Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

What happens when you build the life you thought you were supposed to want—money, success, freedom, and still wake up feeling empty? In this raw and honest conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Louis Kim to unpack the quiet truth so many people are afraid to admit: external success doesn’t heal internal pain. Lou shares his journey through identity struggles, multiple suicide attempts, and a decade-long path of self-discovery that forced him to rethink everything he believed about happiness, purpose, and what it really means to feel alive. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Special Announcements Vote for Us — Women Podcasters Awards I’m incredibly proud to share that we have been nominated in the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset & Mental Health category. This recognition means more than words can capture. What started as honest, sometimes messy conversations has grown into something bigger—a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone. Now we have a chance to grow that impact even further, and your support would mean everything. Vote here: https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting Voting is open now through April 30th at 6 PM PST Voting is simple: • Click the link • Select the vote button • Complete the form Please note: only one vote per person and email address is allowed, and duplicate submissions will not be counted. Thank you for being part of this journey—whether you’ve listened, shared, or supported in any way. A Quick Word From Our Sponsor — Cozy Earth This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth—and honestly, this one hits home. We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments—the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day—soft, intentional, and made to support real life. Think about the women in your life—the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back? This is your reminder: comfort matters. And you deserve it, too. Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off. Because the people who give the most should feel taken care of, too. Meet Our Guest — Louis Kim Louis Kim is a Korean-American entrepreneur, Founder of Yusan Capital, and a leader in what he calls “Connected Capitalism.” After building and selling a successful business, Louis found himself facing deep inner struggles that led him on a path of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and heart-centered leadership. Today, he bridges the worlds of business and inner work, helping others understand that true success starts within. Website: http://www.loukim.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partsoflou/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partsoflou/ Mental Health Quote “If you’re unhappy without money, you’ll just be more miserable with it. Real fulfillment comes from within.” — Louis Kim Episode Description Louis Kim did everything right, built the business, made the money, and checked every box society tells us should equal happiness. But behind the success, he was struggling in silence. In this deeply honest conversation, Louis shares what it felt like to reach the top, realize something was still missing, and how that realization led him into one of the hardest, yet most transformative, chapters of his life. Sitting down with...

What happens when you keep walking away from conversations, feeling like everything is somehow your fault? In this special podcast swap, we’re sharing a powerful episode from Renee Swanson of The Covert Narcissism Podcast—one that breaks down the emotional weight of self-blame and why so many of us carry responsibility that was never ours to begin with. This isn’t our usual format, but it’s one we believe matters—and we truly hope you walk away from this episode learning something that shifts how you see yourself and your relationships. Mental Health Quote “Maybe you’re not the problem. Maybe you were just trying to be normal in a place that couldn’t tolerate normal.” — Renee Swanson Episode Description This episode is something a little different—and very intentional. As part of a podcast swap, we’re featuring a powerful episode from Renee Swanson, host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast. And honestly? This is one we knew our listeners needed to hear. Renee walks us through the subtle, often invisible dynamics of covert narcissism and self-blame—the kind that doesn’t show up as obvious conflict but instead leaves you questioning yourself after completely normal interactions. Through real-life scenarios, she unpacks how everyday conversations can twist, leaving you carrying guilt, confusion, and responsibility that were never yours. We explore what it means to be a self-reflective person in an unhealthy dynamic, how emotional intelligence can be quietly exploited, and why some relationships make you feel like you’re constantly getting it wrong. Renee also introduces the idea of internal boundaries—simple but powerful shifts that help you stop absorbing someone else’s tension and start trusting your own reality again. This episode hits deep because it puts words to something so many people feel but struggle to explain. And that’s exactly why we wanted to bring it to you. We’re honored to share Renee’s work on our platform, and we hope you take something real, grounding, and empowering from this conversation—because understanding this dynamic can truly change how you show up in your life and your relationships. Keywords: covert narcissism, self-blame, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, mental health awareness, gaslighting, self-worth, emotional intelligence, boundaries, healing journey, trauma recovery, self-trust, relationship patterns, personal growth Meet the Host — Renee Swanson Renee Swanson is the host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast and a coach dedicated to helping individuals understand and heal from emotionally manipulative and narcissistic relationship dynamics. Through her work, she provides clarity, validation, and practical tools for those navigating confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. Website: https://covertnarcissism.com/ Key Takeaways Not every emotional reaction directed at you belongs to you Self-reflection is a strength—but in the wrong environment, it can be used against you Feeling like “the problem” is often a learned pattern, not the truth Healthy relationships can handle normal communication without turning it into conflict Internal boundaries help you separate your emotions from someone else’s tension Patterns of self-doubt around specific people are important signals, not coincidences Actionable Items When self-blame shows up, pause and ask: “Who was I interacting with?” Practice the boundary: “I will not internalize someone else’s tension.” Notice where you feel grounded versus where you feel anxious or “too much”—and trust that awareness Important Chapters 00:00:00 – G-Rex introduces the podcast swap and why this episode matters 00:00:25 – Renee sets the stage: when something feels off but you can’t explain why 00:01:07 – The kitchen scenario: how normal conversations turn into self-blame 00:04:29 – Understanding emotional offloading and the “pressure release valve” dynamic 00:06:14 – The long-term cost of self-erasure in relationships 00:07:32 – Why everyday...

