Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

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 ***************************************************************************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.

Dr. Kristen Williamson on Neurospicy Brains: Identity, Change & Thriving (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their discussion with Dr. Kristen Williamson, diving deeper into identity, relationships, work, and what it really means to thrive as a neurodivergent adult in a world that wasn’t built for your brain. 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 “We’re different, not less — and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.”— Dr. Kristen Williamson Episode Description Part 2 continues the conversation with Dr. Kristen Williamson, moving from awareness into lived experience. This episode explores how neurodivergence shows up across different stages of life — from childhood to adulthood, through parenting, relationships, work, and major transitions like puberty, hormones, and menopause. Dr. Kristen explains how autism and ADHD don’t stay static over time. Instead, they evolve as life demands change. She breaks down why middle school is often when ADHD becomes more visible, how puberty and hormones can disrupt previously effective coping skills, and why adulthood often requires constant recalibration rather than “figuring it out once and for all.” The conversation also dives into friendships, marriage, and communication — including how neurodivergent and neurotypical partners can unintentionally clash over clutter, routines, and expectations. Dr. Kristen shares openly about masking, scripts, and the exhaustion of trying to fit into a world that doesn’t always make space for difference. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles ask thoughtful questions about inclusion, the workplace, gender identity, and how to support neurodivergent people without reducing them to their diagnoses. This episode is honest, funny, validating, and deeply human — a reminder that neurodivergence isn’t something to outgrow or fix, but something to understand, support, and honor. SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism and adulthood, ADHD across the lifespan, neurodivergent identity, masking, workplace neurodiversity, sensory overwhelm, relationships and autism, late diagnosis healing, mental health podcast Meet Our Guest — Dr. Kristen Williamson Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, speaker, and creator of neurodivergent-affirming resources. Diagnosed later in life with autism and ADHD, she brings lived experience, compassion, and humor into conversations about identity, parenting, relationships, and mental health. Connect with Dr. Kristen:Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273#Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1 Key Takeaways Neurodivergence changes as life stages, hormones, and responsibilities change. Coping skills may need to be rebuilt multiple times throughout life. Masking can help you survive, but it comes at an emotional cost. Diagnosis explains behavior; it doesn’t excuse harm or remove accountability. Supportive environments unlock extraordinary strengths in neurodivergent people. Actionable Items Reflect on which coping skills no longer work and what might need to change. Practice explaining your needs clearly instead of masking through discomfort. Look for environments — at home or work — where accommodations are normalized.   References Mentioned Neurodiversity in the workplace Sensory regulation and masking Autism and ADHD across the lifespan Neurodivergent-affirming mental health resources   Important Chapters 00:00 – Part 2 welcome and continuing the conversationPicking up where Part 1 left off and expanding the discussion. 04:30 – How autism and ADHD evolve over timeChildhood, puberty, adulthood, and constant change. 09:00 – Hormones, perimenopause, and emotional regulationWhy coping skills sometimes stop working. 14:15 – Masking, scripts, and fitting into social spacesThe exhaustion of wearing a “human skin suit.” 19:00 – Neurodiversity in the workplaceWhy accommodations benefit everyone. 23:00 – Diagnosis versus identityUnderstanding the difference between explanation and limitation. 27:00 – Relationships, clutter, and communicationNavigating neurodivergent–neurotypical partnerships. 30:00 – Advice to a younger selfWhat Dr. Kristen wishes she’d known sooner.   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#NeurodivergentAdults #AutismAcceptance #ADHDAwareness #LateDiagnosis#NeurodiversityAtWork #MentalHealthMatters #NormalizeMentalHealth#IdentityAndHealing #Neurospicy ***************************************************************************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.

Dr. Kristen Williamson on Neurospicy Brains: Autism, ADHD & Feeling Seen (Part 1)

