Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Menopause Meets Mindfulness: Amita’s Healing Blueprint for Women Over 40

Today’s guest, Amita Sharma, shares her deeply personal experience with perimenopause in the corporate world, the mental health toll it took, and how she turned that struggle into NourishDoc, a global wellness platform for women 40 and over. This award-winning episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads brings you a powerful, eye-opening conversation about the intersection of menopause, mindfulness, and mental health. With over 2 million downloads, we are proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. We want to hear from YOU. Drop us a voice message or leave your thoughts at:https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote:"The sooner you embrace yourself, the sooner you start living your truth. Otherwise, you're just wearing a mask." — Amita Sharma What This Episode CoversAmita opens up about the invisible toll of perimenopause, from brain fog and depression to sleep deprivation and lost libido—all while trying to survive in a high-stakes, male-dominated tech career. We explore how mindfulness, acupuncture, holistic nutrition, and boundary-setting became her survival tools, and how that journey became the seed for NourishDoc. This comprehensive wellness platform helps thousands of midlife women worldwide. SEO Keywords:Menopause mental health, perimenopause anxiety, midlife women support, mindfulness for menopause, holistic wellness, mental health for women over 40, Amita Sharma, NourishDoc Meet Our Guest: Amita SharmaA former high-tech executive turned wellness innovator, Amita Sharma is the founder of NourishDoc. Her lived experience as a perimenopausal woman in corporate America ignited a mission to support other women through the mental and physical chaos of midlife. NourishDoc offers integrative, evidence-based programs for women 35+, tackling sexual health, menopause symptoms, mental clarity, and long-term chronic condition prevention. Amita’s Links:Website: http://www.nourishdoc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nourishdoc/X (Twitter): https://x.com/nourishdocYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nourishdocInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/nourish_docLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amita-sharma-nourishdoc/ Key Takeaways: Perimenopause isn’t just hot flashes—it deeply impacts mental health, identity, and daily functioning. Holistic wellness tools, such as yoga, journaling, and red-light therapy, can help restore balance. There’s a serious education gap in healthcare—many doctors are not trained to recognize or treat perimenopause. Actionable Tips from Amita: Track your symptoms and advocate for testing—don’t wait for your doctor to connect the dots. Start mindfulness and journaling daily to help process changes and center yourself. Explore integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, dietary changes, and vaginal health supplements, to enhance quality of life.   Important Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Meet Amita03:00 – From Architecture to High-Tech to Holistic Health07:00 – What Perimenopause Really Feels Like12:00 – Mental Health Impact: Depression, Anxiety & Fog16:00 – Cultural Stigma & Workplace Silence22:00 – Loss of Libido, Intimacy, and Sexual Health28:00 – How NourishDoc Empowers Women35:00 – Systemic Gaps in Women’s Healthcare43:00 – Amita’s Advice to Her Younger Self References: NourishDoc Research & Programs – http://www.nourishdoc.com/ WHO and NIH studies on menopause-related mental health PubMed clinical research (as referenced by Amita)   Subscribe, Rate, and Review!Love what you heard? Don't forget to subscribe for more bold, unfiltered stories about the real stuff going on in our heads. Please take a moment to rate & review us on your favorite podcast platform or on our website:https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews For feedback, stories, or shoutouts, visit:https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PerimenopauseSupport #MidlifeWomenWellness#MenopauseJourney #NourishDoc #AmitaSharma #Grex #DirtySkittles #MindfulnessHealing#HormoneHealth #WomenOver40 #HolisticMentalHealth #AnxietySupport #BurnoutRecovery#SelfCareTips #PodcastForWomen #ChronicConditionPrevention #Podmatch #HealthEquityForWomen ***************************************************************************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

