Heart Half Full

It's been a wild ride. We love you!

This week, Cody flexes his skills as a new RPG game runner and Vic fangirls over Scabby the Rat. Plus, we continue our discussion from last episode on the Canadian labour movement: where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how to get there. Main Topic: Canada’s Labour MovementStatistics Canada: Unionization Rates FallingInternational Union of Operating Engineers: Myths and Facts About UnionsCBC News: Quebec Unionized Wal-Mart Workers Win Supreme Court VictoryOntario Federation of Labour: Uncovering Union MythsWashington Post: 5 Myths About UnionsCPLEA: 10 Rights at Work You Probably Didn’t Know You Have in AlbertaAlberta Federation of Labour: Your Rights Positive ParcelsVic ⚰️Cody

This week, Vic finds purpose at her new job and Cody is on vacation! Plus, we do a deep dive into the history of labour achievements in Canada, the first part of our two-part episode celebrating labour rights and labour unions! Good News Everyone: Woman Nabs Coveted Job of Russian Town’s Cat ChiefHuffPost Main Topic: Canada’s Labour MovementThe Canadian Encyclopedia: Printer’s StrikeCanadian Labour Congress: The Fight for a Shorter Work-WeekCBC News: Bloody SundayThe Canadian Encyclopedia: CUPW Postal Strikes Wholesome BitesVic

This week, Cody tries to get to the bottom of Bill Morneau’s abrupt departure from Canadian politics and Vic brings back Recovery Corner with a celebration! Plus, we take some time to catch up with each other – no topic needed! Good News Everyone: Man Honours Late Father and Brother By Learning to Cook and Opening RestaurantGood News NetworkYouTube Wholesome BitesVic

This week, Vic starts a new job and Cody dives right into the deep end of the role-playing game pool. Plus, we talk about video games! Not the Lana Del Rey masterpiece, but the concept of gaming - then, now, and for the future! Good News Everyone: Medieval Wine Windows are Reopening, Reviving Italian Plague TraditionNew York Post Main Topic: Video GamesAPA: Video Game Play May Provide Learning, Health, Social Benefits, Review FindsRadiohead: 10 Reasons Why Playing Video Games is Good for Your Brain Wholesome TweetsVic ⚔️Cody

This week, Cody can't stop going for walks and Vic learned about BC's sexy COVID recommendations live on the pod. Plus, we check in with each other on how our 2020 resolutions and yearly themes are going, halfway through the year. Good News Everyone: BBC NewsCNNStop Smoking: Info for AlbertansStop Smoking: Info for Americans Wholesome TweetsVic ☀️Cody

This week, Cody and Vic don their caps and gowns to talk about graduation! Good News Everyone: Miniature human livers grown in lab!Vic's Wholesome Tweet Cody's Wholesome Tweet 

Become a Patron of Is This For Real?Donate to Black Lives Matter Edmonton This week, Cody still won’t shut up about Dungeons & Dragons, and Vic wants you to keep wearing a mask outside, especially during a protest! Plus, we talk about something a lot of you might be feeling lately – crisis fatigue. Good News Everyone: Drag Race Winner Surprised With Socially-Distant Parade From FansPopBuzz Main Topic: Crisis FatigueWired: All This Chaos Might be Giving You Crisis FatigueHarvard Business Review: Coping with Fatigue, Fear, and Panic During a Crisis Wholesome TweetsVic

Donate to a Group in the National Bail Fund NetworkResources for Non-Black Allies This week, Cody becomes a citizen of Chromatica and Vic miniaturizes her hobbies. Plus, we get vulnerable and talk about opening ourselves up to pain and discomfort to be able to grow. Good News Everyone: Crayola Unveils Packs of Crayons to Reflect World’s Skin TonesCNNRelease Video Main Topic: VulnerabilityFarnam Street: Is Vulnerability a Choice?TEDxHouston: Brené Brown on the Power of VulnerabilityForbes: How Vulnerability Can Make Our Lives BetterNew York Times: The 36 Questions That Lead to Love Wholesome “Tweets”Vic

This week, Cody joins the Fierissance and Vic celebrates nine months of sobriety! Plus, we focus on balancing our priorities in a healthy, reasonable way. Good News Everyone: Guy Fieri Hands out Lunch to COVID-19 First RespondersPeople Main Topic: Balancing PrioritiesRescueTime Blog: 9 Practical Methods for How to Prioritize Your Work (and Time) Wholesome TweetsVic

