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Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of The Mental Health Janitors Podcast, Sgt Q sits down with eighth-grade student leaders from Mill Creek Middle School’s Class of 2030 for an honest conversation about mental health, leadership, and what it means to make a difference right now. These young leaders share the initiatives they care about, including clean water, teacher appreciation, mental health awareness, human trafficking awareness, and creating a stronger school community. But the conversation quickly goes deeper as the students open up about friendships, family communication, stress, grief, emotional expression, and what they wish adults better understood about teen mental health. Sgt Q also shares lessons from his own experiences with homelessness, mental health struggles, advocacy, and imposter syndrome, reminding the students that leadership does not begin someday in the future. It begins with the choices we make and the way we treat people today. In This Episode 2:04 – Why these students wanted to use their voices to make a difference 2:17 – Student-led initiatives focused on clean water, teacher appreciation, mental health, and human trafficking awareness   6:09 – How helping others can positively affect our own mental health 14:30 – Why young people need safe spaces to express what they are feeling 12:09 – The danger of constantly bottling up emotions 21:50 – What teens wish parents and adults understood about their mental health 23:17 – How family patterns around emotions can carry from one generation to the next 22:29 – Why listening without judgment can make such a difference 26:29 – The importance of giving young people grace and spending meaningful time with them 17:56 – How even a small conversation, smile, hug, or high five can impact someone’s day 18:58 – Sgt Q’s experience facing imposter syndrome and other emotional “giants” 20:54 – The power our words can have in helping someone see themselves differently A Message for Adults One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is simple: be present and listen. The students share that sometimes they do not need someone to immediately fix the problem. They need someone who will sit with them, hear what they are feeling, and create a space where they can speak honestly without feeling judged or dismissed. As one student puts it, small conversations can have a huge impact. Leadership Starts Now These students are already showing that leadership is not about age or position. It can look like helping someone feel included, supporting a teacher, standing up for an important cause, raising awareness, checking on a friend, or simply choosing to treat someone with kindness. Their voices are a reminder that young people do not have to wait until adulthood to make an impact. Episode Dedication This episode is dedicated to the memory of Savali Kraft, an Air Force veteran and member of the Bulldog community. Sgt Q closes the episode by honoring her life, service, and the efforts of her family and community to advocate for her during a serious illness. The episode begins with a quote shared in her memory: “If life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, give life a thousand reasons to laugh.” Content Note This episode includes conversations about mental health, suicide loss, grief, human trafficking, homelessness, family conflict, and emotional distress. Some topics may be difficult for certain listeners. About The Mental Health Janitors The Mental Health Janitors Podcast is hosted by Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez and is focused on helping people clean up the mess in their head through real conversations about mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. The mission is to educate, empower, and encourage listeners on their mental health journey. Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having honest conversations about mental health, trauma recovery, emotional resilience, leadership, relationships, faith, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our Facebook community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen to The Mental Health Janitors 🎧 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz/ 🎧 Website:  https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt. Q" Quinonez Website:  https://sgtq.net/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if music could do more than change your mood? In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q sits down with mental health professional, speaker, and music-based wellness educator Casey Muze for a powerful conversation about the connection between music, neuroscience, trauma recovery, and emotional well-being. Casey shares how his background in music, substance-use counseling, trauma support, and cognitive development led him to explore a different approach to mental health, one that brings together rhythm, body awareness, breathwork, and practical daily habits. Sgt. Q and Casey also discuss why healing is not simply about finding the right information. It requires consistency, action, and a willingness to keep practicing even when life feels