Episodes

  • Katherine Giovanni on Forgiveness: How Letting Go Gives You Your Life Back

    Katherine Giovanni on Forgiveness: How Letting Go Gives You Your Life Back
    Jan 29 2026
    Trigger Notice & Support Reminder This episode includes discussion of suicide, sexual assault, trauma, addiction, and cancer.If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available.Call or text 988 in the U.S. or visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources. What if forgiveness wasn’t about letting someone off the hook — but about finally setting yourself free? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Katherine Giovanni to talk about trauma, anger, and how forgiveness can be a deeply personal, life-changing act of self-healing. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Forgiveness isn’t about them. It’s about getting your life — and your peace — back.”— Katherine Giovanni Episode Description Forgiveness gets thrown around a lot — but nobody really teaches us how to do it, or what to do when we don’t want to. In this deeply human and eye-opening episode, Katherine Giovanni joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to flip the script on forgiveness, trauma, and healing. A three-time award-winning author, transformation mentor, and stage 3 breast cancer survivor, Katherine shares her powerful personal journey through childhood trauma, addiction, loss, and survival — and how forgiveness became the tool that helped her reclaim her life. Not as a pass for harmful behavior, but as a boundary-setting, self-preserving act of freedom. Katherine introduces her practical, step-by-step forgiveness process, including her unique approach to forgiving not only people but also the energy around painful memories. Together, the trio explores why forgiveness is selfish (in the best way), why you don’t owe anyone a relationship, and why some things may never be forgivable — and that’s okay. They also dive into forgiving yourself, releasing guilt and shame, and even unpack why our relationship with money often needs forgiveness, too. This conversation is raw, insightful, and unexpectedly empowering — especially for anyone who feels stuck replaying old wounds or carrying anger that’s quietly draining their joy. If you’ve ever said, “I’ll never forgive them,” this episode might just change how you think about healing — and about yourself. Keywords: Katherine Giovanni, forgiveness, emotional healing, trauma recovery, self-forgiveness, mental health podcast, letting go, emotional freedom, healing from abuse, guilt and shame, boundaries, cancer survivor, addiction recovery, forgiveness process Meet Our Guest — Katherine Giovanni Katherine Giovanni is a three-time award-winning best-selling author, speaker, and one of the original founders of the independent concierge industry. A stage 3 breast cancer survivor and transformation mentor, she helps people release guilt, shame, and emotional blocks through forgiveness, intuition, and self-awareness. Connect with Katherine:Website: https://www.katharinegiovanni.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katharine.giovanniInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katharinegiovanniYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0PPtlSUPldGNl9mIRRtAmALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinegiovanni/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathgiovanniSubstack: https://katharinegiovanni.substack.com/ Key Takeaways Forgiveness is not weakness — it’s a powerful act of self-protection.You can forgive someone without allowing them back into your life.Holding onto anger keeps you stuck in the past; forgiveness restores your freedom.Forgiving the energy around a memory helps stop emotional triggers.Self-forgiveness is often the hardest — and most important — healing step.Healing is a marathon, not a sprint. Actionable Items Write a forgiveness list and start with the easiest people first — not the biggest wounds.Practice forgiving the energy around painful memories, not just the people involved.Check in with your body after forgiveness work and pace yourself gently. References Mentioned The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness by Katherine Giovanni988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.orgGlobal Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:03:00 – Why forgiveness is misunderstood and rarely taught00:06:30 – The truth about forgiving without reconnecting00:10:00 – Katherine’s step-by-step forgiveness process00:14:30 – Forgiving trauma, abuse, and the “unforgivable.”00:23:00 – Why forgiving yourself is often the hardest part00:31:00 – Forgiving money and breaking old survival patterns00:38:30 – Freedom, peace, and reclaiming your life Closing CTA Subscribe...
