Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Bleav
  • 4.3 (88)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semiweekly

”Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads” is a podcast that emerged from G-Rex’s personal mental health journey, starting with a breakdown in 2022. Supported by her wife, 988, and a higher power, G-Rex found healing and vowed to destigmatize mental health struggles. With best friend Dirty Skittles, the podcast tackles life’s challenges with humor and honesty, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue. Listeners join their engaging discussions on relationships, parenting, pop culture, and mental health, gaining practical tips and a sense of community. Through laughter and camaraderie, the podcast offers empowerment and solidarity, reminding everyone that it’s okay not to be okay and encouraging reaching out for support. Ultimately, ”Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads” is a beacon of hope, humor, and companionship, advocating for mental health awareness and inclusivity.

  1. 4d ago

    Coming Home to Yourself: Season 18’s Biggest Mental Health Lessons

    Season 18 reminded us that healing is not always about becoming someone new. Sometimes, it is about finding your way back to the person you were before trauma, shame, burnout, illness, or other people’s expectations pulled you away from yourself. In this season-ender, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles look back at eight unforgettable guests, the lessons that stayed with them, and the conversations that changed how they think about anxiety, emotional healing, healthy masculinity, self-love, neurodivergence, food freedom, trauma, and listening to the body. Awards and Downloads Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Best Health, a 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, a 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and a 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner for Best Hosts, with more than 4.5 million downloads and listeners in more than 160 countries. Feedback We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Healing isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about coming home to the person you were before the world taught you to leave.” — Inspired by the guests of Season 18 Trigger Notice and Crisis Reminder This episode includes conversations about suicide, suicidal thoughts, childhood sexual abuse, trauma, grief, serious illness, and mental health crises. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  https://988lifeline.org/ For crisis resources outside the United States:  https://findahelpline.com/ Episode Description Season 18 brought us eight guests with completely different stories, but one truth kept showing up: healing begins when we stop running from ourselves and start listening. In this season-ender, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles revisit the conversations that changed how they think about mental health, parenting, masculinity, trauma, food, illness, self-worth, and the way the body carries what the mind tries to bury. Nancy Gilette reminded us that behavior is communication and that connection needs to come before correction. Dr. Mark Sherwood showed us what it means to become a hope dealer, especially for people who feel forgotten or written off. Dominic Petty helped us see that peace is not some distant finish line. It is the baseline underneath the noise. Jason Lange gave men permission to feel what is happening in their bodies and talk about it without shame. Michelle Petties challenged diet culture by showing us that food noise is often emotional noise in disguise. Michael Caprio proved that a life-changing diagnosis can become part of your story without becoming the end of it. Alan Katz showed us that telling yourself the truth can set you free, even decades later. Anat Peri reminded us that the only way to feel better is to get better at feeling. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles also reflect on their own growth, the ridiculous lies anxiety tells us, and what happens when you finally answer that voice with two words: watch me. This episode is honest, funny, emotional, and full of reminders that your body is not the enemy, your emotions are not weaknesses, and asking for help carries absolutely zero shame. Keywords: mental health podcast, emotional healing, coming home to yourself, anxiety recovery, self-discovery, trauma healing, emotional wellness, healthy masculinity, neurodivergent parenting, food freedom, self-love, body awareness, emotional literacy, personal growth, mental health awareness Meet Our Guests — Season 18 Season 18 featured eight guests with eight very different stories, but every conversation gave us one unforgettable lesson about healing, self-awareness, and finding our way back to ourselves. Nancy Gilette Nancy taught us that behavior is communication. Before we rush to correct, fix, or control someone, especially a child, we need to slow down, listen, and connect first. Dr. Mark Sherwood Mark reminded us that hope can be life-saving. Even the smallest glimmer of hope can interrupt the darkness and help someone believe that more is still possible. Dominic Petty Dominic taught us that peace is not something we have to chase. It already exists beneath the anxiety, the noise, and the emotional chaos. The work is learning how to return to it. Jason Lange Jason showed us that emotional strength begins with body awareness. When men learn to name what they feel and take responsibility for their pain, they are less likely to pass that pain on to the people they love. Michelle Petties Michelle taught us that food struggles are rarely just about food. Lasting change begins when we understand the emotions, beliefs, and unmet needs underneath the behavior. Michael Caprio Michael reminded us that a diagnosis can change your life without ending it. Gratitude does not erase pain, but it can help us build meaning, connection, and hope on the other side of it. Alan Katz Alan taught us that the truth can set us free, even decades later. Healing began when he stopped blaming himself for what happened and finally told his own story with honesty and compassion. Anat Peri Anat reminded us that the only way to feel better is to get better at feeling. Self-love grows when we stop running from our emotions and learn how to sit with ourselves without judgment. Key Takeaways Healing is not always a reinvention. Sometimes, it is a return to the most honest version of yourself. The body is a messenger, not the enemy. Connection creates more change than shame or correction. Emotional literacy helps us understand what is happening inside us. Rock bottom can become a turning point, but asking for help should come sooner. Your worth does not depend on achievement, toughness, productivity, or perfection. Actionable Items Ask yourself, “What is my body trying to tell me right now?” Replace broad words like “fine” or “stressed” with a more specific emotion. When anxiety says you cannot do something, answer it with evidence and two words: “Watch me.” Important Chapters 00:00:37 — Welcome to the Season 18 Ender, celebrating 18 seasons with laughs and side quests. 00:05:17 — The Thread That Connected the Season: Finding your way back to yourself. 00:08:11 — Growth, Reassurance, and Reinvention: How the season changed G-Rex and Dirty Skittles. 00:11:09 — Nancy Gilette Connection before correction. 00:14:58 — Dr. Mark Sherwood Hope, vulnerability, and first responder mental health. 00:17:31 — Dominic Petty Inner peace, relationship healing, and baby spiders. 00:25:16 — Jason Lange Men’s groups, emotions, and healthy masculinity. 00:30:08 — Michelle Petties Food freedom and emotional eating. 00:33:20 — Michael Caprio Rare disease, gratitude, and resilience. 00:35:19 — Alan Katz Childhood trauma and telling yourself the truth. 00:37:14 — Anat Peri Self-love and learning to feel. 00:39:26 — Gratitude for the Season: Thanking the guests, listeners, and each other. 00:40:42 — What Anxiety Told G-Rex From “You won’t make it” to “Watch me.” 00:42:18 — Goodbye to Season 18: Closing out the season and welcoming Season 19. 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 #ComingHomeToYourself #EmotionalHealing #SelfDiscovery #AnxietyRecovery #TraumaHealing #EmotionalWellness #HealthyMasculinity #MensMentalHealth #NeurodivergentParenting #FoodFreedom #SelfLoveJourney #EmotionalLiteracy #BodyAwareness #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney   *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Coming Home to Yourself: Season 18’s Biggest Mental Health Lessons

