Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

This episode contains explicit discussion of severe trauma, including emotional and physical abuse, childhood sexual assault, foster care abuse, extreme poverty, mental illness, eating disorders, homelessness, death, and suicide attempts. Adriene herself urges listeners to proceed with caution. Please prioritize your well-being and pause or skip this episode if needed. If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available: United States and Canada: Call or text 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline International resources: https://findahelpline.com You matter. You are not alone. From foster care and extreme poverty to abuse, homelessness, and surviving suicide attempts, Adriene Caldwell has lived through more trauma than most people can imagine. In this raw, unfiltered, and deeply human conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Adriene, author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, to talk about what it means to survive when the odds are stacked against you, and how hope can still take root in the most unforgiving places. Adriene shares the reality of growing up in systems that failed her, the teachers who quite literally saved her life, and the truth behind the statistic that fewer than 3 percent of former foster youth ever attend college. This is not a story wrapped in platitudes or false positivity. It is honest, heavy, and courageous. It is about staying when leaving felt easier, and choosing to believe that life could be different, even when there was no proof. 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 3 million downloads and counting. We Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters. Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads Important Dates: • Voting ends December 25, 2025 Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.   Listener Feedback We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a   Mental Health Quote “I have done more than survive. I have thrived. Hope is the reason I am still here.” — Adriene Caldwell Episode Description Adriene Caldwell’s story is not easy to hear, but it is necessary. In this deeply honest conversation, Adriene joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share what it means to grow up in extreme poverty, endure horrific abuse, survive foster care, and attempt suicide, yet still choose to stay. From childhood trauma and an untreated mentally ill parent to homelessness and abusive foster placements, Adriene’s life was shaped by systems that failed her again and again. School became her refuge. Education became her way out. And hope, quiet, stubborn, and hard won, became her anchor. Adriene also opens up about the teachers who risked everything to protect her, the reality that fewer than 3 percent of foster youth ever attend college, and why emotional abuse can leave deeper scars than physical violence. She shares what finally led her to write her memoir, Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, and how revisiting her trauma forced healing she never expected. This episode is raw, heavy, and deeply human. It is also a reminder that your current chapter is not your final one. If you have ever felt trapped by your past or unsure whether staying is worth it, Adriene’s story offers proof that hope can survive even the cruelest circumstances.   Meet Our Guest — Adriene Caldwell Adriene Caldwell is the author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, a memoir documenting her journey through foster care, extreme poverty, abuse, mental illness, and suicide survival. A former foster youth who defied overwhelming odds, Adriene uses her story to offer real, grounded hope that trauma can end and life can improve. Connect with Adriene: Website: https://www.unbrokencaldwell.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575765845419&sk=professional_dashboard X: https://www.twitter.com/@unbrokencaldwell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@unbrokencaldwell TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/unbrokencaldwel Key Takeaways Emotional abuse is real abuse, and its impact can last for decades. Foster care outcomes are not predetermined, but the odds are unfairly stacked against them. Education can be a lifeline when everything else feels unsafe. Survival does not mean you are broken. It means you adapted. Hope does not erase trauma, but it helps you outlive it.   Actionable Items If you feel overwhelmed, choose one small decision today that supports your future self. Learn your local and national crisis resources before you need them. If it feels safe, write your story, even if no one else ever reads it.   References Mentioned Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines by Adriene Caldwell https://988lifeline.org/ https://findahelpline.com   Important Chapters 00:02:00 — What being unbroken really means 00:08:00 — Losing safety and losing childhood 00:15:00 — Poverty, homelessness, and survival 00:22:00 — Teachers who changed everything 00:35:00 — Suicide attempts and choosing to stay 00:44:00 — Writing the book and reopening old wounds 00:50:00 — Hope as a radical act   Closing Call to Action 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 #FosterCareAwareness #TraumaSurvivor #SuicidePrevention #HopeAfterTrauma #ChildhoodAbuseRecovery #CPTSD #ResilienceStory #HealingJourney #SurvivorVoices #MentalHealthMatters ***************************************************************************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.

