About this episode
Kicking off Season 15 with a conversation that hits straight at the heart of what so many people silently struggle with, Dr. Melissa Dufrene joins us to unpack the mental noise, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion that OCD and anxiety can create — and what becomes possible when someone finally gets the right support. From the battles people fight behind closed doors to the quiet courage it takes to challenge fear rather than accommodate it, this opening episode sets the tone for a season rooted in honesty, healing, and hope. In this deeply human conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Melissa — board-certified clinical psychologist and co-owner of Rise Center for OCD & Anxiety — to explore recovery, resilience, and the real work of reclaiming your life.
Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.
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We have been nominated for Best Mental Health Podcast
We are thrilled to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been nominated in the Podcast Tonight Awards. This is a listener-driven award, which means your vote has real impact.
Vote here: https://www.podcasttonightawards.com/voteheads?
Important Dates:?
• Voting ends December 25, 2025
• Judging begins in January
• Shortlist announced January 26
• Winners revealed February 28
Your love and support have carried us this far, and we are grateful beyond words.
Mental Health Quote
“You don’t rise by avoiding fear — you rise by walking with it.” — inspired by Dr. Melissa Dufrene
Episode Description
When the world shut down in 2020, anxiety didn’t shrink — it intensified. Clinicians were overwhelmed, families were struggling, and people with OCD suddenly found themselves trapped in a nightmare of uncertainty and isolation. In this powerful Season 15 opener, Dr. Melissa Dufrene joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to pull back the curtain on what OCD and anxiety actually feel like from the inside — and why healing is absolutely possible with the right tools.
Melissa shares how she and her business partner launched Rise Center for OCD & Anxiety during the pandemic, driven by the urgent need for specialized care. She explains why accommodating anxiety might feel comforting in the moment but can create long-term hardship — especially for kids who slowly re
