What Really Works? A Mental Health Podcast for Young People

Part 2 of Social Media & Mental Health is here! In this episode, Beki and Olivia, talk about why so many of us reach for social media without really thinking about it. You'll hear discussions about what pulls us in on social media and why our brains enjoy the novelty of what social media platforms provide. Not only that, but Beki and Olivia talk about the things they do to try to manage their social media usage, and in turn, support their mental health.

Let's talk all things social media & mental health, and this is a special 2 part episode!  In part 1 you'll hear hosts, Beki & Olivia, talk about their personal experiences with social media and the way they find it impacts their lives. From finding to connection with others, to comparing themselves to others and aimless scrolling, the hosts chat about how this plays a part in their mental health and if they feel better, or worse, after scrolling on social media platforms. With social media being a huge part of many of our lives, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

In episode 46, host Beki is joined by Paige from Another Chapter Counselling! You'll hear Beki & Paige talk about life transitions, how they can be unavoidable, and how we may not even realise that's what we're experiencing. From identity crisis to grief to social expectations, Paige talks us through ways we can be impacted and what we can to do support ourselves.  Want to know more about Paige? Paige (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor located in Kelowna, BC. She truly has a passion for sharing wellness information and frequently posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. To learn more, check out her website www.AnotherChapter.ca.

Have you heard of music therapy before? Or ever wondered what it might involve? If you're curious, this episode is for you! Host Beki is joined by special guests Kayla and Lizzy who are Certified Music Therapists, to discuss what you can expect from music therapy, common misconceptions and much more! Want to know more about our guests? Lizzy and Kayla are Certified Music Therapists located in Kelowna, BC. They co-own and operate Soul Sounds Music Therapy and offer music therapy services for all ages and abilities. You can learn more about music therapy and the exciting things going on with Soul Sounds at https://soulsoundsmusictherapy.ca  *A quick note- around 6:30 of the recording, Lizzy mentions that music therapy is a regulated profession. To clarify, music therapy is currently a self-regulated profession in BC. The federation of associations for counselling therapists in BC (FACT BC) is actively working towards government regulation. Here is also a link to the book we talked about in the podcast, which talks about how we can use music playlists with a purpose to support our health and well-being.  https://www.jenniferbuchanan.ca/book-page-template-wellness-wellplayed/

In episode 44, Beki is joined by Registered Clinical Counsellor Paige, to talk all things counselling! You'll hear conversations about what to expect in counselling, how we can find a counsellor that matches our values, and why we might want to try out counselling. If you've considered trying counselling before or want to know more about it, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Want to know more about Paige? Paige is a Registered Clinical Counsellor located in Kelowna, BC. She truly has a passion for sharing wellness information and frequently posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Interested in being a client? This may also be an option for many Canadians! To learn more, check out her website www.AnotherChapter.ca.

In episode 43, hosts Olivia and Beki discuss mental health days. They chat about the times they took them and why they chose to, as well as experiences of guilt, anxiety, and stress they've had around mental health days.  You'll hear conversations about how organisations need to do more than just provide staff with mental health days, how in some roles it feels not possible to take a day for ourselves, and plenty more. 

In episode 42, Beki and Olivia discuss the topic of leadership. You'll hear them chat about what the word means to them in an ideal situation vs what they've found to be true in reality. They share their recent experiences of leadership and how stress can actually be a big part of it.  Check out this episode to hear about different characteristics that affect leadership, and how we can start to build our own leadership skills.

Content warning: This episode discusses an abusive relationship and mentions assault.  It's CMHA's Mental Health Week this week, and the theme this year is empathy. So, hosts Beki & Olivia thought it would be fitting to record an episode on the topic! You'll hear them discuss what empathy really is, why there's a bit of an anti-empathy movement, and what empathy misses are. 

In this episode hosts, Beki and Olivia, discuss something that many of us do without even thinking - judging others.  You'll hear why it's something so common, but also why judging others can be harmful to others as well as ourselves. From chatting about how our judgements come from deep down inside us to empathy being the antidote to judgement, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Episode 39 focuses on the topic of humour! Beki and Olivia discuss ways that humour can be supportive for us, but also can be a way of us avoiding what's going on for us.   You'll hear how some forms of humour and laughter can create good relationships, connection, and open perspectives. But also other forms of humour can be a way of shutting down vulnerability or not dealing with things.   Check out this episode to hear the hosts share how they use humour, and how we can be aware of the type of humour we're using.