What if the things you’ve always called “quirks” were actually your brain asking to be understood? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to discuss autism, ADHD, parenting neurodivergent kids, and the deep relief of finally feeling seen. 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 “We’re different, not less — and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.”— Dr. Kristen Williamson Episode Description In Part 1 of this two-part episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a self-described “neurospicy” family. What begins as a conversation about autism and ADHD quickly turns into a deeply validating discussion about identity, masking, sensory overload, and self-acceptance. Dr. Kristen shares what it was like to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life — and how that diagnosis reframed decades of confusion, anxiety, and self-blame. She opens up about parenting a neurodivergent child before fully understanding her own neurodivergence, and why women are so often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Together, the trio talks honestly about sensory overwhelm, everyday burnout, and why “functioning” doesn’t always mean thriving. From food textures and crowds to noise and emotional regulation, this episode gives language to experiences that many people have struggled to explain. This conversation isn’t about labels for the sake of labels. It’s about understanding your nervous system, honoring your needs, and letting go of the belief that you’re broken. Part 1 is about awareness, permission, and the power of finally realizing there’s nothing wrong with you — your brain just works differently. SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism, ADHD, neurodivergent adults, late autism diagnosis, women and ADHD, sensory overload, mental health podcast, parenting neurodivergent kids, masking, self-acceptance, emotional wellness Meet Our Guest — Dr. Kristen Williamson Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and speaker specializing in autism, ADHD, and mental health. Diagnosed later in life herself, she blends clinical knowledge, lived experience, and humor to help individuals and families understand their brains and thrive without shame. Connect with Dr. Kristen:Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273#Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1 Key Takeaways Neurodivergence often presents differently in women and is frequently missed. Late diagnosis can bring relief and grief at the same time. Sensory overwhelm is information, not a personal failure. Masking may help you survive, but understanding helps you heal. Feeling seen can reduce anxiety, burnout, and shame.   Actionable Items Start tracking what overstimulates you, including sounds, textures, crowds, and environments. Build in decompression time after social or sensory-heavy situations. Practice leading with curiosity instead of judgment — especially with yourself.   References Mentioned Neurodivergent-affirming mental health care Sensory regulation strategies Autism and ADHD advocacy concepts   Important Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and why this is a two-part conversationSetting the stage for a deeper discussion on neurodiversity and mental health. 04:30 – Dr. Kristen’s late autism and ADHD diagnosisHow adulthood finally brought clarity to a lifetime of unanswered questions. 09:45 – Autism and ADHD in womenMasking, perfectionism, and why so many women go unnoticed. 15:00 – Sensory overload in everyday lifeNoise, crowds, food textures, and nervous system burnout. 22:30 – Parenting neurodivergent kidsAdvocacy, accommodations, and releasing parental shame. 30:00 – The impact of feeling seenWhy understanding your brain can change everything.   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#Neurodivergent #Neurospicy #AutismAcceptance #ADHDAwareness #LateDiagnosis#WomenAndADHD #SensoryOverload #ParentingNeurodivergent #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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Luther on Surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Trauma, and Rebuilding Life After Death

Trigger Notice + Crisis Support This episode includes discussion of sudden cardiac arrest, near-death experiences, suicidal ideation, and mental health crises. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available.Call or text 988 (U.S.) — Suicide & Crisis LifelineOr visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources. What happens to your mind when your heart stops and you come back? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jeff Luther, a father and athlete who survived sudden cardiac arrest, to talk about fear, trauma, resilience, and how rebuilding life sometimes starts in 30-second increments. 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 Mental Health Quote “You still choose. Even when everything is taken away, you still get to choose.” — Jeff Luther Episode Description Jeff Luther was fit and competitive, training alongside his teenage son, when his heart suddenly stopped. No pulse. No breath. Two shocks from an AED brought him back — but life as he knew it was over. In this raw and deeply human episode, Jeff joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about surviving sudden cardiac arrest, living with trauma, and the mental health fallout no one prepares you for. From the fear of his own body betraying him again, to the shame of pretending to be strong instead of being honest, Jeff opens up about what it really means to rebuild a life after death. This conversation goes beyond survival. Jeff shares what it felt like to truly believe he was dying, why gratitude felt impossible at first, and how resilience didn’t come from pushing harder — but from choosing again and again to stay. Sometimes for a year. Sometimes for a day. Sometimes for just 30 seconds. They also explore how trauma reshapes identity, how children carry invisible fear, and why connection — not toughness — is the real currency of healing. Jeff’s story is a reminder that mental health struggles don’t always come from weakness. Sometimes they come from surviving something that should have ended you. If you’ve ever faced a life-altering event, lived with anxiety after trauma, or wondered how to keep going when fear takes over, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. SEO Keywords: Jeff Luther, sudden cardiac arrest survivor, near-death experience, trauma recovery, mental health podcast, resilience, anxiety after trauma, cardiac arrest recovery, mindset healing, overcoming fear, post-traumatic growth, emotional resilience Meet Our Guest — Jeff Luther Jeff Luther is a speaker, mindset coach, and sudden cardiac arrest survivor who helps people question the stories they tell themselves and rebuild their lives after trauma. After collapsing in front of his teenage son and being clinically dead for eight minutes, Jeff began a journey of resilience, belief work, and intentional living — 30 seconds at a time. Connect with Jeff:Website: https://www.jeffluther.comPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inspector-alliance/id1658627241Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdluther2.0/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdluther2.0LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-luther/ Key Takeaways Surviving trauma doesn’t automatically bring gratitude — it brings reality. Fear often shows up after the crisis, not during it. You don’t have to rebuild your life all at once; sometimes 30 seconds is enough. Strength without connection can turn into silent suffering. Children notice more than we think, even when we try to protect them. Healing begins when we question the stories we tell ourselves.   Actionable Items When overwhelmed, ask: “What can I handle for the next 30 seconds?” Challenge catastrophic thoughts by asking: “Is that actually true?” Check in with loved ones using open-ended questions and listen without fixing.   References Mentioned 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.orgGlobal Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:03:00 – Jeff’s daily rituals and the guilt of slowing down 00:10:30 – Collapsing at the gym and surviving sudden cardiac arrest 00:18:45 – Fear, bitterness, and losing trust in his own body 00:29:00 – Emotional rock bottom and wanting to quit 00:32:30 – The 30-second decision that changed everything 00:38:00 – Trauma, parenting, and the cost of pretending you’re okay 00:47:00 – Being shocked back to life and facing fear again 00:53:00 – Advice to his younger self and the danger of comparison 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#SuddenCardiacArrest #TraumaRecovery #NearDeathExperience #ResilienceJourney#AnxietyAfterTrauma #PostTraumaticGrowth #MindsetHealing #SurvivorStories#EmotionalWellness #988Lifeline #YouAreNotAlone ***************************************************************************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.

