Spill Your Guts

guts.
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Spill Your Guts is a weekly podcast brought to you by guts, a nonprofit organization that provides engaging, science-backed mental health content for free for the community. We know it takes guts to talk about mental health & seek support. Each episode features actionable tools, real-life stories, and downloadable resources to help you thrive. Together, we’re building a community that embraces vulnerability and fosters growth. Listen, learn, and discover the power of having “guts.”

  1. AUG 19

    Josh on Surrender, Recovery, and Redefining Strength After Trauma

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Josh Chilton to explore his journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery—and how surrender, community, and self-acceptance helped him find meaning on the other side. Josh shares candidly about becoming paraplegic as a teenager after a car accident, his battle with substance use, and how years of unprocessed trauma caught up with him even after he got sober. We talk about the role of community in healing, the stigma around disability and addiction, and the importance of rewriting cultural narratives about mental health. Josh’s reflections are raw, real and full of wisdom, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who’s felt lost in the aftermath of grief or adversity. To support our work, find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media.  Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, call 988 to access 24/7 mental health support, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.

    1h 3m

  2. AUG 5

    What Counts as Trauma? A Conversation with Dr. Joyce Yang

    What does the word trauma really mean—and how is it being misunderstood in everyday conversations? In this week’s episode, we are joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Joyce Yang to explore the complex and often controversial world of trauma. Together, we unpack the clinical definition of trauma and PTSD, the rise of “trauma talk” on the internet, and how casually using words like “traumatized” or “triggered” can unintentionally invalidate people’s real suffering. From “big T” traumas to the cumulative toll of microaggressions, marginalization, and identity-based stress, this episode breaks down how the field of psychology is evolving to understand the full spectrum of trauma—and why our language matters.  Whether you’re a student, a psychologist, or someone trying to better understand trauma and how it shows up in real life—this episode offers clarity, nuance, and insight, with a few practical takeaways.  Resources Referenced:Dr. Yang’s REACH lab: https://www.joycepyang.com/ How microaggressions are like mosquito bites - Same Difference: https://youtu.be/hDd3bzA7450?si=KfPLSsY8fUPHMIfw National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/dsm5_ptsd.asp   Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media To support guts’ work, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, call 988 to access the free 24/7 Crisis Hotline, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.

    51 min

  3. JUL 9

    Building Community and Mental Wellness with Live Reality Games

    In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Jesus, host of the San Diego Challenge - a fan-made live reality game inspired by shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and MTV’s The Challenge. We explore the importance of social connection and how immersive, cooperative competitions like The San Diego Challenge can build community and promote mental wellbeing. Jesus opens up about his personal experiences with depression, addiction, and ADHD, and shares how creativity, vulnerability, and intentional community building helped him create a fulfilling and meaningful life for himself and others.  Learn more about the San Diego Challenge on Instagram: @thesdchallenge  To support our work, find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media.  Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, call 988 to access 24/7 mental health support, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.

    51 min

  4. JUN 25

    Rest Assured: Practical Tips for Better Sleep.

    So many of us lie awake at night, counting down the hours and desperately trying to will sleep to come. In this episode, we demystify insomnia and introduce a practical SLEEP acronym drawn from the latest scientific research.  Hear our personal stories of nighttime anxiety, walk through a common insomnia questionnaire with us, and discover practical steps, like knowing when to get out of bed and how to break the “clock-watching” habit, to get your sleep back on track. To support our work and access our downloadable infographics and worksheets, find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠. Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media. Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, use the free 988 24/7 Crisis Hotline or call 911.

    45 min
  5. Disability, Belonging & Asking for Help with Lana Dever

    JUN 18

    Disability, Belonging & Asking for Help with Lana Dever

    In this honest and unflinching conversation, we sit down with community advocate, social worker, and graduate student Lana Dever (Ell) to explore what it means to live at the intersections of disability, race, class, gender, and neurodivergence. Drawing from a life shaped by unstable housing, systemic neglect, and late diagnosis, Ell shares how a long-overdue understanding of her health—and worth—emerged not in clinical spaces, but in community, reflection, and resistance. Together, we talk about the cost of being “the strong one,” and Ell invites us to rethink what it means to receive support, to challenge internalized ableism and individualism, and to reconnect with the radical roots of community care. If you’ve ever felt shut out—or tried to open the door for someone else—this conversation is one you’ll want to hear. This episode is a vulnerable, gutsy reminder that healing isn’t meant to happen alone—and asking for help is a practice of liberation.  If you’re moved by Ell’s story and want to support their family’s fight to keep their home, secure critical medical care, and cover essential living expenses, please consider making a gift at her GoFundMe campaign: https://gofund.me/f0861afd  Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media To support guts’ work, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website: www.gutsnonprofit.org  Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, call 988 to access the free 24/7 Crisis Hotline, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.