calm. Throughout the conversation, they explore: How music may support the brain-body connectionWhy the words we use can influence the way we experience mental healthWhat happens when emotional reactions become part of our identityHow rhythm and repetition may support emotional regulationWhy healing looks different for every personThe role of faith, neuroscience, and practical action in personal growthHow to recognize what your body may be communicating during stressful momentsWhy healthy boundaries are an important part of emotional stabilityCasey also introduces a simple mental reset practice designed for moments of stress, confusion, or emotional overwhelm—but you’ll need to listen to the full conversation to learn how it works and how it connects with Sgt. Q’s own experience. Whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, recovery, emotional triggers, or simply looking for healthier ways to manage stress, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what healing can look like. 🎧 Tune in to discover how music, movement, language, faith, and daily practice may help you develop your own rhythm for healing. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Finding Hope After the Struggle 01:18 – Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 03:02 – Meet Casey Muze and His Journey 05:47 – The Moment Everything Changed 08:36 – Why Healing Requires Consistency 11:42 – Music, the Brain, and Emotional Wellness 14:38 – The Power of Language in Mental Health 18:01 – A Practical Tool for Stress and Emotional Regulation 21:09 – Faith, Neuroscience, and Personal Growth 24:47 – Casey's Final Message of Hope Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having honest conversations about mental health, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, faith, relationships, leadership, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen to The Mental Health Janitors 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Casey Muze Learn more about Casey’s interactive Braced No More experience Website: https://caseyscadence.info Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseymuze/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyMuzetheroyalspeaker https://bracednomore.info Connect with Aaron “Sgt. Q” Quinonez Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ #TheMentalHealthJanitors #MentalHealth #MusicTherapy #TraumaHealing #Neuroscience #EmotionalRegulation #BrainBodyConnection #Breathwork #FaithAndMentalHealth #PersonalGrowth Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Are You Creating Battles That Were Never There? What happens when a simple misunderstanding turns into a full-blown emotional battle? In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q and Doc Jess get real about emotional regulation, emotional maturity, anger management, assumptions, parenting, therapy, and the stories our brains create when we don't have all the information. The conversation starts with a real-life veteran community conflict where a simple Facebook interaction spirals into accusations, defensiveness, and escalating emotions. Sgt. Q steps in with a powerful reminder: “Many of us veterans already carry enough battles with us. We don't need to create new ones with people who were never fighting us in the first place.” From there, they unpack why we assign motives to other people, how our brains fill in the gaps when information is missing, and why emotional maturity means learning to pause before reacting. The conversation then takes a deeper turn into therapy and counter-transference, exploring why therapists need self-awareness and why even mental-health professionals can struggle with emotional regulation. Then comes an “Am I the A-hole?” story about a 17-year-old who destroys an expensive gaming chair in anger—and then asks his parents to replace it. Sgt. Q and Doc Jess break down teenage anger, parenting, boundaries, consequences, gaming, emotional control, and parental responsibility, including one of the most important lessons of the episode: All feelings are welcome. Not all behaviors are. And ultimately, this episode isn't just about a Facebook argument, a broken gaming chair, or an angry teenager. It's about learning to recognize when your emotions are driving the story—and taking responsibility for what you do next. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation about emotional regulation, mental health, parenting, relationships, therapy, and learning how to stop fighting battles that were never yours. Episode Highlights • 01:00 How One Video Triggered a Powerful Memory • 02:45 From Spiraling Down to Spiraling Up • 04:00 Turning Painful Experiences Into Stories That Help Others • 10:03 When a Simple Facebook Post Turns Into a Conflict • 12:23 The Danger of Assuming Malicious Intent • 18:23 Sgt. Q Steps Into the Battle • 23:09 Why Sometimes Someone Needs to Speak Up • 27:43 The Shocking “Future Therapist” Reveal • 30:57 Can an Emotionally Immature Person Help Others Heal? • 33:18 Counter-Transference and Therapist Self-Awareness • 35:37 Why Your Brain Fills in the Gaps • 37:57 Emotional Maturity Means Taking Ownership • 40:18 Feelings Are Welcome—But Not All