Trigger Notice This episode contains discussions of child mental health, self-harm, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, and mental health crises involving minors. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone.In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.If you’re outside the U.S., visit https://findahelpline.com to find resources in your country. When Jenn Robb’s daughter was just 12 years old, subtle changes turned into terrifying realities—crippling anxiety, depression, self-harm, and a moment that nearly took her child’s life. What followed wasn’t a clean, linear healing journey, but a relentless fight fueled by intuition, love, and a mother’s refusal to give up. In this raw and deeply human episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jenn to talk about what it truly means to parent through a child’s mental health crisis—and how survival sometimes comes before understanding. Kicking off this robust conversation, Jenn discusses the warning signs many parents miss, the unbearable tension between protecting your child and not pushing them away, and the hard decisions no parent ever expects to make. From navigating therapy and medication to learning when to speak—and when to remain silent—this episode offers honesty, clarity, and hope for parents walking similar paths. If you’ve ever felt afraid, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help your child without losing yourself, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.   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 3 million downloads and counting. We Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters. Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads Important Dates: • Voting ends December 25, 2025 Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words. Feedback Link 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 feel what you feel—but you don’t get to stay stuck there.”— Jenn Robb Episode Description What do you do when your child is hurting—and won’t tell you why? For Jenn Robb, nurse practitioner, author, and Warrior Mom coach, that question became her reality when her daughter began struggling with anxiety, depression, and self-harm at just 12 years old. In this profoundly moving episode, Jenn joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share what it looks like to fight for your child’s life while learning how to respond instead of react. Jenn walks us through the warning signs parents often second-guess, the importance of trusting your intuition, and why finding the right therapist can take time—and persistence. She speaks candidly about advocacy within the mental health system, pushing back against overmedication, and why “fixing it” isn’t always the goal. Sometimes, love looks like restraint. Sometimes, it’s a code word and a piece of cake instead of questions. This conversation also highlights the caregiver’s experience—the burnout, the guilt, the loss of identity, and the slow realization that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Jenn shares practical tools for parents in the trenches, reminders that perfection isn’t required, and proof that healing is possible—even after unimaginable fear. This episode is for parents, caregivers, and anyone who loves a child navigating mental health challenges. You are not failing. You are not alone. And you are stronger than you think. SEO Keywords: Jenn Robb, child mental health, parenting anxiety, childhood depression, suicidal thoughts in kids, self-harm awareness, parenting through crisis, caregiver burnout, mental health advocacy, therapy for teens, suicide prevention, Warrior Mom Meet Our Guest — Jenn Robb Jenn Robb is a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in functional and integrative medicine, author of Warrior Mom Rising, and founder of Warrior Mom Coaching. Through faith, practical tools, and unapologetic honesty, Jenn helps moms move from burnout to clarity, confidence, and hope while advocating for their children’s mental health. Website: https://warriormomcoach.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriormom_jennrobbFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15ue2hq9PL/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-robb-msn-aprn-acnp-c-fim-p-fmp-c-346992106 Key Takeaways Trust your intuition—you often notice changes before your child can explain them. Advocacy sometimes means pushing back against “quick fixes.” The right therapist matters more than the first available one. Love doesn’t always look loud; sometimes it’s a quiet presence. Caregivers need care too—burnout helps no one. Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. Actionable Items Create a code word with your child to signal “I need support, not questions.” If therapy isn’t helping, give yourself permission to find a better fit. Take 10 minutes a day to do something that restores you—no guilt required. Important Chapters 00:02:30 – Early warning signs parents often dismiss 00:09:45 – Discovering self-harm and navigating fear 00:17:30 – The moment everything changed 00:25:10 – Advocacy, therapy, and medication conversations 00:34:40 – Supporting without pushing 00:41:20 – Caregiver burnout and self-care realities 00:48:00 – Warrior Mom tools for everyday survival Closing CTA Subscribe, Rate, and Review!Remember to subscribe for more real conversations around mental health. 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 #ChildMentalHealth #ParentingThroughCrisis #SuicidePrevention #SelfHarmAwareness #CaregiverSupport #TeenMentalHealth #WarriorMom #AnxietyInKids #DepressionAwareness ***************************************************************************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.

