This episode explores the use of social media and its impact on mental health through the conversations with members. We talked about issues such as social media addiciton, virtual friendships; Possible scams to look out for. Don't worry, we also discussed how to develop healthy habits for social media usage!
Enjoy the podcast episode, and please share with your family and friends!
Thank you to all members for participating and editing the podcast episode.
Summer is here! This episode of RTNT (Radio Totally Normal Toronto) explores some of the challenges people face during the summer—a topic that often comes up in winter, but not as much in the warmer months. In this episode, members of Progress Place, along with a staff member, have an engaging and thoughtful conversation about the stressors that summer can bring. They also discuss ways to cope, highlighting free or low-cost services and resources available in the community.
In this episode of RTNT, we interviewed members of the Progress Place clubhouse to talk about goal setting. We talked about challenges in goal setting and discussed tips and strategies we use to achieve our goals, such as visualisation and creating a vision board. We hope you enjoy the interview!
In this special episode of RTNT, we interviewed members of the Progress Place clubhouse to talk about what it means to have equity in employment through Progress Place’s Transitional Employment Program. We also have a segment featuring Conaí Clubhouse from Dublin, Ireland as they share their stories regarding TEP.
This episode is inspired by World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on October 10. The significance of mental health in the workplace is vital towards the goal of making a significant impact on our daily lives and recovery journey.
Please note that this episode is the second series of a 2-part podcast. You can check out Episode #52 Equity Works Part 1 to listen to some of the conversations regarding workplace and mental health. This episode, Podcast Episode #53, will feature current testimonials and stories from Progress Place’s members.
In this special episode of RTNT, we compiled interviews and clips from previous episodes., discussing mental health in the workplace. This episode is inspired by World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on October 10. World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health and to mobilize efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination. The correlation between work and mental health is vital towards this discussion, as we take action towards impacting individuals in their daily life and recovery journey.
The segments are featured from Episode 11 on October 10, 2018 and Episode 21 from August 14, 2019.
Please note that Episode 52 is the 1st part of a 2-part series, covering mental health in the workplace. Stay tuned for Episode 53 where we will feature current testimonials and stories from our members and staff at Progress Place.
In episode #51 of RTNT, we are talking to the young adults at Progress Place. We asked them about their experiences as a young adult in the clubhouse, and the significance of the program to their daily lives and recovery journey. Furthermore, we interviewed a young adult representative to discuss her role in the program and the outreach process. We also discussed the impact the clubhouse has regarding housing, employment, and school for young adults. We share our advice to future clubhouses looking to start and build a young adult program. Especially during these crucial times of development, the big focus on youth mental health across the world means our discussion can eventually make a significant impact in our individual lives.
In this episode, we interviewed a few members of the clubhouse at Progress Place and talked about some of the things we do in the summer that are good for our mental health. Topics include activities, nature healing, effects on our mood, isolation and loneliness, wellness habits, and summer events.
For our 49th episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Here 2 Help, a multi-service, community-based, mobile team that responds to immediate concerns and crisis in the community and to help with situations that may escalate to conflict. The team offers support, engagement, knowledge, skills and follow-up service. They enhance community connection, empathy and belonging. We talked about the concept of harm reduction, the benefits of the team model in the community, and some of the success stories.
Disclaimer: This episode features perspectives and information that are not necessarily the views of RTNT. This episode mentions suicide ideation and harm reduction, which includes reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Please be aware that some people may find some of the content upsetting.
Hope you enjoy the podcast episode!
For our 48th episode, we held a roundtable discussion between six of our members at Progress Place to discuss "Thriving in the Winter". We learn more about the challenges during the winter, healthy coping skills, and available resources during this podcast.
For our 47th episode, we interviewed two Smile Serenaders to talk about improvisational theatre and its impact on mental health. Smile Theatre is a charity that delivers unique, professional, live musical theatre performances to seniors and other vulnerable people living in care. They have also begun using improvisational theatre approaches to help individuals have fun and connect with each other. We learn more about Smile Theatre, misconceptions about improv theatre, and the potential benefits that improv theatre has on mental wellness.
In our latest episode we discuss the importance of nutrition on our mental health! We interview Rachael Kearns, a dietician at the Regent Park Community Health Centre and then take a tour of our Cafe unit and speak to staff and members about Clubhouse meal planning. Tune in for some tasty tips and tricks!
Some local Toronto food resources:
Find Services Near Me - torontocentralhealthline.ca
Hospitality Meals - Toronto Central - torontocentralhealthline.ca
In this very special episode for World Mental Health Day, we speak with the members of Progress Place about what the Clubhouse community means to them!
