Finding Home: A Sanctuary for Healing with Gretchen Schoser

What does it mean to find home? Not just a house or a place to live, but a true sanctuary that supports healing, purpose, and personal transformation? In the latest episode of my podcast, The Pursuit of Home, I sat down with Gretchen Schoser, a senior tech executive turned mental health advocate, to explore this very question. Our conversation uncovered how a historic upstate New York home became the cornerstone of Gretchen’s mental health recovery and her mission to help others through storytelling, humor, and vulnerability. This isn’t a story about real estate investments or flipping properties. It’s a story about listening to your intuition, creating space for growth, and allowing a home to become part of your healing journey.

From Data-Driven Tech Leader to Soul-Driven Storyteller

One of the most fascinating aspects of Gretchen’s journey is how her healing began with a simple move. After years in the corporate tech world in Florida, she felt a pull for something different. That calling led her to upstate New York, where she found an 1865 house that didn't just check off boxes on a spreadsheet—it spoke to her soul.

Now, as someone with a background in technology and systems thinking, it's no surprise that Gretchen approached the home search methodically. She built a comprehensive spreadsheet, mapped out locations, analyzed home specs, and researched area demographics. But despite all the structure, it was a gut feeling that ultimately sealed the deal.

"When I walked into the house, it felt like it wrapped me in love," Gretchen shared. "There was this glimmer of hope that things were going to be okay. That I was in a safe space. That people had loved me. I’m very thankful to be alive."

Trusting Your Gut, Even When the Numbers Look Right

Gretchen’s compelling story merges left-brain analysis with right-brain intuition. So many of us approach buying a house with strict criteria: square footage, commute time, price, finishes. And while those things certainly matter, Gretchen’s experience shows us what gets lost when we rely only on the analytical side.

"There were homes that looked perfect on paper but didn't feel right when I walked in. Maybe it was the traffic, maybe it was the layout. But I started to trust my intuition."

This became her advice to other homebuyers: use your data to narrow the field, but let your heart guide the final choice. The “right” home is as much about how you feel in the space as it is about numbers or checklists.

A Home as a Healing Partner

Here’s where it gets really profound: once she settled in, Gretchen realized just how much the space was affecting her mental health. It wasn’t just a safe place; it became a space that supported her growth and helped her process trauma.

"Being in the house and even just stepping out onto the porch, you still feel that love. It’s in every single room," she said.

Each room took on new meaning. The kitchen became a space of nourishment, the porch a place for reflection, the yard a reminder to be present. The home didn’t just serve her needs—it held her through the highs and lows. This became a non-negotiable for Gretchen, and something she believes all home seekers should consider: How will your home feel over time? Will it be a source of strength? Will it ground you during difficult seasons? Will it support your growth?

From Safe Space to Shared Space: A New Mission is Born

As Gretchen’s own healing continued, she was drawn to a bigger purpose: helping others feel less alone. Along with her cohost, she launched a podcast, Sh!t That Goes On in Our Heads, from her home studio. The idea was simple: share real stories, normalize conversations around mental health, and bring in enough laughter to keep things human and hopeful. Her episode with Chris Voss has gotten serious attention. You can read more of her story here as well.

"We wanted to create something that broke the stigma and made people feel safe," she explained. "My two healers were sharing my story and laughing with me, and that became part of the show’s DNA."

From that same porch where she once sat and cried, she now speaks to listeners across the country. Her voice creates a ripple effect of honesty, connection, and healing, proving the limitless potential of the space we call home to be a launchpad for advocacy, community-building, and purpose.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Home Be More Than Shelter

In a world that often views homeownership through the lens of ROI, comps, and resale value—as mere real estate—Gretchen Schoser offers a radically different perspective. What if the greatest return on investment a home can offer is your own well-being? Her story reminds us that home is more than shelter. It’s energy, memory, possibility. When chosen with intention and love, it's a space that can hold you through life’s hardest moments and gently guide you back to yourself. This conversation was a powerful reminder that the pursuit of home isn’t about perfection; it’s about alignment. It’s about finding a space that supports who you are and who you’re becoming.

Listen to the Full Episode:

🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/469dFvY

🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/41w94lT

🎧 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k-a7KMu6sw

Pre-Order My Book:

And if this episode resonated with you, there’s a lot more where that came from in my new book, The Pursuit of Home. It dives deeper into how you can find and create spaces that serve your soul, not just your finances. Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook