• Exploring Life With a New Lens with Gretchen (G-Rex) Schoser
    Nov 20 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read welcomes Gretchen Schoser, an award-winning podcast co-host, to discuss her personal journey through mental health struggles, the importance of seeking help, and the healing power of laughter. Gretchen shares her experience with the 988 crisis hotline, the birth of her podcast, and her transition into entrepreneurship. The conversation emphasizes the significance of kindness, self-care, and normalizing mental health discussions, encouraging listeners to take off their masks and embrace their true selves. In this conversation, Gretchen Schoser and Keegan Read explore the themes of recovery, mental health, and the importance of joy and connection. They discuss personal experiences with triggers, boundaries, and the significance of sharing one's story. The dialogue emphasizes the power of listening, vulnerability, and the role of humor in healing. They also touch on the use of technology in mental health support and the journey of reinvention, highlighting that it's never too late to start over and choose joy over material pursuits.

    Check out her podcast here: https://goesoninourheads.net/about and Her website here: https://schosersolutions.com/

    Takeaways

    Gretchen's mental health breakdown led to her podcasting journey. The 988 hotline provided crucial support during her crisis. Laughter can be a powerful tool for healing. It's important to take off the mask and be authentic. Setting boundaries is essential for self-care. Kindness costs nothing and can make a big difference. Normalizing mental health conversations helps reduce stigma. Self-discovery is a journey that requires honesty and effort. Entrepreneurship can be a path to fulfillment after personal struggles. Sharing stories can unlock healing for others. Finding joy in recovery is essential for mental health. Setting boundaries is crucial for protecting mental well-being. Recognizing triggers can help in managing mental health. Connection and support from others can be life-saving. Listening without the need to fix can be powerful. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It's never too late to reinvent yourself. Humor can be a vital part of the healing process. Choosing joy over money leads to a more fulfilling life. Sharing your story can help others feel less alone.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Podcasting Journey 02:33 Gretchen's Personal Struggles and the Importance of 988 05:25 The Healing Power of Laughter and Podcasting 08:25 The Impact of Sharing Stories and Normalizing Mental Health 11:08 Starting a New Chapter: Entrepreneurship and Mental Wellness 13:54 Setting Boundaries and the Role of Therapy 17:48 Prioritizing Self-Care Over People-Pleasing 19:00 The Journey of Healing and Hope 19:50 The Power of Kindness in a Troubled World 20:51 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health 22:34 The Role of Podcasting in Mental Health Awareness 23:39 Honesty as the First Step to Recovery 24:51 Finding Gratitude in Adversity 26:24 Grounding Yourself in Nature 28:17 Recognizing Triggers and Setting Boundaries 29:24 The Importance of Sharing Your Story 30:47 The Freedom of Owning Your Own Path 32:29 The Impact of Podcasting on Mental Health Conversations 35:28 The Importance of Listening and Being Present 36:57 Finding Support in Recovery 38:30 Personal Strategies for Mental Health 40:15 The Importance of Joy and Gratitude 43:37 Reinventing Yourself in Recovery 46:23 The Journey of Recovery 48:46 Tech in Mental Health Support 54:48 Final Thoughts on Recovery and Self-Care #sh!tthatgoesoninourheads #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #suicide #attempt #988 #lifeafter #morethan #resilience #resourceful #brave #recovery #traumas

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    58 min
  • Rebuilding and Starting a Family While Being Paralyzed with Ken Kunken Part 2
    Nov 16 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read engages in a profound conversation with Ken Kunken, a remarkable individual whose journey from a devastating football injury to becoming a quadriplegic lawyer exemplifies resilience and determination. They explore themes of family dynamics, the importance of inclusion and diversity, overcoming challenges, and the role of faith in navigating life's adversities. Ken shares insights on raising triplet sons with strong values of empathy and kindness, emphasizing the significance of recognizing and validating others' experiences. The discussion culminates in reflections on personal growth, the impact of choices, and the power of love and support in building a meaningful legacy.