Join us this World Mental Health Day – October 10, as we partner with Clubhouse International and the World Federation for Mental Health in recognizing #community as a key to recovery for people living with mental illness.
We hope you enjoy the episode!
Music Credits:
Futurology by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Traveling Around The World by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Free Relaxing Chill Music | ARNOR by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
For our 44th episode we thought it would be fun to revisit our very first episode from January 2017.
This past month we were honoured to receive the Legacy on the Airwaves Award from CJRU 1280AM, recognizing RTNT as the longest running program on CJRU. To celebrate we'd like to turn back the clock and revisit RTNT Episode 1 - Origin Story.
Enjoy!
For our 43rd episode we host a round table discussion about how our sleep can greatly impact our mental health. We share tips and tricks and discuss healthy habits and routines.
Sweet dreams!
Music Credits:
Stars by Vlad Gluschenko | https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Traveling Around The World by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Ethereal by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Free Relaxing Chill Music | ARNOR by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
For our 42nd episode of RTNT we explore the benefits of creative writing on our mental health. Progress Place member Mark interview fellow members, Yael, Walter and Mattie about their creative pursuits and the positive effects it has on their mental health.
Yael is poet and discusses her process and inspiration and shares one of her favourite poems from her collection. Walter is a singer/songwriter and offers us a glimpse into what motivates his songwriting and contributes one of his own songs, titled Want to Help. And finally Mattie shares his unique approach to ambient songwriting and how the act of creating is by its very nature what helps in his metal wellness journey.
Music Credits:
Stars by Vlad Gluschenko | https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Traveling Around The World by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Ethereal by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Free Relaxing Chill Music | ARNOR by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Our 41st episode of RTNT a very special one, as we are coming together to recognize World Mental Health Day. The World Mental Health Day theme for 2022 is Make Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority. In addition, Clubhouse International has partnered with the World Federation for Mental Health. The 2022 Clubhouse Campaign is Wellness WORKS! This theme allows us to focus on the importance of integrating wellness programming into our mental health supports. And if we want to help make mental health and well-being for all a global priority, then why not focus on programming that is featured in Clubhouses all over the world?
Our special World Mental Health Day episode features a round-table discussion between Independence Center, a Clubhouse in St. Louis, Missouri, and Progress Place Clubhouse. We’ll be hearing all about different wellness programs and why they’re so important to the Clubhouse Model.
Happy World Mental Health Day to all of our listeners. May we continue to make mental health and well-being a priority for all, and remember… Wellness Works!A special thank you to members and staff from Independence Center for appearing in the 41st episode of RTNT. And thank you to all members and staff at Progress Place who helped record, edit, and produce this episode.
*If you are looking for a community to be a part of your Mental Health recovery; please visit a Clubhouse near you. Clubhouse International reaches over 100,000 people living with mental illness per year in 320+ clubhouses in 34 countries. Please visit clubhouseinternational.org to find a clubhouse in your community.* To learn more about RTNT or listen to previous episodes please check out radiototallynormaltoronto.org. You can stream RTNT on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast if you search up Radio Totally Normal Toronto. If you’d like to learn more about Progress Place you can:
Visit progressplace.org
@progressplaceclubhouse on Instagram & Facebook
@Progress_Place on Twitter
Thanks again for listening to us and stay tuned for our new episode two months from now!
Welcome to the July show of Radio Totally Normal Toronto on CJRU 1280 AM and cjru.ca. Belke will be your host for this June 13th, 2022 episode.
*Radio Totally Normal Toronto, or RTNT for short, is a voice for community mental health; produced by the members and staff of Progress Place, a mental wellness clubhouse in downtown Toronto.*
Today we are going to tune into a group discussion about Mental Health and New Hobbies!
Mental health can be impacted by many different things, from life-changing events to everyday tasks. And while there are many strategies we can actively engage in to improve our mental health, an often-overlooked factor is spending time on an activity that you enjoy – otherwise known as a hobby.
*Disclaimer: All recordings done for RTNT were using the Zoom platform to maintain social distancing through these times.
This episode features perspectives and information that are not directly from RTNT. We are NOT health professionals who specialize in Covid-19 or any other physical health matters. If you have any questions about Covid-19 please visit the website for either Toronto Public Health or Public Health Ontario or contact your doctor directly for any health questions or concerns.
