PodcastsAlternative HealthSh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Bleav
Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads
Latest episode

199 episodes

  • Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

    Shari B. Kaplan on Anxiety, Pain, and the Truth About Plant-Based Healing

    30/04/2026 | 52 mins.
    What if anxiety and pain are not problems to eliminate, but signals your body is trying to send you? In part two, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue the conversation with Shari B. Kaplan and get real about plant-based healing, nervous system balance, and taking back control of your health.

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

    Feedback Link Line

    We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “You can use the medicine, but you still have to show up and change your life.” — Shari B. Kaplan

    Community Spotlight and Sponsor Support

    Vote for Us — Women Podcasters Awards

    We have been nominated for the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset and Mental Health category.

    If this podcast has helped you, we would appreciate your support.

    Vote here:
    https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting

    Voting is open through April 30th at 6 PM PST

    One vote per person. Duplicate votes will not count.

    A Quick Word From Our Sponsor — Cozy Earth

    Burnout is real, and so is the moment when you finally slow down.

    Cozy Earth is built for that moment. Their robes and slippers are designed to help you actually rest, not just crash.

    If you are always taking care of everyone else, this is your reminder that you deserve care, too.

    Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.

    Episode Description

    In part two, Shari B. Kaplan breaks down one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics in mental health right now, plant-based healing.

    From cannabis to herbal medicine, she explains how these tools can support anxiety, pain, and overall balance in the body when they are used intentionally.

    G-Rex and Dirty Skittles bring their own experiences into the conversation, sharing what it is like to live with anxiety and chronic pain, and how they have navigated different approaches to treatment.

    What stands out most is the reminder that no tool works on its own. Real healing requires participation. Movement matters. Breathing matters. Awareness matters.

    They also talk about humor, how it can interrupt negative thinking, and why learning to shift your internal dialogue can change how you experience your day.

    If you are curious about natural approaches to mental health or looking for new ways to manage anxiety and pain, this episode gives you practical insight in a way that feels real and grounded.

    Keywords: Shari B. Kaplan, anxiety relief, plant medicine, cannabis for mental health, chronic pain, holistic healing, endocannabinoid system, natural remedies, emotional healing, trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, alternative medicine

    Meet Our Guest — Shari B. Kaplan

    Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, is an integrative mental health and trauma specialist and the founder of Cannectd Wellness, where she combines psychotherapy, plant medicine, and holistic approaches to support long-term healing.

    Website: https://www.cannectd.com
    Meet Shari: https://www.cannectd.com/meet-sharibkaplan
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharibkaplan/
    Instagram (Cannectd): https://www.instagram.com/cannectd/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-b-kaplan-lcsw-180b1682

    Key Takeaways

    Anxiety and pain are signals from the body

    Plant medicine works best when combined with daily habits

    Balance in the body supports healing

    Humor can shift your mindset quickly

    You have more control over your healing than you think

    Actionable Items

    Start low and go slow if exploring plant-based options where legal

    Move your body daily, even in small ways

    Create a simple “joy trigger” that helps reset your mood

     
    Important Chapters

    00:00 – Reframing negative self-talk

    08:00 – Finding joy in small moments

    18:00 – Plant-based medicine explained

    28:00 – Anxiety, pain, and cannabis

    40:00 – Movement and healing

    50:00 – Final reflections

    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 #AnxietyRelief #PlantMedicine #CannabisEducation #ChronicPainRelief #HolisticHealing #NaturalMentalHealth #HealingJourney #MindBodyConnection #AlternativeMedicine

    ***************************************************************************
    If You Need Support, Reach Out
    If 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.org
    Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
    Worldwide: Find a Helpline
    Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
    Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
    Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
    LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Join Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)
    Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
    Audio 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.
  • Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

    How Shari B. Kaplan Turned Trauma into Purpose Through Holistic Mental Health

    28/04/2026 | 42 mins.
    What if the hardest moments in your life were not breaking you, but shaping you? In part one, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Shari B. Kaplan to talk about trauma, identity, and what it really takes to reconnect with yourself.

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

    Feedback Link Line

    We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “Remember who the fuck you are, because healing starts when you reconnect with yourself.” — Shari B. Kaplan

    Community Spotlight and Sponsor Support

    Vote for Us — Women Podcasters Awards

    We have been nominated for the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset and Mental Health category.

    This one means a lot. What started as real, sometimes messy conversations has grown into a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone. That only happened because of you.

    If this podcast has ever helped you feel understood, even for a moment, we would truly appreciate your vote.