Beth and Noel’s Mental Health Journey – Part 2: The Caregiver’s Perspective

*** Trigger Warning: *** This episode contains discussions of suicidal ideation, overdose, caregiver burnout, and mental health crisis response. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are distressing, please consider skipping this episode or listening with someone you trust. This is Part 2 of our conversation with Beth and Noel, continuing one of the most personal and powerful stories ever shared on Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. In this episode, we focus on Noel’s experience as a caregiver, from crisis preparation to emotional exhaustion, and everything in between. Our podcast is proud to be a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 2 million downloads, we’re deeply committed to keeping mental health real, raw, and accessible. We’ve been nominated again for the 2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards — in both the Adam Curry Legacy and Health categories. 🗳️ Vote for us by July 31, 2025, at: https://www.podcastawards.com 💬 Share your thoughts or leave us a voice message at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote of the Episode: "If people love you, they’re going to accept it and do anything for you. That’s what I do for Beth." – Noel Episode Description: Noel opens up about the unimaginable weight of caregiving for someone facing constant mental health crises. From making the house “suicide-proof” to navigating his depression and recent ADHD diagnosis, Noel shares the emotional reality behind supporting Beth. This episode offers a rare and compassionate glimpse into the perspective of a caregiver — the confusion, the calm under pressure, the isolation, and the love that holds it all together. SEO Keywords: caregiver mental health, suicide prevention, partner support, ADHD and caregiving, crisis management, mental health relationships, trauma response, men and mental health, emotional regulation, support systems Meet Our Guests: Beth is a microbiologist and survivor who has overcome severe mental health challenges with the help of DBT, supportive care, and her determination. Her honesty and insight make this a truly moving story. Noel is a musician and podcast editor (and the one who makes us sound good!). He has spent more than two decades by Beth’s side — a caregiver, partner, and advocate — often quietly holding things together when everything else fell apart. Key Takeaways: Caregiving requires resilience and preparation — from managing medication to handling emergency hospitalizations. Even caregivers need care — Noel shares how therapy, music, and dogs became his therapy. Love doesn’t mean fixing someone — it means standing by them even when it gets hard. Actionable Items: Don’t ignore the mental health of caregivers — check in, offer help, or simply listen. Have a safety plan in place for households managing suicide risk. Explore creative coping tools, such as mindfulness, DBT, or music therapy. Chapters / Timestamps: [00:00] Noel’s Role as a Caregiver From partner to protector — how Noel managed the crisis side of Beth’s illness. [02:00] Suicide-Proofing the Home Practical ways Noel tried to keep Beth safe. [06:00] The Turning Point Moments When the ambulance had to stop for critical care, the dog that saved a life. [10:00] Mental Health & Masculinity Noel’s experience with depression and his ADHD diagnosis. [15:00] Love Without Conditions Why emotional support sometimes means going it alone — and still showing up. [22:00] Self-Care That Works From gardening to music to dog grooming — finding peace in the chaos. References: Vote in the Podcast Awards: https://www.podcastawards.com Share feedback: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Review our podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews Mental Health Resources Australia Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 24-hour crisis counselling and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online. Suicide Call Back Service – https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ 24/7 phone and online support. Call 1300 659 467. Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Mental health support for depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636, 24/7, or chat online. MindSpot – https://www.mindspot.org.au/ Free online and phone services for anxiety, depression, and stress. Call 1800 61 44 34. Medicare Mental Health – https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/ Connects you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212. MensLine Australia – https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/ 24/7 mental health support for men. Call 1300 78 99 78. Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorders) – https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/chat-online/ Eating disorder support 7 days/week, 8 am–midnight AEST. Call 1800 33 4673. United Kingdom Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/ Free 24/7 emotional support. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk. SHOUT – https://giveusashout.org/ Free, confidential text support 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258. Mind UK – https://www.mind.org.uk/ Mental health info and support. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support Support for anyone struggling or in crisis. Call 0800 58 58 58 or use web chat (5 pm–midnight, daily). Beat Eating Disorders – https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Eating disorder help across the UK. Call 0808 801 0433 Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Subscribe for more raw and real stories around mental health. Rate and review us wherever you listen, or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #CaregiverSupport #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaHealing #MenAndMentalHealth #ADHDAwareness #PodcastRecommendations #DBTtherapy #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Neurodivergent #PeopleChoiceAwards #Grex #DirtySkittles #MentalHealthJourney #SupportSystem #MindfulnessTools #Podmatch #RadicalAcceptance #BehindClosedDoors ***************************************************************************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

Beth and Noel’s Mental Health Journey – Part 1: Surviving the Storm

*** Trigger Warning: ***  This episode contains personal stories involving eating disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and hospitalization for mental health crises. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are triggering for you, please consider skipping this episode or listening with support. Welcome to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, where we talk honestly about what mental health really looks like — messy, real, and deeply human. In this powerful two-part series, we sit down with Beth and Noel to hear their shared story of survival, love, and resilience. We are incredibly proud to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, and was named Best Mental Health Podcast by the 2024 Women in Podcasting Awards. With over 2 million downloads, we’re honored to keep bringing conversations like this into the light. We're also nominated in two categories for the 2025 Podcast People's Choice Awards — the Adam Curry Legacy Category and the Health Category. 🗳️ Please vote for us before July 31, 2025, at: https://www.podcastawards.com (you’ll need to verify your email). 💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a voice message or written feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a This is Part 1 of a 2-part episode. Part 2 will be released on Thursday, July 31st, 2025. Mental Health Quote of the Episode: "You don’t have to act on every emotion. Sometimes, noticing the storm is enough to survive it." Episode Description: In this emotionally raw and eye-opening episode, Beth shares her mental health journey, spanning childhood trauma, eating disorders, misdiagnoses, and suicide attempts. She opens up about growing up in a volatile household, dealing with body image and control issues, and finding hope in therapy later in life. Her partner, Noel, joins to reflect on his role as both a loving spouse and a caregiver, offering a rare perspective on what it means to support someone through mental health crises. Together, Beth and Noel tell a story of heartbreak, hospitalizations, and ultimately, healing. This episode focuses on: The experience of living with an undiagnosed mental illness The emotional toll of caregiving in a long-term relationship The differences in mental health support systems in the UK vs. Australia SEO Keywords: mental health, eating disorders, suicide survival, caregiver mental health, borderline personality disorder, DBT, UK mental health system, Australia mental health services, trauma healing, mental illness recovery Meet Our Guests: Beth is a microbiologist and survivor who has overcome severe mental health challenges with the help of DBT, supportive care, and her determination. Her honesty and insight make this a truly moving story. Noel is a musician and podcast editor (and the one who makes us sound good!). He has spent more than two decades by Beth’s side — a caregiver, partner, and advocate — often quietly holding things together when everything else fell apart. Key Takeaways: Recovery is non-linear — Beth’s healing came with setbacks, detours, and growth across decades. Caregivers are deeply affected — Noel’s experience shows how supporting someone through mental illness takes an emotional toll. Getting the right help matters — The difference in care between the UK and Australia was life-changing. Actionable Items: Don’t wait for a crisis — Seek therapy or support early, even if things feel manageable. Check on caregivers — Partners, family members, and friends supporting someone may be suffering in silence. Explore DBT — Dialectical Behavior Therapy gave Beth the tools to regain control of her life. Chapters / Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome & Introductions Meet Beth and Noel and learn why this episode is so personal for the hosts. [03:00] Childhood & Trauma Beth reflects on growing up with emotional instability and disordered eating patterns. [13:00] University Collapse An inside look at her breakdown during graduate school and the silent battles she fought. [23:00] Suicide Attempts & Overdoses Beth speaks openly about her darkest moments and her hospitalizations. [31:00] Discovering DBT A turning point in her recovery journey — learning tools that made hope possible. [36:00] Mental Health Systems: UK vs. Australia Noel and Beth explain how access to proper care changed everything. References: Vote for us in the 2025 Podcast People's Choice Awards: https://www.podcastawards.com Leave feedback: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Add your review: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews Mental Health Resources Australia Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Provides 24-hour crisis counselling, suicide prevention, and support groups. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online. Suicide Call Back Service – https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ 24/7 telephone and online support for people in emotional crisis. Call 1300 659 467. Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Offers mental health support and resources to reduce stigma around depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online 24/7. MindSpot – https://www.mindspot.org.au/ A free service for adults experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, or depression. Call 1800 61 44 34 (not for emergencies). Medicare Mental Health – https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/ Helps connect you to local services for mental health support. Call 1800 595 212. MensLine Australia – https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/ Free 24/7 telephone and online counselling for men. Call 1300 78 99 78 or chat online. Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorders) – https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/chat-online/ Provides specialist support for eating disorders. Call 1800 33 4673, 8 am–midnight AEST/AEDT, or chat online. United Kingdom Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/ Offers 24/7 emotional support in complete confidence. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk. SHOUT – https://giveusashout.org/ Free 24/7 confidential text support for people in crisis. Text SHOUT to 85258. Mind UK – https://www.mind.org.uk/ Provides information and support for those with mental health concerns. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support A suicide prevention charity offering help for anyone struggling. Call 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat (open 5 pm–midnight daily). Beat Eating Disorders – https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ UK-wide support for people with eating disorders. Call 0808 801 0433 Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Subscribe for more honest and inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #EatingDisorderRecovery #SuicideSurvivor #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #CaregiverSupport #MentalHealthJourney #PodcastRecommendations #DBTtherapy #WomenInPodcasting #PeopleChoiceAwards #TraumaHealing #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #MentalIllnessRecovery #UKMentalHealth #AustralianHealthcare #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch ***************************************************************************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

