https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/it-s-sensitive--5994148enSociety & CultureAlex van Gulijkhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a6f62002f02c12458ccd65f9620cfb4e.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/it-s-sensitive--5994148Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:27:01 +0000Alex van GulijkAlex van Gulijkitssensitive@outlook.comA real, authentic, and vulnerable podcast filled with real life perspectives from everyday people. We're here to change the way we talk about sensitive subjects, let's normalize it!trueepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-taking-the-fence-down-jul-24-2026--73160765https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73160765Sat, 25 Jul 2026 01:38:49 +0000Alex van GulijkA hot evening, an old fence, and an unexpected reminder that some of the best connections happen when we make a little more room for each other.1558authenticity,belonging,community,connection,diversity,growth,home,nature,neighbors,personal,relationships,vulnerabilityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-the-flags-we-carry-jul-01-2026--72779373https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72779373Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:25:25 +0000Alex van GulijkWhat are the flags we carry — and which ones are worth climbing for? A reflection on purpose, identity, and the people willing to risk everything to make themselves and others visible.882empire,existential,flag,identity,life,love,purposefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-proof-of-life-jun-07-2026--72409517
In this episode, I explore the idea of "what we owe each other," the continuity that exists even as people, organizations, and relationships change, and why slowing down might be the key to appreciating the moments that matter most.

Sometimes proof of life isn't found in grand achievements. Sometimes it's a familiar face, an unexpected conversation, a shared meal, or the simple realization that you're part of something bigger than yourself.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72409517Mon, 08 Jun 2026 01:07:23 +0000Alex van GulijkAfter a long day at a local Pride event, a conversation about community sparked a reflection on connection, leadership, and the people who keep showing up in our lives. In this episode, I explore the idea of "what we owe each other," the continuity...
In this episode, I explore the idea of "what we owe each other," the continuity that exists even as people, organizations, and relationships change, and why slowing down might be the key to appreciating the moments that matter most.

Sometimes proof of life isn't found in grand achievements. Sometimes it's a familiar face, an unexpected conversation, a shared meal, or the simple realization that you're part of something bigger than yourself.
]]>1201belonging,community,connection,growth,lgbtq,pain,pride,purpose,tribe,volunteertruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-what-we-tend-may-26-2026--72177460
In this Radio Dispatch, Alex reflects on psychological safety, ADHD, physical rituals, and why tiny visible acts of care can matter so much when life starts moving too fast.

Maybe growth doesn’t always look dramatic.

Maybe sometimes it looks like small signs that something in us is still willing to sprout.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72177460Wed, 27 May 2026 00:05:39 +0000Alex van GulijkAn arts-and-crafts-time spiral about sticky notes, overwhelm, nervous systems, and accidentally creating a real-life Victory Garden. In this Radio Dispatch, Alex reflects on psychological safety, ADHD, physical rituals, and why tiny visible acts of...
In this Radio Dispatch, Alex reflects on psychological safety, ADHD, physical rituals, and why tiny visible acts of care can matter so much when life starts moving too fast.

Maybe growth doesn’t always look dramatic.

Maybe sometimes it looks like small signs that something in us is still willing to sprout.]]>1458adhd,burnout,care,creativity,growth,habits,healing,life,mental health,nervous,overwhelm,productivity,psychological safety,self,system,transitions,vulnerabilitytruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-what-remains-may-10-2026--71949606
In this Radio Dispatch, Alex reflects on why change can feel so emotionally disorienting, how we build internal maps around people, places, and identity, and why consistency — not sameness — is often what helps us through transition.

Maybe safety isn’t that nothing changes.

Maybe safety is discovering what remains when things do.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71949606Sun, 10 May 2026 21:53:31 +0000Alex van GulijkA rearranged living room sparked a bigger realization: continuity and consistency are not the same thing. In this Radio Dispatch, Alex reflects on why change can feel so emotionally disorienting, how we build internal maps around people, places, and...
In this Radio Dispatch, Alex reflects on why change can feel so emotionally disorienting, how we build internal maps around people, places, and identity, and why consistency — not sameness — is often what helps us through transition.

Maybe safety isn’t that nothing changes.

Maybe safety is discovering what remains when things do.
]]>2098truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-remember-mar-28-2026--70953078https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70953078Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:02:28 +0000Alex van GulijkA reflection on memory, protest, and what it means to show up. From the Women’s March to today’s No Kings March—this is about not forgetting, and choosing your place in the moment.830action,advocacy,awareness,connection,history,kings,memory,no,nonpartisan,presence,protest,reflectionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-so-the-world-doesnt-change-you-mar-15-2026--70650037https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70650037Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:11:32 +0000Alex van GulijkWhen the world feels heavy, it’s easy to react, stay silent, or drift away from the things that matter most to us. In this Radio Dispatch, Alex explores what values really mean through personal stories about integrity, mistakes, and speaking up....1324falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-through-is-not-smooth-feb-18-2026--70141603Corporate timelines keep moving. LinkedIn sounds polished.
Meanwhile, parts of the world are unstable in very real ways.

When threat becomes ambient, overwhelm might not be weakness. It might be attunement.

“Through” isn’t poetic. It’s heavy. But it’s still the way.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70141603Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:47:39 +0000Alex van GulijkWe’re living inside history — and it doesn’t feel smooth. Corporate timelines keep moving. LinkedIn sounds polished. Meanwhile, parts of the world are unstable in very real ways. When threat becomes ambient, overwhelm might not be weakness. It might...Corporate timelines keep moving. LinkedIn sounds polished.
Meanwhile, parts of the world are unstable in very real ways.

When threat becomes ambient, overwhelm might not be weakness. It might be attunement.

“Through” isn’t poetic. It’s heavy. But it’s still the way.]]>888attunement,community,corporate,history,overwhelm,perspective,presence,proximity,resilience,stability,threat,worldfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-between-avoidance-and-automation-feb-02-2026--69750679Not replacing. Not avoiding. Just thinking with — in real time.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69750679Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:22:17 +0000Alex van GulijkThis dispatch sits in the space between rejecting AI outright and using it without reflection — tracing how curiosity, work, ADHD, therapy, and lived experience reshaped my relationship with it over time. It’s about structure instead of shortcuts,...Not replacing. Not avoiding. Just thinking with — in real time.]]>2265ai,artificial,automation,curiosity,digital,emotions,humanity,integration,intelligence,learn,practice,reflection,structure,systems,technologytruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-standing-in-it-jan-26-2026--69609165https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69609165Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:34:29 +0000Alex van GulijkThis dispatch moves through a hard week without looking away — from political violence and information overload to snowstorms, neighbors, breath, and the body itself. It’s about staying present when the instinct is to disconnect, and about what it...2357attention,community,endurance,exercise,grounded,human,joy,media,neighbor,overwhelm,presence,snow,social,together,winter,witnesstruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-holding-the-line-jan-23-2026--69566180https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69566180Sat, 24 Jan 2026 01:30:22 +0000Alex van GulijkThis radio dispatch touches on themes of steadiness, orientation, and choosing presence in moments of collective strain. It reflects on what it means to hold the line without hardening, stay engaged without overextending, and remain human when the...1329attention,civic,disaster,dispatch,hope,human,perseverance,presence,protest,resilience,resistance,solidarity,steadiness,uncertaintytruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/10-the-cost-of-caring--69463315In this episode, I’m joined by Cass for a wide-ranging conversation about advocacy, overwhelm, and what it takes to stay human when everything feels urgent. We talk about burnout, why “enough” disappeared, and how the idea of a Victory Garden offers a way to keep showing up without burning out.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69463315Fri, 16 Jan 2026 04:48:26 +0000Alex van GulijkCaring has a cost — especially in a world that never goes quiet. In this episode, I’m joined by Cass for a wide-ranging conversation about advocacy, overwhelm, and what it takes to stay human when everything feels urgent. We talk about burnout, why...In this episode, I’m joined by Cass for a wide-ranging conversation about advocacy, overwhelm, and what it takes to stay human when everything feels urgent. We talk about burnout, why “enough” disappeared, and how the idea of a Victory Garden offers a way to keep showing up without burning out.]]>3499advocacy,burnout,care,caring,emotional,enough,fatigue,labor,overwhelmtrue10fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/radio-dispatch-bloody-sunday-jan-11-2026--69411892In this first dispatch, Alex is returning after a long pause to share field notes from the present moment. Drawing on the idea of wartime radio broadcasts, this episode reflects on why connection, context, and small acts of resistance matter more than perfection during unstable times. This is a check-in, a signal, and a reminder that sensitivity isn’t weakness—it’s part of how we endure and show up for each other.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69411892Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:12:12 +0000Alex van GulijkRadio Dispatch: In this first dispatch, Alex is returning after a long pause to share field notes from the present moment. Drawing on the idea of wartime radio broadcasts, this episode reflects on why connection, context, and small acts of resistance...In this first dispatch, Alex is returning after a long pause to share field notes from the present moment. Drawing on the idea of wartime radio broadcasts, this episode reflects on why connection, context, and small acts of resistance matter more than perfection during unstable times. This is a check-in, a signal, and a reminder that sensitivity isn’t weakness—it’s part of how we endure and show up for each other.]]>1027truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/9-betrayed-by-the-system-rape-culture-and-the-u-s-military--65588924
In this gut-punch of an episode, we dive into the dark underbelly of the U.S. military—not combat zones, but the culture of silence around sexual assault within its ranks. Survivors speak out, and we follow the trail of systemic failure that turns brave service members into victims twice over: once by their attackers, and again by the very institution sworn to protect them.

