This Could Work

Are we practicing what we preach? In our final episode, Mallika and Mary face the ultimate challenge... figuring out what is and isn't working for us right now. Join us in our farewell episode as we discuss big life changes and the ways in which we want to continue being intentional with our self-care.

Today we're joined by Dr. Hayley Brooks. Hayley specializes in the areas of media and cultural literacy, transnational feminist pedagogy and gender-based violence prevention in public education. Hayley is someone we're both so honored to know and admire. Beyond her impressive professional accolades Hayley is someone who has figured out that fine line between being passionate and involved while also saving your sanity. This is obviously something that isn't easy and we talk about the ways in which family, friends and community play into her self-care toolkit, along with a healthy dose of reality tv of course.

Today we're scouring the internet and online communities to discuss some of the more popular takes and commentaries around self care. From Life Hacks to self-care-you-wish-you-knew-before-you-turned-30, we explore these popular threads to see if they align with our own self care knowledge. And let me tell you, we learned more than a few new things today. Join us!

This week, we're thrilled to have Yasmine with us. Yasmine Mathurin is a Haitian-Canadian award-winning writer and director (+ occasional producer). Her first feature documentary film, ONE OF OURS, won the Hot Docs Special Jury Prize in 2021 and was nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards in 2022 for best writing, best directing, and best feature documentary. Yasmine is an incredibly driven and celebrated creative, who seemingly never stops. But what we've learned is that on top of building a creative career, Yasmine lives with and manages a chronic autoimmune disease. She shares with us ways in which self-care is not only needed but essential.

We're back! And we're ready to jump into September strong — or at least we're feeling this energetic shift in a big way. We're so happy to be reunited with you and here we're catching up on our summers: how we drew boundaries left, right and center, our skin care routines, and all the ways in which our bodies ached in the past 2 months — we're so fun! and of course, we're excited to share what Season 3 will bring! Welcome back!

We all face curveballs in life but for this weeks guest, Delia, her curveball arrived as the Big C, aka Cancer, not once, but twice in the past decade. Delia shares her journey with diagnosis, processing, prioritizing her health and how her perspective on life has changed. From ignoring signs her body was telling her to ignoring calls from the hospital – both she does not recommend – to deciding a career in law is not all she imagined it to be and learning how to stop being a people pleaser and doing what's right for her, Delia gives us the advice and wisdom we all need to hear.  Follow Delia at @deeblanc Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

Have you ever had that friend that always has the best suggestions on books, movies, clothes — and they're just SO cool? Well for me (Mallika), that's Mary! And I want to know how; so that I can BE Mary. No, but for real, this week we're diving into some fun people and places Mary visits on the internet. Because while we all might (pretend to) listen to The Daily — there are more soothing folks like book vlogs and down-to-earth influencers that you might get more out of on the reg. Mary's list: Bodies podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4IAZn2jwHa5nX9BSJT8gSg?si=4b14f5203df44347 Two Hot Takes podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6kCMPmQxqL1gO0DNtqeyQl?si=666f95ca42744c0c Nailcou YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Nailcou Haley Pham YouTube (book/reading) - https://www.youtube.com/@haleypham Ale Fehr on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alefehr/ Missy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/missssayy/ Scout on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scoutsobel/ On Hold Substack - https://onhold.substack.com/ Pretend it Exists Substack - https://melodyhansen.substack.com/ Niki Saint Substack - https://nikisaint.substack.com/ Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah  

Summer is in full swing and for some reason at this time of year, more than ever we feel either left out or socially burnt out. Today we discuss the concept of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) to see what our personal triggers are for each emotion, how we grapple with the envy you feel, and which one we feel more often at this stage in our lives. Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

There is a very obvious decline in empathy — even for those we love, and those that love us. But why?  And why does being empathetic seem like such a strain.  This week we explore why empathy doesn't always mean taking on the pain or struggle of someone else, and why being empathic can be a joyous experience. We also muse about what keeps us from this kind of empathy and connection and how empathy is something we build. Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

There is a very obvious decline in empathy — even for those we love, and those that love us. But why?  And why does being empathetic seem like such a strain.  This week we explore why empathy doesn't always mean taking on the pain or struggle of someone else, and why being empathic can be a joyous experience. We also muse about what keeps us from this kind of empathy and connection and how empathy is something we build. Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

