From Betrayal to Breakthrough: Kim’s Mental Health Journey Through Interoception

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Jennifer’s Story: Breaking the Stigma of Therapy, Trauma, and Emotional Healing

This powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads brings you the raw, honest, and resilient story of Jennifer Ginty—entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and founder of My Moody Monster . Jen lives with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder stemming from childhood trauma, and she shares how she finally faced her emotional pain, built a healing team, and created tools to help kids and adults express emotions in healthy ways. We are proud to share that our podcast 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 worldwide . Please help us continue to grow and improve: leave your feedback (written or as a voice message) at https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a . Mental Health Quote of the Episode "Control isn’t necessary for life. You don’t need control to live a happy, healthy life." – Jennifer Ginty What You’ll Hear in This Episode In this episode, Jennifer opens up about years of postponing her healing journey, confronting her abuser, and navigating the deep emotional weight of trauma, motherhood, and identity loss. We explore: What triggered her decision to heal finally Her experience with inpatient care and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Creating My Moody Monster , a tool for emotional regulation How generational trauma and people-pleasing behaviors held her back Raising children with mental health challenges The importance of creating a personalized support team SEO Keywords: trauma recovery, emotional healing, PTSD, mental health podcast, childhood trauma, therapy journey, DBT, emotional regulation, parenting mental health, My Moody Monster, coping skills for kids, mental wellness, breaking the stigma, women’s mental health Meet Jennifer Ginty Jennifer is the founder of My Moody Monster , a therapeutic plush toy designed to help children express emotions through physical play. Diagnosed with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, Jennifer built a support team, embraced inpatient therapy at McLean Hospital, and now shares her story to help others begin their healing. She also hosts the When Not Yet Becomes Right Now podcast—born from the realization that the right time to heal is now. Website: https://www.mymoodymonster.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymoodymonster/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymoodymonster BlueSky: @mymoodymonster.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mymoodymonster TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@mymoodymonster Key Takeaways Healing takes readiness, not permission — It’s okay to say “not yet,” until your mind says “right now.” Coping skills must be practiced before you need them — Just like muscles, emotional regulation tools require repetition. Kids need emotional tools too — Jennifer’s My Moody Monster is a creative, tactile way to help children express and understand emotions. Actionable Tools DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) — Focus on mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. Build your therapy team — Don’t settle for the wrong therapist. Speed-date until you find the right fit. Coping Skill Tools — Try frozen washcloths, modeling clay with essential oils, or tools like My Moody Monster to interrupt intense emotional spirals. Chapters & Time Stamps [00:00] Intro: Welcome to our award-winning show [01:10] Jennifer’s journey begins – Trauma, college, and “not yet” moments [02:57] The breaking point: Bankruptcy, identity loss, and finally saying “right now” [06:38] Confronting her abuser and community shame [10:09] Motherhood and mental health—her son’s early suicidal ideation [15:57] Barriers to mental health care access and insurance frustrations [20:52] DBT & McLean Hospital: Building her mental health toolkit [26:05] Real-time coping tools (box breathing, frozen towels, modeling clay) [30:22] The birth of Moody: Creating an emotional outlet [34:06] The love letter: Why Moody is a symbol of hope and self-compassion [36:51] Learning to accept love and let go of control [40:37] Bonus Questions: Her anxiety theme song, tattoos, and the word she hates References & Mentions McLean Hospital – Premier mental health hospital: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/ DBT Therapy Overview : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/dialectical-behavior-therapy Crayola Model Magic Clay – Great tactile tool: https://shop.crayola.com/modeling/model-magic My Moody Monster : https://www.mymoodymonster.com Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Enjoying Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads ? Be sure to subscribe , rate , and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback fuels our mission. You can also leave us a message at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Visit our website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews Let’s continue breaking the silence around mental health—together. #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaHealing #CPTSDRecovery #MyMoodyMonster #ParentingAndMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalRegulation #DBTskills #HealingJourney #ChildhoodTrauma #MentalHealthSupport #TalkAboutIt #InvisibleIllness #ComplexPTSD #WomenInPodcasting #TherapyIsCool #MentalHealthForMoms #Podmatch #Grex #DirtySkittles *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up Here Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Sep 2, 2025

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Choosing Peace Over Pain: Susan’s Story of Boundaries and Breakthroughs (Part 3 of 3)

