Through the Sh#t with Jen McDowell

What happens when the identity that helped you survive no longer fits the life you want to build?

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell finds out the answer to that question whe she sits down with Angel Garcia, author, TEDxAlbuquerque speaker and formerly incarcerated individual.

Growing up surrounded by gangs and violence, Angel saw a narrow set of possibilities for his future. After years of incarceration, a move to Albuquerque opened up a different path. But getting a second chance also meant confronting a difficult question: Who was he without the identity he had spent years building?

In this conversation, we discuss:

* Environment and identity: How the people and circumstances around us shape what we believe is possible.

* The power of possibility: How one person's belief in him helped Angel see a world beyond the one he knew.

* Perseverance and change: Why imagining a different future is often the first step toward creating one.

* The importance of support: How having someone who sees your potential can help you begin to see it yourself.

* The identity question: What happens when you leave an old environment behind but haven’t yet figured out who you are becoming.

We end Part 1 with a question that reaches far beyond Angel’s story: Who are you when the person you had to become is no longer the person you want to be?

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2, where we explore what happened next—and how the skills Angel developed to survive became the foundation for leadership, purpose, and helping others. Part 2 drops in 2 weeks.

What happens when the body you’ve always relied on suddenly becomes the thing you can’t ignore?

On this week's episode of Through the Sh#t, certified functional nutrition counselor Erin Briley takes listeners on her decades long health journey with debilitating back pain that transformed her outlook on what our bodies can do when given the support they need.

For Erin, the chronic pain started when she was young. Her first back surgery came at 17. Two more surgeries followed—including a spinal fusion that failed—before a rollover accident left her with even more injuries. But eventually, Erin realized that continuing to focus only on what was structurally wrong with her spine wasn’t going to be enough.

Her recovery took her somewhere she never expected: a deeper exploration of nutrition, movement, stress, sleep, and the relationship between all of them. But this isn't really a story about finding the right diet or fixing your back.

It's a story about what happens when the rules change.

In this episode, we talk about:

* What it's like when chronic pain changes your relationship with your body
* The unglamorous reality of recovery
* The impact of medical trauma and its unanticipated consequences
* Why recovery rarely happens as quickly—or as neatly—as we want it to
* The surprising role nutrition played in Erin's pain and recovery
* Learning to trust yourself and recognize the signals your body is sending you
* Why small, consistent changes can matter more than dramatic transformations
* Rebuilding a life while accepting that your body may always have limitations
* Finding gratitude and possibility without pretending everything is fixed

While Erin's journey ultimately led her to a career in functional nutrition, her bigger message is one that extends far beyond chronic pain:

Sometimes rebuilding doesn't mean getting your old life—or your old body—back. Sometimes it means learning the new rules and figuring out what is possible from here.

https://www.alerafunctionalhealth.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-briley-168682273/

What does it actually feel like to take a psychedelic?

And what happens when the experience becomes emotional, uncomfortable—or downright terrifying?

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, Dr. Suzanne Blazing takes us inside the psychedelic experience itself, sharing what happens during a ketamine or psilocybin medicine session, what can surface when our usual defenses are lowered, and why a difficult experience isn't necessarily a bad one.

Suzanne also gets deeply personal, sharing her own experience with psilocybin while grieving the death of her daughter—and the realization that alcohol had become a way of avoiding emotions she didn't know how to face.

We talk about what people fear most when considering psychedelic-assisted therapy: What if I lose my mind? What if something comes up that I can't handle? What if I want it to stop?

And we explore why the person sitting beside you matters so much when you're doing this work.

For people actively considering psychedelic therapy, as well as anyone navigating trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, or a major life transition, this conversation offers a candid look at what the experience can actually be like—and why the goal isn't necessarily to have a beautiful or blissful journey.

Sometimes the work is learning to stay with what we've spent years trying to escape.

In this episode, we explore:

* What happens during a psychedelic-assisted therapy session
* What psilocybin and ketamine experiences can feel like
* Why psychedelic experiences can become emotionally or physically difficult
* Suzanne's personal experience with psilocybin and grief
* What can happen when trauma, memories, or avoided emotions surface
* Why a “bad trip” may be an oversimplification
* The importance of having a trained therapist or facilitator present
* Why psychedelic therapy isn't a magic bullet or a shortcut around the work

Note: This conversation is intended for education and discussion, and does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelic treatments are not appropriate for everyone, carry psychological and medical risks, and should only be considered following careful screening within applicable legal and professional guidelines.

https://www.planbtherapy.com/
https://askp.org/directory/
https://wholeness.com/meet-our-team/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8715255/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4782448/

#psychedelictherapy #mentalhealth #trauma #traumahealing

What if the most important part of psychedelic-assisted therapy isn't the actual medicine, but the work you do before and after the journey?

