Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Bleav

"Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads" is a podcast born from G-Rex’s personal mental health journey, beginning with a life-changing breakdown in 2022. Supported by her wife, the 988 helpline, and her faith, G-Rex found a path to healing and vowed to normalize conversations around mental health. Co-hosted with her best friend, Dirty Skittles, the podcast dives into life’s mental health struggles, relationships, and personal growth, creating a safe space for open, honest dialogue. With practical insights and real talk, the show offers listeners a supportive community, reminding everyone it’s okay not to be okay and to reach out for help.

  • 54 minutes 52 seconds
    Nicole Explains the Toxic Shame Cycle (And How to Finally Break Free)

    What if the voice in your head telling you you’re not enough… isn’t actually the truth? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with therapist Nicole Penrod to unpack the toxic shame cycle, perfectionism, and what it really takes to come back to yourself—and finally feel like you’re enough without having to prove it.

    A Quick Word From Our Sponsor — Cozy Earth

    This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth—and honestly, this one hits home.

    We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments—the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day… soft, intentional, and made to support real life.

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    This is your reminder: comfort matters. And you deserve it, too.

    Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.
    Because the people who give the most should feel taken care of, too.

    Awards & Downloads

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 4x award-winning podcast — including the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award (Best Mental Health Podcast), and the 2026 NYC Podcast Awards Audience Choice Award (Best Hosts) — with over 4.5 million downloads and counting.

    Feedback

    We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “You’re allowed to be a work in progress without being a problem to fix.” — Nicole Penrod

    Episode Description

    Why do so many of us feel stuck between “I’m not enough” and “I need to be perfect”? In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, therapist Nicole Penrod breaks down the toxic shame cycle—a pattern that keeps us bouncing between self-criticism and impossible expectations.

    Nicole shares her personal journey through depression, eating disorder recovery, and undiagnosed ADHD, revealing how even the most driven and capable people can feel like they’re constantly falling short. Together with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, they unpack how perfectionism, fear of rejection, and the pressure to “do it all” can disconnect us from our real selves.

    But this episode isn’t just about awareness—it’s about change. Nicole offers practical ways to recognize when you’re stuck in a cycle, set realistic goals that actually work, and celebrate small wins as one of the most powerful mental health tools you have.

    They also dive into boundaries, self-respect, and the uncomfortable truth that growth sometimes means people won’t always see you as the “nice” one anymore.

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re either failing or trying to be everything at once, this episode will hit—and help you find your way back to center.

    Keywords: toxic shame cycle, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-worth, emotional healing, therapy tools, boundaries, mental health podcast, self-acceptance, rejection, personal growth, coping strategies

    Meet Our Guest — Nicole Penrod

    Nicole Penrod is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in California, specializing in relationships, anxiety, and nontraditional partnerships, including ethical non-monogamy. She works with individuals and couples to deepen self-awareness, improve communication, and navigate complex emotional patterns with clarity and compassion.

    Nicole is also a creative writer, bringing storytelling and humanity into her work—helping people feel seen, understood, and less alone in their mental health journeys.

    Website: https://nicolepenrodmft.com/about/
    Practice: https://relationshipcenter.com

    Key Takeaways

    • The toxic shame cycle keeps you stuck between “I’m not enough” and “I must be perfect.”
    • You’re not broken—you’re responding to unrealistic expectations
    • Small, realistic goals are more powerful than overwhelming, perfect plans
    • Celebrating wins (even tiny ones) builds real confidence over time
    • Boundaries can feel uncomfortable—but they create self-respect
    • You don’t have to save the world to make a meaningful impact
     

    Actionable Items

    • Start a daily “wins list” and include even the smallest accomplishments
    • Ask yourself: “What is realistic for me today?” before setting goals
    • Notice all-or-nothing thinking and gently bring yourself back to the middle
     

    Important Chapters

    • 00:01:30 – Meet Nicole: therapist, writer, and creative thinker
    • 00:10:30 – Mental health journey: depression, eating disorder recovery, ADHD
    • 00:24:00 – Navigating fear, overwhelm, and today’s world
    • 00:29:50 – The toxic shame cycle explained
    • 00:34:30 – How to break the cycle with realistic goals
    • 00:48:00 – Boundaries and letting go of being “too nice.”
    • 00:52:00 – Rapid fire: anxiety theme song, favorite word, and more

    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 #ToxicShameCycle #PerfectionismRecovery #AnxietyHealing #SelfWorth #EmotionalWellness #TherapyTools #ADHDAwareness #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #SelfAcceptance #MentalHealthSupport

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    31 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 45 minutes 12 seconds
    Kate King on Toxic Relationships, Healing, and How to Mend or Move On

    What if the hardest relationship you have to walk away from is the one you thought would heal you? In this powerful Season 17 opener, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with returning guest Kate King to unpack toxic relationship patterns, emotional healing, and how to finally choose yourself.

    Awards & Downloads

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has over 4.5 million downloads and counting, we are listened to all over the world, and we are an award-winning podcast.

    • 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)
    • 2026 NYC Podcast Award Winner (Best Hosts)

    Feedback Link

    We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “You don’t have to keep abandoning yourself just to keep a relationship alive.” — Kate King

    Episode Description

    Relationships can shape us—but they can also slowly break us if we’re not paying attention. In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, Kate King returns to the mic to talk about the patterns, blind spots, and emotional traps that keep people stuck in relationships that hurt more than they heal.