We all know that dancing feels good, but what about movement as a healing power. Our guest today, Jenny C. Cohen, knows about this first hand. Jenny wrote a book about her journey of recovery and healing from cancer through dance. A trained dancer (+ coach, actor, supermom), Jenny talks about movement as an everyday need — not just in a professional or designated space — but anywhere, and often. If Jenny can do butt flexes while driving, so can you! For your free copy of "Outside In Recovery: Dancing My Way Back to My Self After Breast Cancer" at www.outsideinrecovery.com Keep up with Jenny – https://www.facebook.com/jenny.dance18 https://instagram.com/jennyccohen https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyccohen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dance-to-heal/id1683371104 Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

Join us this week as we chat with Elizabeth, mom of two (soon to be three) and founder of Elle Nove, a platform dedicated to honest snippets of motherhood. Liz told us about how moms can implement some simple strategies into their days to boost their self-care and create more happiness in their lives. And the best part of this chat, we talked about how unrealistic that sometimes is. We also go into foundations of self-care, ways in which we can instil these practices into our kids, without them even realizing it. Sneak attack self care! Follow Liz at @elle.nove Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

In this extra special episode Kira Mae Kazuko guides us through 5 minutes of mindful breathing. In just 5 minutes you'll understand the potential of breath, and we promise you'll feel boosted. Think you have 5 minutes for self-care today? Learn more about Kira - https://kiramaekazuko.com/ and follow her on Instagram @kiramaekazuko Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

Today's guest is Kira Mae Kazuko. Kira is an instructor with the Wim Hof Method for breathwork, cold exposure and meditations. She shares her story about how she got started with breath work and how it has empowered and guided her to living life with intention. We chat about breath work being the bases of so many other things, but how focusing on the breath alone, can have profound impacts on training your mind. Join Kira for a five minute breathwork in our bonus episode! Learn more about Kira - https://kiramaekazuko.com/ and follow her on Instagram @kiramaekazuko Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

We talk a lot about what could work, but this week we're looking back at our short 30 something lived lives and the tried and true methods that have and continue to work. Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

We all know there's more than meets the eye, but how does this play into self-care and the versions of ourselves we put out to the world? This week we attempt to explain posting strategies, the other side of the lens and the maybe positive aspects to an online presence — because it can't all be bad, can it? Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

Astrologer Sarah L'Hrar shares with us her beautiful perspective on Astro-healing. We love this chat so much, because while we like to go into things with a healthy dose of skepticism, Sarah swayed that thinking. Instead of concerning ourselves with what's “real” or “proven”, we focus on how we reach compassion and acceptance of self. By viewing ourselves as a reflection of the energies of the planets governing us at time of our birth, it helps us gain perspective that each of us is unique. Isn't that a beautiful thought! Follow Sarah online at @astroauntie Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah  

Are we self sabotaging through self-care? This week we talk about the vacuum that is self-improvement and self-care and the addiction behind this multi billion dollar industry. Because really what is this fixation on "healing" really doing for our mental health? Plus the idea that generationally, we're putting in the work for the greater good...is exhausting. Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

This week we have Dr. Natasha Williams; clinical psychologist and Chair of the inaugural Association of Black Psychologists in Toronto. Dr. Williams talks with us about the accessibility of self care — particularly when it comes to race. We talk about the confines and boundaries we put upon ourselves when it comes to putting ourselves first; especially burdened with our generational “values”. Finally we discuss the importance of thriving versus the status quo of striving. Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

It's often easier to give than receive. We've talked a lot about how we create our emotions by the thoughts that we think.  We can feel something, we can feel love for someone, and that feeling doesn't just jump from our body into theirs.  So when someone loves us, they feel that.  We don't.  It doesn't jump from their body into ours.  So how do we know when someone loves us?  How are we at receiving that love that someone is trying to show us. And what is it about our life experiences and baggage that makes that so damn difficult to believe? Michelle Obama's wisdom - https://youtu.be/i48_768APW4 Follow us on Instagram @thiscouldworkpod  Follow Mallika @mviegas and Mary @maryoforiattah

This episode we're doing a general check in on life; and truth be told, we're not going our best. Turns out Mallika had Dengue, not COVID; but Mary had COVID — and self-care has frankly gone a little bit sideways. Listen in to what's going on and how we're coping (read: not coping) with it all.

