Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

In part two, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles continue their conversation with Nancy Gilette and discuss practical tools parents can use to support autistic and neurodivergent children. Nancy breaks down co-regulation, declarative language, visual referencing, and why parents sometimes need a damn timeout too.

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

“Nothing good happens in dysregulation. Calm comes first, connection comes next, and problem-solving comes after that.” — Inspired by Nancy Gilette

Episode Description

Part two with Nancy Gilette gets into the tools parents can actually use when the house is loud, your child is overwhelmed, and everyone’s nervous system is one tiny inconvenience away from losing it.

Nancy talks with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles about parent resistance, old-school parenting beliefs, and why the “just get it done” mindset can disconnect kids and adults from what really matters. Her message is clear: parenting autistic and neurodivergent kids is not about forcing compliance. It is about creating safety, building trust, and helping kids develop the skills they need for a life that feels good — not just one that looks good on paper.

Nancy explains three core strategies she teaches families: visual referencing, declarative language, and co-regulation. She breaks down how declarative language shifts parents away from constant commands and gives children space to think, process, and participate. She also explains why co-regulation is not about controlling emotions; it is about creating shared safety when things feel too big.

Dirty Skittles shares more about parenting Nugget, finding moments of real attunement, and learning how to honor both her child’s needs and her own nervous system. Nancy also opens up about Crohn’s, boundaries, art, rest, and learning to trust her body.

This episode is a big, compassionate exhale for parents who are tired of being told to do more. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is slow down, connect, and stop parenting from panic.

Keywords: co-regulation, declarative language, autism parenting, parenting autistic kids, neurodivergent children, RDI strategies, visual referencing, emotional regulation, parent regulation, autism support, ADHD parenting, nervous system support, parent-child connection, quality of life, compassionate parenting

Meet Our Guest — Nancy Gilette

Nancy Gilette is a certified RDI Consultant, mentor, and autism advocate who helps parents of autistic and neurodivergent children shift from crisis-driven parenting into connection-based support. Her work focuses on practical strategies, relationship development, parent education, emotional regulation, and helping families create a better quality of life together.

Website: www.nancygilette.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nancygilettecoaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.gilette
RDI Connect: https://www.rdiconnect.com

Key Takeaways

Parents need regulation tools too, because dysregulated adults cannot guide dysregulated kids.

Declarative language helps children think, process, and participate instead of simply following commands.

Co-regulation is not about controlling emotions; it is about creating shared safety.

Visual referencing can help shift everyday moments from “me” to “we.”

A child’s confidence grows through safe experiences, not pressure or forced performance.

Quality of life matters more than checking every box society hands you.

Actionable Items

Try replacing one command with declarative language. Instead of saying, “Turn on the light,” try, “It’s dark in here, and I can’t see where I’m going.”

When you feel yourself about to snap, take a parent timeout and name it calmly: “I need a break so I can come back better.”

During a shared task, pause long enough for your child to refer to you visually before moving forward.

References Mentioned

Relationship Development Intervention: https://www.rdiconnect.com
Nancy Gilette: www.nancygilette.com
Dr. Ross Greene
Dr. Daniel Siegel
Dr. Gabor Maté
Autism: A Different Perspective — Nancy’s Facebook community

Important Chapters

00:00:00 – Welcome to Part Two
G-Rex opens part two by continuing the conversation around stress, the mind-body connection, and supporting families with more compassion.

00:01:29 – When Parents Resist a New Approach
Nancy explains how resistance often comes from old parenting stories, authoritative beliefs, and the pressure to “just get things done.”

00:04:15 – Do Parents Need Their Own Timeout?
G-Rex asks whether parents sometimes need to step away, and Nancy explains why parent regulation is essential.

00:06:11 – Regulation in Action
Nancy talks about what it means to catch yourself before losing control and how parents can model emotional regulation in real time.

00:09:13 – Why Nancy Works With Parents, Not Just Children
Nancy explains her parent-focused approach and why supporting the adults often helps the child thrive.

00:10:28 – Visual Referencing, Declarative Language, and Co-Regulation
Nancy introduces the three core strategies she teaches families to support authentic engagement and connection.