Melissa Osorio on Healing Hidden Trauma and Reclaiming Your Life Through Ayahuasca

In this powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we talk with trauma survivor, speaker, and Author Melissa Osorio, who shares her raw and deeply moving journey of rediscovering her childhood trauma and healing through ayahuasca and intentional self-work. As a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, a 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and with over 2 million downloads, we’re proud to keep amplifying real, unfiltered stories like Melissa’s. 🎧 We want to hear from YOU! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a We’ve been nominated again — in the Adam Curry and Health categories of the Podcast People’s Choice Awards! Vote for us before July 31, 2025, at: https://www.podcastawards.com/ (Use a valid email — they’ll verify it!) Mental Health Quote “You don’t have to heal all at once—just show up for yourself, one small step at a time.” What This Episode Covers In this episode, we explore: How suppressed trauma shapes adult identity What ayahuasca is—and isn’t The path from personal breakdown to community healing The importance of safe spaces for trauma processing How healing your past transforms your present and impacts future generations SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, ayahuasca healing, childhood trauma recovery, Melissa Osorio, psychedelic therapy, hidden memories, trauma integration, self-compassion, healing retreats, Rythmia Costa Rica, women’s healing stories, reclaiming your life Meet Our Guest – Melissa Osorio Melissa Osorio is a trauma survivor, speaker, entrepreneur, and author of Hidden Memories: Discover What’s Blocking You From Life and Love. After unlocking long-buried memories of childhood abuse triggered by the sudden death of her father, Melissa found profound healing through ayahuasca. Today, she helps others reclaim their wholeness by teaching at Rythmia, a life advancement retreat center in Costa Rica. Website: https://melissa-osorio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaosorio_remembers Key Takeaways Healing isn’t linear — Grief and growth go hand-in-hand. Your body remembers what your mind forgets — Trauma is stored physically and spiritually. You don’t have to be where you’ve always been — Sometimes, the most significant healing starts with a single step in a new direction. Actionable Tools From This Episode Practice Self-Compassion Daily: Start your morning by saying one kind thing to yourself out loud. Choose Community Over Isolation: Join a healing circle, retreat, or online support group—even if it feels scary. Educate Yourself on Trauma: Read Melissa’s book or others that explain the neuroscience behind trauma and healing. Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and Welcome 01:07 – Melissa's journey from the East Coast to San Diego 04:23 – The moment everything changed: “You don’t have to be here anymore.” 10:46 – Melissa’s early life, family secrets, and childhood in Venezuela 15:22 – Discovering Rythmia and ayahuasca 18:56 – Remembering the trauma and understanding hidden memories 24:29 – The grief cycle and navigating acceptance 28:04 – Life after the retreat: What integration means 33:36 – Finding purpose through healing and becoming a teacher 41:47 – Healing later in life and how it helps your family too 46:19 – Advice to your younger self & reclaiming your essence 49:43 – Melissa’s tools for self-love and daily care References Hidden Memories: Discover What’s Blocking You From Life and Love by Melissa Osorio Rythmia Life Advancement Center – https://rythmia.com Cast Feedback – https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Vote in the 2025 Podcast People’s Choice Awards – https://www.podcastawards.com/ Subscribe, Rate, and Review! If this episode touched you, subscribe to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. Please leave us a review, and share it with a friend. Help us keep the conversation going at: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #AyahuascaHealing #TraumaRecovery #HiddenMemories #MelissaOsorio #PsychedelicTherapy #SelfCompassion #HealingJourney #DirtySkittles #GRex #Podmatch #WomensMentalHealth #EmotionalWellbeing #Rythmia #ChildhoodHealing #PodcastAwards2025 #HealingWithAyahuasca #MentalWellness ***************************************************************************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

