Finding Joy in the Chaos: Real Talk on Mental Health, Healing, and Humor

After a break and some major life changes, Sadie and Sausha of the Meathead Test Kitchen podcast are back—and they’re diving headfirst into a topic that’s universal yet deeply personal: how to keep swimming when it feels like you’re drowning. In this episode, the duo blends heart, humor, and unflinching honesty to explore what it means to keep going amid grief, anxiety, societal pressure, and even marauding geese. The result is one of their most powerful and relatable episodes yet—a reminder that while life may be chaotic, joy is still worth chasing.

Recognizing the Chaos: The First Step Toward Healing

The episode opens with a raw acknowledgment: life is heavy. Whether it’s doom-scrolling through social media, absorbing the relentless news cycle, or navigating personal struggles, the weight of the world is impossible to ignore. Sadie and Sausha emphasize that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, tired, or down—it doesn’t mean you’re broken. These feelings are valid, and labeling them is often the first step in understanding them​.

They remind listeners that our brains are wired to seek confirmation of our internal dialogue. If you constantly tell yourself you’re not good enough, you’ll subconsciously interpret interactions to affirm that belief. That’s why rewiring negative self-talk and asking “why am I feeling this way?” is critical. Cognitive behavioral therapy tools, like the STOP method (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed mindfully), offer strategies for pressing pause before reacting emotionally​.

Mental Health Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Sausha and Sadie are refreshingly transparent about their own struggles. They speak candidly about imposter syndrome, burnout, and the burden of appearing to “have it all together.” Sausha shares a vulnerable moment when she doubted her value within the team, only to realize how untrue those thoughts were once she said them aloud. Sadie talks about surviving deep depressive episodes and the reality of living a life she once thought she wouldn’t reach. These stories hit hard and highlight a simple but powerful truth: you are not alone​.

Their key message? Healing is not linear. It’s okay to feel like you’ve regressed. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be angry. What matters is continuing to show up for yourself, even in small ways.

The Power of Naming Emotions—and Laughing Through Them

A major theme throughout the episode is the importance of naming what you feel. Whether it’s boredom, bitterness, grief, or distrust (often brought on by territorial geese, apparently), labeling emotions can help us unpack them instead of bottling them up. And while the discussion is rooted in mental health, Sadie and Sausha’s trademark humor keeps things relatable. From stories about suicidal cardinals to geese attacking people in parking lots, the laughter is both a relief and a reminder that we don’t have to be serious to take ourselves seriously​.

Connection and Community: The Secret Weapons Against Despair

The podcast celebrates the life-giving power of connection. Whether it’s a spontaneous text to a friend or a life-changing interaction at a Fall Out Boy meet-and-greet (Sadie’s story will give you chills), moments of genuine connection offer powerful reminders of our worth. These interactions, no matter how fleeting, can be transformative. They reaffirm that we are seen, valued, and part of something bigger than ourselves​.

They also touch on the healing bond between people and pets. Whether it’s a cat purring in your lap or a dog sensing your sadness, animals offer an unconditional love that grounds us. Sadie and Sausha highlight how these simple, loyal connections can provide unexpected emotional support​.

Joy as Resistance: Why Refusing to Be Defeated Is a Radical Act

One of the episode’s most compelling segments revolves around the idea that joy is a form of resistance. The hosts argue that in a world hellbent on grinding people down—especially marginalized groups—embracing joy becomes an act of defiance. It’s a reclaiming of humanity, a refusal to be dehumanized by systems of oppression, and a way to remind yourself and others that you are more than what tries to break you​.

Sausha and Sadie reference everything from historical protests to Footloose to illustrate how joy unites and uplifts communities. Whether you’re dancing in the streets, blasting music, or simply finding humor in a rough day, choosing joy pushes back against a world that often profits from your despair​.

Authenticity Over Perfection: Say What You Feel

A throughline in this episode is the importance of expressing your truth. Say “I love you” to your friends. Say “I’m struggling” when you need help. Sadie and Sausha encourage listeners not to wait for the perfect moment or worry about sounding silly. Life is too short—and too unpredictable—not to speak your mind. Vulnerability, they argue, is the gateway to deeper connection and healing​.

Their advice: If you think it, say it. If someone’s on your mind, reach out. That small message might mean everything to them.

You Belong Here: Even When It Feels Like You Don’t

The podcast ends on a poignant note. Sadie reflects on how she never expected to live past a certain point in her life, and yet here she is—approaching 37, working at her dream job, co-hosting a successful podcast with her best friend. It’s a powerful testimony to survival, growth, and the unpredictable beauty of sticking around when everything inside you says to quit​.

They acknowledge the weight of the current world—oppression, marginalization, and fear—but they double down on their commitment to joy and community. “The party never stops,” Sadie says, quoting their late friend Tommy. Even in the hardest moments, life still holds joy, connection, and purpose. You just have to keep swimming to find it.

Final Thoughts: Meathead Test Kitchen has always been about making fitness and life suck less. But this episode elevates the mission. It’s not just about reps and recipes—it’s about surviving, laughing, connecting, and refusing to let the world steal your light. In a time where chaos often reigns, Sadie and Sausha remind us that joy isn’t just possible—it’s essential.

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Meathead Test Kitchen podcast episode released on April 21st 2025.

Meathead Test Kitchen, with Sausha Durkan and Sadie Gray, is a podcast where food, fitness, and fun come to hang out. We’re here to help your fitness journey suck less.

Edited by Grace Dunbar