Show notes
What if the hardest relationship you have to walk away from is the one you thought would heal you? In this powerful Season 17 opener, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with returning guest Kate King to unpack toxic relationship patterns, emotional healing, and how to finally choose yourself.
Awards & Downloads
Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has over 4.5 million downloads and counting, we are listened to all over the world, and we are an award-winning podcast.
2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health)
2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast),
2026 Podcast Tonight Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast)
2026 NYC Podcast Award Winner (Best Hosts)
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Mental Health Quote
“You don’t have to keep abandoning yourself just to keep a relationship alive.” — Kate King
Episode Description
Relationships can shape us—but they can also slowly break us if we’re not paying attention. In this deeply honest and eye-opening conversation, Kate King returns to the mic to talk about the patterns, blind spots, and emotional traps that keep people stuck in relationships that hurt more than they heal.
Drawing on over 17 years of experience in mental health, art therapy, and coaching, Kate shares the inspiration behind her book, Mend or Move On, and walks us through the subtle ways we normalize dysfunction. From ignoring red flags to confusing chemistry with compatibility, this episode pulls back the curtain on why leaving isn’t always as simple as it sounds.
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles keep it real as they explore the emotional tug-of-war between staying and going, how trauma and nervous system responses play into our relationship choices, and what it actually looks like to rebuild self-trust. Kate brings a grounded, compassionate approach—blending neuroscience, creativity, and practical tools—to help listeners reconnect with themselves and start making empowered decisions.
If you’ve ever questioned your worth in a relationship, felt stuck in cycles you can’t explain, or wondered if it’s time to walk away, this episode will hit home—and help you find your next step forward.
Keywords: toxic relationships, emotional healing, mental health podcast, relationship trauma, self-worth, boundaries, nervous system healing, leaving toxic relationships, codependency, relationship red flags, healing journey, self-awareness, personal growth, trauma recovery
Meet Our Guest — Kate King
Kate King is the founder of The Radiant Life Project, a Radiant Life Coach, Board-Certified Art Therapist, award-winning author, and former Licensed Professional Counselor with over 17 years of experience. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and creativity to help people heal, reconnect, and live more authentic lives.
Kate is the author of Mend or Move On, a therapeutic guide to recognizing and recovering from harmful relationships, and the creator of tools like The Radiant Life Project, The Authentic Mother, and the Ink & Wings Oracle Deck.
Website: https://TheRadiantLifeProject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradiantlifeproject/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadiantLifeProject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxGCo2H8iWIReg8X6ADubgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theradiantlifeproject/
Key Takeaways
Not all relationships are meant to be saved—and recognizing that is part of healing
Toxic patterns often feel familiar because they’re rooted in past experiences
Self-abandonment is one of the highest costs of staying in unhealthy relationships
Awareness is the first step, but action is what creates real change
Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about reconnecting to your truth
Actionable Items
Write down the patterns you keep repeating in relationships and identify what they’re trying to teach you
Practice setting one small boundary this week—even if it feels uncomfortable
Create a daily check-in with yourself: “Am I honoring my needs right now?”
Important Chapters
00:00 – Welcome back Kate King & why this conversation matters now
08:15 – How to recognize toxic relationship patterns early
18:40 – The emotional traps that keep people stuck
29:10 – Trauma, nervous system responses, and attachment
41:25 – When to mend vs. when to move on
52:00 – Rebuilding self-trust and choosing yourself again
Closing CTA
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