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 - YouT ..read more

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 ..read more

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 h ..read more

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 h ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 e ..read more

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 ..read more

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/viv ..read more