What happens when your body completely breaks down—and no one can tell you why? In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Shannon Salge to talk about burnout, chronic illness, and the deeper emotional roots of healing that most people never address. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You can do everything ‘right’ and still feel broken—until you start healing what’s underneath.” — Shannon Salge Vote for Us — Women Podcasters Awards We’ve been nominated in the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset & Mental Health category—and this one means everything. What started as real, unfiltered conversations has grown into a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone. Vote here: https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting Voting is open through April 30th at 6 PM PST One vote per person/email Thank you for being part of this journey. A Quick Word From Our Sponsor — Cozy Earth This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth—and honestly, this one hits home. We talk a lot about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments—the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are soft, intentional, and made to support real life. Think about the women in your life—the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back? Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off. Because the people who give the most deserve to feel taken care of, too. Episode Description Shannon Salge thought she was doing everything right—eating clean, working out, pushing through, and showing up at the highest level. Until her body completely shut down. In this honest and powerful conversation, Shannon joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to discuss what really happens when burnout, chronic stress, and unresolved emotional patterns manifest as physical symptoms. After years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and gaslit by doctors, Shannon was eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune condition—but that diagnosis didn’t explain everything. What she uncovered next changed the way she sees health entirely. This episode challenges the idea that healing is just about fixing symptoms. Shannon breaks down how gut issues, hormone imbalances, fatigue, and chronic pain are often tied to deeper stress patterns, nervous system dysregulation, and emotional suppression. She shares that learning to slow down, set boundaries, and listen to her body was the turning point in her recovery. You’ll also hear about alternative approaches like bioresonance testing and functional labs, and why advocating for yourself within the medical system is non-negotiable. If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” but you know something isn’t right—this conversation is for you. Keywords: Shannon Salge, burnout recovery, gut health, autoimmune disease, mental health, chronic stress, nervous system healing, women’s wellness, hormone imbalance, emotional healing, functional nutrition, root cause healing, fatigue recovery, health advocacy, holistic healing Meet Our Guest — Shannon Salge Shannon Salge is the founder and CEO of The Wellness Paradigm, a virtual practice helping women move beyond symptom-chasing and heal at the root. As a functional nutritionist, metabolism and hormone expert, and autoimmune warrior, she blends science-backed testing with emotional and...

This week, we’re doing something a little different. As part of a special episode swap, we’re sharing a powerful episode from Renee Swanson of The Covert Narcissism Podcast—and this one is going to hit you right in the heart. Mental Health Quote “It’s not confusion—it’s communication. Different parts of you are trying to be heard.” — Renee Swanson Episode Description This episode is different—and intentionally so. We’re bringing you a raw and deeply validating conversation from Renee Swanson, host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast, as part of a special episode swap. And if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I still miss someone who hurt me?”—this is for you. Renee breaks down the internal war so many survivors of covert narcissistic abuse experience. That push-and-pull between what you know is true and what you still feel isn’t weakness—it’s your internal system trying to protect you. Using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework, she explains how different parts of you—like the “firefighter” that urges you to reconnect and the deeper “exile” carrying pain—are working overtime to keep you safe, even when it feels confusing or overwhelming. This episode isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about understanding yourself. It’s about learning to sit with what’s coming up instead of judging it—and realizing that healing happens when you start listening inward instead of fighting yourself. If this episode resonated with you, I highly recommend checking out Renee Swanson and her Covert Narcissism Podcast. Her work goes so much deeper into understanding these patterns and helping you reconnect with yourself in a way that actually creates change—not just more awareness. You can find her podcast wherever you’re listening right now. I’ll link her podcast and coaching in the show notes, so you can easily find her. Keywords: covert narcissism, narcissistic abuse recovery, emotional abuse healing, trauma bonding, internal family systems, IFS therapy, toxic relationships, emotional healing, self-awareness, trauma recovery, attachment wounds, healing journey, self-trust Meet the Host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast — Renee Swanson Renee Swanson is the host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast and a coach dedicated to helping people make sense of emotionally abusive and confusing relationship dynamics. Through her work, she offers grounded, compassionate guidance to help listeners untangle internal conflict, rebuild self-trust, and reconnect with who they are after covert narcissistic experiences. Podcast: https://bleav.com/shows/the-covert-narcissism-podcast/ Coaching: https://www.covertnarcissism.com/ Key Takeaways Actionable Items what part of me is speaking right now? References Mentioned The Covert Narcissism Podcast: https://bleav.com/shows/the-covert-narcissism-podcast/ Coaching with Renee Swanson: https://www.covertnarcissism.com/ Important Chapters 00:00 – Why you can still miss someone who hurt you 05:00 – Understanding internal conflict after narcissistic abuse 12:00 – Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) 25:00 – Firefighters, managers, and exiles explained 40:00 – The 6-step process for navigating emotional triggers 55:00 – Building self-trust and ending the internal war Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more powerful conversations like this from Renee Swanson and The Covert Narcissism Podcast. #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CovertNarcissism #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #TraumaHealing #IFStherapy #EmotionalHealing #ToxicRelationships #SelfAwarenessJourney #HealingAfterAbuse #AttachmentHealing #InnerWork #SelfTrust *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK...

What happens when someone risks their friendship to save your life? In this powerful conversation, Justin Goodman sits down with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how surviving addiction, bipolar disorder, and a suicide attempt led him to change how we show up for each other—especially at work. Trigger Notice This episode includes discussions of suicide, addiction, and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) Find global support: https://findahelpline.com Awards & Downloads Line Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 4x award-winning podcast — including the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), and the 2026 NYC Podcast Awards Audience Choice Award (Best Hosts) — with over 4.5 million downloads and counting. Vote for Us — Women Podcasters Awards I’m incredibly proud to share that we have been nominated in the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset & Mental Health category. This recognition means more than words can capture. What started as honest, sometimes messy conversations has grown into something bigger—a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone. Now we have a chance to grow that impact even further, and your support would mean everything. Vote here: https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting Voting is open now through April 30th at 6PM PST Voting is simple: • Click the link • Select the vote button • Complete the form Please note: only one vote per person and email address is allowed, and duplicate submissions will not be counted. Thank you for being part of this journey—whether you’ve listened, shared, or supported in any way. A Quick Word From Our Sponsor — Cozy Earth This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth—and honestly, this one hits home. We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments—the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day—soft, intentional, and made to support real life. Think about the women in your life—the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back? This is your reminder: comfort matters. And you deserve it, too. Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off. Because the people who give the most should feel taken care of, too. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You can’t save everybody—and it’s not your job to carry their pain, only to help them through it.” — Justin Goodman Episode Description Justin Goodman’s story is one of those that stays with you. Not because it’s polished—but because it’s real. From being bullied as a kid to living with chronic pain and developing an addiction to painkillers, Justin found himself in a place where he didn’t want to be anymore. What changed everything wasn’t a grand plan—it was one person paying attention and stepping in at the exact right moment. In this conversation, Justin opens up about being misdiagnosed for years before finally learning he was living with bipolar disorder. He talks about how the wrong medication made things worse, how hard it was to find stability, and what it actually took to rebuild his life from the inside out. But what makes this episode hit differently is what Justin chose to do with that experience. Through Project 55, he’s helping everyday people learn to recognize when someone is struggling, have real conversations, and step in before things reach a breaking point. Because the truth is, most people don’t get help...

