Modern Day Overthinker

In this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack interviews William Person, a former USA bobsledder of nine years who now advocates for those with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Will discusses his career traveling weekly to compete in countries like Austria and Canada, initially masking CTE symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, which began around 2002-2005 after a crash. He rationalized these issues as lifestyle-related until teammates’ suicides, one confirmed with stage four CTE, prompted him to seek help. Will found relief through hyperbaric oxygen therapy, inspired by Joe Namath, but its $27,000 cost and lack of insurance coverage led him to buy his own chamber. He now uses his TikTok channel, "One Man with a Chamber," to share coping strategies and advocates for a non-profit CTE wellness center for athletes, veterans, and others with brain injuries. He highlights the high G-forces (up to 84.5 Gs) in bobsledding and systemic issues in Team USA, including a "good old boy system" noted in a 2022 audit. Will warns of rising CTE-related incidents, particularly among veterans, urging accessible treatment to prevent further tragedies. Will's GoFundMe Will on TikTok

In this episode of the Modern Day Over Thinker podcast, host Collin welcomes Nick Jonsson, an author, keynote speaker, life and business coach, and triathlete based in Southeast Asia. Nick shares his gripping journey from corporate success to rock bottom, including burnout as a general manager in Indonesia, spiraling into alcohol addiction, isolation, and near-bankruptcy. He opens up about hitting his lowest point—planning his own funeral—and how vulnerability, sobriety (now 8 years strong), and triathlon training pulled him out of the ashes. The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for overcoming executive loneliness, bad habits like overworking and poor sleep, and the importance of preventive mental health measures. Nick discusses his TEDx insights on sleep optimization—experimenting with routines, mouth taping for better breathing, and finding his "sweet spot" of 7.5 hours—plus tips for ditching screens, moving daily, and avoiding news overload during the pandemic. They explore building social connections, spirituality in recovery, and creating safe spaces to speak up about struggles. Nick also reflects on his book Executive Loneliness, his upcoming work on holistic leadership, and how purpose-driven communities combat isolation. Whether you're battling burnout, seeking better sleep, or navigating recovery, this inspiring chat emphasizes resilience, open dialogue, and turning pain into purpose. Tune in for actionable advice and a reminder that it's never too late to rebuild. Nick Jonnson's Website

In this compelling episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin welcomes Carolyn Dreyer, a mental health advocate, blogger, and host of the Through the Darkness podcast. Carolyn shares her journey from being a "backseat supporter" to openly advocating for mental health awareness, driven by her lived experiences with depression, anxiety, and trauma. She discusses the pivotal moments that inspired her to start her blog and podcast, including the loss of a podcast host to suicide and her desire to heal for her son. Carolyn delves into her struggles with unhealed trauma, surviving a suicide attempt, and navigating abusive relationships, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and breaking generational cycles of unhealed parenting. The episode explores practical strategies for managing mental health, such as setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and prioritizing self-care. Carolyn and Collin also touch on societal pressures, the challenges of finding effective therapy (like OCD-specific treatments), and the value of community resources. With humor and vulnerability, they discuss the balance between seeking help and maintaining independence, offering hope to listeners that recovery is possible with patience and persistence. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for anyone struggling to seek support early and embrace their mental health journey. Follow Carayln and support her podcast: Caralyn's Blog Caralyn's Podcast

In this episode, Collin Strajack interviews Thomas Craig VIII, a burn survivor and podcast host, who shares his incredible journey from a promising career in sports marketing to becoming a pilot. After a life-altering plane crash, Thomas faced immense physical and mental challenges, spending months in the hospital and undergoing extensive recovery. He discusses the importance of mental health, the role of therapy in his healing process, and how podcasting became a way for him to connect with others and share his story. Through humor and resilience, Thomas emphasizes the power of shared experiences in overcoming adversity. In this conversation, Thomas Craig shares his journey of navigating identity and acceptance after a traumatic experience. He discusses the transformation of his mindset and self-talk, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's thoughts. The impact of COVID on recovery is explored, along with the challenges of daily life post-trauma. The discussion also touches on addiction, coping mechanisms, and the significance of family traditions in shaping personal stories.   Follow Thomas here: Sick Burn Podcast Thomas on Instagram