Zulma on Trauma, Therapy, and Why You’re Not Broken

Trigger Notice + Support This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, abuse, cancer, and trauma recovery.If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone.In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.For international support, visit: https://findahelpline.com What happens when life tries to break you—and you decide not to let it? In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with therapist and survivor Zulma Williams to talk trauma, healing, and why you don’t need to be “fixed” to move forward. 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 you woke up today, your mission in life is not complete.” — Zulma Williams Episode Description Zulma Williams has survived more than most people can imagine—breast cancer, abusive relationships, depression, and suicidal ideation. But she never saw herself as a victim. In this raw, honest episode, Zulma joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share why survival isn’t about toughness—it’s about truth. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Zulma moved to the United States in her 30s, reinvented herself in midlife, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after cancer forced her to stop and reevaluate everything. Along the way, she learned something powerful: trauma doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you adapted. Zulma opens up about emotional and verbal abuse, how subtle control can dismantle your sense of self, and why so many people don’t realize they’re being harmed until they’re already isolated. She also explains why therapy only works when you’re allowed to be fully yourself—swearing included. As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma talks about trauma recovery, nervous system healing, and why short-term, evidence-based therapies can create real change. This conversation is bold, validating, and deeply human—especially for anyone who feels “too old,” “too damaged,” or “too far gone” to start over. This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t require perfection. It requires honesty, courage, and the willingness to honor your own internal hero. SEO Keywords: Zulma Williams, trauma recovery, mental health podcast, therapy healing, PTSD support, emotional abuse recovery, anxiety and depression, ART therapy, survivor mindset, suicide prevention, healing trauma, self-worth, resilience, therapy that works Meet Our Guest — Zulma Williams, LCSW, ACSW, CTMH Zulma Williams is the founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma recovery. A breast cancer survivor and Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma brings lived experience, direct honesty, and evidence-based care to help clients stop surviving and start healing. Connect with Zulma:Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapistYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapistLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214/ Key Takeaways Trauma doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you adapted to survive. Emotional and verbal abuse are real, damaging, and often invisible. You’re never “too old” to change your life or start over. Therapy only works when you’re allowed to be your authentic self. Being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness. You are allowed to choose yourself—even if others don’t like it. Actionable Items If therapy doesn’t feel safe or real, give yourself permission to find a better fit. Ask yourself: “Am I honoring my internal hero—or ignoring them?” Notice where you’re minimizing your pain and name it honestly.   References Mentioned Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org Global Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com Important Chapters 00:02:00 – Zulma’s immigration journey and starting over 00:10:30 – Going back to school later in life 00:15:00 – Recognizing emotional and verbal abuse 00:22:00 – Therapy, trauma, and reclaiming your voice 00:30:00 – Why authenticity matters in healing 00:37:00 – Self-care, self-love, and choosing yourself 00:40:00 – Zulma’s message to anyone still struggling 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 #TherapyWorks #PTSDHealing #SurvivorStory #EmotionalAbuseRecovery#AnxietySupport #DepressionAwareness #HealingJourney #InternalHero #ARTTherapy#MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #SelfWorth ***************************************************************************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.