    Checkout his website here: https://kenkunken.com/

    Takeaways

    Resilience is a daily choice we make. Family support can strengthen bonds during adversity. Inclusion and diversity are essential for societal growth. Overcoming challenges often requires creative solutions. Faith can provide comfort and perspective in difficult times. Helping others fosters connections and community. Raising children with empathy leads to compassionate adults. Recognizing pain validates individual experiences. Adaptation is key to navigating life's challenges. Life's journey can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes.

    #retrievingsanity #handicap #mentalhealth #handicapable #DEI #family #familyvalues #strength #trailblazer #resilience #challenge

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    58 min
  • How to Adjust Your Burnout Graph to Optimize Your Life with Rob Tracz
    Nov 13 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with performance coach Rob Tracz about his journey from experiencing burnout to helping others navigate their own struggles. Rob shares his personal story of overcoming challenges, the impact of his father's illness, and the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout. He emphasizes the need for self-reflection, community support, and aligning one's work with personal passions to avoid burnout and achieve fulfillment. In this conversation, Rob Tracz and Keegan Read delve into the complexities of burnout, self-reflection, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of recognizing signs of burnout, the balance between physical and cognitive challenges, and the concept of the 'comfort corner.' Rob introduces the 'Diamond Matrix' as a tool for assessing one's state of well-being and emphasizes the need for collaboration and understanding one's uniqueness to create opportunities. The discussion also touches on the evolution of projects and the significance of connection in overcoming challenges.

    Check out his website here: https://robtracz.com/

    Takeaways

    Burnout can sneak up on you if you're not aware. Personal experiences shape our professional paths. Finding a supportive community is crucial for recovery. Distractions can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step to recovery. Transitioning careers can be a challenging but rewarding process. It's important to align your work with your passions. Self-reflection is key to personal growth. Helping others can also aid in your own healing. Creating a balanced life is essential for mental health. Recognizing burnout involves self-reflection and awareness. The Diamond Matrix helps balance physical and cognitive challenges. The comfort corner represents a lack of challenge in life. Creating luck involves leveraging uniqueness and collaboration. Understanding the audience is crucial for effective communication. Burnout can stem from a lack of challenge and clarity. Connection with others is key to overcoming isolation. Small steps can lead to significant personal growth. Evolving projects often require adapting to new circumstances. Setting up systems can help prevent burnout.

    Chapters

    00:00 Rob's Journey: From Childhood to Coaching 00:00 The Struggles of Overworking and Burnout 03:15 Coping with Loss and the Impact of Grief 07:31 The Turning Point: Recognizing the Need for Change 12:07 Evolving from Strength Coach to Performance Coach 15:46 Navigating Burnout and Chaos 17:10 Finding Direction and Motivation 19:02 Embracing New Challenges 20:31 Juggling Multiple Projects 23:38 Recognizing Burnout Signs 26:55 The Comfort Corner Concept 32:32 Navigating the Continuum of Skills and Challenges 34:23 Understanding Physical and Cognitive Exhaustion 36:07 The Journey of Writing and Overcoming Writer's Block 38:28 Identifying and Addressing Burnout 40:46 Creating Your Own Luck and Opportunities 44:43 The Importance of Collaboration and Continuous Growth 49:51 The Power of Connection in Retrieving Sanity 51:43 Introduction to Burnout and Its Impact 52:37 Understanding the Sneaky Nature of Burnout 53:58 Finding Balance and Utilizing Burnout Positively #podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #burnout #cookedzone #coacing #resilience #personaldevlopment #addictionrecovery #sidehustle #selfreflection #comfortcorner #awareness

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    57 min
  • Exploring The Roots of ADHD For Healing with Jeremy Van Wert
    Nov 9 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, Keegan Read and Jeremy Van Wert explore the complexities of ADHD, the importance of self-love, and the healing potential of psychedelics. They discuss the challenges of navigating corporate life with ADHD, the significance of building boundaries and friendships, and the impact of childhood trauma on emotional processing. Jeremy shares insights on mindfulness, exercise, and the role of community in managing ADHD, while also emphasizing the need for self-reflection and forgiveness. The conversation highlights the journey of understanding oneself and the importance of embracing life in the present moment.

