Sanity Sessions: Real Talk

Dr. Dawn Gullette Crosson, Psy.D
  • 5.0 (17)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Sanity Sessions: Real Talk is your go-to podcast for all things mental health and trauma. Hosted by your favorite Philly girl, Dr. Dawn Crosson — licensed psychologist and certified trauma therapist — this show delivers grounded, real-world strategies for growing, healing and living fully. Whether you're navigating stress, stress, burnout, trauma or just trying to keep it together, Dr. Dawn’s got your back. It’s the podcast that keeps you sane through all the madness… and always keeps it real 

  1. From Survival to Systems: Building What Survivors Deserve-w/ Aswad Thomas (VP of the ASJ and National Director of CSSJ)-Real Talk Special Edition Series Finale

    FEB 8 · BONUS

    From Survival to Systems: Building What Survivors Deserve-w/ Aswad Thomas (VP of the ASJ and National Director of CSSJ)-Real Talk Special Edition Series Finale

    This episode is the series finale of the Sanity Sessions: Real Talk — Special Edition series with Aswad Thomas, Vice President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. In Part 3, Dr. Dawn Crosson and Aswad bring the conversation full circle—focusing on responsibility, power, and the work that lies ahead. This episode centers on what survivor-led systems change truly requires, the accountability of leadership, and how healing, advocacy, and justice must move forward together. This is a grounded, honest close to the series—challenging listeners to think beyond survival and consider their role in building systems that honor and protect survivors. Listen to the CSSJ podcast with Host Aswad Thomas Join Crime Survivors Safety and Justice Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com www.halainc.org

    20 min
  2. Healing, Accountability, and Power-w/ Aswad Thomas (VP of the ASJ and National Director of CSSJ)-Real Talk Special Edition Pt 2 of the 3 Part Series

    FEB 8 · BONUS

    Healing, Accountability, and Power-w/ Aswad Thomas (VP of the ASJ and National Director of CSSJ)-Real Talk Special Edition Pt 2 of the 3 Part Series

    This episode is Part 2 of the 3-Part Sanity Sessions: Real Talk – Special Edition featuring Aswad Thomas, Vice President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. In Part 2, Dr. Dawn Crosson and Aswad move beyond the origin story and into the work of healing—what it actually takes to move from surviving trauma to becoming grounded, accountable, and intentional in leadership. This conversation centers on self-awareness, boundaries, and the responsibility that comes with lived experience. Together, we unpack how personal healing shapes how we show up for others—and why unhealed trauma cannot be ignored when doing systems-level work. Listen to the CSSJ podcast with Host Aswad Thomas Join Crime Survivors Safety and Justice Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com www.halainc.org

    22 min

  3. FEB 8

    Sesh 8.8-Doing the Work: Trauma, Resilience, and Intentional Healing Part 2-w/ Rhonda Parker-Taylor

    In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Dawn Crosson continues her dialogue with Rhonda Parker-Taylor on what it really means to heal after trauma. Together, they explore resilience as a lived practice—not a buzzword—highlighting the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and intentional joy. Rhonda shares how writing became a therapeutic outlet in her healing journey and why building a personal resilience toolkit is essential for navigating life’s hardest seasons. This episode is a reminder that joy and pain can coexist—and that healing doesn’t require rushing, perfection, or pretending. Follow Rhonda Parker-Taylor on IG @rhondaparkertaylor Check out her book Crossroads on Amazon Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com www.halainc.org

    23 min
  4. The Story Behind the Advocate-w/ Aswad Thomas (VP of the ASJ and National Director of CSSJ)-Real Talk Special Edition Pt 1 of the 3 Part Series

    FEB 8 · BONUS

    The Story Behind the Advocate-w/ Aswad Thomas (VP of the ASJ and National Director of CSSJ)-Real Talk Special Edition Pt 1 of the 3 Part Series