In this episode, hosts Beki & Olivia discuss how it's a lot easier to provide suggestions for someone than it is for us to take our own advice. You'll hear conversations about enabling vs supporting, how our emotions make it harder, and that working in the mental health field can create some barriers or expectations when supporting our own mental health.   Check out this episode for honest conversations from Olivia and Beki. About how they're doing and how they, like everyone else, find it difficult to listen to your own advice to support yourself.

In Episode 37, Beki & Olivia speak openly and honestly about how their physical health impacts their mental health. The two share the difficulty of supporting their mental health when they're experiencing long-term physical health issues, as well as sharing how they may need to work on accepting their experience, looking at their goals, and giving themselves time to grieve.  You'll hear conversations about resentment, resilience, fear & experiences of medical discrimination. 

In the final episode of the Relationships Mini-Series, Beki and Olivia discuss a fitting topic - Ending Relationships.  In this episode, the hosts discuss how a relationship coming to an end is never easy and can have an impact on our mental health and well-being. From things to consider when choosing to end a relationship, to how we can support ourselves through a relationship ending, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Content Warning: This episode discusses relationships that are not supportive of our mental health, including abusive and toxic relationships.    In part four of the Relationships Mini-Series, Beki and Olivia discuss what can make a relationship supportive, or what might make a relationship not-so-supportive. You'll hear the hosts discuss their personal experiences of what they have found helpful but also what has impacted their mental health in a relationship.  Discussing important topics such as gaslighting, love-bombing, relationship growth, ghosting, and much more, this episode is packed full of learning and reflection. 

In part 3 of the Relationship Mini-Series, Beki and Olivia discuss Boundaries and how they play an important role in all relationships. The hosts chat about understanding what's ok and not ok for us, how they are based on our values, to recognizing everyone has their own boundaries. You'll also hear about knowing a boundary from an ultimatum, thinking about what we do when others don't respect our boundaries, or what we even do when our boundaries don't align with those close to us.

In part 2 of the Relationships Mini-Series, Beki and Olivia delve into two incredibly hard yet important topics - vulnerability and trust.  You'll hear the co-hosts discuss what vulnerability and trust really means, and how we can't have one without the other. From saying “I love you” first, to asking for help, to saying what we're proud of, Beki and Olivia discuss the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure involved. This episode also includes why it can be so hard to rebuild trust when it's been broken by someone and why being vulnerable is not a weakness, it's an act of bravery.

We'd like to dedicate this episode, and the upcoming Relationships mini-series, to our wonderful colleague, Scott.    Relationships can have a huge impact on our lives and can be incredibly important to our well-being. The topic of relationships is huge. So, Beki and Olivia are breaking it down into multiple episodes, with the focus of part 1 being all about communication. In episode 32,  the hosts talk about their own platonic and non-platonic relationships, all while discussing how communication has been important in crafting a positive relationship. You'll hear discussions of how to talk about our needs, power dynamics, dialogue vs debate, and our expectations.

Over the past year and a half, languishing is something that is being spoken more and more about. Why? Because many of us are experiencing that “blah” feeling. In episode 31, Beki and Olivia discuss how they've been experiencing languishing recently. You'll hear the hosts discuss in depth what languishing is, what it may feel like, why so many of us are experiencing it, and how it differs from depression and anxiety.  The episode also covers some things we can do to support ourselves with languishing from grounding ourselves, giving ourselves permission to enjoy things, changing our environment, and more.

In this episode, hosts Beki and Olivia chat about the impact of the wildfire season on our mental health and how we can support ourselves and others in the short and long term with this. You'll also hear the hosts answering questions submitted live by the online audience!   This episode was recorded and streamed live at Staples Studio in Kelowna, so the sound quality may differ from usual.   

What Really Works? has been going for just over a year, so Beki and Olivia thought this would be a great time for you to get to know your podcast hosts better! In episode 29 hosts, Beki and Olivia, answer questions submitted by listeners - some questions related to mental health, or questions not so much! Check out the episode for some lighthearted conversation, laughs, and knowledge building.

Many of us have experienced peer pressure and the uncomfortable feelings that come alongside it. But why do so many of us experience it and how can it impact us? In episode 28 of What Really Works? hosts, Beki and Olivia, discuss Peer Pressure and how it impacts them both. They chat about forms of direct and indirect peer pressure. As well as the consequences of peer pressure and judgement on ourselves, as well as those around us. You'll hear about how boundaries, asking questions and understanding our values and self-worth can support us when we experience pressure from friends, family, and society.