After a car crash left her with a traumatic brain injury, Kelly spent months believing she was “fine” — until neurofatigue, memory lapses, and frightening moments behind the wheel told a different story. In this emotional and eye-opening episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Kelly to talk about the invisible aftermath of TBI, the terror of feeling unlike yourself, and the long, patient fight to find your way back. Kicking off this powerful conversation, Kelly shares how she hid her brain injury for years, what neurofatigue actually feels like, and how therapy, mindfulness, and sheer determination helped her rebuild a life she thought she had lost. If you’ve ever felt “not yourself,” overwhelmed, or misunderstood in your healing process, this episode brings clarity, compassion, and hope. 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 Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters. Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads Important Dates: • Voting ends December 25, 2025 • Judging begins in January • Shortlist announced January 26 • Winners revealed February 28 Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words. Feedback We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “You’re not ‘crazy’ — your brain is hurt, and hurt things need care before they can function again.” — Kelly Tuttle Episode Description When Kelly’s car accident in 2015 left her concussed, she did what so many of us do — she tried to push through it. What she didn’t know was that she was living with a traumatic brain injury that would slowly dismantle her energy, her clarity, and her sense of self. Months later, after falling asleep at the wheel, mixing up words, and feeling wildly unlike herself, Kelly finally learned the truth: her brain was fighting for its life, and she needed help. In this powerful episode, Kelly joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about neurofatigue, the fear of feeling “broken,” and the devastating impact of invisible injuries. She shares how she hid her disability for years, the therapies that actually helped, and the moment she realized she needed to tell her story so other survivors wouldn’t feel alone. From martial arts to mindfulness, from toast-and-coffee mishaps to rebuilding her identity one baby step at a time, Kelly’s journey is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear — and it isn’t fast. But it is possible. Whether you’re healing from a brain injury, dealing with cognitive overwhelm, or trying to understand a loved one’s struggles, this episode brings clarity, compassion, and hope to a conversation that desperately needs it. Keywords: traumatic brain injury, neurofatigue, concussion recovery, brain health, TBI survivor, cognitive fatigue, mindfulness for healing, speech therapy, brain injury support, invisible disabilities, Kelly Tuttle, mental health recovery, neuro rehabilitation, post-concussion symptoms Meet Our Guest — Kelly Tuttle Kelly Tuttle is a neurology nurse practitioner, TBI survivor, and author dedicated to helping people navigate the hidden challenges of life after brain injury. Through her book After the Crash and her online community, she offers practical tools, hope, and validation to those struggling to return to work, school, and daily routines. Kelly also brings decades of martial arts experience, a wicked sense of humor, and a deep passion for brain-loving habits to her advocacy. Website: https://kellytuttle.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brain_np_/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-tuttle-72589810/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084306369863TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brainlovingnp Key Takeaways Neurofatigue is real, disabling, and often misunderstood — and it can shut the brain down without warning. You’re not “fine” just because you look functional; invisible injuries still deserve care. A brain injury can change your identity, but it can also uncover deeper compassion and clarity. Recovery takes years, not weeks — and every tiny step forward counts. You cannot heal alone. The right people, tools, and structure make a world of difference. Actionable Items Treat your energy like currency—budget it intentionally and stop before you run out. Use external supports like timers, journaling, and visual cues to reduce cognitive load. Advocate for yourself: accommodations aren’t a weakness; they’re a matter of survival and sustainability. References Mentioned After the Crash by Kelly Tuttle Neurotherapy and speech therapy for cognitive rehabilitation Behavioral optometry for vision-related TBI symptoms Mindfulness and adult coloring as grounding practices Important Chapters 00:01:17 – The crash that changed everything 00:02:58 – Falling asleep at the wheel: the wake-up call 00:06:00 – What neurofatigue really feels like 00:11:17 – Losing martial arts skills and realizing “I’m not okay.” 00:13:43 – How her family carried her through the darkest moments 00:16:02 – Sound sensitivity, vision issues, and therapies that helped 00:18:34 – Meeting the “new me” after brain injury 00:23:30 – Writing After the Crash to help other survivors 00:24:35 – Finding joy again through small, intentional moments 00:38:45 – From forgetting toast to writing a book 00:41:48 – Kelly’s best advice: “Don’t do it alone.” 00:42:33 – Theme songs, favorite words, and the power of humor 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#TraumaticBrainInjury #Neurofatigue #BrainInjurySurvivor #ConcussionRecovery#InvisibleDisability #BrainHealth #HealingJourney #NeuroRehab #MindfulnessPractice#CognitiveFatigue #BrainInjurySupport #KellyTuttle #AfterTheCrash ***************************************************************************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.