What does it really mean to choose peace—especially when it means letting go of family? In the final part of Susan Snow’s gripping three-part series, we witness the hard-won clarity that comes after trauma, truth-telling, and transformation. This conversation dives into toxic family dynamics, radical self-worth, and the freeing power of walking away from what no longer serves your mental health. 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 Best Mental Health Podcast , with over 2 million downloads and a loyal global audience. We’re breaking stigma, one honest story at a time. We’d love your feedback. Leave us a written message or voice note at: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a "Just because they gave birth to you doesn’t mean you owe them a relationship—especially when that relationship threatens your peace." — Susan Snow. Episode Summary: This episode is about confronting hard truths, establishing healthy boundaries, and the emotional freedom that comes from prioritizing our mental health over lifelong dysfunction. Susan Snow reflects on the moment she was written out of her mother’s will—and why she still chose peace. She shares how understanding her self-worth allowed her to walk away without hate, guilt, or shame. Susan and the hosts explore how generational trauma, guilt-based parenting, and enabling behaviors can trap us in cycles of self-doubt. With courage, grace, and deep empathy, Susan discusses walking away from a toxic parent, standing in her truth, and becoming the mother, partner, and coach she always hoped to be. SEO Keywords: mental health boundaries, toxic family relationships, PTSD recovery, trauma coaching, choosing peace, mother-daughter estrangement, emotional freedom, forgiveness and healing, Susan Snow, journaling for mental health Meet Susan Snow Susan Snow is a courageous and heartfelt speaker whose life story shines as a beacon of healing and hope. At just 17, Susan’s world was shattered when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was ambushed and murdered on Halloween night in 1985. That moment changed everything, pulling her into the depths of grief and trauma. In the years that followed, Susan faced PTSD, loss, and the long, complicated process of rebuilding her life. But instead of letting the darkness define her, she turned her pain into purpose. By embracing vulnerability and speaking her truth, she has shown that healing is possible—even after unimaginable events. Today, Susan is the Author of a profoundly moving book that reminds us of two powerful truths: life can change in an instant, and recovery is always within reach. Whether speaking on stage or connecting through virtual events, Susan doesn’t just share her story—she invites people into it. She creates space for others to see themselves, to grieve, to forgive, and to find their own resilience. Her signature talks, “Other Side of the Gun: Hope Through the Journey of Grief, PTSD, and Empowerment” and “Forgiveness vs. Forgetting,” go beyond inspiration. They offer honest guidance, compassion, and a roadmap for choosing hope over pain. Connect with Susan: Website: https://susansnowspeaks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_snow1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/SusanSnow TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susansnow1lifecoach YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/susansnowspeaks2023 3 Key Takeaways: Boundaries are an act of self-respect, not betrayal —especially when they protect your mental health. Self-worth is learned through action , not just affirmation. You can love someone and still choose to walk away. Actionable Items: Practice gratitude journaling each morning —focus on 3 things you’re thankful for and why . Protect your peace by naming what feels toxic , even if others don’t understand. Use curiosity instead of judgment when reacting to others—you never know what pain they’re carrying. Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome to Part 3 Susan returns for the final part of her mental health story. [01:00] The Will and the Wake-Up Call Susan finds out she’s been cut from her mother’s will—and why it brought clarity, not conflict. [06:00] Walking Away Without Hate A powerful reflection on choosing peace, not pain, even with a parent. [13:00] “I Am My Father’s Daughter” Susan shares how her dad’s legacy guides her work and her identity today. [20:00] Helping Others Through Her Purpose Susan recounts helping a young LGBTQ+ father reconnect with gratitude and healing. [28:00] Healing Is Not Linear Grief, healing, and joy are allowed to coexist. Susan explains why. [34:00] The Future of Healing and Speaking Susan’s message to anyone feeling stuck: You are not alone, and your story has power. [41:00] Lightning Round Fun Theme songs, favorite words, and emotional takeaways. [42:50] How to Find Susan + Final Words Links, book info, and what’s next for Susan Snow. References & Resources: Susan Snow’s book: The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency (Available on Amazon & Kindle) Website: https://susansnowspeaks.com/ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Don't miss more honest, healing stories from powerful voices. Subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review here: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery #TraumaHealing #SusanSnow #BoundariesMatter #ChoosePeace #EmotionalHealing #ForgivenessJourney #TraumaSurvivor #HealingIsPossible #MotherWound #RealTalkMentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #TherapyWorks #BreakTheStigma #HealingTools #MentalHealthSupport #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up Here Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Aug 28, 2025

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Healing from Extreme Trauma: Susan’s Story of Strength and Transformation (Part 2 of 3)