In Episode 27 of What Really Works? hosts Beki and Olivia are joined by guest Dela, to discuss the topic of Mental Health for all. Dela chats with the group about advocating for a mentally healthy community and that this cannot happen until we reckon with system inequalities in our communities and healthcare system.  You'll hear discussions about barriers people from marginalised communities face in healthcare settings, creating safe and informed spaces to discuss personal experiences, the importance of recognising tensions, and what we can ask to understand if workplaces & individuals are proactive in making change. Dela also shares about creating sustainable change, creating connections, being able to stop, wait & listen, as well as using rest as a form of resistance. All with the aim to create healthy and well communities. Dela is a writer, community organizer, and mental health advocate. As a recent BA graduate from UBC's Okanagan Campus, Dela likes to use an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to all of her work. With extensive diversity education experience and lived mental health struggles, Dela wants to encourage everyone to show up for themselves and continually strive to uncover their potential.

At the start of this episode, hosts Beki and Olivia, take a moment to pause, reflect and discuss the need for tangible acts of reconciliation, even more so after the discovery of the 215 Indigenous children buried at the Kamloops residential school.  Following taking some silence, the hosts discuss guilt and shame, how these emotions can be tough to experience and move forward from. You'll hear Beki and Olivia discuss where guilt and shame arise from, what can perpetuate these uncomfortable emotions and why we need to be able to move through them to make positive change as well as to be able to hold ourselves accountable.  The hosts also chat about different ways we can support ourselves with guilt and shame, from self-compassion, to clarifying our values, to understanding our judgemental - all of which will hopefully aid us to get comfortable with trying to do the best that we can and grow from mistakes.  You can find additional resources here

Many of us have experienced a song that gets us pumped, or maybe felt sad from a piece of music, or even really connected with a song - in fact, music can have a huge impact on our physical, emotional, and mental health! In this episode, hosts Beki and Olivia, focus on music and how it can be a great tool to support our wellbeing! You’ll hear how music can increase our levels of dopamine, support us to recognise and process our emotions, and create connections with others.  The hosts share how they find music impacts themselves, how they’ve used it as a supportive tool as well as how music can be much more than just melody and rhythm - but also has created safe spaces and be a form of reclamation of power.

In Episode 24, hosts Beki and Olivia are joined by guest, Salena, to talk about her experiences as a second-generation Asian Person living in Canada. Salena chats openly and honestly about living with the duality of western culture and her traditional culture, her experience of mental health and stigma,  what it took for her to reach out for support, and the pressure she experienced as a young person. Salena also discusses the impact of microaggressions, racism, and anti-Asian hate crime on herself, her family, and the Asian community.  In this episode, you’ll also hear what Salena has found to be supportive for herself, from counselling, having allies, to mindfulness techniques to naps!  For more resources and support, you can click here. Want to know more about Salena? Salena (she/her) is currently pursuing a Teaching Degree at the Okanagan School of Education in Kelowna, BC. Having previously obtained her BA in Political Science and Sociology, she has a passion for Canadian Politics and Social Justice. She hopes to inspire her students to think critically and to empathize with others. When Salena isn’t studying or working, she can be found swimming, exploring new places to eat, and playing board games with her friends.

To celebrate and kick-off Mental Health Week 2021, What Really Works? hosted our first-ever live recording! This special podcast episode is the audio stream of this event. In this special episode, you’ll hear Beki and Olivia chat about this year’s Mental Health Week topic - Naming it, Not Numbing it. The hosts discuss what emotions are, why naming our emotions is so important, and how we can support ourselves to name our emotions. You’ll also hear hosts answering questions submitted live from Facebook. To make sure you don’t miss out on future live recordings, be sure to follow CMHA Kelowna on social media. You can also watch the video footage of this special episode here    Note: This episode is taken directly from our recorded live event at Staples Studio Spotlight therefore, the sound quality may be a bit different than our other episodes.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode discusses grief and what may lead to this emotion. The hosts share personal experiences of why they have experienced grief, including speaking about the death of a loved one, suicide, and overdose. What Really Works? encourages all listeners to take care of themselves when listening to this episode and reach out for support if you need it. A link for additional resources and supports related to grief are included below.   Grief is a complex and tough emotion. In episode 23 of What Really Works? hosts Olivia and Beki discuss different forms of grief and how there are many reasons why a person experiences grief. You’ll hear the hosts discuss their personal stories of grief and how it has and continues to impact them.  In the second half of the episode, the pair discusses what we can do to support another person who is experiencing grief, while acknowledging that grief is incredibly individual. Olivia and Beki also chat about ways we can support ourselves in the short term and long term with grief, such as small routines, finding meaning, celebration, and allowing ourselves to grieve.  For additional resources and supports related to grief, click here.

