Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

• Masculinity, Coaching & Mental Health: A Candid Talk with Tim Racki

  In this powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, championship football coach Tim Racki opens up about his personal journey through mental health struggles, burnout, identity, and self-reflection. With humor, honesty, and heart, Tim shares how success on the outside can mask deep internal battles—and how he's rewriting his life's playbook. We’re honored to be the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and proud to have reached over 1.8 million downloads globally. 📣 We want your feedback! Drop us a message (text or voice) here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a 🏆 We’ve been nominated again! Vote for us in the Adam Curry and Health categories at the 2025 Podcast People's Choice Awards before July 31 at https://www.podcastawards.com/. You must use a valid email—they verify it. Mental Health Quote from the Episode “You can be confident without being a bragging asshole. I just started practicing what I preach—and it’s changing everything.” — Tim Racki Episode Description This candid conversation with Tim Racki—a 10× State Champion Coach and Hall of Famer—unpacks the emotional toll of leadership and the silence behind success. Despite public accolades, Tim reveals how coaching masked internal turmoil, how performance identity shaped his personal life, and why he finally made the decision to care for his mental health. He talks about the moment of clarity that sparked change, the deep shame he felt, and how daily habits are helping him rebuild trust in himself and reconnect with his family. Tim’s story is a roadmap for any man struggling with unspoken emotions or feeling trapped by expectations. SEO Keywords: masculinity and mental health, coaching and burnout, men’s mental wellness, mental health in sports, emotional resilience, athlete identity crisis, performance anxiety, leadership and therapy, mental health for men, fatherhood and vulnerability Meet Our Guest: Tim Racki Tim Racki – 10× State Champion Coach | Hall of Famer | Mental Resilience Advocate Tim Racki is one of the most accomplished high school football coaches in the United States. Over a 26-year head coaching career, he's secured 10 Illinois state titles, made 12 state title appearances, and built powerhouse programs with lasting legacies. Beyond wins, Tim is known for his integrity, mentorship, and transformational leadership. But behind the accolades is a deeply human story of depression, identity crisis, and the struggle to balance coaching with fatherhood and marriage. Today, Tim speaks openly about mental health in leadership and the importance of vulnerability, reflection, and small daily changes. Connect with Tim Racki: Twitter: https://x.com/CoachRacki Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576018534735 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachracki Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachracki/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-racki-a43294a/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/coachracki Key Takeaways Even championship leaders can feel lost—success doesn’t equal peace. Vulnerability and presence are more powerful than titles. Mental health for men is overdue for normalization, especially in coaching culture. Actionable Items Start each day with one intentional change that prioritizes your mental wellness. Reflect on how you're showing up at home, not just at work or in your leadership role. Listen to your own advice. If you support others, offer that same compassion to yourself. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome + Football roots & identity 04:00 – Childhood, coaching influences, and early trauma 08:00 – Playing through pain & performance anxiety 13:00 – Standing up to bullies & leadership lessons 18:00 – Coaching wins vs. personal losses 20:00 – The epiphany moment: March madness and a friend’s confession 24:00 – Shame, presence, and learning to be a better husband and father 30:00 – Small habits that sparked massive change 34:00 – Applying the coaching playbook to his own life 38:00 – Advice for other men and coaches facing mental health challenges 42:00 – Listener questions: self-care, balance, and theme songs 46:00 – How to connect with Tim Racki #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #MensMentalHealth #TimRacki #Grex #DirtySkittles #LeadershipAndMentalHealth #AthleteWellness #BurnoutRecovery #FatherhoodAndHealing #TherapyForMen #FootballAndMentalHealth #CoachTalk #VulnerabilityIsStrength #PodcastAwardWinner #SelfCareForCoaches #EmotionalResilience #ImposterSyndrome #ToughConversations Subscribe, Rate & Review Love what you heard? Subscribe for more raw and real conversations on mental health and personal growth. ⭐️ Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews ***************************************************************************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

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• Boundaries, Burnout & the Brain-Heart Connection with Kate