    Check out his website here: https://mindfulmutiny.com/

    Takeaways

    Seize life now; don't wait for the right moment. ADHD individuals often struggle with oversharing due to trust. Building boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships. Exercise and mindfulness are essential for managing ADHD. Psychedelics can facilitate deep emotional healing. Childhood trauma can significantly impact adult emotional processing. Forgiveness is a key step in healing from past trauma. Community and connection are vital for emotional well-being. Self-reflection helps in understanding personal triggers and responses. Creating structure and discipline can aid in managing ADHD.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:56 Life on the Road: Embracing Adventure 05:56 Navigating Corporate Life with ADHD 11:37 Setting Boundaries and Building Relationships 17:19 Managing ADHD: Strategies for Success 19:21 The Power of Sound Frequencies 21:26 Understanding Neurodivergence and Trauma 24:28 The Impact of Childhood Experiences 27:14 Breaking Free from Masking 30:13 Building Authentic Relationships 33:06 Distinguishing Between ADHD and Autism 34:53 Strategies for Managing ADHD Disorganization 36:10 Strategies for Focus and Memory 38:56 Managing ADHD and Communication 39:54 Creating Structure and Outsourcing Tasks 43:00 Understanding Discipline and Order in ADHD 46:07 Healing from Childhood Trauma 53:03 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing #retrievingsanity #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #adhd #audhd #neurodivergence #neurodivergent #mindfulness #mindfulmutiny #boundaries #community #connection

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    58 min
  • Recovery and Healing Using Source Energy with Justin Shaw
    Nov 6 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Keegan Read and Justin Shaw explore the themes of healing, addiction recovery, and the concept of source energy. Justin shares his transformative experience of a 'bliss attack' that led him to create a map for healing, emphasizing the importance of spiritual well-being. They discuss the limitations of traditional medical approaches to mental health and the need for a holistic understanding of healing that includes the mind, body, and spirit. Justin introduces his 13 rungs of recovery, contrasting it with the rigid structure of 12-step programs, and highlights the significance of change and self-discovery in the healing journey. The conversation also touches on the role of meditation and the questioning of traditional beliefs surrounding death and spirituality. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Justin L Shaw explore the transition from traditional religious practices to a more fluid and inclusive approach to spirituality and recovery. They discuss the limitations of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, emphasizing the need for a more holistic understanding of recovery that incorporates mental health, emotional healing, and personal growth. The dialogue delves into the importance of self-awareness, shadow work, and the necessity of stepping outside one's comfort zone to foster growth and healing. In this conversation, Justin L Shaw shares insights on personal growth, the importance of intention, and the distinction between instinct and intuition. He emphasizes the need for a positive mindset, the significance of following one's passion, and the role of perception in mental health. The discussion also covers the importance of understanding chakras and the value of mentorship in personal development. Shaw concludes with a reflection on the daily practices necessary for maintaining mental health and retrieving sanity.

    Find His Book Here: https://www.amazon.com/Sourcery-101-Higher-Elevation-Consciousness/dp/B0DTV5ZXSM

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Healing and Source Energy 02:56 The Bliss Attack Experience 06:01 Understanding Spiritual Bankruptcy and Healing 09:02 The 13 Rungs of Recovery 11:57 The Role of Change in Recovery 15:03 Meditation and the Journey to Self-Discovery 18:06 Questioning Traditional Beliefs and Control 22:01 The Shift from Religion to Spirituality 23:20 Navigating Recovery and Spirituality 25:48 Critique of Traditional Recovery Programs 28:09 Understanding Power and Control in Recovery 30:01 The Need for Inclusive Recovery Options 32:32 Introducing the 13 Rungs of Sorcery 33:25 Exploring Shadow Work and Self-Awareness 35:50 The Importance of Meditation and Serenity 37:15 Health as Wealth: Mind, Body, and Spirit 38:12 Emotional Alchemy and Forgiveness 39:39 Comfort and Discomfort in Personal Growth 41:01 Embracing Uncomfortable Situations 41:48 The Power of Intention 42:45 Goats vs. Sheep: Mindset Matters 44:11 Following Your Bliss 45:33 Understanding Simulation Theory 46:58 Perception and Mental Health 47:53 Instinct vs. Intuition 49:46 The Importance of Chakras 50:43 The Role of Mentorship 52:54 Retrieving Sanity: Daily Practices