Behaviors Are • 41:00 The Broken Gaming Chair: “Am I the A-hole?” • 44:59 Anger, Parenting & Consequences • 47:18 The Different Stages of Parenting • 49:24 Coaching Your Teen Instead of Controlling Them • 51:48 Is the Parent Responsible for the Problem? • 54:12 Setting Healthy Boundaries With Teenagers • 56:37 Why Teaching Others Helps You Learn • 58:55 The Lesson Behind the “Future Therapist” Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, anger management, relationships, parenting, therapy, trauma, PTSD, veteran mental health, healthy communication, boundaries, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt Q" Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What do you do when the person who has always been the "strong one" suddenly needs you, and the moment the crisis passes, you completely fall apart?  In this powerful episode of *The Mental Health Janitors*, host Sgt. Q sits down with author and mental health advocate Pamela J. Wells for an honest conversation about severe depression, the hidden toll of caregiver burnout, and the profound power of simply being present.  Pam shares her deeply personal journey that began with her husband’s unexpected quintuple bypass surgery. While she rose to the occasion as a caregiver, the aftermath left her battling uncontrollable depression rooted in childhood trauma, ultimately leading to a suicide attempt and an eight-week hospitalization. Together, Pam and Sgt. Q, a combat veteran who has navigated his own battles with PTSD and suicidal ideation, explore why mental health must be treated with the same urgency as physical health. Pam also reveals how she turned her darkest season into a beacon of hope by interviewing nearly 30 people she met in the hospital, uncovering the universal truth about what people in crisis actually need. Throughout the conversation, they explore: Why caregiver burnout and suppressed trauma often lead to a delayed, severe mental health collapse.The importance of "firing" a therapist if you don't click, finding the right fit is crucial for healing.The #1 common thread among people with depression: the desire to be believed and treated with respect, not pity.Practical things to say (and NOT say) to someone struggling with depression.The neuroscience-backed power of a 15-to-20-second hug to release oxytocin and create genuine safety.Why you can't "fix" someone's depression, but you can love them through it.Pam reveals the one-word text her brother sent her after reading her book, and Sgt. Q shares a fascinating neuroscience "experiment" you can try with your own family today to instantly shift your nervous system from tense to relaxed. You won’t want to miss this simple, life-changing tool. 🎧 Tune in to discover how clarity, compassion, and intentional presence can help you or your loved ones navigate the darkest seasons of mental health and find a path toward healing. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 00:11 – Pam’s Journey: Caregiver Burnout and Severe Depression 02:52 – The Breaking Point: Why We Must Seek Therapy Early 04:11 – Why Mental Health Belongs in School Curriculums 05:01 – Writing "In Their Shoes": Gathering 30 Unique Perspectives 07:25 – The #1 Thing People with Depression Actually Want 09:37 – Practical Tools: What to Say (and NOT Say) to a Depressed Loved One 11:05 – The Neuroscience of a 20-Second Hug (Oxytocin Release) 16:56 – Why This Book is for the Friends and Family, Too 18:42 – "Loving Me Through It": How Pam’s Husband Learned to Help 20:55 – Pam’s Book & Future Group Coaching Opportunities Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having honest conversations about mental health, trauma recovery, emotional resilience, leadership, relationships, faith, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen to The Mental Health Janitors 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz/ 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Pamela J. Wells Book: In Their Shoes by Pamela J. Wells (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo) Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ptwells Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Pamela-Wells/author/B0089QMFN2?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Connect with Aaron "Sgt. Q" Quinonez Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ #TheMentalHealthJanitors #DepressionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #CaregiverBurnout #TraumaHealing #SuicidePrevention #MentalWellness #Oxytocin #PersonalGrowth #InTheirShoes #PamelaJWells #SgtQ #MentalHealthSupport #NeuroscienceOfHealing #EndTheStigma Support the show