If you are in crisis, please call 911 or the Gerstein Crisis Centre (if you’re in Toronto) at (416) 929-5200*
Enjoy the following group discussion on Mental Health and New Hobbies featuring members and staff of Progress Place
Here are some great tips for how hobbies can improve your mental health according to a Utah State University article:
Reduced stress: participating in activities during leisure or spare time has been shown to reduce stress levels. For instance, one study showed approximately 75% of participants’ cortisol levels (one of the most widely studied hormonal markers of stress) were lowered after making art. Don’t consider yourself to be an artistic person? That’s okay! This study also showed that prior experience wasn’t needed to reduce stress.
Enhanced well-being: a study in New Zealand found that engaging in creative activities can lead to an improved sense of wellbeing that may have long lasting effects. Participants felt a higher positive affect or mood and a sense of flourishing after days where they engaged in a creative activity.
Improved social connection, decreases in depression and anxiety: while there are many mental health benefits related to hobbies on your own, group or ‘team’ hobbies have also been shown to provide important opportunities for social connection, friendship and support. Research also shows that adults who regularly participate in some kind of team sport are less likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.
Improved mental health: hobbies that include physical activity have been linked to many health benefits including reduced stress, reduced blood pressure, and a lower heart rate. But if you take physical activity outside, there are many additional positive benefits. Experts agree that spending as little as 10 minutes in nature can lead to improved mood, focus, and overall wellbeing.
*If you are looking for a community to be a part of your Mental Health recovery; please visit a Clubhouse near you. Clubhouse International reaches over 100,000 people living with mental illness per year in 320+ clubhouses in 34 countries. Please visit clubhouseinternational.org to find a clubhouse in your community.*
A special thank you to our interviewers of RTNT. Thank you to all the members and staff of Progress Place who work hard each month to create a recurring episode of Radio Totally Normal Toronto. Thank you to our listeners. Please, share this episode with your friends and family.
To learn more about RTNT or listen to previous episodes please check out radiototallynormaltoronto.org. You can stream RTNT on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podbast if you search
Welcome to the March show of Radio Totally Normal Toronto on CJRU 1280 AM and cjru.ca. Belke is your host for this March 9th, 2022 episode number 39.
*Radio Totally Normal Toronto, or RTNT for short, is a voice for community mental health; produced by the members and staff of Progress Place, a mental wellness clubhouse in downtown Toronto.*
Today we are going to speak on Black Mental Health Week. We’re going to connect with staff and members of Progress Place and the Community HUB to their discussion on the topic. We recorded the interview over Zoom.
From the Black Mental Health Week Website:
"TAIBU Community Health Centre, in partnership with the City of Toronto, hosted the inaugural Black Mental Health Day in March, 2020, citing the Toronto Black community’s demand to end 400 years of oppression and the ongoing mental health impact of persistent, systemic anti-Black racism in all settings.
Partly due to high-profile incidents of anti-Black racism in 2020, a groundswell of momentum is slowly improving awareness and strengthening the demand from communities across the globe, to improve understanding and to initiate action to end anti-Black racism and the negative mental health impact it causes where Black communities live, work and play."
"Rates of depressive symptoms among Black individuals are nearly six times the 12-month prevalence reported for the general population in Canada," Jude Mary Cenat, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, said in a press release.
A satellite program of Progress Place, Community Place Hub is a health access hub providing programs and services in Weston and Mount Dennis communities. To access them, please call 416-323-1429.
*Disclaimer: All recordings done for RTNT were using the Zoom platform to maintain social distancing through these times.
This episode features perspectives and information that are not directly from RTNT. We are NOT health professionals who specialize in Covid-19 or any other physical health matters. If you have any questions about Covid-19 please visit the website for either Toronto Public Health or Public Health Ontario or contact your doctor directly for any health questions or concerns.
This episode may contain conversations around suicide and suicide prevention. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or the Gerstein Crisis Centre (if you’re in Toronto) at (416) 929-5200*
*If you are looking for a community to be a part of your Mental Health recovery; please visit a Clubhouse near you. Clubhouse International reaches over 100,000 people living with mental illness per year in 320+ clubhouses in 34 countries. Please visit clubhouseinternational.org to find a clubhouse in your community.*
To learn more about RTNT or listen to previous episodes please check out radiototallynormaltoronto.org. You can stream RTNT on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast if you search up Radio Totally Normal Toronto.
If you’d like to learn more about Progress Place you can:
Visit progressplace.org
@progressplaceclubhouse on Instagram & Facebook
@Progress_Place on Twitter
Thanks again for listening to us and stay tuned for our new episode two months from now!
Welcome to the December show of Radio Totally Normal Toronto on CJRU 1280 AM and cjru.ca. Mark was the host for this episode of RTNT December 8th, 2021 episode number 38.
