Show notes
What does it really mean to choose peace—especially when it means letting go of family? In the final part of Susan Snow’s gripping three-part series, we witness the hard-won clarity that comes after trauma, truth-telling, and transformation. This conversation dives into toxic family dynamics, radical self-worth, and the freeing power of walking away from what no longer serves your mental health.
Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast, with over 2 million downloads and a loyal global audience. We’re breaking stigma, one honest story at a time.
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"Just because they gave birth to you doesn’t mean you owe them a relationship—especially when that relationship threatens your peace." — Susan Snow.
Episode Summary:
This episode is about confronting hard truths, establishing healthy boundaries, and the emotional freedom that comes from prioritizing our mental health over lifelong dysfunction. Susan Snow reflects on the moment she was written out of her mother’s will—and why she still chose peace. She shares how understanding her self-worth allowed her to walk away without hate, guilt, or shame.
Susan and the hosts explore how generational trauma, guilt-based parenting, and enabling behaviors can trap us in cycles of self-doubt. With courage, grace, and deep empathy, Susan discusses walking away from a toxic parent, standing in her truth, and becoming the mother, partner, and coach she always hoped to be.
SEO Keywords: mental health boundaries, toxic family relationships, PTSD recovery, trauma coaching, choosing peace, mother-daughter estrangement, emotional freedom, forgiveness and healing, Susan Snow, journaling for mental health
Meet Susan Snow
Susan Snow is a courageous and heartfelt speaker whose life story shines as a beacon of healing and hope.
At just 17, Susan’s world was shattered when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was ambushed and murdered on Halloween night in 1985. That moment changed everything, pulling her into the depths of grief and trauma.
In the years that followed, Susan faced PTSD, loss, and the long, complicated process of rebuilding her life. But instead of letting the darkness define her, she turned her pain into purpose. By embracing vulnerability and speaking her truth, she has shown that healing is possible—even after unimaginable events.
Today, Susan is the Author of a profoundly moving book that reminds us of two powerful truths: life can change in an instant, and recovery is always within reach.
Whether speaking on stage or connecting through virtual events, Susan doesn’t just share her story—she invites people into it. She creates space for others to see themselves, to grieve, to forgive, and to find their own resilience.
Her signature talks, “Other Side of the Gun: Hope Through the Journey of Grief, PTSD, and Empowerment” and “Forgiveness vs. Forgetting,” go beyond inspiration. They offer honest guidance, compassion, and a roadmap for choosing hope over pain.
Connect with Susan:Website: https://susansnowspeaks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_snow1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/SusanSnowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susansnow1lifecoachYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/susansnowspeaks2023
3 Key Takeaways:
Boundaries are an act of self-respect, not betrayal—especially when they protect your mental health.
Self-worth is learned through action, not just affirmation.
You can love someone and still choose to walk away.
Actionable Items:
Practice gratitude journaling each morning—focus on 3 things you’re thankful for and why.
Protect your peace by naming what feels toxic, even if others don’t understand.
Use curiosity instead of judgment when reacting to others—you never know what pain they’re carrying.
Chapters & Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome to Part 3Susan returns for the final part of her mental health story.
[01:00] The Will and the Wake-Up CallSusan finds out she’s been cut from her mother’s will—and why it brought clarity, not conflict.
[06:00] Walking Away Without HateA powerful reflection on choosing peace, not pain, even with a parent.
[13:00] “I Am My Father’s Daughter”Susan shares how her dad’s legacy guides her work and her identity today.
[20:00] Helping Others Through Her PurposeSusan recounts helping a young LGBTQ+ father reconnect with gratitude and healing.
[28:00] Healing Is Not LinearGrief, healing, and joy are allowed to coexist. Susan explains why.
[34:00] The Future of Healing and SpeakingSusan’s message to anyone feeling stuck: You are not alone, and your story has power.
[41:00] Lightning Round FunTheme songs, favorite words, and emotional takeaways.
[42:50] How to Find Susan + Final WordsLinks, book info, and what’s next for Susan Snow.
References & Resources:
Susan Snow’s book: The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency (Available on Amazon & Kindle)
Website: https://susansnowspeaks.com/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
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