SHIT HAPPY with Toni Powell

By Toni Powell

The Art Of Stirring Shit Shows Into Gold. AKA Shitstirring

Real stories of pain, grief and the full catastrophe of being human and how our guests turned their shitshow into s

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FAQs about SHIT HAPPY with Toni Powell:

How many episodes does SHIT HAPPY with Toni Powell have?

The podcast currently has 112 episodes available.

SHIT HAPPY with Toni Powell episodes:

September 26, 2025In Bed With Phil - Going For Gold EP #22
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Shownotes: Going For Gold - EP # 22
In this warm and witty In Bed with Phil episode of Sh!t Happy, Toni shares the origin story of the Heart of Gold International Film Festival—a dream sparked by a short film that changed her life. Together, she and Phil reveal the highs and heartbreaks of building a festival with heart: from screener groups of avocado farmers and pornographers, to miracles, wonder, and devastating loss. A raw, funny, and deeply human look at community, creativity, resilience, and why storytelling matters for wellbeing and mental health.
Topics
How a short film led to founding a festival
Why valuing filmmakers and audiences matters
The power of storytelling to shift perspective
Building community through screener groups
Joy, resilience, and lessons from loss
Episode Specific Links
Transcript:https://shithappy.com/in-bed-with-phil-going-for-gold/
Looking Good: https://youtu.be/fm6rE_TTQ-Q
Related Episodes (as they become available)
#18 Curing My Crisis Creativiely: https://youtu.be/kcmicakIVyU
#19 The Shootout: https://youtu.be/5ZIIu9iPIuc
#21 An Unlikely Story: https://youtu.be/RqbTLffR0Gw
#24 Dream to Disaster (soon) https://youtu.be/HFaa8BogzZU
#25 Shitshow to Shift (soon) https://youtu.be/vOdFxJ_6GRo
#Relationshipgoals, #filmmaking, #shortfilms, #communitybuilding, #creativity, #festivalstory
Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
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12min
September 24, 2025A Highly Unlikely Story with Phil & Toni Powell EP #21
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Shownotes: A Highly Unlikely Story EP #21
What happens when an unlikely little film takes you from embarrassment to winning Best Short Film in Los Angeles? In this episode, Toni and Phil share the surreal story of how Looking Good—a seven-minute film shot with family—unexpectedly launched them into film festivals, celebrity encounters, and conversations that changed lives. A story about resilience, serendipity, creative obsession, and the surprising power of storytelling to transform relationships, wellbeing, and mental health.
Topics
Obsession, creativity, and persistence
The unexpected impact of storytelling
Humiliation, resilience, and self-doubt
Serendipity and synchronicity in life
How art sparks conversations and healing
The beginnings of a film festival dream
Episode Specific Links
Looking Good short film: https://youtu.be/fm6rE_TTQ-Q
Transcript: https://shithappy.com/in-bed-with-phil…y-unlikely-story/
Related Episodes (as they become available)
#17: Mary Lou mentions Looking Good : https://youtu.be/S2qZufoA3F8
#18 Curing My Crisis Creatively: https://youtu.be/kcmicakIVyU
#19 The Shootout: https://youtu.be/5ZIIu9iPIuc
#22 Going for Gold (soon) https://youtu.be/9idnqpPpRuE
#24 Dream to Disaster (soon) https://youtu.be/HFaa8BogzZU
#25 Shitshow to Shift (soon) https://youtu.be/vOdFxJ_6GRo
#inspiringpodcast, #Relationshipgoals, #Feelgood, #Lifestories, #serendipity, #shortfilms, #creativity, #filmmaking, #celebritystories

Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
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20min
September 22, 2025Blindsided By Benzos with Deke Ludwig #20
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Shownotes: Blindsided by Benzos EP #20
Filmmaker Deke Ludwig’s viral short film Seeing changed how Toni experiences the world—teaching the life-shifting truth that “the ordinary is extraordinary.” In this raw, powerful conversation, Deke shares how the film’s message shaped his life and how a doctor-prescribed benzodiazepine for mild anxiety and insomnia nearly destroyed it. Learn the warning signs, recovery truths, and science-backed wellbeing skills that can protect you and the people you love from medical overprescription and help you reclaim joy.
Topics
Finding beauty in the ordinary
The making and impact of Seeing
Dangers of benzodiazepine prescriptions
Medical system oversights
Life after addiction: practical wellbeing tools
Sleep strategies and nervous system regulation
Rediscovering purpose through relationships
Episode Specific Links
Seeing by Deke Ludwig – https://youtu.be/a6uisJz5j5c?si=ETPkQMGonYwzMNNH
Deke Ludwig’s website – https://www.dietrichludwig.com/
Toni Powell’s online wellbeing program Let’s Get Shit Happy – https://www.tonipowell.com/lets-get-shit-happy/
use coupon shithappy for a 30% discount
Transcript and guest bio – https://shithappy.com/blindsided-by-benzos/
Related Episodes: As they become available
#32 Be Your Own Self Health Advocate (21 Oct) https://youtu.be/VBjSWxATuwo
#33 Influence Your Own Health Outcomes (23 Oct) https://youtu.be/bBVk4A92T6k
Heads Up
Contains discussion of prescription drug addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and mental health challenges.
#wellbeing, #resilience, #mentalhealth, #happinesspodcast, #stressrelief, #mindset, #personalgrowth, #Selfhelp, #storytelling, #inspiringpodcast, #Relationshipgoals, #Feelgood, #Lifestories, #drugawareness, #addictionrecovery, #sleepbetter, #benzoawareness, #mindfulmoments
Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
...more
33min
September 19, 2025In Bed With Phil - The Shootout EP #19
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Shownotes: THE SHOOTOUT - ep #19
A heartwarming, funny, and inspiring conversation about how a small creative risk can change your life. Toni and Phil share the behind-the-scenes story of their short film Looking Good—from near disaster to sweeping awards—and how stepping out of your comfort zone can boost mental health, build resilience, and create opportunities you never expected. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, wellbeing tips, and a reminder of the power of taking a chance.
Topics
Turning unexpected setbacks into wins
How creative projects can improve mental health
The ripple effects of stepping outside your comfort zone
Audience connection and emotional impact
Serendipity and unexpected opportunities
Episode Specific Links
Short Film - Looking Good: https://youtu.be/fm6rE_TTQ-Q
Transcript and guest bio – https://shithappy.com/the-shootout/
Related Episodes (as released they'll be here)
#18 Creatively Curing My Crisis https://youtu.be/kcmicakIVyU
#21 An Unlikely Story (soon) https://youtu.be/RqbTLffR0Gw
#22 Going for Gold (soon) https://youtu.be/9idnqpPpRuE
#24 Dream to Disaster (soon) https://youtu.be/HFaa8BogzZU
#25 Shitshow to Shift (soon) https://youtu.be/vOdFxJ_6GRo
#Lifestories, #creativity, #comfortzone, #inspiration, #lifechange, #successstory, #filmmaking
Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
...more
9min
September 17, 2025Curing My Crisis Creatively - Phil & Toni Powell #18
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SHOWNOTES: Curing My Crisis Creatively EP #18
What do you do when life derails and you feel like the joy is gone forever? In this raw, funny, and deeply moving episode, Toni and Phil share the true story behind their short film Looking Good—how grief, isolation, and a midlife crisis sparked an unexpected creative adventure that rewired their mental health and rekindled hope. This is a story about risk, resilience, and the power of doing something daring to heal your soul.
Topics:
Grief and loss, midlife crisis, creative healing, isolation, wellbeing, filmmaking with family, risk and growth, mental health recovery, rediscovering purpose
Episode Specific Links:
Transcript: https://shithappy.com/curing-my-crisis-creatively/
Related Episodes: (available as they come out)
#19 The Shootout (Saturday) https://youtu.be/5ZIIu9iPIuc
#21 An Unlikely Story (soon) https://youtu.be/RqbTLffR0Gw
#22 Going for Gold (soon) https://youtu.be/9idnqpPpRuE
#24 Dream to Disaster (soon) https://youtu.be/HFaa8BogzZU
#25 Shitshow to Shift (soon) https://youtu.be/vOdFxJ_6GRo
The Award Winning Short Film mentioned - Looking Good: https://youtu.be/fm6rE_TTQ-Q
#overcomingadversity, #filmmaking, #shortfilm, #creativity, #midlifecrisis, #relationshipgoals, #findingjoy, #lifechanges, #copingwithloss
Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
...more
17min
September 15, 2025Sex, Drugs and Meditation with Mary-Lou Stephens #17
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Shownotes: Sex, Drugs & Meditation ep #17
What happens when workplace bullying, desperation, and a stubborn streak collide with a 10-day silent meditation retreat? Author Mary-Lou Stevens turned her painful ABC workplace experience, personal struggles, and a mind full of drama into the bestselling memoir Sex, Drugs & Meditation. In this honest, funny, and deeply relatable conversation, she shares how Vipassana helped her cope with stress, transform her mindset, and kick an addiction to misery itself. Perfect for anyone exploring wellbeing, mental health, and personal growth.
Topics
Vipassana meditation and its challenges
Overcoming workplace bullying
Resilience vs stubbornness
The addiction to drama and misery
Writing and publishing Sex, Drugs & Meditation
Honest storytelling and personal transformation
Episode Specific Links
Mary Lou's website: https://maryloustephens.com.au/
Book - Sex,Drugs and Meditation: https://amzn.to/3TTRT9x
Book - The Last of the Apple Blossom: https://amzn.to/3TTRT9x
Book - The Jam Maker: https://amzn.to/4lgWLBR
Book - The Chocolate Factory: https://amzn.to/3JjDtNY
Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/sex-drugs-and-meditation/
Related Episodes:
#18 Curing My Crisis Creatively https://youtu.be/kcmicakIVyU
#Vipassana, #MeditationRetreat, #WorkplaceBullying, #OvercomingAdversity, #MindfulnessPractice, #AddictedToDrama
Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
...more
34min
September 12, 2025In Bed With Phil - How Embarrassing EP #16
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Shownotes: How Embarrassing Ep 16

