The VĪV Mental Health Podcast

After a twelve month hiatus, the VIV Mental Health Podcast returns with a brand new episode that focuses on men's mental health. Mental health therapist Justin Lessard returns as my guest to discuss why some men are reluctant to change, how self-talk is instrumental in how men view themselves, the effects of the patriarchy and capitalism, the fear of being seen as weak, why many men are drawn to sports, and so much more. Host: Kris Marks Guest: Justin Lessard Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com Contact us at: info@vivmentalhealth.com LinkedIn - Twitter/X - Instagram - TikTok - Facebook - YouTube: @vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used is with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders or has been deemed without copyright by the artist. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

Kris reflects on Season One and then chats with Alexandra Scivoletto and Madi Holzmann of Cornerstone Counselling to discuss what it's really like "the first time" someone goes to counseling. From the first Google search to what a client can expect at their first session, we go through the feelings, fears, and everything in-between of someone beginning their own mental health journey. Host: Kristopher Marks Guests: Alexandra Scivoletto, Madi Holzmann (www.cornerstonecounselling.com) Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com Contact us at: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com Donate to VĪV Mental Health: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In this episode I am joined by registered psychologist Jennifer Chow to discuss the topic of addiction. We explore the complexities of being someone's support, the emotions involved, and take a very honest, human approach in unpacking what it means to fallible and vulnerable. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Jennifer Chow (www.cornerstonecounselling.com) Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com Contact us at: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com Donate to VĪV at: Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth and: Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In this episode I am joined by registered psychologist Jennifer Chow to discuss the topic of addiction. We explore the complexities of being someone's support, the emotions involved, and take a very honest, human approach in unpacking what it means to fallible and vulnerable. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Jennifer Chow (www.cornerstonecounselling.com) Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com Contact us at: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com Donate to VĪV at: Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth and: Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In this episode I am joined by registered therapeutic counselor Alexandra Scivoletto from Cornerstone Counseling to discuss all things anxiety. What it is, what it isn't, what it does to us, where it comes from, and how we can manage it. Dentists, tests, performances, and much more. One of the most casual and relatable conversations I've ever had on this podcast. If you're anxious about anything, you'll want to check this one out. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Alexandra Scivoletto (www.cornerstonecounselling.com/) Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com Contact us at: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com Donate to VĪV at: Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth and: Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In this episode I am joined by the inspiring Brad Bartko. Born with cerebral palsy and defying all odds, he has made it his life's mission to bring awareness to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. As you'll hear, his positive outlook on life is nothing sort of infectious as we discuss the challenges he's faced personally, where he gets his drive and optimism, and how we can better understand, identify, and take action on removing the barriers that millions of people face every day. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

Have you ever been in the heat of the moment, perhaps during an argument or intense debate, and thought, "I sure wish I could turn down the heat a little bit". Welcome to emotional regulation, the ability (or inability) to control our emotions in real time. In this episode, I am joined by Justin Lessard, a teacher and recent graduate with a Masters of Psychology. We explore emotional regulation through various lenses, such as social media arguments, raising children, politics, and what it means when we have...shower thoughts? Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Justin Lessard, Masters of Psychology Contact: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok - Facebook: @vivmentalhealth www.vivmentalhealth.com Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

Edmonton Métis (Ward 6) City Councillor Scott McKeen joins me for an incredibly candid and inspiring conversation about men's mental health, municipal politics, overcoming addiction, and how a simple greeting to a stranger can have profound effects. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Scott McKeen Contact: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth www.vivmentalhealth.com Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

What does it mean to "be a man"? In this episode, Dr. Michael Kehler joins me in discussing the study of masculinities, and how our perceptions of "manhood" are changing and evolving. We examine how certain stereotypes, ideals, and perceptions implant themselves in boys from a young age, and how it affects them through adolescence and into adulthood. He shares his life of research and lived experience in a candid, insightful conversation that dives into the complex world of masculinity. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Dr. Michael Kehler Contact: info@vivmentalhealth.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth www.vivmentalhealth.com Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In this episode I am joined by Métis singer/songwriter Robin Cisek to discuss her latest album "Delicate Minds", an introspective ode to her personal mental health journey. We talk about using music as a therapeutic outlet, the candid process through which artists share their deepest thoughts, and how that "emo" phase that so many of us went through may not have been as depressing as our parents thought it was. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Robin Cisek Check out "Delicate Minds" on Spotify, Apple Music, and www.robincisekmusic.com Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

Our relationship with food and our concept of body image is incredibly complex. It starts at a very young age, and we are influenced by everyone - and everything - in our lives. From our parents and peers to our idols and culture, it's clear that the only way to navigate the choppy waters of diet culture is through education. In this episode, I'm joined by anti-diet culture advocate Karly Watson as she shares her experiences of struggling with an eating disorder, the PTSD that followed, her journey to seek help, and how she now works tirelessly to educate and advocate for people to change the way they see food...and themselves. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Karly Watson Resources about diet culture and eating disorders: Health At Every Size: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ejCKaH3lNtdoAGHaELUIu?si=eaX5wR9bQ9eATF2PE22KrA Eating Disorder Support: https://nedic.ca The science behind weight inclusivity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/525kHyw4JCg1lHjW6WPcOM?si=EyHmJ_sGSRG2Sx049CvsOw Racism and body positivity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5q2HM2yKkyTfC3mjD8jB3n?si=S9NfVeWLQJOVCPEpFCFlDg Recognizing and Resisting Diet Culture: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/recognizing-and-resisting-diet-culture Busting Myths About Health and Weight: https://lindobacon.com/videos/busting-myths-health-weight/ Is Obesity A Choice?: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNS4fx0DhDF/?igshid=1aqjos6pyskca Social Media Accounts To Follow: @chr1styharrison @drjoshuawolrich @louisegreen_bigfitgirl @jennifer_rollin @feelgooddietician @raffela_mancuso @minoritybodies @theselfcompassionproject @yrfatfriend @amysnellingpt @bodyposipanda @300poundsandrunning Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