Psychedelics are getting increasing attention as a potential treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, and other mental health challenges. But psychedelic therapy isn't simply about taking a psychedelic and waiting for a breakthrough.

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell talks with Dr. Suzanne Blazing, a psychotherapist, psychedelic medicine therapist, and educator with more than 25 years of clinical experience—and hundreds of psychedelic medicine sessions.

During our conversation, Suzanne shares:

* How she went from being skeptical of psychedelics to to becoming deeply immersed in the field.
* The difference between ketamine and psilocybin.
* How psychedelic therapy may help people access emotions, memories, and perspectives that have been difficult to reach through traditional approaches.
* Who may—and may not—be a good candidate for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
* What happens during the preparation process before a medicine session.
* The importance of intention- and expectation-setting.
* Why the psychedelic experience isn't the finish line—it's the beginning; and
* The critical role of integration in turning insight into actual behavioral change.

This is Part 1 of a special conversation about psychedelic-assisted therapy. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2, where Suzanne and I explore what actually happens when you take the medicine.

Note: This conversation is intended for education and discussion, and does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelic treatments are not appropriate for everyone, carry psychological and medical risks, and should only be considered following careful screening within applicable legal and professional guidelines.

https://www.planbtherapy.com/

https://wholeness.com/doctors/dr-suzanne-blaising/

What if the solution to your grief isn't about working harder?

If you're a high-achieving person who's used to solving problems, pushing through hard things, and getting on with it, grief can be particularly frustrating. You may understand that you've experienced a loss—and still wonder why you can't seem to get yourself back to "normal."

In this episode of Through the Sh#t host Jen McDowell continues her conversation with licensed psychotherapist Michelle DeCola about grief, loss, and what it really takes to heal.

Together, they explore:

* How our family of origin and gender stereotypes can inform our attitudes about grief,
* Why grief isn't just about death,
* Why grief doesn't follow a timeline,
* How to support someone who is grieving, including what to say, what not to say, and why simply being present can sometimes be more powerful than trying to fix someone's pain,
* How to recognize the difference between honoring your grief and being genuinely stuck,
* How grief protects us,
* Why shame, self-blame, and the pressure to "get over it" can keep us from moving forward,
* How to take healthy risks when you're ready to move forward; and
* How acceptance of your grief and hope for the future can coexist.

For anyone rebuilding their life after a major loss, they talk about something that often gets overlooked: rebuilding trust in yourself. Whether you're considering a new relationship, changing careers, going back to school, or simply trying to figure out who you are now, healing doesn't necessarily require one giant leap. Sometimes, it's about taking small, manageable risks and learning that you can trust yourself again.

You don't have to rush your grief. You don't have to judge yourself for still hurting. And you don't have to know exactly what comes next.

Sometimes healing begins with compassion, curiosity, and trusting that you will find your way.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation with Michelle DeCola. The episodes can be watched or listened to in either order, but together they offer a fuller conversation about grief, resilience, and healing.

Book mentioned by Michelle: Finding the Words

Michelle's website

We tend to think grief only happens after the death of someone we love.

But what if that's only part of the story? Sometimes, the reason we're unable to move forward has less to do with motiviation--and more to do with grief we've never been taught to recognize.

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell sits down with licensed psychotherapist Michelle DeCola to unpack why our culture is so uncomfortable with grief and how that discomfort quietly shapes our lives. Together, they explore why so many high-achieving individuals become experts at chasing success while knowingly (or unknowingly) avoiding the emotions that actually create healing.

You'll hear why perfectionism, achievement, people-pleasing, and even staying in unfulfilling careers or relationships can become protective coping strategies. More importantly, you'll discover why curiosity—not judgment—is often the first step toward lasting change.

Whether you're navigating a career transition, divorce, empty nest, burnout, the loss of someone you love, or simply questioning who you're becoming, this conversation offers a compassionate new way to understand why moving forward can feel so difficult.

If you've ever wondered, "Why do I feel stuck when everything looks fine on the outside?" this episode is for you.

This is Part 1 of a special conversation about grief, resilience, and healing. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2, where we continue exploring how understanding grief can transform the way you lead, connect, and live.

@michelledecola226

Sue Johnson (emotionally focused therapy): https://drsuejohnson.com/

Michelle's website: https://lifecounselinginc.com/

What if the hardest part of healing isn't surviving your past…

What if it's letting go of the identity your past created?

In this episode of Through the Sh#t host Jen McDowell talks with Anna, a consultant who works alongside young people and communities fighting for racial and social justice to build movements and drive youth-led systems change.

Anna shares how the death of her mother at a young age and her experience navigating the juvenile justice system created deeply ingrained narratives about her worth and the safety of the world around her. These narratives led to a years-long addiction and a belief that she was fundamentally broken.

But this isn't a story about addiction or Anna's sobriety. It's a story about identity.

