Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

• Angie Hawkins: Surviving a Suicide Attempt & Rebuilding Fierce Self-Worth

  Trigger Notice This episode contains discussion of suicide, a suicide attempt, trauma, and themes of hopelessness. Please take care of yourself while listening.If you are in the United States or Canada and need immediate support, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.For listeners outside these regions, visit https://findahelpline.com for global crisis resources. From childhood wounds and people-pleasing to moving across the ocean in search of happiness, Angie Hawkins has lived a thousand emotional lifetimes. In this raw and deeply human conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Angie — Inner Glow Coach and author of Running in Slippers — to discuss self-worth, emotional survival, and the courage to be seen after years of hiding behind a smile. 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 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 “Hopelessness is dangerous — one tiny thread of belief can be the thing that keeps you alive.” — inspired by Angie Hawkins. Episode Description When Angie Hawkins hit emotional rock bottom in 2020, she truly believed she had no reason left to stay alive. After a lifetime of people-pleasing, chasing external validation, and struggling to feel lovable, she reached a moment of sheer hopelessness that led to a suicide attempt — one she openly and bravely discusses in this episode. In this candid conversation, Angie joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how that moment became the turning point that changed everything. She talks about what it was like growing up in a home with emotionally unavailable parents, the patterns she carried into adulthood, and why moving to Hawaii didn’t magically fix the internal pain she was running from. Instead, it was the moment a friend said, “It’s not your time,” that sparked her decision to rebuild her life from the inside out. Together, they explore how boundaries, intuition, and true emotional regulation became her foundation for healing. Angie opens up about working with a coach who helped her relearn how to respect herself, what it means to become a “functional adult” after years of survival-mode living, and how sharing her story (including in her memoir Running in Slippers) has become part of her purpose. This episode is raw, hopeful, and packed with real-talk reminders that you are not alone — and that the most painful chapters of your life can become the ones that help someone else feel seen. Keywords: Angie Hawkins, suicide attempt survivor, emotional healing, boundaries, intuition, trauma recovery, people-pleasing, self-worth, emotional regulation, women’s mental health, resilience, healing journey, Hawaii, Running in Slippers, Inner Glow Coach, mental health awareness, hopelessness, purpose Meet Our Guest — Angie Hawkins Angie Hawkins is an Inner Glow Coach, author, and powerful voice in women’s emotional healing. She specializes in helping high-achieving women who have lost themselves in people-pleasing, perfectionism, and chronic self-doubt reconnect with their self-worth and build unshakable confidence from the inside out. Her work centers on two core pillars — boundaries and intuition — the very tools that helped her rebuild her own life after years of emotional suppression and a near-fatal suicide attempt. Angie is the author of Running in Slippers, a raw and vulnerable memoir that chronicles her journey through grief, heartbreak, island upheaval, and her eventual emotional resurrection. Her story cuts through the noise and gets straight to the truth: survival is messy, healing is nonlinear, and self-love is a skill you can learn no matter how far you feel you've fallen. Despite jumping out of helicopters, skydiving, bungee jumping, and cliff diving, Angie’s bravest act has been choosing to be seen — sharing her story openly so others don’t feel alone in theirs. She now blends life experience, emotional literacy, and compassionate coaching to help women stop performing for approval and finally feel worthy just as they are. Connect with Angie:Website: http://www.runninginslippers.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiehawkins808/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angie.hawkins.50/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiehawkins1/ Key Takeaways Hopelessness can be deadly — even one small spark of belief can interrupt it. Boundaries are an act of self-respect, not selfishness. External validation can’t fix internal wounds. Healing requires being honest with yourself, not just everyone else. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to get help — but if you do, your story isn’t over. Sharing your truth removes shame and creates connection. Actionable Items If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tell one safe person the truth about where you’re at. Practice one boundary this week — even a small one counts. Ask yourself daily: “Am I abandoning myself right now?” If you have no one to talk to and you’re in crisis, call 988 (U.S. & Canada). References Mentioned Running in Slippers — by Angie Hawkins Shine From the Inside Coaching Program — by Angie Hawkins 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + Angie's iconic statement eyewear 03:59 – Growing up unseen: emotionally unavailable parents 05:30 – Moving to Hawaii & realizing you can’t escape your pain 07:41 – Survival mode, grief & the unraveling before COVID 08:09 – The suicide attempt: hopelessness, pills & a life-changing moment 10:15 – Getting home from the hospital & choosing to fight for her life 11:50 – Hiring a coach & learning to be a “functional adult” 16:47 – The power of boundaries: why they’re not selfish 19:36 – Extroverts, masks & the danger of looking “fine” 21:31 – Turning pain into purpose 24:52 – If you could go back… advice to her younger self 26:50 – Fun questions: theme songs, favorite words & “moist” 27:54 – How to find Angie + her free coaching call for new clients 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 #SuicideSurvivor #EmotionalHealing #BoundariesMatter #SelfWorthJourney #TraumaRecovery #PeoplePleasingRecovery #HealingJourney #InnerGlowCoach #WomensMentalHealth #Resilience #RunningInSlippers #MentalHealthSupport #PodcastCommunity #Bleav ***************************************************************************If You Need Support, Reach OutIf 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 SkittlesOfficial Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio 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.