Join host Collin Strajack on the Modern Day Over Thinker podcast for an insightful conversation with Tim Schuldt, a recovering gambling addict sharing his journey to sobriety. In Episode 91, they dive into mental health awareness, addiction recovery, and the challenges of borderline personality disorder. Tim discusses his struggles with gambling addiction, the impact on his life, and the importance of accountability and support systems, including his involvement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This raw and relatable episode explores vulnerability, personal growth, and the power of sharing stories to inspire change. Perfect for listeners seeking authentic discussions on mental health, sobriety, and resilience. Follow Tim: Instagram @the.addicted.dad  TikTok @the.addicted.dad

In this engaging conversation, Collin and Heather from the Hot Mess Espresso podcast explore a range of topics centered around mental health, particularly focusing on borderline personality disorder (BPD). Heather shares her personal experiences with going viral on TikTok, the challenges of understanding and living with BPD, and the misconceptions surrounding it. The discussion delves into coping mechanisms, the therapeutic benefits of travel, and the emotional complexities of relationships and divorce. They also touch on the significance of pets as emotional support and reflect on their nostalgic experiences with social media. In this engaging conversation, Heather and Collin explore the complexities of toxic relationships, the healing power of music, and the importance of mental health advocacy. They share personal stories of growth, the challenges of self-doubt, and the journey of building a community through podcasting. The discussion also delves into the realities of navigating social media and the significance of finding the right support in mental health treatment. Find Heather here: linktr.ee/hotmess.espresso

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack interviews therapist Phil Miller, who specializes in couples counseling, family therapy, and individual therapy, practicing just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan. The discussion highlights the most common issue in couples therapy: communication breakdowns, often described as a lack of connection or difficulty understanding each other’s perspectives. Miller, trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), emphasizes helping couples access deeper emotions and longings to rebuild trust and intimacy. He notes that while most clients are married, he also works with premarital couples and families, addressing challenges like post-marriage adjustments and the emotional complexities of living together, which can feel overwhelming even after the honeymoon phase. The podcast also explores individual therapy, with Miller addressing men’s mental health, a key focus during Mental Health Awareness Month (this was recorded in May). Common issues for men include emotional communication struggles, anxiety, perfectionism, and pornography addiction, often compounded by societal expectations to suppress emotions. Miller, who has personal experience with anxiety, underscores the importance of therapy for therapists, destigmatizing mental health care. He discusses the challenges of fatherhood, its impact on mental health, and the power of presence in relationships and parenting. Additionally, they touch on systemic barriers like state-specific licensing for therapists, which complicates access to care, and the critical role of empathy and support in addressing severe mental health crises, such as suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the importance of community and connection.

In this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack interviews Chrissy Hodges, a certified peer and family support specialist and author of Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Chrissy shares her personal journey with OCD, focusing on her experience with Pure OCD, which involves intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions without visible physical rituals. Connect with Chrissie here: chrissiehodges.com

In this heartfelt episode of The Modern Day Overthinker Podcast, host Collin Strajack returns after a transformative hiatus to share his journey through OCD treatment. After months of debilitating intrusive thoughts and isolation, Collin opens up about his 60-day residential treatment in Wisconsin, where he tackled his OCD with exposure response prevention (ERP) therapy. From chaotic yet bonding moments with fellow patients to finding solace in comedy as therapy, Collin reflects on his path to recovery. Now back home, he discusses balancing work, ongoing therapy, and personal growth while challenging the grip OCD once had on his life. With gratitude for his supportive family, friends, and recovery community, Collin delivers an honest, inspiring update on facing fears head-on and reclaiming his values.