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    58 min
  • Acting Away Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Albert Bramante
    Nov 2 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read engages with Albert Charles Bramante, a unique figure in the realms of psychology and acting. They explore Bramante's journey from a nonconventional childhood to becoming a psychology professor and talent agent. The conversation delves into the challenges actors face, including self-sabotage, the fear of success, and the impact of identity on mental health. Bramante emphasizes the importance of reframing negative beliefs and cultivating a growth mindset. The episode concludes with a game segment, 'Mindset GPS,' where Bramante offers practical advice for overcoming common mental barriers in the creative industry.

    Check out his website here: http://www.albertbramante.com/

    Takeaways

    Albert Bramante is a psychology professor and talent agent. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in acting and life. Actors often struggle with self-sabotage and the fear of success. The person in the mirror can be the biggest obstacle. Reframing negative beliefs is crucial for personal growth. Money is a neutral concept that can be used for good or bad. Actors should focus on their own journey rather than comparing themselves to others. Cultivating a growth mindset is essential for overcoming challenges. Bramante's work aims to help actors thrive in their careers. Retrieving sanity means finding peace of mind and living authentically.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Albert Charles Bramante 05:45 The Role of a Talent Agent 08:52 Challenges Faced by Actors 10:11 Understanding Self-Limiting Beliefs 12:04 Identifying Signs of Self-Sabotage 12:41 Deep Dive into Personal Challenges 15:49 Common Scripts Holding Actors Back 18:06 Resistance to Change 19:35 Identity and Self-Perception 21:35 The Struggle of the Artist's Identity 24:39 Fear of Success 26:19 Exploring the Fear of Success 28:10 The Impact of Change on Success 29:21 Reframing Our Relationship with Money 31:38 The Struggles of the Artist's Journey 35:07 Helping Others Shine 38:10 Overcoming the Victim Mentality 40:50 Confronting Imposter Syndrome 44:14 Mindset GPS: Navigating Challenges 48:42 Retrieving Sanity: Finding Peace of Mind #podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #addictionrecovery #acting #selfsabotaging #fearofsuccess #growthmindset #talentagents #personaldevelopment

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    53 min
  • What If You Could Use Light To Heal Your Brain with Dr. Theodore Henderson
    Oct 30 2025

    Summary

    In this enlightening episode of Retrieving Sanity, Dr. Theodore Henderson discusses revolutionary approaches to brain health, focusing on the role of mitochondria and the potential of infrared light therapy. He challenges traditional views on depression, emphasizing that it is not merely a chemical imbalance but a degenerative disease that can be treated through innovative methods. The conversation explores the synergy between ketamine and infrared light, the importance of neuroplasticity, and the need for a paradigm shift in mental health treatment. Dr. Henderson shares his personal journey and insights on meditation as a crucial practice for maintaining mental well-being.

    Check out his website here: https://neuro-luminance.com/

    Takeaways

    Every brain condition may share a common underlying issue. Improving mitochondrial health can enhance overall brain function. Infrared light therapy shows promise in treating various brain disorders. Depression is a degenerative disease, not just a chemical imbalance. Neuroplasticity is key to recovery from mental health issues. Ketamine and infrared light can work synergistically for better outcomes. Meditation can significantly aid in mental health recovery. The medical community is slow to adopt new treatments due to entrenched beliefs. Personal experiences can drive passion for innovative medical practices. Understanding the brain's complexity is essential for effective treatment.

