Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Bleav
Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

”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. Grounded and Growing: Amy’s Fight Against Anxiety and Self-Worth Struggles

    6D AGO

    Grounded and Growing: Amy’s Fight Against Anxiety and Self-Worth Struggles

    In this episode, Amy Fagan shares her raw and honest story of navigating anxiety, low self-worth, and emotional recovery. She offers listeners a window into her healing process through community, creativity, and podcasting. We are proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1 million downloads, we’re honored to be part of your journey. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Share your thoughts or leave us a voice message at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a "Healing is not about fixing what is broken; it’s about discovering what is still whole." Episode Description: Amy Fagan, host of the “Grounded in Maine” podcast, brings heartfelt wisdom to this powerful conversation. From struggling with an inferiority complex rooted in childhood to facing betrayal and rebuilding life after divorce, Amy opens up about the deeply personal experiences that shaped her emotional landscape. Through her story, listeners will find relatable moments of vulnerability and resilience. Amy shows how podcasting, sustainable living, and supportive friendships have given her the strength to push through anxiety and embrace her self-worth. This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. Meet Our Guest: Amy Fagan Amy is the heart and voice of the “Grounded in Maine” podcast. She explores sustainability, homesteading, and building authentic communities. A New England native, Amy speaks candidly about her battles with anxiety, low self-esteem, and the deep wounds of betrayal. Through vulnerability and resilience, Amy inspires others to reclaim their stories and find healing in connection. 🔗 Website: https://linktr.ee/groundedinmainepodcast? 🎙 Podcast: Grounded in Maine Key Takeaways: Self-Worth Isn’t Tied to Success Community is Medicine Creativity as a Lifeline Actionable Items: Surround Yourself With Uplifting People Use Creative Outlets to Heal Redefine Success in Personal Terms Episode Chapters: 00:03:57 – Amy's early struggle with self-worth and critical family dynamics 00:06:14 – Launching the Grounded in Maine podcast: purpose over perfection 00:10:44 – The emotional devastation of betrayal and divorce 00:13:16 – How podcasting became Amy’s emotional oxygen 00:17:29 – Therapy challenges and redefining what healing looks like 00:25:01 – Amy’s view on success and the intersection of passion and purpose 00:30:35 – Her dream to purchase farmland and build a community-centric retreat 00:35:52 – The joy of farming and building food security 00:42:38 – Advice to her younger self and reflections on self-worth References: Grounded in Maine Podcast: https://linktr.ee/groundedinmainepodcast? Our Podcast Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews Feedback Portal: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Don’t miss an episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a rating, and tell the world what you think! Visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #GroundedInMaine #SelfWorthJourney #HealingThroughConnection #PodcastTherapy #Grex #DirtySkittles #SustainabilityMatters #AuthenticLiving #HealingTrauma #DivorceRecovery #EmpowermentThroughPodcasting #CommunityHealing #FarmDreams #JamMakingTherapy #EmotionalWellness #WomensVoicesMatter #SupportLocalFarms #MindfulLiving! *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio

    46 min
  2. Yalda’s Truth: Surviving Postpartum Depression and Finding Purpose

    JUN 3

    Yalda’s Truth: Surviving Postpartum Depression and Finding Purpose

    In this episode, we speak with Yalda Kazemi — mental health advocate, speaker, and author — as she shares the deeply personal and often unspoken truth of surviving severe postpartum depression, facing suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts, and ultimately finding her purpose through healing. If you've ever struggled with mental illness, questioned your worth, or felt misunderstood, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone. We want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts or leave us a voice message here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Welcome to another powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 1 million downloads, we’re proud to bring you real and unapologetic conversations about mental health every week. Mental Health Quote of the Episode “Mental illness has no face. There is no look to it. You can appear put together and still be fighting the darkest battles inside.” — Yalda Kazemi Episode Description In this moving conversation, Yalda Kazemi shares her lived experience with postpartum depression, maternal mental health, and mental illness recovery. From being hospitalized in a psych ward to almost losing herself in the depths of postpartum psychosis, Yalda now uses her story to educate others, advocate for change, and empower families through their darkest moments. Listeners will gain powerful insights into the emotional complexity of postpartum mental illness and the importance of support systems, self-advocacy, and breaking stigma. Meet Our Guest – Yalda Kazemi Yalda Kazemi is a Speaker, Author, Mental Health Advocate, Educator, and Policy Consultant focused on dismantling stigma around mental illness. She is the founder of Yalda Kazemi Consulting and the author of Unapologetic Truths: The Realities of Postpartum We Don’t Talk About. Yalda speaks widely on corporate wellness, resilience, and women’s mental health related to postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. Website: https://www.yaldakazemi.com LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/yalda-kazemi-2864b129 Key Takeaways Mental illness is not a personal failing. It's not a choice, and shame should never be part of the equation. Recovery is possible. With support, medical care, and openness, healing can and does happen. There is strength in vulnerability. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Actionable Insights Learn the signs of postpartum mental illness so you can recognize it in yourself or support others. Build open conversations around mental health in families, communities, and workplaces. Normalize seeking professional help through therapy, medication, or hospitalization when needed. Episode Chapters and Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction by G Rex and Dirty Skittles 01:10 – Yalda's background and why she speaks so openly 03:43 – Her childbirth experience and immediate emotional disconnection 05:23 – The moment of diagnosis and fears about medication 10:03 – Intrusive thoughts and psychosis escalate 13:34 – Yalda checks into the psych ward 15:22 – Talking to her son about mental illness 17:56 – Postpartum tools prepare her for perimenopause 21:00 – Facing judgment and stigma head-on 26:35 – Teaching her son about mental health 36:39 – Losing support from close friends 40:08 – Gratitude, healing, and daily self-care References Unapologetic Truths: The Realities of Postpartum We Don’t Talk About by Yalda Kazemi: https://www.yaldakazemi.com/book Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net Mental Health Resource Guide: https://www.nami.org   Subscribe, Rate, and Review Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads for more honest, bold, and healing conversations around mental health. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or leave a review at: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews We appreciate every voice. Your feedback makes this community stronger. #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PostpartumDepression #MaternalMentalHealth #PerinatalSupport #MentalIllnessRecovery #SuicidePrevention #WomenSupportingWomen #MentalHealthMatters #BreakingTheStigma #YaldaKazemi #Grex #DirtySkittles #MentalHealthCommunity #PostpartumHealing #SelfCareIsEssential #PsychWardRecovery #UnapologeticTruths #PodcastForChange#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: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio

    45 min
  3. MAY 27

    Finding Light After Loss: How Lynda Rebuilt Her Life and Inner Glow

    In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Lynda Hugessen, a sobriety advocate, crystal healing artisan, and grief support champion. Lynda shares her powerful journey—from a turbulent childhood and struggles with addiction to a cancer diagnosis and the devastating loss of her son Ryan to alcoholism—and how she found a way to rebuild her life by helping others reclaim theirs. Note: Since this recording, Lynda has decided not to pursue Inner Glow Rising as a formal platform. Her healing journey continues in new and meaningful directions. We’re proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over one million downloads worldwide. Thank you for helping us break the stigma and create a safe space for mental health conversations. 🎙️ We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a voice message or written feedback at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Quote of the Episode “If we come together as a community and support one another, we can help each other heal. We can help each other find our inner glow again.” – Lynda Hugessen What This Episode Is Really About Grief, Growth, and the Glow of Healing Lynda Hugessen opens up about facing profound personal trauma, from losing her son to the emotional impact of addiction and illness. She reveals how creating healing crystal bracelets helped her move from surviving to thriving. In this conversation, Lynda reminds us that healing doesn't follow a straight line—and that community and creativity can offer meaningful paths forward. This is an episode for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by grief, trauma, or addiction—and is seeking hope, support, and connection. Meet Our Guest: Lynda Hugessen Sobriety Advocate | Crystal Healer | Grief Support Voice Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/lyndaslovelylooks Instagram (Bracelets): @lyndaslovelylooks Certified Reiki Master & Crystal Healing Practitioner 9+ Years Sober | Cancer Survivor | Mental Health Advocate Key Takeaways Healing Isn’t Linear – Recovery from trauma, addiction, and grief is deeply personal and unfolds over time. Creative Expression as Therapy – Designing crystal bracelets helped Lynda reconnect with purpose and healing. Purpose from Pain – Lynda’s experiences inspire others to find strength and community through creativity and compassion. Actionable Tips Write affirmations on your mirror to reinforce self-worth and positive thinking. Seek out or build a supportive community when navigating trauma or grief. Transform pain into purpose through creative outlets or service to others. Chapters & Time Stamps [00:01:12] – Discovering crystals during cancer recovery [00:07:42] – Losing her son Ryan to alcoholic liver disease [00:16:00] – Her DUI arrest and commitment to sobriety [00:21:54] – Cancer diagnosis and its lasting impact [00:24:00] – Building community and becoming a happiness facilitator [00:34:25] – Advice to her younger self and the power of affirmations [00:37:01] – Self-care with vision boards and spiritual practices [00:38:48] – Where to find Lynda and support her ongoing work References & Mentions Lynda’s Lovely Looks on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/lyndaslovelylooks Instagram (Bracelets): @lyndaslovelylooks Subscribe, Rate, and Review Love this episode? Want more conversations about real mental health journeys? Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform. Visit us at: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #GriefSupport #AddictionRecovery #CrystalHealing #EmotionalHealing #SobrietyJourney #TraumaRecovery #MindfulnessMatters #WomenInPodcasting #HealingJourney #SelfLoveTools #AnxietySupport #MentalHealthMatters #SpiritualHealing #ResilienceInGrief #NormalizeMentalHealth *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio

    40 min
  4. MAY 20

    Stefani Gets Real About Dog Phobias, Kids, and Mental Health Wins

    In this special episode, we sit down with Stefani Cohen, a clinical social worker and author of Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs. Together, we explore the often-overlooked anxiety surrounding dog phobias, especially in children, and how these fears can shape emotional development and resilience. We’re proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over one million downloads worldwide. Thank you for helping us break the stigma and create a safe space for mental health conversations. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a voice message or written feedback at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Quote of the Episode "You can't always control fear, but you can control how you respond to it — and that's where real growth happens." – Inspired by Stefani Cohen’s journey What This Episode Is Really About: Fear, Healing, and the Power of Understanding In this heartfelt conversation, Stefani Cohen, LCSW, shares her insights on how childhood fears—especially the fear of dogs—can deeply impact mental health. Drawing from her extensive work as a clinical social worker and her personal experience as a parent, Stefani discusses how these fears often stem from a sense of lost control and how exposure therapy can help children rebuild confidence. Listeners will discover how fear develops, the role parents play in shaping emotional responses, and how learning about animal behavior can promote emotional intelligence and resilience. This episode blends humor, expert advice, and vulnerability to open up meaningful dialogue about mental health and fear. Meet Our Guest: Stefani Cohen, LCSW Clinical Social Worker | Author | Educator B.A. in Sociology, William Smith College Master of Social Work, New York University Over 30 years helping parents and children manage anxiety, fear, and emotional regulation Specializes in exposure therapy for children afraid of dogs through her unique OFOD protocol Book: Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs Website: https://overcomefearofdogs.com/ Instagram: @overcomefearofdogs Facebook: OvercomeDogFear LinkedIn: Stefani Cohen, LCSW Key Takeaways Phobias Are Real Mental Health Issues: Dog phobias in children are valid and often misunderstood. Parental Influence Matters: Children can absorb anxiety from their environment, especially from their parents. Understanding Can Replace Fear: Teaching kids to understand dog behavior can build emotional confidence. Actionable Tips Model Calm Behavior: Your reactions around dogs influence how your child feels. Use Gradual Exposure: Help children slowly become comfortable with dogs in safe settings. Respect Emotional Signals: Encourage awareness of body language in both people and animals. Chapters & Time Stamps [00:01:12] – How Stefani’s daughter’s fear inspired her mission [00:02:41] – Four primary ways phobias develop in children [00:08:22] – Why boys ages 5–9 are statistically more prone to dog bites [00:13:19] – The role of control in childhood fear [00:24:18] – Understanding dog consent and the "three-second petting rule" [00:28:18] – Rapid-fire: resilience, favorite words, and self-care [00:33:31] – Where to find Stefani’s work and connect References & Mentions Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs by Stefani Cohen – overcomefearofdogs.com DSM-5 classification of specific phobias Child bite prevention research and statistics School-based humane education programs and therapy dog visits led by Stefani Subscribe, Rate, and Review Stay connected for more insightful conversations on mental health. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews Your feedback fuels our mission to make mental health conversations more accessible, honest, and empowering.   #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #StefaniCohen #OvercomeFearOfDogs #DogPhobiaSupport #ParentingAnxiousKids #PhobiaTherapy #OvercomeFear #MentalHealthMatters #AnxietyInChildren #ResilientParenting #PositiveParenting #TherapyTools #FearOfDogs #EmotionalSupport #NormalizeMentalHealth #PetTherapy #ExposureTherapy *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio

    35 min
  5. MAY 13

    How to Set Boundaries at Work Without Burning Bridges – Tips from Suzanne

    Welcome to another powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads! This week, we’re talking about one of the most essential tools for mental well-being: setting boundaries, especially in the workplace. Our guest, Suzanne Culberg, aka The Nope Coach, shares raw truths, hard-earned wisdom, and real-life strategies for saying “no” without burning bridges, losing your mind, or being labeled "difficult." 🎉 Oh, and we’ve got some exciting news! We’re proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, the 2024 Women In Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast, and we’ve hit over 1 million downloads. 🏆 THANK YOU to our awesome listeners! Got feedback for us? We want to hear it—written or voice, we love it all 💌 Drop yours here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a 🧠 Mental Health Quote of the Episode “Choose discomfort over resentment.” – Brené Brown (as echoed powerfully by Suzanne in this episode) 🎧 What This Episode is About This episode dives into the messy middle of workplace boundaries, people-pleasing, and the societal pressure to say yes when we want to scream NO. Suzanne breaks down how to navigate awkward conversations with coworkers or managers, how to stop justifying your “no,” and how learning to honor your own needs can radically improve your mental health. 🌱 If you’re tired of overextending yourself or being the “yes person” at work and in life, Suzanne’s techniques and mindset shifts will help you reclaim your time, energy, and peace of mind. It’s real talk, full of laughs, strong language, and permission to start prioritizing yourself finally. 🌟 Meet Our Guest: Suzanne Culberg Suzanne is a bold, brilliant boundary coach based in Sydney, Australia. She’s a Certified NLP Practitioner, Sacred Depths Coach, and author of The Beginning is Sht: An Unapologetic Weight Loss Memoir*. Her mission? Help women say “no” without guilt—and finally say “yes” to themselves. Here’s what you need to know about Suzanne: Lives with her husband and two awesome kids Proud introvert and lover of all things sassy (especially T-shirts) Fitness nerd with a Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons) Diamond Dotz and fairy-smut fan 🤘 🔗 Find Suzanne here: Website – https://www.suzanneculberg.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_culberg/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/suzanneculberg Podcast – https://www.suzanneculberg.com/the-nope-coach-podcast/ Newsletter – https://www.suzanneculberg.com/newsletter/ Book – https://mybook.to/suzanneculberg 🎯 Key Takeaways Boundaries preserve relationships – A clear “no” can be a deep act of respect. You don’t owe anyone an explanation – "No" is a full sentence. Resentment is a red flag – If you're frustrated, a boundary is probably missing. ✅ Actionable Tips Practice saying “No, thank you” without a reason. Then leave it there. Next time a task feels overwhelming, ask: “What’s the priority?” Designate one day this month just for you—no plans, no guilt, all recharge. 🕰️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps [00:07:42] Suzanne’s Boundary-Setting Origin Story [00:18:00] Saying “No” at Work Without Guilt [00:23:13] Drama, Empathy & Emotional Overload [00:34:57] Daily Self-Care & Saying Yes to Yourself [00:39:28] What Suzanne Would Tell Her Younger Self [00:42:29] Favorite Words, Pet Peeves & Humor [00:43:30] Where to Find Suzanne & Final Thoughts 📣 Subscribe, Rate & Review Love the episode? Show us some love! ⭐ Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads 📝 Leave a review on your favorite platform 🌐 Or drop one here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #ShitThatGoesOnInOurHeads #NopeCoach #SuzanneCulberg #PeoplePleasing #WorkplaceWellness #BoundariesMatter #BurnoutRecovery #PodcastLife #WomensVoices #Authenticity #SayNoMore #MentalHealthMatters #SelfFirst #HealingJourney #PeopleChoicePodcastAward #WomenInPodcasting #Grex #DirtySkittles *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio

    46 min
  6. MAY 6

    🎧 Inside the OCD Mind Loop: Valerie Breaks the Silence on Mental Health

    In this powerful episode, Valerie Probstfeld returns to share what it’s really like to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder—beyond the clichés. From invisible mental spirals and postpartum anxiety to shame, resilience, and rewiring your thoughts, Valarie brings deep insight and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you live with OCD, support someone who does, or want to understand your mental health better, this conversation will stay with you. We're proud to be your go-to space for mental health conversations. 🏆 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award – Best Health Podcast 🏆 2024 Women In Podcasting Award – Best Mental Health Podcast 🎉 Over 1 million downloads! Have feedback? Please tell us what you think! 👉 https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a (Voice or written input welcome!) Quote of the Episode: “Thoughts are just thoughts—we give them too much credit.” – Valerie Probstfeld What This Episode Covers: This episode dives into Valerie’s lived experience with OCD—the obsessive thoughts, the quiet compulsions, and the constant mental “loops” that many never see. She opens up about the evolution of her symptoms, her relationship with shame, and the tools she uses today to cope and reclaim control, including mindfulness, gratitude, and naming her thoughts. We also explore the impact of media like Inside Out 2 and Disney’s portrayals of emotions and how writing has helped her reframe the narrative inside her mind. Guest: Valerie Probstfeld Valerie is a nurse practitioner, writer, speaker, and founder of To Mom Is To Love—a platform focused on mental wellness, gratitude, and living authentically. She’s a mom of three and firmly believes in creating mental space through mindfulness, neuroplasticity, and storytelling. Website: https://www.tomomistolove.com/ Podcast: https://www.tomomistolove.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerie_probstfeld/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090022943012 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQhKAdlZP8_tq2-zv3CqhrQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-probstfeld-23022448/ New Book Available: To Mom Is to Love: Pioneering a New Kind of Motherhood, Paperback will be available on May 9th Key Takeaways: OCD is not just about neatness or cleanliness—it often involves internal, invisible distress. Labeling thoughts as “OCD” helps reduce their power and shame. Emotional awareness in children’s media (like Inside Out 2) is helping normalize mental health conversations. Actionable Tips: Physically break the OCD loop: walk, clean, or move your body. Use the phrase “this is the OCD, not me” to reclaim your thoughts. Counteract negative thinking with gratitude and minor mental resets. Timestamps & Chapters: 00:01:12 – Welcome back, Valarie 00:04:55 – What OCD feels like beyond the stereotypes 00:11:25 – Intrusive thoughts and perfectionism in motherhood 00:25:13 – Real-life OCD loop example: “I thought I hit someone.” 00:28:00 – How medication felt like putting on glasses for the mind 00:36:00 – Disney movies and emotional education 00:47:02 – Healing through journaling and narrative therapy Resources Mentioned: Brain Lock by Dr. Jeffrey M. Schwartz Andrew Huberman’s Podcast (on OCD and neuroplasticity) The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk John Gottman’s 5:1 Positive-Negative Ratio Pixar’s Inside Out 2 Subscribe, Rate & Review: Enjoy this episode? Please help us keep the conversations going! 👉 https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #ToMomIsToLove #OCDAwareness #IntrusiveThoughts #NeurodivergentVoices #MindsetMatters #NormalizeOCD #HealingJourney #SelfCompassion #EmotionalWellness #StopTheStigma #TherapyWorks #MentalHealthSupport #AuthenticLiving #PostpartumAnxiety #MentalWellness *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio

    54 min
  7. APR 29

    Grief, Growth & Grit: Pearl on Losing Her Son and Learning to Live Again

    Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads 💥—the podcast normalizing mental health conversations. This week, we talk with Pearl Chiarenza about grief, resilience, setting boundaries, and finding joy again. 🏆 We’re proud winners of the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award for Best Mental Health Podcast! With over 1 million downloads, we couldn't have done it without you. 💬 We want your feedback! Please leave us a message (written or voice) at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote: "Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives." Guest Bio - Pearl Chiarenza: Pearl Chiarenza is a Mental Fitness Life Coach, author, speaker, and founder of the SHERO community, which hosts events and pajama retreats for women. Pearl empowers women to live unapologetically through mental fitness, self-care, and resilience. She’s a mom, a wife, and a fierce advocate for self-discovery. Website: https://www.wsliving.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soulful-self-care-conversations/id1565952559 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearl_chiarenza/ Facebook: https://www.wsliving.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKRrlLHaqK0FDKOl42jgZVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-chiarenza-8269a8b/ Podcast Shoutout! 🎧 Go check out How to Be a Grownup by Caitlin & Jenny — funny, real talk for moms navigating the chaos of life! 🙌 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes Key Takeaways: Grief is not something you "get over"—you learn to live with it. Setting boundaries is vital to protecting your mental health. Healing is an active process: it requires therapy, community, and self-love. Actionable Items: Write your "Joy List"—10 things that genuinely make you happy. Practice saying "No" without apology. Stay connected with your support tribe. Important Timestamps: [00:00-05:00] Meet Pearl and Mental Health Journeys [05:00-15:00] Coping with Grief and Family Toxicity [15:00-25:00] Breaking Free from People-Pleasing [25:00-30:00] Pearl’s Healing Practices [30:00-37:00] Advice to Her Younger Self and Life Lessons [37:00-End] Resources, Final Words, and Where to Find Pearl Subscribe, Rate, and Review! ⭐ Subscribe for more inspiring mental health conversations. ⭐ Rate and review us on your favorite platform or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews   #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #GriefJourney #HealingAfterLoss #SelfCareMatters #WomensEmpowerment #PositiveMindset #PearlChiarenza #WSLiving #MentalHealthMatters #SelfLove #GriefSupport #DirtySkittles #GRex #MentalFitness #PersonalGrowth #TraumaHealing #BoundariesMatter #AwardWinningPodcast #PodcastRecommendations *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio

    39 min
  8. APR 22

    Therapy Isn’t Scary: Breaking Mental Health Myths with Dr. Bonnie Wims

    🌟 Welcome to Season 11 We’re kicking off Season 11 with a powerful, heart-first conversation designed to help anyone who’s ever felt unsure about therapy or struggled to believe they deserve healing. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bonnie Wims, a New York City-based Counseling Psychologist and host of Therapy Deconstructed. Bonnie opens up about her mental health journey—growing up in a home marked by trauma, chasing success as a way to quiet fear, and eventually learning to sit with the voice in her head that said she wasn’t enough. If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy can help, or if you’re the problem, this episode is a reminder: you are not broken, and you’re not alone. We’re proud to be the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over 1 million downloads. We’re building a brave, compassionate community—one honest conversation at a time. 💬 Your feedback means the world to us! Share your thoughts or drop a voice message: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a 🧠 Quote of the Episode “You’re not broken. Life is hard, and things happen to you, but you deserve happiness and fulfillment just like anybody else.” — Dr. Bonnie Wims 👩‍⚕️ Meet Our Guest: Dr. Bonnie Wims Dr. Bonnie Wims knows what it means to survive trauma while chasing success and wondering why it still doesn’t feel like enough. Raised in Colorado in an abusive home, she learned early to shrink herself to survive. Even after earning a doctorate, moving to London, and starting a thriving private practice, she still wrestled with fear—until therapy helped her meet that fear with compassion instead of avoidance. Now, Bonnie helps others do the same through her work and her podcast, Therapy Deconstructed. She’s on a mission to help you stop hiding and start healing. Connect with Dr. Bonnie Wims: Website: https://www.bonniewims.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wimsassociates/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbonniewims/ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapydeconstructedpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbonniewims/ Podcast: https://www.bonniewims.com/podcast/ 🎧 Podcast Shoutout! We love supporting fellow creators, especially when they’re as real and funny as Caitlin & Jenny of How to Be a Grownup! This hilarious and heartfelt podcast helps moms laugh, learn, and survive the chaos of adulting. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes 🔑 Key Takeaways Therapy is a safe space where you can finally be honest with yourself. That voice telling you you’re “too much” is often fear pretending to protect you. You don’t have to stay with the first therapist you meet—finding the right fit matters. ✅ Action Items Track your self-talk — Begin noticing how you speak to yourself and ask: “Would I say this to someone I love?” Take a small first step — Reach out to a therapist or call 988 if you’re in crisis. Remember you have choices — If your current therapist isn’t a good fit, it’s okay to move on. ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Meet Bonnie and welcome to Season 11 03:00 – Why fear keeps people out of therapy 08:00 – Bonnie’s childhood and internalizing pain 14:00 – Her first experiences with therapy as a client 22:00 – The power of “speed dating” your therapist 35:00 – How self-talk shapes our emotional health 44:00 – What she’d tell her 6-year-old self 50:00 – Tools for calming your nervous system and building new patterns 📲 Subscribe, Rate & Review Don't miss future episodes of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and help us spread the message that mental health conversations are for everyone. ⭐ Leave a review here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #DrBonnieWims #TherapyDeconstructedPodcast #TherapyIsntScary #TraumaHealing #YouAreNotBroken #HealingJourney #EndTheStigma #SelfWorth #TherapyTools #TalkTherapy #SpeedDateYourTherapist #TherapistTalk #PodcastTherapy #AnxietyHelp #DepressionRecovery #SafeSpacesMatter *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio

    55 min
4.7
out of 5
56 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.

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