In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, host Collin Strajack talks with guest Bailee Huethert about personal struggles and recovery, particularly in the context of addiction. Bailee shares her journey into recovery, which began unexpectedly during a work trip away from familiar support structures, leading her to her first recovery meeting. She delves into the challenges of recovery, emphasizing the difference between mere abstinence and true recovery, a distinction highlighted by her father's insights. A significant part of the conversation focuses on Bailee's battles with mental health issues, including severe depression diagnosed from a young age, and her complex relationship with her mother, which feeds into her complex PTSD. She discusses the importance of support systems and being truthful in therapeutic settings to truly benefit from them. Bailee and Collin also touch upon lighter topics, such as gaming and living arrangements, providing a break from the more intense themes of addiction and recovery. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on personal relationships and the commonality of coping mechanisms that people often adopt in stressful times. Towards the end of the podcast, there's a shift towards a discussion of faith and spirituality. Bailee expresses a nuanced view on organized religion, suggesting that while it does not currently meet her needs, she recognizes its value for others and does not completely close off the possibility of it playing a role in her future. Overall, this episode of the podcast offers a deep dive into the challenges and nuances of personal recovery and mental health, balanced with everyday realities and a touch of humor, providing a comprehensive and relatable discussion for listeners. For all the links: www.moderndayoverthinker.com      

In a candid and heartfelt episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack opens up about his recent struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression, shedding light on the inner turmoil that led to a hiatus from the podcast. Collin delves into the challenging OCD loops that trapped him, detailing the compulsive behaviors that disrupted his ability to post episodes and the mental battles that ensued. Despite significant personal achievements, such as receiving a promotion at work and deepening his faith, Collin faced overwhelming anxiety that led him to consider serious measures for his mental health. Collin's story is one of resilience in the face of mental health challenges. He discusses his journey with therapy, the importance of not avoiding problems, and how his OCD, termed the "doubt disorder," impacts his life by attacking his values and causing him to question his actions and thoughts. This episode is a frank discussion about the reality of living with OCD, including the intrusive thoughts and compulsions that characterize the disorder, and the constant battle with self-doubt and the fear of not being good enough. Throughout the episode, Collin emphasizes the importance of seeking help, the power of small victories, and the role of faith and community in his recovery process. He shares his experiences with substance abuse recovery, the significance of fellowship, and how being open and vulnerable has helped him connect with others. Collin also explores his passion for comedy as a form of expression and healing, the impact of his mental health on his relationships and self-image, and his decision to try ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as a new avenue for treatment. The podcast episode is not just a personal narrative but a message of hope and encouragement for others facing similar struggles. Collin encourages listeners to reach out for help, to set small, achievable goals, and to remember that dark periods do not last forever. He highlights the importance of community, checking in with oneself and others, and continuing to pursue one's passions and goals despite the challenges posed by mental health issues. This podcast description was written by AI, not me. -Collin I hope you enjoyed this episode and if just one person got some hope from it, that's a win for me.  www.moderndayoverthinker.com for all the links

In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, Collin welcomes Zane Landin, a fellow mental health advocate, to discuss a range of topics including mental health, the power of storytelling, and the importance of vulnerability, particularly among men. Zane shares his journey from graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication to becoming a passionate storyteller and mental health advocate. He recounts his experience meeting President Biden, his work with various mental health organizations, and his diagnosis with major depressive disorder, emphasizing the significance of having a diagnosis for understanding and treating mental health conditions. The conversation also delves into the nuances of men's mental health, challenging stereotypes and calling for a more nuanced understanding of masculinity and vulnerability. Zane and Collin discuss the challenges and rewards of advocating for mental health, sharing personal stories and insights on navigating life as individuals deeply involved in mental health advocacy. Keep up with Zane Landin here: https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187/

