If you're going through a rough breakup: me too. You're not alone, and this one is for us. In this episode I'll be talking about self care and how to heal while leaning into discomfort.

I'm back!

In this episode, we explore the darker side of the wellness influencer world. Today's topics include: What is an Influencer and how do they draw us in? How to spot a Good Influencer or Coach, Plus: Red Flags you might want to avoid when consuming content created by wellness influencers Common Pseudoscience / Quackery- based health claims that "coaches" and "influencers" make "Science Vs Immunity Boosting: Is It A Bust?" https://open.spotify.com/episode/1UhKdqAcdqxKT20141HmTy?si=mkyKpqMQRGmsfpNRQQAH5A

Today we explore wellness and wellness culture: what I like, and what I dislike about wellness as a concept. Also: the dangers of pseudoscience and general quackery. This is the first installment in my "Wary of Wellness Culture" series. Show notes: Herbal Remedies Cause Deaths of Two Children in Need of Medical Care (meningitis + strep) https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/12/13/alberta-mom-on-trial-after-sick-child-dies-at-home.html 'The food supplement that ruined my liver' https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-45971416 Science Vs. Antioxidants https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/v4hejk Science Vs Vitamins & Supplements https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/94hwnr/vitamins-supplements-are-they-worth-it Strep Infections and the Heart (Rheumatic Heart Disease) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/rheumatic-heart-disease#:~:text=What%20is%20rheumatic%20heart%20disease,strep%20throat%20or%20scarlet%20fever. Towards more effective supplement regulation in Canada https://sciencebasedpharmacy.wordpress.com/2016/09/25/towards-more-effective-supplement-regulation-in-canada/ Green tea and weight loss: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008650.pub2/full Green Tea and Cancer prevention: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3/full Green Tea / safety of supplements etc https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/green-tea ---"Although uncommon, liver problems have been reported in a number of people who took green tea products, primarily green tea extracts in pill form. People with liver disease should consult a health care provider before taking products with green tea extract. People taking green tea extracts, especially those with liver disease, should discontinue use and consult a health care provider if they develop symptoms of liver trouble (such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice). Green tea is an ingredient in many over-the-counter weight loss products, some of which have been identified as the likely cause of rare cases of liver injury. Green tea at high doses has been shown to reduce blood levels and therefore the effectiveness of the drug nadolol, a beta-blocker used for high blood pressure and heart problems. It may also interact with other medicines." Rooibos as a Medical Treatment: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/rooibos-tea

In the third and final installment of The Spectrum Series, Stephen and I answer a listener question; we also discuss allyship, activism, and Socializing as an Adult with Autism. Show notes: •Micah Paints:  https://instagram.com/micahpaints?igshid=vj98nkelkn22 •Stephen's Twitter: https://twitter.com/spence709?s=09 •Pancakes.jpeg: https://instagram.com/pancakes.jpeg?igshid=187msyz0mz7bv •Paigelayle: https://www.tiktok.com/@paigelayle?lang=en&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=&is_from_webapp=1 •Princesssaspien: https://www.tiktok.com/@princessaspien?lang=en&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=&is_from_webapp=1 •Neurodifferent: https://instagram.com/neurodifferent?igshid=aqium42xqsr6 •The Autistic Life: https://instagram.com/theautisticlife?igshid=1vxqsqm4h4ebw •The Autisticats: https://instagram.com/the.autisticats?igshid=1bwfo62o79tqw

Today Stephen and I discuss the importance of autism representation in media and the abelism and controversy surrounding Sia's new film "Music" . Show notes: •Micah Paints:  https://instagram.com/micahpaints?igshid=vj98nkelkn22 •Stephen's Twitter: https://twitter.com/spence709?s=09 •Pancakes.jpeg: https://instagram.com/pancakes.jpeg?igshid=187msyz0mz7bv •Paigelayle: https://www.tiktok.com/@paigelayle?lang=en&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=&is_from_webapp=1 •Princesssaspien: https://www.tiktok.com/@princessaspien?lang=en&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=&is_from_webapp=1 •Neurodifferent: https://instagram.com/neurodifferent?igshid=aqium42xqsr6 •The Autistic Life: https://instagram.com/theautisticlife?igshid=1vxqsqm4h4ebw •The Autisticats: https://instagram.com/the.autisticats?igshid=1bwfo62o79tqw

