Best Justine Rodes Podcasts (2025)

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Stephen Reedy’s Story - “How Do I Know You’re Real?” 34:46

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3d ago34:46

34:46

Stephen thought his experience with psychedelics ended when he came back into himself, but the nightmare was only beginning. In the nights that followed, shadow people invaded his bedroom, looming over him as he slept and jolting him awake with paralyzing dread. Desperate, he tried a technique to banish the shadow people - one he remembered a radia…

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Hunter Peterson’s Story - “The Treehouse” 30:42

17d ago30:42

30:42

Hunter and his brother spent their childhood exploring the oak groves around their home in Temecula, California. One day, they stumbled upon an old forgotten treehouse and claimed it as their own, fixing it up and making it their secret hideout. But everything changed the day a strange little boy appeared inside. There was something unsettling abou…

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Inside Bipolar 1: Tyler Kania on the Challenges and Positives 51:28

22d ago51:28

51:28

In this episode of Mentally a Badass, I sit down with author Tyler Kania to talk openly about his journey with Bipolar 1 disorder. Tyler shares his experiences navigating manic episodes, struggling to keep a job, and facing the challenges of a serious knee injury and time in a mental health hospital. But this conversation isn’t just about the strug…

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Living in Fight or Flight: Morgan Brunner on the Aftermath of Domestic Violence 53:51

29d ago53:51

53:51

In this episode, Morgan Brunner shares her powerful story of surviving a domestic violence marriage. She opens up about why she stayed at first—for her daughter—and the moment she realized that leaving was the only way to protect them both. Morgan talks about the hidden aftermath of abuse: living in constant fight-or-flight, the exhaustion it cause…

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Ali Gordon’s Story - “The Tall Man” 35:10

1M ago35:10

35:10

In the summer of 2011, Ali headed to Weston, Vermont to spend the season acting at the historic Weston Playhouse. The housing for the performers was far from ideal - six bunk beds crammed into the attic of a creaky old farmhouse. One night, Ali woke to find a tall man silently watching her, positioned in the narrow gap between her bed and the wall.…

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Life After a Cult: Brooke Deanne on CPTSD & Healing 45:02

1M ago45:02

45:02

In this episode, I sit down with Brooke Deanne for an honest conversation about her time in a cult and how that experience led to CPTSD. Brooke shares what it’s really like living with trauma, how it shows up in everyday life, and the small steps she’s taking to heal and move forward. We talk about the hard stuff—control, trust, and the weight of t…

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Panic Attacks, Boundaries & Mental Health Awareness with Brittany Hansen 55:58

1M ago55:58

55:58

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Brittany Hansen to talk openly about panic attacks, mental health awareness, and the importance of breaking the stigma around these conversations. Brittany shares her personal experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, and why it’s so important to take them seriously. We also explore the role of boundaries i…

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Sam Heimer’s Story - “Fetal Position” & Steven’s Story - “Tattoo Shop” 33:30

2M ago33:30

33:30

Years ago, Sam found himself living in a dingy studio apartment, sharing the building with an eclectic mix of neighbors. One night, he woke up and spotted something impossible in his bathroom - an apparition whose presence would make horrifying sense the next morning. Then, Steven takes us inside the haunted tattoo shop where he used to work. What …

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The Power of Being Unfiltered: Swearing, Self-Love & Showing Up as You Are with Zulma Williams 1:04:42

2M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

In this episode, I sit down with Zulma Williams—better known as The Swearing Therapist—to talk about what it really means to be authentic in a world obsessed with perfection. We get into why swearing isn’t a moral failure, how to stop caring about your looks, and why chasing happiness doesn’t have to mean pretending everything’s okay. If you’ve eve…

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Learning to Speak Grief: Laura Walton on Loss, Silence, and Choosing Openness 45:09

2M ago45:09

45:09

In this powerful and honest conversation, Laura Walton shares her experience with grief after losing her father to suicide and later a close friend. While both losses shaped her, it was the passing of her friend that hit especially hard and stirred a deeper emotional reckoning. We talk about how grief can feel different depending on the relationshi…

