From Anxiety to Empowerment: Ilise Talks Social Media, Empathy, and Mental Health Truths

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we sit down with Ilise Litwin—therapist, author, podcaster, and unapologetically authentic human—to explore how navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and toxic relationships can lead to personal empowerment. Ilise opens up about the healing power of empathy, the toll of social media on mental wellness, and what it means to truly show up for yourself.

We’re not just any podcast—we’re the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and we’re proud to have over 1 million downloads. Your voice matters to us! Please share your thoughts or leave us a voice message here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote from the Episode: “You can be me-centric without being selfish. You can still give to others, but the focus should always come back to you.” — Ilise Litwin

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What This Episode is About:

This episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a raw and empowering look at what it means to navigate mental health in a world that often tells us to “just keep going.” Our guest, Ilise Litwin, joins us to explore how anxiety, trauma, social media fatigue, and emotional burnout can evolve into tools for personal growth when we stop pretending to have it all together.

With humor, heart, and unfiltered honesty, Ilise shares her story of reinvention—from working in locked psychiatric units to building a life grounded in radical self-care and the freedom to be playful again. We explore what it means to be empathic in a chaotic world, how boundaries can protect our joy, and why reconnecting with your inner child might just be the best therapy of all.

Whether you’re a parent juggling too much, someone struggling with anxiety, or simply feeling burned out, this episode will inspire you to redefine what it means to heal—and to do it on your own terms.

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Meet Our Guest – Ilise Litwin

Ilise Litwin, aka "The Fiery Redhead," is a bold and dynamic podcaster, author, motivational speaker, and therapist. A graduate of the University of Florida with credentials as a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, Ilise spent years working in acute psychiatric units, where she helped patients build coping skills to reintegrate into life.

Her podcast Wide Open Spaces blends edgy storytelling with mental health truths, sparking honest conversations that challenge societal norms. Her book, Wanderlust Within: A Journey to Self-Discovery, distills her podcast’s most impactful moments into a transformational guide. Ilise is known for her transparency, authenticity, and empowering message that healing begins with truth.

• Website: https://wideopenspaceswithilise.com
• Podcast: https://wideopenspaces.podbean.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/102097171634382
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wideopenspaceswithilise
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilise-litwin-3a04051b7/

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Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy is powerful, but protect your peace. Being empathic is a gift, but it can become a burden wit