    Vote here:
    https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting

    Voting is open through April 30th at 6 PM PST

    How to vote:

    Click the link

    Select the vote button

    Complete the form

    Only one vote per person and email is allowed, and duplicates will not count.

    Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

    A Quick Word From Our Sponsor — Cozy Earth

    We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying too much for too long.

    Cozy Earth is about what happens when you finally slow down, when you finally get a moment to breathe.

    Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like they exhale at the end of a long day. Soft, simple, and made for real life.

    Think about the people in your life who give everything. When was the last time they felt taken care of?

    This is your reminder that comfort matters, and you deserve it too.

    Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.

    Episode Description

    Shari B. Kaplan does not just talk about healing; she has lived it, worked through it, and built her life around helping others do the same.

    In this first part of a two-part conversation, she sits down with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how early life experiences, including head trauma and personal challenges, shaped the way she understands mental health today.

    From discovering meditation at a young age to navigating dyslexia, performance pressure, and difficult life decisions, Shari walks us through the moments that changed everything. What stands out most is her belief that we have more choice than we think, even when life feels overwhelming.

    This episode also challenges the way most people think about meditation. It is not about sitting still or clearing your mind. It is about finding something that works for your brain, your body, and your reality.

    The conversation also gets real about therapy. How do you find the right person? What questions should you ask? And why does the right fit matter so much?

    If you have ever felt disconnected, stuck, or unsure where to start, this episode brings it back to something simple. Start where you are, stay curious, and give yourself permission to figure it out.

    Keywords: Shari B. Kaplan, trauma healing, holistic mental health, meditation, ADHD, emotional healing, mind body connection, therapy, nervous system regulation, self awareness, mental wellness, identity, healing journey, mindfulness

    Meet Our Guest — Shari B. Kaplan

    Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, is an integrative mental health and trauma specialist and the founder of Cannectd Wellness, a holistic mental health and plant medicine center in Florida. With more than 30 years of experience, she blends psychotherapy, trauma protocols, plant medicine, and mind-body practices to support full mind-body-spirit healing.

    Website: https://www.cannectd.com
    Meet Shari: https://www.cannectd.com/meet-sharibkaplan
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharibkaplan/
    Instagram (Cannectd): https://www.instagram.com/cannectd/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-b-kaplan-lcsw-180b1682

    Key Takeaways

    Healing starts when you reconnect with who you are

    Meditation should work for your brain, not against it

    Trauma lives in the body, but so does healing

    You have more control over your day than you think

    The right therapist can change everything

    Actionable Items

    Try different styles of meditation until something feels right

    Set one intention each morning for how you want your day to feel

    Talk to more than one therapist before choosing who to work with

    Important Chapters

    00:00 – Meet Shari B. Kaplan

    03:00 – Early trauma and discovering meditation

    10:00 – Rethinking meditation for ADHD

    18:00 – Finding the right therapist

    25:00 – Setting intentions and mindset

    35:00 – Responding instead of reacting

    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 #HolisticMentalHealth #MeditationPractice #ADHDAwareness #MindBodyHealing #EmotionalWellness #TherapyJourney #HealingTools #MentalWellness

    ***************************************************************************
    If You Need Support, Reach Out
    If 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.org
    Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
    Worldwide: Find a Helpline
    Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
    Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
    Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
    LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Join Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)
    Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
    Audio 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.
  • Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

    The Invisible Rulebook

    24/04/2026 | 27 mins.
    What happens when you’re doing everything “right”… but it still feels wrong? In this powerful podcast swap, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles bring you Renee Swanson from The Covert Narcissism Podcast as she breaks down the invisible rules that quietly shape toxic relationships—and why none of it was ever your fault.

    Awards & Downloads Line

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

    Feedback Link Line

    We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Mental Health Quote

    “Healthy relationships do not require you to memorize a rulebook just to exist.” — Renee Swanson

    Episode Description

    This episode hits differently—and that’s intentional. As part of a podcast swap, we’re sharing an episode from Renee Swanson, host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast, and it’s one that puts words to something so many people feel but struggle to explain.

    Renee dives deep into what she calls “the invisible rulebook”—the unspoken, ever-changing expectations that shape unhealthy relationships. These aren’t normal compromises or shared agreements. These are confusing, often contradictory rules that leave you constantly second-guessing yourself, walking on eggshells, and feeling like you’re always getting it wrong… even when no one ever told you what “right” was.