This week, Cody is thinking of taking his D&D obsession to the next level and Vic blesses us with a Recovery Corner segment! Plus, we continue our conversation about making food during quarantine, but this time it’s about baking! Not Another D&D PodcastThe Adventure Zone Good News Everyone: Japanese Aquarium Seeks Video Chats So Eels Remember Eels ExistCTV NewsSumida Aquarium on Twitter Main Topic: BakingHistory Extra: A Brief History of (European) BakingTangerine Jones: RagebakingMedium: The Privilege of RageForbes: Rage Baking is the Political Cookbook that Has the Food World Buzzing (don’t buy this book) Wholesome TweetsVic

But we still love you, and you'll hear from us next Monday 

This week, Vic and Cody chat some more about our crystal mother Marianne Williamson, lament about loneliness and delve into a shared passion: cooking! Good News Everyone: New Study Finds Decrease in Asthma Symptoms and Hospitalizations as Coal Usage Declines Main Topic: CookingWhat can I cook with X ingredients? Cooking as therapyThe 519 Trans People of Colour ProjectRed Chef RevivalWatch Red Chef Revival on Storyhive’s Facebook page!Episode 1 Article on Anthony Bourdain by Danya Alhamrani Why aren’t Canadians cooking anymore? Websites to Help Learn to CookYou Suck at Cooking YouTube channelFood Wishes YouTube channelPeaceful Cuisine YouTube channelCooking for Beginners subredditBudget BytesStupid Simple Food Wholesome TweetsVicCody

In episode 25, Vic and Cody time travel back to before the world felt like it ended to talk about crafting.  Good News Everyone: U-Haul Offers Free Storage for Students Displaced due to COVID-19U-Haul.com Main Topic: CraftingA History of CraftsWhy Crafting is Good for your BrainAlberta Craft CouncilEdmonton Needlecraft GuildRita's QuiltRita's Quilt News Story Wholesome TweetsVicCody

In episode 24, Vic has to see a raccoon about a loan repayment and Cody starts the Carole Baskin fan club. Plus, we read and discuss your stories from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Good News Everyone: Man Completes Half-Marathon on His BalconyGood News Network Main Topic: Essential WorkersMedical News Today: COVID-19 Frontline Healthcare Workers at Risk of Mental Health ProblemsOxford Academic: COVID-19 and Experiences of Moral Injury in Frontline Key Workers Wholesome TweetsVic 

In episode 23, Vic wants to commission a portrait of Cody for her home. Plus, we address the inevitable boredom that comes with a quarantine. Good News Everyone: Communities Come Together Amid COVID-19 PandemicMSN/Reuters Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic 

In episode 22, Cody gets over the pain of losing a corrupted episode file and Vic offers advice on how to digitally attend 12-step meetings. Plus, we explain social/physical distancing and talk about how we're staying sane in this new world. Good News Everyone: IKEA Donates 50,000 Face Masks to HospitalReutersGood News Network Main Topic: Social/Physical DistancingThe Guardian: An Expert Guide to Social DistancingGlobal News: How Long Can Canadians Expect to be Social Distancing? Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic 

In episode 21, Vic is a little too into wrestling and Cody is still on a sustainable clothing kick. Plus, we reminisce about recess and wonder why we can’t have it as adults. Good News Everyone: Mexican Entrepreneurs Create Vegan Cactus LeatherMy Modern MetVegan First Main Topic: RecessTIME: Is Recess Important for Kids or a Waste of Time? Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic

In episode 20, Vic talks about her love languages and Cody takes a test live on the show to see what his are. Plus, the return of Recovery Corner, which ends up being half the episode (but we don't mind). Good News Everyone: Environmentalist Creates Clothing Line Using Abandoned Festival TentsGood News NetworkThe Scottish Sun Main Topic: Love LanguagesLearn Your Love Language Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic 

In episode 19, Vic and Cody kick up their feet and have a nice little chat about all the things that make their lives just a bit more joyful. Good News Everyone: Leftover Super Bowl Food Donated to SheltersPeopleFood & Wine Main Topic: Little JoysVox: The Past 20 Years of Culture Wars, Explained by the Word "Wholesome"This American Life: The Show of DelightsWonderful!AJR - BANG!Buzzfeed: 26 Very Wholesome Things That Will Fill You With Warmth and LightBuzzfeed: 32 of the Most Wholesome Things That Have Ever HappenedBuzzfeed: 24 of the Most Wholesome Things That Happened This DecadeBuzzfeed: 23 Posts That Will Make You Say, "Sometimes the Internet Can Be Good"Buzzfeed: 15 Easy Things You Can Do That Will Help When You Feel Like S**t Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic

In episode 18, Cody and Vic give off some serious new-age spiritual vibes talking about empathy, self-preservation, and community care. 