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• From Bartender to Zen Psychologist: Dr. Pete on Mindfulness, Healing & Mental Health

  From bartending and modeling in New York City to becoming a Zen psychologist working with elite athletes, Dr. Pete Economou’s story is all about transformation, discipline, and radical self-awareness. In this honest and often hilarious conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Pete to discuss healing from the inside out, breaking the stigma around men’s mental health, and finding peace in a world that never stops moving. 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 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 “Whatever you’re in right now — it will pass. Everything moves. Everything changes.” — Dr. Pete Economou Episode Description Dr. Pete Economou has lived a few lifetimes in one. From swimming at Olympic trials to tending bar at one of New York City’s most exclusive nightclubs, his journey eventually led him to the one place he never expected to land—inside his own mind. Now a Zen teacher, sport psychologist, and professor, Dr. Pete brings a rare blend of science, spirituality, and straight talk to the world of mental health. In this powerful and refreshingly real conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dive deep into how Dr. Pete bridges East and West, blending Buddhist philosophy with cognitive behavioral therapy to help people heal from burnout, anxiety, and perfectionism. He shares how working on the sidelines with elite athletes has taught him that mental health struggles don’t discriminate—everybody, no matter how successful, has their own internal battles. Together, they unpack the power of boundaries, why vulnerability is a form of strength, and how the “middle path” can transform our approach to healing. Dr. Pete also opens up about his long-term meditation practice, his work mentoring future psychologists at Rutgers University, and how moderation—not extremes—is the foundation of sustainable wellness. This episode is part pep talk, part mindfulness lesson, and part wake-up call for anyone who’s ever tried to “fix” themselves into wellness. Whether you’re a high performer, an athlete, or someone simply trying to stay grounded in a chaotic world, Dr. Pete’s insight reminds us that healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Keywords: Dr. Pete Economou, mindfulness, Zen psychology, men’s mental health, sports psychology, emotional wellness, athlete mindset, healing journey, meditation, CBT, stress management, boundaries, resilience, self-care, psychology, mind-body connection, wellness Meet Our Guest — Dr. Pete Economou Dr. Peter J. Economou, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Board-Certified Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist, Zen teacher, author, and professor at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, where he directs the Master of Applied Psychology program. As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), he has spent over 15 years working with professional and collegiate athletes to integrate mindfulness, performance optimization, and mental wellness. Dr. Pete’s background uniquely bridges science and spirituality. With advanced training in neuropsychology and sport psychology, and formal Zen training under the White Plum lineage, he combines modern therapy with ancient wisdom. His work focuses on helping people cultivate awareness, compassion, and emotional regulation in their daily lives. He is the author of Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners and Meditation Journal for Anxiety, co-host of the podcast When East Meets West, and an active advocate for mental health normalization across industries—from locker rooms to boardrooms. Connect with Dr. Pete: Website: https://officialdrpete.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdrpete/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterjeconomou X (Twitter): https://x.com/officialdrpete LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-j-economou-4b4000a/ Key Takeaways Mental health isn’t weakness—it’s part of being human. Healing begins when we stop overcomplicating and start listening to ourselves. Mindfulness is about moderation, not perfection. Boundaries protect both peace and purpose. Vulnerability, especially for men, is a sign of strength. Everything in life moves—nothing stays stuck forever. Actionable Items Set healthy tech boundaries: keep your phone out of the bedroom and shut it off at a consistent time each night. Try a mindfulness practice that fits your life, not someone else’s—whether it’s breathwork, meditation, or movement. When stress spikes, remind yourself: this moment will pass; everything changes. References Mentioned Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners — by Dr. Pete Economou Meditation Journal for Anxiety — by Dr. Pete Economou When East Meets West Podcast — hosted by Dr. Pete Economou & Dr. Rubin Naiman 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org Important Chapters 00:00 – Dr. Pete’s story: from swimmer to bartender to psychologist 08:30 – How bartending led to psychology and helping others 10:50 – Normalizing mental health in sports and breaking the stigma 13:30 – Zen, mindfulness, and finding peace in performance 21:00 – The power of boundaries and the “middle path” 26:00 – What parents can do to support their athletic kids 27:10 – Dr. Pete’s top three mental health tools for life 28:25 – “Fuck it”: the advice he’d give his younger 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 #Mindfulness #ZenPsychology #MensMentalHealth #SportsPsychology #HealingJourney #CBT #MeditationPractice #AthleteWellness #SelfCareMatters #Boundaries #Resilience #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalHealth #WellnessPodcast #OfficialDrPete #Bleav ***************************************************************************If You Need Support, Reach OutIf 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 SkittlesOfficial Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio 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.