  2. Jul 16

    Anat’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Self Love Feel Your Feelings and Rewrite Your_Story

    What happens when losing the life you thought you wanted finally sets you free? G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Anat Peri to talk about hitting rock bottom, uncovering childhood wounds, learning to feel your feelings, and building the kind of self-love that changes everything. Awards & Downloads 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 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “The only way to feel better is to get better at feeling.” — Anat Peri Trigger Notice and Crisis Reminder This episode includes conversations about emotional trauma, anxiety, substance misuse, depression, and suicide rates. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide, call or text 988 in the United States and Canada. For international crisis resources, visit: https://findahelpline.com Episode Description When Anat Peri discovered evidence that her five-year relationship was ending, she felt devastated—but underneath the heartbreak was an unexpected realization: she was finally free. Three weeks later, she boarded a one-way flight to California with $2,000, $40,000 in debt, no car, no job, and no permanent home. That rock-bottom moment became the beginning of her real journey toward self-love. In this raw and deeply practical conversation, Anat joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to explain why personal growth requires more than positive thinking and intellectual breakthroughs. She shares how codependency, emotional disconnection, and an unhealed father wound shaped her relationships, career choices, and belief that she had to work harder to be worthy. Anat also breaks down what it means to reparent yourself, recognize the childhood scripts still directing your adult life, and safely express emotions instead of judging, suppressing, or analyzing them. She explains why unfamiliar feelings can register as threats to the nervous system—and how giving an emotion your full attention for just 90 seconds can begin building emotional capacity. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is not about becoming someone else. It is about letting go of inherited roles, reconnecting with your body, and trusting that you are worthy without hustling, performing, or proving yourself. Your feelings are not the enemy. They are part of the path home. Keywords: Anat Peri, self-love, emotional healing, inner child healing, reparenting, nervous system regulation, somatic healing, childhood trauma, father wound, codependency recovery, emotional expression, anxiety support, personal transformation, self-worth, generational healing Meet Our Guest — Anat Peri Anat Peri is the CEO and Founder of Training Camp for the Soul and the creator and Master Facilitator of the TCS Method, a transformational coaching framework that blends mindset work, somatic healing, and inner-child reparenting. With nearly two decades of experience in developmental and trauma-informed coaching, she helps coaches, healers, and business leaders move beyond survival, break painful patterns, and create lasting emotional freedom. Website: https://trainingcampforthesoul.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anat.peri/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anat-peri Key Takeaways Rock bottom can become the moment you finally stop living a life that no longer belongs to you. Self-love means becoming your own inner best friend, cheerleader, protector, and nurturer. Many adult relationship patterns are childhood survival strategies playing out in a different setting. Positive thinking cannot replace the emotional work of grieving, feeling, and healing. Emotions are not dangerous; they often feel threatening simply because they are unfamiliar. You do not have to hustle, overperform, or overgive to prove that you are worthy of receiving.   Actionable Items Use an emotion or mood chart to identify exactly what you are feeling instead of defaulting to words such as “sad,” “bad,” or “anxious.” Set a timer for 90 seconds and allow an emotion to move through your body using sound, facial expression, movement, and breath—without judging or explaining it. Ask yourself: “Am I choosing this because it is aligned with who I am, or am I repeating a role I learned in childhood?” References Mentioned Training Camp for the Soul: https://trainingcampforthesoul.com Yale Mood Meter: https://moodmeterapp.com 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources: https://findahelpline.com The Chopra Center and the teachings of Deepak Chopra were also discussed as part of Anat’s healing environment and professional journey. Important Chapters 00:00:37 – Meet Anat Peri Anat shares how growing up on the East Coast eventually led her to San Diego—and why California always felt like home. 00:02:17 – Arriving at Rock Bottom With limited money, significant debt, and no job or home, Anat makes the life-changing decision to move across the country. 00:04:06 – Codependency, Heartbreak, and Freedom Anat reflects on losing herself in relationships and the betrayal that finally gave her permission to leave. 00:06:35 – One Hundred Days of Dating Herself Unable to enjoy her own company, Anat commits to spending 100 days building a relationship with herself. 00:08:35 – Reconnecting With Her Body She discusses dissociation, plant medicine, stored tension, and realizing how much of her life had been lived inside her head. 00:10:05 – The Relationship That Revealed Her Father Wound An emotionally significant relationship uncovers childhood grief and introduces Anat to deeper inner child work. 00:12:11 – The Support Behind the Healing Anat explains how mentorship, meditation, yoga, friendships, and her work environment supported her transformation. 00:15:40 – Recognizing Childhood Relationship Patterns She examines how her father’s absence shaped beliefs about being invisible, unimportant, and repeatedly chosen second. 00:20:13 – Relationships as Mirrors for Growth G-Rex and Anat discuss healthy partnerships, vulnerability, and why lasting relationships require ongoing inner work. 00:22:10 – Moving From Survivor to Creator Anat explains how inherited family scripts and generational learning can quietly control adult decisions. 00:26:08 – Why the Work Never Really Ends Marriage, entrepreneurship, and reinvention continue to reveal new levels of healing and personal growth. 00:29:47 – Choosing Joy Over External Success The conversation turns to money, career expectations, social media comparison, and defining success for yourself. 00:34:31 – The Only Way to Feel Better Anat explains why talking about feelings is different from physically and emotionally expressing them. 00:38:16 – Teaching Children Emotional Safety Dirty Skittles shares how she helps her son name and process emotions rather than dismissing or suppressing them. 00:40:53 – Building Your Emotional Vocabulary Anat introduces the Mood Meter and a 90-second practice for making unfamiliar emotions feel safer in the nervous system. 00:44:09 – What Anat Would Tell Her Younger Self She offers her 12-year-old self a message about intelligence, talent, self-acceptance, and future impact. 00:44:37 – The Cost of Not Believing in Herself Anat reflects on leadership, business mistakes, overgiving, and learning that she is worthy simply because she exists. 00:46:46 – Anxiety, Alignment, and Letting Go of “Try” The episode closes with Anat’s reflections on anxiety, her word of the year, and her choice to align with her authentic self. Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews   #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #AnatPeri #SelfLoveJourney #InnerChildHealing #SomaticHealing #EmotionalHealing #FeelYourFeelings #NervousSystemRegulation #Reparenting #CodependencyRecovery #ChildhoodTraumaHealing #GenerationalHealing #SelfWorth #TraumaInformedCoaching #EmotionalFreedom #TrainingCampForTheSoul *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Anat’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Self Love Feel Your Feelings and Rewrite Your_Story