In episode 17, Vic and Cody are joined by first-ever SPECIAL GUESTS of the pod, their moms! M and Sandra give insights on the approaches they took to parenting us, what they think of today's parents, and bring up any outstanding conflicts they have with their loving children! Good News Everyone: Dog Rides Bus to and from Park Every DayMedium Main Topic: Parent-Child RelationshipsRewire: How to Become Friends with Your ParentsForge by Medium: The Awkward Power Dynamics of Being Friends with Your ParentsChicago Tribune: The Risk of Being Your Child's Best Friend Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic 

In episode 16, Vic and Cody stan one of their faves: Lady Gaga (yes, this is relevant to the theme of the show). Good News, Everyone: Library Visits Outpace Movie Theatre Visits in 2019Gallup Main Topic: Lady GagaBuy ARTPOP on iTunes Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic 

We have a special mid-week treat for you! We sat down over the weekend to give our first impressions on the thirteen new queens who will be competing for the title of America's Next Drag Superstar, and wanted to share it with you. Spoilers abound for previous seasons of Drag Race, but no spoilers for this upcoming season (because we don't know any!).Season 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race starts February 28.Enjoyed this bonus episode? Want more? Let us know on Twitter!

In episode 15, Vic and Cody rant about the myths of productivity under a ceaseless system of capitalism. But there are positive moments too! Good News Everyone: Chefs in India Bake World’s Longest CakeThe GuardianDW Akademie Main Topic: ProductivityInc: The 3 Biggest Time Sucks That Are Killing Your ProductivityPsychology Today: ProductivityTony Robbins: What is Productivity, Really?Investopedia: ProductivityVillainesse: Constant Productivity is an Unhealthy GoalMedium: Why Productivity is a MythJoshua Garity: Time Management is a FraudThe Outline: Productivity is Dangerous Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic ✨Cody

In episode 14, Cody and Vic talk about imposter syndrome, convince each other they aren’t podcasting frauds, and get on board with fare-free transit! Good News Everyone: Serena Williams Wins ASB Classic, Donates Prize Money to Bushfire ReliefCNNDaily Beast Main Topic: Imposter SyndromePsychology Today: The Reality of Imposter SyndromeTeen Vogue: My Imposter Syndrome Improved After I Got Comfortable With FailureHarvard Business Review: Overcoming Imposter SyndromeTIME: Yes, Imposter Syndrome Is Real. Here’s How To Deal With It Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVic

In episode 13, Vic and Cody ring in 2020 with resolutions, yearly themes, and vigilance.Please click here to donate to the memorial fundraiser for the 27 Edmonton-Iranians who lost their lives last week. Good News Everyone: Girl Reunited with Lost CatGood News Network Recovery CornerJust For Today MeditationsNA Just For Today Email Subscription Wholesome TweetsVicCody We love you

We’re off this week, but please enjoy some never-before-heard clips that didn’t quite make it into the show!

2019 was full of adventure: bees doing math, Billy Porter, the Hong Kong protests, Greta Thunberg, Baby Yoda, and they did surgery on a grape.In episode 12, Cody and Vic scramble to prove this isn’t a conspiracy theory podcast, even though they talk about Jeffrey Epstein, Area 51, the Loch Ness Monster, and Princess Diana’s death as part of their first annual Good News special.We love you

In episode 11, Vic and Cody talk all things Christmas: our plans for the holidays, beloved Christmas movies (real and fake), and tips for the holidays when you're in recovery. Plus bonus content about the Phoenix pay system and why we love our moms. Good News Everyone: Lawyers in BC Required to Study Indigenous IssuesCBC News Main Topic: Christmas 

In episode 10, Cody and Vic discuss random acts of kindness, how they have been shown kindness in the past, and how to make other people's days a little bit better. Plus, a truly bizarre conversation about Marianne Williamson. Good News Everyone: Boy's Entire Kindergarten Class Shows Up For His AdoptionMSNCNNGlobal News Main Topic: Random Acts of KindnessImprovised Life: The Origins of Random KindnessImprovised Life: Anne Herbert's MeditationsThe Random Acts of Kindness FoundationBucket List Journey: 75 Random Acts of KindnessBrad Aronson: 103 Random Acts of KindnessBuzzfeed: 101 Easy Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVicCody Please tell a friend (or Marianne Williamson) about this podcast!

