The Wellness Connection: Recent Episodes
Sage Wellness Connection
Join Shannon and Paula as they collaborate with BTPS South Schools Mental Health Program; BRITE, and BTPS students. They are joined by special guest, Ryan Straschnitzki; athlete and Mindset & Resiliency speaker, who "aims to inspire greatness in others through storytelling".
Ryan is a hockey player from Calgary, AB, Canada and when he was 17, he was traded to the Humboldt Broncos to play Junior A Hockey. Ryan says that "the coach out in Humboldt cared more about the person you were versus the hockey player you were." He instilled in all his players how important it is to be a good person and give back to your community. Which is a lesson that Ryan lives by to this day.
On April 6th, 2018, the Humboldt Broncos were involved in a catastrophic bus crash that left 16 dead and 13 injured. This changed the lives of many families that day and left Ryan with a spinal cord injury. In the years that have passed, Ryan is dedicated to fostering a growth mindset within himself and others, guiding and supporting them along the way.
Ryan strives to help people all over the world and has created the Straz Strong Foundation.
The mission of this foundation is to:
- Provide access to adaptive sports for all.
- Education on mental and physical disabilities through public speaking.
- Provide access to rehab and physiotherapy through donations.
- Aim to find a cure for disabilities through fundraising events.
- Inspire those to work together to improve all qualities of life.
Ryan reminds us that "Everyone has their own story. The only disability you can have is a bad attitude in life."
https://www.strazstrongfoundation.com/
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://provost.btps.ca/programs/brite
https://www.instagram.com/britewellnessprogram/
A big thank you to our podcast sponsors: The Psychological Health in First Responders Grant Program through the Province of Alberta.
Join Shannon and Paula in another episode dedicated to workplace wellness. In this episode they explore, discover and connect to cultivating a culture of wellness in the workplace and tips on how this can be developed. They dive into communication, transparency and the importance of engaging employees in the process of creating an environment of psychological health and safety in the workplace.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
Thank you to the Rural Mental Health Project for making this podcast possible.
In this episode Shannon and Paula chat with Community Coordinator with Wainwright & District Family & Community Support Services, Cassidy Graden. In this episode we explore, discover and connect to the 8 domains of wellness and how individuals can use these domains to support them to achieve a higher level of wellness in all areas of their lives. We also touch on the importance of engagement in the workplace and how presenteeism, absenteeism and quiet quitting lead to reduced productivity, undermines a positive work environment. and if not addressed burnout can occur, which impacts the long and short term disability costs for employers.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
Wainwright & District FCSS
https://www.wdfcss.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/WainwrightFCSS
https://www.instagram.com/w.d.f.c.s.s/
Thank you to the Rural Mental Health Project for making this podcast possible.
In this new season of The Wellness Connection, we are focusing on Wellness in the Workplace as part of the Rural Mental Health Project. In this episode Shannon and Paula chat with Health Promotions Facilitator, Christina Harvey who works with Community Mental Health and Addictions in Wainwright, AB. Join us as we explore workplace wellness, the joys, the challenges and simple, yet meaningful tips that you can use in your everyday life.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
Thank you to the Rural Mental Health Project for making this podcast possible.
In this episode of the Wellness Connection, Shannon and Paula talk with Ulises Reynaga. Ulises was a newcomer who moved to a small rural town in Alberta, Canada from Guadalajara, a large city in Mexico. Ulises talks about some of the challenges, similarities and some great ways to integrate and start to build connections in a new community.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/
https://www.youtube.com/@ulisesreynaga1231
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
Join Shannon and Paula along with special guest, Josh, as they dive into conversation about the topic of LGBTQ+ issues along with discussing gender and sexuality. They talk about how to be open minded to explore, support, learn and grow as a community. Josh grew up in Wainwright, but is now living in Montreal and completing his Doctorate in clinical psychology. Much of Josh's psychological research to date has focused on romantic and interpersonal relationships. His current research focuses on Trans and Non Binary Individuals and their Sexuality.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
In this episode of the Wellness Connection, Shannon and Paula talk with First Responder, Advanced Care Paramedic, Tammie Dales. Tammie opens up about her long career working in a rural Alberta town, and her heavy diagnosis of PTSD. Tammie talks about some of the things that were happening before she was diagnosed and the importance of recognizing the signs. Tammie shares some of the recovery strategies she continues to use in her life to give her a better quality of life. We dive into some of the prevention strategies so first responders do not all have to face this diagnosis. It is so important for first responders to develop a strong support network, use self care and self kindness tool and always reach out for professional support at any time.
