MxV Mental Wellness Podcast

What happens after you’ve figured out how to pay for therapy? In our final part of this series, and the final episode of 2020, Mike and Leanna discuss how to show up for and make the most of your therapy sessions.In this episode, we cover:Why therapists aren’t there to fix you (and managing expectations)Finding the right fit (personality type, communication style, etc.)How to show up for your sessions and how therapy involves over timeTrusting the process! Thanks so much for joining us this year! MxV will be back in early 2021 with a new season and some big announcements. So until then, take care and happy new year! Resources Types of therapists (blog by Two Chairs)Federally Funded Health Centers websiteMike Veny’s Mental Health Guide (+ free services!)Free mental health services (Healthy Place)SAMHSA National HelplineNational Institute of Mental HealthMental Health America

Therapy is such an important part of mental health management, but this year, it may seem like more of a luxury than a necessity. In our October episode, Mike and Leanna continue their discussion about why therapy is important for freelancers and self-employed workers, and how they can make it happen.Part 2 of Therapy for Freelancers focuses on finding the right therapist...and paying them! Mike and Leanna walk share their own experiences with paying for therapy over the years and some tactics for finding the right type of mental health help for your budget and needs. In this episode, we cover:Different kinds of therapyPaying for therapy with and without insurance Negotiating rates with your therapistOther therapy options for self-employed (and people on a tight budget!)Don’t miss the final part of our 3-part series on therapy for freelancers next month as Mike and Leanna dive into how to get the most out of your therapy session!ResourcesTypes of therapists (blog by Two Chairs)Federally Funded Health Centers websiteMike Veny’s Mental Health Guide (+ free services!)Free mental health services (Healthy Place)SAMHSA National HelplineNational Institute of Mental HealthMental Health America 

We know that therapy can be expensive and complicated, and a good therapist is hard to find, but it’s SO important to have consistent, professional mental health support as a freelancer, especially if you have mental health challenges.In this 3-part series, we’re really going to examine what freelancers can get out of therapy and HOW they can get the right support, even on a budget or without insurance.In this episode, Mike and Leanna Lee discuss why freelancers should consider therapy...and what it can do for your business. Be sure to listen all the way till the end for a very important insight that will help you grow your business.

In our August episode, host Mike Veny invites his own guest and friend, clinical psychologist Dr. Isaiah Pickens, to talk about working mindfully. Together, they explore the challenges of prioritizing and sustaining balance and how self-soothing and mindfulness can help you manage mental health.Dr. Pickens is the CEO of iOpeningEnterprises, which helps transform human performance through interactive, science-based professional development and practical wellness tools.“I make sure I eat lunch, I make sure I’m drinking a gallon of water a day. I‘m trying to get my sleep...six to eight hours, trying to be more on the eight hour side. But, these are things that to me are not extra, they’re necessary.”In this episode, he shares:Why walking to McDonalds was an important mental health exercise for himHow he incorporates practices for clients into his own life to support mental healthHow self-soothing can help you manage your body’s physical reactions to stress Simple actions to take when you feel suicidalGet to know more about Dr. Pickens on his website and on social media @PickensPoints

**Trigger Warning: Be advised, this material could be triggering for some (contains mentions of abuse and rape)**In our July episode (a late tribute to PTSD awareness month!) our co-host Leanna Lee is joined by special guest, location-independent writer Gigi Griffis. Together, they talk PTSD/CPTSD symptoms and the kinds of mental, practical, and financial boundaries they’ve set this year to manage mental health at work. Currently quarantined in Estonia, Gigi also shares several huge recent mental health breakthroughs she’s had with her childhood trauma. “This was me taking my power back and saying ‘you don’t get to decide the terms of our relationship. That’s up to me now.’”Some “crisis boundaries” that have worked for her:Taking on extra work with low-stress clients Resisting the urge to keep taking on new projects she doesn’t need (hoarding impulse)Checking in with her mental health each daySetting emergency protocolsAdjusting her budget and financial goals so she feels more secure about money Her biggest advice? Being kind to yourself and learning to be flexible when it comes to your own needs: “Part of managing your mental health is recognizing that you’re not always going to be in the same place.”