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• From PMDD to Peace: Heather’s Journey of Therapy, Humor, and Healing

  When PMDD, shame, and self-silencing took over, Heather Hendrie discovered that laughter could be its own kind of medicine. In this raw and real conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Heather — bestselling author and nature-based therapist — to talk about using humor, wilderness, and truth-telling to heal from the inside out. 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 spark honest, unfiltered conversations about mental health. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a   Mental Health Quote “When we laugh at what once shamed us, we take our power back.” — Heather Hendrie   Episode Description PMDD has a way of turning everyday life into emotional chaos — but what if laughter, honesty, and nature could help calm the storm? In this deeply human episode, Heather Hendrie, bestselling author of the awfully hilarious series and founder of True Nature Wilderness Therapy, joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about what happens when mental health meets humor and wild places. Heather opens up about her own battles with PMDD and the shame so many women carry around their bodies, moods, and “messy” moments. Through her candid storytelling and nature-based counseling work, she’s made it her mission to remind us that we’re never as alone — or as broken — as we think. The conversation is equal parts emotional and hilarious as they explore what it means to heal without hiding, find peace in imperfection, and use humor as both a coping tool and a connector. From therapy sessions in the woods to writing about awkwardly human moments, Heather proves that healing doesn’t have to look polished — it just has to be honest. This episode is a love letter to everyone navigating PMDD, burnout, or emotional exhaustion, showing that humor and self-compassion aren’t distractions from healing — they’re essential parts of it. Keywords: Heather Hendrie, PMDD, humor and healing, nature-based therapy, mental health awareness, women’s wellness, shame resilience, storytelling, emotional health, wilderness therapy, self-acceptance, empowerment, laughter therapy, destigmatizing mental health   Meet Our Guest — Heather Hendrie Heather Hendrie is an Amazon #1 bestselling author, counsellor, and creator of Awfully Hilarious: Stories We Never Tell. Based in Whistler, British Columbia, she runs True Nature Wilderness Therapy, helping people reconnect with themselves through nature-based healing. Her writing and therapy work both aim to end shame, uplift women’s health, and make space for messy, honest conversations about mental health. Website: https://heatherhendrie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather.hendrie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherannehendrie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhendrie/     Key Takeaways Humor can be a radical act of healing — especially when we use it to face shame. PMDD and mental health struggles thrive in silence; storytelling breaks that silence wide open. Nature isn’t just a backdrop for therapy — it’s a co-therapist. Healing doesn’t mean being “fine”; it means being honest. Laughter helps us metabolize pain and reconnect with joy.   Actionable Items Write your own “awfully hilarious” story — something you once felt ashamed of — and notice how it feels to name it. Spend 15 minutes outdoors daily without your phone, just breathing and observing. Share one truth with someone safe this week — even if your voice shakes.   References Mentioned awfully hilarious: stories we never tell — by Heather Hendrie True Nature Wilderness Therapy — https://heatherhendrie.com/ PMDD Awareness — https://iapmd.org   Important Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + Why laughter belongs in mental health conversations 05:40 – Heather’s story: From PMDD chaos to compassion 13:20 – The birth of awfully hilarious and ending shame through storytelling 21:10 – Nature as a mirror for emotional healing 31:00 – What PMDD taught Heather about self-trust 43:00 – How humor and vulnerability change therapy 52:30 – Closing reflections + mental health reminder   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 #PMDD #WomenInTherapy #HealingThroughHumor #AwfullyHilarious #WildernessTherapy #ShameResilience #SelfAcceptance #EmotionalHealth #StorytellingHeals #LaughterTherapy #WomensWellness #TherapyWorks #NatureHealing #MindBodyConnection ***************************************************************************If You Need Support, Reach OutIf 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 SkittlesOfficial Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio 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.