00:16:35 – Dirty Skittles Shares a Connection Moment With Nugget
Dirty Skittles describes a powerful moment of pausing, listening, and feeling the reward of true attunement with her child.

00:22:45 – What Is RDI?
Nancy explains Relationship Development Intervention and how it helps parents build practical skills to support their child’s development.

00:30:39 – Nancy’s Daily Practices for Showing Up
Nancy shares how rest, art, nervous system care, boundaries, and reducing social media help her stay grounded.

00:42:45 – Advice to Younger Nancy
Nancy reflects on what she would tell her younger self and the power of feeling supported instead of shut down.

00:46:38 – The Hardest Lesson: Believing in Herself
Nancy opens up about self-worth, professional identity, and learning to trust her own experience and body.

00:53:27 – Where to Find Nancy
Nancy shares how listeners can learn more about RDI, her work, and her autism support community.

Closing CTA

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Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CoRegulation #DeclarativeLanguage #AutismParenting #ParentingAutisticKids #RDIStrategies #NeurodivergentKids #VisualReferencing #ParentRegulation #EmotionalRegulation #ADHDParenting #CompassionateParenting #AutismSupport #ConnectionBeforeCorrection #NervousSystemSupport #QualityOfLife

 
 

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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.

Kicking off Season 18, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Nancy Gilette for part one of this powerful two-part conversation about autism support, parent burnout, neurodivergent parenting, and why connection has to come before correction. Nancy brings the kind of grounded wisdom parents need when they’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering if they’re doing enough.

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

“Behavior is communication. When we slow down enough to understand it, connection becomes possible.” — Inspired by Nancy Gilette

Episode Description

Parenting can feel like a full-contact sport, especially when your child is autistic, neurodivergent, overwhelmed, or struggling to communicate what’s really going on. In part one of this conversation, Nancy Gillette joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to talk about autism support, parent burnout, and the power of building real connection inside the chaos.

Nancy is a certified RDI Consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping families shift from survival mode into a calmer, more connected way of parenting. Her work centers on one powerful truth: behavior is communication. Instead of seeing challenging behavior as defiance or failure, Nancy encourages parents to get curious about what their child’s nervous system is trying to say.

Nancy also shares the moment that shaped her life’s work — a powerful connection with a young autistic child that showed her how meaningful engagement can change everything. From there, the conversation opens up into regulation, visual referencing, parent-child relationships, and why parents need support just as much as their kids do.

Dirty Skittles gets real about parenting Nugget, navigating possible neurodivergence, and trying to create more happy memories than painful ones. And G-Rex reminds listeners that parents are not broken; many were simply never given the tools they needed.

This episode is a compassionate reminder that you do not have to parent from panic. You can pause, reconnect, and try again.

Keywords: autism support, autism parenting, parent burnout, neurodivergent parenting, autistic children, behavior is communication, emotional regulation, RDI consultant, sensory overwhelm, parent-child connection, mental health podcast, parenting support, family wellness, compassionate parenting, connection before correction

Meet Our Guest — Nancy Gilette

Nancy Gilette is a certified RDI Consultant, mentor, and advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting autistic children and their families. She helps parents understand behavior as communication and teaches practical, relationship-based strategies that move families from crisis mode into connection, clarity, and calm.

Website: www.nancygilette.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nancygilettecoaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.gilette

Key Takeaways

Behavior is communication, not proof that a child is “bad” or that a parent is failing.

Parents often need support, tools, and compassion just as much as their children do.

Connection comes before correction, especially when a child is dysregulated.

Neurodivergent kids need adults who are willing to slow down, observe, and respond with intention.

Confidence grows through safe, manageable experiences — not pressure, shame, or forced performance.

Parent burnout is real, and taking a pause is a healthy part of regulation.

Actionable Items

Before reacting to challenging behavior, pause and ask: “What is this behavior trying to communicate?”

Create one small calm moment in your day, especially during high-stress transitions like mornings or bedtime.

When your child is dysregulated, focus first on helping them return to calm before trying to teach, explain, or problem-solve.