Some stories leave you breathless. This is one of them. In Part 2 of our raw, deeply human conversation with Susan Snow , we continue exploring how trauma reshapes a life—and how healing is always possible with the proper support, tools, and truth. Susan opens up about living with PTSD, learning to trust again, and the small but powerful steps that began her transformation. Welcome back to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads —your space for honest, gritty, and healing conversations around mental health. We’re proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast , with over 2 million downloads and counting. We’d love your feedback! Visit https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a to leave us a message or written input. "Healing is not an ego thing. It's the bravest, most necessary thing you'll ever do." — Susan Snow. Episode Summary: In this emotionally rich second installment, Susan Snow shares the real work of healing from complex PTSD , extreme trauma, and generational wounds. After a tragic and violent loss changed her world at 17, Susan opens up about her years-long battle with anxiety, insomnia, and panic—and how finding the right therapist finally gave her hope. This episode covers critical mental health topics, including trauma recovery , journaling for sleep , breathwork , emotional boundaries , forgiveness , and how to build a support system when you feel entirely alone. Whether you're just beginning your healing journey or helping someone else through theirs, Susan’s story is your reminder that hope is real—and transformation is possible. SEO Keywords : PTSD recovery, trauma healing, journaling and sleep, panic attacks, breathwork therapy, finding the right therapist, mental health podcast, grief recovery, trauma coaching, emotional boundaries, Susan Snow Meet Susan Snow Susan Snow is a courageous and heartfelt speaker whose life story shines as a beacon of healing and hope. At just 17, Susan’s world was shattered when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was ambushed and murdered on Halloween night in 1985. That moment changed everything, pulling her into the depths of grief and trauma. In the years that followed, Susan faced PTSD, loss, and the long, complicated process of rebuilding her life. But instead of letting the darkness define her, she turned her pain into purpose. By embracing vulnerability and speaking her truth, she has shown that healing is possible—even after unimaginable events. Today, Susan is the Author of a profoundly moving book that reminds us of two powerful truths: life can change in an instant, and recovery is always within reach. Whether speaking on stage or connecting through virtual events, Susan doesn’t just share her story—she invites people into it. She creates space for others to see themselves, to grieve, to forgive, and to find their own resilience. Her signature talks, “Other Side of the Gun: Hope Through the Journey of Grief, PTSD, and Empowerment” and “Forgiveness vs. Forgetting,” go beyond inspiration. They offer honest guidance, compassion, and a roadmap for choosing hope over pain. Connect with Susan: Website: https://susansnowspeaks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_snow1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/SusanSnow TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susansnow1lifecoach YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/susansnowspeaks2023 Key Takeaways: Healing is a personal journey , not a one-size-fits-all process—you must find the right therapist for your trauma. Journaling can be a game-changer in managing anxiety and improving sleep, especially when done before bed. Boundaries, forgiveness, and coaching are powerful tools in healing both yourself and your relationships. Actionable Items: Try expressive journaling nightly—write without censoring or editing, especially before bed. Practice box breathing or tapping to manage panic attacks and regulate your nervous system. Interview your therapist —ask about their specialties and be willing to walk away if it’s not the right fit. Episode Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome + Recap of Part 1 G-Rex and Dirty Skittles introduce Part 2 of Susan’s story. [01:00] When Therapy Finally Worked Susan explains how a therapist specializing in trauma and PTSD changed her life. [06:00] Journaling to Sleep Again Susan shares how nighttime journaling helped her escape anxiety-induced insomnia. [09:00] Breathwork, Tapping & Nervous System Regulation Early tools Susan learned that helped control panic attacks and stress. [17:00] Rewriting Patterns: Coaching and Boundaries Susan’s mindset shift through coaching and powerful conversations about forgiveness. [23:00] From Pain to Purpose How healing led Susan to write her memoir and step into her life’s mission. [35:00] Facing the Fear of Telling Her Story Susan talks about the fear of publishing her book—and doing it anyway. References & Resources Mentioned: Susan Snow’s website: https://susansnowspeaks.com/ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org Susan’s breathing and tapping techniques (Search: “box breathing PTSD” or “EFT tapping trauma”) Susan’s memoir (Link coming soon or available on her website) Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Don't miss the next part of Susan’s story. Subscribe for more inspiring conversations around mental health. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our site: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery #HealingJourney #SusanSnow #TherapyMatters #MentalHealthSupport #TraumaHealing #CoachingForHealing #RealTalkMentalHealth #FindYourPerson #JournalingTherapy #BoundariesMatter #PodcastForHealing #MentalWellness #Grex #DirtySkittles #WomenInPodcasting #Podmatch #TraumaSurvivor *************************************************************************** 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: Sign Up Here Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Aug 26, 2025

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

From Betrayal to Breakthrough: Kim’s Mental Health Journey Through Interoception

TLDL

If this episode is too long, you can listen to just the gist!

Other episodes of this podcast

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Jennifer’s Story: Breaking the Stigma of Therapy, Trauma, and Emotional Healing

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Choosing Peace Over Pain: Susan’s Story of Boundaries and Breakthroughs (Part 3 of 3)

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Healing from Extreme Trauma: Susan’s Story of Strength and Transformation (Part 2 of 3)