    Drawing on over 17 years of experience in mental health, art therapy, and coaching, Kate shares the inspiration behind her book, Mend or Move On, and walks us through the subtle ways we normalize dysfunction. From ignoring red flags to confusing chemistry with compatibility, this episode pulls back the curtain on why leaving isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

    G-Rex and Dirty Skittles keep it real as they explore the emotional tug-of-war between staying and going, how trauma and nervous system responses play into our relationship choices, and what it actually looks like to rebuild self-trust. Kate brings a grounded, compassionate approach—blending neuroscience, creativity, and practical tools—to help listeners reconnect with themselves and start making empowered decisions.

    If you’ve ever questioned your worth in a relationship, felt stuck in cycles you can’t explain, or wondered if it’s time to walk away, this episode will hit home—and help you find your next step forward.

    Keywords: toxic relationships, emotional healing, mental health podcast, relationship trauma, self-worth, boundaries, nervous system healing, leaving toxic relationships, codependency, relationship red flags, healing journey, self-awareness, personal growth, trauma recovery

    Meet Our Guest — Kate King

    Kate King is the founder of The Radiant Life Project, a Radiant Life Coach, Board-Certified Art Therapist, award-winning author, and former Licensed Professional Counselor with over 17 years of experience. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and creativity to help people heal, reconnect, and live more authentic lives.

    Kate is the author of Mend or Move On, a therapeutic guide to recognizing and recovering from harmful relationships, and the creator of tools like The Radiant Life Project, The Authentic Mother, and the Ink & Wings Oracle Deck.

    Key Takeaways

    • Not all relationships are meant to be saved—and recognizing that is part of healing
    • Toxic patterns often feel familiar because they’re rooted in past experiences
    • Self-abandonment is one of the highest costs of staying in unhealthy relationships
    • Awareness is the first step, but action is what creates real change
    • Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about reconnecting to your truth

    Actionable Items

    • Write down the patterns you keep repeating in relationships and identify what they’re trying to teach you
    • Practice setting one small boundary this week—even if it feels uncomfortable
    • Create a daily check-in with yourself: “Am I honoring my needs right now?”

    Important Chapters

    • 00:00 – Welcome back Kate King & why this conversation matters now
    • 08:15 – How to recognize toxic relationship patterns early
    • 18:40 – The emotional traps that keep people stuck
    • 29:10 – Trauma, nervous system responses, and attachment
    • 41:25 – When to mend vs. when to move on
    • 52:00 – Rebuilding self-trust and choosing yourself again

    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 #ToxicRelationships #EmotionalHealing #RelationshipTrauma #SelfWorth #Boundaries #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #TraumaRecovery #Codependency #MentalHealthSupport

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    24 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 42 minutes 1 second
    G-Rex and Dirty Skittles on Reclaiming Your Authentic Self | Season 16 Mental Health Recap

    Season 16 has been a powerful ride. In this special finale, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflect on the wisdom, healing, and hard-earned lessons shared by this season’s incredible guests—all centered around one powerful truth: reclaiming your authentic self is one of the bravest things you can do.

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), a 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), the 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and the 2026 NYC Podcast Awards Audience Award Winner for Best Hosts, with over 4 million downloads and counting.

    Feedback Link

    We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “Reclaiming your authentic self means letting go of who you were told to be and choosing who you truly are.”

    Episode Description

    Season 16 of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads brought together powerful voices in mental health, resilience, and personal growth. Throughout the season, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sat down with professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experiences who shared honest stories about healing, boundaries, trauma recovery, and rediscovering identity.

    Each episode peeled back another layer of what it really means to prioritize mental health in a world that often tells us to push through and stay silent. Our guests spoke openly about navigating difficult life experiences, learning to forgive themselves, and building healthier relationships with others and with themselves.

    What emerged across these conversations was a powerful theme: authenticity. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to be seen honestly—without shame, without masks, and without the pressure to be perfect.

    Some guests brought professional insight from decades of work in psychology, counseling, or advocacy. Others shared deeply personal journeys of overcoming adversity and reclaiming their voice. Together, these stories formed a season that reminded us of the importance of talking openly about mental health.

    In this season finale, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflect on the lessons that resonated the most and celebrate the incredible community that continues to grow around these conversations.

    Because when we share our stories, we help others realize they’re not alone.

    SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, emotional wellness, authenticity, trauma recovery, personal growth, resilience, therapy conversations, healing journey, self-discovery, boundaries, mental health awareness, recovery stories, mental health advocacy

    Meet Our Season 16 Guests

    ** Dr. Esther Zeldon
    Dr. Esther Zeldon shared powerful insights from her work helping individuals understand emotional patterns and reclaim their mental well-being. Her conversation focused on self-awareness, emotional healing, and the importance of compassionate self-reflection.

    ** Katherin Giovanni
    Katherin Giovanni brought a perspective rooted in forgiveness and emotional release. She discussed how letting go of resentment and learning self-forgiveness can open the door to deeper healing and personal freedom.

    ** Zulma Williams
    Zulma Williams shared her inspiring story of resilience and advocacy. Her work emphasizes empowering individuals to find their voice and create positive change in their communities while prioritizing mental wellness.

    ** Jeff Luther
    Jeff Luther offered an honest look at the challenges of navigating mental health struggles and the strength it takes to ask for help. His story highlighted vulnerability, courage, and the importance of connection.

    ** Dr. Kristen Williamson
    Dr. Kristen Williamson joined the show to discuss the realities of trauma recovery and the tools people can use to rebuild their emotional health. Her insights emphasized practical strategies and hope for long-term healing.

    ** Greg and Mike
    Greg and Mike brought a powerful shared conversation about lived experiences, resilience, and the value of open dialogue around mental health. Their episodes highlighted the impact of community support and honest storytelling.

