Adjusting Podcast

What if loneliness isn't your enemy, but your greatest creative ally? We're flipping the script on solitude and discovering why silence is full of possibility, not emptiness. In this episode, we explore how cultural programming and trauma have taught us to fear being alone, why we've outsourced our self-worth to external validation, and how to reclaim the power of intentional solitu...

Your playlist is either your medicine or your poison—and most of us have no idea which one we're choosing every day. In this deeply personal and science-backed episode, I'm sharing how music literally rewires our brains and either supports our healing journey or keeps us stuck in old mental patterns. From my own experience with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, I've discovered that bei...

Are you tired of being your own biggest obstacle? In this episode, we dive deep into why your comfort zone might not be the enemy you think it is - and how adjusting it (instead of "breaking out") can transform your mental health and healing journey. Whether you're a creative afraid to share your work, a parent trying to control everything, struggling with vulnerability in relations...

Ever wonder why you react the way you do to criticism, conflict, or stress? In this episode, we explore how our childhood experiences create "wiring" in our brains that influences our adult responses - and the good news is, you can rewire them. We'll dive into five common childhood wiring patterns (hypervigilant, people-pleasing, perfectionist, isolation, and control wires), underst...

🎉 One year of Adjusting! 🎉 I can't believe we've made it to our first anniversary! In this special episode, I'm getting real about what this year has meant to me and celebrating YOU - the listeners who've made talking about mental health feel less scary and more normal. We're diving into our top 5 episodes (shout out to "Adjusting Your Sexual Position" for bein...

Feeling behind on your goals? Struggling with imposter syndrome? Wrestling with weight loss or financial disappointments? This episode is your permission slip to start over. Join me for an honest mid-year mental health check-in where we explore how to address what's not working, adjust your approach with grace, and apply fresh strategies for the second half of the year. Perfect for creatives,...

What if I told you that feeling guilty about putting yourself first is actually holding back everyone you love? In this episode, we're diving deep into why adjusting your priorities isn't selfish—it's essential for your mental health, relationships, and success. Whether you're a creative who feels guilty for taking time to make art, a parent who thinks good moms don't take...

What if healing doesn't have to happen all at once? In this episode, we're diving deep into the concept of your "emotional container" - your current capacity to hold and process difficult feelings without becoming overwhelmed. Whether you're a creative struggling with procrastination, a parent at your breaking point, or someone who looks like they have it all together whil...

Feeling like your life's plate is overflowing? In this episode, we're breaking down the nutrition of your daily responsibilities using a food metaphor that will change how you think about balance forever. We'll explore the difference between life's "macronutrients" (career, relationships, self-care) and "micronutrients" (hobbies, growth, rest), why capitalis...

What if your life is a garden, and you're the gardener? In this episode, we explore how to honestly assess what's actually growing in your life, make intentional adjustments through sacred pruning and purposeful replanting, and allow your personal growth to serve the world around you. We'll dive deep into: Identifying the difference between what you think you're cultivating vs....

In this powerful episode of Season 2, we explore how to recognize, understand, and heal nervous system patterns rooted in childhood experiences. From attachment styles to inherited family trauma, we uncover why your body responds the way it does and share practical techniques for regulation and healing. Perfect for creatives, those in faith communities, people navigating relationships, and anyone...

Are you constantly disappointed by friends, overworked as "the capable one," or questioning your worth when reality doesn't match your expectations? This episode explores how our expectations across friendships, work, finances, and intimate relationships often trigger deep feelings of unworthiness when unmet. We dive into why we tie our value to others meeting our expectations, the...

In this transformative episode of Adjusting, we dive deep into "Adjusting Your Defenses" - exploring how trauma triggers impact our creative expression and authentic living. Discover the biological connection between triggers and cortisol release, and learn five powerful strategies to transform defensive reactions into conscious responses. The episode introduces "The Whole You Pyram...

In this episode of "Adjusting," we dive into the powerful relationship between social media and mental health. Discover how your digital diet affects your brain chemistry through dopamine and serotonin, and learn to spot the difference between helpful mental health content and harmful exploitation. We'll decode overused buzzwords like "narcissism," "safe space,"...

Who's draining your energy tank? In this powerful fourth episode of Season 2, we dive deep into understanding our personal energy - that invisible fuel that powers everything from our daily tasks to our deepest connections. We'll explore the subtle signs of energy depletion that show up in your body, emotions, mind, and spirit. You'll discover the hidden energy vampires lurking in y...

Have you been dimming your light to fit into spaces that weren't designed for you? In this third episode, we explore reclaiming your authentic self after years of code-switching. Through personal stories of church hurt and healing, we examine the emotional, physical, and spiritual costs of hiding your true self—and how to turn that light back on. Drawing from Brianna Wiest's "The Mo...

In a world that celebrates the grind culture, burnout has become an unwelcome companion for many of us. This episode dives deep into the reality of burnout across different contexts - from creative pursuits to entrepreneurship, relationships to spiritual communities. Drawing inspiration from Tricia Hersey's "Rest Is Resistance," we explore practical ways to recognize burnout signals...

What makes a space truly safe versus merely comfortable? In this Season 2 premiere, host Justin G. Nelson explores the complex terrain of creating and recognizing genuine safe spaces on your healing journey. Drawing from personal experience, Justin challenges the notion that traditional safe havens like religious communities always provide authentic safety, while offering practical wisdom on how y...

Are you feeling lost or unsure about your direction in life? Join host, Justin G. Nelson for a purpose driven episode of "Adjusting" as we explore the transformative journey of discovering and aligning with your true purpose. We'll unpack the concept of purpose and its profound impact on mental health and overall well-being. Learn practical strategies for self-discovery, overcome co...

In this week's episode of "Adjusting," host Justin G. Nelson explores the critical yet often overlooked role of rest in our lives. As society increasingly glorifies "grind culture", Justin challenges this narrative by examining the various aspects of rest and its impact on mental health, creativity, and overall success. This episode is particularly relevant for creatives,...

In this episode of Adjusting, I, Justin G. Nelson, dive deep into the often challenging journey of recognizing and embracing our true worth. How do we stop shrinking ourselves and start owning our rightful place in life? Join me as I explore the foundations of self-worth and its crucial role in mental health, share ways to recognize and overcome self-diminishing behaviors, and offer strategies for...

In this powerful episode of Adjusting, we dive deep into the complex intersection of mental health and sexuality. Join host, Justin G. Nelson as he explores the impact of sexual trauma, unpack the burden of shame, and discover pathways to healing and growth.  This episode takes us through understanding how sexual experiences shape our mental wellbeing, recognizing the effects of trauma on relation...

In this episode of Adjusting, host Justin G. Nelson delves into the complex world of grief and loss. Grief isn't just about death -it's a natural response to any significant change or loss in our lives. Whether you're struggling with the end of a friendship, a career setback, or unfulfilled dreams, this episode offers insights and strategies to help you navigate the grieving process...

Discover how the words you use shape your mental health and reality. This episode explores the science behind language's impact on the brain and provides practical strategies to harness the power of positive vocabulary. Learn to replace negative self-talk with empowering alternatives, craft effective affirmations, and cultivate a growth mindset through intentional word choices. Includes actio...

Join host Justin G. Nelson for a powerful exploration of social connections and mental well-being in this episode of "Adjusting." Justin delves into the vital role friendships and communities play in our mental health journey, offering insights on building supportive relationships while navigating personal growth and healing. From recognizing toxic patterns to cultivating authentic conne...