Hello, amazing listeners! 👋 As we get ready for a new week, we’re thrilled to announce that this week’s Episode is the Season 8 opener! 🎉 It’s wild to think we’ve already made it to Season 8, and what’s even more mind-blowing is that we’re targeted to hit 1 million downloads by the end of the year! 😱 We’re so humbled by this journey and grateful for your support every step of the way.
This week’s Episode, titled “Trust, Safety, and Mental Health: Heather’s Story of Resilience,” features the inspiring Heather Grunkemeier, who shares her powerful journey of advocating for trust and safety within the tech world while navigating her personal mental health struggles. Her strength and wisdom shine through in every moment of the Episode, and we can’t wait for you to hear her story. Mark your calendars: the Episode drops on Tuesday, 9/10/24 at 3 AM Eastern!
Before we dive into the updates, let’s not forget that September is Suicide Awareness Month 💜. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a friend, family member, or professional. The 988 Hotline is always available to provide support when you need it.
🚗 Vacation Travel, Mishaps, Joys, and Reconnection 🚗
I’m writing this newsletter from my aunt’s house, where we’ve been staying as we make our way back to New York. We’ve been away since August 28th, and the trip has been a mix of joys and mishaps—perfectly summed up as an adventure! 🛳
Just before the cruise, I bought a new car—a 2022 VW Atlas Cross SEL R-Line! 🚙 It’s an all-wheel-drive beauty that only had 5,000 miles on it. I’ll sell my trusty 2015 VW Golf Diesel Sportwagen once we return. But the car wasn’t the only excitement on this trip!
Cheryl and I got a scam call from what we thought was Wells Fargo about a $5,000 fraud attempt via Zelle. 😮 After hours on the phone, we found out it was a fraudster spoofing the Wells Fargo number! Here’s a tip: Always double-check who you’re talking to when dealing with sensitive info. We’re just glad we caught it in time.
Despite the stress, the cruise was still an amazing time. I reconnected with old colleagues from Ultimate Software, and the joy of laughing, hugging, and reminiscing filled my heart. 🍻 It was so rejuvenating, and I even made some new friends along the way!
🌟 Special Mention: We’re Nominated! 🌟
We’re over the moon to share that “Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads” has been nominated for Best Mental Health Podcast at the Women in Podcasting Awards! 🎉 Voting is open until October 1st, and we’d be so grateful for your vote. Vote here 👉 womenpodcasters.com/vote. Be sure to check out the other incredible nominees and celebrate the amazing work of women in podcasting! 💪
Also, don’t forget to visit our new podcast merch store! 🛍 We’ve got both our original logo and a kid-friendly version. Head on over to goesoninourheads.shop and enjoy 20% off your first order! (Psst… If the discount doesn’t work, it’s because we’re not making a huge profit on some items, but we want you to enjoy the swag anyway!)
🖋 G-Rex aka Gretchen in the News 🖋
Our very own G-Rex has had two articles published this week, and we couldn’t be prouder! 🙌 Check them out below:
Turning Pain into Purpose: The Journey Behind ‘Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads’ 👉 Read on Harness Magazine
Be sure to give them a read for some deep insight into Gretchen’s journey and the vital importance of the 988 Hotline in crisis support.
📢 What to Expect in This Episode 📢
This week’s Episode features Heather Grunkemeier, a pioneer in the field of Trust and Safety. She opens up about her work creating policies to protect online communities and the toll it took on her mental health. Her journey is one of resilience, growth, and finding inner peace—an inspiring story we all need to hear.
Heather discovered her passion for making technology safer back in 2017. Since then, she’s been at the forefront of creating strategies to build trust and improve safety. Recently, she led the Trust and Safety strategy at Rover and developed policies to protect users. Heather also advocates for mindfulness as a tool for managing stress and improving well-being, especially for those working in high-pressure roles.
1. Trust and safety are essential elements in today’s tech landscape. 2. Mental health struggles are real, even for high-performing professionals. 3. Finding inner peace and setting boundaries is critical for long-term success.
💡 Actionable Takeaways 💡
1. Prioritize your mental health: Like Heather, prioritize self-care and mental well-being, especially in high-stress roles. Set boundaries and give yourself permission to take breaks when needed. 2. Find your inner peace: Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage anxiety and reduce stress. Small daily habits, like Heather’s approach to staying calm, can make a big difference. 3. Build a support system: Whether through friends, family, or professional networks, surrounding yourself with people who support and uplift you is crucial for your mental health journey.
🎧 Listener Engagement 🎧
We love hearing from you! Did something from Heather’s story strike a chord? Share your reflections with us on social media or send us a message. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue supporting each other on our mental health journeys.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay—what matters is reaching out and talking to someone. We’re always here for you and can’t wait to share more stories and conversations with you this season. 🧡
"I chose to prioritize inner peace as my number one priority. That means letting go of so many things that are out of my control and focusing only on what I can control—my attitude and my effort."
With warmth and kindness,
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Also, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the Episode and your own stories about overcoming mental health challenges. Connect with us on Social Media—our Links are below—and if our journey moves you, consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast. Your support means the world to us!
G-Rex & Dirty Skittles
It's ok to be not ok, just make sure you're talking to someone