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    47 mins
  • Dr. Esther Zeldon on Career Burnout, Anxiety, and Finding Purpose After a Toxic “Successful” Life

    Dr. Esther Zeldon on Career Burnout, Anxiety, and Finding Purpose After a Toxic “Successful” Life
    Jan 27 2026
    What happens when you do everything right, earn the degrees, land the title, and build security, yet still feel empty inside? In this powerful Season 16 opener, G Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Esther Zeldon to talk honestly about burnout, anxiety, people pleasing, and the moment you realize the life you built is slowly eroding your mental health. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “There is no such thing as real safety if you are betraying yourself to keep it.” — Dr. Esther Zeldon Episode Description Burnout does not always come from failure. Sometimes it comes from success. In this raw and deeply human conversation, Dr. Esther Zeldon joins G Rex and Dirty Skittles to unpack what happens when a lifetime of chasing stability, titles, and external validation leads straight to anxiety, depression, and disconnection from purpose. Esther shares her powerful story, from surviving a life-threatening illness as a child, to becoming a high-achieving diplomat and international development professional, to realizing that the “safe” life she built was quietly damaging her mental health. Together, they explore how childhood trauma can disguise itself as ambition, why people pleasing keeps so many of us stuck in toxic jobs, and how fear of failure often hides a deeper fear of finally being honest with ourselves. This episode is not about reckless quitting or overnight success. It is about alignment. It is about learning to say no. It is about recognizing that security is often an illusion, and that true safety comes from knowing you can rebuild, pivot, and survive hard seasons without abandoning who you are. Esther also opens up about anxiety, financial fear, boundaries, and the realities of entrepreneurship, including losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in contracts and choosing purpose anyway. If you are quietly burning out, questioning your career, or feeling guilty for wanting more meaning in your life, this conversation will resonate. Keywords: Esther Zeldon, career burnout, anxiety, mental health, toxic workplace, purpose-driven life, people pleasing, trauma healing, entrepreneurship stress, alignment, emotional wellness, burnout recovery, meaningful work Meet Our Guest, Dr. Esther Zeldon Dr. Esther Zeldon is a coach, best-selling author, social entrepreneur, and former diplomat dedicated to helping people uncover their unique superpower and live purpose-driven lives. With global experience spanning governments, nonprofits, and communities, Esther blends strategy, science, and compassion to help individuals and organizations create sustainable impact without sacrificing mental health. Website: https://beactchange.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beactchange/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.act.change/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beactchange Key Takeaways Burnout can come from success just as easily as failure.Anxiety often stems from living out of alignment, not weakness.Safety is often a trauma response, not a true motivator.People pleasing keeps you stuck in toxic environments.Saying no is a mental health skill, not a personality flaw.Purpose is not found; it is remembered. Actionable Items Write down what safety really costs you emotionally.Identify one boundary you need to set this month and honor it.Ask yourself, am I chasing security, or am I chasing alignment? References Mentioned Purpose-driven coaching and alignment work: https://beactchange.com Important Chapters 00:02 - Esther’s childhood trauma and how safety became her driving force 06:30 - High achievement, toxic workplaces, and silent burnout 12:45 - Anxiety, depression, and people pleasing patterns 18:00 - Leaving security and facing fear head-on 25:30 - Financial fear, entrepreneurship, and redefining success 33:00 - Boundaries, saying no, and protecting your peace 40:00 - Purpose, joy, and mental health alignment Closing Call to Action Subscribe, rate, and review. Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CareerBurnout #AnxietySupport #PurposeDrivenLife #ToxicWorkplace #EmotionalWellness #BurnoutRecovery #PeoplePleasing #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #AlignmentOverAchievement #HealingJourney ***************************************************************************If You Need Support, Reach OutIf you or someone you know is facing mental health ...