Send us Fan Mail When Does Helping Your Child Become Hurting Them? What happens when a family getaway turns into an unexpected injury, a hospital visit, and a powerful lesson about accepting help? In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q and Doc Jess get real about community, resilience, parenting, independence, and emotional boundaries. The conversation takes a surprising turn with an “Am I the A-hole?” story about a mother who steps into her college-aged son’s job interview. Was she protecting him… or holding him back? They unpack the line between supporting and meddling, why parents struggle to let go, and how independence is built through experience. And the biggest lesson? You can’t control everything that happens. But you can control what you choose to carry. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation that might make you rethink how you help, parent, and handle life’s unexpected challenges. Episode Highlights • 07:29 When a Mental Health Getaway Goes Wrong • 13:32 Finding Connection Through Grief and Prayer • 21:01 An Unexpected Health Crisis • 28:17 The Power of Community • 31:20 Did Mom Go Too Far? • 37:08 When Protecting Your Child Becomes Meddling • 41:28 Nurturing vs. Overstepping • 50:58 Stop Carrying What You Can’t Control Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, relationships, conflict resolution, healthy communication, marriage, trauma, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt Q" Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the person tasked with taking care of everyone else completely forgets to take care of themselves? In this powerful episode of The Mental Health Janitors, host Sgt. Q sits down with Tammy Ward, a 24-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), for a raw and honest conversation about first responder trauma, the dangerous myth of "sucking it up," and the neurobiological power of speaking your truth. In 2014, Tammy faced a devastating shooting incident in her hometown that claimed the lives of three officers. As the operational NCO, she poured everything into supporting her team, masking her own pain with extreme running and suppressed emotions, until her body literally forced her to stop. Joining Sgt. Q, a combat veteran who has navigated his own battles with compounding trauma, Tammy breaks down why "silence is not resilience." Together, they explore how simply naming your emotions can reduce their negative impact by up to 50%, and why asking for help is the bravest thing you can do. Throughout the conversation, they explore: The hidden danger of "high-functioning" trauma responses, like over-exercising or emotional isolation.Why trauma has no hierarchy: Your worst day is your worst day, and your pain is always valid.The neurobiology of healing: How saying "A part of me feels..." instead of "I am..." can reduce symptom severity by 30–50%.The life-saving power of presence: Why a simple text message or showing up can break a destructive spiral of loneliness.Why refusing to ask for help actually robs your friends and family of the opportunity to strengthen their own mental resilience.Tammy also reveals a simple, free tool she uses to help busy humans reset their nervous systems in just seven days, including a specific journaling prompt that changes everything about how you carry other people's burdens. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into her upcoming book, The Unseen Scar. 🎧 Tune in to discover how brave conversations, intentional gratitude, and the simple act of showing up can help you or a loved one navigate the darkest seasons of trauma and find a path toward true healing. Episode Highlights 00:00 – The Struggle of Life After the Uniform 01:02 – Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 01:33 – Tammy’s 24-Year RCMP Journey & The 2014 Tragedy 03:10 – The Breaking Point: When "Sucking It Up" Finally Fails 05:08 – The Myth of the "High-Functioning" Shell 07:44 – Trauma Has No Hierarchy: Validating Your Pain 09:35 – The Neuroscience of Naming Your Emotions (30–50% Reduction!) 12:30 – The Power of Presence: Why "Just Showing Up" Saves Lives 15:08 – The Bravest Thing You Can Do: Asking for Help 18:29 – Tammy’s Free Tool: The 7-Day Reset for Busy Humans 22:19 – Upcoming Book: The Unseen Scar Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having honest conversations about mental health, trauma recovery, emotional resilience, leadership, relationships, faith, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen to The Mental Health Janitors 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz/ 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Tammy Ward 🌐 Website: https://tammywardspeaks.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-ward-speaks/ 📖 Upcoming Book: The Unseen Scar (Coming Fall 2024) 🎤 Keynote Speaking & Coaching Inquiries: https://tammywardspeaks.com/keynotes-and-workshops/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt. Q" Quinonez 🌐 Website: https://sgtq.net/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ #TheMentalHealthJanitors #FirstResponderMentalHealth #RCMP #TraumaRecovery #SilenceIsNotResilience #PTSDAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #NeuroscienceOfHealing #EmotionalResilience #TammyWard #TheUnseenScar #SgtQ #MentalWellness #EndTheStigma #BraveConversations Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when your life is suddenly upended, and you are forced to become the primary caregiver for an aging parent with no preparation or roadmap?  In this deeply empathetic episode of The Mental Health Janitors, host Sgt. Q sits down with caregiver advocate and coach Lydia Dyhin to discuss the overwhelming, often invisible reality of unexpected caregiving. Lydia shares her personal story of abruptly relocating her entire family to care for her mother after a sudden vascular dementia diagnosis. What began as an act of love quickly turned into a relentless cycle of mental overload, physical depletion, and emotional overwhelm.  Together, Lydia and Sgt. Q’a combat veteran who intimately understands the compounding weight of trauma,breaks down the dangerous myth that caregivers must reach a breaking point before seeking help. They explore the profound power dynamic shift that occurs when children become the parents, the insidious nature of "drifted grief," and the neurobiological science behind why simply changing how you name your emotions can reduce their negative impact by up to 50%.  Throughout the conversation, they explore: The sudden, lifealtering reality of the "power dynamic shift" when caring for an aging parent.Why reaching out for resources before you hit a crisis is the ultimate act of prevention.The 4 Pillars of Healing (Body, Mind, Emotions, and Spirit) and why neglecting one causes the whole system to collapse under pressure.The neuroscience of emotional regulation: How saying "A part of me feels..." instead of "I am..." separates emotion from identity, reducing symptom severity by 50%.Practical tools to combat caregiver burnout, including the "Care Command Journal" and daily selfcare resets.How to navigate the intense guilt and family resistance that often accompany tough care decisions, like transitioning a loved one to residential care.Lydia reveals a simple but profound mindset shift that can instantly alleviate the crushing guilt of asking, "Am I doing enough?",plus, she shares details about her transformative workshops and selfpaced programs designed specifically to help caregivers reclaim their identity.  🎧 Tune in to discover how pausing, regulating your nervous system, and embracing the truth that "you are enough" can help you navigate the hardest seasons of caregiving with grace, resilience, and preserved mental health. Episode Highlights 00:00 – The Unexpected Reality of Becoming a Caregiver 01:02 – Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 02:05 – Lydia’s Story: A Sudden Vascular Dementia Diagnosis 04:02 – The Power Dynamic Shift: When Children Become the Parents 06:37 – Why You Don’t Need to Reach Crisis to Get Help 08:24 – The 4 Pillars of Healing: Body, Mind, Emotions, and Spirit 12:12 – Navigating "DripFed Grief" and Caregiver Resentment 14:12 – Lydia’s Tool: The SelfCare Guide & Care Command Journal 17:01 – Navigating Guilt and the Transition to Residential Care 21:33 – Live Workshops vs. SelfPaced Programs for Caregivers 24:14 – The Neuroscience of Naming Your Emotions (50% Reduction!) 27:08 – A Message of Hope: "You Are Enough" Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having honest conversations about mental health, trauma recovery, emotional resilience, leadership, relationships, faith, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen to The Mental Health Janitors 🎧 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz/ 🎧 Website:https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/thementalhealthjanitors/ Connect with Lydia Dyhin 🌐 Website: https://www.calmacaregivers.com 🎓 Caregiver Workshops & Self Paced Programs:  Workshops: https://www.calmacaregivers.com/when-caregiving-feels-heavy Programs: https://www.calmacaregivers.com/calma-caregiver-program-series Contact for Coaching/Support: https://www.calmacaregivers.com/calma-caregiver-mentoring Connect with Aaron "Sgt. Q" Quinonez 🌐 Website: https://sgtq.net/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail WHEN SOMEONE BREAKS YOUR TRUST, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE HURT? A broken promise can stay with you long after the moment is over. In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q and Doc Jess explore how betrayal, childhood trauma, broken trust, and unresolved hurt can shape the way we see people, relationships, and even ourselves. The conversation begins with a deeply personal story about a broken promise that became part of a childhood trauma. Then, a Reddit story about a father and son raises a bigger question about trust, accountability, parenting, and what happens when someone uses a loophole instead of honoring their word. But the conversation goes even deeper. Why do we sometimes start looking for revenge when we've been hurt? Why does our brain fill in the gaps when we don't have all the information? And what does it really take to break the cycle of resentment? Sgt. Q shares a deeply personal story about his own father that brings the conversation full circle and reveals why forgiveness isn't always about what someone deserves. This episode explores emotional intelligence, trauma, family relationships, trust, resentment, forgiveness, emotional resilience, and the choices we make after we've been hurt. If you've ever struggled with betrayal, broken promises, anger, or letting go of something that happened in your past, this conversation may give you a different way to look at your pain. ❤️ 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear the stories, the lessons, and the unexpected perspective on choosing forgiveness