It's All In My Head

Content Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, anxiety, depression, suicide and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this bonus episode, you'll hear a featured conversation from Juliet Patterson and Chris Stedman, authors and advocates who share their experiences with suicide loss through creativity, writing, podcasting, and speaking.

Content Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, anxiety, depression, eating disorders/disordered eating habits, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of It's All In My Head, Joel chats with friend and fellow NMU Wildcat Elsie Zajicek to talk about athlete mental health, disordered eating, and the comparison game that social media creates.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal ideation & suicide, treatment, trauma and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of It's All In My Head, Joel chats with fellow mental health podcaster Jesse Mangan about involuntary commitments, the mental health ecosystem in the United States, and their lived experiences with trauma.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation & suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of It's All In My Head, Joel chats with new friend and fellow podcaster, Local Neighborhood Baby about living with mental illness. They discuss how mental illness shows up for them both, what they do to cope, how cool it would be to have a reality tv show following the lives of those living with mental illness, and how their fight or flight response is triggered in stressful situation. Joel and Local Neighborhood Baby get into the nitty gritty of what it is like to be stressed, depressed, and anxious.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, LGBTQ2S+ issues, sex, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of It's All In My Head, Joel sits down with childhood friend Chase Gray to discuss a recent diagnosis with Bipolar Disorder, how he's processing this new diagnosis and the challenges he faces with it and what Chase is doing to embrace the suck. Joel and Chase also chat about growing up in rural Northern Michigan, being a closeted queer person, and how the church and educational systems that they grew up in impacted their adolescence.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, anxiety, depression, sex, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Joel talks with bestie Emily Boone about living with anxiety, working as a nurse, and so much more. We talk about growing up in the Midwest and the shame and stigma of mental health. In this episode, Joel and Emily even get into some taboo topics like sex!

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, anxiety, bullying, depression, eating disorders, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Joel talks with new friend Claire Litzen about living with anxiety, body image issues, an eating disorder, being bullied, and walking in love. Claire shares her past traumas and challenges, her current outlook on life, and understanding that healing doesn't happen in a straight line - it comes in phases and embracing each version of yourself is part of the journey. 

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Joel sits down with his good friend Jake Danielson to talk about his experiences with psychosis and depression. Jake shares about his history with self-harm, multiple suicide attempts, and building a community of support to get him through his dark times. What started as a few close friends has blossomed into a movement focusing on mental wellness. Jake is a man with a big plan and he opens up about it all.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, suicide, sex, drugs, alcohol, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. 

A new era of It's All In My Head is here. Season three brings updated branding, new guests, and a merch store (coming soon!). In this episode, Enrique Rosario shares his experiences as a man living with mental health challenges, a recent diagnosis with MS, and a past riddled with trauma and strife. But through it all, he's found that by being HUMAN and showing up with empathy, grace, and humility, the world isn't as bad as he once thought. Join Enrique and Joel in the HUMAN experience.

In the season two finale, Joel and his bestie Monica chat about what it means to embrace life, trust the process, and say no to fear. Joel very briefly sexualizes Monica (just kidding, it's just a compliment), Monica burps a few times (as usual), and of course, there is some singing and rapping. Because what's a podcast episode without some rhymes and verses, anyway? Ending season two on a positive note, Joel and Monica share the good spaces they're in at this point in their lives - a place neither of them were just a year ago.

A new era of It's All In My Head is coming soon with the season three premiere in September! Stay tuned. Thanks for listening, Sisu Squad!

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, suicide, sex, drugs, alcohol, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, that took three hours to record, Annabelle DeSisto and I talk in circles about absolutely nothing. This episode is the definition of chaos and fun and is what true friendship sounds like. We talk about Annabelle's history of family mental illness, her "late" diagnosis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and moving to a small town from Los Angeles. Stick around and listen and laugh as we have the most fun ever!

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Joel chats with friend and up-and-coming country music star, Cody Cozz, about finding healing through music and finding yourself in the lyrics when you feel lost.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including abuse, language, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of It's All In My Head, Joel chats with fellow podcaster, Demi Wylde, about mental health, astrology, sex, relationships, dating, and so much more.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, alcohol, drugs/medications, sex, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. 

Listen to Hookup Horror Stories, A Cosmic Journey, and Tarot Love Doctors wherever you find your podcasts. 

