Trigger Notice:
This episode discusses anxiety, burnout, and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.
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When anxiety and perimenopause collided, Melissa Crook’s body said “no more.” In this episode, Dirty Skittles and G-Rex sit down with the inspiring Melissa — founder of The Embracing Layers Network and host of The F.E.E.L. Podcast — to talk about anxiety, burnout, and finding peace through emotional healing and self-discovery.
Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting.
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Mental Health Quote:
“You don’t have to hit the wall to start healing. You have to stop abandoning yourself.” — Melissa Crook
Episode Description
When Melissa Crook hit 50, her body and mind forced her to face decades of anxiety, burnout, and people-pleasing. Two ER visits later, she realized the panic wasn’t random — it was her body’s way of demanding change. In this candid conversation, Melissa joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share how she went from panic to peace by learning to listen to her body, trust her intuition, and honor her emotional truth.
Melissa opens up about her journey through perimenopause, therapy, and the creation of her F.E.E.L. Framework—a guide that helps women navigate life’s chaos with compassion rather than control. Together, they talk about setting boundaries, learning to rest without guilt, and finding laughter even in the middle of the storm.
This episode is a reminder that anxiety doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’ve been strong for too long. Whether you’re managing burnout, struggling with self-worth, or craving emotional freedom, Melissa’s story offers fundamental tools and hope for healing.
Keywords: Melissa Crook, Embracing Layers, F.E.E.L. Framework, anxiety, menopause, self-discovery, therapy, emotional health, boundaries, burnout, women’s mental health, healing journey, self-compassion, empowerment
Meet Our Guest — Melissa Crook
Melissa Crook is a thought-leader, speaker, and creator dedicated to helping women break free from performance pressure, reclaim their emotional truth, and live unapologetically aligned. Based in Fresno, California, she’s the founder of The Embracing Layers Network and host of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, creating brave spaces for women to connect with their emotional and physical well-being. After a health crisis at 50 forced her to confront decades of anxiety and codependency, Melissa turned her healing journey into her life’s work—helping women cultivate emotional literacy, boundaries, and self-compassion.
Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://www.embracinglayers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracinglayers/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@embracinglayers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084428100763
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/embracinglayers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqVVXe8SbTtBuzOyFTMjNFA
X: https://twitter.com/embracinglayers
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melmcrook2025
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-crook-967395106
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety isn’t something to “fix” — it’s a signal that something needs attention.
- Perimenopause can heighten anxiety, but awareness and support change everything.
- Healing begins when you stop abandoning yourself for others.
- Boundaries are a form of self-respect, not selfishness.
- Curiosity fuels growth; comfort keeps you stuck.
- True friends celebrate your healing, not question it.
Actionable Items
- Check your bandwidth vs. time: if you’re overextended, permit yourself to cancel something.
- Create a grounding ritual to start your day calmly — like Melissa’s sunrise breathing routine.
- Ask yourself daily: “Is this asking me to abandon myself?” If yes, pause and choose differently.
References Mentioned
Important Chapters
- 00:05:00 – Melissa’s “shitstorm week” and learning to honor her emotions
- 00:09:00 – Canceling plans without guilt and redefining self-care
- 00:22:30 – The health scare that forced her to face anxiety head-on
- 00:28:00 – Therapy breakthroughs and redefining her relationship with anxiety
- 00:43:00 – Morning rituals, grounding, and emotional literacy
- 00:47:40 – Why curiosity matters more than comfort
- 00:51:00 – Melissa’s favorite word: Curiosity; least favorite: Comfort
Closing CTA
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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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