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