Anxiety related to climate change and ecological events is something that lots of people experience but isn’t always spoken about. In episode 22, Beki and Olivia discuss climate anxiety, what it is, and why we might experience it. In the second half of the episode, the hosts discuss how we can support ourselves when we’re being impacted by climate anxiety. You’ll hear about climate education, a sense of control, sustainable activism, and the importance of dialogue over debate. 

Experiencing rejection can be tough and hit us hard, but why does rejection feel like that and why does it affect each of us so differently? In episode 21, hosts Beki and Olivia are joined by guest Malusi to talk about the many faces of rejection. You’ll hear conversations about the impact of rejection on our self-worth, values, and the issues we may face from fear of rejection and regret. The group chats also openly about how they’ve learned or tried to cope with rejection. They share what's worked for them including tips like celebrating putting ourselves out there, having a support system, and asking ourselves why does this hurt?  Want to know more about Malusi? Malusi is an African-Canadian who moved to Canada at the age of two. Having lived and travelled all over the country as a speaker, musician, and friendly face he's always happy to share his story in hopes of inspiring people around him. Follow his journey or get in touch on Instagram at: @malusigoosie.

NOTE: This episode mentions disordered eating and unhealthy exercise/diet habits. With summer starting to get closer, we’re already seeing social media posts about getting ‘beach body ready’ and adverts for diets. So hosts, Olivia and Beki, thought now would be an important time to discuss body image. In the Body Image episode, you can expect a discussion about what body image is before the hosts delve into some of the things that can impact our body image - from society to social media to personal experiences.  Beki and Olivia, discuss what they find difficult with body image and what they’ve found to help create a healthier view. You’ll hear the hosts talk about how much emphasis we put on our body image over our overall view of ourselves, whether we want to put our energy towards high societal body standards vs towards what we value, and how we can truly appreciate the body we are in.

In this follow-up episode, Beki and Olivia are joined by guest, Jessica, who talks about her own perspectives and experiences of failure, and how this has impacted her.  Listen to Overcoming Failure - Part 2 to delve further into the topic of failure and hear discussions about failure culture vs blame culture, why we might laugh at others when we see them ‘fail’, and how to start talking about failure with others, all while reclaiming the word ‘failure’.   Want to know more about Jessica? Jessica Samuels has two decades of experience in storytelling and engaging a broad range of audiences to the stories and causes that impact us all. As the Associate Director, Community Engagement at CMHA Kelowna, Jessica is responsible for sharing information about all of CMHA Kelowna’s programs, services and resources in order to increase awareness and foster greater understanding around mental health.   What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

NOTE: This episode mentions sexual harassment in the workplace.In episode 18, hosts Beki and Olivia, are joined by guest Karen to talk all about toxic work and school environments. Karen shares her knowledge of what can contribute to toxic environments, from gossiping to cultures of fear to limited communication. You’ll hear tips to recognize when we’re in a toxic environment and strategies we can use to support ourselves. Click here for the list of resources mentioned in the podcast episode.Want to know more about Karen? Karen is an educator and wellness practitioner who has devoted her career to helping people thrive by promoting mental health, healthy relationships and building healthy and safe spaces for all beings. You can find her at thesagesunflower.com and on Instagram at @the_sage_sunflowerWhat Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Failure is a word that's used often, but what does failure really mean or look like? In this episode, hosts Beki and Olivia discuss what the word failure means to them.You can expect to hear an honest chat about failure and success while understanding alternative ways of thinking about the terms. Beki and Olivia also share what they find supportive when thinking about overcoming and managing the times when we get things wrong, including talking about accountability, being realistic, and how even when we get things wrong we might get them wrong again. What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

