What if everything you’ve been told about your brain—and healing—is outdated, oversimplified, or flat-out wrong?
Welcome to Unchecked, the podcast that blows the lid off the traditional mental health system. Neuroscientist Dr. Nicolina Bruno and certified coach Sharon Heno, a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience, are pulling back the curtain on a system that too often keeps people stuck, sick, and silent.
This is where science meets soul. Where clinical coldness gets replaced with real talk. And where we stop pathologizing the human experience.
From trauma and stigma to identity, neuroscience, and self-healing—nothing is off-limits. Sharon says what most professionals won’t. Nicolina decodes the science no one else explains. Together, they’re flipping the script on what mental wellness really means.
No filters. No performance. No playing small.
This is Unchecked—raw, rebellious, and relentlessly real.
Stay bold. Stay curious. And above all, stay unchecked.
In our season finale, we reflect on our journey through the season, discussing the themes of faith, fear, and the importance of inner work. We explore the intersection of science and spirituality, emphasizing the need for trust in the healing process and the significance of taking action. The conversation delves into moving forward from past experiences, the role of discernment in healing, and the balance between faith and action. We'll also share thoughts on hope versus wishful thinking and the importance of doing the work necessary for personal growth.
Thanks for being here for this journey with us!
Connect with us!
Watch the podcast on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@uncheckedpodcast)
Follow Dr. Nicolina Bruno on IG (https://www.instagram.com/nicolinabruno/)
Follow Sharon Heno on IG (https://www.instagram.com/sassysoulsharon/)
8 Jul 2025
Ep 9. The Inner Critic
Dr. Nicolina Bruno and Sharon Heno examine the inner critic's effects on mental health and self-perception, highlighting positive self-talk and awareness in parenting.
1 Jul 2025
Ep 8. Forgiveness
Dr. Nicolina Bruno and Sharon Heno explore the multifaceted nature of forgiveness, highlighting its connection to healing, personal development, and emotional well-being.
24 Jun 2025
Ep 7. Get Over It, Change is Hard
Dr. Nicolina Bruno and Sharon Heno examine the complexities of change, emphasizing its necessity for growth and exploring mindset shifts, trauma recovery, and personal development tools.
10 Jun 2025
Ep 5. Understanding the Science of Emotional Wounds
Dr. Nicolina Bruno and Sharon Heno explore the origins and impacts of emotional wounds, emphasizing the amygdala's role in processing fear and anxiety, in this interview episode.
3 Jun 2025
Ep 4. Boundaries Part 1: Protecting Your Personal Space
Hosts Dr. Nicolina Bruno and Sharon Heno explore the importance of boundaries in personal and professional relationships, highlighting how they protect emotional and mental well-being in this episode.
3 Jun 2025
Ep 4. Boundaries, Emotional Regulation, and Self-Care
Dr. Nicolina Bruno and Sharon Heno explore the complexities of personal boundaries, emotional regulation, and self-care, highlighting the importance of self-awareness for healthy relationships in this episode.
27 May 2025
Ep 3. Love or Survival Mode? The Science Behind Relationships
Dr. Nicolina Bruno and Sharon Heno explore the science behind relationships, discussing unhealthy patterns, attachment styles, and the importance of communication for fostering healthy connections in this interview episode.
20 May 2025
Ep 2. What If: Understanding Chronic Worry and Anxiety
In this episode of Unchecked, we delve into the complexities of chronic worry and anxiety, exploring the neuroscience behind these feelings and discussing practical lifestyle changes for mental wellness. We'll cover the importance of understanding the difference between everyday stress and generalized anxiety disorder, while also addressing the role of medication and holistic approaches in managing mental health. This episode also highlights the need for self-care, setting boundaries, and creating a new normal in the journey towards mental wellness.
Connect with us!
Follow Dr. Nicolina Bruno on IG (https://www.instagram.com/nicolinabruno/)
Follow Sharon Heno on IG (https://www.instagram.com/sassysoulsharon/)
13 May 2025
Ep 1. Why Unchecked? Breaking the Mental Health Mold
In this inaugural episode of Unchecked, hosts Sharon Heno and Dr. Nicolina Bruno explore the transformative journey from traditional mental health to a more holistic approach to mental wellness. They discuss the importance of positive attitudes, the pitfalls of quick fixes, and the critical distinction between surviving and thriving. The episode emphasizes the need to break free from societal labels and embrace personal growth through self-reflection and journaling. With personal anecdotes and a call to action, the hosts invite listeners to redefine their narratives and engage in a revolution of mental wellness.
Connect with us!
Follow Dr. Nicolina Bruno on IG (https://www.instagram.com/nicolinabruno/)
Follow Sharon Heno on IG (https://www.instagram.com/sassysoulsharon/)
6 May 2025
Welcome to Unchecked: The Trailer
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
68
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
12
Social presence
0
YouTube
63
Engagement
32
Contact Unchecked
Guest appearances
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