What if the voice in your head telling you you’re not enough… isn’t actually the truth? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with therapist Nicole Penrod to unpack the toxic shame cycle, perfectionism, and what it really takes to come back to yourself—and finally feel like you’re enough without having to prove it. A Quick Word From Our Sponsor — Cozy Earth This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth—and honestly, this one hits home. We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments—the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day… soft, intentional, and made to support real life. Think about the women in your life—the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back? This is your reminder: comfort matters. And you deserve it, too. Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off. Because the people who give the most should feel taken care of, too. Awards & Downloads Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 4x award-winning podcast — including the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), and the 2026 NYC Podcast Awards Audience Choice Award (Best Hosts) — with over 4.5 million downloads and counting. Feedback We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You’re allowed to be a work in progress without being a problem to fix.” — Nicole Penrod Episode Description Why do so many of us feel stuck between “I’m not enough” and “I need to be perfect”? In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, therapist Nicole Penrod breaks down the toxic shame cycle—a pattern that keeps us bouncing between self-criticism and impossible expectations. Nicole shares her personal journey through depression, eating disorder recovery, and undiagnosed ADHD, revealing how even the most driven and capable people can feel like they’re constantly falling short. Together with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, they unpack how perfectionism, fear of rejection, and the pressure to “do it all” can disconnect us from our real selves. But this episode isn’t just about awareness—it’s about change. Nicole offers practical ways to recognize when you’re stuck in a cycle, set realistic goals that actually work, and celebrate small wins as one of the most powerful mental health tools you have. They also dive into boundaries, self-respect, and the uncomfortable truth that growth sometimes means people won’t always see you as the “nice” one anymore. If you’ve ever felt like you’re either failing or trying to be everything at once, this episode will hit—and help you find your way back to center. Keywords: toxic shame cycle, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-worth, emotional healing, therapy tools, boundaries, mental health podcast, self-acceptance, rejection, personal growth, coping strategies Meet Our Guest — Nicole Penrod Nicole Penrod is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in California, specializing in relationships, anxiety, and nontraditional partnerships, including ethical non-monogamy. She works with individuals and couples to deepen self-awareness, improve communication, and navigate complex emotional patterns with clarity and compassion. Nicole is also a creative writer, bringing storytelling and humanity into her work—helping people feel seen, understood, and less alone in their mental health journeys. Website: https://nicolepenrodmft.com/about/ Practice: https://relationshipcenter.com Key Takeaways Actionable Items Important Chapters Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and...

What if the hardest relationship you have to walk away from is the one you thought would heal you? In this powerful Season 17 opener, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with returning guest Kate King to unpack toxic relationship patterns, emotional healing, and how to finally choose yourself. Awards & Downloads Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has over 4.5 million downloads and counting, we are listened to all over the world, and we are an award-winning podcast. Feedback Link We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You don’t have to keep abandoning yourself just to keep a relationship alive.” — Kate King Episode Description Relationships can shape us—but they can also slowly break us if we’re not paying attention. In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, Kate King returns to the mic to talk about the patterns, blind spots, and emotional traps that keep people stuck in relationships that hurt more than they heal. Drawing on over 17 years of experience in mental health, art therapy, and coaching, Kate shares the inspiration behind her book, Mend or Move On, and walks us through the subtle ways we normalize dysfunction. From ignoring red flags to confusing chemistry with compatibility, this episode pulls back the curtain on why leaving isn’t always as simple as it sounds. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles keep it real as they explore the emotional tug-of-war between staying and going, how trauma and nervous system responses play into our relationship choices, and what it actually looks like to rebuild self-trust. Kate brings a grounded, compassionate approach—blending neuroscience, creativity, and practical tools—to help listeners reconnect with themselves and start making empowered decisions. If you’ve ever questioned your worth in a relationship, felt stuck in cycles you can’t explain, or wondered if it’s time to walk away, this episode will hit home—and help you find your next step forward. Keywords: toxic relationships, emotional healing, mental health podcast, relationship trauma, self-worth, boundaries, nervous system healing, leaving toxic relationships, codependency, relationship red flags, healing journey, self-awareness, personal growth, trauma recovery Meet Our Guest — Kate King Kate King is the founder of The Radiant Life Project, a Radiant Life Coach, Board-Certified Art Therapist, award-winning author, and former Licensed Professional Counselor with over 17 years of experience. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and creativity to help people heal, reconnect, and live more authentic lives. Kate is the author of Mend or Move On, a therapeutic guide to recognizing and recovering from harmful relationships, and the creator of tools like The Radiant Life Project, The Authentic Mother, and the Ink & Wings Oracle Deck. Websitehttps://TheRadiantLifeProject.com Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/theradiantlifeproject/ Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/TheRadiantLifeProject/ YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxGCo2H8iWIReg8X6ADubg LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/theradiantlifeproject/ Key Takeaways Actionable Items Important Chapters 00:0008:1518:4029:1041:2552:00 Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ToxicRelationships #EmotionalHealing #RelationshipTrauma #SelfWorth #Boundaries #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #TraumaRecovery #Codependency #MentalHealthSupport *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area....