In this episode, hosts Beki and Olivia, talk openly and honestly about how they’re experiencing burnout. They talk about how with pandemic and other world events, it can feel increasingly hard and fatiguing to support our well-being during this time. The hosts share their experiences and a few things they have been leaning into for support including humour, talking, and music. Episode 16 of What Really Works? sends a message of support and community to everyone experiencing burnout because you are not alone in this.What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Many people set New Year’s Resolutions, but how do we ensure that these resolutions are supportive and things we actually want to work towards, without applying pressure on ourselves?In the first episode of 2021, Beki and Olivia delve into the culture and expectation of setting New Year’s Resolutions. The hosts consider when New Year’s Resolutions become problematic and how we need to check in with ourselves to understand if we want to set goals - because it's ok if we don't want to set any! Whether you’ve set a New Year’s Resolution or are feeling good about where you are at, this episode discusses helpful tips on supportive goal setting, understanding personal and societal expectations, and the ‘ending’ of 2020.

With the holiday season fast approaching, we can begin to experience the pressure of festive expectations.In Episode 14, hosts Beki and Olivia chat about why the holiday season can be stressful and filled with tough emotions, especially this year. From grief to hardships, to our personal expectations of festivities, you'll hear not only validation of why this time of the year can be difficult for some, but also what tools we can use to support ourselves. Whether you're excited about the festive season or feeling apprehensive about it, this episode will provide you with some great knowledge and techniques!

Have you ever thought about how routine maintenance on a motorbike is similar to continual work on our mental health? We hadn't either until guest Travis joined this episode to discuss men's mental health!In Episode 13, hosts Beki and Olivia chat with Travis about his personal experiences, including how his perception of mental health has changed and how it can be hard talking about mental health as a man. From how to start good conversations, to crafting supportive friendships, this episode is not one you want to miss. For further resources and support regarding men's mental health, click here. Want to know more about Travis? Travis lives in Kelowna BC and splits his time as equally as possible between working at a growing tech startup, riding motorcycles, and teaching others to play Dungeons and Dragons as the co-host of his own podcast on the subject. Use the link to check out more about his podcast! www.hookandchance.com/linktree

Sometimes in life there are events or situations that we may anticipate as being tough to deal with. It could be a test, an anniversary, festivities, or maybe it's something else. So how do we support ourselves with this in a healthy way?In Episode 12, Beki and Olivia discuss what it means to prepare for what we anticipate will be a hard time, without being deterministic or predicting the overall outcome. They chat about times when they have felt anxious and out of control about an upcoming event, and what steps they took to support themselves. The hosts offer some tips on how to switch our mind's narrative, focus on what's in our control, and a step-by-step walkthrough of a supportive action plan, while also acknowledging that there is a limit to our preparedness.What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

NOTE: This episode names some rated R movies, discussing problematic and stigmatizing storylines from these movies.  In this Halloween Special, hosts Beki and Olivia take a break from their usual format of chatting about how we can support our mental health. Instead, you will hear them chat about their pet peeves of the horror genre and why they find them frustrating. Whether that be incorrect terminology, sensationalization, or how mental health is portrayed impacts those living with a mental health challenge. The hosts finish by talking about how we can still enjoy the horror genre, as many people do! We just need to critically engage with it and reflect on how it impacts our views.Have a safe and happy Halloween! What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode. 

Winter is coming, and for some of us, this season can have a big impact on our well-being. Hosts Beki and Olivia are both beginning to feel the effects of Autumn and Winter creeping closer, so in Episode 11 they discuss the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D), acknowledging the difference between the two.You’ll also hear ways to support ourselves with the Winter Blues and S.A.D. Including tips and tricks such as lightboxes, sleep routines, good conversations and even giving ourselves a break. What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

Everyone procrastinates on some level, but why do we do it when it makes completing a task harder and more stressful?In Episode 10, hosts Beki and Olivia share how they both have a hard time with procrastination and discuss the panic and anxiety they’ve experienced because of this. You’ll hear the hosts talk about how the ‘instant gratification monkey’ makes it so easy to distract ourselves, and why these distractions aren’t even that gratifying or fun. As well as chatting about how the ‘panic monster’ means we might get things done last minute, but how this can take its toll on us mentally, physically, and our life goals.Different ways to tackle procrastination are also discussed. From how we can ‘zoom in’ on huge tasks to make them more manageable, to having accountability buddies, and to understanding the difference between having a break and procrastination.What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

We all have questions about Mental Health, but sometimes it can be hard knowing where to find helpful answers and where to ask!In this episode of What Really Works? hosts, Beki and Olivia, use their lived and learned experience to answer some common mental health questions. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the difference between sadness and depression, the best terms to use, and how to best support our mental health, we have some answers for you! You’ll also learn how mental health and well-being intersect, as well as why the word recovery isn’t always the best word to use. What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast booth for this episode.