References Mentioned

Dr. Ross Greene — “Children do well if they can”
Relationship Development Intervention: https://www.rdiconnect.com
Nancy Gillette: www.nancygilette.com

Important Chapters

00:00:00 – Welcome to Part One
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles introduce the episode and welcome Nancy Gilette to the show.

00:01:19 – Nancy’s Work With Autistic Children and Families
Nancy explains her role as an RDI Consultant and how she helps parents move from survival mode into more calm, clarity, and understanding.

00:03:49 – The Moment That Sparked Nancy’s Mission
Nancy shares the powerful experience she had at 17 while working with an autistic child, and how one moment of authentic connection changed the direction of her life.

00:07:20 – Moving From Reaction to Connection
Nancy explains why so many parents feel stuck in crisis mode and how regulation, intention, and connection can shift the whole family dynamic.

00:14:21 – Dirty Skittles Opens Up About Parenting Nugget
Dirty Skittles shares a real-life morning moment with Nugget and how she works to pause, communicate honestly, and show up with love.

00:17:53 – Neurodivergence, Diagnosis, and the Bigger Question
Nancy discusses how diagnosis can offer information and access, but the deeper question is how families use that information to support quality of life.

00:28:28 – Dysregulation and Helping Kids Return to Calm
Nancy explains why the goal is not to shut down dysregulation, but to guide a child back toward calm so problem-solving can happen.

00:37:36 – Building Confidence Through Small, Safe Challenges
Nancy introduces the idea of gently increasing a child’s challenge level so they can experience success without becoming overwhelmed.

00:45:42 – Nancy’s Crohn’s Diagnosis and Listening to the Body
Nancy shares how her own health journey helped her better understand stress, the nervous system, healing, and quality of life.

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 #AutismSupport #AutismParenting #ParentBurnout #NeurodivergentParenting #BehaviorIsCommunication #AutisticChildren #EmotionalRegulation #CompassionateParenting #RDIConsultant #ParentingSupport #SensoryOverload #FamilyWellness #ConnectionBeforeCorrection #NeurodiversityAffirming #PodcastCommunity

 
 

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

Season 17 went out the way this show does best: honest, messy, funny, and full of heart. In this recap episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles look back at a powerful season of conversations about toxic relationships, shame, burnout, suicide prevention, chronic pain, grief, parenting, joy, and the wild little thing we call healing.

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

Trigger Notice + 988 Crisis Reminder

This episode includes discussion of suicidal thoughts, suicide prevention, emotional pain, trauma, and mental health struggles. If you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 in the United States or visit https://988lifeline.org for immediate support. You are not alone, and your story is not over.

Mental Health Quote

“Every time we share our story, we unlock somebody else’s prison so they don’t feel so alone.” — Inspired by G-Rex

Episode Description

Season 17 was one hell of a ride, and G-Rex and Dirty Skittles are closing it out with the kind of conversation that feels like sitting with your favorite people after a long, emotional day. In this Season 17 recap, they revisit the guests who brought wisdom, vulnerability, humor, and real-life tools to the mic: Kate King, Nicole Penrod, Justin Goodman, Shannon Salge, Louis Kim, Shari B Kaplan, Deane Benninghoven, Joe Smarro, Kathryn M Henry, and Jacintha Field.

This episode pulls together the big emotional thread running through the season: learning how to stop abandoning yourself. From toxic relationships and workplace burnout to shame spirals, chronic pain, grief, parenting, suicide prevention, and finding joy again, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles remind us that healing does not always look polished. Sometimes it looks like laughing through the hard stuff, crying when the dime moments hit, saying “another fucking growth opportunity,” or finally admitting that you need help.

They also reflect on how each guest brought something practical and deeply human to the table: self-compassion, advocacy, emotional safety, suicide-prevention resources, joy, plant-based healing, hypnosis, first-responder mental health, grief rituals, and helping kids feel their feelings.

At its core, this episode is a love letter to Season 17 and to every listener still doing the hard work. Healing is not linear, but damn, it is possible.