Today Stephen and I discuss his experiences with getting diagnosed with ASD as an adult, self discovery and mental health. Show notes: •Micah Paints:  https://instagram.com/micahpaints?igshid=vj98nkelkn22 •Stephen's Twitter: https://twitter.com/spence709?s=09 •Pancakes.jpeg: https://instagram.com/pancakes.jpeg?igshid=187msyz0mz7bv •Paigelayle: https://www.tiktok.com/@paigelayle?lang=en&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=&is_from_webapp=1 •Princesssaspien: https://www.tiktok.com/@princessaspien?lang=en&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=&is_from_webapp=1 •Neurodifferent: https://instagram.com/neurodifferent?igshid=aqium42xqsr6 •The Autistic Life: https://instagram.com/theautisticlife?igshid=1vxqsqm4h4ebw •The Autisticats: https://instagram.com/the.autisticats?igshid=1bwfo62o79tqw

Today we'll be talking about narcissistic abuse and forgiveness. What does a sincere Apology look like? Do we HAVE to forgive and forget to move on? How do we "forgive" when the other person won't or can't apologize? Tune in to find out all the things I've learned on my 28 year journey of healing and dealing with Narcissists. Forgiveness Vs. Reconciliation: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/in-therapy/201303/forgiveness-vs-reconciliation%3famp

Today we'll be exploring Therapy: how to find a therapist, what to expect, my list of do's and don'ts, public vs private me talk healthcare and red flags to watch out for!

Today we explore the role of routine in mental health, how to identify an ineffective routine, and where to start adding structure to your life. The Power of Routines in Your Mental Health: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-gen-y-psy/201810/the-power-routines-in-your-mental-health%3Famp&ved=2ahUKEwjupvXbs9jsAhVBn-AKHW0wCrAQFjABegQIDRAB&usg=AOvVaw0wQQ3nwlHbRmjar7fRU5G8&cf=1

Today we'll be talking about: toxic shame and how it alienates and disconnects us from other people, The Power of Vulnerability, and recent realizations I've made in Therapy about my own self-isolating habits. The Power of Vulnerability: https://youtu.be/iCvmsMzlF7o

Do you struggle to push outside of your comfort zone? Are you a procrastinator? Or maybe you struggle with negative feelings so you deal with them by impulsively spending money. These are all examples of Avoidance Behaviour, and they're a real nuisance if you're trying to grow as a person. In today's episode we talk about the 5 kinds of Avoidance Coping, what they look like, and how to start healing from it. ♥️

Can positivity really be bad for us? Can positive people impact our recovery and growth in a harmful way? In today's episode we'll be exploring the topic of toxic positivity and how it shows up in our lives, culture, and even Activism, and how to protect ourselves when feeling invalidated and unheard.

The first of a brand new series of Episodes on Toxic Traits. Today's episode explores Emotionally Manipulative Traits as well as common tactics people use to manipulate others. We will also touch on the types of toxic traits, how to spot someone who might be manipulative, and what the cycle of abuse looks like.

Today I'll be talking with my identical twin sister, Kayla, about how to find confidence in creating, and carving out your own creative space. We discuss taking the leap into an artistic career, the actual value of our labour, and we'll also be expanding on some input from some listeners and friends (SleepyKokiri and LostPixelca) who have also made creating their jobs!

Are you finding yourself becoming more and more obsessed with your job? Does spending time on leisurely hobbies like reading or playing videogames paralyze you with guilt? Do you feel guilty for calling in sick to work? Well, you might be struggling with a Workaholic Mindset which is EXACTLY what today's episode is all about. We'll also be touching a bit on Karō-shi, a Japanese Phenomenon describing deaths connected to overworking and occupational stress. Hustle Culture is a huge part of how people believe they'll achieve their goals, but is it good for us? And can it make us LESS active in other facets of our lives? Tune in to find out!

Sometimes you just need to treat yourself! Bath Bombs, an ENTIRE DAY of video Games and Takeout. Life is hard! Can we REALLY feel BETTER by doing all of this? Is this really Self Care??? Tune in to today's episode where we discuss finding balance with self soothing behaviours and how we can use them as helpful tools instead of harmful avoidance.---Content Warning: there will be a very brief and non-explicit mention of self harm and impulsive behaviours including binge drinking and binge eating in this episode.