  We’re kicking off Season 12 of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads with a deeply healing, no-fluff conversation featuring returning guest Kate King. This episode explores how to protect your peace through boundaries, reset your nervous system with intentional practices, and reconnect with joy, even when the world feels overwhelming. Joining us once again, Kate shares accessible strategies for managing emotional burnout, practicing brain-heart coherence, and building habits that support authentic, sustainable mental wellness. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just tuning in this season opener is a reminder that you have more control over your mental health than you think. We're proud to celebrate some incredible milestones with our community: 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner – Health 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner – Best Mental Health Podcast With over 1.8 million downloads, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads continues to break the stigma by creating honest, relatable, and supportive conversations around mental health. We’ve been nominated again for the 2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards in TWO major categories: Adam Curry Category Health Category We need your support! Vote before July 31, 2025: Visit https://www.podcastawards.com/ and register with a valid email address (required for vote verification). Your vote makes a huge difference in amplifying real conversations that matter. Thank you for standing with us! Got something to say? We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts, feedback, or a story — written or voice message — right here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote from Kate: “Every cell in your body is listening to the words you say about yourself.” What This Episode Is About This episode centers on mental health resilience, as Kate King guides us through how to tune in to our bodies, protect our energy, and create practical shifts for emotional balance. We cover how to spot burnout, how to reinforce boundaries that actually stick, and why brain-heart coherence is one of the most effective (and simple) tools to ground yourself in gratitude and calm. Meet Our Guest – Kate King Kate King is the founder of The Radiant Life Project, a Radiant Life Coach, a Board-Certified Art Therapist, an award-winning author, and a former Licensed Professional Counselor with 17+ years of experience. Kate’s work blends neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and creative practice to help people live fuller, more meaningful lives. Her signature approach empowers people to access inner healing and joy through self-expression, conscious awareness, and daily rituals that foster a mind-body connection. Kate’s Work Includes: The Radiant Life Project – a guide for cultivating creativity, healing, and authenticity The Authentic Mother – a therapeutic companion for new parents Ink & Wings Oracle Deck – a 46-card original art deck for intuitive reflection Retreats, public speaking, coaching, and creative consulting Connect with Kate: Website: https://TheRadiantLifeProject.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradiantlifeproject/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadiantLifeProject/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxGCo2H8iWIReg8X6ADubg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theradiantlifeproject/ References HeartMath Institute – Science-based research on brain-heart coherence https://www.heartmath.org Reasons to Be Cheerful – Positive news media alternative mentioned by Kate https://reasonstobecheerful.world The Radiant Life Project by Kate King – Available wherever books are sold The Authentic Mother by Kate King – A guide for new parents Ink & Wings Oracle Deck – Kate’s original artwork for intuitive reflection Key Takeaways Boundaries protect your peace, not your relationships. They’re commitments you keep to yourself. Your nervous system needs support—small choices, such as media detox, movement, and mindful breathing, matter. Gratitude-centered practices, such as brain-heart coherence, can shift your emotional and physiological state in just a few minutes. Actionable Items Practice 3 minutes of brain-heart coherence daily — focus on your heart, breathe deeply, and hold a moment of gratitude. Create a few go-to responses for setting boundaries when emotions run high. Audit your inputs — follow accounts and consume content that uplifts and grounds you. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Season 12 + intro to Kate 02:15 – Why joy is non-negotiable in difficult times 05:01 – Nervous system fatigue, art therapy, and daily rituals 10:26 – Protecting your peace by curating your media intake 16:12 – The difference between requests and boundaries 21:45 – Playfulness, laughter, and shifting your energy 31:05 – Kate’s new book, Mend or Move On (out Jan 2026) 33:20 – What is brain-heart coherence, and how to start 36:40 – Positive self-talk, healing, and personal empowerment   Special Shout-Out: Women Support Women – Featuring Melissa Crook from The F.E.E.L Podcast New Empowerment Course for Women: Unlock Your Power. Reclaim Your Wellness. Live Fully. New Course Launch! Embrace a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Are you ready to prioritize yourself—authentically, unapologetically, and powerfully?Melissa Crook of The F.E.E.L Podcast has launched her new online course:Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life: Empowerment & Wellness Course for Women — now live! This self-paced, soul-nourishing experience is designed for women 20 and older who are ready to reclaim their wellness, set powerful boundaries, and reconnect with their emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Built on Melissa’s transformational F.E.E.L Framework (Finding Empowerment, Embracing Layers), this course provides tools, teachings, and reflection points designed to help you heal from burnout, anxiety, and chronic people-pleasing. Optional live Zoom Q&AsSupportive community + real stories of transformation“I felt seen, supported, and gently guided back to myself.” Purchase the Course:https://www.patreon.com/EmbracingLayersNetwork/shop/embracing-f-e-e-l-fueled-life-wellness-1708477?source=storefront Grab the Companion Workbook on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-L-Fueled-Life-Empowerment/dp/B0FCDML1FB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E9KA0XFQT6Z3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dtZbsWKYiHKO3bnkUfPbFw.7C4950BDSPdNmbV_E0aExGI7nmPO4nFkaz4Yk-VveVc&dib_tag=se&keywords=embracing+a+f.e.e.l+fueled+life&qid=1750887298&sprefix=Embracing+A+%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-1 Step into your power. Live fully. Start your F.E.E.L Fueled journey today. Subscribe, Rate, and Review! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who could use it. Subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave a review here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #KateKing #RadiantLifeProject #PodcastSeason12 #BrainHeartCoherence #TherapyTools #BoundariesMatter #NervousSystemHealing #SelfCompassion #HealingThroughArt #WomenInPodcasting #PodcastAwards2025 #BurnoutRecovery #AuthenticLiving #CreativeHealing #EmotionalWellness #GratitudePractice ***************************************************************************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

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• From Anxiety to Empowerment: Ilise Talks Social Media, Empathy, and Mental Health Truths

  In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we sit down with Ilise Litwin—therapist, author, podcaster, and unapologetically authentic human—to explore how navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and toxic relationships can lead to personal empowerment. Ilise opens up about the healing power of empathy, the toll of social media on mental wellness, and what it means to truly show up for yourself. We’re not just any podcast—we’re the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and we’re proud to have over 1 million downloads. Your voice matters to us! Please share your thoughts or leave us a voice message here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote from the Episode: “You can be me-centric without being selfish. You can still give to others, but the focus should always come back to you.” — Ilise Litwin What This Episode is About: This episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a raw and empowering look at what it means to navigate mental health in a world that often tells us to “just keep going.” Our guest, Ilise Litwin, joins us to explore how anxiety, trauma, social media fatigue, and emotional burnout can evolve into tools for personal growth when we stop pretending to have it all together. With humor, heart, and unfiltered honesty, Ilise shares her story of reinvention—from working in locked psychiatric units to building a life grounded in radical self-care and the freedom to be playful again. We explore what it means to be empathic in a chaotic world, how boundaries can protect our joy, and why reconnecting with your inner child might just be the best therapy of all. Whether you’re a parent juggling too much, someone struggling with anxiety, or simply feeling burned out, this episode will inspire you to redefine what it means to heal—and to do it on your own terms. Meet Our Guest – Ilise Litwin Ilise Litwin, aka "The Fiery Redhead," is a bold and dynamic podcaster, author, motivational speaker, and therapist. A graduate of the University of Florida with credentials as a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, Ilise spent years working in acute psychiatric units, where she helped patients build coping skills to reintegrate into life. Her podcast Wide Open Spaces blends edgy storytelling with mental health truths, sparking honest conversations that challenge societal norms. Her book, Wanderlust Within: A Journey to Self-Discovery, distills her podcast’s most impactful moments into a transformational guide. Ilise is known for her transparency, authenticity, and empowering message that healing begins with truth. Website: https://wideopenspaceswithilise.com Podcast: https://wideopenspaces.podbean.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/102097171634382 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wideopenspaceswithilise LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilise-litwin-3a04051b7/ Key Takeaways: Empathy is powerful, but protect your peace. Being empathic is a gift, but it can become a burden without healthy boundaries. Anxiety is not a flaw. It's often a result of external pressure or biology, not a failure. Learn to adjust your coping tools. Joy is healing. Reconnecting with your inner child through play, laughter, and creativity can be a powerful form of mental self-care. Actionable Tips: Set a Social Media Detox Routine. Schedule weekly screen-free days and use automation to reduce emotional overload. Reclaim Playtime. Draw, dance, wear costumes, or revisit childhood hobbies to reconnect with joy. Visualize Boundaries. Use mental imagery (like protective bubbles) to manage emotional overload and stay grounded. Chapters & Timestamps: [00:03:19] – Choosing authenticity over approval [00:06:30] – Mental health professionals are human too [00:10:27] – The anxiety of social media and how to manage it [00:17:14] – Empathy burnout and boundary-setting [00:20:22] – Redefining “me-centric” as healthy, not selfish [00:25:14] – Parenting, play, and presence [00:31:25] – Reconnecting with passions and creative joy [00:36:00] – Protecting your peace in a chaotic world [00:41:03] – Daily rituals and nature as self-care [00:43:16] – How to find Ilise and her work References: Wanderlust Within: A Journey to Self-Discovery by Ilise Litwin Ilise's podcast: https://wideopenspaces.podbean.com Mental health resource: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe for more real conversations that break stigma and spark healing. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews Got something to say? We want to hear it—drop us a voice or written message at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #IliseLitwin #SelfCareTools #InnerChildHealing #EmpathyBurnout #SocialMediaAndMentalHealth #TherapistRealTalk #MentalHealthQuotes #WideOpenSpaces #WanderlustWithin #RecreationalTherapy #AuthenticLiving #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #MentalHealthSupport #PodcastInterview #NormalizeMentalHealth ***************************************************************************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

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