over revenge. Episode Highlights • 00:00 Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors • 01:30 A Childhood Story About Trauma and a Broken Promise • 07:00 When Personal Pain Meets the Mental Bandwidth We Have • 09:00 The Seattle Shooting and Leadership Under Pressure • 18:00 How Economic Stress Can Affect Mental Wellbeing • 28:00 Reddit Story: A Father, Son, and a Shocking Loophole • 35:00 When a Broken Promise Becomes a Broken Relationship • 40:00 Revenge, Resentment, and the “Long Game” • 45:00 Emotional Intelligence and How We Respond to Hurt • 49:00 A Personal Story About Forgiveness and Reconciliation • 55:00 Choosing Forgiveness Over Revenge • 58:00 Educate, Empower, and Encourage Your Mental Health Journey Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, relationships, conflict resolution, healthy communication, marriage, trauma, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt Q" Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/  #MentalHealth #Forgiveness #EmotionalResilience  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Are You Looking for an Apology… or Are You Holding Onto Hurt? Sometimes the hardest conflicts aren’t about what was said. They’re about what happens inside us after we feel hurt. In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q and Doc Jess explore why we often expect people to understand our pain without ever explaining what happened. The conversation starts with Hot Jimothy Summer, a viral raccoon that brought people together through acceptance and community, before leading into a deeper discussion about emotional reactions, assumptions, and why we connect so deeply with stories of being misunderstood. They then break down a Reddit story about a mother demanding an apology from her teenage daughter’s friend after an insensitive comment. But the bigger question is: Are we seeking accountability, or are we holding onto resentment? Together, they explore emotional intelligence, self-reflection, emotional regulation, and why fixing the root cause of our reactions matters more than simply changing the behavior on the surface. If you’ve ever felt offended, struggled to forgive, or found yourself waiting for someone else to make things right, this episode will challenge the way you approach conflict. 🎧 Tune in to learn how self-awareness, healthy communication, and emotional resilience can help you build stronger relationships. Episode Highlights • 00:00 Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors • 15:49 A Personal Story About Hurt and Rebuilding Trust • 17:00 Hot Jimothy Summer: How a Viral Raccoon Created Connection • 19:08 Why People Rally Around Stories of Acceptance • 28:52 The Story of Keaton and How Community Changed His Life • 33:44 Reddit Story: A Mother Demands an Apology From a Teenager • 38:14 When Hurt Feelings Turn Into Long-Term Resentment • 44:28 Why We Expect Others to Know They Hurt Us • 51:18 Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the Why Behind Our Reactions • 53:34 Building Emotional Resilience and Preventing Conflict • 58:07 Educate, Empower, and Encourage Your Mental Health Journey Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, relationships, conflict resolution, healthy communication, marriage, trauma, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt Q" Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ #MentalHealth #EmotionalIntelligence #EmotionalResilience  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What do a concert security breach, a broken family heirloom, and your relationships have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q and Doc Jess begin with the viral Jay Z concert incident, where hundreds of people entered the venue without tickets, causing a massive delay and leaving fans frustrated. But beneath the headlines was a much bigger conversation about assumptions, accountability, leadership, and why understanding the full story matters before placing blame. The discussion then shifts to a viral Reddit story about a husband struggling to forgive his wife after she broke an irreplaceable family heirloom during a heated argument. Was it truly an accident, or was it an intentional act fueled by anger? More importantly, what happens when our minds fill in the gaps with assumptions instead of facts? Together, they explore how emotional reactions shape our decisions, why accountability and humility are essential for healthy relationships, and how the stories we tell ourselves can either build trust or create lasting resentment. You'll also learn the powerful Six Pack Method, a practical tool for challenging assumptions, regulating emotions, and creating healthier conversations before conflict spirals out of control. If you've ever struggled to forgive someone, questioned another person's intentions, or found yourself replaying an argument over and over, this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in to discover how emotional intelligence, healthy communication, personal accountability, and learning to assume the best can strengthen your relationships and protect your mental health. Episode Highlights • 00:00 Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors • 00:18 When One Broken Item Changes Everything • 02:20 The Jay Z Concert Security Breach Explained • 08:45 Why People Blame Before They Know the Truth • 11:20 How One Open Door Became a Massive Safety Risk • 19:16 The Reddit Story That Started the Conversation • 22:30 A Wife Breaks an Irreplaceable Family Heirloom During a Fight • 31:00 Are You Reacting to Facts or Your Assumptions? • 36:30 Why Accountability Matters More Than Being Right • 48:30 The Six Pack Method for Managing Conflict and Challenging Assumptions • 58:00 How Assuming the Best Can Strengthen Your Marriage Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, relationships, conflict resolution, healthy communication, marriage, trauma, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt Q" Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What do entitled children, family conflict, and marriage have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q and Doc Jess begin with a viral video that sparks a powerful conversation about entitlement, mob mentality, parenting, and the importance of teaching consequences. But the discussion quickly takes a deeper turn with a viral Reddit story about a husband forced to choose between his family and his wife. Together, they explore how childhood environments shape adult relationships, why unresolved resentment can divide families, and how healthy boundaries, accountability, and emotional maturity are essential for protecting both your marriage and your mental health. When family members criticize your spouse or expect you to choose sides, what is the healthiest response? Should you fight for reconciliation, or is creating distance the better path? This episode tackles those difficult questions with practical insight, compassion, and honest conversation. If you've ever struggled with family conflict, questioned where your loyalty belongs, or wondered whether reconciliation is always the right answer, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Tune in to discover how setting healthy boundaries, communicating with emotional maturity, and taking personal responsibility can strengthen your relationships and protect your mental health. Episode Highlights • 00:00 Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors • 00:18 When Family Pits You Against Your Spouse • 02:20 Mob Mentality, Entitlement, and Why Group Behavior Matters • 13:20 Raising Children Who Understand Consequences and Accountability • 19:16 The Reddit Story That Started the Conversation • 21:10 A Birthday Invitation That Divided an Entire Family • 26:05 Should Your Spouse Always Come First? • 31:10 Should You Fight for Reconciliation or Walk Away? • 34:40 Is the Relationship Worth Saving? Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, relationships, emotional intelligence, family dynamics, healthy boundaries, trauma, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt Q" Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever built a whole scenario in your mind about how something was supposed to go, only to feel crushed when reality looked completely different? In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q and Mrs. Q explore one of the biggest hidden causes of conflict in relationships. Unspoken expectations. Using a relatable Reddit story about a wife returning home after caring for an ill parent, they unpack why so many couples unknowingly expect their partners to read their minds, how assumptions create resentment, and why communication is the foundation of emotional safety. Before diving into relationships, Sgt. Q also shares the explosive Bricks & Minifigs controversy, examining business integrity, leadership accountability, franchise responsibility, and how social media has become one of the most powerful tools for exposing unethical behavior. Whether you're married, dating, leading a business, or simply trying to build healthier relationships, this episode will challenge how you think about expectations, communication, and personal responsibility. 🎧 Tune in to learn why disappointment often begins long before conflict ever starts, and how changing one communication habit can transform every relationship you have. Episode Highlights 00:00 Why We Create Expectations That Never Become Reality 00:33 Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 01:07 The Bricks & Minifigs Story Explained 04:53 How Social Media Exposed a Business Scandal 09:49 Business Integrity and Franchise Leadership 15:17 Why Reputation Is Every Business Owner's Greatest Asset 21:47 Reddit Story. My Husband Didn't Miss Me 27:42 Expectations Versus Reality in Marriage 29:49 Common Sense Isn't Common Sense 34:06 The Therapy Advice That Changed Their Marriage 35:43 Communication Beats Assumptions Every Time Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having honest conversations about mental health, relationships, emotional intelligence, communication, trauma, leadership, and personal growth. 