  3. Jul 14

    Alan’s Truth-Telling Journey from Childhood Trauma to Emotional Freedom

    Alan Katz spent decades telling other people’s stories while hiding the most painful chapter of his own. In this raw conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with the former Tales From the Crypt writer and producer to talk about childhood sexual trauma, self-blame, suicidal despair, creativity, and the brutal honesty that finally helped him reconnect with himself. Awards & Downloads Line Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You’ve got to be brutally honest with yourself about yourself. Then you can maybe find happiness.” — Alan Katz Trigger Notice + 988 Crisis Reminder This episode includes candid conversations about childhood sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts, self-blame, depression, and emotional trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 in the United States or visit: https://988lifeline.org/ For crisis resources outside the United States, visit: https://findahelpline.com/ Episode Description For most of his life, Alan Katz was a professional storyteller who could build characters, write dark comedy, and help shape iconic projects like HBO’s Tales From the Crypt. But beneath the success was a story he could not fully tell himself. At 14, Alan was sexually abused by a religious authority figure. After the abuse happened a second time, he began carrying a devastating belief: when something bad happens, it must be his fault. That belief became a lifelong pattern of self-blame, disconnection, rage, and emotional pain. In this honest conversation with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Alan shares how he reached the lowest point of his life just before Christmas in 2016, when he came within inches of ending it. Choosing to seek immediate help became the first step toward stabilizing his mental health, confronting the truth of his trauma, and reconnecting with the 14-year-old version of himself who had carried the blame for far too long. Alan also takes us behind the scenes of his Hollywood career, from his arrival in Los Angeles to his role in developing the Crypt Keeper’s unforgettable personality. He explains how creative success can become its own mountain—and how painful it can be when identity, purpose, and career begin to fall apart. This episode is about more than survival. It is about speaking up, releasing shame, reclaiming creativity, and discovering that the truth really can set you free. Keywords: Alan Katz, childhood trauma, childhood sexual abuse, emotional freedom, trauma recovery, suicidal thoughts, depression recovery, self-blame, mental health healing, emotional honesty, inner child healing, storytelling, Tales From the Crypt, creative identity, suicide prevention Meet Our Guest — Alan Katz Alan Katz is a writer, producer, storyteller, and podcaster whose entertainment career includes work on HBO’s iconic Tales From the Crypt. After decades of professional storytelling, Alan confronted the childhood trauma and self-blame that had disconnected him from himself, transforming his personal healing into a deeper purpose: making the world better through honest storytelling. He is also the co-founder of Costard and Touchstone, a podcast production company named after two Shakespearean “wise fools” known for speaking truth to power. Website: https://costardandtouchstone.com Key Takeaways Childhood trauma can quietly create patterns of shame and self-blame that last for decades. What happened to you is not automatically your fault, even when trauma convinces you otherwise. Speaking the truth about your own story can rebuild your connection to yourself. Medication can be a valuable part of mental health treatment when used with informed medical support. Career success cannot heal emotional wounds that have never been acknowledged. Creativity can return with greater depth when it is grounded in honesty and purpose. Actionable Items Write a compassionate note to the younger version of yourself who carried blame that never belonged to them. Identify one painful belief you have treated as fact, then ask: “Is this actually true, or is this something trauma taught me?” Tell one safe, trusted person what you are going through instead of trying to carry it alone. Important Chapters 00:00:57 – Meeting Alan Katz Alan describes himself as the final product of a remarkable story—one that proved the truth could set him free. 00:01:42 – Success, identity, and falling off “Showbiz Mountain” Alan explains why staying successful in Hollywood can be more emotionally damaging than reaching the top. 00:05:00 – Finding purpose through truthful storytelling He shares how reconnecting with himself helped him discover a deeper mission behind the work he had already been doing. 00:06:40 – The childhood trauma Alan kept from himself Alan reveals that he was sexually abused at 14 and explains how the second incident created a lifelong pattern of self-blame. 00:08:12 – Coming within inches of suicide Alan recounts the crisis he experienced three days before Christmas in 2016 and the decision to seek immediate medical help. 00:10:39 – Finding a medication that helped stabilize him He describes how a mood stabilizer interrupted overwhelming rage and gave him space between emotion and reaction. 00:14:38 – Reconnecting with his 14-year-old self Alan talks about embracing the younger version of himself who had carried guilt and shame for decades. 00:16:02 – How emotional healing changed his creativity Truth gave Alan access to a wider emotional range and helped him evolve from a strong writer into a purposeful storyteller. 00:17:15 – Leaving acting behind and becoming a writer Alan shares how a rough audition helped redirect him toward screenwriting and, eventually, Hollywood. 00:20:42 – Meeting creative partner Gil Adler He explains how their shared belief in solving production problems through creativity shaped their partnership. 00:22:38 – Joining HBO’s Tales From the Crypt Alan reveals how he became the show’s story editor when the series was originally expected to end. 00:27:21 – Saving the show from cancellation Alan and Gil helped revive the series by protecting the rebellious spirit of the original comic books. 00:28:53 – Creating the Crypt Keeper’s personality Alan explains how he gave the Crypt Keeper a character, a voice, and a twisted sense of humor, based in part on his own personality. 00:32:31 – Moving Tales From the Crypt into feature films The conversation turns to Demon Knight, Hollywood expectations, and the fear of being pigeonholed creatively. 00:34:20 – When a dream project was suddenly killed Alan recounts how Universal shut down a deeply personal film project and replaced it with Bordello of Blood. 00:37:23 – The mental health cost of creative loss He reflects on how one devastating professional decision became a turning point in his emotional decline. 00:38:11 – The advice Alan would give his younger self His message to his 14-year-old self is simple and powerful: “Speak up.” 00:38:32 – The hardest lesson he has learned Alan explains why brutal honesty with yourself is essential to healing and happiness. 00:39:24 – Alan’s work today He introduces Costard and Touchstone and shares how the company uses podcasting and storytelling to speak truth to power. 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 #AlanKatz #ChildhoodTrauma #TraumaRecovery #EmotionalFreedom #InnerChildHealing #SuicidePrevention #DepressionRecovery #TruthTelling #EmotionalHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SelfBlame #CreativeHealing #TalesFromTheCrypt #StorytellingHeals #HealingJourney #Bleav *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Alan’s Truth-Telling Journey from Childhood Trauma to Emotional Freedom