Season 16 has been a powerful ride. In this special finale, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflect on the wisdom, healing, and hard-earned lessons shared by this season’s incredible guests—all centered around one powerful truth: reclaiming your authentic self is one of the bravest things you can do. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), a 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), the 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and the 2026 NYC Podcast Awards Audience Award Winner for Best Hosts, with over 4 million downloads and counting. Feedback Link We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Reclaiming your authentic self means letting go of who you were told to be and choosing who you truly are.” Episode Description Season 16 of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads brought together powerful voices in mental health, resilience, and personal growth. Throughout the season, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sat down with professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experiences who shared honest stories about healing, boundaries, trauma recovery, and rediscovering identity. Each episode peeled back another layer of what it really means to prioritize mental health in a world that often tells us to push through and stay silent. Our guests spoke openly about navigating difficult life experiences, learning to forgive themselves, and building healthier relationships with others and with themselves. What emerged across these conversations was a powerful theme: authenticity. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to be seen honestly—without shame, without masks, and without the pressure to be perfect. Some guests brought professional insight from decades of work in psychology, counseling, or advocacy. Others shared deeply personal journeys of overcoming adversity and reclaiming their voice. Together, these stories formed a season that reminded us of the importance of talking openly about mental health. In this season finale, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflect on the lessons that resonated the most and celebrate the incredible community that continues to grow around these conversations. Because when we share our stories, we help others realize they’re not alone. SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, emotional wellness, authenticity, trauma recovery, personal growth, resilience, therapy conversations, healing journey, self-discovery, boundaries, mental health awareness, recovery stories, mental health advocacy Meet Our Season 16 Guests ** Dr. Esther Zeldon Dr. Esther Zeldon shared powerful insights from her work helping individuals understand emotional patterns and reclaim their mental well-being. Her conversation focused on self-awareness, emotional healing, and the importance of compassionate self-reflection. ** Katherin Giovanni Katherin Giovanni brought a perspective rooted in forgiveness and emotional release. She discussed how letting go of resentment and learning self-forgiveness can open the door to deeper healing and personal freedom. ** Zulma Williams Zulma Williams shared her inspiring story of resilience and advocacy. Her work emphasizes empowering individuals to find their voice and create positive change in their communities while prioritizing mental wellness. ** Jeff Luther Jeff Luther offered an honest look at the challenges of navigating mental health struggles and the strength it takes to ask for help. His story highlighted vulnerability, courage, and the importance of connection. ** Dr. Kristen Williamson Dr. Kristen Williamson joined the show to discuss the realities of trauma recovery and the tools people can use to rebuild their emotional health. Her insights emphasized practical strategies and hope for long-term healing. ** Greg and Mike Greg and Mike brought a powerful shared conversation about...

Healing isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about finally feeling safe enough to be yourself. In Part 2, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their conversation with boundaries coach Barb Nangle, diving deeper into trauma recovery, nervous system healing, meditation, and the mindset shifts that help people build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4 million downloads and counting. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Boundaries help you go from reacting to life… to actually living it.” — Barb Nangle Episode Description In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, boundaries coach Barb Nangle explores what happens after we begin to recognize our trauma patterns. Growing up in dysfunctional environments can keep the brain locked in fight-or-flight survival mode, making it difficult to access the part of the brain responsible for clear thinking, decision-making, and identity. Barb explains how codependency often develops as a survival strategy—where people learn to focus entirely on the needs of others while disconnecting from their own feelings, preferences, and boundaries. Through recovery, meditation, and boundary-building, Barb discovered how to shift from being a reactor in life to becoming an actor—someone who consciously chooses how to respond instead of reacting from fear, anxiety, or old trauma patterns. The conversation also dives into the importance of community, mindset work, and challenging negative self-talk, as well as how meditation and nervous system regulation can help retrain the brain toward calm and emotional resilience. This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t mean becoming perfect—it means learning to respond to life with awareness, compassion, and intention. Keywords: Barb Nangle, trauma recovery, boundaries coaching, codependency healing, nervous system regulation, people pleasing recovery, meditation for mental health, emotional healing, therapy, mindset work, recovery journey, mental health podcast Meet Our Guest — Barb Nangle Barb Nangle is a boundaries coach, speaker, author, and podcaster who helps professional women stop saying yes when they mean no and build emotionally healthy relationships. After nearly 40 years of therapy and personal development, Barb entered 12-step recovery at age 52, where she discovered that codependency and childhood trauma had shaped her life far more deeply than she realized. Recovery didn’t just add tools—it fundamentally changed how she related to herself and the world. Today, Barb helps women build internal safety, stronger boundaries, and emotionally available relationships through coaching, professional speaking, and her podcast, Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery. Connect with Barb: Website: https://higherpowercc.com/ Podcast: https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbnangle/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higherpowercoaching Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) 12-Step Recovery Programs Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics Important Chapters Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #TraumaRecovery #BoundariesCoach #CodependencyHealing #MeditationPractice #EmotionalHealing #SelfGrowth #MindsetMatters #HealingJourney #MentalWellness...

What if the reason you struggle with boundaries isn’t weakness—but survival? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with boundaries coach Barb Nangle to talk about codependency, trauma, and the moment that forced Barb to completely rethink how she related to herself and everyone around her. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4 million downloads and counting. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Boundaries are the antidote to codependency.” — Barb Nangle Episode Description Many people believe boundaries are simply about saying no. But according to boundaries coach Barb Nangle, that’s only a small part of the story. In this powerful first half of a two-part conversation, Barb joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to unpack the deeper roots of codependency, trauma, and people-pleasing, and how those patterns shape our relationships long before we recognize them. Barb shares the life-changing moment that sent her into recovery: inviting a homeless man into her home in an attempt to help him, only to realize she had completely lost herself trying to rescue someone else. That experience led her into 12-step recovery programs, including Al-Anon, Codependents Anonymous, and Adult Children of Alcoholics, where she began to understand how childhood trauma and emotional abandonment had shaped her behavior. Through recovery, Barb discovered something profound: boundaries don’t just protect relationships—they create internal safety, allowing us to show up in the world without constantly abandoning ourselves. This episode is an honest and deeply relatable conversation about healing, awareness, and what it really takes to break free from lifelong patterns. Keywords: Barb Nangle, codependency recovery, boundaries, trauma healing, people pleasing, emotional safety, adult children of alcoholics, therapy, relationship boundaries, self-awareness, mental health recovery, trauma patterns, emotional healing Meet Our Guest — Barb Nangle Barb Nangle is a boundaries coach, speaker, author, and podcaster who helps professional women stop saying yes when they mean no and build emotionally healthy relationships. After nearly 40 years of therapy and personal development, Barb entered 12-step recovery at age 52, where she discovered that codependency and childhood trauma had shaped her life far more deeply than she realized. Through recovery, she developed the boundary-building framework that now forms the foundation of her coaching and teaching. Today, Barb helps women create internal safety, healthier relationships, and stronger personal boundaries through coaching, speaking, and her podcast, Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery. Connect with Barb: Website: https://higherpowercc.com/ Podcast: https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbnangle/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higherpowercoaching Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned Al-Anon Codependents Anonymous (CoDA) Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) Overeaters Anonymous (OA) Important Chapters Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CodependencyRecovery #HealthyBoundaries #TraumaHealing #PeoplePleasing #EmotionalSafety #AdultChildrenOfAlcoholics #RecoveryJourney #SelfAwareness #MentalHealthSupport...