    Through real stories from her community, Renee highlights how these dynamics show up in everyday life—what seems small on the surface becomes a source of tension, blame, or control. Over time, this creates a cycle of hypervigilance, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion.

    What makes this conversation so powerful is the clarity it brings. It’s not about the rules themselves—it’s about the environment they create. A lack of mutual respect, flexibility, and emotional safety slowly erodes your sense of self.

    This episode is a reminder that if something feels off, there’s a reason. And more importantly, it’s not you.

    Keywords: covert narcissism, invisible rules, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, self-doubt, gaslighting, relationship anxiety, boundaries, emotional manipulation, mental health awareness, healing journey, self-trust, trauma recovery, personal growth

    Meet the Host — Renee Swanson

    Renee Swanson is the host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast and a coach dedicated to helping individuals understand and heal from emotionally manipulative and narcissistic relationship dynamics. Through her work, she brings clarity to confusion and empowers people to rebuild trust in themselves after years of self-doubt.

    Website: https://covertnarcissism.com/

    Key Takeaways

    The problem isn’t the “rules”—it’s the environment they create

    Feeling like you’re always wrong is often a conditioned response, not reality

    Control in toxic relationships often hides in small, everyday interactions

    Double standards are a major red flag in unhealthy dynamics

    Self-doubt grows when you’re constantly managing someone else’s reactions

    Healthy relationships allow space for two humans to exist without shrinking

     

    Actionable Items

    When you feel self-doubt, ask: “Are the expectations clear—or constantly changing?”

    Practice noticing where you feel calm vs. where you feel like you’re “performing.”

    Remind yourself daily: “I don’t need a rulebook to exist in a healthy relationship.”

     

    Important Chapters

    00:00:00 – G-Rex introduces the podcast swap and the concept of “getting it wrong.”

    00:01:07 – Renee explains the invisible rulebook and community-driven stories

    00:04:00 – Why it’s not about the rules—it’s about the environment

    00:07:00 – Real-life examples of no-win scenarios in relationships

    00:12:00 – The emotional toll of constantly anticipating someone else’s needs

    00:17:00 – Control disguised as preferences and everyday habits

    00:21:00 – How small rules create long-term psychological impact

    00:23:00 – The erosion of identity and confidence over time

    00:24:40 – The truth: you were never the problem

    00:25:00 – What healthy relationships actually look like

     

    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 #CovertNarcissism #ToxicRelationships #EmotionalAbuseRecovery #GaslightingAwareness #SelfTrust #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #RelationshipDynamics #EmotionalWellbeing #TraumaHealing #PodcastSwap #SelfWorth #MentalHealthEducation

    ***************************************************************************
    If You Need Support, Reach Out
    If 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.org
    Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
    Worldwide: Find a Helpline
    Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
    Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
    Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
    LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Join Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)
    Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
    Audio 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.
  • Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

    Louis Kim on Finding Purpose After Success: Why Money Won’t Fix Your Mental Health

    21/04/2026 | 52 mins.
    What happens when you build the life you thought you were supposed to want—money, success, freedom, and still wake up feeling empty? In this raw and honest conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Louis Kim to unpack the quiet truth so many people are afraid to admit: external success doesn’t heal internal pain. Lou shares his journey through identity struggles, multiple suicide attempts, and a decade-long path of self-discovery that forced him to rethink everything he believed about happiness, purpose, and what it really means to feel alive.

    Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health), 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), 2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

    Feedback Link Line

    We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here:
    https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

    Special Announcements

    Vote for Us — Women Podcasters Awards

    I’m incredibly proud to share that we have been nominated in the 2026 Women Podcasters Awards in the Mindset & Mental Health category.

    This recognition means more than words can capture. What started as honest, sometimes messy conversations has grown into something bigger—a space where people feel seen, heard, and a little less alone.

    Now we have a chance to grow that impact even further, and your support would mean everything.

    Vote here:
    https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting

    Voting is open now through April 30th at 6 PM PST

    Voting is simple:
    • Click the link
    • Select the vote button
    • Complete the form
    Please note: only one vote per person and email address is allowed, and duplicate submissions will not be counted.

    Thank you for being part of this journey—whether you’ve listened, shared, or supported in any way.

    A Quick Word From Our Sponsor — Cozy Earth

    This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth—and honestly, this one hits home.

    We talk a lot on this show about burnout, anxiety, and carrying way too much for way too long. Cozy Earth is about bringing comfort back into those quiet, in-between moments—the ones where you finally get to exhale. Their robes and slippers are designed to feel like a deep breath at the end of a long day—soft, intentional, and made to support real life.