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• Heart Over Hustle: Arlene Miller on Healing Burnout and Finding Calm Within

  When burnout hit, former attorney Arlene Miller didn’t just slow down — she transformed her life. In this powerful episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Arlene to talk about identity loss, stress recovery, and what it really takes to lead and live from the heart. Together, they explore how letting go of ego and embracing love can turn chaos into calm and fear into focus. 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 spark honest, unfiltered conversations about mental health. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You’re not your title, your past, or your burnout. You’re a human being learning to lead from love.” — Arlene Miller Episode Description What happens when your career becomes your identity — and then you realize it’s burning you out? For Arlene Miller, that moment of truth became the turning point toward healing. After more than three decades as an attorney, Arlene sold her law firm, traded the courtroom for compassion, and rebuilt her life as a Work-Life Harmony and Leadership Coach. In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dive deep into Arlene’s journey from doing it all to being enough. They talk about the real costs of perfectionism, why women in high-stress careers often ignore their own needs, and how to reconnect to purpose after burnout. Arlene shares her tools for self-regulation, mindfulness, and what she calls “negotiating from the heart” — a method that replaces control with connection. Through laughter, honesty, and a few “been there” moments, this conversation reminds us that healing doesn’t mean giving up who you were; it means remembering who you are. Whether you’re rebuilding after burnout, craving emotional peace, or learning to set boundaries with grace, Arlene’s story will inspire you to trade hustle for harmony — and choose your mental health every time. Keywords: Arlene Miller, burnout recovery, emotional wellness, women’s mental health, work-life balance, self-compassion, executive presence, leadership coaching, mindfulness, anxiety relief, career burnout, emotional healing, boundaries, personal growth, resilience Meet Our Guest — Arlene Miller Arlene Cohen Miller is a Work-Life Harmony & Leadership Coach, retired attorney, and CEO of Jewel Consultancy. With over 30 years of legal experience and credentials as a Professional Certified Coach (ICF), Arlene helps women reclaim calm, confidence, and clarity in their personal and professional lives. A long-time yoga and meditation practitioner, she blends practical strategy with heart-centered wisdom to guide others from stress to serenity. Website: https://jewelconsultancy.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlene.jewel/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/JewelCoachPCCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewelcoach2/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arlenecmillerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-cohen-miller-54435b59/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jewelcoach2 Key Takeaways Burnout isn’t weakness — it’s a signal for change. You’re not your job title; you’re a person who deserves peace. Boundaries are love in action. Authentic leadership starts with self-awareness. We grow most when we learn to celebrate small wins.   Actionable Items Pause before saying “yes.” Ask: Does this honor my peace? Practice a daily gratitude or breathing ritual to reset your nervous system. Identify one area where you can replace hustle with heart this week. References Mentioned Jewel Consultancy: https://jewelconsultancy.com International Coaching Federation: https://coachingfederation.org 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): https://988lifeline.org Important Chapters 00:05 – From attorney life to heart-centered coach 00:08 – Identity loss, ego, and learning to let go 00:13 – Burnout in the legal profession 00:17 – What coaching really looks like (vs. therapy) 00:21 – Saying no to fear and following inspiration 00:23 – Age, resilience, and redefining success after 60 Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review!Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit:https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalWellness #WomenInLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #MindfulnessMatters #SelfCompassion #AnxietyRelief #HealingJourney #Resilience #HeartOverHustle #CareerPivot #MentalHealthSupport #CoachingForWomen #Bleav ***************************************************************************If You Need Support, Reach OutIf 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 SkittlesOfficial Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio 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.

