Through the Sh#t with Jen McDowell

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...

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 difficu...

#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 ab...

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 conti...

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...

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...

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 dis...

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...

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...

In this episode of "Through the Sh#t," host Jen McDowell reflects on the stories shared by recent guests and distills their experiences into ten key lessons that can help others navigate their own difficult times. Topics include: * The inescapable truth that everyone will go through sh#t. * The cumulative effect of multiple sh#tty circumstances. * The paradox of both loneliness and connection that...

In the latest episode of "Through the Shit," host Jen McDowell welcomes Kimberly Zimmerman-Rand, financial counselor, consultant and coach, who shares her experience of professional growth after experiencing the same setback on three separate occasions. From rejection letters to unexpected firings, Kimberly's story is a testament to resilience and the strength of the human spirit. Kimberly relays...

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell sits down with award-winning photographer Monika Demel and her husband, Matthew Sommerfeldt, as they reflect on Monika's two-time experience with breast cancer. Monika relays the ups and downs of her experience: receiving her first diagnosis right before Christmas, the difficult decisions regarding her treatment plan, and the parts of cancer r...

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell sits down with Ioana Bazavan, a seasoned cybersecurity professional and coach as she reflects on her journey of "chosen sh#t" leading teams through major security breach recovery efforts. Between the grueling hours, strained relationships and the high-stress environments, Ioana emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and nurturing resili...

In the latest episode of "Through the Sh#t," host Jen McDowell engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shira, whose journey of recovery from sobriety, an eating disorder, undiagnosed health conditions, and toxic relationships has become a powerful narrative of hope and authenticity. Now 23 years sober, Shira emphasizes that achieving sobriety did not automatically lead to a life filled with happi...

In this episode of "Through the Sh#t", host Jen McDowell engages in a thoughtful conversation with consultant and former litigator Ursula Taylor. Together, they explore the complexities of conflict and the often-overlooked power of communication, through Ursula's recent experience of feeling betrayed by her partner. Ursula reflects on her holistic approach to conflict resolution and how her signif...

In this episode of "Through the Shit," host Jen McDowell talks with Laurie Oswald, whose life was turned upside down during the tumultuous year of 2020. Her journey offers invaluable insights into resilience, community, and the power of human connection. As the founder of InteraWorks, a global learning company, Laurie found herself facing unprecedented challenges when her business evaporated after...

In this episode of "Through the Sh#t," host Jen McDowell speaks with Crystal Duke, a multi-certified health coach and fitness trainer and the founder of CLifeFit. Crystal shares her deeply personal journey of navigating the loss of her father to colon cancer, a tragic event that forced her to confront her beliefs about faith, identity, and purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in...

In the latest episode of "Through the Shit," host Jen McDowell sits down with Katherine Ayre, an aviation executive and attorney, to discuss her profound journey of transformation following a series of devastating life events. This engaging conversation explores the meaning of resilience and the lessons that emerge when we confront our deepest challenges. Kate shares her story, beginning with her...

In this episode, Jen talks with Mallory Roth, an executive coach who works with thoughtful founders, leaders, and coaches who’ve hit an inflection point in their work. Mallory shares her experience of choosing to follow the "right on paper path," only to learn that path was not right after all. After experiencing a significant health setback, Mallory abandoned her chosen path to explore the world...

In this episode, Jen McDowell introduces her podcast 'Through the Sh#t,' which focuses on personal stories of loss, hope, and resilience. She shares her own transformative journey through significant life events, including the loss of her mother, marriage struggles, and the impact of trauma. The podcast aims to create a space for connection, healing, and hope for those experiencing their own chall...