It’s raw, revealing, and infuriating—but also necessary. Because the real danger isn’t just the predators in uniform—it’s the system that lets them thrive.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65588924Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:23:45 +0000Alex van Gulijk🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses rape and sexual assault, including institutional cover-ups. Listener discretion is strongly advised. In this gut-punch of an episode, we dive into the dark underbelly of the U.S. military—not combat zones,...
In this gut-punch of an episode, we dive into the dark underbelly of the U.S. military—not combat zones, but the culture of silence around sexual assault within its ranks. Survivors speak out, and we follow the trail of systemic failure that turns brave service members into victims twice over: once by their attackers, and again by the very institution sworn to protect them.

It’s raw, revealing, and infuriating—but also necessary. Because the real danger isn’t just the predators in uniform—it’s the system that lets them thrive.]]>3285abuse,breakingthesilence,endrapeculture,exposethetruth,institutionalbetrayal,listentosurvivors,military,militaryjustice,militarysexualassault,protectnotpunish,rapeculture,sexual,socialjustice,survivorvoices,systematicfailure,trauma,truestories,veteran,whistleblower,womentrue9fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/8-yes-to-everything-no-to-nothing--63099955https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63099955Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:08:50 +0000Alex van GulijkIn this episode, Alex is back from a hiatus, and talks about the importance of mental health, boundary setting, and navigating and the holidays by prioritizing ourselves.1591change,emotions,friendship,health,hiatus,holiday,love,mental,transparenttrue8fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/7-what-s-my-pelvis-got-to-do-with-it--60171224
Pelvic Floor Therapy Resources:
swflpelvichealthclinic.com
American Physical Therapy Association | APTA
pelvic Archives - Pelvic Global
Find a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Near You

Connect with Lesley and Lauren on Instagram:
Lesley Jones @belowthebeltphysio and @swflpelvichealth
Lauren Samples @laurensamples_fla and @flordiathemisproject

Find It's Sensitive on Social Media:
https://linktr.ee/itssensitive
@its_sensitive_podcast]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60171224Sat, 25 May 2024 16:58:54 +0000Alex van GulijkIn this episode, Alex talks with Lesley Jones, a pelvic floor Physical Therapist with Southwest Florida Pelvic Health, and Lauren Samples, a former patient, about everything pelvic floor. From incontienence, to endometriosis, to penial dysfunction....
Pelvic Floor Therapy Resources:
swflpelvichealthclinic.com
American Physical Therapy Association | APTA
pelvic Archives - Pelvic Global
Find a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Near You

Connect with Lesley and Lauren on Instagram:
Lesley Jones @belowthebeltphysio and @swflpelvichealth
Lauren Samples @laurensamples_fla and @flordiathemisproject

Find It's Sensitive on Social Media:
https://linktr.ee/itssensitive
@its_sensitive_podcast]]>4162doctor,dysfunction,endometriosis,expert,floor,health,incontinence,intercourse,men,painful,pee,pelvic,penial,physical,sex,symptoms,therapy,urinary,vaginal,womenfalse7fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/6-small-town-pride--60125148
As one Ashland, KY community member asked, "You guys can get married now and you can have your Pride, so why are you pushing so hard? Why do you have to be so present and visible in our community?"

In this episode, Alex answers exactly that. She talks with Holly, Des, and Kasheena with Ashland, KY Pride about issues surrounding LGBTQ+ communities, especially in a small towns, across the United States. 

As Holly says, "Just because they have a rainbow sticker on their window, that doesn't mean that we are safe there." 

This epsiode is a dynamic and powerful discussion surrounding ongoing injustices and difficulties with communicating differences, not only in LGBTQ+ communities, but also for people of color. We touch on everything from healthcare and political polarization to active acts of violence and hate, and how that compares and contrasts in small towns to more progressive and larger cities. 

"People are going to get mad when we release this episode...and that's okay." As Alex tells it! So buckle in, and prepare for an authentic It's Sensitive discussion.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60125148Wed, 22 May 2024 04:31:47 +0000Alex van GulijkJune is Pride month which commerates years of struggle for civil rights and ongoing pursuit of equal justice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities.  As one Ashland, KY community member asked, "You guys can get...
As one Ashland, KY community member asked, "You guys can get married now and you can have your Pride, so why are you pushing so hard? Why do you have to be so present and visible in our community?"