In episode 9, Vic and Cody cosplay as movie review podcasters as they watch and talk about both the documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? and Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, to learn about the life of childhood icon Mr. Fred Rogers. Good News Everyone: Muslim and Jewish Youth Groups Unite in Edmonton to Serve HomelessGlobal News Main Topic: The Life of Fred Rogers⭐ Spoilers for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood from 40:34 to 1:03:12 ⭐Won't You Be My Neighbor?Tech Crunch: YouTube Robots are Hurting Our ChildrenMr. Rogers Goes to WashingtonListen to Kino LefterCinema Blend: How the Real-Life Journalist Feels About the MovieUpworthy: Mr. Rogers and Gay People Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVicCody Christmas present idea: take your friend's phone and subscribe to Heart Half Full for them! 

In episode 8, Vic and Cody discuss seasonal depression while surrounded by hundreds of SAD Lamps. Good News Everyone: People Want Handmade Gifts for ChristmasGood News Network Main Topic: Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)Mayo Clinic: SADEveryday Health: 12 Ways to Ease Seasonal DepressionHealthLine: SAD Comfort Kits (not sponsored content) Recovery CornerAddiction Center: How to Help a Recovering Addict Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVicCody Instantly receive one year of good luck by rating and reviewing this show on iTunes! 

In episode 7, Cody addresses NuggetGate and Vic gets us back on track with a lovely discussion about the joy of art. Sentient 1980s McNuggets Good News Everyone: Suicide Rates Fall in Countries with Marriage EqualityThe GuardianReuters Main Topic: ArtThe Talus DomeCritical Links: Learning in the ArtsPolyVision: Art and Human HealthNew York Times: Art in AirportsIndigenous Art Sale (Nov 30 – Dec 1)iHuman Youth SocietyHuck: Art Transforming PrisonsCPA’s Prison Art ProgramsDementia and the ArtsMedium: The Relationship Between Art and Politics Recovery CornerBeach Vibes12 Promises of AA Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVicCody

In episode 6, Vic and Cody talk about their experiences with grief, and how moving through the process of grief can lead to a better life down the road. Good News Everyone: Island on California Coast Returned to Indigenous TribeCityLabGood News Network Main Topic: GriefThings They Don’t Tell You When Your Parent Dies SuddenlyThe Opposite of Addiction is ConnectionThe Ball and the Box Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVicCody Welcome to all our new listeners! Please make sure you’re subscribed to the show so you get it to your device as soon as it’s available every Monday! Actually, grab your friend’s phone and subscribe to Heart Half Full for them too – they’ll thank you for it!

In episode 5, Vic and Cody put on their snuggies and cozy up to comfort. Good News Everyone: Lyft Offering Free Rides for Job InterviewsCNNLyft Press Release Main Topic: ComfortWikipediaNew York Bagel Cafe is Cancelled Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVicCody Share the episode on social media so all your friends can see what good taste in podcasts you have!

In episode 4, Vic and Cody dissect the recent election results (in their first bonus segment!) and try to figure out how to distance themselves from the dreaded Apathy Monster.Our godson and mascot of the pod FogeyGood News Everyone: First Drug That Can Slow Alzheimer's ProgressionBBC News Main-Topic: Fighting ApathyPsychology TodayWhitney HessWikiHowDopamine/Norepinephrine/Serotonin ChartAlso: 10 Ways to Snap Out of Apathy Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVicCody (You should tell a friend about this podcast. Or several. Bring it up at work, in your old group chats, in line at Starbucks, with your book club or church group, anywhere and everywhere.)

In episode 3, Vic and Cody talk about self care: the good, the bad, and the commodified. Good News Everyone: Young Woman With Terminal Cancer Urges Canadians to VoteCBC NewsiHeart Radio Main Topic: Self CareFoucault: EthicsSlate: A History of Self CareThe Guardian: Generation Treat Yo'Self Wholesome Tweets of the WeekVicCody If you've made it to the end of these show notes, consider giving us a review in Apple Podcasts!

In episode 2, Vic and Cody tackle anticipatory anxiety, commonly called future-tripping: what it is, our personal experiences with it, and how to handle it. Good News Everyone: Washing Machines in SchoolsGood News NetworkNew York Times Main Topic: Future-TrippingHealthyPlaceHuffPost Wholesome TweetsVicCody We love you

In episode 1, Vic and Cody explain why they're even doing this podcast. Good News Everyone: Blinking Guy Uses Viral Fame to Raise Money for MS ResearchGlobal News Wholesome TweetsCodyVic Thanks for stopping by!

See you October 14---You can’t pour from an empty cup, or an empty heart. Join Victoria and Cody as they try their best to recharge after a hard week in a sometimes scary world.