  4. Jul 9

    Part 2: Michael’s Road to Gratitude: Mental Health, Rare Disease Advocacy, and Life Beyond Survival

    In Part 2, Michael Caprio’s story moves beyond survival and into the messy, beautiful work of rebuilding a life with purpose. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles talk with Michael about mental health after surgery, living with FAP long-term, family genetics, advocacy, gratitude, and why helping even one person makes the whole damn story worth telling. Awards & Downloads Line Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “If my story helps one person feel less alone, then it was worth telling.” — Michael Caprio Episode Description In Part 2 of Michael Caprio’s conversation with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, the story shifts from diagnosis and surgery to what happens after survival. Because surviving the scary thing is one chapter. Learning how to live again is a whole different road. Michael opens up about life after FAP surgery, including diet changes, bathroom anxiety, ongoing medical monitoring, and the everyday realities of living without a large intestine. He talks honestly about how a rare disease affects planning for the future, relationships, travel, family conversations, and the possibility of having children when a hereditary condition is involved. This episode also explores the emotional power of legacy. Michael shares how his grandmother’s courage shaped his understanding of perseverance, how his family’s “club” fostered connection rather than shame, and how writing A Bump in the Road helped him turn pain into purpose. One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Michael’s story about connecting with a woman in Australia who also lives with FAP and finally felt seen through his book. Through humor, honesty, and a whole lot of heart, Michael reminds us that rare disease advocacy is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about telling the truth, building community, and showing someone else that life can still be beautiful after the thing that almost broke you. Keywords: Michael Caprio, rare disease advocacy, FAP, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, mental health, colorectal cancer awareness, gratitude, survivorship, chronic illness, hereditary cancer, patient advocacy, medical trauma recovery, emotional wellness, family genetics, life after surgery Meet Our Guest — Michael Caprio Michael Caprio is an Author, rare disease advocate, and speaker who draws on his personal experience with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis to help others feel less isolated in their medical journeys. He is the author of A Bump in the Road: My Medical Journey over Potholes, Detours, and the Bridge to Gratitude, a memoir that blends vulnerability, humor, and gratitude while shining a light on the emotional side of rare disease, surgery, and survivorship. Website: https://www.mikecaprioauthor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikecaprio_author/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Bump-in-the-Road/100076302759044/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-caprio/ Key Takeaways Life after survival still comes with anxiety, adjustments, and big emotional questions. A rare disease can affect everything from travel plans to relationships to future family planning. Advocacy does not require perfection; it starts with telling the truth. Family history can carry pain, but it can also carry strength, wisdom, and a blueprint for survival. Gratitude can grow beside grief, fear, and uncertainty. Helping one person feel less alone can turn a painful story into a powerful mission. Actionable Items If you live with a chronic or rare condition, make a “real life” plan for travel, food, bathrooms, appointments, and support instead of pretending your needs do not exist. Share your story with one safe person or support group. Connection can break the shame spiral. Replace “I can’t” with “What support or information would make this possible?” Important Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to Part 2 G-Rex opens the second half of Michael’s story, bringing the conversation back to mental health, recovery, and life after diagnosis. 00:00:39 – Was therapy offered? G-Rex asks whether anyone offered Michael therapy during diagnosis or treatment, and Michael reflects on not being ready for help at the time. 00:01:30 – Life with FAP now Michael explains what day-to-day life looks like in his 30s, including diet adjustments, stomach sensitivity, and future medical monitoring. 00:04:24 – Planning life around the body you have Dirty Skittles asks how FAP affects life experiences, and Michael talks about travel, bathrooms, crowded places, and learning not to feel ashamed. 00:07:01 – Family planning and hereditary risk Michael discusses the emotional complexity of having children when FAP can be passed down genetically. 00:08:50 – Nothing in life is guaranteed Michael shares his family’s perspective: every family has something, and FAP is theirs. 00:10:47 – His grandmother’s courage and the butterfly effect Michael tells the powerful story of his grandmother, early medical procedures, and how her decision to keep going helped make his whole family possible. 00:15:13 – Advocacy and helping others feel less alone G-Rex reflects on Michael’s courage in putting his story out there and helping others understand that FAP is not a death sentence. 00:16:35 – Reaching someone across the world Michael shares the story of connecting with a woman in Australia who found comfort and validation through his book. 00:20:57 – The family “club” and deeper connection Michael talks about how FAP brought his family closer and created a stronger bond through shared understanding. 00:23:31 – Advice to his younger self Michael says he would go back to his 18-year-old self and tell him that life after surgery would be okay, and that there would be a future worth living. 00:25:43 – The hardest lesson Michael shares that one of the hardest lessons has been accepting that some people cannot handle illness or hardship and may walk away. 00:28:30 – Anxiety’s theme song Michael answers G-Rex’s question with humor and heart, landing on “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. 00:29:37 – Favorite word: Attitude Michael explains why “attitude” matters so much to him and his family, sharing a quote that shaped his recovery mindset. 00:31:34 – Least favorite word: Can’t Michael talks about why he dislikes the word “can’t” and how he pushes back against limitations. 00:32:28 – Where to find Michael Michael shares where listeners can learn more about his book, his story, and his advocacy work. 00:34:12 – Final reflections G-Rex and Dirty Skittles thank Michael for sharing his story and helping listeners understand rare disease, resilience, and hope. 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 #MichaelCaprio #RareDiseaseAdvocacy #FAPAwareness #FamilialAdenomatousPolyposis #ColorectalCancerAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicIllnessLife #Survivorship #MedicalTraumaRecovery #GratitudePractice #MentalHealthRecovery #HereditaryCancerAwareness #LifeAfterSurgery #BumpInTheRoad #HealingOutLoud *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Part 2: Michael’s Road to Gratitude: Mental Health, Rare Disease Advocacy, and Life Beyond Survival