Why do some people crave closeness while others pull away the moment things get too real? In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jack Bohannan to unpack attachment theory, childhood emotional conditioning, and the patterns that quietly shape our adult relationships. The conversation gets real about anxious love, avoidant partners, and how healing attachment wounds can change the way we connect. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “If we weren’t truly seen as kids, we spend adulthood trying to find someone who will finally see us.” — Jack Bohannan Episode Description Why do we keep repeating the same relationship patterns—even when we swear we won’t? According to attachment theory, the answer often begins in childhood. In this episode, Jack Bohannan joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to break down the psychology of attachment styles and how early relationships with caregivers shape how we connect with others as adults. From secure attachment to anxious, avoidant, and disorganized patterns, Jack explains how these emotional blueprints develop and why they often show up in our romantic relationships. The trio explores the familiar push-and-pull dynamic many couples experience—where one partner seeks closeness while the other pulls away. Jack shares how these patterns are often rooted in childhood experiences where emotional needs were either met, ignored, or inconsistently supported. The result? Adults who may struggle with intimacy, emotional vulnerability, or trust. But this episode isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness and healing. Jack discusses how attachment styles exist on a spectrum and how people can develop earned secure attachment through therapy, self-reflection, and healthier relationships. Along the way, the conversation dives into modern relationship dynamics, the impact of social isolation and digital culture, and why community connection matters more than we realize. Jack also shares personal insights into his journey through relationships, coaching, and the work it takes to truly understand himself. If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel like an emotional dance—or why you keep attracting the same type of partner—this episode offers powerful insight into the psychology of connection. Keywords: Jack Bohannan, attachment theory, attachment styles, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, secure attachment, disorganized attachment, relationships, emotional intimacy, childhood trauma, therapy, mental health, relationship psychology, emotional healing Meet Our Guest — Jack Bohannan Jack Bohannan is a somatic coach and relationship educator who helps people understand how attachment patterns shape emotional connection and intimacy. Through coaching and personal development work, Jack guides clients toward healthier relationships by addressing the deeper emotional roots behind their behaviors. Website: https://polarityunscripted.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polarityunscripted Key Takeaways early childhood experiences with caregiversstem from the anxious–avoidant dynamic, in which one partner pursues,self-awareness, therapy, and healthy relationships Actionable Items Important Chapters 00:01:30 – What Attachment Theory Really Means 00:10:00 – Avoidant vs. Anxious Relationships 00:16:00 – How Childhood Experiences Shape Emotional Connection 00:23:00 – COVID, Isolation, and Relationship Pressure 00:31:30 – Advice Jack Would Give His Younger Self 00:38:00 – Learning Self-Worth from Within Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for...

What does it take to raise confident, emotionally resilient kids in a world that feels louder, harsher, and more disconnected than ever? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Marine Officer, leadership mentor, and children’s author Olaolu Ogunyemi to talk about insecurity, identity, discipline, and why leadership always starts at home. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You’re good enough as you are.” — Olaolu Ogunyemi Episode Description Before he became a Marine Officer, leadership mentor, and award-winning children’s author, Olaolu Ogunyemi was a kid who didn’t feel like he fit in. Growing up as the son of Nigerian immigrants in Louisiana, struggling with insecurity about his name, his appearance, and his identity, Olaolu found himself acting out just to belong. In this honest and heartfelt conversation, he shares how rebellion turned into resilience — and how those early struggles shaped his mission to help parents raise confident, emotionally strong children. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dig into the real stuff: why discipline isn’t about punishment, how insecurity shows up in kids (and adults), the pressure boys feel to hide pain, and why connection at home is the foundation for leadership everywhere else. Olaolu opens up about fatherhood, military life, his son’s health challenges, and the hard lesson of learning you can’t control everything. This episode is for the parents who want to do better than what they were taught. For the dads who want to lead with empathy. For the moms raising boys to be emotionally aware men. And for anyone who needed to hear, at 12 years old, “You’re already enough.” Because raising resilient kids doesn’t start with control. It starts with connection. Keywords: Olaolu Ogunyemi, emotionally resilient children, confident kids, parenting tips, mental health, fatherhood, emotional intelligence, discipline vs punishment, leadership at home, raising boys, identity development, self-worth, resilience, family connection, positive parenting Meet Our Guest — Olaolu Ogunyemi Olaolu Ogunyemi is a Marine Officer, leadership mentor, parenting advocate, and award-winning children’s book author. As the founder of Parent-Child-Connect and author of Crow From the Shadow, Billy Dipper’s Time to Shine, and Horace the Horsefly, he equips parents with practical tools to build connection, confidence, and character in their children. His upcoming book, Lead Last, continues his mission to develop service-driven leaders at home and beyond. Website: https://parent-child-connect.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olaolu.ogunyemi X: https://x.com/Olaolu_Ogunyemi Pinterest: https://pin.it/3heBVMv YouTube: https://youtube.com/@olaoluogunyemi?si=zL0_VWAq81g2B5hK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olaolu.ogunyemi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaolu-ogunyemi-465ba453 Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned Parent-Child-Connect: https://parent-child-connect.com/ Important Chapters 00:01:0000:12:0000:20:0000:30:0000:35:0000:45:00 Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #EmotionallyResilientKids #ParentingTips #ConfidentChildren #FatherhoodMatters #PositiveParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment...