Celtic Honey is a traveling independent performer specializing in burlesque, draglesque, Kung Fu. She also guests at anime and comic cons and holds panels on props, Avatar, body painting and makeup, and the most important topic, consent. On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, Collin sits down with the multifaceted performer and artist, Celtic Honey Celtic, known for her captivating presence in the realms of burlesque, cosplay, and beyond. Celtic Honey opens up about her journey into the world of performance art, highlighting her passion for cosplay, her experiences as a burlesque performer, and her dedication to advocating for mental health and consent culture within the creative community. Through her story, we explore the therapeutic power of art, the challenges of maintaining balance amidst burnout, and the importance of embracing one's authentic self. Join us as Celtic Honey shares insights into her creative process, the significance of therapy in her life, and her mission to empower others through her work and advocacy.  Celtic's many links: https://linktr.ee/celtichoney

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, we delve deep into the intricate world of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with special guest Cody Fournier, a licensed independent clinical social worker LICSW who currently works with NOCD (www.treatmyocd.com), a platform dedicated to helping people treat their OCD. Our conversation traverses a range of poignant and educational topics, offering invaluable insights for anyone touched by OCD. We start by exploring the roots of Cody's interest in OCD, tracing back to his personal journey of losing his mother to substance abuse and how this traumatic experience ignited his own OCD. Cody candidly shares his experiences with changing subtypes of OCD and the common misconceptions that surround this often-misunderstood disorder. A significant portion of our talk is dedicated to discussing Harm OCD, a lesser-known subtype, and how OCD tends to attack what we value most. Cody's passion shines through as he explains why he loves working as an OCD therapist, especially in the current landscape of OCD awareness in 2024. We also delve into the challenges of being incorrectly diagnosed, the phenomenon of high-functioning individuals who hide their OCD and anxiety, and the intricacies of explaining one's OCD to others. Cody shares his journey of specializing in OCD therapy and the profound satisfaction he feels witnessing the progress of his patients through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. As we navigate the conversation, Cody offers practical advice on managing and treating OCD, emphasizing the importance of confronting short-term discomfort in therapy for long-term gain. We also touch upon the critical topics of addiction, avoidance, and how external stressors can heighten OCD symptoms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand more about OCD, from those living with the disorder to loved ones seeking to support them, and even mental health professionals looking to deepen their knowledge. Join us as we unpack the complexities of OCD with Cody Fournier.  Learn more about Cody here:  https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/my-path-to-treating-ocd-began-as-a-teenager Follow him here: https://www.instagram.com/codyfournier.ocd/ Find treatment and resources for OCD here: https://www.treatmyocd.com/

Ben Hagarty is a video director, cinematographer, and podcaster from Cedar Falls, Iowa. On this episode (recorded 1/8/24), Ben and I discuss his journey to success as a creator who has worked with some of the biggest artists, celebrities, and brands in the world. His journey is inspiring to say the least. When it comes to his work ethic, networking skills, and talents behind the scenes, Ben is a creator like no other. His value in his industry is an another level. That is not him saying this either because he is too humble to say all of that... which is another reason I enjoyed speaking with Ben. We even talked about how much he could flex with his accomplishments, but doesn't feel the need to do so. The dude has a Grammy award for his work on Homecoming: A Film By Beyonce and casually brought it up like it wasn't a big deal. That's the kind of Ben is. A successful guy with humility who keeps himself grounded. We talk about how and what attributes to those qualities as well. We talked about a lot on this episode because Ben loves to talk about what he does considering he 100% loves what he does. I was also ready to listen and ask all the questions I could think of to learn more about a dude I have watched explode into a creative machine online for over a decade after connecting in Cedar Falls around 2010.  Here are the 5 key topics of discussion I had with Ben Hagarty: - Creative journey - Personal growth & challenges - The inspiration from artists he loves and has worked with he is obtained - Building a creative community (Black With No Cream) - His family upbringing and Iowa roots It was awesome having Ben Hagarty on the podcast as a fellow Iowan, dreamer, and creator. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did making it. Keep up with Ben here: https://www.benrealvsworld.com/   https://www.instagram.com/benrealvsworld/ https://www.instagram.com/blackwithnocream/ Keep up with Modern Day Overthinker and Collin the host here:  https://moderndayoverthinker.com/

