Conscious and Curious with Crystal Schultz

Ep 5: Understanding OCD & Scrupulosity with Life Coach Jill Freestone

In this episode, I sit down with Life Coach Jill Freestone, who specializes in anxiety, anger, and OCD, to uncover one of the most misunderstood forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, Scrupulosity. It’s a type of OCD that hides in plain sight and is often mistaken for morality, overthinking, or spiritual devotion. When in reality, it’s driven by fear, guilt, and the desperate need to “get it right.” We talk about what Scrupulosity actually looks like (clinically and in everyday life), how it often goes unnoticed, and why so many people silently live with its exhausting mental loops without realizing it. Even thinking that everyone lives like this, or that it's a sign of their religious devotion. Jill shares experiences and insight from both her coaching practice and personal experience. As well as sharing about the therapies she experienced throughout her own journey. If you’ve ever wrestled with intrusive thoughts, religious guilt, or the feeling that you're "never good enough," then this episode will open your eyes and your heart. This is Part 2 of our conversation. If you missed the Part 1, you can find it under Episode 4 with the same title. Enjoy! JillFreestone.com Jill@jillfreestone.com LOCDF.COM Thanks for joining! For more please check out Crystal's online presence on Instagram: @CrystalMeditates AND @ConsciousAndCurious Youtube: Crystal Schultz OR @consciouswithcrystal ConsciousWithCrystal.com

Ep 4: Understanding OCD & Scrupulosity with Life Coach Jill Freestone

In this episode, I sit down with Life Coach Jill Freestone, who specializes in anxiety, anger, and OCD, to uncover one of the most misunderstood forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, Scrupulosity. It’s a type of OCD that hides in plain sight and is often mistaken for morality, overthinking, or spiritual devotion. When in reality, it’s driven by fear, guilt, and the desperate need to “get it right.” We talk about what Scrupulosity actually looks like (clinically and in everyday life), how it often goes unnoticed, and why so many people silently live with its exhausting mental loops without realizing it. Even thinking that everyone lives like this, or that it's a sign of their religious devotion. Jill shares experiences and insight from both her coaching practice and personal experience. As well as sharing about the therapies she experienced throughout her own journey. If you’ve ever wrestled with intrusive thoughts, religious guilt, or the feeling that you're "never good enough," then this episode will open your eyes and your heart. This is Part 1 of our conversation — next week, we’ll dive deeper into Jill’s personal story and how she's been able to move through the OCD and Scrupulosity to live with more peace and joy.  JillFreestone.com Jill@jillfreestone.com LOCDF.COM Listen now on all podcast streaming platforms! Thanks for joining! For more please check out Crystal's online presence on Instagram: @CrystalMeditates AND @ConsciousAndCurious Youtube: Crystal Schultz OR @consciouswithcrystal ConsciousWithCrystal.com

Ep 3: OCD and the Negative and Positive Ego

In this solo episode, I explore Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through a compassionate and consciousness-based lens—going beyond clinical definitions to look at the deeper patterns beneath obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.  We’ll unpack how the negative ego fuels perfectionism, control, and fear—and how awakening the positive ego can restore self-trust and inner freedom. I also share reflections from my personal journey, along with grounding paradigm shifts, affirmations, and tools to support healing.  Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or simply struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, or overthinking—this episode offers gentle insight, spiritual grounding, and permission to let go of the need to be “perfect.”   ✨ Highlights:  * The spiritual and psychological roots of OCD * The difference between negative ego and positive ego * How Kundalini Yoga can support or trigger OCD tendencies * Reflection questions and affirmations for shifting patterns * A reminder that you are not your thoughts—and you are not broken   I'm also taking interviews currently (Summer 2025) for people who have struggled with OCD, in particular Scrupulosity. Please reach out and we can chat about a potential interview for the podcast. Thanks and Sat Nam, Namaste everyone!  Thanks for joining! For more please check out Crystal's online presence on Instagram: @CrystalMeditates AND @ConsciousAndCurious Youtube: Crystal Schultz OR @consciouswithcrystal ConsciousWithCrystal.com

Ep 2: COUSIN CHAT - Tradition vs Ritual: Breaking Free and Living with Intention (Part 2)

Breaking Free – Fear-Based Traditions, OCD, and a Shadow Side of Faith The first episode of Conscious and Curious sparked deep conversations—so we had to keep going. In this raw and revealing episode, my cousin Azalea and I dive even deeper into the tension between tradition and ritual, exploring how fear-based beliefs shape our choices, our lives, and even our mental health. We get personal—sharing our experiences with OCD, faith, and the often-overlooked connection between spirituality and compulsions. Azalea opens up about why she had to stop praying to break free from obsessive patterns, and together, we examine how faith traditions can be both a path to healing and a source of struggle. From shadow work to scarcity mindset, from storytelling to self-awareness, this conversation is unfiltered, vulnerable, and one of the most powerful yet. Listen now on all podcast streaming platforms! Thanks for joining! For more please check out Crystal's online presence on Instagram: @CrystalMeditates AND @ConsciousAndCurious Youtube: Crystal Schultz OR @consciouswithcrystal ConsciousWithCrystal.com

Ep 1: COUSIN CHAT - Tradition vs Ritual (Part 1)

Welcome to Conscious and Curious with Crystal Schultz! Today’s episode is a lively and contemplative deep dive into the nature of traditions and rituals, joined by my co-host for today Azalea Klein. Together, we explore the question: What is the difference between Tradition and Ritual? And why do some traditions enliven us, while others deplete us?  Our discussion emphasizes the importance of intentionality in daily actions, encouraging listeners to transform mundane routines into spiritually fulfilling rituals. By reflecting on how words and practices shape our lives, we align our conversation with the collective awakening that many are experiencing today. In our exploration, we honor the resilience of previous generations, acknowledging their role in breaking cycles of generational trauma and fostering healing. Through storytelling, we dive into the empowering nature of sharing personal and cultural narratives, shedding light on how traditions like Passover preserve cultural wisdom. We touch on whimsical family tales, such as childhood encounters with the candy fairy and quirky traditions like "Donut Day." By examining "the great shedding" and the intentionality behind maintaining, transforming, or even releasing traditions, we hope to inspire you to redefine your own narrative and foster a deeper connection with the rituals in your life. With a mix of laughter, personal stories, and thoughtful reflection, Azalea and I unravel how rituals—when intentional—can awaken us, while traditions sometimes lose their meaning when the energy behind them fades. If you’ve ever questioned the difference between a routine and a ritual, or how to infuse meaning back into traditions that feel hollow, this episode is for you. Tune in for insights, relatable laughs, and an invitation to embrace rituals that truly nourish the spirit. - You can find Azalea Klein on Instagram @freshwaterthoughts Thanks for joining! For more please check out Crystal's online presence on Instagram: @CrystalMeditates AND @ConsciousAndCurious Youtube: Crystal Schultz OR @consciouswithcrystal ConsciousWithCrystal.com