In this hilarious “In Bed with Phil” episode, Toni and Phil swap their most embarrassing moments — from drunken mishaps at a wellbeing retreat to botched school science experiments and awkward nursing encounters. Packed with laughter, humanity, and unexpected life lessons, this conversation is perfect for anyone who loves funny, relatable stories that remind us we’re all delightfully imperfect.
Topics
Most embarrassing moments
Accidental drunken chaos at a retreat
School science experiment gone wrong
Nursing blunder involving a “cold spoon”
Finding humour in mistakes
Why shared laughter deepens relationships
Episode Specific Links
Petrea’s memoir Up Till Now: https://amzn.to/45CxriU
Quest for Life Foundation: https://questforlife.org.au/
Book- Quest For Life: https://amzn.to/457l3HA
Book - Your Life Matters: https://amzn.to/3J2hOtq
Book - Sometimes Hearts Have to Break: https://amzn.to/3H3FLjy
Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/in-bed-with-phil…arrasing-moments/
Related Episodes:
Ep 14: Petrea King – https://youtu.be/rJ76d6cq7q8
Ep 15: Petrea King – https://youtu.be/aN875q4pLpI
#wellbeing, #resilience, #mentalhealth, #happinesspodcast, #stressrelief, #mindset, #personalgrowth, #Selfhelp, #storytelling, #inspiringpodcast, #Relationshipgoals, #Feelgood, #Lifestories, #embarrassingmoments, #funnytrue, #humourpodcast, #awkwardstories, #comedychat
Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
...more
9min
September 10, 2025A Safe Space to Heal with Petrea King EP #15
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Shownotes: A Safe Space to Heal Ep #15
In this deeply moving conversation, Petrea King shares the remarkable journey from her own healing to creating Quest for Life, a sanctuary for those facing cancer, PTSD, trauma, grief, and life’s toughest challenges. Through powerful stories, Petrea reveals how compassion, connection, and holistic healing can restore peace of mind, improve mental health, and help people reclaim their lives — no matter the odds.
Topics
Creating safe spaces for deep healing
Stories of recovery from trauma, grief, and illness
Breaking free from second-nature beliefs
The power of shared humanity in healing
Quest for Life’s holistic approach to wellbeing
Finding peace regardless of life’s outcome
Episode Specific Links
Petrea’s memoir Up Till Now: https://amzn.to/45CxriU
Quest for Life Foundation: https://questforlife.org.au/
Book- Quest For Life: https://amzn.to/457l3HA
Book - Your Life Matters: https://amzn.to/3J2hOtq
Book - Sometimes Hearts Have to Break: https://amzn.to/3H3FLjy
Transcript & guest bio: https://shithappy.com/a-safe-place-to-heal/
Related Episodes
#14: A Spiritual Survival Story https://youtu.be/rJ76d6cq7q8
Heads Up
Includes discussion of sexual abuse, suicide, and terminal illness.
#Feelgood, #Lifestories, #QuestforLife, #TraumaRecovery, #PostTraumaticGrowth, #HealingJourney, #CompassionInAction, #SafeSpaces, #OvercomingGrief
Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
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25min
September 08, 2025A Spiritual Survival Story with Petrea King EP #14
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SHOWNOTES: A Spiritual Survival Story EP #14
Petrea King’s extraordinary journey from childhood trauma, chronic pain, and a terminal leukemia diagnosis to deep healing and remission offers profound lessons in resilience, mental health, and spiritual wellbeing. From months of solitary weeping in a cave in Assisi to founding Quest for Life, Petrea shares how grief, self-exploration, and radical acceptance can transform suffering into peace. Her story reveals the life-changing power of processing emotions, making peace with the past, and finding meaning—even in life’s most challenging “Ds.”
Topics
Childhood spiritual experiences & family silence
Brother’s suicide and its long-term impact
Terminal illness, remission, and healing
Seven months in a cave in Assisi
The power of grief, self-inquiry, and acceptance
Founding Quest for Life and helping others find peace
Transforming life’s “Ds” into growth
Links
Petrea’s memoir Up Till Now: https://amzn.to/45CxriU
Quest for Life Foundation: https://questforlife.org.au/
Book- Quest For Life: https://amzn.to/457l3HA
Book - Your Life Matters: https://amzn.to/3J2hOtq
Book - Sometimes Hearts Have to Break: https://amzn.to/3H3FLjy
Transcript & guest bio: https://shithappy.com/a-spiritual-survival-story/
Related Episodes:
#15: A Safe Space To Heal (Thursday) https://youtu.be/aN875q4pLpI
Heads Up
Includes discussion of suicide, chronic illness, and grief.

