Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gretchen Schoser. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gretchen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Leaping into something unknown is always a little nerve-wracking, primarily when it’s rooted in something as deeply personal as a mental health crisis. For us, jumping into the podcast world was that leap—a risk we took without really knowing where it would lead. In fact, it started out almost as a joke, something we thought we’d try once or twice and then move on.

The idea came after Gretchen, aka G-Rex, had a mental health breakdown on Christmas Day in 2022. It was a turning point that forced us to confront just how meaningful mental health conversations are, not just for us but for so many people who struggle silently. We had been having honest, raw conversations about our mental health behind closed doors for a while, and one day, we thought, “What if we recorded this?”” The goal was huge. We figured we’d do a couple of episodes, maybe share a laugh or two, and that would be it.

But life had different plans. What started as a lighthearted experiment turned into something much more profound. We started sharing our struggles with mental health—things like depression, anxiety, and those tough days when just getting out of bed felt impossible. And soon, people started listening. Not just a few people but a lot of people. Listeners began reaching out, saying they felt seen and less alone because of our stories. We quickly realized that this was bigger than us, and it was worth continuing.

Here we are—over 700,000 downloads later, with listeners in more than 60 countries. We never expected this kind of response, and we’re humbled by it. Our guest list is booked solid until July 2025, and while we haven’t had any celebrities on the show, we have been blessed with incredible, honest people who have shared their heartfelt stories of struggle and triumph. Each episode is a reminder that all in this together and that mental health should never be taboo.

Looking back, taking this risk—what started out as just a casual, fun idea—was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. It was scary, and we had no idea what we were doing, but sometimes, the most rewarding journeys start with that first uncertain step. And we’re glad we took it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Here’s the updated version:

We’re Gretchen (aka G-Rex) and Dirty Skittles, and we co-host the podcast *Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads.* We started this podcast because, well, we’ve both been through some pretty intense mental health battles. For me, Gretchen, it all came to a head on Christmas Day 2022, when I hit rock bottom and reached out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. That was when I knew I needed to do something different, not just for myself but for others who might be feeling the same way. And so, this podcast was born.

Dirty Skittles and I had always shared these raw, deep conversations laced with humor as our way of coping. One day, we thought, “Why not turn these conversations into something that could help others?” We launched the show on Valentine’s Day 2023 with the mission to normalize mental health conversations. We want people to know it’s okay not to be okay and to talk about it without shame or stigma.

Our podcast combines personal stories, laughter, and mental health resources. We’re not therapists, but we’ve been there, and we bring on experts, friends, and people with lived experiences to offer practical advice or just real talk. The humor makes these hard conversations easier to digest because we believe laughter can be healing, too.

What sets us apart is that we are just two friends who keep it 100% real. We don’t shy away from our own struggles with depression, anxiety, or even just the everyday stress that comes with life. But we always make sure our listeners know they’re not alone. We’re in this together. Plus, the dynamic between Dirty Skittles and me is unique—she keeps me grounded, and I push her to stay curious. Our chemistry is what makes the show work. I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else.

We’re most proud of the community that’s formed around the podcast. We hear from listeners worldwide who feel seen, heard, and supported by what we do. That’s what keeps us going. It’s not just a show to us—it’s a space where people can feel safe talking about their mental health without judgment.

For anyone new to our work, I’d say the most important thing to know is that we’re here to make mental health conversations normal. Whether you’re struggling, healing, or just curious, we want to create a space where you can laugh, learn, and feel understood. We’re still growing and learning, but one thing will never change: our commitment to using our voices to help others feel less alone.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Well, it’s a funny story! Dirty Skittles and I go way back – we’ve been friends for over seven years. She was technically my manager for a brief time, but we joke about that because I ended up retiring just three months after that. So, let’s say the ‘manager’ title was short-lived!

But what bonded us was what happened after my mental health breakdown. Every morning, before the workday started, we’d have these long chats filled with laughter. I can’t even describe how much those moments meant to me. We just clicked, and it was through those deep belly laughs that I started to heal. Laughter became my therapy, and that’s how our friendship grew into our amazing partnership.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What helped us build our reputation was staying true to who we are and the mission behind everything we do. We’ve always made it a point to be authentic, share personal experiences, and have tough but necessary conversations about mental health. Our listeners can tell that we genuinely care about the topics we cover, which resonates. I think the blend of humor and realness helped us stand out, too. People want to feel seen, and we’ve intentionally created that safe space. At the end of the day, it’s the connections we’ve made with our audience that have made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grex_and_dirtyskittles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/g-rex-and-dirty-skittles-1367a8299/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/STGOIOH
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC–WZzEkgvd9UanEw_CdXYg

Image Credits

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