    This episode marks Part 1 of a 3-Part Sanity Sessions: Real Talk – Special Edition featuring Aswad Thomas, Vice President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. In this opening conversation, Dr. Dawn Crosson and Aswad begin by grounding the series in lived experience. Aswad shares his personal journey through trauma, loss, and survival—and how those experiences shaped his path toward healing, leadership, and national advocacy. This episode sets the foundation for the series, exploring the human story behind the work and the importance of honoring survivor voices before discussing systems, policy, and change. Listen to the CSSJ podcast with Host Aswad Thomas Join Crime Survivors Safety and Justice Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com www.halainc.org

    23 min

  5. JAN 26

    Sesh 8.7-Doing the Work: Trauma, Resilience, and Intentional Healing Part 1-w/ Rhonda Parker-Taylor

    In this conversation, Dr. Dawn and Rhonda Parker-Taylor explore the themes of resilience, trauma, and healing. Rhonda shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma, the importance of mentorship, and how writing has served as a therapeutic outlet. They discuss the significance of finding joy amidst life's challenges and the necessity of building a resilience toolkit to navigate through difficult times. Rhonda emphasizes the power of self-awareness and intentionality in the healing process, encouraging listeners to embrace their experiences and seek joy even in adversity. Follow Rhonda Parker-Taylor on IG @rhondaparkertaylor Check out her book Crossroads on Amazon Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com www.halainc.org

    21 min
  6. Sesh 8.6-Healing or Just High?: Mushrooms, Myths & Mental Health-Part 2 w/ Tara Portelli

    JAN 25

    Sesh 8.6-Healing or Just High?: Mushrooms, Myths & Mental Health-Part 2 w/ Tara Portelli

    In Part 2 of Healing or Just High?, Dr. Dawn continues the conversation with Tara Portelli on psilocybin therapy and trauma recovery. Building on Part 1, this episode goes deeper into the real work—integration, accessibility, and what healing actually requires beyond the experience itself. This is an honest, respectful dialogue between two different perspectives, grounded in truth, clinical experience, and the shared goal of helping people heal without Check out Tara's webiste here. Follow her on IG @iamtaraportelli shortcuts. Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com www.halainc.org

    23 min
  7. Sesh 8.5-Healing or Just High?: Mushrooms, Myths & Mental Health Part 1-w/ Tara Portelli

    JAN 18

    Sesh 8.5-Healing or Just High?: Mushrooms, Myths & Mental Health Part 1-w/ Tara Portelli

    In Part 1 of this conversation, Dr. Dawn sits down with Tara Portelli to talk about something that’s stirring a lot of conversation: psilocybin therapy as a treatment for trauma and mental health. Tara takes us on her journey from working as a paramedic to becoming a psilocybin therapist, and how one experience with the therapy changed the way she understood her own trauma. We dig into the science behind psilocybin, talk about what “integration” really means after these kinds of experiences, and get real about who this type of treatment might actually work for. We also touch on the spiritual side of these experiences and why solid guidance and support are non-negotiable when you’re stepping into this kind of work. Check out Tara's webiste here. Follow her on IG @iamtaraportelli Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com www.halainc.org

    29 min

  8. 11/23/2025 · BONUS

    SNAP Episode-More Pressure on Kimmel Than the White House?

    In this 5-minute SNAP Session, Dr. Dawn calls out the nonsense behind Jimmy Kimmel’s firing after comments about the Charlie Kirk shooting while the White House politicians misspeak daily with no real consequences.  It’s a Real Talk check on free speech, double standards, and why comedians get canceled faster than leaders get corrected. Support the show Support the show BuyMeaCoffee Follow Dr. Dawn on IG: @drdawnonthereal and join our broadcast channel Websites: www.onepps.com www.halainc.org

    4 min
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Trailers

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Sanity Sessions: Real Talk is your go-to podcast for all things mental health and trauma. Hosted by your favorite Philly girl, Dr. Dawn Crosson — licensed psychologist and certified trauma therapist — this show delivers grounded, real-world strategies for growing, healing and living fully. Whether you're navigating stress, stress, burnout, trauma or just trying to keep it together, Dr. Dawn’s got your back. It’s the podcast that keeps you sane through all the madness… and always keeps it real 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Dawn Gullette Crosson, Psy.D
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sanity Sessions: Real Talk
  • Show Website
    Sanity Sessions: Real Talk