Joel chats with college friend Trent Podskalan about hitting rock bottom and realizing it's ok to start over when it comes to your mental health.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, alcohol, drugs/medications, suicidal ideation, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this installment of It's All In My Head, Joel brings back his dear friend Sara Letmanski, as his first two-time guest to the show to talk about how she's doing after a move across the country, the loss of their mutual friend Javi, and surprisingly, her crush on Steve from Blues Clues.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, alcohol, abortion, drugs, miscarriage, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Joel sits down with another friend from his hometown, Bronson Flint. They go off on tangents and ramble about mental health, moving away from home, and so much more. They get into the weeds of religious trauma and sexuality, and talk about how growing up in their hometown helped shape who they are today and the impacts it had on their mental health.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, alcohol, drugs, religion, sexuality, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this "short short" episode, Joel is solo again and shares some BIG things that have been happening in his world.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, alcohol, drugs, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Joel chats with friend and former student employee, Noah Hellmund, about what it's like to be a neurodivergent man working in a high intensity field as a first responder. They talk trauma, grief, personal growth, and storytelling. Joel and Noah discuss how masculinity isn't always about being strong, but rather embracing the suck and doing the right thing even when it may not be the easiest.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, neurodivergence, religion, sexuality, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Check out the other shows Noah referenced in our conversation:

It's the 30th episode of It's All In My Head, which means we're halfway through season two! Can you even believe it?

In this episode, Joel chats with childhood friend and neighbor, Bethany Kinnan, about growing up in small town, conservative, Northern Michigan and how that impacted their mental health journeys. They get into topics such as religious trauma and shame, and share where they're at in their journeys today. This may just be the most unhinged episode to date, so as the gals from Morbid say, "hold onto your butts".

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, depression, medication, religion, sexuality, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of It's All In My Head, Joel chats with his pseudo-mama, Angela Drake, about her journey into mental health and suicide prevention. Angela shares why she's such a fierce advocate and mama to all and how she got her loud mouth mama voice. Join Angela and Joel for this heartfelt episode released on Christmas morning. 

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, death, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of It's All In My Head, Joel makes an absolute fool of himself while laughing the entire recording with his dear friend Michelle Knapp. Not a single sentence is finished, a glass left empty, or an ounce of sense is made in this episode...it sounds like gibberish, so buckle up! 

Fair warning, Joel is very high, sings Eminem and Hilary Duff, and attempts ASMR...so if this doesn't sound like a good time to you, don't listen to this episode.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, death, depression, sexual assault, suicidality, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In the latest installment of It's All In My Head, Joel sits down with dear friend, Stephanie Tollis to discuss all things mental health and being human, because after all, part of being human is rawdogging life, isn't it?!

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, depression, sexuality, suicidality, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this bonus episode, released on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, Joel chats with the legendary and adorably sweet Chris Stedman. Chris is the author of IRL, host of Unread, and a suicide loss survivor. Chris and Joel talk all things healing, identity, loss and how they find connection and belonging during these tough times.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, depression, religion, sexuality, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Joel chats with new friend, Zach Mellen, about addictive personalities, podcasting, and their respective journeys into therapy. As the conversation progresses, it gets more and more wild and Joel and Zach dive into the depths of such topics as sobriety, using drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms, and jerking off in public places. You do not want to miss this episode!

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including alcohol, anxiety, depression, drugs, sex, suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Joel chats Mikay Elliott about living authentically. They discuss the messiness of higher education, finding purpose and value in life and work, and how showing up for yourself and others can help your mental health. Joel and Mikay spend some time talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder, systems for change, and what Joel is doing for work with Lost&Found.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, depression, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In the one year anniversary episode, Joel chats with good friend, Samantha Hull about literally everything. From school spirit to jobs in higher education and from finding yourself as an adult to the challenges of navigating adulthood.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, depression, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of It's All In My Head, listeners get a preview of Great Minds with Lost&Found, Joel's second podcast, sponsored by his employers at Lost&Found. 

Great Minds focuses on systems and how individuals can enact change to positively impact the mental health landscape. In this crossover episode, Joel chats with dear friend and mental health advocate, Wendy Mamer, about her lived experience with mental illness, being a survivor of suicide loss, and what she's doing to fight for change.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, depression, medications, substance use and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In the season two premier, Joel chats with one of his closest and dearest friends, Stephanie Fischer about moving back to South Dakota, starting new jobs, grad school mentie b's, attachment styles, and everything else you can possibly imagine...or not imagine.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, depression, medications, substance use and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Welcome to Out! Of My Mind, a queer mental health miniseries from It's All In My Head! This miniseries will feature a collective of beautiful souls from the queer community and their stories of experiences with mental health. As a member of the queer community himself, Joel wants to hone in on the queer space and the very unique stories of mental health journeys that the queer community faces. In episode 1, Joel sits down with dear friend Mikaela Fischer and chats all the things.