tdales@live.ca
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
In this Wellness Connection Podcast Episode, Shannon and Paula talk with Natalie Costa, an Exercise Specialist & Client Health Educator at Alberta Health Services about living with Chronic Pain and its affects on your Mental Health. Natalie lives in Wainwright and understands the benefits and challenges that come along with living in a rural area when looking to access services. Natalie is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in charge of the 3 pillars of the Alberta Healthy Living Program (supervised exercise, health education and self-management) in the Wainwright area.
Natalie also facilitates various workshops including WeightWise, HeartWise, Diabetes the Basics, CravingChange and Better Choices Better Health.
Call to register in the Healthy Living Programs: 1-877-314-6997
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?serviceAtFacilityId=1106872#contentStart
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
*This episode deals with grief and loss and may be difficult for some people to listen to.
In this Wellness Connection Podcast Episode join Paula and Shannon with Sage Wellness Connection as they chat with special guest, Sandy Machado. Sandy is a mom who has experienced her share of loss. She shares how she has coped with her grief and has found ways to have hope. Sandy addresses the need to communicate, to reach out and to let people reach in to get to the side of hope.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.deathed.ca/about - Jeremy Allen
https://wtgrief.wixsite.com/walkingthroughgrief - Walking Through Grief Society
https://averyslegacy.com/?v=707f3a40153b - Avery's Legacy Bereavement Boxes
https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
Join Paula and Shannon with Sage Wellness Connection as they chat with Jamie Knight, who has a Masters degree in Social Work and provides counselling services at the Good Life Collective in Wainwright, AB. Jamie is a skilled, experienced, and passionate social worker who provides safe, ethical, trauma-informed counselling services that focus on promoting connection and healing. She is highly sought after for her expertise in First Responder populations, trauma, crisis response, and loss.
https://www.goodlifecollective.ca/
In this episode of the Wellness Connection we talk about Jamie's experience as a first responder and the importance of seeking out support and reaching out to others who may be in need of support. Jamie talks about what the counselling experience may be like as well.
Sage Wellness Connection Information:
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, join Shannon and Paula of Sage Wellness Connection as they chat with special guest, Ariel Haubrich. Ariel possesses a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and has over 20 years experience in the mental health field, particularly in schools. Ariel is an owner of a yoga studio and embodies a holistic view of wellness. In this podcast Ariel leads us in an important conversation about Bullying and Mental Health. We explore the definition of bullying, the role of the bystander and the challenges for the bully themselves. We also talk about how to move forward after being the target of bullying.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/
Ariel's website: https://knowledge-power.ca/
Ariel's yoga studio website: https://welcomematyoga.com/
Brene Brown Empathy short video: https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw
Sage Wellness Connection Information:
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, join Shannon and Paula of Sage Wellness Connection as they chat with special guest, Ariel Haubrich. Ariel possesses a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and has over 20 years experience in the mental health field, particularly in schools. Ariel is an owner of a yoga studio and embodies a holistic view of wellness. In this podcast Ariel leads us in an important conversation about Children's Mental Health. We explore the difference between mental health challenge and mental illness and what you can do to support a child in your life to become mentally healthy.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/
Ariel's website: https://knowledge-power.ca/
Ariel's yoga studio website: https://welcomematyoga.com/
Sage Wellness Connection Information:
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
In this Wellness Connection Podcast Episode join Paula and Shannon with Sage Wellness Connection as they chat with special guest, Sandy Machado. Sandy is part of a farm family and touches on the challenges and the joys of living a life immersed in the agricultural field. Sandy addresses the need to have authentic conversations to stay mentally healthy and well.
This podcast is brought to you by a grant through the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association.
https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
This episode is a Rural Mental Health Project podcast.
