In podcasting, creating an environment where guests feel safe enough to share their most personal and vulnerable experiences is a delicate art. For Gretchen Schoser, also known as G-Rex, and her Co-Host Dirty Skittles, this is at the heart of their podcast, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. The show focuses on breaking the stigma around mental health by providing a platform for open conversations about topics that many people find too uncomfortable to discuss publicly—depression, anxiety, trauma, therapy, and more. Ensuring that their guests feel comfortable and secure in sharing their deeply personal stories has been instrumental in the podcast’s success and its profound impact on both the guests and listeners.
The Power of Vulnerability
Gretchen understands the emotional toll of discussing mental health from personal experience. Her journey, including a life-changing moment when the 988 hotline saved her life on Christmas Day, made her realize the importance of creating a space where people can open up about their struggles. Vulnerability, she believes, is key to breaking the barriers around mental health.
“Being vulnerable can be terrifying,” Gretchen explains. “But it’s also incredibly freeing. When people are given a safe space to share their stories, they’re not just telling them for the sake of telling them—they’re healing. And in the process, they’re helping others heal too.”
This belief in the power of vulnerability informs every aspect of how Gretchen conducts their podcast. When guests agree to appear on the show, they clarify that they are in a judgment-free zone. They recognize that mental health issues are deeply personal and often come with a sense of shame or fear of being misunderstood, so she goes the extra mile to ensure her guests feel not only comfortable but empowered to share their experiences.
Establishing Trust Before the Conversation Begins
One of the most essential factors in creating a safe space is trust. We understand trust doesn’t happen automatically; it must be earned, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Before any episode is recorded, we take the time to have candid, off-mic conversations with her guests to get to know them better. These pre-interviews are an opportunity to connect with guests on a human level, establish rapport, and reassure them that they are in a safe environment.
“We always converse with our guests beforehand,” she says. “We want them to know that this is their story, and they control how much they share. It’s important that they feel safe and supported from the beginning.”
By building this foundation of trust, We help alleviate our guests’ fears about opening up in a public forum. She clarifies that their comfort is the top priority and that they are free to set boundaries about what they want to discuss.
Creating a Nonjudgmental Atmosphere
Once the microphone is on, we shift our focus to creating a nonjudgmental atmosphere during the interview. We are both empathetic listeners, giving our guests the time and space to share their stories without interruption. Her responses are thoughtful and supportive, allowing her guests to feel heard and validated.
“We are not there to push for details or sensationalize their experiences,” she explains. “We are there to listen, to hold space for them, and to let them tell their story in their own way. It’s about creating a dialogue where they feel safe to express what they’ve gone through without fear of being judged.”
This nonjudgmental approach has had a profound impact on the guests who appear on the podcast. Many have shared that the experience of opening up about their struggles, often for the first time publicly, was cathartic and empowering. Providing a safe space, We help guests process their emotions in real time, which can be an important part of their healing journey.
The Impact on Listeners
The safe space we create for our guests doesn’t just affect those who share their stories—it also has a lasting impact on the listeners. The authenticity and vulnerability displayed by the guests resonate deeply with the audience, many of whom may be struggling with their own mental health issues in silence.
“Listeners connect with the stories because they feel real,” Gretchen explains. “When a guest is brave enough to share their truth, it opens the door for listeners to reflect on their own experiences. It gives them permission to acknowledge their own struggles and realize that they’re not alone.”
The feedback we have received from listeners has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have reached out to share how hearing someone else’s story made them feel seen, heard, and validated in their own mental health journey. This ripple effect of connection and healing is one of the podcast’s most powerful outcomes.
A Safe Space for Healing and Growth
At its core, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is not just a podcast—it’s a platform for healing, growth, and connection. Our ability to create a safe space for our guests to share their deeply personal stories is a testament to our compassion and dedication to mental health advocacy. By fostering trust, practicing empathy, and maintaining a nonjudgmental atmosphere, she ensures that each episode is a space where guests feel comfortable being their authentic selves.
The impact of this approach is far-reaching. Guests walk away feeling empowered and heard, while listeners find solace and connection in the stories shared. In a world where mental health is still often stigmatized, our podcast stands as a beacon of hope and understanding, reminding everyone that sharing our stories—no matter how difficult—can be the first step toward healing.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