    ** Scott Harris
    Scott Harris spoke about personal transformation and the lessons that come from confronting life’s hardest moments. His story underscored the strength that emerges when people face adversity with honesty and determination.

    ** Yvonne Trost
    Yvonne Trost shared her journey of personal growth and healing, offering insights into emotional resilience and the power of self-discovery.

    ** Olalu Ogunyemi
    Olalu Ogunyemi brought a unique perspective on mental wellness, leadership, and personal development. His conversation focused on growth, mindset, and empowering others through knowledge and storytelling.

    ** Jack Bohannan
    Jack Bohannan discussed the realities of mental health challenges and the importance of vulnerability. His story highlighted how sharing experiences can inspire others to seek support.

    ** Barb Nangle
    Barb Nangle’s conversation focused on boundaries, self-worth, and the courage to change unhealthy patterns. Her work encourages people to reclaim their lives by choosing healthier emotional habits.

    Key Takeaways

    • Healing often begins with honest conversations about our experiences.
    • Authenticity requires courage but creates a deeper connection.
    • Boundaries are a critical part of emotional wellness.
    • Sharing stories helps reduce stigma around mental health.
    • Personal growth happens when we allow ourselves to learn from struggle.

    Actionable Items

    • Reflect on what authenticity means to you.
    • Identify one boundary that could improve your mental well-being.
    • Start a conversation about mental health with someone you trust.

     Important Chapters

    • 00:00 – Season 16 Reflection
      G-Rex and Dirty Skittles open the finale by reflecting on the journey through this season.
    • 08:15 – Lessons from Our Guests
      Key insights and memorable themes were shared throughout the season.
    • 20:40 – Reclaiming Your Authentic Self
      A deeper look into how authenticity supports mental health and healing.
    • 35:10 – Gratitude for the Community
      Celebrating the listeners and guests who made Season 16 possible.
    • 45:00 – Looking Ahead
      Closing thoughts and excitement for the future of the podcast.

    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 #EmotionalWellness #AuthenticSelf #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthAdvocacy #HealingCommunity #PodcastLife #MentalHealthConversations

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    17 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 38 minutes
    Barb Nangle (Part 2): Building Healthy Boundaries After Childhood Trauma

    Healing isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about finally feeling safe enough to be yourself.

    In Part 2, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their conversation with boundaries coach Barb Nangle, diving deeper into trauma recovery, nervous system healing, meditation, and the mindset shifts that help people build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

    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), and 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4 million downloads and counting.

    Feedback Link Line

    We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “Boundaries help you go from reacting to life… to actually living it.” — Barb Nangle

    Episode Description

    In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, boundaries coach Barb Nangle explores what happens after we begin to recognize our trauma patterns.

    Growing up in dysfunctional environments can keep the brain locked in fight-or-flight survival mode, making it difficult to access the part of the brain responsible for clear thinking, decision-making, and identity.

    Barb explains how codependency often develops as a survival strategy—where people learn to focus entirely on the needs of others while disconnecting from their own feelings, preferences, and boundaries.

    Through recovery, meditation, and boundary-building, Barb discovered how to shift from being a reactor in life to becoming an actor—someone who consciously chooses how to respond instead of reacting from fear, anxiety, or old trauma patterns.

    The conversation also dives into the importance of community, mindset work, and challenging negative self-talk, as well as how meditation and nervous system regulation can help retrain the brain toward calm and emotional resilience.

    This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t mean becoming perfect—it means learning to respond to life with awareness, compassion, and intention.

    Keywords: Barb Nangle, trauma recovery, boundaries coaching, codependency healing, nervous system regulation, people pleasing recovery, meditation for mental health, emotional healing, therapy, mindset work, recovery journey, mental health podcast

    Meet Our Guest — Barb Nangle

    Barb Nangle is a boundaries coach, speaker, author, and podcaster who helps professional women stop saying yes when they mean no and build emotionally healthy relationships.

    After nearly 40 years of therapy and personal development, Barb entered 12-step recovery at age 52, where she discovered that codependency and childhood trauma had shaped her life far more deeply than she realized. Recovery didn’t just add tools—it fundamentally changed how she related to herself and the world.

    Today, Barb helps women build internal safety, stronger boundaries, and emotionally available relationships through coaching, professional speaking, and her podcast, Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery.

    Connect with Barb:

    Website: https://higherpowercc.com/
    Podcast: https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbnangle/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higherpowercoaching

    Key Takeaways

    • Trauma can keep people stuck in reactive survival patterns.
    • Boundaries help rebuild internal safety and emotional stability.
    • Healing involves learning to respond intentionally rather than reacting automatically.
    • Meditation and mindset practices can retrain the brain toward calm.
    • Connection and community are powerful tools for recovery.

    Actionable Items

    • Notice when you are reacting emotionally versus responding intentionally.
    • Try a short daily meditation or mindfulness practice.
    • Replace negative self-talk with supportive internal dialogue.

    References Mentioned

    Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
    12-Step Recovery Programs
    Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics

    Important Chapters

    • 00:00 – Trauma, fight-or-flight, and survival responses
    • 07:00 – Becoming an actor instead of a reactor
    • 16:00 – The importance of community in recovery
    • 24:00 – Recognizing and interrupting negative self-talk
    • 31:00 – Meditation and nervous system regulation
    • 37:00 – Advice Barb would give her younger self
    • 41:00 – Final reflections and closing thoughts

    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 #TraumaRecovery #BoundariesCoach #CodependencyHealing #MeditationPractice #EmotionalHealing #SelfGrowth #MindsetMatters #HealingJourney #MentalWellness #RecoveryCommunity

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    12 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 41 minutes 17 seconds
    Barb Nangle (Part 1): Codependency, Trauma, and Why Boundaries Change Everything

    What if the reason you struggle with boundaries isn’t weakness—but survival?