Resources referenced in this episode: 

In this special bonus episode, Joel shares some highlights from his first season of the show!

Out! Of My Mind, a queer mental health miniseries launches July 31, 2021. Season two will be released September 4, 2021.

In the season one finale, Joel's best friend Mikaela Fischer joins the pod to discuss all the things. We chat about sports psychology, volunteer work, and Joel's new job with a mental health nonprofit!

Joel and Mikaela also share a long awaited big announcement that you won't want to miss!!!

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including suicide, disordered eating, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources referenced in this episode:

Joel chats with one of his closest friends, Mathew Coronado, about Imposter Syndrome, feeling less than/othered, and the burnout of work. 

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including addiction, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, suicide and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Joel sits down with the second half of The Imperfect Millennials and new friend, Katie Hinderer, to chat about her job as a social media coach, influencer, and lifestyle blogger. They discuss the impacts of social media on mental health, how to destigmatize mental health and therapy, and why communication is the key to healthier minds and bodies.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including anxiety, depression, suicide and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

After geeking out that one of his favorite podcasters DM'd him about coming on his own show, Joel sits down with Kelli AKA Laguna Biotch to discuss all things mental health and pop culture. They chat about addiction, unemployment, imposter syndrome, and how podcasting and trash tv have helped pull them out of their funk. 

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including addiction, anxiety, depression, suicide and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. 

In this episode, Joel chats with bestie, Sara Letmanski about all things mental health. Joel and Sara share many similar experiences and get deep really quickly. Don't miss this tangent filled conversation that will keep you laughing and crying the whole way through.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including suicide, trauma, substance abuse, miscarriage, abortion, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Joel sits down with dear friend, CJ Gooderham to discuss spirituality's impact on mental health, how the evolution of society has shaped and informed our responses to mental health, and how to remain resilient.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including spirituality, depression, suicide, gun violence, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

CJ's book recommendations:

In this installment of It's All In My Head, Joel chats with new friend and fellow mental health champion, Monica Hinderer, all about therapy. They dive into Monica's career as a Licensed Professional Counselor, her background with mental health, and people watching in airports.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including suicide, trauma, substance abuse, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Monica's Book and Podcast Recommendations:

Sadly, Joel has been quarantined and hasn't had a chance to record with a guest, so there is no full length episode this week, however, he shares his love with the Sisu Squad and can't wait to get back to things as scheduled in two weeks.

Until then, stay safe and healthy. Love each other. And keep fighting.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including gun violence, mass shootings, acts of terrorism, murder, sexuality, sexual assault, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Joel pops his employee and friend, Rowan Block's podcast cherry. Listen as they dive into astrology, support in a small town, therapy, reality tv, and trauma.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including suicide, trauma, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Joel sits down with his employee and friend, Grace Adams and chats about ADHD, music, substance abuse and more.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including alcohol/drug abuse, addiction, eating disorders, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In the very first bonus episode, Joel celebrates Black History Month by chatting with two of his closest friends, Ty Hollowell and Rachel Klitzke, about what black mental health means to them and what their experiences as Black Americans have been like.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including language, sexuality, anxiety and depression, cancer, police brutality, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Joel chats with his new friend Austin about being in recovery in his twenties and how mental health has impacted his journey. They also dive into shame and queerness a bit too. 

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including alcohol/drug abuse, addiction, recovery, queerness and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. 

Joel chats with his dear friend Amanda about all things body and eating. As tall people who run, Joel and Amanda have connected over similar struggles with body image, weight, and difficult relationships with food.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including body image issues, disordered eating/eating disorders and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Joel chats with two people that inspire him daily, Cory Ragsdale and Precious Allen, about what it's like being women of color, how their identities impact their mental health, and being a student leader on a predominantly white campus.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including suicide, trauma, abuse, sexuality, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

Joel chats with his current employee and friend, Kat Smith about her experiences with mental health, using sex as a coping mechanism, dealing with a sexually transmitted infection, journaling, and how boxing helped her get off the mat regarding her mental health.

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode references mature themes including sex, STI's, suicidality/suicide, and other themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.