🔗 Join our community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz 🎧 Website:  https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron "Sgt. Q" Quinonez Website:  https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Become a Giant Slayer https://giantslayerworkshop.com/get-your-ebook Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to show up for someone you love? In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q and Doc Jess unpack a viral Reddit story that sparks a much bigger conversation about healthy relationships, accountability, childhood trauma, and emotional maturity. When one partner chooses a night out over showing up during a medical emergency, it raises difficult questions. Is this simply a mistake, or does it reveal something deeper about priorities, trust, and commitment? And when someone hurts the people they love, can childhood trauma explain their behavior without excusing it? From relationship red flags and self awareness to narcissistic traits rooted in unresolved trauma, this episode challenges listeners to look beyond excuses and ask one of the hardest questions of all. Am I taking responsibility for the way I treat others? If you've ever questioned a relationship, struggled with accountability, or wondered how your past influences your present, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Tune in to explore why accountability is one of the hardest parts of healing, and how taking ownership can change the way you show up for the people who matter most.  Episode Highlights:  00:00 Welcome to Mental Health Janitors  03:18 Pastor Tony and Protecting Your Family  19:12 The Reddit Story That Started the Conversation  27:45 What It Means to Show Up in a Crisis  41:26 Accountability or Excuses?  53:08 Can Childhood Trauma Lead to Narcissistic Traits?  59:48 Why Healing Requires Honest Self Reflection Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, relationships, emotional intelligence, trauma, and personal responsibility. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Would you step in if helping someone you love created even more conflict?  In this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Sgt Q and Doc Jess unpack a viral Reddit story that sparks a much bigger conversation about parenting, family boundaries, responsibility, and emotional maturity. When a father repairs his adult daughter's unsafe car after her boyfriend fails to follow through, one simple act of love raises difficult questions. When should parents step in? Where do healthy boundaries begin? And how do pride and ego influence the way we respond? From family dynamics and healthy relationships to accountability and emotional intelligence, this episode explores what it truly means to protect the people you love without losing sight of respect and responsibility. If you've ever struggled with family boundaries, wondered when to step in, or questioned what real responsibility looks like, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Tune in to discover why this story is about far more than fixing a car, and how the lessons behind it can strengthen families and relationships. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to Mental Health Janitors 03:26 Seeing America Through a Different Perspective 14:03 The Reddit Story That Started the Conversation 19:44 Did Dad Cross the Line? 23:11 Responsibility vs Pride 31:58 Parenting Through Difficult Decisions 36:31 Educate, Empower, and Encourage Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, relationships, emotional intelligence, trauma, and personal responsibility. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Why is it so hard to admit we're wrong?  In this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Sgt Q and Doc Jess unpack a viral Reddit story that sparks a much bigger conversation about pride, accountability, parenting, and emotional growth. What happens when we're confronted with undeniable proof that we made a mistake? Why do so many people become defensive instead of taking ownership? And what lessons do our children learn when they never see us apologize? From family dynamics and relationship conflict to trauma responses and emotional intelligence, this episode explores the hidden cost of letting pride take the driver's seat. If you've ever struggled to say "I was wrong," found yourself explaining instead of apologizing, or wondered why accountability feels so uncomfortable, this conversation is for you. Tune in to learn how genuine apologies build trust, why ownership matters more than excuses, and how small moments of accountability can transform relationships. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to Mental Health Janitors 03:12 The Reddit Story That Started the Conversation 08:45 Why Pride Makes Accountability So Difficult 13:20 Should Parents Apologize to Their Kids? 18:34 Explanations vs Excuses 24:10 Trauma Responses and Emotional Reactions 29:47 The Power of a Simple Apology 35:18 How Accountability Strengthens Relationships 40:05 Taking Ownership and Moving Forward Join the Conversation Be part of a growing community having real conversations about mental health, relationships, emotional intelligence, trauma, and personal responsibility. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Website: https://sgtq.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitystarpodcaster/ Support the show