    In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with boundaries coach Barb Nangle to talk about codependency, trauma, and the moment that forced Barb to completely rethink how she related to herself and everyone around her.

    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), and 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4 million downloads and counting.

    Feedback Link Line

    We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “Boundaries are the antidote to codependency.” — Barb Nangle

    Episode Description

    Many people believe boundaries are simply about saying no. But according to boundaries coach Barb Nangle, that’s only a small part of the story.

    In this powerful first half of a two-part conversation, Barb joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to unpack the deeper roots of codependency, trauma, and people-pleasing, and how those patterns shape our relationships long before we recognize them.

    Barb shares the life-changing moment that sent her into recovery: inviting a homeless man into her home in an attempt to help him, only to realize she had completely lost herself trying to rescue someone else.

    That experience led her into 12-step recovery programs, including Al-Anon, Codependents Anonymous, and Adult Children of Alcoholics, where she began to understand how childhood trauma and emotional abandonment had shaped her behavior.

    Through recovery, Barb discovered something profound: boundaries don’t just protect relationships—they create internal safety, allowing us to show up in the world without constantly abandoning ourselves.

    This episode is an honest and deeply relatable conversation about healing, awareness, and what it really takes to break free from lifelong patterns.

    Keywords: Barb Nangle, codependency recovery, boundaries, trauma healing, people pleasing, emotional safety, adult children of alcoholics, therapy, relationship boundaries, self-awareness, mental health recovery, trauma patterns, emotional healing

    Meet Our Guest — Barb Nangle

    Barb Nangle is a boundaries coach, speaker, author, and podcaster who helps professional women stop saying yes when they mean no and build emotionally healthy relationships.

    After nearly 40 years of therapy and personal development, Barb entered 12-step recovery at age 52, where she discovered that codependency and childhood trauma had shaped her life far more deeply than she realized. Through recovery, she developed the boundary-building framework that now forms the foundation of her coaching and teaching.

    Today, Barb helps women create internal safety, healthier relationships, and stronger personal boundaries through coaching, speaking, and her podcast, Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery.

    Connect with Barb:

    Website: https://higherpowercc.com/
    Podcast: https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbnangle/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higherpowercoaching

    Key Takeaways

    • Codependency often develops from childhood trauma and emotional abandonment.
    • Boundaries are about understanding what is and isn’t okay for you.
    • Many people confuse helping others with rescuing them.
    • Recovery begins when you stop focusing on fixing others and start caring for yourself.
    • Emotional safety is the foundation of healthy relationships.
     

    Actionable Items

    • Pay attention to moments when you say yes but feel resistance internally.
    • Ask yourself regularly: “Is this my responsibility or someone else’s?”
    • Start identifying what feels emotionally safe and unsafe in your relationships.
     

    References Mentioned

    Al-Anon
    Codependents Anonymous (CoDA)
    Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
    Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

    Important Chapters

    • 00:00 – Welcome and why boundaries matter
    • 06:00 – Barb’s work and how she teaches boundaries
    • 13:00 – The story of Dan and the turning point in Barb’s life
    • 22:00 – Discovering Al-Anon and codependency
    • 31:00 – Understanding childhood trauma and emotional abandonment
    • 40:00 – How recovery began transforming Barb’s life

    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 #CodependencyRecovery #HealthyBoundaries #TraumaHealing #PeoplePleasing #EmotionalSafety #AdultChildrenOfAlcoholics #RecoveryJourney #SelfAwareness #MentalHealthSupport #HealingWork

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    10 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 48 minutes 30 seconds
    Jack Bohannan Explains Attachment Theory and How Childhood Shapes Adult Relationships

    Why do some people crave closeness while others pull away the moment things get too real? In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jack Bohannan to unpack attachment theory, childhood emotional conditioning, and the patterns that quietly shape our adult relationships. The conversation gets real about anxious love, avoidant partners, and how healing attachment wounds can change the way we connect.

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

    We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “If we weren’t truly seen as kids, we spend adulthood trying to find someone who will finally see us.” — Jack Bohannan

    Episode Description

    Why do we keep repeating the same relationship patterns—even when we swear we won’t? According to attachment theory, the answer often begins in childhood.

    In this episode, Jack Bohannan joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to break down the psychology of attachment styles and how early relationships with caregivers shape how we connect with others as adults. From secure attachment to anxious, avoidant, and disorganized patterns, Jack explains how these emotional blueprints develop and why they often show up in our romantic relationships.

    The trio explores the familiar push-and-pull dynamic many couples experience—where one partner seeks closeness while the other pulls away. Jack shares how these patterns are often rooted in childhood experiences where emotional needs were either met, ignored, or inconsistently supported. The result? Adults who may struggle with intimacy, emotional vulnerability, or trust.

    But this episode isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness and healing. Jack discusses how attachment styles exist on a spectrum and how people can develop earned secure attachment through therapy, self-reflection, and healthier relationships.

    Along the way, the conversation dives into modern relationship dynamics, the impact of social isolation and digital culture, and why community connection matters more than we realize. Jack also shares personal insights into his journey through relationships, coaching, and the work it takes to truly understand himself.

    If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel like an emotional dance—or why you keep attracting the same type of partner—this episode offers powerful insight into the psychology of connection.

