Part 1: Deane’s Story: Trauma, Chronic Pain, and Losing Control
Sh!t That Goes On In Our HeadsMay 05, 2026
11
00:35:5732.92 MB

Part 1: Deane’s Story: Trauma, Chronic Pain, and Losing Control

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Deane Benninghoven shares his powerful story of trauma, chronic pain, and depression after a life-changing accident. This episode explores the emotional toll of pain, opioid use, and the first spark of hope that began his healing journey.

What happens when your body stops cooperating, and your life starts slipping through your hands? G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Deane to talk about chronic pain, trauma, and what it feels like when everything you built no longer works.

Awards & Downloads Line

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 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), and 2026 NYC Podcast Award Audience Choice Winner (Best Hosts), with over 4.5 million downloads and listened to in over 160 countries.

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Mental Health Quote

“I didn’t see a way forward… until I found even the smallest glimmer of hope.” — Deane Benninghoven

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Episode Description

Before anything started to get better, things got really dark.

In Part 1, Deane shares what it was like to go from building a life as an artist to losing control of his body after a serious car accident. The pain was constant. It was intense. And like many people, he was pushed toward opioids as the answer. That path only made things worse.

This conversation goes beyond physical pain. Deane talks about growing up with abuse, carrying anger for years, and dealing with the kind of internal voice that tells you there is no way forward. When you lose your identity, your purpose, and your ability to function the way you used to, it messes with everything.

G-Rex and Dirty Skittles don’t rush past that. They sit in it with him. Because this is the part most people skip. The part where you feel stuck, exhausted, and unsure if anything will actually help.

But a shift is starting here. Not a big breakthrough yet. Just a moment of curiosity. A small opening.

Part 1 is about telling the truth about what it feels like to be at your lowest. Because you cannot heal what you refuse to look at.

Keywords: Deane Benninghoven, trauma, chronic pain, depression, opioid recovery, anxiety, childhood trauma, mental health podcast, emotional healing, identity loss, mental health awareness, healing journey

Meet Our Guest — Deane Benninghoven

Deane Benninghoven is a hypnotherapist and the founder of Summit Hypnosis NW. He helps people work through chronic pain, anxiety, and trauma by focusing on the subconscious patterns that drive those experiences. His work is rooted in his own journey through pain, addiction, and recovery.

Website: https://www.summithypnosisnw.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summithnosisnw/

Key Takeaways

  • Chronic pain is not just physical. It is connected to emotional and mental patterns
  • Trauma can shape how you see yourself long before you realize it
  • Quick fixes like medication do not always solve deeper issues
  • The way you talk to yourself matters more than you think
  • Change can start with something small, even just curiosity

Actionable Items

  • Pay attention to your internal dialogue during hard moments
  • Be honest about what you are feeling instead of pushing it down
  • Stay open to different approaches to healing

References Mentioned

Therapeutic hypnosis for pain management

Important Chapters

  • 00:00 Welcome and introduction
  • 00:02:00 The accident and what changed
  • 00:04:00 Living with chronic pain
  • 00:06:30 Depression and identity loss
  • 00:08:30 Childhood trauma and belief systems
  • 00:12:00 Discovering hypnosis
  • 00:18:00 Pain and the subconscious

Closing CTA

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ChronicPain #TraumaHealing #DepressionSupport #OpioidRecovery #AnxietyAwareness #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealthMatters #SubconsciousMind #PainManagement

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.

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Audio Editing by NJz Audio


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