Healing Unfiltered

Erin Burns
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Healing Unfiltered is a space where we can gather once a week for some honest conversation about mental health and wellness, to gain a little bit of insight, or just to feel a little less alone. We will discuss mental health, common life struggles, and tips to help guide you toward a more fulfilling and unfiltered version of yourself. Connect with me over on IG! @ErinBurns.Wellness

  1. 1d ago

    Life is a Practice: The Impact of Yoga with Allison Malik

    What if yoga has very little to do with touching your toes—and everything to do with how you live your life? In this episode, I'm joined by a yoga instructor and friend for a conversation that goes far beyond the mat. We explore the common misconceptions about yoga, why it truly is for everyone, and how a consistent practice can transform not only your physical health, but your relationship with yourself. We dive into the powerful connection between yoga and mental health, including why it can be especially supportive for those with ADHD. We talk about how showing up for yourself, even when it's uncomfortable, builds self-esteem, self-respect, and the kind of discipline that comes from self-compassion rather than self-criticism. Perhaps most importantly, we discuss the idea that yoga is a reflection of life itself. Learning to stay present in discomfort, letting go of perfection, and recognizing that growth isn't a destination—it's a practice. Just like yoga, life isn't about mastering every pose or getting everything "right." It's about returning to yourself, again and again. Whether you've practiced yoga for years or have always believed "it's not for me," this conversation might just change the way you think about both yoga and the way you move through life. In this episode, we discuss: Why yoga is truly for every body—not just the flexible or athleticThe mental health benefits of a regular yoga practiceHow yoga can support focus, emotional regulation, and ADHDBuilding self-esteem and self-respect through yogaLearning to tolerate discomfort instead of avoiding itWhy progress is found in practice, not perfectionHow the lessons we learn on the mat translate into everyday life Follow Allison on IG at @alli_yoga_blahblah or if you are in the area, stop by Yoga Cave in Naperville to try out a class with her! Bonus points if you're in the area and you come support the pups and kitties at one of the free yoga classes Allison mentions at the end of this episode, which are taking place all throughout July (2026)! Find me on IG at @erinburnswellness for more podcast content!

  2. Jun 8

    Turning Life Experience Into Art: Mental Health, Identity, and Writing with Author Orin Steele

    In this episode of Healing Unfiltered, I’m joined by author Orin Steele to explore the powerful connection between mental health, identity, and storytelling. Orin’s debut novel, By Blood, Shadow, and Fire, is more than just a fantasy story — it’s layered with emotional depth, internal conflict, and themes that reflect very real human experiences. We talk about her journey as a writer, how her personal experiences (including her openness around her journey with infertility) shaped her voice, and how storytelling became a space for both expression and processing. We also dive into the realities of creativity, including how ADHD shows up in her writing process, and why she’s learned to work with her brain rather than against it. From authenticity online to the psychology behind character development, this conversation highlights how the stories we tell (and the ones we’re drawn to) are often rooted in something much deeper. In this episode: Showing up authentically in an over-curated online worldThe importance of talking openly about infertility and women’s healthHow personal experiences can shape creative expressionADHD and the creative processThe emotional and psychological depth behind character developmentThemes of identity, self-sabotage, and internal conflict in storytellingYou’ll walk away with: A deeper appreciation for the emotional layers within storytellingInsight into how mental health influences creativityValidation around sharing your story and lived experiencesA new perspective on the characters and stories you connect withBy Blood, Shadow, and Fire is available now. Be sure to check it out and connect with Orin online for more of her work and insights.

  3. May 11

    Why Fitness Feels So Hard (And What to Do About It) - With Kristy Castillo

    In this episode of Healing Unfiltered, I’m joined by my first guest (and someone you may recognize), Kristy, to talk about something so many people struggle with but rarely talk about honestly: Why fitness and nutrition feel so hard to stick to. Because the truth is… it’s not just about workouts and food. We dive into the emotional side of fitness — the part that’s tied to identity, self-worth, shame, and the pressure to “get it right.” From gym anxiety and body image to binge cycles and all-or-nothing thinking, we unpack what’s actually happening underneath the surface. We also talk about why so many women feel like they’re constantly starting over, and how what looks like “self-sabotage” is often your brain trying to protect you — not ruin your progress. This episode is less about telling you what to do, and more about helping you understand why this has felt so heavy… and how to start approaching it in a way that actually feels sustainable. In this episode: Why fitness feels so emotionally loaded (not just physically challenging)The role of shame, body image, and fear of judgmentEmotional eating, binge cycles, and the “good vs. bad” food mindsetWhy women often feel stuck in a start-over cycleReframing self-sabotage as self-protectionWhat a healthier relationship with exercise can actually look likeYou’ll walk away with: A deeper understanding of why fitness has felt so hardValidation that it’s not a discipline problemA more compassionate perspective on your patternsA new way to approach fitness that feels more sustainable and supportiveYou’re not broken. And this was never just about fitness. Connect with us: Erin: @ErinBurnsWellness Kristy: @KristyCastilloFit | @unfuckyourfitnesspodcast

  4. Apr 27

    ADHD and Understimulation: The Missing Piece of Motivation

    If you’ve ever felt like you want to do things but just… can’t get yourself to start — this episode is for you. Today we’re talking about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: understimulation, and how it plays a major role in ADHD, executive dysfunction, and that “paralyzed” feeling so many people experience. Most people assume that when they can’t get started, they’re overwhelmed, unmotivated, or just being lazy. But what if the problem isn’t too much… it’s actually not enough? In this episode, we break down how the ADHD brain responds to stimulation, why low dopamine can make even simple tasks feel impossible to start, and what understimulation actually looks like in real life (hint: it’s not always obvious). We also talk about the difference between overwhelm and understimulation, why traditional “just be disciplined” advice doesn’t work, and simple, practical ways to work with your brain instead of against it. If you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, or unable to follow through — this might be the missing piece. 💬 In this episode: What understimulation actually isHow ADHD impacts motivation and task initiationWhy low stimulation can feel like paralysisThe difference between overwhelm and understimulationHow dopamine and interest drive actionSimple ways to create activation and momentum✨ You’ll walk away with: A new understanding of why you feel stuckValidation that it’s not a laziness or discipline issuePractical tools to help you get startedA more compassionate way to approach your brainYou’re not broken. Your brain just needs the right kind of input.