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    55 mins
  • Choosing Hope Again: G-Rex & Dirty Skittles Reflect on Season 15 and the Power of Healing

    Choosing Hope Again: G-Rex & Dirty Skittles Reflect on Season 15 and the Power of Healing
    Jan 20 2026
    Season 15 reminded us why this podcast exists. In this special season ender, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down as friends — not interviewers — to reflect on the stories, lessons, laughter, and growth that defined the season, and how healing shows up when you keep showing up for each other. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Healing is easier when you’re not doing it alone — sometimes all it takes is someone willing to sit with you in the mess.” — G-Rex Episode Description This episode is different — and intentional. There are no guests this time. Just G-Rex and Dirty Skittles closing out Season 15 together, reflecting on what they learned, how they grew, and why this podcast has become more than just a show. Throughout the season, we heard stories about anxiety, OCD, PTSD, medical trauma, parenting through crisis, creativity as healing, and learning how to advocate for yourself when life doesn’t play fair. But as we looked back, something else stood out just as clearly — the power of connection, humor, and friendship in the middle of hard seasons. In this season ender, we talk honestly about growth, boundaries, resilience, and the lifelong work of healing. We reflect on how our guests helped us learn, laugh, and sometimes rethink the way we handle our own mental health. This conversation is about choosing hope, staying curious, and reminding ourselves that it’s okay to still be learning. Season 15 comes full circle here — grounded, grateful, and hopeful for what’s next. SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, season recap, healing journey, resilience, trauma recovery, anxiety support, PTSD healing, emotional wellness, self advocacy, hope, therapy tools, mental health awareness Season 15 Episodes, Air Dates & Lessons Learned Melissa — OCD & Anxiety Recovery: Real Tools That Actually HelpAired 12/2/2025Lesson: Intrusive thoughts don’t mean you’re broken — they’re signals you can learn to respond to instead of fear. Virginia — Rising Inch by Inch: Hope, Healing, and Reclaiming Your LifeAired 12/4/2025Lesson: Healing doesn’t require giant leaps; consistent, small steps can rebuild an entire life. Michael — Trauma Without the Pain: The Cortina Method That’s Changing PTSD ForeverAired 12/9/2025Lesson: You don’t have to relive trauma to heal it — effective therapy can reduce pain without re-traumatization. Kelly — Traumatic Brain Injury, Neurofatigue, and the Fight to Feel ‘Normal’ AgainAired 12/11/2025Lesson: Invisible injuries are still real, and listening to your body early can change long-term outcomes. Jenn Robb — Supporting a Child Through Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal ThoughtsAired 12/16/2025Lesson: Loving someone through a mental health crisis requires fierce advocacy — and caregivers need care too. Adriene Caldwell — Foster Care, Abuse, Suicide Survival, and the Power of HopeAired 12/18/2025Lesson: Even the hardest beginnings don’t define your ending — hope can be learned and reclaimed. Carrie — Mental Health, Trauma, and Healing Through CreativityAired 12/23/2025Lesson: Creativity can be a powerful form of therapy and a way to choose yourself after trauma. Talaya — Cancer, Medical Gaslighting, and Emotional HealingAired 12/30/2025Lesson: Self-advocacy matters — especially when systems fail — and boundaries are part of healing. Susanna Calvert — How to Build Emotional ResilienceAired 1/6/2026Lesson: Emotional resilience is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened at any age. Amy Koford — Hypnotherapy for Anxiety, Fear, Trauma, and Deep Emotional HealingAired 1/8/2026Lesson: Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all — alternative therapies can work when traditional approaches don’t. Alisa — Trauma Therapy, EMDR, and Healing Without Re-TraumatizationAired 1/13/2026Lesson: Healing can be gentle, intentional, and effective without reopening old wounds. Friendship Reflection As we looked back on Season 15, what stood out most wasn’t just the topics — it was how much we learned together. Every guest taught us something new, challenged how we think, or reminded us that humor, honesty, and connection matter just as much as therapy tools. This season reflected the way G-Rex and Dirty Skittles have grown alongside the show — using laughter to cope, learning from other people’s pain, and supporting each other through real life in real time. Season 15 reinforced that healing doesn’t happen in isolation, and friendship can be one of the strongest tools we have. Key Takeaways Healing isn’t ...