What if the anxiety, control, and burnout you’re battling aren’t flaws — but outdated survival strategies from childhood? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Yvonne Trost to unpack subconscious programming, inner child healing, and what it really takes to escape the success trap and finally feel emotionally free. About the Show + Vote Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Help Us Bring This Award Home We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast. If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy: You do not need to sign up for Patreon Once you hit submit, your vote is sent Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time. Mental Health Quote “You have a mind, but you are not your mind — and you don’t have to let it slap you around anymore.” — Yvonne Trost Episode Description For 25 years, Yvonne Trost thrived in high-pressure corporate leadership roles. On paper, she had the success. The title. The image. The achievement. But underneath it all? She was running on empty. In this raw and honest conversation, Yvonne shares how her divorce became the wake-up call that forced her to confront the subconscious beliefs driving her perfectionism, control, and constant need to prove her worth. What she discovered changed everything: most of the “shit that goes on in our heads” was programmed before we were 10. Together, we talk about subconscious reprogramming, hypnotherapy, inner child healing, fear of failure, fear of success, and how anxiety often shows up as protection — not weakness. Yvonne introduces her three-step framework: Realize, Recode, Rewrite — a process designed to help high achievers stop operating from outdated survival scripts and start living from intention and emotional freedom. If you’ve ever felt trapped in the success trap — chasing achievement while secretly feeling unfulfilled — this episode is your permission slip to upgrade your internal operating system. Because real success isn’t about the title. It’s about how free you feel inside. Keywords: Yvonne Trost, inner child healing, subconscious reprogramming, hypnotherapy, anxiety recovery, emotional freedom, burnout recovery, perfectionism, fear of success, fear of failure, corporate burnout, mindset transformation, nervous system regulation, self-worth, high achievers Meet Our Guest — Yvonne Trost Yvonne Trost is a Mindset Transformation Expert, speaker, and co-founder of LimitlessYou, a transformational coaching company helping high-achieving professionals break free from subconscious limitations. With 25 years of experience in corporate leadership and business transformation, Yvonne now guides entrepreneurs and leaders through neuroscience-backed subconscious reprogramming, hypnosis, and coaching to create lives rooted in confidence, peace, and authenticity. Website: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/why-us/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlocklimitlessyou/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unlocklimitlessyou/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockLimitlessYou Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned Unlock Limitless You: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/why-us/ Self-Love Quiz: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/ Important...

What if buying a house wasn’t just a transaction—but a transformation? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Scott Harris to talk about addiction recovery, ADHD, emotional growth, and why finding a home is deeply tied to our mental health. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Help Us Bring This Award Home We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast. If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy: not Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time. Mental Health Quote “You don’t have to do this alone. The moment you stop trying to be the hero is the moment everything changes.” — Scott Harris Episode Description When Scott Harris woke up on May 19, 2019, after drinking too much tequila, he made a decision that would change everything: he was done. Not because he hit rock bottom—but because he was tired of the anxiety, the noise in his head, and the feeling that he wasn’t living up to his potential. In this honest and unexpectedly emotional conversation, Scott joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about addiction recovery, ADHD, leadership, and the surprising mental health journey behind buying a home. As a top New York City real estate broker and author of The Pursuit of Home, Scott explains why purchasing a house is rarely “just a deal.” It’s a transition—one that tests relationships, communication styles, identity, and self-trust. Scott shares how alcohol once helped him self-medicate his ADHD and social anxiety, and how sobriety opened the door to clarity, vulnerability, and writing his bestselling book. Together, the trio unpacks the emotional rollercoaster of house hunting, why communication can make or break both marriages and real estate deals, and how the right support system changes everything. This episode is about more than property. It’s about healing, connection, courage, and learning that you don’t have to go through life—or recovery—alone. Keywords: Scott Harris, addiction recovery, ADHD, sobriety journey, mental health podcast, buying a home, emotional intelligence, anxiety recovery, leadership vulnerability, personal growth, real estate psychology, The Pursuit of Home, communication in relationships, life transitions Meet Our Guest — Scott Harris Scott Harris is a nationally bestselling author and top New York City real estate broker who has sold nearly $2 billion in residential property. Founder of MAGNETIC and creator of The Magnetic Method, Scott empowers clients to align their real estate decisions with their personal growth. His book, The Pursuit of Home: A Real Estate Guide to Achieving the American Dream, blends practical strategy with emotional insight. Connect with Scott: Websitehttps://pursueyourhome.comCompanyhttps://magneticre.comInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/scottieharris/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ScottHarrisResidentialTeamYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@magneticreXhttps://x.com/scottieharrisTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@scottharrisfindinghome?lang=enSubstackhttps://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/ Key Takeaways Actionable Items Who’s in my support circle—and are they truly supportive? References Mentioned The...