  5. Jul 7

    Part 1: Michael’s Bump in the Road: FAP, Surgery, Anxiety, and the Fight to Keep Going

    At 18 years old, Michael Caprio was handed a diagnosis that changed everything: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, a rare genetic condition tied to colorectal cancer risk. In this powerful Part 1 conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles talk with Michael about fear, surgery, anxiety, family history, and what it really takes to keep going when life smacks you sideways. Awards & Downloads Line Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Sometimes the bump in the road becomes the bridge that gets you back to yourself.” — Inspired by Michael Caprio Trigger Notice + 988 Crisis Reminder This episode includes discussion of serious illness, surgery, medical trauma, anxiety, depression, and moments of feeling like life was no longer worth living. Please listen with care. If you or someone you love is in crisis or thinking about self-harm, call or text 988 in the United States to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not a burden. You are not alone. Help is available right now. Episode Description At 18, Michael Caprio should have been worrying about senior year, friends, and what came next after high school. Instead, he was facing a rare genetic diagnosis called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, or FAP, a condition that causes precancerous polyps to grow in the large intestine and dramatically raises colorectal cancer risk. What followed was fear, bloodwork, colonoscopies, life-changing surgery, an ostomy, and the emotional punch of realizing his body would never be the same. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Michael joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk honestly about what it felt like to be diagnosed so young, how his family history shaped his understanding of FAP, and why Googling symptoms can send your brain straight into a horror movie. He opens up about having his large intestine removed, living with an ostomy during recovery, and struggling with the mental health side of healing. This episode gets real about medical trauma, anxiety, identity, and the moments when Michael felt like a burden to the people who loved him most. But it also shows the power of support, honesty, perspective, and choosing to stay in the fight one painful day at a time. Keywords: Michael Caprio, FAP, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, colorectal cancer awareness, rare disease, medical trauma, anxiety, ostomy recovery, colectomy, J pouch surgery, mental health, chronic illness, hereditary cancer, surgery recovery, emotional wellness Meet Our Guest — Michael Caprio Michael Caprio is an Author, advocate, and rare disease warrior who was diagnosed with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis at just 18 years old. He is the Author of A Bump in the Road: My Medical Journey over Potholes, Detours and the Bridge to Gratitude, a memoir about surviving serious illness, navigating medical trauma, and finding gratitude after life-changing surgery. Website: https://www.mikecaprioauthor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikecaprio_author/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Bump-in-the-Road/100076302759044/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-caprio/ Key Takeaways A rare diagnosis can change your body, your future, and your mental health all at once. Medical trauma is not just physical; it can shake your identity, independence, and sense of safety. Support systems matter, especially when your brain tells you that you are a burden. Friends may show you who they really are during hard seasons, and that truth can hurt. Gratitude does not erase pain, but it can help you rebuild after it. Healing takes honesty, patience, and the courage to keep showing up. Actionable Items If you are facing a scary diagnosis, write down your questions before appointments so fear does not steal your voice in the room. Build a support circle that includes medical professionals, loved ones, and people who understand your condition. When your thoughts get dark, tell someone. You do not have to carry the heavy stuff alone. Important Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to Part 1 G-Rex opens the episode and lets listeners know this is the first half of Michael’s two-part story. 00:01:33 – Michael introduces his book Michael shares the title of his memoir, A Bump in the Road, and explains how his medical journey became the foundation of his writing. 00:01:48 – Understanding FAP Michael explains Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, a rare genetic condition that causes precancerous polyps to grow in the large intestine. 00:03:00 – Family history and “the club” Michael talks about his mom, aunt, and grandmother living with FAP, and how he slowly began to understand the family connection. 00:05:19 – The diagnosis conversation Michael remembers being told he had FAP and how the seriousness of the diagnosis slowly started to sink in. 00:06:39 – The danger of Googling symptoms After searching online, Michael found terrifying stories that made his fear and anger spike. 00:08:30 – Being 18 and trying to process everything G-Rex and Michael talk about the emotional weight of facing a life-changing diagnosis while still figuring out who you are. 00:10:05 – Surgery, colectomy, ostomy, and J pouch recovery Michael explains the surgery to remove his large intestine, the temporary ostomy, and the J pouch procedure that helped him regain quality of life. 00:13:43 – The emotional toll of recovery Michael shares how difficult recovery became, including bathroom challenges, pain, frustration, and regret over how he treated people trying to help him. 00:14:56 – Friends, support, and painful distance Michael reflects on friends who disappeared and others who showed up in ways he never expected. 00:18:11 – A perspective shift after illness Michael describes how losing everyday freedoms made him more grateful for small things like coffee, exercise, and time with friends. 00:22:29 – Rock bottom and the fight to keep going Michael opens up about feeling like a burden and the painful family conversation that helped snap him out of a dangerous mental spiral. 00:26:10 – Closing reminder G-Rex and Dirty Skittles close with a reminder that it is okay to be not okay, as long as you are talking to someone. 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 #MichaelCaprio #FAPAwareness #FamilialAdenomatousPolyposis #ColorectalCancerAwareness #RareDiseaseAwareness #MedicalTrauma #AnxietyRecovery #OstomyAwareness #ChronicIllnessSupport #SurgeryRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #HereditaryCancer #HealingJourney #Jpouch #BumpInTheRoad *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Part 1: Michael’s Bump in the Road: FAP, Surgery, Anxiety, and the Fight to Keep Going

  6. Jul 2

    Part 2: Michelle Petties on Body Trust, Emotional Healing, and Life After Diet Culture