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    51 mins
  • Alisa on Trauma Therapy, EMDR, and Healing Without Re-Traumatization

    Alisa on Trauma Therapy, EMDR, and Healing Without Re-Traumatization
    Jan 13 2026
    Trigger Notice This episode includes discussions of trauma and past suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised.If you or someone you love is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S., or visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources. What if healing trauma didn’t require reliving every painful detail? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with trauma therapist Alisa Gracheva to discuss EMDR, self-awareness, and how real healing occurs without retraumatization. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You don’t have to relive the pain to heal it — you just have to feel safe enough to let it go.”— Alisa Gracheva Episode Description Trauma healing doesn’t have to mean reopening every wound — and in this deeply grounding episode, Alisa Gracheva explains why. Joining G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Alisa shares her journey from surviving early trauma and immigration upheaval to becoming a licensed trauma therapist specializing in EMDR and nervous-system–informed care. Together, they unpack one of the biggest myths about trauma therapy: that you have to relive every painful detail to heal. Alisa explains how trauma lives in the body, not just the mind, and why safety, pacing, and self-awareness matter more than storytelling alone. The conversation weaves through personal healing, therapy, “speed dating,” seasonal depression, grounding practices, and the reality of holding space for others without losing yourself. Alisa also shares the hardest lessons she’s faced — including financial loss, burnout, and learning to ask for help — while offering listeners a compassionate framework for change: self-awareness, willingness, and readiness. From boundaries and daily rituals to art, nature, and spirituality, this episode is a reminder that healing is not a destination — it’s a relationship with yourself. If you’ve ever felt broken by trauma, exhausted by therapy that didn’t fit, or afraid that healing would hurt more than staying the same, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and permission to do it differently. Keywords: Alisa Gracheva, trauma therapy, EMDR, healing trauma, nervous system regulation, mental health podcast, PTSD recovery, self-awareness, grounding techniques, therapy without retraumatization, spiritual healing, emotional wellness Meet Our Guest — Alisa Gracheva Alisa Gracheva is a licensed trauma therapist, EMDR practitioner, and author dedicated to helping people heal without re-traumatization. Blending evidence-based trauma therapy with spiritual awareness, Alisa supports clients in reconnecting with safety, self-trust, and wholeness after trauma. Website: https://since.life/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisa_art/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-gracheva-61081670/Book: Walking with Spirit: A Sacred Path to Wholeness Key Takeaways You don’t have to relive trauma in detail to heal it.Trauma lives in the body — healing must involve the nervous system.Finding the right therapist matters more than sticking with the first one.Self-awareness is the first step toward real change.Boundaries are essential for helpers, healers, and caregivers.Healing is a lifelong relationship, not a finish line. Actionable Items If therapy hasn’t worked before, give yourself permission to try a different approach.Add one grounding practice to your day (stretching, nature, breathwork, or art).Ask yourself: “What would safety feel like right now?” — and honor that answer. References Mentioned EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) TherapyMan’s Search for Meaning — Viktor FranklThe Myth of Normal — Dr. Gabor Maté988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.orgGlobal Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:02 – Alisa’s journey into trauma therapy07:30 – Why reliving trauma isn’t required for healing12:00 – EMDR and trauma stored in the body19:00 – Self-awareness, readiness, and willingness to change28:00 – Grounding, nature, and nervous system regulation38:00 – Boundaries, burnout, and caregiver self-care45:00 – Advice to her younger self and hardest life lessons Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review!Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch#TraumaHealing #EMDRTherapy #...
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    47 mins
  • Amy Koford on Hypnotherapy for Anxiety, Fear, Trauma, and Deep Emotional Healing

    Amy Koford on Hypnotherapy for Anxiety, Fear, Trauma, and Deep Emotional Healing
    Jan 8 2026
    Trigger Notice This episode includes discussions of anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you love is in crisis, you are not alone. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For international resources, visit https://findahelpline.com. What if anxiety wasn’t your enemy—just old programming that needs an update? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Amy Koford, also known as The Happy Hypnotist, to talk about fear, trauma, and how hypnotherapy can help rewire the subconscious mind for lasting emotional healing. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You don’t have to believe every thought you have—especially the ones rooted in fear.” — Amy Koford Episode Description Anxiety has a way of convincing us that control equals safety—but what if letting go is where healing actually begins? In this eye-opening episode, Amy Koford, bestselling author, clinical hypnotist, and motivational speaker, joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to break down how hypnotherapy helps people release fear, process trauma, and find real emotional peace. Amy shares her personal journey through depression, postpartum struggles, and life-threatening illness—experiences that shaped her mission to help others heal faster and deeper than traditional talk therapy alone. Together, the trio explores why anxiety often becomes a “security blanket,” how subconscious beliefs shape emotional reactions, and why so many people struggle to quiet their minds at night. This conversation dives into how hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind to reframe trauma, release stored emotional responses, and replace fear with calm, confidence, and clarity. Amy also explains why sleep improves, anxiety eases, and emotional healing accelerates when the nervous system finally feels safe. If you’ve tried therapy, medication, or coping strategies and still feel stuck, this episode offers a hopeful, practical alternative. It’s a reminder that you’re not broken—you’re responding exactly how a nervous system learns to survive. Sometimes healing doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from reprogramming what’s been running