Certified life and career coach, Ashley Marcinek dispels the common misperception that boundaries are selfish, and controlling, and offers a fresh take on personal limits as a source of freedom and liberation for everyone involved. Wait — WHAT. Shocking, we know. Beyond friends and family we dive deep into technology and the glaringly obvious gendered way we approach friendships. You know, that female urge to answer ALL notifications and make sure everyone feels seen and heard in a timely matter. Brutal. Listen in so that you can tune more people out ;)    

YOU ARE SO LUCKY!!! In today's episode we talk all about another social media buzz phrase: lucky girl syndrome. When it comes to this seemingly harmless moniker, does the pendulum swing towards witchy manifestation or toxic positivity? What does this trend really mean for how we continue to compare ourselves online, and throw privilege to the wind? And is there truly a positive way to spin this in your favour?

When your day is packed with obligations, how do you find that playful side of yourself? And how do you play? That's something we've been discovering in the past two weeks. Listen in to how we succeeded and failed in tapping into play time — because turns out, * spoiler alert* these scheduled type A personalities were cultivated eaaaaarly.

One of our favourite terms born out of TikTok — the ick. A perfect term to describe when we feel turned off or grossed out by certain actions or mannerisms in a significant other. On this episode, we've done it: we've cracked “the ick”. We chat about how the ick is a projection of our own insecurities and the ways in which toxic masculinity shows up when we get the ick. Turns out, if you've got the ick, you're most likely the asshole.

Do you know how to play? Play is proven to help ease stress and inspire creative problem solving. So what do you do when the stresses of life stop you from playing or worse yet, you forget what play is to you? We…don't know yet. This week Mary and Mallika incorporate (read: force) playing every day. Listen in as we theorize the benefits, cry about our forgotten childhood dreams and prepare to kick the dust off and play.   Read Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love and Play When No One Has The Time by Brigid Schulte - Mary's must read!

In this special episode we celebrate our 1 year anniversary by pointing out all the things wrong with ourselves. Not really — but a big thing we've learned after a year of doing this is that we're not as grown as we thought we were — and there is always plenty of room for improvement. We chat about testing our patience, victim mentality, checking your ego and letting go of control. So you know, just a calm, cool & casual episode. We know you'll love it.   Overwhelmed by Brigid Schulte - book recommendation from Mary

In this raw and intimate conversation, we chat about why our culture has denied death for so long, how COVID has changed the dying process, and how we can find peace in the final moments for our loved ones – and hopefully ourselves with special guest Valenca Valenzuela. After losing her father at a young age, she's been holding space for people and end-of-life since 2007. Valenca is a Death Doula and Grief Companion. She is on a mission to take away the fear and uncertainty around the dying process. So often clouded and judged in today's society — how we approach and observe death is something we could all use hand holding in.

We have a treat in store for you today in the form of our first Ask Us Anything episode, where we take questions from you, our listeners, and answer as many as we can throughout the episode! You asked us questions like, How do you get over a friendship breakup? How do I curb anxiety? How do I tell my MIL to fuck off? You know, some real hard hitters — which, frankly, we were thrilled to answer, because you know we're dishing out real life examples with all of these.

Our guest today Orlando Franklin, former NFL Denver Broncos offensive lineman, retired from the NFL at 30 to focus on being a father and being the best version of himself for his family. Boom. Talk about levelling up in self-care. We talk to Orlando about making this massive decision, at such a young age and how it has informed and shaped the last few years of his life. He gets incredibly real with us about the messy bits and the ongoing work you've got to put in to ensure that by taking care of yourself, you're taking care of the people you love.

When did pleasure become so taboo? And how do we normalize it to ourselves, our family, our friends and our kids? These are all questions our guest Janielle Bryan answered for us. Janielle is a public health practitioner and professor who facilitates space for people to connect deeper with their desires for their body, relationships, life, and our world. She shares with us her sex-positive, sex education that focuses on the joyful, pleasurable aspects of sex and sensuality as a means of political change and a positive force toward social equity. Janielle has created an inclusive space for people to reclaim their sexuality and body agency. This week, listen in as we're learning to overcome our fears of allowing ourselves pleasure.