On the latest episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, we dive into the world of fitness and personal training with Chase Hollmer, a Sports Performance Coach, Hybrid Athlete, and Online Personal Trainer. Chase and I discussed exploring the mental benefits of fitness. Chase stresses the importance of consistency in any fitness regime, discussing how regularity is more crucial than anything when it comes to working out. We also agreed that the that embracing discomfort and doing things that are challenging can lead to remarkable growth, both physically and mentally. Supplements are a hot topic in fitness, and Chase does not shy away from sharing his personal regimen and recommendations. We also talked about some of the trends and crazes in fitness, including Chase's opinions on cold plunges and the '75 Hard' challenge. Chase offers a balanced view, considering both the benefits and potential drawbacks. One of his key messages is about finding joy in exercise. He encourages listeners to engage in workouts they genuinely enjoy, as passion is a significant driver of persistence in fitness. We also delve into the challenges of coaching young athletes.  Chase also shares his experiences and the unique approaches required to train the youth. This episode is not just for fitness enthusiasts but for anyone looking to gain practical insights into health, wellness, and personal growth. Keep up with Chase here: https://www.instagram.com/hollmertime https://www.tiktok.com/@hollmertime https://www.youtube.com/@Hollmertime    

On episode 79 of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, I dive deep into a variety of topics with another great guest: Adam Peters. Adam Peters is the Director of Operations at Clock, Inc. LGBT+ Community Center in the Quad Cities, a Show Choir Coach, Runner, and Political Campaign Organizer. Join us as we explore his journey through sobriety, working on political campaigns, coming out, his experience of being adopted, his self-care practices, therapy, managing anxiety, and practicing gratitude. Don't forget to subscribe to the Modern Day Overthinker podcast for more thought-provoking discussions. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below, and be sure to share this episode with your friends! Instead of social links, Adam has asked I provide the following link for you to support Clock, Inc. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/YeIG6g?vid=12ymso Keep up with Modern Day Overthinker here: https://www.facebook.com/mdoverthinker https://www.instagram.com/mdoverthinker/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mdoverthinker https://twitter.com/mdoverthinker https://moderndayoverthinker.com/  

Bobby Ray Bunch is a veteran, realtor, comedian, musician, and event planner from the Quad Cities. We sat down and discussed a variety of topics on this episode which included comparing yourself to others, his experience in the military, ketamine therapy, self talk, self sabotage, mental well being, the vulnerability of stand up comedy, Matt Rife outrage, deleting old Facebook memories, taking responsibility and taking action for getting better, what has worked for him, and having a purpose. Another solid episode with a guest who brought a lot to the table. Keep up with Bobby here:  https://www.bobbyraybunch.com  https://www.foodtruckfight.com  https://www.brbishome.com  

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, I spoke with Ramiro Antonio Perez about his battles with addiction, mental health, and building a new life. I appreciate Ramiro for being so open and audience with me during our talk (recorded 11/11/23) and hope to have many more conversions with him in the future. New episodes of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast are released every other Monday. This one was a little late, but I promise it is worth the wait. Keep up with everything MDOT here:  www.moderndayoverthinker.com Sponsors: Fly Over State Pictures https://www.facebook.com/flyoverstatepictures Lillie and Pine https://www.lillieandpine.com/ Use code MDOT at checkout for $10 off your order!

Grace McCubbin is an advocate, speaker, and business owner here in the Quad Cities. She and I sat down and discussed her recent TEDx talk in Davenport, Iowa which was focused on her son’s (16 years old at the time) cardiac arrest back in February. We also discussed how she ended up on the TEDx stage sharing that story. Following that, we discussed her experience developing trauma induced OCD, being a child of an alcoholic, imposter syndrome, authenticity, and advocating for yourself medically. That, and much more is incapsulated in this episode. Remember to keep up with the social media pages: @mdoverthinker on all platforms :) New episodes of the podcast drop every Monday!