quietly in the background all along. SEO Keywords: Amy Koford, hypnotherapy for anxiety, trauma healing, fear and anxiety, subconscious mind, emotional healing, mental health podcast, anxiety relief, hypnosis therapy, healing trauma, sleep anxiety, mindset reprogramming Meet Our Guest — Amy Koford Amy Koford, known as The Happy Hypnotist, is a bestselling author, clinical hypnotist, motivational speaker, and CEO of Amy Koford. With thousands of one-on-one hypnotherapy sessions completed, Amy helps people overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, fear, insomnia, and self-doubt by reprogramming the subconscious mind. Her mission is to create a world where love wins over fear. Connect with Amy: Website: https://www.amykoford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amythehappyhypnotist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.koford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-koford-012637184/ Key Takeaways Anxiety is often learned, which means it can be unlearned.Fear is not protection—it is outdated programming.Hypnotherapy works by addressing subconscious patterns, not just surface thoughts.You do not need to remember trauma for healing to occur.Letting go of control can be the most empowering step toward peace. Actionable Items When anxiety hits, ask yourself: What thought am I believing right now?Practice allowing calm instead of fighting fear; resistance fuels anxiety.Explore alternative healing modalities like hypnotherapy alongside therapy. References Mentioned Hardwired to Rise – Live Fearlessly, Prosperously, and Optimally by Amy Koford988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.orgGlobal Crisis Resources: https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:06 – Amy’s journey into hypnotherapy and why traditional therapy wasn’t enough00:12 – Why control fuels anxiety and how to release it00:20 – Subconscious vs. conscious mind explained simply00:29 – Trauma storage, memory blocking, and emotional release00:37 – Why hypnotherapy improves sleep and calms the nervous system00:45 – Fear as a “security blanket” and how to let it go00:52 – Amy’s mission: creating a world where love beats fear Subscribe, Rate, and Review Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website: ...
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    53 mins
  • How to Build Emotional Resilience: Susanna Calvert on Healing Trauma and Mental Health

    How to Build Emotional Resilience: Susanna Calvert on Healing Trauma and Mental Health
    Jan 6 2026
    Trigger Notice This episode includes discussion of trauma, mental health challenges, and suicide statistics. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For global resources, visit: https://findahelpline.com What better way to kick off 2026 than with a conversation about emotional resilience? In the very first episode of the new year, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Susanna Calvert to talk about healing trauma, reclaiming personal power, and learning the skills most of us were never taught — but desperately need. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Resilience isn’t about being tough or pushing through — it’s about learning how to come home to yourself after life knocks you down.” — Susanna Calvert Episode Description As the first episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads for 2026, this conversation sets the tone for the year ahead — honest, hopeful, and rooted in real tools for mental health. Resilience is often treated like a personality trait — something you either have or you don’t. But Susanna Calvert is here to dismantle that myth and show why emotional resilience is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened at any stage of life. In this deeply thoughtful episode, Susanna joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how her own experiences with generational trauma, spiritual awakening, and repeated “dark nights of the soul” led her to create the Foundation for Family and Community Healing. Drawing from decades in higher education and well-being research, she explains why grit and “toughing it out” aren’t enough — and how unhealed trauma quietly shapes families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities. The conversation explores why emotional education should be as foundational as reading or math, how kids and adults alike benefit from learning resilience together, and why community-wide healing is the missing piece in today’s mental health crisis. Susanna also introduces the concept of the Hero’s — or “Shiro’s” — Journey, offering a powerful framework for turning crisis into growth and hopelessness into meaning. This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about reclaiming your power, learning new skills, and choosing to grow even when life feels overwhelming. If you’re looking for a grounded, hopeful way to start 2026, this conversation is it. Keywords: emotional resilience, mental health healing, trauma recovery, generational trauma, resilience skills, emotional wellness, community healing, childhood trauma, mental health education, personal growth, coping skills, self-healing Meet Our Guest — Susanna Calvert Dr. Susanna (Sanna) Wu-Pong Calvert, MAPP, PhD is the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Family and Community Healing, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching emotional resilience and well-being as learnable life skills. She is also the Founder of Sanctuary of Earth and the Community Director at MentalHealth.com, blending science, education, and spiritual growth to support healing for individuals and communities worldwide. Connect with Susanna: Website: http://www.HealingEdu.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyandcommunityhealing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyandCommunityHealing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanna-wu-pong-calvert-551b616/ Key Takeaways Emotional resilience is a skill — not a personality trait.Unhealed trauma often gets passed down quietly through generations.Grit alone doesn’t heal; awareness and skill-building do.Kids and adults learn resilience best when communities heal together.A crisis can become a doorway to growth when we’re given the right tools. Actionable Items Notice where you’re “pushing through” instead of checking in with yourself.Practice naming your emotions without judgment — awareness builds resilience.Seek out skill-based mental health resources, not just motivation or inspiration. References Mentioned Foundation for Family and Community Healing — http://www.HealingEdu.org988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.orgGlobal Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:01 – Why resilience must be taught, not assumed06:40 – Generational trauma and the limits of “being tough”14:30 – Why schools and workplaces miss emotional education23:45 – The Hero’s (Shiro’s) Journey as a healing roadmap31:10 – Social media, overwhelm, ...
