On Air With HWP - The Learn to Love Podcast

Discover the unspoken truths behind the glittering façade of celebrity beauty standards. Join me, Jerusha, as I lead an enlightening discussion with a panel of insightful youths—Nicole, Ritisha, Lola, Haniya, and Sarah—taking on the pervasive influence of the Kardashians and the impact their brand of glamour has on our self-perception. This heart-to-heart isn't just about calling out the often toxic beauty narratives; it's a clarion call for embracing our unique health journeys and rejecting the one-size-fits-all approach to beauty and fitness.By the end of our deep dive, you'll understand why the echo chamber of celebrity-endorsed regimens and extreme dieting trends is more than just harmful—it's a distortion of reality. We tackle the deception rampant in celebrity beauty lines, the illusion of attainable aesthetics, and the strength found in authentic representation. This isn't just an episode; it's a movement towards a healthier, more inclusive view of beauty. Tune in for a powerful exchange of ideas that aims to redefine standards and champion a more honest narrative in the media.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, challenge societal norms, and work towards promoting a safer world? Join us and our special guest, Jeff Perera, a renowned speaker and writer who is a strong voice in addressing manhood and gender-based violence. Together, we cut through the noise to understand what it means to be a male ally and why it's critical to translate those words into tangible action. Our discussion takes a deep dive into the impact of traditional masculinity on our young boys and men, and the ripple effect it has on society. We break down how societal expectations encourage boys to suppress their emotions and foster dominance, leading to potential harmful behaviors. We also discuss Kanye West and Andrew Tate in our examination of the influence of pop culture on young men.Navigating the challenges faced by young men in today's uncertain times, we underscore the importance of building emotional muscle. We share practical tips on fostering empathy and redefining manhood. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a call to step up, to challenge harmful narratives of masculinity, and to be a part of the change in building safer communities free from violence.

Victorea Luminary shares her story of being a survivor of childhood abuse and narcissistic abuse. She has worked with others for over 25 years to move them from a space of trauma to transformation.In this episode, we discuss the warning signs of narcissistic abuse and the ripple effects of trauma into our relationships.** PLEASE NOTE: This episode discusses experiences of child abuse and domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.**

In this episode, NHL Stanley Cup Champion and Olympic gold medalist, Theo Fleury, shares his story of trauma, sexual abuse, and his journey to healing. Theo discusses the intersectionality of trauma, mental health, and addiction in his life, and discusses ways in which we can rewire trauma to forgive and get on the path to self-discovery, self-love, and healing.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses suicide, self-harm, and experiences of sexual assault.

In this episode, international best-selling author Janine Latus tells the story of women who stay with their abusive partner. Janine shares her own personal experience with abusive relationships, and the message she wants everyone to know because she couldn't save her sister, Amy.You are going to want to share this episode with your family and friends!"Thou shalt not be a victim, thou shalt not be a perpetrator, but, above all, thou shalt not be a bystander." - Holocaust Memorial Inscription

Too often we hear disturbing news stories about sexual assaults on campuses, about street harassment, or public assaults witnessed by bystanders who did nothing to intervene or stop the harm. In this episode, we are putting the focus on bystanders- the people who could do something, and instead choose to do nothing.  Gabriela Mejia from iHollaback joins our panel to discuss bystander intervention strategies. We also discuss everyday bystander scenarios with our game, WHAT DO YOU DO? Join the Conversation! IT'S ON ALL OF US to find our role in ending gender-based violence. 

In this episode, Crystal Andrus Morissette shares her story and journey to self-love and empowerment after experiencing trauma. Crystal is a worldwide leader in the field of self-discovery and personal transformation, the founder of the SWAT Institute, and a five-time international best-selling author who has been featured on Oprah.com, The New York Post, CBS, CBC and many more high profile media platforms.This motivational and inspiring conversation will help you begin the journey of uncovering and healing the traumas, triggers and wounds that are manifesting in your life and relationships. Discover what is standing between you and your most empowered self. "The bottom line is: Life is not what happens to you, it’s what you do with what happens to you."