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• From Panic to Peace: Melissa’s Journey Through Anxiety, Menopause, and Self-Discovery

  Trigger Notice: This episode discusses anxiety, burnout, and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.988 (U.S. & Canada) — Suicide & Crisis LifelineFind a global helpline: https://findahelpline.com When anxiety and perimenopause collided, Melissa Crook’s body said “no more.” In this episode, Dirty Skittles and G-Rex sit down with the inspiring Melissa — founder of The Embracing Layers Network and host of The F.E.E.L. Podcast — to talk about anxiety, burnout, and finding peace through emotional healing and self-discovery. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is 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. 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 hit the wall to start healing. You have to stop abandoning yourself.” — Melissa Crook   Episode Description When Melissa Crook hit 50, her body and mind forced her to face decades of anxiety, burnout, and people-pleasing. Two ER visits later, she realized the panic wasn’t random — it was her body’s way of demanding change. In this candid conversation, Melissa joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how she went from panic to peace by learning to listen to her body, trust her intuition, and honor her emotional truth. Melissa opens up about her journey through perimenopause, therapy, and the creation of her F.E.E.L. Framework—a guide that helps women navigate life’s chaos with compassion rather than control. Together, they talk about setting boundaries, learning to rest without guilt, and finding laughter even in the middle of the storm. This episode is a reminder that anxiety doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’ve been strong for too long. Whether you’re managing burnout, struggling with self-worth, or craving emotional freedom, Melissa’s story offers fundamental tools and hope for healing. Keywords: Melissa Crook, Embracing Layers, F.E.E.L. Framework, anxiety, menopause, self-discovery, therapy, emotional health, boundaries, burnout, women’s mental health, healing journey, self-compassion, empowerment Meet Our Guest — Melissa Crook Melissa Crook is a thought-leader, speaker, and creator dedicated to helping women break free from performance pressure, reclaim their emotional truth, and live unapologetically aligned. Based in Fresno, California, she’s the founder of The Embracing Layers Network and host of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, creating brave spaces for women to connect with their emotional and physical well-being. After a health crisis at 50 forced her to confront decades of anxiety and codependency, Melissa turned her healing journey into her life’s work—helping women cultivate emotional literacy, boundaries, and self-compassion. Connect with Melissa:Website: https://www.embracinglayers.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracinglayers/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@embracinglayersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084428100763LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/embracinglayers/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqVVXe8SbTtBuzOyFTMjNFAX: https://twitter.com/embracinglayersPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melmcrook2025Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-crook-967395106 Key Takeaways Anxiety isn’t something to “fix” — it’s a signal that something needs attention. Perimenopause can heighten anxiety, but awareness and support change everything. Healing begins when you stop abandoning yourself for others. Boundaries are a form of self-respect, not selfishness. Curiosity fuels growth; comfort keeps you stuck. True friends celebrate your healing, not question it.   Actionable Items Check your bandwidth vs. time: if you’re overextended, permit yourself to cancel something. Create a grounding ritual to start your day calmly — like Melissa’s sunrise breathing routine. Ask yourself daily: “Is this asking me to abandon myself?” If yes, pause and choose differently.   References Mentioned The F.E.E.L. Framework — https://www.embracinglayers.com/ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org/ Global Crisis Resources) — https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:05:00 – Melissa’s “shitstorm week” and learning to honor her emotions 00:09:00 – Canceling plans without guilt and redefining self-care 00:22:30 – The health scare that forced her to face anxiety head-on 00:28:00 – Therapy breakthroughs and redefining her relationship with anxiety 00:43:00 – Morning rituals, grounding, and emotional literacy 00:47:40 – Why curiosity matters more than comfort 00:51:00 – Melissa’s favorite word: Curiosity; least favorite: Comfort 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 #AnxietyAwareness #PerimenopauseSupport #SelfDiscovery #WomensMentalHealth #HealingJourney #TherapyWorks #EmotionalWellbeing #SelfCompassion #BoundariesMatter #HealingInProgress #AnxietyRecovery #PodcastCommunity #WomenSupportingWomen #FEELEFramework #EmbracingLayers #Bleav ***************************************************************************If You Need Support, Reach OutIf 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 SkittlesOfficial Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio 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.

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