Unpacking Me

Nicky & Mernelle
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
Unpacking Me

Unpacking Me: Unpacking the parts of Trauma no one talks about! A raw and honest podcast where we dive deep into the experiences that shaped us—the pain, the healing, and everything in between.  Hosted by Nicky and Mernelle, we explore the unspoken struggles of trauma, mental health, and self-discovery, creating a space for real conversations that many shy away from. We’re here to unpack the baggage we’ve carried, challenge the narratives we’ve been told, and break cycles that no longer serve us. Whether you’re on your own healing journey, seeking connection, or just need a space where vulnerability is welcomed—you belong here. Join us as we share our personal stories, unpack the past, and navigate the messy yet beautiful process of growth. Let’s do the work, together. Need support? We’ve got you. Check out our recommended resources, from support groups to therapy options, and visit dare2emerge.com for more.

Episodes

  1. JUL 3

    The Real Cost of Toughing It Out: Chronic Illness and Trauma

    What happens when we keep pushing through pain instead of listening to it? In this episode, we explore the deeply rooted connection between trauma and chronic illness — from fibroids and diabetes to autoimmune disorders. We unpack how unprocessed trauma can live in the body, shaping our health in ways that are often dismissed or misunderstood. This is a conversation about more than just symptoms; it’s about the emotional labor of being strong, the pressure to "tough it out," and what it really means to start healing from the inside out. Whether you're navigating a diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or just beginning to wonder how your past may be affecting your health — this episode offers a space for reflection, validation, and hope. Trigger warning: This episode discusses chronic illness, medical trauma, and the emotional impact of long-term health challenges. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Looking for therapy? → Dare2Emerge.com Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    31 min

  2. JUN 26

    Sexual Abuse in the Shadows: When Silence Protects the Wrong People

    In this powerful episode, we break the silence surrounding sexual abuse and the culture of secrecy that often protects perpetrators instead of survivors. Together, we explore the unspoken rules, family dynamics, and cultural pressures that silence victims and enable generational harm. From the weight of shame to the fear of not being believed, we unpack how silence becomes a weapon — and why speaking out is an act of both personal and collective liberation. This conversation is raw, necessary, and long overdue. Trigger warning: This episode discusses sexual trauma, abuse, and themes that may be distressing. Please listen with care. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Looking for therapy? → Dare2Emerge.com 💬 Support & Resources for Survivors 1. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 📞 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) 🌐 https://www.rainn.org Free, confidential support and resources for survivors of sexual violence. 2. Therapy for Black Girls – Therapist Directory 🌐 https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com A mental health platform with a therapist locator, podcast, and blog for Black women and girls. 3. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) 🌐 https://www.nctsn.org Provides resources for children, families, and professionals dealing with trauma, including sexual abuse. 4. Take Back the Night Foundation 🌐 https://takebackthenight.org Supports survivors, raises awareness, and hosts global events to end sexual violence. 5. 1in6 (For male survivors of sexual abuse) 🌐 https://1in6.org Education, support, and anonymous online chat for men who’ve experienced sexual trauma. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    43 min

  3. JUN 19

    Wearing The Mask: How Perfectionism Is Killing Us Slowly

    Wearing The Mask: How Perfectionism Is Killing Us Slowly The pressure to achieve as survival—and its mental cost. Perfectionism isn’t just about high standards—it’s a survival strategy, especially for those raised in environments where being “perfect” felt like the only way to stay safe, be accepted, or prove their worth. In this episode, we unpack the emotional weight of performance, the burnout beneath the grind, and the silence behind the smile. We explore how this pressure shows up in marginalized communities, passed down through generations as both armor and burden. But what happens when that mask starts to crack? What does healing look like when you're tired of performing? This is your invitation to take the mask off—and begin to heal, slowly and safely. 🌿 Resources for Healing: Essential Oils: Lavender Oil & Chamomile Oil – known for their calming, grounding effects.Book: When the Body Says No by Dr. Gabor Maté – a deep dive into the connection between stress, trauma, and physical illness.App: The Stair App – a trauma-informed tool to help you track and care for your mental health, step by step.Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    30 min

  4. JUN 12

    Jealousy, or Something Deeper? The Truth About Anxiety and Depression

    Jealousy, or Something Deeper? The Truth About Anxiety and Depression Translating misunderstood mental health labels into real issues. Is it really jealousy—or is it depression in disguise? In this episode, we explore how emotions like sadness, irritability, or withdrawal are often mislabeled as jealousy or “hating,” especially within marginalized communities. But what if what you're seeing isn’t envy—it’s a cry for help masked by anxiety or depression? We dive into how mental health struggles are frequently misunderstood, dismissed, or shamed, and the deep impact that stigma has on people of color and other underserved groups. Let’s have the conversation that too often gets silenced—and start recognizing the pain behind the labels. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Looking for therapy? → Dare2Emerge.com Groups to know about: 🔸 The Friendship Space → Events at Dare2Emerge 🔸 Wildflower Alliance → wildfloweralliance.org Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    35 min

  5. JUN 5

    Caribbean Parenting Styles and the Hidden Wounds They Leave

    Caribbean Parenting Styles and the Hidden Wounds They Leave  In this powerful episode, we take a deep dive into Caribbean parenting, exploring the normalized use of authoritarian discipline, physical punishment, and emotional neglect. What are the unspoken wounds left behind by a culture of "tough love"? And how do these early experiences shape our sense of self, safety, and connection as adults? Join us as we unpack the generational patterns, cultural context, and personal impact of parenting practices that often go unquestioned—but leave lasting emotional scars. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    40 min

  6. MAY 29

    Big People Don't Cry? - The Shame Around Showing Emotions

    In this episode, we unpack the damaging belief that strength means staying stoic and emotionally numb. Why are vulnerability and emotion still seen as weaknesses, especially for men and those expected to "hold it all together"? We explore the roots of this cultural myth, how shame gets attached to emotional expression, and what real strength actually looks like. Join us as we deconstruct the “toughen up” mindset and make space for a more honest, human kind of resilience. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    40 min

  7. MAY 22

    Family Doesn’t Always Mean Safe – Breaking Generational Trauma

    Family Doesn’t Always Mean Safe – Breaking Generational Trauma- Addressing toxic loyalty and family betrayal.  What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you become the source of your pain? In this episode, we explore the difficult truth that family doesn’t always mean safety. From toxic loyalty to betrayal masked as love, we unpack the emotional weight of staying silent for the sake of “keeping the peace.” Join us as we break down generational trauma, challenge the idea that blood is always thicker than boundaries, and talk about what it really means to choose your well-being over family dysfunction. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    40 min

  8. MAY 10

    Unpacking Me: Why Pray It Away isn't Enough

    Unpacking Me: Why Pray It Away isn't Enough- Faith and Mental Health Have you ever felt the pressure to simply "pray away" your emotional struggles? This episode of Unpacking Me tackles the often-unspoken stigma that faith alone can cure mental health challenges. We explore the complexities of emotional wounds, discuss why this perspective can be invalidating (it's not always depression!), and champion the integration of faith and mental health support for true well-being. We also highlight valuable resources: It's Not Always Depression: Working the Change Triangle to Listen to the Body, Discover Core Emotions, and Connect to Your Authentic SelfBoundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your LifeThe supportive community offered by Therapy for Black Girls.The wealth of information available at Psychology Today.Tune in for a more compassionate and comprehensive understanding of healing. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    29 min

  9. MAR 11

    Unpacking Me: The Intro 2

    Welcome to Unpacking Me, a podcast where we get real about the experiences that shaped us—the good, the bad, and the messy. In this first episode, we’re opening up about why we started this journey, the meaning behind the podcast, and the personal struggles that led us here. Join us as we dive into the baggage we’ve carried, the healing we’re working toward, and the conversations we wish more people were having. This is just the beginning of an honest, raw, and necessary dialogue about trauma, growth, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by your past or just needed a space where real emotions are welcomed—this is for you. Let’s unpack together. Resources for Support: Wildflower Alliance – A grassroots peer support network for trauma, mental health, and recovery.Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACA) – A support group for those who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes, focusing on healing and breaking generational cycles.Mood Meter App – A tool to help track, understand, and regulate emotions for better mental well-being.You’re not alone—help is out there. 💜 Find Us Here:  Emergent Counseling & Consulting LLC – Need personalized support? Check us out at dare2emerge.com for therapy and consulting services. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    19 min
  10. Unpacking Me: The Intro

    01/09/2024

    Unpacking Me: The Intro

    Welcome to "Unpacking Me: The Parts Of Healing No One Talks About," where therapists Nicky and Mernelle explore the often overlooked aspects of personal growth and self-discovery.  Join us for candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and expert insights as we shed light on the diverse dimensions of healing beyond therapy sessions. Whether you're on your own healing journey or curious about its transformative nature, our podcast invites you to join the conversation and discover the profound, unexpected, and unexplored aspects of healing. Welcome to "Unpacking Me" – let the journey begin. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our community is truly valued, and we're grateful for each and every listener. If today's episode resonated with you, consider taking a moment to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is an essential part of our journey, and we appreciate the support! For those seeking a Therapist in the Broward County, FL area, explore the services at www.dare2emerge.com.

    8 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Unpacking Me: Unpacking the parts of Trauma no one talks about! A raw and honest podcast where we dive deep into the experiences that shaped us—the pain, the healing, and everything in between.  Hosted by Nicky and Mernelle, we explore the unspoken struggles of trauma, mental health, and self-discovery, creating a space for real conversations that many shy away from. We’re here to unpack the baggage we’ve carried, challenge the narratives we’ve been told, and break cycles that no longer serve us. Whether you’re on your own healing journey, seeking connection, or just need a space where vulnerability is welcomed—you belong here. Join us as we share our personal stories, unpack the past, and navigate the messy yet beautiful process of growth. Let’s do the work, together. Need support? We’ve got you. Check out our recommended resources, from support groups to therapy options, and visit dare2emerge.com for more.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicky & Mernelle
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Unpacking Me
  • Show Website
    Unpacking Me

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