YWOP Founder, Alison Springer, takes over The Youth Pod to help us celebrate the International Day of the Girl. Alison guides an all-female panel of HWP educators and youth through a powerful conversation on the challenges females face, what we want men and boys to know and do, and how toxic girl culture can be transformed into female pride and solidarity.Join the conversation! When women know and are confident in who they are, when females work together as allies, incredible things can happen.

In this episode, the Public Education team at HWP and a few of our teen Youth Ambassadors discuss the many important lessons that can be learned from the Gabby Petito story. The disappearance and death of Gabby Petito has created a media frenzy internationally, leading to the hashtag #gabbypetito receiving over 1 billion views! We discuss the overwhelming media coverage of Gabby's disappearance and death, the importance of recognizing yellow flags in what may seem like a picture-perfect relationship on the 'highlight reel', the signs missed in the police bodycam footage, and the importance of being an upstander vs. bystander.Gabby’s death is a tragedy and our hearts are broken for her and those who loved her. And yet, Gabby is one person and her death is one tragedy. We know that unhealthy relationships occur among all races/ethnicities and socio-economic classes. There are a lot of Gabby’s out there, and there is an opportunity for all of us to do better- it starts with educating yourself about the issue.

In our season finale episode, we're  chatting about influencers and trends! We are discussing the impacts of fitness, fashion and social media trends on our relationship with ourselves, with our bodies, and with our mental health. Join the conversation as we take a look beneath the surface to uncover what these trends are actually selling! Whether it's the 75 Day Hard Trend, Kylie Lip Kits, the Gua sha facial tool, or the fixation with big booties, thigh gaps and collar bones - we break down the invisible ideals and ideas we buy into when we consume these ideas and products.Instead of following along and trying to 'keep up'- we discuss how we can begin to reframe what our ideals should be, and what we allow to influence us.

The Youth Panel weighs in on sexual harassment- what actually counts as sexual harassment? Are catcalling, flirting and pick up lines ok? We discuss real-life examples with our panel of teen boys and girls, who share some of their personal experiences. We'll also provide you with tips on how to intervene when you witness sexual or street harassment, and what you can do if it happens to you.

Brittany, from SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton), joins the Youth Pod to help reveal a hidden but prevalent issue within Halton - Human Trafficking. We'll be providing you with all the important information you need to know on what human trafficking is, how to spot a trafficker, what makes someone vulnerable to being trafficked, and what you can do to help stop human trafficking in our community.IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS FURTHER SUPPORT, PLEASE REACH OUT.Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit: 905-825-4777Nina's Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre: 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880SAVIS: 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)Radius Child & Youth Services: 905-825-3242 (Oakville) or 1-855-744-9001Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)THRIVE Counselling: 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256

In this episode, we are discussing everything you need to know about sexual assault and consent. Andrea and Chloe from SAVIS join the conversation to help break down facts and myths about consent, including the issues involved between alcohol and consent. We explore consent scenarios, as well as ways in which each of us can play a role in ending sexual violence. If you have questions about your own experience of abuse, or those of a friend or loved one.  If you may be in the process of coping with a recent or historical incident of violence and need emotional support or help dealing with a challenging situation.  Or if you simply need information or referrals to other community resources, contact a sexual assault crisis line. You do not have to be in crisis to call. The SAVIS support line operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is open to people of all ages and experiences.  You are welcome to call anytime and all calls will be confidential. 24 hour line: 905-875-1555Toll free assistance (Monday – Friday: 9 am – 4:30 pm): 1-877-268-8416

We are continuing our conversation with Emmie and Amanda, from ROCK's Danielle's Place. In this episode Amanda shares her lived experience with an eating disorder, how she was able to overcome, and what life can look like after an eating disorder (even in a world with triggers). You'll be empowered with specific strategies you can use to build body acceptance into your day-to-day life, and help foster the inner resilience required to challenge the unhealthy messages you receive.We all have the power to be an advocate for every BODY! Join us in the journey towards self-empowerment and body acceptance.http://www.daniellesplace.org/eating-disorder-supports/