There have been a lot of ups and downs so far this year and we're only halfway through the year! In our June episode, Mike and Leanna chat about how their lives and careers have changed since COVID-19 and the recent recession.This month, they decided to hop on Zoom as they recorded so they could finally “reunite” face-to-face (unfortunately, Mike is still learning how Zoom works, so no video episode this time!). After checking in on each other’s mental health, they dove into all the pivots they’ve made so far: mentally adjusting to new emergencies, serious career shifts, and learning to record a podcast online.Some of the highlights:Seeing each other for the first time in three months!Mike making the pivot to a virtual speaking careerGetting out of “survival mode”Leanna learning to give up financial control (kind of?)We hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks for listening!Resources and further reading:David Allen’s Relaxed Focus and Getting Things Done 15-min Planner Method (Courage and Clarity)Leapers article: Tackling lockdown lethargy lack of motivationCatch MxV on Twitter @mxvpodcast

We’re back! After battling the flu, a pandemic, and tech issues, Mike and Leanna finally reconnect for another episode of MxV. This time, they’re joined by Matthew Knight, founder of UK-based freelance support community, Leapers. Matthew, Mike, and Leanna discuss changes they’ve seen in their own lives and on the international work-from-home scene. Matthew shares how the Leapers community is supporting freelancers gives his take on the different ways people can focus on mental wellness and find a community as they work from home during COVID. Matthew’s biggest piece of advice? Design how you want to work. Freelancing can feel isolating whether you live alone or work in a crowd, but a lot of that comes down to HOW you work.  Learn more about Leapers on their website: https://www.leapers.co/ And check out out their amazing list of coronavirus resources for freelancers: https://www.leapers.co/resources/little-guides/coronavirus Catch MxV on Twitter and Instagram: @mentalmomenta  

Today, Mike and Leanna switch up their regular schedule to check in on each other’s mental health from separate states. They share ideas to help freelancers, business owners, and remote workers manage stress, find work, and keep busy as they deal with anxiety and social distancing.

This episode is all about managing yourself and your energy during conferences, seminars, and networking events. Mike and Leanna share some stories from the different events they’ve been to and give hands-on hacks for conserving energy and making the most of every session and event day. Listen in and learn how to set small, achievable goals, look out for FOMO, and create meaningful connections without the burnout.

Everyone approaches professional events differently. But “speed date” networking evenings, professional workshops, and 2-nights-in-a-hotel-where’s-the-damn-map events can all take a toll on time and energy. So how do you handle it all without losing mental momentum? In this episode of MxV, Mike and Leanna share tips for combating conference burnout and staying present and active during draining events.

It’s that time of year, isn’t it? Whether it’s the weather, family expectations, or work winding down for the year (or speeding up last-minute!), freelancers have a lot to contend with between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. This month’s episode focuses on how to handle stress in a healthy way, checking your spoons, and NEVER underestimating the power of JOMO!

This month, Leanna shares the story of her daughter and her experience as a birthmom for the first time on air.  Adoption awareness plays a huge part in reducing the stigma surrounding birthmothers and their stories. In this episode, Mike and Leanna explore open adoption, and the complex emotions and mental health struggles that come with it.

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. In this episode, Mike and Leanna dive into depression from their own unique perspectives, discuss how their self-employment can trigger their depression, and coping skills.    

Hosts Mike Veny and Leanna Lee (re)introduce themselves and the new podcast. Today's episode dives into Mike and Leanna's self-employed backgrounds, their daily struggles with mental health, and best tips for "preventative maintenance". Learn how focus x consistency = mental health momentum! Website: https://www.selfemployedmomentum.com/ Twitter/Instagram: @mentalmomenta