When self-doubt begins to creep in, it often comes in the form of a familiar voice, telling us that we can't, we shouldn't, or we have no right to. In this episode, we'll take a look at who that voice actually represents, what it's trying to telling us, and how we can minimize its effect on us. Is it the act of failing that we're afraid of? Or is it just the feeling we anticipate if we do? From living out your childhood dreams to setting personal goals, we'll explore the reasons why that voice exists, why it's so pervasive, and what to do when those little whispers try to get the best of us. Host: Kristopher Marks Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In this episode, I interview a prenatal registered nurse working the front lines during the global COVID-19 pandemic. She candidly describes how nurses support each other on the job, what it's like to deliver babies in the world of COVID, and what challenges new mothers face before, during, and after childbirth. Guest: "Bea" - Registered Nurse and co-owner of Labour Day Prenatals (www.labourdayprenatals.ca) Host: Kristopher Marks Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

On this episode, we're keeping it simple, short, and sweet. Everyone gets into a "funk" sometimes, and it can be hard to break that cycle once you're in it. Here are a few reminders of some easy ways that you can shake things up and hit "reset" on your mental health. Because sometimes all we need...is a fountain of free wine. Host: Kristopher Marks Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnuYZRuoL50hgtMPc1gTYLA Intro music: "My World" by No Witness Check out the new single "Moon Sugar" from Edmonton groove band Disco Porn everywhere that you find music! All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

Every day, eleven Canadians are lost to suicide. It is a crucial part of  the mental health conversation. Yes, it's heavy. It can be uncomfortable. But it's a conversation worth having. In this episode, I share my deeply personal history with suicide, as well as some warning signs to look out for in others, and ourselves. We also discuss ways that you can support and assist someone in crisis. Suicide prevention starts and ends with awareness and education. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Text CONNECT to 686868 Chat Services (6 pm–2 am EST) www.kidshelpphone.ca Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366 Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 Online chat: www.hopeforwellness.ca Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419 Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) For Quebec residents: (24/7) 1-866-APPELLE Host: Kristopher Marks Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

Every parent wants their child to feel supported while they’re at school, and understanding what resources they have access to is beneficial to both the child and the parent. In this episode, I have an enlightening conversation with a school guidance counselor and family wellness worker to discuss what role she plays in the mental health maintenance of children and teenagers when they’re immersed in a learning environment. We discuss the most common issues that children and young adults are facing today, what she uses to communicate and break down uncomfortable barriers, and she gives a surprising and revealing answer when asked who she believes perpetuates the stigma around mental health the most. Host: Kristopher Marks Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth Music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

Sometimes, we hear a word so often that it graduates into something of a "buzzword", and the power of that word is lost. The word "stigma" is literally defined as "a mark of disgrace". It is the precursor to discrimination. It is one of the most pervasive barriers between suffering and acceptance, and in this episode, I share my personal experiences dealing with mental health stigmas to give the word "stigma" it's power and gravitas back. There is great power in words...and this word holds the power to make - or break - the mental health conversation. Host: Kristopher Marks Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth Music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In Part Two of this conversation, I am joined by Samantha Graham, host of the Aligned Mind Weekly podcast, as we discuss the effect that the global pandemic has had on our psychological and emotional well-being. We explore the phenomenon known as "pandemic fatigue", the impact of social media, vaccine "fomo", and Samantha explains how she uses thought-work and mindset management to cope with the effects of isolation, fear, frustration, and monotony. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Samantha Graham - Aligned Mind Weekly podcast (Twitter - TikTok - Instagram: @an_aligned_mind) Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness Outro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In Part One of this conversation, I am joined by Samantha Graham, host of the Aligned Mind Weekly podcast, as we discuss the effect that the global pandemic has had on our psychological and emotional well-being. We explore the phenomenon known as "pandemic fatigue", the impact of social media, vaccine "fomo", and Samantha explains how she uses thought-work and mindset management to cope with the effects of isolation, fear, frustration, and monotony. Host: Kristopher Marks Guest: Samantha Graham - Aligned Mind Weekly podcast (Twitter - TikTok - Instagram: @an_aligned_mind) Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness Outro music: "My World" by No Witness All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked steps many of us need to take before we feel comfortable reaching out for help. There are many things we need to address before we simply "talk to someone". Many emotional and psychological barriers need to be overcome before we take action, or we risk becoming discouraged before our journey can even begin. We explore the small steps "in-between" the bigger steps, and reflect on the importance of acceptance and self-understanding. Host: Kristopher Marks Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth Intro music: "My World" by No Witness Outro music: "Gold" by Olivia Rose All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/viv-mental-health/message