In Part 2 of this powerful two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their deep dive with Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan of Embodied Recovery — and this one hits straight at the heart of parenting, anxiety, emotional regulation, and breaking generational trauma cycles. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Help Us Bring This Award Home We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast. If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy: not Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time. “It’s okay to be who you are.” — Michael Nolan Episode Description if Episode 1 was about personal recovery, Episode 2 is about what happens when that recovery starts shaping the next generation. Greg and Michael open up about parenting through the lens of emotional awareness, breaking generational trauma, and refusing to pass down unprocessed wounds. They talk honestly about anxiety, codependency, setting boundaries, and how to validate your child’s emotions without minimizing them — even when it feels uncomfortable. The conversation moves into leadership, accountability, and the hard truth that good intentions don’t always land the way we hope. From inner child healing to conscious parenting and staying “unhooked” from others’ reactions, this episode is about doing the inner work so your kids don’t have to undo it later. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I parent differently than I was parented?” — this episode is your starting point. Keywords: Greg Vorst, Michael Nolan, Embodied Recovery, parenting and mental health, generational trauma, anxiety management, codependency recovery, conscious parenting, emotional regulation, inner child healing, addiction recovery podcast, trauma-informed parenting, boundaries in families, mental health leadership Meet Our Guests — Greg Vorst & Michael Nolan Greg Vorst, LMFT is Co-Founder and CEO of Embodied Recovery in Los Gatos, California. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems, humanistic psychology, and Korean Taoist breathwork (SunDo), Greg helps clients transform addiction and trauma into embodied living and spiritual growth. His personal healing journey began after a failed surgery left him in prolonged suffering, ultimately guiding him into therapy, inner child work, and decades of spiritual practice. Website: https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodiedrecoverycenters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodiedrecoverycenters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@embodiedrecoverycenters Michael Nolan, CADC-II, ICADC is Co-Founder and COO of Embodied Recovery. Sober since August 8, 2007, Michael’s recovery began in Alcoholics Anonymous and evolved into a life of service. Through years of addiction counseling and deep personal work, he now supports clients in integrating accountability, humility, and embodied peace into their recovery journey. Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned Embodied Recovery — https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Melos Center (Nonprofit Partner) — https://meloscenter.org Alcoholics Anonymous — https://www.aa.org/ NAMI — https://www.nami.org/ SAMHSA — https://www.samhsa.gov/ Important...

When recovery becomes more than just staying sober — when it becomes embodied, lived, and deeply felt — everything changes. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan to unpack addiction, inner child healing, breathwork, and what real transformation actually looks like. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Help Us Bring This Award Home We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast. If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy: not Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time. “You don’t have to believe everything you think.” — Greg & Michael Episode Description In this first half of our conversation, Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan, co-founders of Embodied Recovery in Northern California, share how their personal journeys through addiction, anxiety, trauma, and spiritual crisis led them to build a treatment center rooted in lived experience — not just theory. Michael opens up about entering treatment at 20 and the humility of 12-step recovery. Greg shares his unexpected transition from opera singer to therapist after a failed surgery triggered years of physical and emotional suffering. Together, they unpack the wounded healer model and why authentic recovery requires more than clinical knowledge — it requires doing your own work. We talk about codependency, emotional regulation, nervous system healing, and the Korean Taoist breathwork practice SunDo — a cornerstone of their daily lives and programming. This episode dives deep into inner child work, identity, validation, and the courage it takes to stop performing and start living. If you’ve ever felt like you’re surviving instead of embodying your life, this conversation will hit home. Keywords: Greg Vorst, Michael Nolan, Embodied Recovery, addiction recovery, trauma healing, inner child work, breathwork, SunDo meditation, codependency recovery, 12-step program, mental health podcast, anxiety recovery, nervous system regulation, emotional healing Meet Our Guests — Greg Vorst & Michael Nolan Greg Vorst, LMFT is Co-Founder and CEO of Embodied Recovery in Los Gatos, California. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems, humanistic psychology, and Korean Taoist breathwork (SunDo), Greg helps clients transform addiction and trauma into embodied living and spiritual growth. His personal healing journey began after a failed surgery left him in prolonged suffering, ultimately guiding him into therapy, inner child work, and decades of spiritual practice. Website: https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodiedrecoverycenters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodiedrecoverycenters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@embodiedrecoverycenters Michael Nolan, CADC-II, ICADC is Co-Founder and COO of Embodied Recovery. Sober since August 8, 2007, Michael’s recovery began in Alcoholics Anonymous and evolved into a life of service. Through years of addiction counseling and deep personal work, he now supports clients in integrating accountability, humility, and embodied peace into their recovery journey. Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned Embodied Recovery...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their discussion with Dr. Kristen Williamson, diving deeper into identity, relationships, work, and what it really means to thrive as a neurodivergent adult in a world that wasn’t built for your brain. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Help Us Bring This Award Home We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast. If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy: You do not need to sign up for Patreon Once you hit submit, your vote is sent Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time. Mental Health Quote “We’re different, not less — and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.” — Dr. Kristen Williamson Episode Description Part 2 continues the conversation with Dr. Kristen Williamson, moving from awareness into lived experience. This episode explores how neurodivergence shows up across different stages of life — from childhood to adulthood, through parenting, relationships, work, and major transitions like puberty, hormones, and menopause. Dr. Kristen explains how autism and ADHD don’t stay static over time. Instead, they evolve as life demands change. She breaks down why middle school is often when ADHD becomes more visible, how puberty and hormones can disrupt previously effective coping skills, and why adulthood often requires constant recalibration rather than “figuring it out once and for all.” The conversation also dives into friendships, marriage, and communication — including how neurodivergent and neurotypical partners can unintentionally clash over clutter, routines, and expectations. Dr. Kristen shares openly about masking, scripts, and the exhaustion of trying to fit into a world that doesn’t always make space for difference. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles ask thoughtful questions about inclusion, the workplace, gender identity, and how to support neurodivergent people without reducing them to their diagnoses. This episode is honest, funny, validating, and deeply human — a reminder that neurodivergence isn’t something to outgrow or fix, but something to understand, support, and honor. SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism and adulthood, ADHD across the lifespan, neurodivergent identity, masking, workplace neurodiversity, sensory overwhelm, relationships and autism, late diagnosis healing, mental health podcast Meet Our Guest — Dr. Kristen Williamson Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, speaker, and creator of neurodivergent-affirming resources. Diagnosed later in life with autism and ADHD, she brings lived experience, compassion, and humor into conversations about identity, parenting, relationships, and mental health. Connect with Dr. Kristen: Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1 Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned Important Chapters 00:00 – Part...

