In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley is joined by psychotherapist and author Jason Shiers, who shares his raw and powerful journey from addiction, psychiatric wards, and endless seeking to a profound awakening of self-compassion and inner peace.

Jason opens up about his experiences with escapism, 12-step programs, therapy, and the search for relief that never quite touched the root of his suffering. What ultimately transformed his life was the realization that he was never broken, and that true healing comes from reconnecting with the self, not endlessly trying to fix what isn’t damaged.

Key takeaways:

• The hidden reasons behind addiction, self-medication, and escapism.
• The difference between white-knuckle sobriety and embodied healing.
• Why true recovery means going inward instead of chasing external solutions.
• How loved ones can create safety and connection for someone struggling with addiction.
• The radical shift from “what’s wrong with me?” to “what’s right with me?”
• The role of the body and nervous system in emotional healing.

Jason also shares the essence of his book The Infinite Recovery Project and his mission to guide others toward seeing themselves as whole, even in the midst of struggle. His story offers hope, clarity, and a reminder that seeking is not failure, it’s the soul’s way of guiding us home.

This episode is for anyone who has struggled with addiction, loves someone who has, or has ever felt broken beyond repair. Jason’s story is proof that transformation is possible, and Amelia’s insights ground the conversation in compassion and empowerment.

Resources & Support Mentioned

• Get the The Infinite Recovery Project Book here.

EPISODE LINKS

Dr. Amelia Kelley: About | Dr. Kelley's Books | Instagram

In this captivating episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley talks with Dr. Brian Sharpless, licensed clinical psychologist, researcher, and author who specializes in rare and unusual psychological disorders. Together, they dive deep into the strange and often frightening world of sleep phenomena—including exploding head syndrome, sleep paralysis, and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Dr. Sharpless explains why these conditions occur, how trauma and neurodiversity can increase vulnerability, and the surprising ways genetics, stress, and lifestyle play a role. He also shares practical strategies to reduce episodes, from regulating sleep hygiene to shifting sleeping positions, and highlights why simply naming and understanding these experiences can often bring relief.

This episode not only demystifies bizarre nighttime experiences but also shines a compassionate light on how our brains process fear, trauma, and memory through sleep.

Key Takeaways

• Exploding head syndrome is a real but harmless sleep-related hallucination that feels like hearing a gunshot, explosion, or crashing sound while falling asleep.
• Sleep paralysis often brings vivid, terrifying hallucinations—yet no one has ever died from it, and knowing this can reduce its intensity.
• Trauma and acute stress disrupt memory consolidation during sleep, making it harder to rest until healing work begins in waking life.
• Highly sensitive people and those with ADHD may be more prone to disturbed sleep due to heightened nervous system activation.
• Regulating bedtime routines, avoiding back-sleeping, reducing stimulation before bed, and addressing underlying trauma can dramatically improve sleep quality.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Learn more about Dr. Brian A. Sharpless

Get his book: Monsters on the Couch: The Real Psychological Disorders Behind Your Favorite Horror Movies

EPISODE LINKS

Dr. Amelia Kelley: About | Dr. Kelley's Books | Instagram

Key Takeaways

• Healing past wounds is essential to avoid repeating toxic patterns.
• Your gut and nervous system often signal red flags before your mind does.
• Butterflies can mean dysregulation, while safety might initially feel “boring” but is actually healthy.
• Setting and flexing boundaries early reveals how someone respects (or disrespects) you.
• True love doesn’t complete you—it complements who you already are.

Resources & Support Mentioned

• Bitch is a Bad Word Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms
  
  Follow Lindsay Abernathy:
• Instagram: @bitchisabadwordpod
• Community Line: Call or text 331-BITCHES to connect or share your story

EPISODE LINKS

Dr. Amelia Kelley: About | Dr. Kelley's Books | Instagram