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    40 mins
  • Talaya’s Fight to Be Heard: Cancer, Medical Gaslighting, and Emotional Healing

    Talaya’s Fight to Be Heard: Cancer, Medical Gaslighting, and Emotional Healing
    Dec 30 2025
    What happens when your body knows something is wrong, but the system refuses to listen? In this robust conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with cancer thriver and advocate Talaya Dendy to talk about medical gaslighting, emotional survival, and what it takes to fight for your life, literally and emotionally. This is our final episode of 2025, and we are closing the year with a reminder that you deserve to be heard. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Those gaps in the system are the problem, you’re not.” — Talaya Dendy Episode Description Being told “it’s probably nothing” nearly cost Talaya Dendy her life. In this candid, emotionally grounded episode, Talaya joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share what it was like to be dismissed by a doctor, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a year later, and then left alone with the news on a Friday afternoon. What followed was not only a fight against cancer, but a battle against medical gaslighting, isolation, and a healthcare system that too often forgets the person behind the chart. Talaya opens up about navigating cancer in her early 30s, enduring months of chemotherapy and radiation, and managing the stress of a new workplace while trying to protect her insurance and privacy. She also shares the heartbreak of learning who shows up and who disappears when your life is upended, and how boundaries become survival tools, not “nice-to-haves.” Along the way, Talaya explains how journaling, mindset work, faith, and self-advocacy helped her stay grounded when support systems fell short. That lived experience ultimately became her purpose: serving others as a cancer doula and board-certified patient advocate, helping people ask better questions, get better care, and feel less alone. As we close out our last show of 2025, this episode is a powerful reminder as we enter the new year: you are not a burden, you are not “too much,” and you have every right to demand care that is competent and compassionate. Keywords: Talaya Dendy, cancer thriver, medical gaslighting, emotional healing, cancer trauma, self-advocacy, patient advocacy, cancer support, mental health podcast, emotional wellness, boundaries, healthcare trauma, survivorship, healing journey Meet Our Guest — Talaya Dendy Talaya Dendy is a cancer thriver, Cancer Doula, Board-Certified Patient Advocate, Health & Wellness Coach, and host of the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER podcast. After surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she dedicated her work to filling the emotional and advocacy gaps in cancer care. Hence, patients and families feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout the journey. Website: https://www.ontheotherside.life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontheotherside17/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/NCTpodcastfan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talayadendy/ Key Takeaways Medical gaslighting is real, and trusting your body can save your life.You have the right to ask questions, seek second opinions, and walk away.Cancer impacts mental health just as much as it affects the body.Not everyone will show up, and that clarity can change your life.Advocacy is a skill that can be learned, even in survival mode. Actionable Items Write down symptoms and concerns before appointments, and bring them with you.Practice one boundary this week that protects your health or energy.Ask yourself: “Do I feel heard here?” If not, consider another provider or a second opinion. References Mentioned Journaling as a therapeutic practicePatient self-advocacy in healthcare Important Chapters 00:01 — Talaya’s lump is dismissed, and the path to diagnosis begins05:00 — Getting the diagnosis by phone and feeling abandoned12:30 — Learning self-advocacy and reframing “doctor knows best.”18:00 — Isolation in treatment spaces and rejecting negativity27:30 — Work, disability leave, insurance stress, and lack of empathy39:00 — Leaving corporate and becoming a cancer doula and advocate45:40 — Advice to her younger self and reclaiming worth50:45 — Favorite word: Thriver; least favorite word: Authenticity Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thank you for being part of our 2025. This is our last episode of the year, and we will be back with a new episode on 1/6/26. Leave a review or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CancerThriver #MedicalGaslighting #CancerSupport #PatientAdvocacy #EmotionalHealing #HealthcareTrauma #HealingJourney #CancerSurvivorship #...
