What if a single text message could change the way your brain works? After years of battling schizophrenia, OCD, and bipolar disorder, Johnny Crowder discovered something powerful: interrupting negative thought patterns — even briefly — can start to reshape the mind. That insight led him to create Cope Notes, a company that sends randomized, psychology-based text messages to help people rewire their brains for better mental health. Built on the science of neuroplasticity and rooted in personal experience, the platform has now delivered millions of messages to users around the world.
In this episode, Johnny shares how he went from refusing to talk about his mental health to building a platform that helps thousands do just that. He breaks down the science behind Cope Notes, why randomness matters, and how something as small as a text can become a turning point. It’s not about toxic positivity or replacing therapy — it’s about giving your brain a new default, one message at a time.
0:00 Intro
2:15 Meet Johnny
5:55 OCD was debilitating
7:33 Common phrases that minimize OCD
11:08 OCD-character traits can become beneficial AFTER treatment
13:17 Using rationale to stump OCD
14:47 We are great at motivating everyone but ourselves
19:02 Moving the goalposts
21:08 Starting Cope Notes
24:00 How Cope Notes has impacted others
27:49 Cope Notes at a neuropsychological level
30:31 Negative feelings are not ALL bad
37:02 What if disorder
38:20 Why Johnny is so positive despite his conditions
42:33 One of the biggest lies of OCD
47:05 How to connect with Johnny
If you're struggling with OCD, our NOCD therapists might be able to help. They are specially trained in ERP therapy — the most effective treatment against OCD. To learn about treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/podcast
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