Marie’s Way: A Journey Through Loss, Love, and Light

In this powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we’re joined by Marie Alessi — grief advocate, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author. After the sudden loss of her husband, Marie found herself raising two young sons while navigating an ocean of grief. But instead of sinking, she built a new life rooted in healing, purpose, and compassion. This episode is an honest and inspiring conversation about choosing resilience over despair, finding strength in vulnerability, and how emotional intelligence transforms the way we support each other through grief. We’re honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over 2 million downloads and a growing global community. Help Us Win Again! We've been nominated for the 2025 Podcast People’s Choice Awards in two categories: The Adam Curry Category and Health. Vote before July 31, 2025, at: https://www.podcastawards.com/ (Use a valid email address — email verification is required.) Share Your Feedback We’d love to hear from you. Send us your thoughts, questions, or personal stories using this link: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Quote from the Episode “When you fall apart, you see what's left in you — and that was power.” — Marie Alessi Episode Description After losing her husband to a sudden brain aneurysm, Marie Alessi was thrust into a new reality: single parenthood, unimaginable grief, and a choice — stay buried in sorrow or rise and heal. She chose healing. In this episode, we explore the mental, emotional, and spiritual components of grief, parenting through trauma, and how mindset can change everything. Whether you're experiencing loss or supporting someone who is, Marie’s journey will leave you with tools, hope, and a reminder that light can exist even in the darkest spaces. SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, grief and healing, emotional intelligence for kids, Marie Alessi interview, overcoming trauma, support for widows, healing journey, grief support, parenting through grief, resilience after loss Meet Our Guest: Marie Alessi Marie Alessi is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and internationally recognized grief advocate. She became a widow at age 45 and turned her personal tragedy into a movement to help others heal after loss. Through books, retreats, and coaching, Marie has guided thousands in transforming grief into a catalyst for growth. Website: https://www.mariealessi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.alessi.speaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarieAlessiPublicFigure LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-alessi Key Takeaways Grief isn’t just sadness — it can also be the gateway to empowerment and connection. Children need more than comfort — they need the language to name their emotions. Allowing support into your life is a sign of strength, not weakness. Actionable Items When helping a grieving friend, offer specific options (e.g., “Tuesday or Thursday?”) instead of saying “Call me if you need anything.” Use affirming grief language: “There’s a space in my heart for them,” rather than “There’s a hole in my heart.” Write a letter from your loved one to yourself — a powerful reframe for healing and self-connection. Chapters & Timestamps [00:01:36] Marie on Being in a Good Place — mindset, structure, and allowing help [00:04:20] Therapy at 21 — breaking out of the victim mindset [00:20:53] The Day Rob Died — shock, intuition, and loss [00:27:13] Spiritual Epiphany — soul contracts and acceptance [00:29:51] Grieving Kids — helping children name and process emotions [00:40:26] Power in Falling Apart — grief as transformation [00:56:56] Self-Love as the Hardest Lesson — unconditional acceptance Mental Health & Grief Resources: Tools, Books, and Education Books & Tools Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood This book helped Marie recognize relationship patterns that were rooted in unresolved emotional trauma, and ultimately led her to therapy. *(Search on Amazon or local bookstores.)* Books by Marie Alessi Explore Marie’s personal stories and healing frameworks in her published works. https://www.mariealessi.com/ Education & Community Simon Sinek’s “8 Minutes” (YouTube) A short but emotional talk on the importance of truly listening. It Means "I Need You": The Power of 8 Minutes Children’s Collaborative (US) An organization bringing grief education to schools is essential for emotional development and peer understanding. https://childrenscollaborative.us/ Special Shout-Out: Women Supporting Women A big thank you to Melissa Crook of The F.E.E.L Podcast, who is helping women reconnect with themselves through intentional wellness. Learn More: https://www.embracinglayers.com/ Enroll in the Course: Course Link Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-L-Fueled-Life-Empowerment/dp/B0FCDML1FB Subscribe, Rate & Review Love the show? Please subscribe, rate us, and leave a review. Every comment helps us grow and reach more people who need these conversations. Leave a review: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #GriefHealing #EmotionalIntelligence #MarieAlessi #PodcastCommunity #HealingAfterLoss #MentalHealthMatters #SelfLoveJourney #NormalizeGrief #WidowSupport #ParentingThroughGrief #GriefSupport #WomenInPodcasting #PodcastAwards2025 #Grex #DirtySkittles #MindsetShift #GriefEmpowerment #SpeakYourTruth #PodMatch ***************************************************************************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