This episode is the start of our Be-YOU-tiful Body Kindness Series.  The goal of this series is to empower you to have a healthier relationship with yourself, and to simply BE YOU, because that is what being beautiful is all about!In this episode, we're discussing appearance ideals, comparisons and body talk. How can we empower ourselves to  identify the harmful messages that the media is portraying? How can we challenge the sometimes subconscious internalization of appearance ideals? How do we challenge 'Body Talk' in our day-to-day lives, and move towards 'Body Acceptance'? Emmie and Amanda from ROCK'S Danielle's Place are helping us open up the conversation on all of these topics, to help you build self-love and acceptance.http://www.daniellesplace.org/

In this episode, Jerusha and the teen panel are discussing Relationship Deal Breakers! When you're considering the type of partner you want in your life, there are plenty of things that may make your list. From their sense of humor, to their looks, to the way that they treat you - everyone has some sort of picture of who they classify as the ideal mate. But just as there are specific things that we look for in the person that we're dating, there are definitely boundaries and standards you should have and be mindful of. Don't get lost in the initial butterflies and excitement - think about what your deal breakers, personal rules, and boundaries are. *Spoiler Alert*: Stay tuned for our fun game of Red Flag, Deal Breaker or Love It!

Love at First Sight, They Complete You!...You Can Change Them?...Happily Ever After....the "GRAND" Gesture! We're breaking down the biggest romantic movie tropes you may be unknowingly buying into! Our romantic expectations can be sky high and out of touch. We can focus on and give value to the wrong things- "Why isn’t my partner getting me flowers, publicly declaring their love for me, or buying me lavish gifts?". We need to separate what’s realistic from what’s unrealistic, and distinguish between what you’ve been told “should” matter, from what actually does matter! No relationship is perfect, but resisting the influence of romantic comedies will enable you to create happier moments, and appreciate your relationship a lot more. It's key because happiness comes from pursuing what makes you happy, not pursuing what media or anyone else says you should.

In this episode, we're discussing the other side of the intimate partner violence story! Often we talk about and focus on the victims of abuse. In this discussion,  we are taking a look at the other side so we can better and fully understand the issue of domestic violence, the whole story of abuse, of dating violence, and violence against women. In order to to understand the FULL picture- that includes discussing the "ABUSER", or those who use violence in relationships. Kelsey Harford, Youth Dating Violence Program Coordinator and Clinical Therapist at Radius Child and Youth Services, joins the conversation. She discusses the new Teen Dating Violence Program at Radius, and helps us better understand how concepts of masculinity, trauma history and violence are interwoven.If you or someone you know uses violence in relationships, and would like to learn more or reach out for help, please contact RADIUS:Kelsey Harford,  YDV Project Coordinator:647-324-8037kharford@radiuschild-youthservices.ca Bente Skau, Clinical Director416.744.9000 ext. 331bskau@radiuschild-youthservices.ca  To make a referral, please contact Intake:Intake Department: 416-744-9000 x327

TRIGGER WARNING: Specific examples of abuse are discussed.In this episode, Melanie from One Love discusses the story of Yeardley Love, the 10 signs of a healthy and unhealthy relationship, as well as how abuse may look differently during COVID. Learn More About One Love: www.joinonelove.orgFREE RESOURCES Available 24/7 for Further Support:1) ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) 905-878-97852) KIDS Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 | Text 6868683) Halton Women's Place 905-332-7892 | 905-878-8555

Did you know 64% of students have experienced bullying at school? In this episode, we discuss what bullying means, provide you with tips on how to successfully deal with a bully, and how to turn negative situations into growth opportunities. Our guest, Scott Graham, an international speaker and recipient of the  Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada , shares his story of overcoming bullying and adversity. Scott will inspire you as he shares concrete ways you can start building your leadership skills, and create your own 'personal brand'!