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    54 mins
  • Carrie on Mental Health, Trauma, and Healing Through Creativity

    Carrie on Mental Health, Trauma, and Healing Through Creativity
    Dec 23 2025
    What if the thing that saved your mental health wasn’t therapy alone—but your hands, your creativity, and your ability to choose differently? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Carrie to discuss trauma, abandonment, people-pleasing, and how creativity became her lifeline amid chaos. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3 million downloads and counting. We Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters. Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads Important Dates: • Voting ends December 25, 2025 Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words. Listener Feedback We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You can visit devastation, but you can’t live there.” — Carrie Episode Description Carrie’s mental health journey didn’t begin in adulthood—it started in childhood, shaped by sudden moves, family instability, abandonment, and the quiet expectation to “be okay” no matter what. In this deeply honest episode, Carrie joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how creativity became her survival tool when life felt completely out of control. From waking up to moving trucks without warning to becoming a parentified child at twelve, Carrie learned early how chaos can wire the nervous system. Rather than numbing out or self-destructing in obvious ways, she chose a more socially accepted—but equally damaging—path: people-pleasing, over-functioning, and carrying everyone else’s emotional weight. Through art, crafting, and intentional use of her hands, Carrie discovered a way to temporarily shut off trauma, regulate her nervous system, and reclaim a sense of power. This episode explores how creativity isn’t just a hobby—it’s a form of mental health care. Carrie also opens up about breaking generational trauma, setting boundaries with family, redefining self-care, and teaching her children emotional agency instead of emotional suppression. This conversation is raw, validating, and deeply human. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, trauma, abandonment wounds, or the pressure to be “the strong one,” this episode will remind you that healing doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be intentional. Keywords: Carrie, mental health, trauma healing, creativity and mental health, childhood trauma, abandonment issues, people-pleasing, anxiety coping skills, generational trauma, boundaries, self-care, emotional regulation, creative healing Meet Our Guest Carrie is a creative mother and lifelong advocate for using hands-on creativity to support mental health and emotional regulation. Shaped by childhood trauma, family instability, and abandonment, she learned to transform chaos into meaning through art, crafting, and intentional self-reflection. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is often built—not found. Key Takeaways Creativity can regulate the nervous system and quiet trauma responses.People-pleasing is a socially accepted form of self-abandonment.You can choose healing—even if you have to choose it daily.Boundaries protect mental health, even when they disappoint others.Trauma doesn’t disappear, but it can lose control over your life. Actionable Items Find a “busy hands” activity that helps calm your mind (drawing, knitting, baking, crafting).Give yourself permission to feel devastation—then set a limit on how long you stay there.Ask yourself daily: Am I choosing myself or abandoning myself? References Mentioned Between Two Worlds (book on the impact of divorce on children) Important Chapters 00:04:20 – Waking up to a moving truck and the roots of abandonment00:10:30 – How creativity helps turn off trauma00:17:10 – People-pleasing as a hidden destructive coping skill00:18:30 – “You can visit devastation, but you can’t live there.”00:23:40 – Breaking generational trauma and setting boundaries00:36:40 – Advice Carrie would give her younger self00:38:10 – Self-love, anger, and permission to take up space Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #TraumaHealing #CreativeHealing #ChildhoodTrauma #AnxietySupport #PeoplePleasingRecovery #GenerationalTrauma #BoundariesMatter #EmotionalWellbeing #SelfCareTools #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters ****************************...
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    41 mins