    Keywords: Jack Bohannan, attachment theory, attachment styles, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, secure attachment, disorganized attachment, relationships, emotional intimacy, childhood trauma, therapy, mental health, relationship psychology, emotional healing

    Meet Our Guest — Jack Bohannan

    Jack Bohannan is a somatic coach and relationship educator who helps people understand how attachment patterns shape emotional connection and intimacy. Through coaching and personal development work, Jack guides clients toward healthier relationships by addressing the deeper emotional roots behind their behaviors.

    Website:
    https://polarityunscripted.com

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/polarityunscripted

    Key Takeaways

    • Attachment styles are often shaped by early childhood experiences with caregivers.
    • Many relationship conflicts stem from the anxious–avoidant dynamic, in which one partner pursues, and the other withdraws.
    • Avoidant behavior is often misunderstood—it can stem from unmet emotional needs early in life.
    • Healing attachment patterns is possible through self-awareness, therapy, and healthy relationships.
    • Community and connection outside of romantic partnerships are essential for emotional health.

    Actionable Items

    • Reflect on your own attachment style and how it may influence your relationships.
    • Practice expressing your emotional needs clearly rather than assuming your partner understands them.
    • Build supportive community connections outside your romantic relationship.

    Important Chapters

    • 00:01:30 – What Attachment Theory Really Means
      Jack explains the basics of attachment styles and how they shape adult relationships.
    • 00:10:00 – Avoidant vs. Anxious Relationships
      The push-and-pull dynamic is experienced by many couples.
    • 00:16:00 – How Childhood Experiences Shape Emotional Connection
      Why unmet emotional needs can show up later in adult relationships.
    • 00:23:00 – COVID, Isolation, and Relationship Pressure
      How modern life can intensify attachment dynamics.
    • 00:31:30 – Advice Jack Would Give His Younger Self
      The importance of being truly seen and emotionally understood.
    • 00:38:00 – Learning Self-Worth from Within
      Jack shares his personal journey of healing and self-discovery.

    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 #AttachmentTheory #AttachmentStyles #RelationshipPsychology #EmotionalHealing #SecureAttachment #AvoidantAttachment #AnxiousAttachment #HealthyRelationships #ChildhoodTraumaHealing #EmotionalWellbeing #RelationshipGrowth

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    5 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 41 minutes 18 seconds
    Olaolu Ogunyemi: How to Raise Confident, Emotionally Resilient Children in Today’s World

    What does it take to raise confident, emotionally resilient kids in a world that feels louder, harsher, and more disconnected than ever? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Marine Officer, leadership mentor, and children’s author Olaolu Ogunyemi to talk about insecurity, identity, discipline, and why leadership always starts at home.

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 4.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

    We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

     

    Mental Health Quote

    “You’re good enough as you are.” — Olaolu Ogunyemi

    Episode Description

    Before he became a Marine Officer, leadership mentor, and award-winning children’s author, Olaolu Ogunyemi was a kid who didn’t feel like he fit in. Growing up as the son of Nigerian immigrants in Louisiana, struggling with insecurity about his name, his appearance, and his identity, Olaolu found himself acting out just to belong.

    In this honest and heartfelt conversation, he shares how rebellion turned into resilience — and how those early struggles shaped his mission to help parents raise confident, emotionally strong children.

    G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dig into the real stuff: why discipline isn’t about punishment, how insecurity shows up in kids (and adults), the pressure boys feel to hide pain, and why connection at home is the foundation for leadership everywhere else. Olaolu opens up about fatherhood, military life, his son’s health challenges, and the hard lesson of learning you can’t control everything.

    This episode is for the parents who want to do better than what they were taught. For the dads who want to lead with empathy. For the moms raising boys to be emotionally aware men. And for anyone who needed to hear, at 12 years old, “You’re already enough.”

    Because raising resilient kids doesn’t start with control.
    It starts with connection.

    Keywords: Olaolu Ogunyemi, emotionally resilient children, confident kids, parenting tips, mental health, fatherhood, emotional intelligence, discipline vs punishment, leadership at home, raising boys, identity development, self-worth, resilience, family connection, positive parenting

    Meet Our Guest — Olaolu Ogunyemi

    Olaolu Ogunyemi is a Marine Officer, leadership mentor, parenting advocate, and award-winning children’s book author. As the founder of Parent-Child-Connect and author of Crow From the Shadow, Billy Dipper’s Time to Shine, and Horace the Horsefly, he equips parents with practical tools to build connection, confidence, and character in their children. His upcoming book, Lead Last, continues his mission to develop service-driven leaders at home and beyond.

    Website: https://parent-child-connect.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olaolu.ogunyemi
    X: https://x.com/Olaolu_Ogunyemi
    Pinterest: https://pin.it/3heBVMv
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@olaoluogunyemi?si=zL0_VWAq81g2B5hK
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olaolu.ogunyemi/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaolu-ogunyemi-465ba453

    Key Takeaways

    • Discipline should build connection, not fear.
    • Insecurity in kids often shows up as rebellion.
    • Boys need emotional permission, not just toughness.
    • You can’t control everything — and trying to will exhaust you.
    • Leadership begins in the home, long before it shows up in the workplace.

    Actionable Items

    • Tell your child one thing you genuinely admire about who they are — not what they achieve.
    • Replace “Why did you do that?” with “Help me understand what was going on for you.”
    • Schedule 15 minutes this week to enter your child’s world — their game, their hobby, their music. No correcting. Just connecting.

    References Mentioned

    Parent-Child-Connect: https://parent-child-connect.com/

    Important Chapters

    • 00:01:00 – Who is Olaolu Ogunyemi? From insecurity to impact
    • 00:12:00 – Why fitting in nearly derailed his future
    • 00:20:00 – The real meaning of discipline
    • 00:30:00 – Military systems vs emotional intelligence
    • 00:35:00 – Parenting through health scares and letting go of control
    • 00:45:00 – Advice to his 12-year-old 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 #EmotionallyResilientKids #ParentingTips #ConfidentChildren #FatherhoodMatters #PositiveParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #RaisingBoys #FamilyConnection #IdentityAndSelfWorth #ResilientFamilies #ParentingPodcast

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    3 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 53 minutes 50 seconds
    Yvonne Trost on Healing Your Inner Child and Escaping the Success Trap

    What if the anxiety, control, and burnout you’re battling aren’t flaws — but outdated survival strategies from childhood? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Yvonne Trost to unpack subconscious programming, inner child healing, and what it really takes to escape the success trap and finally feel emotionally free.

    About the Show + Vote

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

    We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Help Us Bring This Award Home We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast.

    If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy:

    You do not need to sign up for Patreon Once you hit submit, your vote is sent

    Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA

    Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

    Mental Health Quote

    “You have a mind, but you are not your mind — and you don’t have to let it slap you around anymore.” — Yvonne Trost

    Episode Description

    For 25 years, Yvonne Trost thrived in high-pressure corporate leadership roles. On paper, she had the success. The title. The image. The achievement. But underneath it all? She was running on empty.

    In this raw and honest conversation, Yvonne shares how her divorce became the wake-up call that forced her to confront the subconscious beliefs driving her perfectionism, control, and constant need to prove her worth. What she discovered changed everything: most of the “shit that goes on in our heads” was programmed before we were 10.

    Together, we talk about subconscious reprogramming, hypnotherapy, inner child healing, fear of failure, fear of success, and how anxiety often shows up as protection — not weakness. Yvonne introduces her three-step framework: Realize, Recode, Rewrite — a process designed to help high achievers stop operating from outdated survival scripts and start living from intention and emotional freedom.

    If you’ve ever felt trapped in the success trap — chasing achievement while secretly feeling unfulfilled — this episode is your permission slip to upgrade your internal operating system.

    Because real success isn’t about the title. It’s about how free you feel inside.

    Keywords: Yvonne Trost, inner child healing, subconscious reprogramming, hypnotherapy, anxiety recovery, emotional freedom, burnout recovery, perfectionism, fear of success, fear of failure, corporate burnout, mindset transformation, nervous system regulation, self-worth, high achievers

    Meet Our Guest — Yvonne Trost

    Yvonne Trost is a Mindset Transformation Expert, speaker, and co-founder of LimitlessYou, a transformational coaching company helping high-achieving professionals break free from subconscious limitations. With 25 years of experience in corporate leadership and business transformation, Yvonne now guides entrepreneurs and leaders through neuroscience-backed subconscious reprogramming, hypnosis, and coaching to create lives rooted in confidence, peace, and authenticity.

    Website: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/why-us/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlocklimitlessyou/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unlocklimitlessyou/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockLimitlessYou

    Key Takeaways

    • Most anxiety and control patterns are subconscious survival strategies formed before age 10.
    • You are not your thoughts — you can retrain your mind.
    • Depression and burnout are often protective responses, not personal failures.
    • Compassion + curiosity are more powerful than judgment.
    • Real freedom starts with healing your inner child.

    Actionable Items

    • Try mirror work: Tell your younger self what you’re proud of, what you’re releasing, and what you’re committing to.
    • Notice when fear, doubt, judgment, or self-pity show up — pause and ask what your body is trying to protect you from.
    • Shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “How is this happening for me?”

    References Mentioned

    Unlock Limitless You: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/why-us/ Self-Love Quiz: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/

    Important Chapters

    • 00:02:30 – The “Door to Anywhere” metaphor and breaking small-town limitations
    • 00:07:00 – Why control is your subconscious mind trying to protect you
    • 00:18:30 – Fear of success vs. fear of failure
    • 00:24:00 – The Unfabulous Four: fear, judgment, doubt, and self-pity
    • 00:34:00 – E = MC² redefined: Mindful thinking, compassion, and curiosity
    • 00:44:00 – Mirror work and reconnecting with your inner child
    • 00:48:50 – Favorite word: Breathe. Least favorite word: Fair.

    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 #InnerChildHealing #SubconsciousMind #AnxietyRecovery #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalFreedom #MindsetShift #NervousSystemRegulation #CorporateBurnout #HighAchievers #SelfWorth #Hypnotherapy #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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    26 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 51 minutes 58 seconds
    Scott Harris on Addiction Recovery, ADHD, and Why Buying a Home Is a Mental Health Journey

    What if buying a house wasn’t just a transaction—but a transformation? In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Scott Harris to talk about addiction recovery, ADHD, emotional growth, and why finding a home is deeply tied to our mental health.

     

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

    We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

     

    Help Us Bring This Award Home

    We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast.

    If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote.

    Voting is quick and easy:

    • You do not need to sign up for Patreon
    • Once you hit submit, your vote is sent

    Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA

    Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

     

    Mental Health Quote

    “You don’t have to do this alone. The moment you stop trying to be the hero is the moment everything changes.” — Scott Harris

    Episode Description

    When Scott Harris woke up on May 19, 2019, after drinking too much tequila, he made a decision that would change everything: he was done. Not because he hit rock bottom—but because he was tired of the anxiety, the noise in his head, and the feeling that he wasn’t living up to his potential.

    In this honest and unexpectedly emotional conversation, Scott joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about addiction recovery, ADHD, leadership, and the surprising mental health journey behind buying a home. As a top New York City real estate broker and author of The Pursuit of Home, Scott explains why purchasing a house is rarely “just a deal.” It’s a transition—one that tests relationships, communication styles, identity, and self-trust.

    Scott shares how alcohol once helped him self-medicate his ADHD and social anxiety, and how sobriety opened the door to clarity, vulnerability, and writing his bestselling book. Together, the trio unpacks the emotional rollercoaster of house hunting, why communication can make or break both marriages and real estate deals, and how the right support system changes everything.

    This episode is about more than property. It’s about healing, connection, courage, and learning that you don’t have to go through life—or recovery—alone.

    Keywords: Scott Harris, addiction recovery, ADHD, sobriety journey, mental health podcast, buying a home, emotional intelligence, anxiety recovery, leadership vulnerability, personal growth, real estate psychology, The Pursuit of Home, communication in relationships, life transitions

    Meet Our Guest — Scott Harris

    Scott Harris is a nationally bestselling author and top New York City real estate broker who has sold nearly $2 billion in residential property. Founder of MAGNETIC and creator of The Magnetic Method, Scott empowers clients to align their real estate decisions with their personal growth. His book, The Pursuit of Home: A Real Estate Guide to Achieving the American Dream, blends practical strategy with emotional insight.

    Connect with Scott:

    Key Takeaways

    • Sobriety can unlock clarity, leadership, and untapped potential.
    • ADHD isn’t a flaw—it’s energy that needs direction and awareness.
    • Buying a home is a psychological and emotional transition, not just paperwork.
    • Communication styles matter—especially between partners during big life decisions.
    • The right support system can steady you during life’s most stressful moments.
    • You don’t have to be the hero. Connection heals.
     

    Actionable Items

    • Before making a major life decision, ask: Who’s in my support circle—and are they truly supportive?
    • If you’re house hunting, clarify your communication style and share it with your partner and agent.
    • If alcohol or another habit is quieting anxiety temporarily, explore what it might be covering—and consider reaching out for support.
     

    References Mentioned

    Important Chapters

    • 00:02:00 – Scott’s sobriety wake-up call
    • 00:07:00 – ADHD, self-medication, and anxiety
    • 00:15:00 – Writing The Pursuit of Home at 5 AM
    • 00:22:00 – Why buying a home is emotionally intense
    • 00:30:00 – Communication styles and relationship stress
    • 00:40:00 – The house that contributed to a divorce
    • 00:44:00 – Why you shouldn’t go through big transitions alone

    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 #AddictionRecovery #ADHDAwareness #SobrietyJourney #AnxietyRecovery #EmotionalWellness #HomeBuyingJourney #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #LifeTransitions #CommunicationSkills #RecoveryIsPossible #RealEstateLife #HealingThroughConnection #ThePursuitOfHome

    test to see if this is distribued to iHeart

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    24 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 52 minutes 53 seconds
    Greg & Michael on Parenting, Anxiety & Breaking Generational Trauma

    In Part 2 of this powerful two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their deep dive with Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan of Embodied Recovery — and this one hits straight at the heart of parenting, anxiety, emotional regulation, and breaking generational trauma cycles.

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

    We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

     

    Help Us Bring This Award Home

    We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast.

    If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote.

    Voting is quick and easy:

    • You do not need to sign up for Patreon
    • Once you hit submit, your vote is sent
    Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA

    Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

     

    “It’s okay to be who you are.” — Michael Nolan

    Episode Description

    if Episode 1 was about personal recovery, Episode 2 is about what happens when that recovery starts shaping the next generation.

    Greg and Michael open up about parenting through the lens of emotional awareness, breaking generational trauma, and refusing to pass down unprocessed wounds. They talk honestly about anxiety, codependency, setting boundaries, and how to validate your child’s emotions without minimizing them — even when it feels uncomfortable.

    The conversation moves into leadership, accountability, and the hard truth that good intentions don’t always land the way we hope. From inner child healing to conscious parenting and staying “unhooked” from others’ reactions, this episode is about doing the inner work so your kids don’t have to undo it later.

    If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I parent differently than I was parented?” — this episode is your starting point.

    Keywords: Greg Vorst, Michael Nolan, Embodied Recovery, parenting and mental health, generational trauma, anxiety management, codependency recovery, conscious parenting, emotional regulation, inner child healing, addiction recovery podcast, trauma-informed parenting, boundaries in families, mental health leadership

    Meet Our Guests — Greg Vorst & Michael Nolan

    Greg Vorst, LMFT is Co-Founder and CEO of Embodied Recovery in Los Gatos, California. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems, humanistic psychology, and Korean Taoist breathwork (SunDo), Greg helps clients transform addiction and trauma into embodied living and spiritual growth. His personal healing journey began after a failed surgery left him in prolonged suffering, ultimately guiding him into therapy, inner child work, and decades of spiritual practice.

    Website: https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodiedrecoverycenters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodiedrecoverycenters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@embodiedrecoverycenters

    Michael Nolan, CADC-II, ICADC is Co-Founder and COO of Embodied Recovery. Sober since August 8, 2007, Michael’s recovery began in Alcoholics Anonymous and evolved into a life of service. Through years of addiction counseling and deep personal work, he now supports clients in integrating accountability, humility, and embodied peace into their recovery journey.

    Key Takeaways

    • You cannot break generational trauma without doing your own inner work.
    • Emotional literacy must be modeled before it can be taught.
    • Boundaries are not rejection — they are protection.
    • Children need validation before correction.
    • Staying “unhooked” keeps you from projecting your past onto the present.
    • Recovery shapes families, not just individuals.