    In Part 2, Michelle Petties returns with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about body trust, self-care, fear-based eating, and what it really means to live after diet culture. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of reminders that healing does not require perfection — it requires support, awareness, and the courage to keep getting back up. Awards & Downloads Line Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Once you learn how to trust your body, your voice, and your choices, you do not have to crawl back into the old story.” — Inspired by Michelle Petties Episode Description In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Michelle Petties takes the conversation deeper into body trust, emotional healing, self-care, and life after diet culture. G-Rex opens up about her type 2 diabetes diagnosis, the fear that came with it, and the changes she made to support her health. Dirty Skittles shares something many people silently carry: the fear of gaining weight back and losing the version of yourself you worked so hard to become. Michelle meets that fear with compassion, lived experience, and no-nonsense wisdom. She explains why transformation is not about white-knuckling your way through cravings. It is about belief, writing, visualization, affirmations, community, and learning to listen when your body says, “This does not work for me anymore.” The conversation also delves into grocery-store triggers, food packaging, advertising, social pressure, and why self-care is not selfish. Michelle reminds us that people are not failing because they are weak. They are often trying to heal in a world that keeps pushing them back toward old habits. She also shares powerful lessons about falling down, getting back up, and learning to trust yourself the way a child trusts that walking is possible. It is not about never messing up again. It is about knowing you can recover, reset, and keep choosing the life and body you want to live in. Keywords: Michelle Petties, body trust, emotional healing, diet culture recovery, food addiction recovery, emotional eating, self-care, food freedom, weight regain anxiety, body image healing, mindful eating, self-compassion, mental health recovery, trauma healing, personal transformation Meet Our Guest — Michelle Petties Michelle Petties is a TEDx speaker, author, Food Story coach, and experiential eating expert whose work helps people answer the question, “What are you really hungry for?” Through speaking, coaching, writing, and her online community, Michelle supports people in moving away from shame-based dieting and toward sustainable, compassionate transformation. Website: https://LeavingLarge.com Website: https://MichellePetties.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrandnewnow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Iambrandnewnow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iambrandnewnow X: https://x.com/iambrandnewnow Email: michelle@michellepetties.com Media/Booking Email: iambrandnewnow@gmail.com Key Takeaways Self-care is not selfish. Ignoring your own health can cost you and the people who love you. Fear of gaining weight back is real, but it does not have to control your choices. Writing, affirmations, visualization, and community can help reinforce a new identity. Grocery stores, packaging, and advertising are designed to trigger impulse decisions. Falling down does not make you a failure. It means you are learning a new way to live. Body trust grows when we stop confusing emotion, desire, and actual hunger. Actionable Items When fear shows up, write this down: “What am I afraid will happen, and what support do I need right now?” Practice Michelle’s pause before eating: “Is this hunger, or is this the desire to eat?” Pick one self-care habit this week — water, sleep, writing, or rest — and treat it like a non-negotiable appointment. References Mentioned Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict by Michelle Petties https://LeavingLarge.com Michelle Petties’ Food Story work https://MichellePetties.com Michelle Petties YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@iambrandnewnow Important Chapters 00:00:00 — Welcome to Part 2 G-Rex introduces Part 2 of Michelle Petties’ conversation and brings listeners back to the show's mental health mission. 00:00:40 — G-Rex Shares Her Type 2 Diabetes Wake-Up Call G-Rex talks about being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, taking Metformin, working with a nutritionist, and changing her relationship with food. 00:04:09 — Michelle Explains Why We Are Pushed Into the Trap Michelle talks about food marketing, diet advice, and why people are not given enough tools to fight daily messaging around food. 00:06:36 — Grocery Stores, Packaging, and Food Triggers The group discusses how even “healthy” areas in stores are surrounded by temptation, labels, and emotional triggers. 00:10:16 — Self-Care Is Not Selfish Michelle reframes self-care as necessary and explains why neglecting ourselves affects the people who depend on us. 00:12:02 — Dirty Skittles Shares Her Fear of Gaining Weight Back Dirty Skittles opens up about holding on tightly to her new version of herself and worrying that old patterns could return. 00:12:16 — Visualization, Affirmations, and Writing Michelle explains how invisible work can rewire the brain and help create long-term transformation. 00:14:23 — The Caterpillar and the Child Learning to Walk Michelle shares powerful metaphors for transformation, belief, and getting back up after setbacks. 00:21:27 — Hunger vs. Desire to Eat Michelle explains the difference between real hunger and eating out of emotion, pleasure, or conditioning. 00:28:50 — Advice to Her Younger Self Michelle says she would tell her younger self to listen to her grandmother, especially around rest, water, food, and wisdom. 00:30:22 — The Hardest Lesson Michelle shares that staying focused, choosing one thing, and remaining present are ongoing lessons in her life. 00:31:53 — Anxiety Theme Song and Favorite Words Michelle talks about control, overwhelm, her favorite word “perfect,” and why she cannot stand the phrase “it is what it is.” 00:34:16 — How to Find Michelle Michelle shares where listeners can connect with her, buy her book, and join her community. 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 #MichellePetties #BodyTrust #DietCultureRecovery #FoodFreedom #EmotionalHealing #FoodAddictionRecovery #MindfulEating #SelfCareMatters #EmotionalEatingRecovery #BodyImageHealing #WeightLossMindset #MentalHealthRecovery #SelfCompassion #LeavingLarge #WomenAndWellness *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Part 2: Michelle Petties on Body Trust, Emotional Healing, and Life After Diet Culture

  7. Jun 30

    Part 1: Michelle Petties on Rewiring Your Brain for Food Freedom and Emotional Healing