    Think about the women in your life—the ones who give endlessly. When was the last time they got that same level of care back?

    This is your reminder: comfort matters. And you deserve it, too.

    Head to https://www.cozyearth.com and use code OURHEADS for 20% off.
    Because the people who give the most should feel taken care of, too.

    Meet Our Guest — Louis Kim

    Louis Kim is a Korean-American entrepreneur, Founder of Yusan Capital, and a leader in what he calls “Connected Capitalism.” After building and selling a successful business, Louis found himself facing deep inner struggles that led him on a path of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and heart-centered leadership. Today, he bridges the worlds of business and inner work, helping others understand that true success starts within.

    Website: http://www.loukim.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partsoflou/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partsoflou/

    Mental Health Quote

    “If you’re unhappy without money, you’ll just be more miserable with it. Real fulfillment comes from within.” — Louis Kim

    Episode Description

    Louis Kim did everything right, built the business, made the money, and checked every box society tells us should equal happiness. But behind the success, he was struggling in silence. In this deeply honest conversation, Louis shares what it felt like to reach the top, realize something was still missing, and how that realization led him into one of the hardest, yet most transformative, chapters of his life.

    Sitting down with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Louis opens up about surviving multiple suicide attempts, navigating identity struggles as the child of immigrants, and confronting the uncomfortable truth that external achievements can’t replace internal fulfillment. What followed wasn’t a quick fix—it was a decade-long journey of self-discovery, letting go, and rebuilding from the inside out.

    This episode explores the power of gratitude, the importance of self-love, and why chasing joy will always take you further than chasing money. Louis also shares how his perspective on leadership has evolved, and what it really means to live authentically in a world that constantly pushes you to perform.

    If you’ve ever felt like you should be happier than you are, this conversation will hit home—and remind you that purpose isn’t something you find outside of yourself. It’s something you build from within.

    Keywords: Louis Kim, mental health podcast, finding purpose, success and happiness, suicide survival, self-discovery, gratitude practice, emotional wellness, burnout recovery, inner peace, personal growth, authenticity, joy vs money, mindset shift

    Key Takeaways

    Success without purpose can feel just as empty as failure

    Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for shifting your mindset

    External validation will never replace internal fulfillment

    Joy comes from connection and experiences—not material things

    Self-love is the foundation for meaningful relationships

    Your lowest moments can become the beginning of real transformation

     

    Actionable Items

    Create a “joy folder” on your phone with moments that make you smile

    Practice daily gratitude by naming three things you appreciate

    Pause and ask yourself: Am I chasing this for validation or fulfillment?

     

    References Mentioned

    Marcus Aurelius (Stoic philosophy on presence and gratitude)
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org

    Important Chapters

    00:00 – Welcome + meeting Louis Kim

    07:00 – The illusion of success and feeling empty inside

    15:00 – Suicide attempts and the turning point toward self-discovery

    25:00 – Gratitude, presence, and learning to appreciate the moment

    35:00 – Why experiences matter more than material success

    45:00 – Advice to his younger self: authenticity and gratitude

    52:00 – The hardest lesson: learning to love yourself first

    01:00:00 – Closing thoughts + where to find Louis

     

    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 #SelfDiscovery #PurposeDrivenLife #EmotionalWellness #InnerHealing #SuicideAwareness #GratitudePractice #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowthJourney #AuthenticLiving #JoyOverMoney #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastLife

    ***************************************************************************
    If You Need Support, Reach Out
    If 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.org
    Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
    Worldwide: Find a Helpline
    Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
    Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
    Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
    LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Join Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)
    Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
    Audio 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.
  • Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

    Covert Narcissism and Self-Blame Why You Always Feel Like You’re the Problem

    16/04/2026 | 21 mins.
    What happens when you keep walking away from conversations, feeling like everything is somehow your fault? In this special podcast swap, we’re sharing a powerful episode from Renee Swanson of The Covert Narcissism Podcast—one that breaks down the emotional weight of self-blame and why so many of us carry responsibility that was never ours to begin with. This isn’t our usual format, but it’s one we believe matters—and we truly hope you walk away from this episode learning something that shifts how you see yourself and your relationships.

    Mental Health Quote

    “Maybe you’re not the problem. Maybe you were just trying to be normal in a place that couldn’t tolerate normal.” — Renee Swanson

    Episode Description

    This episode is something a little different—and very intentional. As part of a podcast swap, we’re featuring a powerful episode from Renee Swanson, host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast. And honestly? This is one we knew our listeners needed to hear.