What if the things you’ve always called “quirks” were actually your brain asking to be understood? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to discuss autism, ADHD, parenting neurodivergent kids, and the deep relief of finally feeling seen. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Help Us Bring This Award Home We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast. If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy: not Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time. Mental Health Quote “We’re different, not less — and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.” — Dr. Kristen Williamson Episode Description In Part 1 of this two-part episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a self-described “neurospicy” family. What begins as a conversation about autism and ADHD quickly turns into a deeply validating discussion about identity, masking, sensory overload, and self-acceptance. Dr. Kristen shares what it was like to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life — and how that diagnosis reframed decades of confusion, anxiety, and self-blame. She opens up about parenting a neurodivergent child before fully understanding her own neurodivergence, and why women are so often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Together, the trio talks honestly about sensory overwhelm, everyday burnout, and why “functioning” doesn’t always mean thriving. From food textures and crowds to noise and emotional regulation, this episode gives language to experiences that many people have struggled to explain. This conversation isn’t about labels for the sake of labels. It’s about understanding your nervous system, honoring your needs, and letting go of the belief that you’re broken. Part 1 is about awareness, permission, and the power of finally realizing there’s nothing wrong with you — your brain just works differently. SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism, ADHD, neurodivergent adults, late autism diagnosis, women and ADHD, sensory overload, mental health podcast, parenting neurodivergent kids, masking, self-acceptance, emotional wellness Meet Our Guest — Dr. Kristen Williamson Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and speaker specializing in autism, ADHD, and mental health. Diagnosed later in life herself, she blends clinical knowledge, lived experience, and humor to help individuals and families understand their brains and thrive without shame. Connect with Dr. Kristen: Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1 Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned Important Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and why this is a two-part conversation 04:30 – Dr. Kristen’s late autism and ADHD diagnosis 09:45 – Autism and ADHD in women 15:00 – Sensory overload...

Trigger Notice + Crisis Support This episode includes discussion of sudden cardiac arrest, near-death experiences, suicidal ideation, and mental health crises. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 (U.S.) — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Or visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources. What happens to your mind when your heart stops and you come back? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jeff Luther, a father and athlete who survived sudden cardiac arrest, to talk about fear, trauma, resilience, and how rebuilding life sometimes starts in 30-second increments. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You still choose. Even when everything is taken away, you still get to choose.” — Jeff Luther Episode Description Jeff Luther was fit and competitive, training alongside his teenage son, when his heart suddenly stopped. No pulse. No breath. Two shocks from an AED brought him back — but life as he knew it was over. In this raw and deeply human episode, Jeff joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about surviving sudden cardiac arrest, living with trauma, and the mental health fallout no one prepares you for. From the fear of his own body betraying him again, to the shame of pretending to be strong instead of being honest, Jeff opens up about what it really means to rebuild a life after death. This conversation goes beyond survival. Jeff shares what it felt like to truly believe he was dying, why gratitude felt impossible at first, and how resilience didn’t come from pushing harder — but from choosing again and again to stay. Sometimes for a year. Sometimes for a day. Sometimes for just 30 seconds. They also explore how trauma reshapes identity, how children carry invisible fear, and why connection — not toughness — is the real currency of healing. Jeff’s story is a reminder that mental health struggles don’t always come from weakness. Sometimes they come from surviving something that should have ended you. If you’ve ever faced a life-altering event, lived with anxiety after trauma, or wondered how to keep going when fear takes over, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. SEO Keywords: Jeff Luther, sudden cardiac arrest survivor, near-death experience, trauma recovery, mental health podcast, resilience, anxiety after trauma, cardiac arrest recovery, mindset healing, overcoming fear, post-traumatic growth, emotional resilience Meet Our Guest — Jeff Luther Jeff Luther is a speaker, mindset coach, and sudden cardiac arrest survivor who helps people question the stories they tell themselves and rebuild their lives after trauma. After collapsing in front of his teenage son and being clinically dead for eight minutes, Jeff began a journey of resilience, belief work, and intentional living — 30 seconds at a time. Connect with Jeff: Website: https://www.jeffluther.com Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inspector-alliance/id1658627241 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdluther2.0/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdluther2.0 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-luther/ Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast...

Trigger Notice + Support This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, abuse, cancer, and trauma recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For international support, visit: https://findahelpline.com What happens when life tries to break you—and you decide not to let it? In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with therapist and survivor Zulma Williams to talk trauma, healing, and why you don’t need to be “fixed” to move forward. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “If you woke up today, your mission in life is not complete.” — Zulma Williams Episode Description Zulma Williams has survived more than most people can imagine—breast cancer, abusive relationships, depression, and suicidal ideation. But she never saw herself as a victim. In this raw, honest episode, Zulma joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share why survival isn’t about toughness—it’s about truth. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Zulma moved to the United States in her 30s, reinvented herself in midlife, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after cancer forced her to stop and reevaluate everything. Along the way, she learned something powerful: trauma doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you adapted. Zulma opens up about emotional and verbal abuse, how subtle control can dismantle your sense of self, and why so many people don’t realize they’re being harmed until they’re already isolated. She also explains why therapy only works when you’re allowed to be fully yourself—swearing included. As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma talks about trauma recovery, nervous system healing, and why short-term, evidence-based therapies can create real change. This conversation is bold, validating, and deeply human—especially for anyone who feels “too old,” “too damaged,” or “too far gone” to start over. This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t require perfection. It requires honesty, courage, and the willingness to honor your own internal hero. SEO Keywords: Zulma Williams, trauma recovery, mental health podcast, therapy healing, PTSD support, emotional abuse recovery, anxiety and depression, ART therapy, survivor mindset, suicide prevention, healing trauma, self-worth, resilience, therapy that works Meet Our Guest — Zulma Williams, LCSW, ACSW, CTMH Zulma Williams is the founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma recovery. A breast cancer survivor and Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma brings lived experience, direct honesty, and evidence-based care to help clients stop surviving and start healing. Connect with Zulma: Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214/ Key Takeaways Actionable Items References Mentioned https://988lifeline.orghttps://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:02:0000:10:3000:15:0000:22:0000:30:0000:37:0000:40:00 Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles...