame #SelfCareOverSpirits #TherapyWorks #AnxietyRecovery #LexaproLife #BreakTheStigma#NormalizeSobriety #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellbeing #FindYourJoy #Grex #DirtySkittles#HadleySorensen #WellnessWarrior #EndTheStigma #DepressionSupport

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 on Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we’re joined by the incredible Alyssa Kushner, LCSW—a licensed therapist and fierce mental health advocate who helps clients navigate anxiety, trauma, burnout, and self-doubt. In this honest and empowering conversation, Alyssa shares how she built her private practice, overcame impostor syndrome, and framed her approach to self-trust and joy heading into 2025. Whether you’re feeling paralyzed by perfectionism or just trying to figure out where to begin, Alyssa’s story and practical insights will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to take that next step.

And hey, we’re not just your average mental health podcast—we’re officially award-winning! 🎉 In 2024, we won the People’s Choice Podcast Award for Health and the Women in Podcasting Award for Best Mental Health Podcast. Oh,—and we also passed 1 million downloads! Thank you for being part of this growing, stigma-breaking, soul-nourishing community.

🗣 Got feedback? Leave us a message or drop your thoughts here:
📢 https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

💬 Quote of the Episode
"The relationship you have with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever nurture." – Alyssa

👤 Meet Our Guest: Alyssa Kushner, LCSW
Alyssa is a licensed clinical social worker providing virtual therapy in NY, NJ, MD & D.C. She specializes in:

• Anxiety, trauma & burnout
• People-pleasing & perfectionism
• ADHD, disordered eating, & body image
• Relationship patterns & self-worth

Her approach is relational, trauma-informed, somatic, and holistic—infused with creativity, mindfulness, and compassion.

📌 Learn More About Alyssa:

• Bio: https://bio.site/alyssakushnerlcsw
• Website: https://www.ak-psychotherapy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaktherapy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssakushner/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKPsychotherapyLCSW
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssaktherapy

🧩 Key Takeaways

1. Your anxiety is a signal, not a flaw.
2. Impostor syndrome happens to everyone—yes, even therapists.
3. Joy is powerful, even when it has no “purpose.”

✅ Action Steps You Can Try Today

• 💛 Try mindful self-compassion by placing your hand over your heart and speaking kindly to yourself.
• 🧠 When self-doubt hits, ask: “Is this my voice—or someone else’s?”
• 🎨 Do something joyful just because it feels good.

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Cold weather banter 🧤
03:00 – Meet Alyssa + her path to therapy
04:45 – Anxiety, wellness basics, and sobriety
10:00 – What joy and self-permission look like in 2025
20:00 – Sleep, exercise, reframing thoughts
28:00 – Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory explained
30:00 – Owning impostor syndrome
35:00 – How to let go of perfection
37:00 – Wrapping with joy, calm, and clarity

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Mel Robbins: Let Them Theory – https://www.melrobbins.com/blog/the-let-them-theory
• Inside Out 2 (Movie) – Emotional education for families
• Mindful Self-Compassion – https://self-compassion.org/

🎧 Podcast Shout out!
We LOVE supporting other creators—and Caitlin & Jenny of How to Be a Grownup are the real deal 🙌
They’re hilarious, honest, and relatable—helping moms laugh and learn through the chaos of adulting.
🎙️ Listen here:

• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT
• Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes

🌟 Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe for more amazing mental health convos. Leave us a review to help others discover our community:
📝 https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #AKPsychotherapy #Grex #DirtySkittles #TherapistTalks #PodcastForHealing #WomenInPodcasting #MentalHealthTools #LetThemTheory #JoyAndGrowth #ImposterSyndromeHelp #AnxietySupport #TherapyConversations

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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.

👋 Hey there, mental health warriors! Welcome to another episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads! We’re your hosts, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, bringing you inspiring stories and practical advice weekly.

🏆 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Health)

🏆 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) 🎧

Over 1 million downloads worldwide! 💬 Help us grow by sharing your feedback! Leave a written or voice message at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Episode Spotlight: Alicia Hopkins on Mental Health, Growth & Finding Your Path In this episode, we chat with Alicia Hopkins, a mental health powerhouse, as she shares her insights on mental wellness, growth, and finding your path to empowerment. 💡 Quote of the Day: “My mental health is a massive part of my lifestyle. And if I'm not being productive towards taking care of my mental health, then, like, I don't feel as good.” – Alicia Hopkins Meet Alicia Hopkins Alicia is a passionate mental health therapist who blends professional expertise and personal experience to help others transform their lives. A recovering perfectionist, Alicia has embraced humor and resilience to navigate childhood traumas. She is dedicated to assisting clients to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, advocate for themselves, and take charge of their lives.

• Company: Path to Empowerment Counseling
• Website:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alicia-hopkins-denver-co/786146
• LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/aliciahopkins?
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy.in.real.life

✨ Key Takeaways ✨ 1️⃣ Authenticity is Key – Being genuine and showing your true self fosters trust and creates a safe space for vulnerability.

2️⃣ Advocate for Yourself—Strong advocacy skills are required in the workplace and personal relationships. Sharpen them to create a better environment.

3️⃣ Mental Health as a Lifestyle – Prioritizing mental health is an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix.

💪 Actionable Items 💪 ✔️ Incorporate a Morning Routine – Start your day with intention using Mel Robbins’s morning routine: No phone upon waking, a short walk, water, and gratitude.

✔️ Challenge Limiting Beliefs – Recognize areas where you feel stuck. What steps can you take to grow?

✔️ Practice Self-Compassion – Forgive yourself for past mistakes and focus on personal growth.

⏰ Important Chapter Timestamps ⏰ [00:04:58] – Embracing Natural Hair: Confidence & Self-acceptance

[00:12:36] – G-Rex’s Epiphany: Overcoming suicidal thoughts & starting a business

[00:44:50] – Alicia’s Hardest Lesson: Learning not to lose yourself in a relationship

[00:51:41] – Self-Love & Care: Alicia’s daily mental wellness practices

🔗 References 🔗 📌 Mel Robbins Morning Routine

📌 Psychology Today – https://www.psychologytoday.com/

📌 Alma – Find Therapists Who Take Insurance – https://helloalma.com/

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #AliciaHopkins #MindsetMatters #SelfCareJourney #TherapyWorks #MentalHealthSupport #HealingJourney #GrowthMindset #InnerStrength #BreakTheStigma #EmpowerYourMind #WellnessMatters #SelfLoveFirst

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 back to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is the award-winning podcast breaking the stigma around mental health! 🏆 We are honored to be the 2024 People’s Choice Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1 million downloads, we’re building a community where honest conversations matter.

In this powerful Part 2 episode, we continue our heartfelt conversation with Honey Badger, a fearless educator, mental health advocate, and storyteller no stranger to grief, trauma, and resilience. She opens up about her profound loss, the struggle of navigating relationships during grief, and the importance of boundaries and self-care. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by loss, stuck in the people-pleasing cycle, or struggled to reclaim your sense of self, this episode is for you.

💬 We Want Your Feedback! 💬 Your thoughts matter to us! Let us know what you think about this episode by leaving a written comment or voice message here: 👉 https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Meet Our Guest: Honey Badger A passionate educator, mental health advocate, and storyteller, Honey Badger isn’t afraid to tackle life’s toughest conversations. Having navigated profound loss and complex family dynamics, she brings raw honesty, humor, and wisdom to every discussion. From breaking down mental health stigmas to reflecting on the long-term effects of trauma, she’s here to inspire, empower, and remind us that healing is never linear but always possible. 🔥 Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. Boundaries Are Your Superpower – Setting and maintaining boundaries isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about reclaiming your peace and emotional well-being.
2. Grief Never Truly Ends, But It Changes – Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Grief comes in waves, and learning to ride them gracefully is part of the journey.
3. You Don’t Have to Fix Everything – Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone struggling is be present. Silence, support, and space can be more potent than words.

⏳ Important Chapters: ⏱ [00:00] – Welcome Back & Podcast Updates ⏱ [04:22] – Honey Badger’s Story: Navigating Grief and the Unexpected ⏱ [10:36] – The Impact of Trauma on the Brain & Mental Health ⏱ [16:51] – The Power of Boundaries & Saying ‘No’ Without Guilt ⏱ [24:49] – How to Support Someone Through Grief ⏱ [31:33] – Finding Joy Again: Rebuilding Life After Loss ⏱ [37:22] – Final Thoughts & Mental Health Resources 💡 Mental Health Quote: "Grief never goes away. It just changes shape. Some days, it’s a whisper; others, it’s a storm. But no matter how heavy it feels, you’re never truly alone." 🔗 Resources & References: 📌 Learn more about the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html 📌 Find mental health support: https://www.nami.org/Home 📌 Setting Boundaries in Mental Health: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-boundaries 📢 Subscribe, Rate & Review! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of real, raw mental health conversations. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating & review to help others find us! 💻 Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthMatters #GriefHealing #BoundariesMatter #PodcastCommunity #HealingJourney #MentalHealthPodcast #AwardWinningPodcast #HoneyBadgerSpeaks #LettingGo #SelfCareTips #grex #dirtyskittles #stgoioh

🎧 Thank you for listening, and remember: It’s okay to not be okay. Just make sure you’re talking to someone. 💙

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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.

🎙 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is an award-winning podcast, honored as the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast! With over 1 million downloads, we’re building a community where mental health conversations are raw, authentic, and stigma-free.

💭 We’d love your feedback! Let us know your thoughts on this episode by leaving a written message or a voice note at https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Episode Overview In this powerful episode, we sit down with Honey Badger, a fearless mental health advocate and educator, who opens up about grief, childhood trauma, and the long-term effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). She shares her deeply personal story, from navigating profound loss to understanding how early-life trauma shapes our mental health.

If you've ever struggled with grief, family dysfunction, or feeling unheard, this conversation is for you. Honey Badger’s raw honesty, humor, and wisdom create a safe space to break the silence on loss, healing, and resilience.

Mental Health Quote of the Episode "You never know the story behind somebody else. Be kind. You don’t know if a single moment of compassion could change their entire day—or their life." – Honey Badger. Meet Our Guest: Honey Badger Honey Badger is a passionate educator, mental health advocate, and storyteller who isn’t afraid to dive into life’s most challenging conversations. With a background in education and a deep personal journey through grief, trauma, and resilience, she brings raw honesty and insight to every discussion.

Having experienced profound loss and complex family dynamics, Honey Badger shares her story with humor, wisdom, and a no-nonsense attitude—just like the fearless animal she’s named after. Whether breaking down the stigma of mental health, discussing the impact of childhood experiences, or simply keeping it real, she’s here to inspire and connect with those who need it most.

Key Takeaways from This Episode 1️⃣ The Impact of ACEs – How Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) increase the risk of mental and physical health struggles and why it’s crucial to understand your own ACE score. 2️⃣ Grief & Family Dynamics – How unresolved grief and family dysfunction can make healing even harder—and why setting boundaries is necessary. 3️⃣ Breaking the Silence – The importance of talking about grief, loss, and trauma, even when it’s uncomfortable, to foster true healing. Important Chapters 🕒 [00:00] - Welcome to the show! Introduction to Honey Badger 🕒 [02:40] - Why we don’t talk about grief & loss in our society 🕒 [04:45] - The ACEs questionnaire: Understanding childhood trauma 🕒 [10:04] - How childhood experiences shape adult mental health 🕒 [16:09] - The reality of losing a loved one & navigating family dynamics 🕒 [22:03] - How humor and setting boundaries help with grief 🕒 [29:25] - Wrapping up: The power of sharing your story Resources & References 📌 Take the ACEs Questionnaire – https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean

📌 Mental Health Support Resources – https://www.nami.org/Support-Education

📌 Books on Grief for Children & Adults

• Grandma's Breath—Written by Mother Moon and illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk. Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, this story follows a young girl, Kaiah, whose grandmother taught her to use breathing techniques during anxiety attacks. When her grandmother passes, Kaiah gives back by supporting elderly patients. Ages 5-10.
• Ida, Always – Written by Caron Lewis and illustrated by Charles Santoso. A touching story of two best friend polar bears and how one copes with the loss of the other. Ages 4-8.
• The Invisible String—Written by Patrice Karst and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, this book explains the unbreakable connections between loved ones. It is highly recommended among social workers and therapists. Also available in Spanish. Ages 3-7.

Join the Conversation! 💬 What resonated with you the most? Leave us a comment or a voice message at https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

🔔 Don’t Miss Part 2! Stay tuned as Honey Badger continues this eye-opening discussion in our next episode.

Subscribe, Rate, & Review! 🎧 Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review at https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthMatters #PodcastForMentalHealth #GriefJourney #HealingThroughTrauma #ACEs #MentalHealthPodcast #BreakTheStigma #GriefSupport #ChildhoodTrauma

🔥 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! 🔥

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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.

📢 Award-Winning Podcast | Over 1 Million Downloads!
🎉 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health
🎉 2024 Women in Podcasting Award for Best Mental Health Podcast

Join us for another powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, where we tackle mental health head-on! We’re incredibly honored to welcome Curt, a dynamic force of resilience, reinvention, and personal growth. Curt shares his powerful journey—from navigating personal hardships and high-stakes careers to becoming a competitive bodybuilder at 63.

🏆 We Want to Hear From You! 🏆
Your feedback matters! Please leave us your thoughts, whether in writing or by voice message, at https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a.

🔥 Meet Our Guest: Curt 🔥 Curt’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A Columbine High School alumnus, he has led a remarkable global aerospace and defense consulting career. His experiences have taken him around the world, but his heart remains deeply connected to his Columbine community, where he played a pivotal role in memorial efforts following the 1999 tragedy.

🌍 A Career of Global Impact
Curt has spent years guiding U.S. companies in international markets. Despite his high-pressure career, he never lost sight of his passion for self-growth and fitness.

💪 A Reinvention at 60+
Curt took on an unexpected challenge—competitive bodybuilding at age 60. What started as a personal goal quickly turned into a nationally ranked pursuit. At 63, he placed in the Top 10 at NPC Nationals, proving that age is no barrier to ambition.

❤️ A Mental Health Advocate
Beyond his professional and fitness achievements, Curt firmly believes in mental health awareness. From navigating personal struggles to advocating self-love, his journey is a testament to resilience and the power of transformation.

💛 How You Can Help LA Fire Victims 💛 We’re partnering with Heather Grace Skincare to support LA Fire Victims & the LA Mission!

Ways to Get Involved:
💛 Shop with Purpose – 10% of all purchases from Heather Grace Skincare through February go to the Los Angeles Mission.
💛 Spread the Word – Share this initiative to amplify support.
💛 Donate Directly – Visit Los Angeles Mission to contribute.

🔗 More Info:
👉 Website: https://heathergraceskincare.com/
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergraceskincare/
👉 News Release: https://www.openpr.com/news/3840564/heather-grace-skincare-partners-with-g-rex-from-sh-t-that-goes

🎧 Key Takeaways from This Episode 1️⃣ Reinvention is Always Possible – You can redefine your path no matter where you are. 2️⃣ Fitness & Mental Health Go Hand-in-Hand – Physical activity can be a powerful tool for managing mental well-being. 3️⃣ Community Matters – Strong connections provide essential support, whether in fitness or personal struggles. ⏳ Important Chapters ⏩ [00:01:05] – Curt’s Background & Connection to Columbine ⏩ [00:06:13] – How Fitness Became a Mental Health Lifeline ⏩ [00:12:42] – The Unexpected World of Competitive Bodybuilding ⏩ [00:27:04] – Learning Self-Love & Embracing Reinvention ⏩ [00:36:02] – Overcoming Personal Struggles & Finding Purpose 💡 Mental Health Quote of the Episode "You don’t have to control your thoughts. You have to stop letting them control you." — Dan Millman 📲 Follow & Support the Show! ⭐ Subscribe, Rate & Review! Help us keep breaking mental health stigmas—subscribe and leave a review! 🔗 Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews 🔥 Ready for an inspiring conversation? Tune in now and join us in breaking the stigma! #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #BreakingStigmas #BodybuildingOver60 #SelfLove #Reinvention #FitnessJourney #MentalWellness #ColumbineCommunity #LAFireVictims #ShitThatGoesOnInOurHeads

 

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 Warning: This episode discusses alcoholism, domestic abuse, and mental health struggles. Please take care of yourself accordingly.

🎙️ Welcome to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads
We are an award-winning podcast, recognized as the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1 million downloads, we foster open, raw, and real conversations about mental health.

💬 We Value Your Feedback!
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode through a written review or voice message at https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a.

Meet Our Guests: Johnny & Cristy Meet Johnny and Cristy, two incredible individuals with powerful stories of resilience, healing, and personal growth.

Johnny opens up about his struggles with alcoholism, sharing how it impacted his mental health, relationships, and recovery journey. Cristy offers her perspective on what it’s like to support a loved one through addiction while also maintaining her own mental wellness.

Together, they engage in an honest and heartfelt conversation about the hidden challenges of addiction, breaking free from codependency, setting boundaries, and the path to healing. Their vulnerability and authenticity make this a must-listen episode for anyone navigating similar challenges or looking better to understand the intersection of addiction and mental well-being.

How You Can Help: Supporting the LA Fire Victims & LA Mission Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is partnering with Heather Grace Skincare to support fire victims and the LA Mission.

🛍️ Shop with Purpose – Every purchase from Heather Grace Skincare through February contributes 10% to the Los Angeles Mission.
📢 Spread the Word – Share this initiative to amplify support for fire victims.
💛 Donate Directly – Visit Los Angeles Mission to contribute further.

For more info, visit:
🌐 Heather Grace Skincare
📸 Instagram: @HeatherGraceSkincare

📖 Read more about this initiative: Heather Grace Skincare Partners with G-Rex from Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Breaking Free from Codependency – Cristy shares her journey of realizing her worth, setting boundaries, and overcoming her past struggles.
2. The Journey of Sobriety – Johnny discusses the difficult but necessary steps to recognize addiction, seek help, and build a healthier life.
3. Healing is Possible – Their story proves that recovery, self-love, and happiness are achievable with the right support and mindset.

Important Chapters ⏳ 00:00 - Trigger Warning & Introduction 💔 05:30 - Cristy’s Story: Leaving a Toxic Relationship 🍷 15:45 - Johnny’s Journey with Alcoholism 💡 28:20 - Recognizing Red Flags & Setting Boundaries 💛 40:00 - Healing & Growth After Trauma 🎙️ 50:10 - How Johnny & Cristy are Helping Others Mental Health Quote from This Episode "If you are in a toxic relationship, just run. There is a big world outside waiting for you, full of love, healing, and new opportunities." – Cristy Stay Connected with Johnny & Cristy 📌 Johnny’s Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084446821996 📌 Cristy’s Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cris.mamichulis 🍷 Cairn View Winery – https://www.cairnviewwinery.com/? Join the Conversation! 💬 We Want to Hear from You! Please leave us a written review or voice message about this episode: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a.

✅ Subscribe, Rate & Review!
Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews.

#MentalHealthMatters #AddictionRecovery #Codependency #HealingTogether #BreakingTheStigma #SelfLove #SobrietyJourney #MentalWellness #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #MentalHealthPodcast #Grex #DirtySkittles #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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 Warning:
This episode contains discussions about alcoholism, addiction, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised.

Welcome to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast! With over 1 million downloads, we continue bringing raw, unfiltered mental health conversations to the forefront.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Johnny & Cristy share their deeply personal stories about battling alcoholism and navigating the mental health struggles that come with it. This episode dives into the emotional toll of addiction, the importance of support systems, and the journey toward healing.

💬 We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode through written feedback or a voice message:
👉 https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Partnering for a Cause We’re proud to announce our partnership with Heather Grace Skincare to support recent LA fires and the Los Angeles Mission victims.

How You Can Help:
💛 Shop with Purpose: 10% of every purchase from Heather Grace Skincare through February goes to the LA Mission.
💛 Spread the Word: Share this initiative to amplify support for fire victims.
💛 Donate Directly: Visit https://losangelesmission.org to contribute further.

For more details, visit https://heathergraceskincare.com/ or follow https://www.instagram.com/heathergraceskincare/ on Instagram.

📢 Read more about our partnership here:
https://www.openpr.com/news/3840564/heather-grace-skincare-partners-with-g-rex-from-sh-t-that-goes

Meet Our Guests: Johnny & Cristy Johnny and Cristy open up about their struggles with addiction and mental health. Johnny shares his honest journey with alcoholism, exploring how it impacted his relationships and mental well-being. Cristy provides insight on supporting a loved one through recovery while maintaining her mental health. Their vulnerability and openness make this a powerful episode for anyone facing similar challenges or looking to understand addiction and mental health better.

Connect with Johnny & Cristy:

• Johnny’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084446821996
• Cristy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cris.mamichulis
• Cairn View Winery: https://www.cairnviewwinery.com/

3 Key Takeaways:

1. The Intersection of Addiction & Mental Health: Johnny’s story reveals how alcoholism often masks deeper mental health struggles.
2. The Power of Support Systems: Cristy highlights the importance of standing by loved ones while also prioritizing personal mental wellness.
3. Breaking the Stigma: Open conversations like this help dismantle the shame surrounding mental health and addiction.

Important Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Trigger Warning 03:15 – Johnny’s First Encounter with Alcohol 12:40 – The Mental Health Toll of Addiction 21:50 – Cristy’s Perspective: Supporting a Loved One Through Recovery 34:10 – Breaking the Stigma: Why These Conversations Matter 45:30 – What’s Next in Part 2 Mental Health Quote of the Day: "The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are." – J.P. Morgan Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Love what you hear? Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads for more honest, thought-provoking conversations about mental health. If our stories resonate with you, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us!

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

#MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #Alcoholism #MentalHealthPodcast #BreakingTheStigma #JohnnyAndCristy #PodcastLife #MentalWellness #RecoveryJourney #SubstanceAbuseAwareness #STGOIOH #HealthAndWellness #2024PodcastAwards #WomenInPodcasting #Grex #DirtySkittles

 

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 10 Opener | 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner (Health) | 2024 Women in Podcasting Award (Best Mental Health Podcast) | Over 1 Million Downloads 🎙

🔔 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide. Please reach out for support if you or someone you know is struggling. Resources are listed below.

🎧 We Value Your Feedback!
Please leave us a voice or written message at https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Episode Overview In this powerful Season 10 opener, we sit down with Lisa Sugarman—a mental health advocate, crisis counselor, and three-time suicide loss survivor. Lisa shares her deeply personal journey, the importance of suicide prevention, and how we can shift the narrative around mental health.

From losing her father and loved ones to suicide to becoming an advocate for awareness and support, Lisa's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. She also introduces The Help Hub, a vital resource for mental health support worldwide.

This conversation is about breaking the stigma, offering hope, and providing real-life strategies for mental well-being. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is for you.

💛 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads + Heather Grace Skincare Helping LA Fire Victims & LA Mission We’re proud to partner with Heather Grace Skincare to support LA Fires & Los Angeles Mission victims.

🔗 Press Release: https://www.openpr.com/news/3840564/heather-grace-skincare-partners-with-g-rex-from-sh-t-that-goes

How You Can Help: 💛 Shop with Purpose - 10% of all Heather Grace Skincare purchases through February will be donated to the Los Angeles Mission 💛 Spread the Word - Share this initiative to amplify support 💛 Donate Directly - Visit Los Angeles Mission to contribute

For more info:
🌎 Website: https://heathergraceskincare.com/
📲 Instagram: @HeatherGraceSkincare

🧠 Mental Health Quote: "You are not alone. You may not see the light right now, but it’s there—on the other side of this moment. Keep going." - Lisa Sugarman Meet Our Guest: Lisa Sugarman Lisa Sugarman is an author, nationally syndicated columnist, mental health advocate, and crisis counselor with The Trevor Project. A three-time suicide loss survivor, Lisa writes the opinion column We Are Who We Are and is the author of: 📖 How To Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids And Be Ok With It 📖 Untying Parent Anxiety 📖 LIFE: It Is What It Is

Lisa contributes to platforms like Mental Health Television Network (MHTN), NAMI, Healthline Parenthood, GrownAndFlown, TODAY Parents, Thrive Global, and More Content Now. She lives and writes just north of Boston.

Follow Lisa Sugarman 📸 Instagram: http://instagram.com/lisa_sugarman 📘 Facebook: http://facebook.com/thelisasugarman 🔗 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/lisa-sugarman-16925b69 🎯 Key Takeaways from This Episode: 1️⃣ Suicide prevention starts with open, stigma-free conversations. Lisa shares how we can talk about mental health in a way that encourages people to seek help. 2️⃣ Resources, like The Help Hub & 988, exist to support those in crisis. You are never alone, and there are always people ready to help. 3️⃣ Self-care & boundary setting are essential for mental health. Lisa shares her practices for maintaining well-being in challenging times. 📖 Important Chapters: ⏳ 00:00 - Trigger Warning & Introduction ⏳ 05:42 - Lisa Sugarman’s Journey with Suicide Loss ⏳ 15:30 - How the Help Hub is Making a Difference ⏳ 24:55 - Breaking the Stigma Around Suicide & Mental Health ⏳ 34:10 - How to Support Someone Struggling with Mental Health ⏳ 45:50 - Self-Care, Boundaries, and Emotional Well-being ⏳ 55:30 - How Listeners Can Make an Impact on Mental Health Awareness 📢 Mental Health Resources: 📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ 🌎 The Help Hub (Global Mental Health Directory): https://thehelphub.co 🏳️‍🌈 The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 🫂 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/ 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

💛 If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is always available. You are not alone. 💛

#MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheStigma #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthPodcast #LisaSugarman #TheHelpHub #NAMI #Podcast #988Lifeline #YouAreNotAlone #HealingJourney #TheTrevorProject #AwardWinningPodcast #STGOIOH #Grex #DirtySkittles

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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.

Hey there! Welcome to the season finale of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads! We’re thrilled to wrap up Season 9 with our amazing community. Here’s the thing—this season has been a wild ride, and we’ve got so much to celebrate:

• 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health
• 2024 Women in Podcasting Award for Best Mental Health Podcast
• Over 1 MILLION downloads! 🎉

None of this would have been possible without your support, and we want to hear from YOU! What did you love about this season? What can we do better? Let us know at https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a. You can leave a written note or even a voice message. Seriously, we’re all ears (pun intended).

“Even in the hardest times, joy isn’t gone—it’s just waiting for us to find it again.”

What This Episode is About This Season 9 ender is all about reflection, growth, and the incredible journey we’ve been on. From talking about burnout recovery to healing through creativity and finding joy in the smallest moments, we dive deep into what made this season unforgettable.

We’re also spilling some behind-the-scenes moments—how our podcast has shaped us, why joy is our focus for 2025, and what’s coming next for Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads.

What We Learned from Our Guests This season, we’ve been lucky to sit down with some incredible people who taught us unforgettable lessons:

1. Asha – Helped us realize what burnout looks like and how to tackle it head-on.
2. Andrea – Introduced us to EFT tapping, a simple but powerful tool for emotional healing.
3. Jaclyn – Inspired us with her ability to turn personal pain into beautiful, meaningful creativity.
4. Wil - Opened our eyes to recognize triggers and embrace vulnerability in tough times.
5. Krista -Showed us that resilience and self-love can lead to new beginnings even after betrayal.
6. Karen – Taught us about the power of unconditional love and how strong support can change everything.
7. Pez – Reminded us how family bonds and safe spaces are key to finding peace and joy.
8. Kathy – Advocated for creating mentally healthy workplaces, proving that change starts from the top.

Personal Insights from Dirty Skittles & G-Rex We couldn’t end this season without sharing some of our thoughts and growth:

• Rediscovering Joy: 2025 is our year to choose happiness, even if it’s scary. It’s all about leaning into what feels right and letting go of what doesn’t.
• The Evolution of the Podcast: When we started, we never imagined how much these conversations would change us. This season felt like all the stars aligned, as every guest shared stories that resonated with our journeys.
• The Value of Vulnerability: Letting down our guard has been challenging, but it’s been so worth it. Vulnerability is where actual growth happens.
• Mental Health in the Workplace: G-Rex is passionate about creating healthier work environments and shared how this is a focus for her new business.
• Safe Spaces & Family: Dirty Skittles opened up about finding comfort in her family and realizing the power of having people who “get” you.

Key Takeaways

1. Burnout recovery is possible, but it takes recognizing it and making yourself a priority.
2. Healing is personal—whether tapping, fidget rings, or therapy, find what works for you.
3. Taking your power back means setting boundaries, rediscovering joy, and focusing on your mental well-being.

Important Chapters

• 00:00 – Reflecting on our podcast journey and big wins this season.
• 10:30 – Asha on recognizing burnout and how to start healing.
• 15:45 – Andrea on EFT tapping as a simple healing tool.
• 22:00 – Jaclyn’s story of transforming pain into creativity.
• 28:15 – Wil on triggers and the power of vulnerability.
• 36:40 – Krista’s resilience after betrayal and finding self-love.
• 43:50 – Karen on unconditional love and parental support.
• 51:00 – Pez on safe spaces, family, and healing through connection.
• 58:30 – Kathy is making mental health a priority in the workplace.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Don’t miss what’s next! Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads for more inspiring and real conversations. We’d love for you to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

👉 Visit our website to add your review: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

👉 Give us your feedback: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Thank you for making Season 9 unforgettable. Here’s to taking our power back in 2025!

#MentalHealthPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #HealingJourney #RediscoverJoy #TakeYourPowerBack #VulnerabilityMatters #PodcastCommunity #AwardWinningPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness

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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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads! We’re proud to continue the conversation on mental health as the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1 million downloads, we’re grateful for your support in helping us bring these important stories to light.

If you want a new way to engage with us, please join our Discord Channel here - https://discord.gg/xS2QZRuUUx

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback, leave a voice message, or send written input at https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a. Your input helps us grow and improve with every episode.

"It’s okay to not be okay, as long as you’re talking to someone who cares." This is a reminder from today’s inspiring conversation with Kathy.

Meet Our Guest: Kathy Kathy is a dynamic and inspiring advocate for mental health, inclusion, and workplace well-being. With a remarkable background as a former tech entrepreneur, Kathy co-owned a successful global tech company, which she exited a few years ago to focus on her passion for helping others. Drawing from her lived experiences, Kathy has dedicated herself to promoting open conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and LGBTQ inclusion. She recently founded Workplace Village, an innovative program that fosters well-being in professional environments. The program addresses critical topics such as menopause, mental health, and diversity, equipping organizations to support their employees effectively.

Kathy is also the creator of the podcast Raised by an Invisible Village, where she reflects on her journey and pays tribute to the individuals and moments that shaped her life. Having spent her early years in foster care from the age of 12, Kathy fondly recalls the support and love of her foster family, which provided her with a sense of stability during a challenging time. Her resilience was further tested by traumatic experiences, including sexual violence, which she has courageously transformed into a source of strength and advocacy.

In her pursuit of healing and connection, Kathy undertook a transformative journey across Australia, reconnecting with people who impacted her life and expressing gratitude for their support. As a leader and mentor, her empathetic approach is informed by her challenges, and she continues to inspire others through her advocacy work. An ambassador for R U OK? Kathy is committed to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. She also actively encourages workplaces to embrace uncomfortable but necessary conversations about inclusion, well-being, and support.

Kathy’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of connection, gratitude, and giving back.

Kathy’s Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.invisiblevillage.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourinvisiblevillage/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurInvisibleVillage
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-wilson-lived-experiences/

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. Healing Through Connection: Reconnecting with the people who shaped you can lead to profound gratitude and healing.
2. Workplace Inclusion Matters: Creating supportive work environments requires acknowledging and addressing sensitive issues like menopause and mental health.
3. Lived Experience as a Catalyst: Kathy’s story demonstrates how personal challenges can inspire impactful advocacy and change.

Important Chapters:

• 0:00–5:00: Introduction: Celebrating our awards and milestones.
• 5:01–20:00: Kathy’s foster care journey and early experiences.
• 20:01–35:00: Launching Workplace Village and tackling workplace well-being.
• 35:01–End: Reflections on healing, growth, and giving back.

#MentalHealthMatters #RaisedByAnInvisibleVillage #WorkplaceWellness #HealingAndHope #TraumaToTriumph #AwardWinningPodcast #PodcastCommunity #MentalHealthPodcast #stgoioh #grex #dirtyskittles Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Subscribe now to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads for more inspiring conversations. Don’t forget to rate and review us on your favorite platform or leave your feedback at https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews.

Thank you for being part of our journey to normalize mental health conversations and inspire positive change!

 

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

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.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join 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.