    55 min

  6. JUN 11

    DEARMAN: It Takes Guts to Ask for What You Need

    So many of us struggle to ask directly for what we want—or to say no—without guilt, overexplaining, or sacrificing our self-respect. In this episode, we introduce a practical skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy called DEARMAN, a powerful framework for making requests and setting limits while preserving both the relationship and your sense of self. We explore how this tool shows up in our lives, from negotiating dinner plans with a partner to asking for support to setting difficult boundaries with a relative. You’ll learn why asking clearly and kindly is often more effective than hoping someone just "gets it"—and how to practice this skill in ways that feel both respectful and empowered. To support our work and access our downloadable infographics and worksheets, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media. Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, use the free 988 24/7 Crisis Hotline or call 911.

    55 min

  7. JUN 11

    Interior Design for Well‐Being with Katharina Kalamarianos

    In this insightful conversation, we sit down with Katharina Kalamarianos, a residential interior designer and founder of K2 Design. Katharina believes that “when your home feels better, you feel better.” Together, we explore how intentional home design can serve as a powerful mental health tool. Katharina breaks down the simple question every homeowner and renter should ask: How do I want to feel and function in my space? From decluttering to strategic furniture placement, from layering warm, dimmable lighting to maximizing natural light—even on a tight budget—she shares practical tips that listeners can implement right away.  Above all, she reminds us that design isn’t just aesthetics—it’s about crafting environments that support our emotional well‐being. Check-out K2 Design: https://www.k2designstudio.com/ If you are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, you can dial 2-1-1 (in the U.S.) to be connected with local shelter, food, and supportive services, or visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness at https://endhomelessness.org for resources. To support our work, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website: www.gutsnonprofit.org  Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, call 988 to access the free 24/7 Crisis Hotline, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.

    51 min
  8. Healing Internalized Oppression with Dr. Jan Estrellado

    APR 28

    Healing Internalized Oppression with Dr. Jan Estrellado

    In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Dr. Jan Estrellado, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor at Alliant International University,  to explore internalized oppression—the ways systems of racism, colonialism, and white supremacy become embedded in our beliefs about ourselves, our worth, and our right to rest, joy, and belonging. Dr. Estrellado, is the co-editor of Clinical Interventions for Internalized Oppression, and in this episode shares how therapy—and healing itself—must evolve beyond rigid clinical models to include embodiment, community care, and cultural practices. Together, we unpack what gets left out of Western therapy, how silence protects systems more than people, and why “my worth is inherent” is a radical practice. Whether you’re a parent, activist, therapist or someone questioning the stories you’ve been told about who you are and what you deserve, this episode offers a compassionate, grounded, and deeply human lens for understanding and healing internalized oppression. Get ready for big truths, small practices, and the gentle nudge that you can start healing even before you fully believe you deserve to. Resources Mentioned: Buy the book - Clinical Interventions for Internalized Oppression Erica Chenoweth at TEDxBoulder: The success of nonviolent civil resistance To support our work and access our downloadable infographics and worksheets, find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media. Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, call 988 to access the free 24/7 Crisis Hotline, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.

    58 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Spill Your Guts is a weekly podcast brought to you by guts, a nonprofit organization that provides engaging, science-backed mental health content for free for the community. We know it takes guts to talk about mental health & seek support. Each episode features actionable tools, real-life stories, and downloadable resources to help you thrive. Together, we’re building a community that embraces vulnerability and fosters growth. Listen, learn, and discover the power of having “guts.”

Information

  • Creator
    guts.
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © guts.
  • Show Website
    Spill Your Guts

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