    Chapters

    00:00 Revolutionizing Brain Science 02:08 The Power of Mitochondria 06:48 Infrared Light and Healing 11:22 The Future of Photobiomodulation 16:57 Applications Beyond the Brain 17:53 The Microbiome and Parkinson's Treatment 19:28 Long-lasting Effects of Multi-Watt Infrared Light 20:45 Rethinking Depression: A Degenerative Disease 22:37 Ketamine and Neuroplasticity: A New Approach 25:08 The Myths of Ketamine Treatment 27:36 Challenging Conventional Psychiatry 29:51 Personal Journey: From Darkness to Advocacy 34:30 The Journey of Healing and Transformation 36:19 Understanding Mental Health Through Neuroimaging 38:46 The Challenges of Paradigm Shifts in Psychiatry 40:17 Innovations in Brain Treatment: ExoMind and Beyond 42:09 Addressing Long COVID and Brain Health 43:36 Neuroplasticity and Recovery from Brain Injuries 45:55 The Resilience of the Human Brain 47:43 Retrieving Sanity: Personal Insights and Practices

    #RetrievingSanity #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthTreatment #infraredlighttherapy #depression #neuroplasticity #photobiomodulation #ketamine #recovery #neuroscience #future

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    56 min
  • How To Heal Your Marriage Using Your Chaos Kid with Larry Bilotta
    Oct 23 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Keegan Read and Larry Bilotta explore the complexities of marriage, focusing on emotional health, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of self-love. Bilotta shares his personal journey through a challenging marriage and introduces the concept of the 'energy train' to explain how emotions are transmitted between partners. They discuss the 'chaos kid' phenomenon, the influence of beliefs on relationships, and the necessity of moving from a fear-based mindset to one centered on love and intimacy. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Larry Bilotta explore the intricate dynamics of relationships, focusing on the interplay between fear and safety, the importance of healing childhood experiences, and the impact of family history on current relationships. They discuss how navigating chaos and clarity can lead to healthier marriages, emphasizing the significance of loyalty and commitment in fostering lasting connections.

    Check out his website here: https://www.empoweredwithin.com/

    Takeaways

    Larry Bilotta shares his personal journey through a challenging marriage. The concept of the 'energy train' illustrates how emotions are transmitted in relationships. Understanding the emotional delivery system can help improve communication. The 'chaos kid' concept explains how unresolved childhood issues affect adult relationships. Healing chaos in relationships requires self-awareness and emotional management. Beliefs about marriage are often shaped by childhood experiences and family dynamics. Recognizing the signs of losing emotional connection is crucial for relationship health. Moving from a fear-based mindset to a love-based mindset can transform relationships. Intimacy in marriage is built on kindness, forgiveness, and understanding. The importance of addressing childhood influences to heal current relationship issues. Fear drives people to seek divorce. Identifying fear helps in making better choices. Healing begins with understanding childhood experiences. Family history influences relationship patterns. Recognizing chaos can lead to moments of clarity. Loyalty and commitment are essential in relationships. Words are energy containers that shape our reality. Choosing love over fear is a conscious decision. Understanding the meaning behind actions is crucial. Sanity comes from reducing ego and embracing love.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Marriage Challenges 00:40 Larry's Journey Through a Difficult Marriage 03:31 The Energy Train Concept 08:07 Understanding Emotional Delivery in Relationships 10:31 The Chaos Kid and Midlife Crisis 14:20 The Impact of Subconscious on Relationships 16:14 Beliefs and Their Influence on Relationships 19:33 Exploring Beliefs About Marriage 21:21 The Heart of Marriage 22:16 Childhood Influences on Relationships 23:36 The Impact of Past Experiences 25:11 Life's Distractions and Relationship Intimacy 27:23 Fear vs. Love in Marriage 29:21 Identifying Fear and Love 31:14 The Power of Words in Relationships 32:49 Healing Through Understanding Childhood 35:08 Choosing Love Over Fear 37:47 Unpacking Subconscious Beliefs 38:46 Navigating Relationship Dynamics 39:27 Chaos or Clarity: A Game Show on Relationships 43:01 Understanding Patterns in Relationships 44:53 The Heart of Marriage: Signs of Losing Connection 45:46 Meaning and Movie Machine: Understanding Perception 51:35 The Importance of Loyalty and Commitment 53:31 Retrieving Sanity: The Role of Ego in Relationships #podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #marriage #relationships #emotionalhealth #midlifecrisis #selflove #energytrain #healingjourney #childhoodinfluence #fear #safety

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    57 min