    Michelle Petties joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles for Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation about food addiction, emotional eating, and the stories we carry around hunger. Michelle gets real about why “food noise” may actually be emotion noise — and why healing starts when we stop blaming ourselves and start getting curious. Awards & Downloads Line Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “It’s not food noise. It’s emotion noise — and once you understand the story behind it, you can start taking your power back.” — Inspired by Michelle Petties Episode Description In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Michelle Petties brings truth, compassion, and a whole lot of “damn, I needed to hear that” energy to the conversation. Michelle is a TEDx speaker, Food Story coach, and author of Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict. After gaining and losing more than 700 pounds over four decades, she learned that food addiction was never just about food. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles talk with Michelle about emotional eating, shame, diet culture, and the sneaky ways food becomes tied to sadness, boredom, stress, celebration, and comfort. Michelle explains why what many people call “food noise” may actually be emotion noise — thoughts, feelings, and old beliefs begging for attention. She also breaks down her “Brand New” framework and how belief, writing, rest, nourishment, alignment, and community can help people rewire their brains and change their relationship with food. This is not another conversation about willpower, restriction, or beating yourself up for eating the thing. This is about pausing, listening, and learning what you are really hungry for. Michelle’s message is hopeful as hell: you are not broken, and you are not weak. You may just be carrying stories that need to be unpacked, rewritten, and released with compassion. Keywords: Michelle Petties, food addiction, emotional eating, food freedom, diet culture recovery, body image healing, food story, emotional wellness, mindful eating, trauma healing, self-compassion, obesity recovery, mental health healing, brain rewiring, shame recovery Meet Our Guest — Michelle Petties Michelle Petties is a TEDx speaker, author, Food Story coach, and the award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict. After gaining and losing more than 700 pounds over four decades, Michelle created her Food Story method to help people uncover the beliefs, memories, and emotional patterns driving their relationship with food. Website: https://LeavingLarge.com Website: https://MichellePetties.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrandnewnow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Iambrandnewnow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iambrandnewnow X: https://x.com/iambrandnewnow Email: michelle@michellepetties.com Media/Booking Email: iambrandnewnow@gmail.com Key Takeaways Food noise may actually be emotion noise, asking for your attention. Emotional eating is not a personal failure. It is often tied to old stories, old wounds, and learned survival tools. Shame keeps people stuck, but awareness creates space for change. Food companies and diet culture can keep us blaming ourselves instead of understanding the system around us. Michelle’s “Brand New” framework helps people rethink food, hunger, belief, and healing. Writing, rest, hydration, and community can become powerful tools for food freedom. Actionable Items Before eating, pause and ask yourself: “Am I hungry, or am I feeling something else?” Start an emotion log. Write down what you feel before and after eating without judging yourself. Pick one old food story you have carried for years and rewrite it with compassion instead of shame. References Mentioned Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict by Michelle Petties https://LeavingLarge.com Michelle Petties’ Food Story work https://MichellePetties.com Brand New Now 52-Week Program https://go.michellepetties.com/brand-new-now-program Important Chapters 00:00:00 — Welcome to Part 1 G-Rex and Dirty Skittles introduce Michelle Petties and open the door to a two-part conversation about food, mental health, shame, and healing. 00:03:25 — Dirty Skittles Opens Up About Food Noise Dirty Skittles shares her experience with weight loss, GLP-1 medication, and the frustration of food noise returning. 00:04:22 — Michelle Reframes Food Noise as Emotion Noise Michelle explains why cravings and overeating often come from emotion, memory, and belief rather than physical hunger. 00:08:38 — How Culture Teaches Emotional Eating The group talks about how movies, shows, and social conditioning normalize turning to food when life gets heavy. 00:13:13 — Michelle’s Story and Leaving Large Michelle shares how writing her book helped her understand that food addiction was never just about the food. 00:17:29 — Gaining and Losing Over 700 Pounds Michelle talks about four decades of yo-yo dieting and what finally helped her stop fearing weight regain. 00:18:53 — The “Brand New” Framework Michelle introduces the principles behind becoming brand new, including belief, reinvention, alignment, nourishment, writing, and celebration. 00:22:31 — Drink, Sleep, and Write Michelle explains why water, sleep, and prescriptive writing can support emotional regulation and lasting change. 00:26:05 — Question Everything You Eat Michelle shares the questions she asks before eating and how that pause helps her stay connected to her body and her choices. 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 #MichellePetties #FoodAddictionRecovery #EmotionalEating #FoodFreedom #DietCultureRecovery #BodyImageHealing #FoodStory #EmotionalWellness #MindfulEating #TraumaHealing #SelfCompassion #ObesityRecovery #MentalHealthHealing #LeavingLarge #BrainRewiring *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Official Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Part 1: Michelle Petties on Rewiring Your Brain for Food Freedom and Emotional Healing

  8. Jun 23

    Brandon Siler on Brain Health, Suicide Prevention, and Breaking the Stigma for Men