Keywords: Mental health podcast, emotional wellness, toxic relationships, suicide prevention, burnout recovery, self-worth, shame healing, grief support, chronic pain, parenting emotions, first responder mental health, trauma recovery, joy, self-compassion, mental health recovery.

Meet Our Guests — Season 17 Recap

This Season 17 ender celebrates the powerful guests who helped shape the season’s conversations around healing, hope, and mental health recovery. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflected on each guest in order, pulling out the moments that stuck with them most.

Kate King — Kate’s third visit brought a much-needed conversation about toxic relationships, toxic workplaces, and knowing when it is time to mend or move on. Her reminder that you do not have to abandon yourself to keep a relationship alive hit hard in the best way.

Nicole Penrod — Nicole’s episode opened up a real conversation about toxic shame, perfectionism, negative self-talk, and the pressure to get everything right the first time. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles reflected on the importance of giving yourself patience and grace instead of beating yourself up over every mistake.

Justin Goodman — Justin’s story with Project 55 centered on suicide prevention, connection, and the creation of tools that help people feel less alone. His journey reminded the hosts that sharing our darkest moments can become a lifeline for someone else.

Shannon Salge — Shannon’s story highlighted medical gaslighting, self-advocacy, and the connection between emotional stress and physical symptoms. Her work reminded the hosts how important it is to keep peeling the onion when something in your body or mind does not feel right.

Louis Kim — Louis brought humor, honesty, and a powerful reminder that outward success does not always mean inner peace. His message was clear: do not chase the money or the dream so hard that you forget to chase joy.

Shari B Kaplan — Shari’s two-part conversation explored plant-based healing, self-compassion, and what it means to be brave even when all you can do is make it happen from bed. Her story reminded everyone to be gentler with themselves and stop using a bat when a feather duster will do.

Deane Benninghoven — Deane’s episode focused on trauma, chronic pain, hypnosis, and the many different paths healing can take. His story was a reminder that talk therapy is not the only option, and sometimes we have to try something new to find what actually helps.

Joe Smarro — Joe’s conversation was a powerful look at masculinity, military service, police work, trauma, vulnerability, and first responder mental health. His willingness to take off the mask gave others permission to do the same.

Kathryn M Henry — Kathryn’s episode brought grief, humor, love, and “another fucking growth opportunity” into the conversation. Her dime moments reminded G-Rex and Dirty Skittles that the people we lose can still show up in ways that feel deeply personal and healing.

Jacintha Field — Jacintha’s work with Happy Souls Kids sparked a beautiful conversation about children, emotions, parenting, and helping kids navigate their storms. Her episode reminded the hosts that kids need language for their feelings, and parents need compassion while figuring it out too.

Key Takeaways

You do not have to keep abandoning yourself to keep a relationship, workplace, or version of your life alive.

Shame gets louder when we stay silent, but self-compassion gives us a way back to ourselves.

Suicide prevention starts with connection, resources, and reminders that people are valued.

Burnout can hide behind success, productivity, and a really convincing “I’m fine.”

Healing can come through therapy, humor, advocacy, hypnosis, grief rituals, parenting tools, or simply trying something different.

Kids need room to feel their feelings, and honestly, so do we grown-ass adults.

Actionable Items

Put your hand over your heart and remind yourself: “This belongs. I belong. I am allowed to want better.”

Create a “happy album” of things, people, songs, places, or moments that remind you joy still exists.

When life punches you in the face, try naming it what it is: another fucking growth opportunity. Then breathe, regroup, and take the next right step.

References Mentioned

Project 55:  https://project55.org

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:  https://988lifeline.org

Find a Helpline:  https://findahelpline.com

Happy Souls Kids:  https://happysoulskids.com

Important Chapters

00:00:37 — Welcome to the Season 17 ender
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles kick off the finale with laughs, gratitude, and disbelief that Season 17 is already wrapping.

00:05:51 — Kate King and toxic relationships
The hosts reflect on choosing yourself, toxic workplaces, and knowing when to mend or move on.

00:09:09 — Nicole Penrod and toxic shame
Dirty Skittles opens up about perfectionism, self-doubt, and the pressure to get life right the first time.