Curveballs. Life throws a lot of them at us — constantly. Yet how we weather them is the true testament; and how we show up for ourselves dictates how we show up for those around us. This week we have no better teacher than Mara Hutchinson. Mara is a legally blind mom, wife and advocate. She uses her platform as an open discussion on disabilities, grief, mental health and joy. Mara is a true champion of self-care and anyone who gets a dose of Mara, can count themselves lucky. So buckle in, because you're about to listen to a whole lot of realness and love.

Sexual healing. Wtf does that mean? This week we're looking at the healing power of pleasure and the many, many intricacies of sex and how they have steered our understanding of our own pleasure. Luckily we have an expert navigating this conversation. Sensuality Doula, Ev'Yan Whitney joins us this week and enlightens us on all things sensual. Trust us, this is one you really don't want to miss! -- Please note Ev'Yan identifies as they/them and during our intro we misgender them with incorrect pronouns. This is a mistake on our part and one we sincerely apologize for. It is not only important but crucial to ensure we are respecting and acknowledging others pronouns correctly, and this is something we will continue to prioritize in our daily lives.

We're kicking the year off with reflections rather than resolutions — because if there's one thing 2022 taught us is to slow down and check yourself. In this episode we talk about what a transformative year 2022 was, and ways in which we've grown through this podcast and beyond. From huge transformations in our relationships with food and movement to ways in which we navigate and manage stress; we're hoping that you connect with us on more than one of these points because we owe a lot of this reflection to this podcast and to you! Our ten learnings from 2022 1. Everyone sleeps differently and that's ok — kids included - your body, their body will adjust. Stressing about it will just make it worse.  2. Stress is compounding and shows up in physical ways 3. A good day starts when you go to bed 4. Meditation can be found in many forms. A body scan that intentionally relaxes each muscle one by one can do wonders. 5. Small things matter - sunshine, walks, deep conversations 6. Intentional movement >  traditional “exercise” 7. Intentional eating changed my life. 8. Making new friends is like dating.  9. BOUNDARIES: an ongoing learning experience 10. Stretching matters Stretch with Mallika and Adriene on YouTube

Food and the Holidays — a conversation old as time. We've all obsessed over eating "badly", eating excessively, just eating in general — flip, it's exhausting. What a perfect time for us to wrap up our thoughts on intuitive eating. We had some real epiphanies y'all. From food being a measure of self-worth, to healing our inner child — we're rounding off this year strong — and dipping into a little of everything we've learned this past year. What a trip.

Because self-care has always been thought of (and marketed) as something practiced primarily by women, men are behind the curve and may not even know where to begin. Well, why not right here with our in house experts - our husbands - say hello to Michael and Doug. "Experts in what?", you may ask. Well, in being themselves — and in being completely open and honest about their experiences with self-care. Listen in on our double date and ways in which these two manage to inspire each other in more ways than we ever have. -- the cinderella story of Nick Nurse

This week we're exploring Intuitive Eating and what that means to us an individuals. Some people might imagine an all-potato-chip diet when they hear about this approach but for each of us it's not only different, it's all A-ok. This episode we talk about our relationship with our bodies and hunger — and our path to making peace with food.

This week we chat with author and relationship expert, Natalie Lue. Natalie sparked all kinds of epiphanies during our talk as we explored self-care, or lack there of in relationships — romantic or otherwise. From “nice guys” to “good partners don't fight” — we broke down our favourite and outrageous relationship offenders. Trust us, you're not going to want to miss this one.   Read Natatlie's blog Baggage Reclaim and listen to her podcast The Baggage Reclaim Sessions.   PS. don't forget to save the date for her new book releasing January 3rd 2023!

Today Mary & Mallika discuss the need for a break and the importance of listening to your body before burnout. You know that feeling when you reach the point where you're physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted due to prolonged and excessive stress at work? Ya, that leads you to burnout. You start to malfunction in your daily life, work less and become unproductive. Nobody willingly burns themselves out. We all want a productive and stress-free work life so we remain our best selves for the rest of life. In this episode we discusses why taking breaks daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly is crucial to rejuvenating our body and rewiring our minds.  -- Book recommended by Mary - Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time by Brigid Schulte

Join Mary for her first solo episode as she dives deep with Dr Courtney Ranieri, Naturopathic Doctor on all things hormones and gut health. The conversation explores what your gut biome actually is, hormonal myths and if those viral TikTok carrot salads are actually beneficial. Sit back and take notes on this one as you'll leave ready to eat well, and everything you want and maybe, just maybe add in a little Metamucil Fibre.  Follow Dr Courtney Ranieri on Instagram and learn more about Blossom Co's research driven and naturally focused approach.