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Evan’s Story - “Figure in the Woods” 23:08

2M ago23:08

23:08

In 2009, Evan and his group of friends spent most of their nights deep in the woods of Arlington, Massachusetts, one of the only places they could get away with drinking in peace. One night, the group heard a faint jingling sound drifting through the trees. At first, they ignored it, but the sound kept getting closer. Then, through the darkness, a …

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Proving Them Wrong, Then Choosing Peace — with Catherine Crestani 57:28

2M ago57:28

57:28

What happens when you realize the thing you’ve been chasing… isn’t actually what you want? In this episode, I sit down with Catherine Crestani to talk about the quiet, powerful moments of self-awareness that shaped her journey. From building a company to prove people wrong, to realizing she no longer wants to spend her energy that way — Catherine s…

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Ashley Krooks Had It All — So Why Was She Unhappy? 45:16

2M ago45:16

45:16

Ever felt like you were doing everything “right,” but still felt off? Ashley Krooks joins us to share how burnout forced her to re-evaluate her definition of success. We talk about the difference between looking successful and feeling satisfied—and how she’s working to build a more grounded, peaceful life. Check out Ashley: https://www.instagram.co…

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Therapist Blake Hunt on Surviving Addiction and Facing Today’s Mental Health Crisis 46:52

3M ago46:52

46:52

In this powerful episode, I sit down with therapist and addiction survivor Blake Hunt to discuss his personal journey with alcohol and how it led him to help others through mental health work. We dive deep into the mental health crisis facing our society—touching on everything from the fentanyl epidemic to borderline personality disorder (BPD), and…

1
How Nature Helped Mike Martin Overcome Depression 47:23

3M ago47:23

47:23

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Martin to talk about something so many silently face—depression. Mike opens up about his mental health journey and how reconnecting with the natural world became a key part of his healing process. From quiet walks in the woods to immersing himself in wild landscapes, he shares how nature offers more than beauty…

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Tameera’s Story - “The Cecil Hotel” & Margo’s Story - “Sally” 27:36

3M ago27:36

27:36

On a trip to Los Angeles, Tameera and her boyfriend unknowingly checked into one of the city’s most infamous landmarks - the Cecil Hotel. When they opened the door to their room, they weren’t alone. A man was in their room, dressed like he’d stepped out of another century. He carried on packing his suitcase, as if they weren’t even there. They chan…

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Sara Thornhill on Surviving Rape and Reviving Her Power 44:33

3M ago44:33

44:33

In this deeply powerful and vulnerable episode, meditation coach Sara Thornhill shares her personal journey of survival, healing, and transformation. From surviving a brutal gang rape to navigating two divorces, Sara opens up about how she rebuilt her life and now dedicates her work to helping fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals heal from trauma. Through m…

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Healing the Wounds Within: EFT Tapping & Childhood Trauma with Amy Vincze 52:50

3M ago52:50

52:50

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Amy Vincze to explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma and how it can silently shape our adult lives—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Amy shares her personal journey and introduces us to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping, a unique and accessible healing tool that helps release deep-roote…

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Mimi’s Story - “Tia” & Woody’s Story - “Telekinetic” 24:50

3M ago24:50

24:50

When Mimi was a kid, she traveled to a quiet town in Mexico to visit family and stayed in her aunt’s home - a home heavy with grief after the loss of her cousin. She woke several times throughout the night to find her aunt praying in the moonlight, cloaked in a strange robe. When Mimi finally approached the figure, she realized the hooded entity wa…

1
23 Years Lost: Paul Davis on Addiction, Redemption, and the God Who Found Him 51:42

4M ago51:42

51:42

Paul Davis ran away from home, lived in his car, and spent over two decades caught in a spiral of addiction, self-destruction, and heartbreak. In this raw conversation, he opens up about the moment he hit rock bottom, the pain of broken relationships, and the life-changing turning point that brought him to his knees—and ultimately to healing. We ta…