  5. Apr 13

    What to Do When You Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything

    What do you do when you don’t feel like doing anything… and even the smallest tasks feel like too much? In this episode, I’m sharing honestly from my own experience — including taking the entire month of March off from recording and publishing this podcast. Not because I didn’t care, but because it genuinely felt like too much. Instead of forcing myself through it (like I have in the past), I did something different: I paid attention. I honored where I was at. And eventually, when a little bit of motivation came back, I followed it — gently. This episode is about what to actually do in those moments when your capacity is low. Not from a “push through it” mindset, but from a place of awareness, sustainability, and self-trust. Because not feeling like doing anything doesn’t mean something is wrong with you — it just means something needs to shift. 💬 In this episode: Why “not feeling like it” isn’t a character flawThe difference between avoidance and low capacityHow forcing yourself can make things less sustainableWhat to do instead of pushing throughHow to rebuild momentum without overwhelming yourselfA simple way to re-engage when motivation starts to come back✨ You’ll walk away with: A more compassionate perspective on low motivationPractical ways to move forward without forcing itPermission to honor your capacityA reminder that you don’t need to start over — you just need to start small

  6. Mar 2

    3 Questions You NEED to Ask Yourself Before You Judge

    Judgment feels automatic. Instant. Certain. But what if your judgment isn’t truth — it’s conditioning? In this episode, we’re unpacking the psychology behind why we judge and what those reactions actually reveal about us. Most judgment isn’t about morality — it’s about familiarity, identity, and control. It’s shaped by the homes we grew up in, the rules we absorbed, the experiences that hurt us, and the wiring that kept us safe. Instead of shaming judgment (because we all do it), this episode offers three powerful questions to help you slow down, get curious, and understand what’s really happening underneath that initial reaction. This isn’t about abandoning discernment or ignoring red flags. It’s about recognizing when certainty is coming from your nervous system — not objective truth. 💬 In this episode: Why judgment feels so convincingThe difference between discernment and ego-protectionHow conditioning shapes what feels “right” or “wrong”The role of familiarity, identity, and control in judgmentThree practical questions to challenge your reactions✨ You’ll walk away with: A deeper understanding of your own judgmentsTools to shift from certainty to curiosityGreater emotional maturity and self-awarenessPermission to question what feels “obviously true”

  7. Feb 16

    Stop "SHOULDING" All Over Yourself

    How many of your decisions are actually coming from desire… and how many are coming from “should”? In this episode, we’re diving into the emotional weight of “shoulds” — the internalized expectations that quietly shape our choices, especially in complicated relationships. Inspired by a real-life scenario involving guilt and strained family dynamics, we unpack why “I should…” can feel so convincing — even when it directly conflicts with your boundaries and lived experience. We talk about where “shoulds” come from (family systems, cultural conditioning, gender roles, trauma), why they’re so often tied to guilt and fear, and how they can lead to self-betrayal when left unchecked. Most importantly, we explore how to challenge and reframe them — so your life isn’t driven by obligation, but by intention and values. Because just because you feel like you “should”… doesn’t mean you actually should. 💬 In this episode: What a “should” actually is (and what it isn’t)Why relational “shoulds” are especially powerfulThe connection between guilt, obligation, and belongingHow to tell the difference between a value and a conditioned rulePractical ways to challenge and reframe your “shoulds”✨ You’ll walk away with: A clearer understanding of why “should” feels so heavyPermission to question expectations you didn’t chooseTools to shift from obligation-driven decisions to values-driven onesCompassion for yourself when guilt shows upYou’re not here to live a life made of inherited expectations. You’re allowed to choose differently.

  8. Feb 2

    When It’s All Too Much, Simplify

    In this episode, I’m sharing a gentle reflection on what it looks like to simplify when everything feels like too much. On days when the world feels heavy—or when our bodies and nervous systems are asking for less—pushing through often isn’t the answer. Instead, this is a quiet invitation to slow the pace, loosen expectations, and let things be simpler than usual. I talk about the small ways I’ve been choosing simplicity lately, and why a slower pace isn’t a sign of failure, avoidance, or falling behind. Sometimes, it’s just an honest response to the moment we’re in. This episode isn’t about productivity, solutions, or fixing anything. It’s about listening, softening, and allowing yourself to meet the day where you actually are. In this episode, I reflect on: Why overwhelm often calls for simplicity, not more effortLetting expectations be lighter on heavy daysChoosing a slower pace without guilt or self-judgmentHow simplifying can feel grounding instead of limitingGiving yourself permission to do less and rest moreIf you’re feeling overstimulated, worn down, or emotionally heavy, this episode is a reminder that it’s okay to simplify—and that slowing down can be a form of care.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Healing Unfiltered is a space where we can gather once a week for some honest conversation about mental health and wellness, to gain a little bit of insight, or just to feel a little less alone. We will discuss mental health, common life struggles, and tips to help guide you toward a more fulfilling and unfiltered version of yourself. Connect with me over on IG! @ErinBurns.Wellness

Information

  • Creator
    Erin Burns
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Healing Unfiltered