    Trigger Notice + 988 Crisis Reminder This episode includes conversations about suicide loss, suicide attempts, depression, addiction, trauma, and mental health treatment. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 in the U.S. or Canada for immediate crisis support. You are wanted. You are needed. And you do not have to carry this alone. For Men’s Mental Health Month, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with former NFL linebacker Brandon Siler for a raw, powerful conversation about brain health, suicide prevention, life after football, and the pressure men often feel to stay silent. Brandon’s story is a reminder that asking for help is not weakness. It is strength, survival, and sometimes the first real step toward healing. Awards & Downloads Line Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries. Feedback Link Line We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Don’t let that soda shake up on you. Fizz that thing out before it explodes.” — Brandon Siler Episode Description For Men’s Mental Health Month, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles welcome Brandon Siler, a former NFL linebacker, national champion, entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and straight-up wall breaker. Brandon’s story starts in Pine Hills, Orlando, where sports helped keep him focused, driven, and out of trouble. That path led him to the University of Florida, a national championship, and six seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. But this conversation is not just about football. It is about what happens after the cheering stops. Brandon opens up about the devastating death of his teammate Javon Belcher by suicide, his own mental health struggles after leaving the NFL, and the hard truth that even the toughest people need help. He talks about the macho pressure placed on men and athletes, the stigma around therapy and treatment, and why real strength means raising your hand and saying, “I need help.” Through Legacy Pro Sports, Pure Recovery California, Love4Vets, and Siler Brain Clinics, Brandon now helps former athletes, veterans, and high performers access disability benefits, mental health care, brain mapping, neuro-feedback, and treatment built around their lived experiences. His mission is simple but massive: knock down the walls that keep people from healing. This episode is raw, hopeful, funny, and deeply human. It is a reminder that men’s mental health matters every damn day, not just during awareness months. Keywords: Brandon Siler, men’s mental health, suicide prevention, brain health, NFL mental health, athlete mental health, veterans mental health, neurofeedback, brain mapping, trauma recovery, addiction recovery, mental health stigma, therapy for men, depression support, crisis support Meet Our Guest — Brandon Siler Brandon Siler is a former NFL linebacker turned serial entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and founder of multiple mission-driven companies. Raised in Pine Hills in Orlando, he earned a scholarship to the University of Florida, became SEC Freshman of the Year, helped lead the Gators to a national championship, and went on to play six seasons in the NFL. After the death of a teammate by suicide and his own difficult transition out of football, Brandon shifted his focus to helping athletes, veterans, and high performers access the care, benefits, and brain health tools they need to heal and thrive. Business Websites Legacy Pro Sports: https://www.legacyprosports.com Pure Recovery California: https://purerecoveryca.com Siler Brain Clinics: https://www.silerbrainclinics.com Siler Clinics: https://www.silerclinics.com Love4Vets: https://love4vets.com Personal Social Media Instagram — Brandon Siler: https://www.instagram.com/brandonsiler40 LinkedIn — Brandon Siler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsiler40 Facebook — Brandon Siler: https://www.facebook.com/brandonsiler40 X — Brandon Siler: https://x.com/BrandonSiler21 Business Social Media Instagram — Legacy Pro Sports: https://www.instagram.com/legacyprosports Key Takeaways Asking for help is not weakness. It is one of the strongest things a man can do. Brain health matters, especially for athletes, veterans, and high performers carrying invisible injuries. Suicide prevention starts with honest conversations before the pressure explodes. Therapy, treatment, and support work better when people feel seen, understood, and safe. Brandon’s work is about knocking down walls so former players and veterans can access the benefits and care they deserve. Healing does not mean you never struggle again. It means you learn how to stop carrying it alone. Actionable Items Check in on the strong friend, the funny friend, and the extroverted friend. They may be carrying more than they show. Say the thing out loud before it becomes too heavy. Talk to a therapist, trusted friend, doctor, coach, or crisis line. Reframe mental health care as brain optimization. You are not broken. You are learning how to care for the most important part of you. References Mentioned 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org Legacy Pro Sports: https://www.legacyprosports.com Pure Recovery California: https://purerecoveryca.com Siler Brain Clinics: https://www.silerbrainclinics.com Love4Vets: https://love4vets.com University of Florida Football: https://floridagators.com/sports/football NFL Player Benefits: https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsafety/resources/frequently-asked-questions/player-benefits Important Chapters 00:00:37 — Welcome to the Episode G-Rex and Dirty Skittles welcome Brandon Siler and set the stage for a real conversation about mental health, football, healing, and the things men are often told to keep buried. 00:01:35 — Brandon’s Journey from Pine Hills to the NFL Brandon shares how growing up in Pine Hills shaped him, how sports kept him focused, and how football eventually chose him. 00:03:30 — Life After Football and a Teammate’s Death by Suicide Brandon opens up about the tragic loss of teammate Javon Belcher and how that experience pushed him to rethink his purpose after the NFL. 00:06:10 — Brandon’s Own Mental Health Struggles He talks honestly about being in a dark place after leaving football and how hard it can be for NFL players and men to admit they need help. 00:07:44 — Why Athlete-Specific Treatment Matters Brandon explains how one teammate’s struggle with alcohol, drugs, and mental health led him to discover treatment built for athletes who needed to feel understood. 00:08:13 — Brain Mapping, Neurofeedback, and Healing the Root Cause The conversation turns to brain health, neurofeedback, biofeedback, red light therapy, and tools that help people see and work with what is happening in their brains. 00:12:48 — Breaking the Stigma for Men G-Rex speaks directly about suicide prevention, asking for help, and why there is no shame in reaching out when you are struggling. 00:14:24 — Brandon on Strength, Masculinity, and Speaking Up Brandon shares why men need to reject the “macho” stigma and understand that asking for help is a strength, not a failure. 00:17:06 — Love4Vets and Supporting Veterans Brandon discusses his work with veterans, disability claims, mental health support, and why he felt called to help when he saw veterans facing similar struggles to athletes. 00:22:58 — Chasing the Best Version of Yourself Brandon shares the powerful image he carried as a kid: looking in the mirror and chasing the best possible version of himself. 00:30:02 — Suicide Attempts, Therapy, and Brain Optimization Brandon and G-Rex talk openly about suicide attempts, therapy, mistakes, healing, and why mental health care can be viewed as optimizing your brain. 00:33:37 — Advice to His Younger Self Brandon reflects on faith, purpose, and what he wishes he had understood sooner when he was struggling. 00:35:22 — The Hardest Lesson Brandon Had to Learn He shares the pain of realizing you cannot force someone to want better for themselves, even when you love them deeply. 00:37:24 — Anxiety, Favorite Words, and Brandon’s Humor The episode lightens up with Brandon’s anxiety sound, his favorite word, his least favorite word, and a hilarious explanation of why exclamation points matter. 00:41:43 — Final Message for Men’s Mental Health Month Brandon closes with a reminder to reach out, talk to someone, and let the pressure out before it explodes. 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 #MensMentalHealth #MensMentalHealthMonth #SuicidePrevention #BrainHealth #BrandonSiler #NFLMentalHealth #AthleteMentalHealth #VeteransMentalHealth #TherapyWorks #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthRecovery #AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #Neurofeedback #BrainMapping #YouAreNotAlone *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMen

    Brandon Siler on Brain Health, Suicide Prevention, and Breaking the Stigma for Men
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4.3
out of 5
88 Ratings

About

”Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads” is a podcast that emerged from G-Rex’s personal mental health journey, starting with a breakdown in 2022. Supported by her wife, 988, and a higher power, G-Rex found healing and vowed to destigmatize mental health struggles. With best friend Dirty Skittles, the podcast tackles life’s challenges with humor and honesty, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue. Listeners join their engaging discussions on relationships, parenting, pop culture, and mental health, gaining practical tips and a sense of community. Through laughter and camaraderie, the podcast offers empowerment and solidarity, reminding everyone that it’s okay not to be okay and encouraging reaching out for support. Ultimately, ”Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads” is a beacon of hope, humor, and companionship, advocating for mental health awareness and inclusivity.

Information

  • Creator
    G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Bleav
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    217
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads
  • Show Website
    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

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