#spiritualhealing, #griefrecovery, #overcomingillness, #peace
Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
...more
31min
September 05, 2025In Bed With Phil - A Dog Named Fear ep 13
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SHOWNOTES: A DOG NAMED FEAR - EP #13
Fear can sneak into our lives early — through trauma, bullying, or loss — and shape how we live for years. In this warm, funny, and deeply human conversation, Toni and Phil explore the surprising ways fear shows up, how childhood wounds can follow us, and the practical, proven ways to face fear head-on. From life-threatening burns and playground cruelty to camping in pitch-black darkness and making peace with injections, their stories reveal that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s learning to walk alongside it. This uplifting episode blends personal storytelling with mental health insights, offering comfort, laughter, and tools to help you face your own fears.
Topics
Childhood trauma and long-term fear
Bullying and body image
Facing fear through exposure
Parenting and overcoming fear for your kids
Mark Mathews’ approach to fear
Using humour to process fear
"A Dog Named Fear" story and its lesson
Links
Transcript: https://shithappy.com/a-dog-named-fear/
Related episodes:
Mark Mathews Episodes:
#12 Resilience Baseline
#11 Big Wave Wipeout

Support the show
Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/
...more
10min

FAQs about SHIT HAPPY with Toni Powell:

How many episodes does SHIT HAPPY with Toni Powell have?

The podcast currently has 112 episodes available.