00:13:09 — Justin Goodman and suicide prevention
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles revisit Justin’s story, Project 55, and the power of helping people feel less alone.

00:16:16 — Shannon Salge and medical gaslighting
The conversation turns to self-advocacy, physical symptoms, and being heard when something feels wrong.

00:19:30 — Louis Kim and chasing joy
Louis’s episode reminds the hosts that success is not the same as happiness, and joy matters.

00:21:55 — Shari B Kaplan and self-compassion
The hosts reflect on plant-based healing, bravery from bed, and being kinder to yourself.

00:24:04 — Deane Benninghoven and chronic pain
Deane’s story brings up trauma, hypnosis, chronic pain, and finding the healing path that works for you.

00:26:34 — Joe Smarro and first responder mental health
Joe’s episode sparks a conversation about vulnerability, masculinity, service, and taking off the mask.

00:28:47 — Kathryn M Henry and grief
The hosts talk about humor, loss, dime moments, and finding signs of love after grief.

00:32:19 — Jacintha Field and helping kids feel
Jacintha’s work with children leads to a conversation about parenting, emotions, and giving kids space to feel.

00:34:13 — Gratitude, growth, and what comes next
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles close the season with gratitude for the guests, listeners, awards, and the community.

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 #MentalHealthRecovery #ToxicRelationships #SuicidePrevention #BurnoutRecovery #ShameHealing #SelfWorthJourney #TraumaRecovery #GriefSupport #FirstResponderMentalHealth #ChronicPainAwareness #ParentingAndMentalHealth #EmotionalWellness #HealingJourney #SelfCompassion #JoyfulLiving

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

When life cracked wide open during COVID, separation, solo parenting, and her son’s emotional dysregulation, Jacintha Field didn’t just survive it — she turned it into a mission. In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles talk with Jacintha about trauma, parenting, emotional literacy, and how helping kids feel safe starts with learning to be kinder to ourselves.

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

“Every part of you is welcome. Every big feeling has a place.” — Inspired by Jacintha Field

Episode Description

When Jacintha Field’s son started school during COVID, her world was already upside down. She was navigating a brutal separation, solo parenting, and the emotional fallout of a child who didn’t yet have the words or tools to explain what was happening inside. His outbursts were intense. Her heart was breaking. And with child mental health waitlists stretching six to twelve months, Jacintha did what so many parents do when there are no easy answers — she went looking for them herself.
In this deeply honest episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jacintha, a Family and Child Counselor, Art Therapist, and founder of Happy Souls Kids, to talk about trauma, parenting, sobriety, self-compassion, and the messy beauty of learning as you go. Jacintha shares how surviving domestic violence, getting sober, and rebuilding her life helped her understand that healing is not about being perfect. It is about repairing the rupture, naming the feeling, and choosing connection over shame.

This conversation is for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who has ever wondered, “Am I messing this up?” Jacintha reminds us that kids do not need perfect adults. They need safe ones. And sometimes, the most powerful thing we can say is, “I’m here. We’re a team. We’ll figure this out together.”

Keywords: child mental health, emotional regulation, trauma healing, parenting support, self-regulation for kids, emotional literacy, solo parenting, domestic violence recovery, sober healing, mindful parenting, play therapy, child anxiety, family counseling, resilience, Happy Souls Kids.

Meet Our Guest — Jacintha Field

Jacintha Field is a Family and Child Counselor, Art Therapist, and founder of Happy Souls Kids, a global mental health platform helping children ages 5–12 regulate big feelings through storytelling, gamified tools, and the voices of athletes and role models they admire. After surviving domestic violence, emotional burnout, and solo parenting through her son’s anxiety and dysregulation, Jacintha turned her lived experience into a mission to help 100,000 children by 2027.
Website: https://www.happysoulskids.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16633spBm7

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacinthafield

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinthafield

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jacinthafield

Key Takeaways

Kids are not “bad” when they have big emotions — they are often overwhelmed and asking for safety in the only way they know how.

Self-compassion is not optional in parenting. The kinder we are to ourselves, the safer we can become for our children.