    Actionable Items

    • When your child (or partner) expresses a big emotion, validate it before solving it.
    • Notice where your reactions may be tied to your childhood experiences.
    • Practice one clear boundary this week without apologizing for having it.

    References Mentioned

    Embodied Recovery — https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Melos Center (Nonprofit Partner) — https://meloscenter.org Alcoholics Anonymous — https://www.aa.org/ NAMI — https://www.nami.org/ SAMHSA — https://www.samhsa.gov/

    Important Chapters

    • 00:01:00 – Daily anxiety tools and grounding practices
    • 00:10:00 – Inner child work and expressive healing
    • 00:20:00 – Parenting differently than you were parented
    • 00:32:00 – Breaking generational trauma cycles
    • 00:40:00 – Leadership, accountability, and staying unhooked
    • 00:50:00 – Words matter: favorite and least favorite words

    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 #ParentingAndMentalHealth #GenerationalTrauma #ConsciousParenting #InnerChildHealing #CodependencyRecovery #AnxietyManagement #EmotionalRegulation #AddictionRecovery #BoundariesMatter #TraumaHealing #HealingGenerations #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthLeadership

    podscan_kAnSuShcgs1b3mdEgys8N1z7XDPUQXFn

    ***************************************************************************

    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio 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.

    19 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 39 minutes 47 seconds
    Greg & Michael on Embodied Recovery: Healing Addiction, Trauma & the Inner Child

    When recovery becomes more than just staying sober — when it becomes embodied, lived, and deeply felt — everything changes. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan to unpack addiction, inner child healing, breathwork, and what real transformation actually looks like.

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

    We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

     

    Help Us Bring This Award Home

    We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast.

    If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote.

    Voting is quick and easy:

    • You do not need to sign up for Patreon
    • Once you hit submit, your vote is sent
    Vote here: https://shorturl.at/mpReA

    Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

     

    “You don’t have to believe everything you think.” — Greg & Michael

    Episode Description

    In this first half of our conversation, Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan, co-founders of Embodied Recovery in Northern California, share how their personal journeys through addiction, anxiety, trauma, and spiritual crisis led them to build a treatment center rooted in lived experience — not just theory.

    Michael opens up about entering treatment at 20 and the humility of 12-step recovery. Greg shares his unexpected transition from opera singer to therapist after a failed surgery triggered years of physical and emotional suffering. Together, they unpack the wounded healer model and why authentic recovery requires more than clinical knowledge — it requires doing your own work.

    We talk about codependency, emotional regulation, nervous system healing, and the Korean Taoist breathwork practice SunDo — a cornerstone of their daily lives and programming. This episode dives deep into inner child work, identity, validation, and the courage it takes to stop performing and start living.

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re surviving instead of embodying your life, this conversation will hit home.

    Keywords: Greg Vorst, Michael Nolan, Embodied Recovery, addiction recovery, trauma healing, inner child work, breathwork, SunDo meditation, codependency recovery, 12-step program, mental health podcast, anxiety recovery, nervous system regulation, emotional healing

    Meet Our Guests — Greg Vorst & Michael Nolan

    Greg Vorst, LMFT is Co-Founder and CEO of Embodied Recovery in Los Gatos, California. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems, humanistic psychology, and Korean Taoist breathwork (SunDo), Greg helps clients transform addiction and trauma into embodied living and spiritual growth. His personal healing journey began after a failed surgery left him in prolonged suffering, ultimately guiding him into therapy, inner child work, and decades of spiritual practice.

    Website: https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodiedrecoverycenters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodiedrecoverycenters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@embodiedrecoverycenters

    Michael Nolan, CADC-II, ICADC is Co-Founder and COO of Embodied Recovery. Sober since August 8, 2007, Michael’s recovery began in Alcoholics Anonymous and evolved into a life of service. Through years of addiction counseling and deep personal work, he now supports clients in integrating accountability, humility, and embodied peace into their recovery journey.

    Key Takeaways

    • Recovery is not just about abstinence — it’s about embodiment.
    • You don’t have to believe every thought that runs through your mind.
    • Codependency drains helpers faster than addiction drains users.
    • Inner child work isn’t optional — it’s foundational.
    • Daily practices create lasting emotional regulation.
    • Healing requires accountability AND compassion.

    Actionable Items

    • Try box breathing or diaphragmatic breathing when anxiety spikes.
    • Notice one self-critical thought today and practice not attaching to it.
    • Identify one daily practice (gratitude, breathwork, journaling) and commit to it for 30 days.

    References Mentioned

    Embodied Recovery — https://www.embodiedrecovery.com/ Melos Center (Nonprofit Partner) — https://meloscenter.org Alcoholics Anonymous — https://www.aa.org/ NAMI — https://www.nami.org/ SAMHSA — https://www.samhsa.gov/

    Important Chapters

    • 00:00 – Welcome + how Greg & Michael met
    • 09:00 – Michael’s early addiction and entering treatment
    • 16:00 – Greg’s spiritual crisis and opera-to-therapy journey
    • 25:00 – Codependency and the wounded healer
    • 35:00 – SunDo breathwork and nervous system regulation
    • 45:00 – Inner child work and reclaiming authenticity

    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 #AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #InnerChildWork #EmbodiedRecovery #CodependencyHealing #12StepRecovery #AnxietyRecovery #BreathworkHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #EmotionalWellness #SobrietyJourney #HealingIsPossible #RecoveryCommunity #MentalHealthMatters

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    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.

    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

    Audio Editing by NJz Audio


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    17 February 2026, 8:00 am
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