What Really Works? A Mental Health Podcast for Young People

Episode 19: Overcoming Failure - Part 2

In this follow-up episode, Beki and Olivia are joined by guest, Jessica, who talks about her own perspectives and experiences of failure, and how this has impacted her. 

Listen to Overcoming Failure - Part 2 to delve further into the topic of failure and hear discussions about failure culture vs blame culture, why we might laugh at others when we see them ‘fail’, and how to start talking about failure with others, all while reclaiming the word ‘failure’.

 

Want to know more about Jessica? Jessica Samuels has two decades of experience in storytelling and engaging a broad range of audiences to the stories and causes that impact us all. As the Associate Director, Community Engagement at CMHA Kelowna, Jessica is responsible for sharing information about all of CMHA Kelowna’s programs, services and resources in order to increase awareness and foster greater understanding around mental health.

 

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Episode 18: Toxic Environments

NOTE: This episode mentions sexual harassment in the workplace.

In episode 18, hosts Beki and Olivia, are joined by guest Karen to talk all about toxic work and school environments. Karen shares her knowledge of what can contribute to toxic environments, from gossiping to cultures of fear to limited communication. You’ll hear tips to recognize when we’re in a toxic environment and strategies we can use to support ourselves. 

Click here for the list of resources mentioned in the podcast episode.

Want to know more about Karen? Karen is an educator and wellness practitioner who has devoted her career to helping people thrive by promoting mental health, healthy relationships and building healthy and safe spaces for all beings. You can find her at thesagesunflower.com and on Instagram at @the_sage_sunflower

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Episode 17: Overcoming Failure - Part 1

Failure is a word that's used often, but what does failure really mean or look like? In this episode, hosts Beki and Olivia discuss what the word failure means to them.

You can expect to hear an honest chat about failure and success while understanding alternative ways of thinking about the terms. Beki and Olivia also share what they find supportive when thinking about overcoming and managing the times when we get things wrong, including talking about accountability, being realistic, and how even when we get things wrong we might get them wrong again. 

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Episode 16: Burnout

In this episode, hosts Beki and Olivia, talk openly and honestly about how they’re experiencing burnout. They talk about how with pandemic and other world events, it can feel increasingly hard and fatiguing to support our well-being during this time. 

The hosts share their experiences and a few things they have been leaning into for support including humour, talking, and music. 

Episode 16 of What Really Works? sends a message of support and community to everyone experiencing burnout because you are not alone in this.

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Episode 15: The Pressures and Expectations of New Year's Resolutions

Many people set New Year’s Resolutions, but how do we ensure that these resolutions are supportive and things we actually want to work towards, without applying pressure on ourselves?

In the first episode of 2021, Beki and Olivia delve into the culture and expectation of setting New Year’s Resolutions. The hosts consider when New Year’s Resolutions become problematic and how we need to check in with ourselves to understand if we want to set goals - because it's ok if we don't want to set any! 

Whether you’ve set a New Year’s Resolution or are feeling good about where you are at, this episode discusses helpful tips on supportive goal setting, understanding personal and societal expectations, and the ‘ending’ of 2020.

 

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Episode 14: Mental Health and the Holiday Season

With the holiday season fast approaching, we can begin to experience the pressure of festive expectations.

In Episode 14, hosts Beki and Olivia chat about why the holiday season can be stressful and filled with tough emotions, especially this year. From grief to hardships, to our personal expectations of festivities, you'll hear not only validation of why this time of the year can be difficult for some, but also what tools we can use to support ourselves. 

Whether you're excited about the festive season or feeling apprehensive about it, this episode will provide you with some great knowledge and techniques!

 

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Episode 13: Men's Mental Health

Have you ever thought about how routine maintenance on a motorbike is similar to continual work on our mental health? We hadn't either until guest Travis joined this episode to discuss men's mental health!

In Episode 13, hosts Beki and Olivia chat with Travis about his personal experiences, including how his perception of mental health has changed and how it can be hard talking about mental health as a man. From how to start good conversations, to crafting supportive friendships, this episode is not one you want to miss. 

For further resources and support regarding men's mental health, click here. 

Want to know more about Travis? Travis lives in Kelowna BC and splits his time as equally as possible between working at a growing tech startup, riding motorcycles, and teaching others to play Dungeons and Dragons as the co-host of his own podcast on the subject. Use the link to check out more about his podcast! www.hookandchance.com/linktree

 

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Episode 12: Feeling Prepared For Tough Days

Sometimes in life there are events or situations that we may anticipate as being tough to deal with. It could be a test, an anniversary, festivities, or maybe it's something else. So how do we support ourselves with this in a healthy way?

In Episode 12, Beki and Olivia discuss what it means to prepare for what we anticipate will be a hard time, without being deterministic or predicting the overall outcome. They chat about times when they have felt anxious and out of control about an upcoming event, and what steps they took to support themselves. 

The hosts offer some tips on how to switch our mind's narrative, focus on what's in our control, and a step-by-step walkthrough of a supportive action plan, while also acknowledging that there is a limit to our preparedness.

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Halloween Special: Horror Movies & Mental Health Portrayal

NOTE: This episode names some rated R movies, discussing problematic and stigmatizing storylines from these movies.  

In this Halloween Special, hosts Beki and Olivia take a break from their usual format of chatting about how we can support our mental health. 

Instead, you will hear them chat about their pet peeves of the horror genre and why they find them frustrating. Whether that be incorrect terminology, sensationalization, or how mental health is portrayed impacts those living with a mental health challenge. The hosts finish by talking about how we can still enjoy the horror genre, as many people do! We just need to critically engage with it and reflect on how it impacts our views.

Have a safe and happy Halloween! 

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode. 

Episode 11: Winter Blues & S.A.D

Winter is coming, and for some of us, this season can have a big impact on our well-being. 

Hosts Beki and Olivia are both beginning to feel the effects of Autumn and Winter creeping closer, so in Episode 11 they discuss the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D), acknowledging the difference between the two.

You’ll also hear ways to support ourselves with the Winter Blues and S.A.D. Including tips and tricks such as lightboxes, sleep routines, good conversations and even giving ourselves a break. 

What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.