Kicking off this mind-blowing conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Trauma Resolution Expert Michael Cortina, the creator of The Cortina Method. This groundbreaking, brain-based approach helps people heal trauma without reliving a single moment of pain. From frustration with outdated therapy models to developing a 90% effective trauma-healing process, Michael brings the kind of hope and clarity our hurting world desperately needs. 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 Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters. Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads Important Dates: • Voting ends December 25, 2025 • Judging begins in January • Shortlist announced January 26 • Winners revealed February 28 Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words. Feedback We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Hope is great — but real healing is when you leave with joy, energy, and relief.” — inspired by Michael Cortina Episode Description What if healing trauma didn’t have to hurt? What if you never had to relive a single painful memory again? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Michael Cortina, founder and creator of The Cortina Method — a brain-based methodology designed to resolve trauma, PTSD, and deeply rooted emotional pain without retraumatization. And yes… It’s as life-changing as it sounds. Michael shares how years of witnessing clients suffer through traditional therapy models — reliving trauma, crying through sessions, leaving drained instead of hopeful — pushed him to rethink everything we’ve been taught about healing. His frustration with old-school approaches and his belief that “there has to be a better way” led him to develop a method so effective that many people report complete symptom resolution in a single session. Together, the trio dives into why reliving trauma isn’t necessary, how the brain actually reprocesses pain, what “conscious ketchup” means, and why hope isn't the goal — true resolution is. Michael also opens up about the backlash he faced for challenging outdated mental health systems… and why he refuses to stop. If you’ve ever wished healing could be faster, gentler, or more empowering, this episode will expand your entire understanding of what’s possible. Real transformation doesn’t have to be torture — and Michael is here to prove it. Keywords: trauma resolution, PTSD healing, brain-based therapy, emotional healing, The Cortina Method, trauma recovery without reliving, subconscious reprocessing, mental health innovation, trauma treatment breakthrough, healing trauma gently, therapist burnout solutions, brain rewiring, limiting beliefs healing, emotional pain relief, sustainable trauma healing Meet Our Guest — Michael Cortina Michael Cortina is a Trauma Resolution Expert and the Founder, Creator, and CEO of The Cortina Method. This brain-based healing methodology resolves trauma and disturbing emotions without requiring people to revisit painful memories. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, Michael is a national keynote speaker, international PTSD authority, and leader in cutting-edge trauma intervention. His groundbreaking work on PTSD was published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in 2024. People worldwide seek Michael’s services and trainings, and his work has been featured across ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, THE CW, and 400+ media outlets. Connect with Michael:Website: https://michaelcortina.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcortinamethod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.cortina.184/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIPdyf3qwC3rJck9fwBwgQLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cortina-ptsd-expert/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mike_dancing_therapist?_r=1&_t=ZP-91wxIo0fV0g Key Takeaways Healing trauma does not require reliving trauma — and it can even feel energizing. The “mission of the organism” is to avoid pain, not bathe in it — and therapy should honor that. Resistance isn’t real; it’s the brain protecting you in the only way it knows. The Cortina Method aims for completion, not coping — resolution rather than lifelong symptoms. Practitioners deserve healing too; they shouldn’t leave sessions drained or traumatized. Healing is possible — not just theoretically, but measurably, joyfully, and sustainably. Actionable Items If past trauma still triggers you, explore modalities that don’t require retelling the story — your healing doesn’t have to hurt. Ask yourself: “Is this pain coming from memory loops my brain hasn’t reprocessed yet?” Visit Michael’s directory to find a trained practitioner or learn more about the method: https://michaelcortina.com/ References Mentioned The Cortina Method Practitioner Directory — https://michaelcortina.com 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org/ Important Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Michael 00:02:00 – Imagining trauma care with 90% effectiveness 00:06:00 – Why traditional therapy retraumatizes people 00:11:00 – The moment Michael almost left the field 00:15:00 – Early success stories that changed everything 00:21:00 – “Conscious ketchup” and how the brain catches up after healing 00:30:00 – Boundaries, growth, and healing through joy 00:37:00 – Trauma healing for veterans 00:39:00 – Advice Michael would give his younger self 00:46:00 – How he practices self-maintenance as a healer 00:47:20 – Closing reflections + CTA 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#TraumaHealing #PTSDRecovery #TheCortinaMethod #BrainBasedHealing #EmotionalHealing #TraumaTherapy #HealingJourney #MentalHealthInnovation #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaRecoveryTools #NeuroscienceHealing #TherapyWorks #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.