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Katie Turner on Therapy, Spirituality & Being Sensitive 44:11

4M ago44:11

44:11

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Turner—an advocate for deep feeling and self-awareness—to talk about what it really means to be a sensitive human in a loud, often dismissive world. We unpack the differences between traditional therapy and spiritual alternatives, share personal insights on navigating mental health in both the U.S. and Canada,…

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Ramya’s Story - “Mirrors” 22:42

4M ago22:42

22:42

While on vacation in Turkey, Ramya and her brother and sister-in-law check into a beautiful Airbnb in the heart of Istanbul. But then, they notice the mirrors. Dozens of them. Covering every wall. In every room. At first, they chalked it up to a strange interior design choice, but by their second night, it became clear that the mirrors weren’t just…

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Let’s Talk Perfectionism, Personality, and Borderline Personality Disorder — with Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala 57:25

4M ago57:25

57:25

Why are we so hard on ourselves sometimes? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala — a psychologist, author, and expert in emotions — to talk about perfectionism, personality traits, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We break down how your personality can shape the way you think and feel, why perfectionism shows up, and w…

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Breaking Generational Cycles Through Energy Healing: A Conversation with Kanika Vasudeva 1:07:07

4M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

In this honest and healing conversation, I’m joined by Kanika Vasudeva—energy healer and spiritual guide—as she shares how the heartbreaking loss of her daughter led her to a deeper path of self-discovery, soul work, and spiritual healing. We talk about how energy healing helped her move through grief, and how tapping into the Akashic Records revea…

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Chris Heck’s Story - “Our Side” 27:00

4M ago27:00

27:00

When Chris Heck and his friends moved into a crumbling old house right after high school, they thought they were just getting a cheap place to live. It seemed like the perfect house for the group, until the strange noises started. Curious to make contact with whatever entity they were living with, they utilize a Ouija board and automatic writing - …

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Why Celebrities Struggle with Addiction – with Dr. Cali Estes 1:07:34

4M ago1:07:34

1:07:34

In this episode, I sat down with Cali Estes — an addiction expert and counselor who works with celebrities — to talk about her own experience with addiction and why so many people in the spotlight quietly battle it too. We got into the pressure of constantly being “on,” what fame can do to your mental health, and why money and success don’t make yo…

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Transforming Grief into Growth: Robert Foster on Mental Health, Motivation, and Coaching After Loss 1:00:42

5M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

In this powerful episode, transformational coach Robert Foster opens up about how the death of his father became a turning point in both his personal journey and professional coaching style. We discuss how he helps clients manage anxiety and depression, his unique approach to mindset and motivation, and why healing is a critical part of achieving s…

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Maria’s Story & Michele’s Story - “Off the Map” 35:27

5M ago35:27

35:27

Two women. Two road trips. Two unexplainable detours. This week we hear Maria’s story and Michele’s story - their stories are very similar in some ways, but take wildly different turns. First, we hear Maria’s story. In 2007, she and her four siblings were driving home to Georgia after their uncle’s funeral in Florida. They stopped at a gas station …

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When Your Body Turns Against You: Holly France’s Story of Surviving GBS 51:15

5M ago51:15

51:15

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Holly France — a rare illness advocate and survivor, to talk about her journey with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare and often misunderstood neurological disorder. Holly opens up about what it’s really like to live with a rare disease, the challenges of navigating a medical system that often overlooks …

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Burnout, Grief, and Self-Care: Jenny Lytle’s Guide to Prioritizing Your Well-Being 57:53

5M ago57:53

57:53

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jenny Lytle — a former hospice nurse turned stress-relief and self-care coach — for a powerful conversation about the real cost of burnout. Jenny shares how losing her mother and her years of caregiving led her to deeply understand that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential. We talk about the emotional toll of a…

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Held at Gunpoint: Jill McMahon on Childhood Trauma and Healing 54:24