    Renee walks us through the subtle, often invisible dynamics of covert narcissism and self-blame—the kind that doesn’t show up as obvious conflict but instead leaves you questioning yourself after completely normal interactions. Through real-life scenarios, she unpacks how everyday conversations can twist, leaving you carrying guilt, confusion, and responsibility that were never yours.

    We explore what it means to be a self-reflective person in an unhealthy dynamic, how emotional intelligence can be quietly exploited, and why some relationships make you feel like you’re constantly getting it wrong. Renee also introduces the idea of internal boundaries—simple but powerful shifts that help you stop absorbing someone else’s tension and start trusting your own reality again.

    This episode hits deep because it puts words to something so many people feel but struggle to explain. And that’s exactly why we wanted to bring it to you.

    We’re honored to share Renee’s work on our platform, and we hope you take something real, grounding, and empowering from this conversation—because understanding this dynamic can truly change how you show up in your life and your relationships.

    Keywords: covert narcissism, self-blame, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, mental health awareness, gaslighting, self-worth, emotional intelligence, boundaries, healing journey, trauma recovery, self-trust, relationship patterns, personal growth

    Meet the Host — Renee Swanson

    Renee Swanson is the host of The Covert Narcissism Podcast and a coach dedicated to helping individuals understand and heal from emotionally manipulative and narcissistic relationship dynamics. Through her work, she provides clarity, validation, and practical tools for those navigating confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion.

    Website: https://covertnarcissism.com/

    Key Takeaways

    Not every emotional reaction directed at you belongs to you

    Self-reflection is a strength—but in the wrong environment, it can be used against you

    Feeling like “the problem” is often a learned pattern, not the truth

    Healthy relationships can handle normal communication without turning it into conflict

    Internal boundaries help you separate your emotions from someone else’s tension

    Patterns of self-doubt around specific people are important signals, not coincidences

    Actionable Items

    When self-blame shows up, pause and ask: “Who was I interacting with?”

    Practice the boundary: “I will not internalize someone else’s tension.”

    Notice where you feel grounded versus where you feel anxious or “too much”—and trust that awareness

    Important Chapters

    00:00:00 – G-Rex introduces the podcast swap and why this episode matters

    00:00:25 – Renee sets the stage: when something feels off but you can’t explain why

    00:01:07 – The kitchen scenario: how normal conversations turn into self-blame

    00:04:29 – Understanding emotional offloading and the “pressure release valve” dynamic

    00:06:14 – The long-term cost of self-erasure in relationships

    00:07:32 – Why everyday questions become “problems” in unhealthy dynamics

    00:08:21 – Workplace example: how self-doubt spreads beyond relationships

    00:12:11 – The grounding question that shifts your perspective

    00:13:41 – Why self-reflective people are more vulnerable in these dynamics

    00:15:55 – How covert narcissism exploits emotional intelligence

    00:17:22 – Weekly assignment: recognizing patterns of self-blame

    00:18:58 – Reclaiming your internal compass and sense of normal

     
    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 #CovertNarcissism #SelfBlame #ToxicRelationships #EmotionalAbuseRecovery #GaslightingAwareness #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #SelfWorth #EmotionalIntelligence #TraumaHealing #RelationshipDynamics #PodcastSwap #MentalHealthEducation

    ***************************************************************************
    If You Need Support, Reach Out
    If 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.org
    Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
    Worldwide: Find a Helpline
    Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
    Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
    Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
    Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
    LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
    Join Our Newsletter: (https://grexanddirtyskittles.substack.com/)
    Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
    Audio Editing by NJz Audio

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About Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

”Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads” is a podcast that emerged from G-Rex’s personal mental health journey, starting with a breakdown in 2022. Supported by her wife, 988, and a higher power, G-Rex found healing and vowed to destigmatize mental health struggles. With best friend Dirty Skittles, the podcast tackles life’s challenges with humor and honesty, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue. Listeners join their engaging discussions on relationships, parenting, pop culture, and mental health, gaining practical tips and a sense of community. Through laughter and camaraderie, the podcast offers empowerment and solidarity, reminding everyone that it’s okay not to be okay and encouraging reaching out for support. Ultimately, ”Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads” is a beacon of hope, humor, and companionship, advocating for mental health awareness and inclusivity.
Podcast website

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Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads: Podcasts in Family