In this episode, Alex answers exactly that. She talks with Holly, Des, and Kasheena with Ashland, KY Pride about issues surrounding LGBTQ+ communities, especially in a small towns, across the United States. 

As Holly says, "Just because they have a rainbow sticker on their window, that doesn't mean that we are safe there." 

This epsiode is a dynamic and powerful discussion surrounding ongoing injustices and difficulties with communicating differences, not only in LGBTQ+ communities, but also for people of color. We touch on everything from healthcare and political polarization to active acts of violence and hate, and how that compares and contrasts in small towns to more progressive and larger cities. 

"People are going to get mad when we release this episode...and that's okay." As Alex tells it! So buckle in, and prepare for an authentic It's Sensitive discussion.]]>4629abuse,black,child,city,color,gay,hate,healthcare,large,lesbian,lgbtq,politics,pride,queer,racism,safe,small,town,trans,violencetrue6fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/5-queer-politics--59974970https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59974970Sat, 11 May 2024 01:05:00 +0000Alex van GulijkAlex talks with Sean, who is running for Ashland, KY City Commissioner, bringing up a trove of sensitive topics. While also discussing the issues at hand for the City of Ashland and challenges for Appalachia as a whole. Not only do they discuss...3198addiction,appalachia,ashland,coal,commissioner,democrat,farrington,homelessness,housing,industry,jobs,kentucky,lgbtq,mining,nonpartisan,politics,queer,religion,republican,seanfalse5fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/4-neurodiverg-what--59927049https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59927049Wed, 08 May 2024 17:07:25 +0000Alex van GulijkAlex & Ellie discuss neurodivergence, what it is, common ways it shows up in everyday life, and the difficulties of adult ADHD. 3241adhd,adult,attention,autism,concentrate,concentration,deficit,diagnoses,different,disorder,hyper,hyperactivity,medication,neurodivergence,neurotypical,working,worklife,worklifebalancetrue4fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/3-till-death-do-us-part--59082531https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59082531Wed, 20 Mar 2024 21:25:28 +0000Alex van GulijkAlex & Cass discuss the process of greiving, the difficulty with losing both humans and pets in our lives, and how the process of grieving looks different for everyone. Grief never moves in the ways we expect and having discussions about the aging...3619aging,cancer,cats,death,dogs,emotional,empathy,euthanization,grief,health,humans,mental,pets,shock,support,surgerytrue3fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/2-the-addicted-mentality--58643220https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58643220Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:00:02 +0000Alex van GulijkAlex and Brian G talk about the struggles of addiction and how mental health directly impacts the various forms addiction can take on. Covering everything from eating, alcohol, and drugs to family trauma, PTSD, and LGBTQ & Racism topics when it...5276addiction,alcohol,anxiety,bingeeating,change,depression,drugs,food,health,lgtbq,lifestyle,medication,mentalhealth,ptsd,racismtrue2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/1-5-feedback-and-feedforward--58557781
30-day Mortality after Bariatric Surgery:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249614/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58557781Sat, 03 Feb 2024 21:45:01 +0000Alex van GulijkIn today's mini-episode, Alex covers some feedback we've recieved about the It's Sensitive podcast, ways to reach out to us, and a sneak peak of what's to come! 30-day Mortality after Bariatric Surgery:...
30-day Mortality after Bariatric Surgery:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249614/]]>419addiction,bariatic,contact,factcheck,food,health,icecream,itssensitive,mentalhealth,normalize,pelvic,weight,womenshealthfalsebonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/1-the-weight-we-carry--58412400
The Weight We Carry - this episode Alex and Cass, whom have struggled with their weight and body image their entire life, talk about the stigma & difficulties behind common weight loss practices. Everything from the number on the scale, to fitness, weight loss medication, and mental health is touched upon in this episode and how all those things come together.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58412400Tue, 23 Jan 2024 04:54:05 +0000Alex van GulijkLet's normalize the discussion concerning body image and weight loss! The Weight We Carry - this episode Alex and Cass, whom have struggled with their weight and body image their entire life, talk about the stigma & difficulties behind common...
The Weight We Carry - this episode Alex and Cass, whom have struggled with their weight and body image their entire life, talk about the stigma & difficulties behind common weight loss practices. Everything from the number on the scale, to fitness, weight loss medication, and mental health is touched upon in this episode and how all those things come together.]]>4199authentic,bodyimage,change,exercise,experience,fitness,gratitude,health,lgbtq,medication,mentalhealth,overweight,physicaltherapy,struggle,therapy,weight,weightloss,wellness,women,womenshealthtrue1full