5M ago54:24

54:24

When Jill McMahon was a kid, a man held her family at gunpoint—an experience that would change the course of her life. Now a trauma counselor, Jill shares what it’s like to live through something so terrifying and how trauma can stick with us for years. We talk about the long-term impact of that day, how trauma shows up in ways we don’t always expe…

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The Beauty of a Neurodivergent Mind: A Neurospicy Talk with Dr. Kristen Williamson 1:07:25

6M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to dive into what it means to have a neurodivergent brain—something she playfully refers to as neurospicy. We get real about our own experiences navigating life with neurodivergent minds and explore how neurodivergence shows up differently for everyone. Kristen breaks down the distinctions bet…

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Cat Elrod’s Story - “Tom Sawyer Island” 27:11

6M ago27:11

27:11

This week, we hear the stories of Cat Elrod, a special effects makeup artist and costume designer whose career has taken her to all kinds of strange and haunted places. But ironically, her scariest encounter happened at the happiest place on Earth - Disneyland. While finishing her costuming duties after the Fantasmic show, she’s alone inside of the…

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Reparenting the Wounded Inner Child — with Malisa Hepner LCSW 1:12:06

6M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

In this episode, I talk with therapist Malisa Hepner about the weight of childhood trauma—how it lingers, how it shapes who we think we are, and what it takes to begin healing. We explore what it really means to reparent ourselves, the messy process of learning to love the parts of us we were taught to hide, and how astrology can help make sense of…

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He Didn’t Just Hurt Her… He Tried to Kill Her – Eileen Santos, Part 2 41:13

6M ago41:13

41:13

This episode gets real heavy. Eileen is back to share what happened the night her narcissistic ex almost killed her. We talk about the fear, the manipulation, and the moment she realized she might not make it out. This conversation is raw, emotional, and honestly, hard to hear at times. But it’s real. And it’s Eileen’s truth. If you’ve ever questio…

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Barely Surviving Narcissistic Abuse: Eileen Santos’ Story of Domestic Violence and Survival Part 1 56:48

6M ago56:48

56:48

Eileen Santos barely survived the horrors of narcissistic abuse. In this powerful episode, she shares her terrifying experience of being trapped in a relationship filled with manipulation, extreme control, brutal beatings—even in public—and sexual violence. Her abuser isolated her, broke her down, and made escape feel impossible. This episode sheds…

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Teri Brown: He Left a Dead Cat on Her Porch—She Left Him for Good 1:03:15

6M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

In this powerful episode, Teri Brown opens up about her journey of escaping a toxic, narcissistic relationship that left her emotionally scarred—and how she found the strength to rebuild her life. From her partner’s relentless harassment, including a chilling dead cat left on her porch, to the threats that followed, Teri refused to let fear dictate…

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Alex McDonald’s Story - “The Apartment Bathroom” 27:13

6M ago27:13

27:13

Alex McDonald recounts a visit to his long-distance girlfriend in LA. They begin to experience the sound of a woman crying in the apartment hallway - a sound that vanishes the moment they open the door to investigate. As the nights go on, the atmosphere darkens. Sleep becomes elusive and the disturbances escalate. One night at 3 AM, the sobbing mov…

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How Brian Bogert Overcame a Life-Altering Injury and Built a Powerful Mindset 56:39

6M ago56:39

56:39

What happens when life hits you—literally—with something unimaginable? Brian Bogert knows this reality all too well. As a child, he was run over by a truck, severing his left arm. After enduring over 24 surgeries and years of intense rehabilitation, Brian discovered that the real battle wasn’t just physical—it was mental and emotional. In this epis…

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Lisa Sugarman on Her Father’s Suicide & Breaking the Silence on Mental Health 54:35

6M ago54:35

54:35

Lisa Sugarman’s world changed when she discovered—at 45 years old—that her father had been battling depression before dying by suicide in the 1970s, a time when mental health was shrouded in stigma and resources were scarce. Now, as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, she’s on the front lines of suicide prevention, offering hope and support…