Emotional literacy starts small: naming feelings, drawing them, talking about them, and giving kids space to understand what is happening inside.

Connection comes before correction. Sometimes a game of Uno does more healing than a lecture ever could.

Parents do not have to be perfect. Repair, accountability, and honesty matter more than pretending everything is fine.

Healing after trauma can become service, purpose, and something beautiful — but only after we let ourselves move through the mud.

Actionable Items

When your child has a big feeling, pause and ask: “What emotion might be underneath this behavior?” before reacting.

Try Jacintha’s circle exercise: draw a circle on paper and ask your child to draw how they feel inside it.

Practice repair after rupture. Try saying, “That was my big feeling coming out. I’m sorry. Can we try that again?”

References Mentioned

The Red Beast: Controlling Anger in Children with Asperger’s Syndrome — a children’s book that Jacintha referenced as a helpful tool for talking about anger and emotional regulation.
Happy Souls Kids: https://www.happysoulskids.com

Raw with Jay Podcast — Jacintha’s podcast focused on real, honest conversations for parents and emotional healing.

Important Chapters

00:00:37 – Welcome to the Episode
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles introduce the show and welcome Jacintha Field, also known as Jay, from Australia.

00:02:04 – COVID, Separation, and Her Son’s Big Feelings
Jacintha shares how her son’s intense outbursts during COVID and separation became the catalyst for her work in child counseling and emotional regulation.

00:04:51 – Self-Compassion and Parenting Through Tantrums
Jacintha explains how learning to be patient with herself helped her respond more compassionately to her son’s big emotions.

00:06:47 – Therapy, Separation, and Rebuilding
Jacintha opens up about attending 26 psychology sessions in one year and how support helped her move through the mud of separation.

00:14:26 – Naming Emotions and Being Real With Kids
Jacintha talks about showing up authentically with her child, naming emotions, and letting kids know every feeling has a place.

00:18:04 – Tools for Helping Kids Express Feelings
Jacintha shares practical tools like drawing emotions, breaking down the story behind the feeling, and helping children problem-solve without jumping in to fix everything.

00:19:29 – Connection Before Correction
Jacintha explains why children need connection, play, and emotional safety before they can respond well to guidance.

00:24:44 – Winning, Learning, and Repairing Ruptures
Jacintha talks about reframing failure, emotional dysregulation, and why repairing after a hard moment matters so much.

00:30:58 – Advice to Her Younger Self
Jacintha shares what she would tell her younger self: that she is worthy, valid, and never too much.

00:35:43 – Happy Souls Kids and How to Connect
Jacintha shares how listeners can find Happy Souls Kids, join beta testing, and connect with her work.

00:37:42 – Final Message for Parents
Jacintha leaves listeners with a reminder to be kind to themselves because every parent is doing the best they can.

Closing CTA

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ChildMentalHealth #EmotionalRegulation #BigFeelings #TraumaHealing #ParentingSupport #MindfulParenting #SoloParenting #DomesticViolenceRecovery #SoberHealing #SelfRegulation #EmotionalLiteracy #PlayTherapy #ChildAnxiety #ResilientKids #HappySoulsKids

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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
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Audio Editing by NJz Audio

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Kathryn M. Henry joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles for a raw, beautiful, and deeply human conversation about grief, love, resilience, spirituality, and learning how to keep living after losing the person you thought you’d grow old with. Through her memoir A Dime to Say I Love You, Kathryn reminds us that even the heaviest moments can become another f*cking growth opportunity when we meet them with honesty, humor, and self-compassion.

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:
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Trigger Notice + 988 Crisis Reminder

This episode includes conversations about grief, childhood abuse, suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, cancer, and loss. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are loved, wanted, and needed here.

Mental Health Quote

“You’re good enough, and you don’t have to prove anything to anybody.” — Kathryn M. Henry

Episode Description

Grief can knock the air right out of you, but Kathryn M. Henry shows us that even the most painful chapters can hold love, wisdom, and one hell of a growth opportunity. In this episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Kathryn, author of A Dime to Say I Love You, to talk about losing her wife Lisa, finding spiritual meaning after death, and learning how to keep showing up when life feels impossible.