Anna shares how grief shaped the way she saw herself and the world, why getting sober wasn't the end of her healing journey, and a pivotal realization: trauma is something she's lived through—not who she is.

Together, Jen and Anna explore what it means to rewrite deeply ingrained narratives, rebuild trust, take risks before you feel ready, and discover that joy can sometimes feel more uncomfortable than pain.

If you've ever wondered who you might become without the stories you've carried for years, this conversation will challenge you to imagine something different.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why trauma often becomes mistaken for identity

How community helps us heal what isolation cannot

Why happiness isn't the goal—but purpose can be

What "learning to tolerate joy" really means

How one small step can completely change the direction of your life

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Through the Sh#t, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and visit ThroughTheShit.com to learn more about working with Jen.

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell, reflects on the episodes that have aired to-date, drawing on an unexpected theme that's emerged from every guest's story. Jen discusses the idea of reinvention and how "going through the sh#t" often leads to a reconstruction of one's identity.

In each guest's story, there is a natural arc, where lives of certainty and careful planning are disrupted by a rupture or significant life experience. What follows are periods of disorientation and self-preservation while recovering from the event. Eventually, the guests begin wrestling with self-doubt and the difficult questions:

Who am I?

How has this experience changed me?

To what extent did I contribute to this mess?

And, who do I want to become now?

Guests talk about destruction as a necessary precursor to transformation, and how time facilitates healing and growth. To conclude, guests offer perspective on how they have been shaped by their experiences and the ways in which it has changed their relationships with themselves and with others.

In this episode of "Through the Sh#t," Jen McDowell and Bryan White explore the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Bryan shares his personal journey through addiction, the challenges he faced as an HR professional, and the importance of spirituality and community in his recovery process.

For Bryan, the phrase "going through the shit" represents a journey of introspection and truth. He emphasizes the importance of disrupting the narratives we've been told, and those we tell ourselves. Following one's truth serves as a pathway toward healing and clarity.

As a gay man in the 80s and 90s, Bryan navigated a world that often felt isolating. His desire to fit into the gay community led him to clubs where he unwittingly began experimenting with drugs. What started as a quest for connection quickly spiraled into a struggle with addiction that would define a significant part of his life. He reveals the shame that accompanied his hidden addiction, especially as an HR professional who preached against substance use.

Jen and Bryan discuss the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. Brian shares his fears about revealing his struggles, expressing a hope that by sharing his story, he can help others understand the complexities of addiction. He urges leaders in the workplace to recognize that addiction can touch anyone, regardless of their professional success, and that compassion is key to addressing these challenges.

Bryan also reflects on his suicide attempt as his darkest hour that ultimately forced him to confront the reality of his situation. After this harrowing experience, he began to explore spirituality and seek a deeper meaning in life, demonstrating his resilience and the human capacity for growth amidst adversity.

Bryan's journey through the shit serves as a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a strength, and sharing our stories can lead to healing. By breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, we can create a more compassionate world where individuals feel empowered to seek help, embrace their truth, and refrain from imposing expectations on themselves and others. The key takeaways from Brian's story are clear: introspection, authenticity, and the courage to confront our struggles are vital in the journey of self-discovery.

https://na.org/
https://www.calm.com/blog/the-feelings-wheel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanlwhitehr/

In this episode of 'Through the Shit', host Jen McDowell speaks with Susan Eyres about her harrowing journey through a life-threatening health crisis. Susan shares her experience of battling a mysterious illness that left her unable to breathe, the emotional toll it took on her and her family, and the eventual diagnosis of a rare liver condition that required a transplant.

Susan's story begins at the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic when she woke up on her couch, disoriented and unable to recognize her surroundings. After being rushed to the emergency room and treated for the flu, she is discharged from the hospital, only to have her health continue to deteoriate over the course of several months, leaving her in a state of fear and confusion. She faced the harsh reality of being isolated from loved ones and missing significant family events, while doctors all across the country were unable to find a cause for her illness.

For months, Susan navigated the labyrinth of medical opinions and tests, seeking explanations for her declining health, yet answers eluded her. Finally a breakthrough: doctors diagnosed her with a rare liver condition that hindered oxygenation to her lungs and required a transplant.

This revelation brought both relief and uncertainty about her future because diagnosis was merely the first step. Susan then faced the daunting task of getting on the transplant list and preparing for surgery, which involved numerous medical procedures while managing the emotional toll of waiting for a donor.

With a story that highlights resilience, connection, and the beauty of human spirit, Susan takes us through her challenging experiences and the lessons learned along the way.

Throughout her journey, Susan emphasizes the importance of community support, resilience, and finding joy in small moments, even in the face of adversity. She offers valuable insights and advice for others going through similar struggles, highlighting the power of connection and the necessity of asking for help.