The Mental Health Janitors

We help you clean up the mess in your head. Aaron and Jess help navigate through the wonderful and sometimes scary world of therapy to educate you, empower you, and encourage you through your difficult times. Join Us Today!

The Mental Health Janitors is a health podcast hosted by Aaron Quinonez and Jessica Burgans, with 163 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Aaron Quinonez and Jessica Burgans hosts The Mental Health Janitors, a health show with 163 episodes published.

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  Episode #160

  The Hidden Toll of Unexpected Caregiving & How to Prevent Burnout | Lydia Dyhin

  Aug 18, 202628 minS1

  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: [Placeholder] Caregiver Workshops & Self Paced Programs: [Placeholder] Contact for Coaching/Support: [Placeholder] 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

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  Episode #158

  Stop Waiting for an Apology: The Emotional Mistake That's Keeping You Stuck

  Aug 11, 202639 minS1

  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

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  Episode #159

  Why Broken Promises Hurt More Than You Think

  Aug 11, 202643 minS1

  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

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  Episode #157

  The Psychology of Arguments: Why Your Brain Creates Stories That Hurt Relationships

  Jul 28, 202634 minS1

  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

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  Episode #156

  When Your Family Turns Against Your Spouse... What Should You Do?

  Jul 22, 202632 minS1

  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

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