Kicking off this conversation with a story that reminds us what real resilience looks like, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with the extraordinary Virginia Oman, licensed clinical mental health therapist, mindset coach, and living proof that transformation is possible inch by inch. From losing her mobility and her music to rebuilding her life through intuition, movement, nature, and radical hope, Virginia brings a deep, soul-level understanding of what it means to rise again. 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 Have Been Nominated We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards for Best Mental Health Podcast. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote genuinely matters. Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheadsImportant Dates:• Voting ends December 25, 2025• Judging begins in January• Shortlist announced January 26• Winners revealed February 28 Your support has carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words. Feedback We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote “Hope isn’t a feeling — it’s a decision you make one inch at a time.” — inspired by Virginia Oman Episode Description When life pulls the rug out from under you, inch-by-inch progress can feel impossible — but for Virginia Oman, it became the blueprint that saved her life. In this powerful and deeply human episode, Virginia shares her journey from a wheelchair, chronic pain, and total hopelessness to becoming a licensed mental health therapist, mindset coach, positive psychology practitioner, and wellness master who helps others rebuild their lives with intention and joy. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles talk with Virginia about the moment a quiet inner voice told her, “Listen to what your body is telling you,” and how following that intuition — even when it contradicted medical advice — led her to design her own healing plan fueled by perseverance, movement, gratitude, and nature. She opens up about swimming inch by inch, trusting her instincts, and refusing to let outside forces define her future. Together, they explore the emotional exhaustion of hopelessness, the power of small wins, and why joy is something you intentionally create rather than stumble into. Virginia explains how she now guides clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions using holistic, mind-body practices rooted in freedom, joy, and self-trust. This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear — it’s a choice, a practice, and an act of courage. If you’ve ever felt stuck, defeated, or like your life has shrunk around you, Virginia’s story is the spark you’ve been waiting for. Keywords: mindset coach, trauma recovery, emotional healing, chronic illness resilience, hope after despair, mind-body wellness, positive psychology, gratitude practice, anxiety tools, depression support, nature healing, movement therapy, rebuilding your life, personal transformation, resilience stories Meet Our Guest — Virginia Oman Virginia Oman, LCMHC, NCPT, is a licensed clinical mental health therapist, mindset coach, personal trainer, and wellness master who helps people move from despair to joy-filled living. After rebuilding her own life from the depths of hopelessness and physical collapse, Virginia now guides clients through holistic mind-body practices that foster resilience, freedom, and fulfillment. Connect with Virginia:Website: https://virginiaoman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaomanofficial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaomanofficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSfzfJKG2YGi3FRB_TYeMigLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-oman/ Key Takeaways Healing starts with one decision: don’t give up on yourself — even when progress is microscopic. Your body holds wisdom your mind may not yet be ready to hear. Learn to listen. Joy is intentional. You create it through movement, gratitude, and connection with nature. Medical advice matters, but only you get to be the captain of your life. Laughter, friendship, and community are powerful forms of medicine. Trauma and darkness don’t erase your future — they prepare you for it. Actionable Items Try Virginia’s “triple shot”: gratitude + movement + nature to shift your state fast. Identify one area where you’re letting outside voices overrule your intuition — and reclaim it. Take one tiny, inch-by-inch step toward something your future self will thank you for. References Mentioned 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.orgVirginia Oman’s Website — https://virginiaoman.com Important Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + Virginia’s introduction 00:04:00 – Losing hope and hearing the voice that changed everything 00:06:00 – Swimming inch by inch and refusing to quit 00:11:00 – Rebuilding life, mobility, and meaning 00:15:00 – Gratitude, joy, and daily intention 00:23:00 – Nature, movement, and healing the mind 00:33:00 – Freedom, joy, and the life she lives today 00:36:00 – How listeners can connect with Virginia 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#MindsetCoach #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #ChronicIllnessJourney #Resilience#PositivePsychology #GratitudePractice #NatureHealing #AnxietySupport #DepressionSupport#HolisticWellness #PersonalTransformation #YouAreNotAlone #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.