“I Had to Be Quiet to Stay Safe”: Jalon Johnson on Healing the Parts That Still Hurt

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Episode 78: "I had to be quiet to stay safe" -Jalon Johnson

What happens when the quiet kid grows up to hold space for healing on a mic? In this episode of Return, Caitlan sits down with Jalon Johnson—host of the Not Your Ordinary Parts podcast—for a powerful conversation on childhood wounds, emotional healing, and what it means to truly come home to yourself.

Jalon opens up about his journey through imposter syndrome, anxiety, and the unspoken grief that shaped his early life. He shares how therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) helped him understand his parts, redefine masculinity, and embrace vulnerability as a strength—not a liability.

This is an episode about crying for the first time after a year of silence. About the bravery of setting boundaries even when it costs you old relationships. And about the radical truth that healing is your birthright.

Whether you’re new to therapy, navigating inner child work, or exploring your voice in a louder world—this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• • How childhood survival strategies shape adult relationships
  • Why imposter syndrome sticks around (even after success)
  • The role of podcasting as a tool for healing and expression
  • How IFS therapy can help you meet your inner child with compassion
  • What it means to be emotionally available and masculine
  • Why authenticity is the true path to connection and self-acceptance

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  Chapters:
  00:00 — Introduction and Imposter Syndrome
  03:03 — Childhood Experiences and Sensitivity
  05:50 — The Role of Anxiety in Personal Growth
  08:48 — Podcasting as a Healing Journey
  11:48 — Holding Space for Others14:55 — Navigating Boundaries and Relationships
  17:58 — The Impact of Therapy on Personal Growth
  20:58 — Courage to Seek Help
  23:51 — The Journey of Healing and Authenticity
  33:13 — The Journey of Self-Acceptance
  39:23 — Understanding Internal Family Systems
  46:17 — The Importance of Therapy
  50:43 — Redefining Masculinity
  01:01:08 — Returning to the True Self

  
  

  If this episode cracked something open for you, you might love Caitlan's 1:1 mentorship container. Only 3 spots available, apply here: https://www.caitlansiegenthaler.com/biz-mentorship

  
  

  Connect with Jalon:

• • Listen to Jalon’s podcast: Not Your Ordinary Parts

• • Follow Jalon on Instagram: @notyourordinaryparts

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• If this episode cracked something open for you, we’d love for you to leave a review and share it with someone who’s on their own healing journey.
  

  You’ll be entered to win a free Human Design reading! All you have to do is send a screenshot of your review to @caitlansiegenthaler on IG or hello@caitlansiegenthaler on Instagram.