*Radio Totally Normal Toronto, or RTNT for short, is a voice for community mental health; produced by the members and staff of Progress Place, a mental wellness clubhouse in downtown Toronto.*
Today we are going to speak on Mental Health and Morning Routines. First off, we’re going to connect with staff and members of Progress Place to listen in on their Round Table discussion on the topic. We recorded the discussion over Zoom as the Clubhouse is not currently open to record in our studio.
Cleaning, breakfast, working out, hydrating, making the bed, cooking, coffee, sleeping, hygiene and showering, the possibilities are endless for routines.
According to TherapyGroup of NYC: “By establishing a daily routine, we can set aside time to take care of tasks and focus on our mental and physical health. Routines are essential at every stage of life—from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. They help us cope with change, create healthy habits, improve interpersonal relationships, and reduce stress.”
*Disclaimer: All recordings done for RTNT were using the Zoom platform to maintain social distancing through these times.
This episode features perspectives and information that are not directly from RTNT. We are NOT health professionals who specialize in Covid-19 or any other physical health matters. If you have any questions about Covid-19 please visit the website for either Toronto Public Health or Public Health Ontario or contact your doctor directly for any health questions or concerns.
This episode may contain conversations around suicide and suicide prevention. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or the Gerstein Crisis Centre (if you’re in Toronto) at (416) 929-5200*
Enjoy the following Round Table discussion on Mental Health and Routines featuring staff and members of Progress Place.
*If you are looking for a community to be a part of your Mental Health recovery; please visit a Clubhouse near you. Clubhouse International reaches over 100,000 people living with mental illness per year in 320+ clubhouses in 34 countries. Please visit clubhouseinternational.org to find a clubhouse in your community.*
We would like to thank all those involved with this episode of Radio Totally Normal Toronto.
A special thank you to our interviewers of RTNT. Thank you to all the members and staff of Progress Place who work hard each month to create a recurring episode of Radio Totally Normal Toronto.
Thank you to our listeners. Please, share this episode with your friends and family.
*To learn more about RTNT or listen to previous episodes please check out radiototallynormaltoronto.org. You can stream RTNT on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast if you search up Radio Totally Normal Toronto.
If you’d like to learn more about Progress Place you can:
-visit progressplace.org.
-Follow us on social media
@progressplaceclubhouse on Instagram & Facebook
@Progress_Place on Twitter*
For this month we’ll be listening to a familiar Canadian artist by the name of Charles Thomas "Stompin' Tom" Connors. Tom was a Canadian country and folk singer-songwriter. Focusing his career exclusively on his native Canada, he is credited with writing more than 300 songs and has released four dozen albums, with total sales of nearly four million copies. We picked out a Christmas song called Merry Christmas Everybody and it has an amazing energy to it. Happy Holidays, stay tuned and stay connected.
Welcome to the August show of Radio Totally Normal Toronto on CJRU 1280 AM and cjru.ca. The show aired on August 11, 2021. It’s our 37th episode!
Radio Totally Normal Toronto, or RTNT for short, provides a voice for community mental health; produced by the members and staff of Progress Place; a psycho-social clubhouse approach to mental health recovery; situated in downtown Toronto.
This month's episode is about Mental Health and Building resilience. You will get an opportunity to listen to a discussion over Zoom between members and staff of Progress Place about the importance of resilience when it comes to our mental health.
As Harold Kushner, the author of "When bad things happen to good people", said "Sometimes bad things have to happen before good things can", resilience can be defined as one's capacity to withstand hardship and be able to recover quickly from life's challenges." The participants shared their own definitions of resilience and their personal experiences going through challenges and recovering from them.
By no means should any of the information or opinions presented be considered as advice. What we do advise is that the info be taken with a grain of salt and for our listeners to form their own opinions.
Thank you to all the members and staff that were part of this interesting conversation about Mental health and Building resilience, and that were part of the production of the 37th episode of RTNT.
Please share this episode with your friends and family. Together we can transition from mental health stigmas to a continued focus on mental health wellness.
Are you or someone you know looking for a community resource to support Mental Health Wellness? If so, a Clubhouse near you offers tours. Every year, Clubhouse International reaches 100,000+ people in 320+ clubhouses in 34 countries. To find a clubhouse in your community, go to clubhouseinternational.org.
To learn more about RTNT or listen to previous episodes please check out radiototallynormaltoronto.org. Also, we’re happy to announce that you can now stream RTNT on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast if you search up Radio Totally Normal Toronto.
If you’d like to learn more about Progress Place you can:
- visit progressplace.org.
- Follow us on social media. _@progressplaceclubhouse on Instagram & Facebook
_ @Progress_Place on Twitter