We have a BIGGIE for you today! The Chloe Wilde (entertainment personality and wellness mentor) joins us on the pod to talk success, time management and listening to your body WHILE literally doing all the things. Super fun, super informative, super engaging — I think we made a new bestie, we think you will too. -- Stay connected with Chloe Healthy is Hot HIH App

Does self-care mean only essentials? This week we tally up our cost benefit analysis of self-care and make some startling discoveries. Are we so hyper focused on the marketing mold that is “self-care” that we're discounting so many other things that fill our cup. Spoiler alert: *yes*.

This week we're adding it all up! Time, money, energy — how much are we actually spending on self care daily? Mallika and Mary make their predictions based on time, money and even location. Like the cost for personal self-care in Costa Rica is drastically different than LA — which adds up to drastically different self care wants versus needs. We're hoping that this can be an eye opening discovery into what kind of care we think we're allot for ourselves versus the factual numbers. This is the kind of math we're on board for. Add with us!

This week on the pod we're talking to Prayag Menon — a stylist and staple in the fashion scene. Besides being featured by huge names like Elle, Vogue, GQ etc. he and his husband have built up a (very busy) life based on trust, personal growth and boundaries. We talk about the necessity of self-care in a relationship, the accessibility of services to men and the ways in which to prioritize yourself constantly and unconditionally.

While the urge to shelter is strong (fall vibes) — Mary and Mallika have put the whole "fresh air" hypothesis to the test. And this week we talk about our findings, both personal and scientific. From circadian rhythms, to dressing the part, to 1km long driveways — we chat up a storm (pun intended) on the benefits of going outside every single. damn. day.

Say hello to our first guest of season 2! This week Dr Linda Carlson chats with us about her work in oncology and psychosocial interventions. A clinical psychologist and professor, Linda has some damn impressive research on the link between mindfulness and cancer. We dive into her research and how it has not only affected patients, but her own life as well. Linda's academic expertise and personal reflection really had us hanging on every word. This chat was a much needed perspective shift that gave so much meaning to quality over quantity.

And just like that, we're back for season 2! We know, you've been counting down the days and it's finally here. Join us as we catch up on our summer days, or for Mallika, rainy days, where our life is at now – including what self care routines we're still practicing – and the intro to our newest self care routine of going outside first thing in the morning. Plus what this season holds and the new changes coming!

As Mary and Mallika close out season one, we sit and talk candidly about the joys and trials from a season of growth. One thing we can firmly agree on is that connecting with you and our experts while growing our community of self-love has been incredibly fulfilling. Thank you for the love and support. Seriously, we are soooo crunchy now. Listen in as we discuss season two and the spicy things we have in store.

We've been open to receiving and giving for a solid week now — or at least we thought we were. Luckily this episode we have on our special guest and expert Kendra Adachi — certified life coach and general chaser of full-body, fuck-yes life experiences. AKA someone very knowledgable on the art of giving and receiving. Kendra guides us through what can only be seen as a therapy-lite session. We discover what it really means to be receiving and practical ways in which we (and you!) can go about crafting better relationships and even letting go of ones that don't serve us anymore. Listen in as we go deeper into embracing the “woo-woo” life and maybe becoming less cynical versions of ourselves. Weird.

On this week's episode Mallika and Mary make the startling discovery that maybe self-care practices like Gua Sha aren't about what you're doing but that you're taking the time to do it. Ground breaking, we know! We're also kicking off our latest soon-to-be habit of being open to receiving and giving. Listen in as we a) struggle to explain this b) figure out why it's so damn hard to receive help, support, love, etc. and c) psychoanalyze the shit out of each other — lots of mother wounds to unpack. Join us right here, right now.

We're a week in and we've been draining the sh*t out of our lymph nodes. But for real it's been one of the nicest forms of self-care we've experienced thus far. And to further solidify our choices we are thrilled at the opportunity to have a true expert in our midst. This week we chatted with Patricia San Pedro, author of Face Fitness and TikTok star of all things Gua Sha and lymphatic drainage. Aside from being a fountain of knowledge (and youth), Patricia is a mum of four and a huge proponent of self-care. She fills us in on proper techniques and the ways in which she strives to fill her cup.