Kathryn shares the story behind the dimes she and Lisa left for each other as tiny reminders of love. After Lisa’s transition following a decade-long cancer journey, those “dime moments” became something even deeper: signs of connection, comfort, and the belief that love does not simply disappear.

Together, they talk about resilience, childhood trauma, suicide survival, spirituality, vulnerability, self-love, and the kind of healing that does not come wrapped in perfection. Kathryn also opens up about writing her memoir, living in integrity, and bringing her whole self into every room, from personal relationships to corporate leadership.

This episode is for anyone walking through grief, questioning their purpose, rebuilding after trauma, or trying to find joy again without pretending everything is fine. Keywords: mental health podcast, grief healing, emotional wellness, suicide prevention, spiritual healing, resilience, self-love, LGBTQ mental health, trauma recovery, conscious leadership, grief support, vulnerability, personal growth, healing after loss, finding joy

Meet Our Guest — Kathryn M. Henry

Kathryn M. Henry is a writer, spiritual seeker, business leader, and author of A Dime to Say I Love You, a bold memoir that blends intimate storytelling with meditation, reflection, and personal growth practices. After a global career leading technology, operations, and people development at brands including Gap, Levi’s, and Lululemon, Kathryn now works at the intersection of leadership, inner life, social impact, and healing. Her story matters because she reminds us that grief does not have to harden us; it can open us.

Website: https://kathrynmhenry.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryn.m.henry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.henry.94
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrykathryn
Media and speaking inquiries: [email protected]

Key Takeaways

Grief is not something we “get over.” It becomes part of how we learn to live, love, and grow.

Kathryn’s “dime moments” show how signs of love can appear in small, powerful, and deeply personal ways.

Resilience is built by surviving what we thought would break us and realizing we are still here.

Vulnerability helps us connect in ways that polished perfection never could.

Self-love means choosing practices, people, and boundaries that help us stay grounded.

Living in integrity means showing up as the same whole person in every room.

Actionable Items

Look for your own “dime moments” — the small signs, memories, symbols, or reminders that help you feel connected to love.

When life hands you another f*cking growth opportunity, pause before beating yourself up and ask, “What can I learn here?”

Choose one grounding practice this week, like music, nature, meditation, journaling, movement, or calling someone who helps you feel safe.

References Mentioned

A Dime to Say I Love You by Kathryn M. Henry

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org

Global crisis resources: https://findahelpline.com

Gayatri Mantra by Deva Premal

Michael Bublé

Stoic philosophy

Buddhism

Hinduism

Meditation and contemplative practices

Important Chapters

00:00:37 – Welcome and episode introduction

00:01:38 – Kathryn introduces A Dime to Say I Love You

00:03:18 – The meaning behind Kathryn and Lisa’s “dime moments.”

00:05:11 – Why Kathryn uses the word “transition.”

00:06:20 – Signs from loved ones after loss

00:07:33 – Writing the book to honor Lisa and help others

00:10:06 – Another F*cking Growth Opportunity

00:12:49 – How resilience is built through hard moments

00:16:57 – Choosing joy and holding onto hope

00:19:26 – Vulnerability, self-love, and real connection

00:21:02 – The practices that keep Kathryn grounded

00:26:38 – Sharing trauma, grief, and suicide survival

00:30:10 – Kathryn’s spiritual path and healing practices

00:33:17 – Turning brokenness into hope

00:40:06 – Living in integrity in every room

00:46:03 – Kathryn’s advice to her younger self

00:46:36 – Learning that life gives no guarantees

00:47:51 – Music as a grounding tool

00:49:03 – Kathryn’s spirit animal

00:49:44 – How to connect with Kathryn

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 #GriefHealing #GriefSupport #EmotionalWellness #Resilience #SelfLoveJourney #TraumaRecovery #SuicidePrevention #SpiritualHealing #HealingAfterLoss #LGBTQMentalHealth #VulnerabilityIsStrength #PersonalGrowth #ChooseJoy #ConsciousLeadership #ADimeToSayILoveYou

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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.