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Healing Toxic Relationships, Energy Shifts & Intuition with Danielle Ingenito 1:07:42

6M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Ingenito, an energy healer and intuitive expert, to dive deep into toxic relationships, healing, and trusting your intuition. Danielle opens up about her divorce and how she transformed her life through energy work and self-discovery. I also share a bit about my own experience with toxic relationships. If y…

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The Truth About Schizophrenia: Dale Walsh’s Story 57:36

7M ago57:36

57:36

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often clouded by myths and misconceptions. In this episode, I sit down with Dale Walsh, who shares his journey of living with schizophrenia—including the time he believed he was God. We dive deep into the realities of the condition, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss ho…

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Scarlett Amaris’s Story - “The Banging of His Stick” 22:16

7M ago22:16

22:16

Ever wonder what lurks within the walls of a medieval castle at night? In this week’s episode, Scarlett Amaris shares her incredible experience at Château de Montségur in the Pyrenees. While exploring the ancient castle in the dead of night, she hears deafening banging noises that defy logic, until months later when she uncovers a ghostly explanati…

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Breaking Generational Trauma: Michael Unbroken on Healing & Finding Purpose 53:35

7M ago53:35

53:35

In this episode of Mentally a Badass, Michael Unbroken opens up about his journey of breaking generational trauma. Growing up in a chaotic home and facing mistreatment from his racist grandmother, he turned to alcohol and self-destruction at a young age. But his story didn’t end there. Now a successful author and coach, Michael shares how he reclai…

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Depression, Authenticity & Elections: A Conversation with David Maeda 56:07

7M ago56:07

56:07

Depression doesn’t discriminate—even those in leadership positions face it. In this episode, I sit down with David Maeda, Director of Elections, to talk about depression, authenticity, and the often-overlooked mental health struggles that come with high-pressure roles. We also dive into the flaws in the mental health system and what needs to change…

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Surviving Domestic Abuse: How Emma Jean Rowin’s Ex Became an Active Shooter 58:57

7M ago58:57

58:57

What happens when love turns into fear? Emma Jean Rowin survived an abusive marriage, won full custody of her child, and thought she had escaped the worst—until her ex-husband became an active shooter. In this chilling episode, Emma shares how his descent into psychosis and conspiracy theories led to a violent attack on his neighbors. We discuss th…

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The Power of Boundaries: Breaking People-Pleasing Habits with Barb Nangle 55:36

7M ago55:36

55:36

Do you struggle with saying no? Feel guilty for setting boundaries? In this episode of Mentally a Badass, Barb Nangle, a boundaries coach and the founder of Higher Power Coaching, shares how boundaries can transform your life, protect your energy, and help you break free from people-pleasing. We dive into the mindset shifts needed to set and mainta…

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J. Hunter Richardson’s Story - “Somebody’s Standing At My Feet” 23:53

7M ago23:53

23:53

Horror author J. Hunter Richardson has some ghost stories - three to be exact. The first two? He’s got potential logical explanations for those. But his final story, set in the dorms of Humboldt State University in Northern California, holds a truly perplexing and reality-shifting detail that he hasn’t been able to explain even today, 20 years late…

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Escaping Narcissistic Abuse: Mia Hanks’ Story of Survival & Healing 37:11

7M ago37:11

37:11

In this powerful episode, Mia Hanks opens up about her experience in a narcissistic abusive relationship—how it started, the red flags she ignored, and the moment she knew she had to leave. We break down the signs of narcissistic abuse, the emotional toll it takes, and what life looks like after breaking free. If you’ve ever questioned a toxic rela…

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Rewiring Your Mind: Nicky Billou on Breaking Limiting Beliefs & Financial Freedom" 50:28

7M ago50:28

50:28

What’s holding you back from the life you want? In this episode, I sit down with Nicky Billou to dive deep into limiting beliefs, empowerment, and the mindset shifts needed for financial freedom. He shares his personal journey—the highs, the lows, and the lessons that helped him break through barriers to create success. If you’re ready to challenge…