Note: This episode discusses the use of substances.Going back to school can be a stressful time, and with the pandemic, some of us might be finding this transition harder to manage. In this episode, Beki and Olivia are joined by Cassy to chat about expectations students could be facing on their return to school and how that impacts them. The group takes time to discuss some healthy coping strategies we might use to manage expectations and uncertainty, along with unhealthy ones that may also arise. Ways to seek out support are also discussed, as we don't need to manage everything on our own. For the resource list mentioned in the episode, click here. Want to know more about guest Cassy? Cassy Lukey works for ARC Programs within the Changes Program as the Targeted Prevention/Early Intervention Counsellor for the middle schools in Kelowna. She works with youth dealing with low-moderate substance use and youth negatively impacted by substance use either by friends or family. If you want to get in touch with her, you can email her at clukey@arcprograms.com 

People pleasing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Mental Health topics, but as you listen to this episode you’ll discover how people pleasing can have a large impact on your well-being.In Episode 7, hosts Beki and Olivia are joined by guest Sonyia, who shares her experience with people pleasing. The group discusses why we try to people please and explores how constantly trying to make others happy can negatively affect us. Ways we can support ourselves are also shared. Tips like how to recognize our own needs, learning to say no, and moving from criticizing ourselves to affirming ourselves will all be discussed.What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

In this episode, Beki and Olivia are joined by Keneisha to discuss the positive and negative impact that social media has had and continues to have on Black Lives and the Black Lives Matter movement. Keneisha discusses the importance of the social justice movement as well as sharing their experience of how social media impacts their Mental Health and how to recognize burnout. The group also shares some great tips on self-care for sustainable activism and what true allyship is.Want to know more about Keneisha? Keneisha Charles (she/they) is a Black lesbian activist and poet currently studying Social Work at Ryerson University. Talk to them about Black liberation and environmental justice on Instagram @Keneisha.Charles.Keneisha has also compiled a list of some of their favourite Instagram accounts about Black Mental Health, click here to view.

Starting conversations about Mental Health can feel scary, especially when there is stigma involved. So how do we begin to talk about Mental Health?In today’s episode, Beki and Olivia take time to address the stigma that surrounds Mental Health and how this makes it a difficult topic to talk about with some people. The two hosts share their personal experiences of conversations about Mental Health, taking time to talk about the conversations that went well and others that went not-so-well. The episode also shares tips on how to start conversations about how we’re feeling or if we notice a friend’s behaviour seems to be changing. What Really Works? would like to thank Staples Studio for kindly donating the use of their podcast recording booth for this episode.

As young people, we often feel pressure to get things right and be perfect. But how does that affect our mental health?In this episode of ‘What Really Works?” hosts Beki and Olivia are joined by guest Steph, to chat about where those pressures come from, and how actually making a mistake is good for us. Plus, we talk about how saying “just be positive” isn’t always helpful!Our sound quality wasn't perfect this time around, but we're taking our own advice and accepting a few imperfections. We hope you will still enjoy the episode!

In this short episode, Beki and Olivia reflect on the events taking place as a result of the death of George Floyd and others. They talk about recognizing their own privilege and taking time to listen and learn to better educate themselves in social justice and the fight against racism. They share some resources they have found and set the stage for a larger discussion in the coming weeks. 

We hear #self-care all over social media at the moment, but what even is self-care, and how do I know if I'm doing it?In our second episode of "What Really Works?" we go in-depth on the do's and maybe the don'ts of self-care, bust some common myths and chat about some simple yet effective self-care tools that we can practice.This episode is generously supported by The Blenk Family Fund, together with the KGH Foundation.

Stress and anxiety can affect any of us, so what can we do to support our mental health and say "this is okay and I'm going to be okay"?In Episode 1 of "What Really Works?" Beki and Olivia dive right in and talk about stress and anxiety. We open up about what stress and anxiety are while sharing experiences and providing tips that help to support our mental health when we find ourselves 'in it'. This episode is supported by The Blenk Family Fund, together with the KGH Foundation.