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode join Paula and Shannon of Sage Wellness Connection as they talk with special guest, Jodi Williams. Jodi has lived and worked in the Wainwright area for many years and has been taking special care to cultivate her to spiritual wellbeing. Jodi calls upon her spiritual practice to get her through difficult times, and to help ground and connect her. Jodi references some of the practices and guiding principles she uses in her life and reminds us all to connect to our playful side.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
Authors referenced: Eckhart Tolle, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Duncan Trussell
https://www.virtuesproject.com/
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
Spiritual Wellness webcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9Sjyas30fo&t=3139s
In this Wellness Connection podcast, join Paula and Shannon with Sage Wellness Connection as they talk with special guest, Sandra Grunow. Sandra is an educator and Academic Advisor at Wainwright High School. Sandra provides some great information to help you get started when thinking about choosing a career or making a career change. Sandra supports students to take a look at their interests, passions, lifestyle and financial goals. She provides us with some tools to use as we explore, discover and connect to our occupational wellness.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
Career planning: https://alis.alberta.ca/
Strong interest inventory: https://www.psychometrics.com/assessments/strong-interest-inventory/
Sage Wellness Connection
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQnZPzE-zh8&t=460s
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, join Shannon and Paula of Sage Wellness Connection as they chat with special guest, Ariel Haubrich. Ariel possesses a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and has over 20 years experience in the mental health field, particularly in schools. Ariel is an owner of a yoga studio and embodies a holistic view of wellness. In this podcast Ariel leads us in a conversation about emotional wellness, vulnerability and empathy. We explore what that may look like and feel like, as well as, what to do to feel supported as we live our lives as emotional beings.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
Brene Brown Empathy short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw
Ariel's website: https://knowledge-power.ca/
Ariel's yoga studio website: https://welcomematyoga.com/
Sage Wellness Connection Information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifeBsCsFzGo
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, join Paula and Shannon of Sage Wellness Connection as they talk with special guest, Ashley Longstaff. Ashley has a degree in Criminal Justice and works in our rural community with vulnerable persons. She has a background in working with the homeless population and understands the importance of social connection and how it impacts our overall wellbeing. Ashley chats about the risks associated with being and feeling isolated and how to become connected to natural supports in our lives.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
Social Wellness Webcast with Shannon and Paula:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD8Fm8Qumlc
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://impactwainwrightandarea.com/
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, join Paula and Shannon of Sage Wellness Connection as they chat with special guest, Caroline McAuley, Registered Dietitian and environmental enthusiast. Environmental Wellness inspires us to live a lifestyle that is respectful of our surroundings. This realm encourages us to live in harmony with the earth by taking action to protect it. In this podcast we talk about how even the small things we do and the small sustainable changes we adopt in our lives can make a difference as we become more in-tune and aware of our personal and global environments.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
Cookbook - Sandi Richard, Life's On Fire, Cooking for the Rushed.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9XBk91fQC0&t=37s
https://impactwainwrightandarea.com/
https://ruralmentalhealth.ca/
In the Wellness Connection podcast episode, join Shannon and Paula with Sage Wellness Connection as they chat about the 8 Dimensions of Wellness and the Wellness Wheel Philosophy. They talk about engaging a holistic approach to wellness and the benefits of exploring all aspects of your life to discover how they impact your overall wellbeing. Connect to your strengths to support areas where you may have challenges in order to create harmony in your life. The Wellness Wheel is a tool for self-exploration that can help you survey areas of your life that impact your overall health and wellbeing. Each of the 8 dimension of the wheel is interdependent on the others and equally important.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://impactwainwrightandarea.com/
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, Shannon and Paula of Sage Wellness Connection chat with coach and personal trainer, Grant Friesen. Grant is passionate about physical wellness but believes that true success in this area comes from coaching the whole person! This inspired view really connects to the wellness wheel philosophy, as all areas are interconnected and interdependent on the other.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
https://www.amptupfitness.com/
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://impactwainwrightandarea.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, Shannon and Paula of Sage Wellness Connection chat about intellectual wellness with special guest, Haley Newman who is a Mental Health Capacity Building Wellness Coach with the Vibe Program. This program is based on the belief that mental and emotional wellbeing can be developed, nurtured and supported through promotion and prevention efforts. When individuals, communities and agencies work together to promote mental and emotional wellbeing in whole populations of children, youth and families, we can enhance mental health and decrease addiction and the negative impacts of mental illness. In addition, long-term cost savings are realized. By introducing and applying mental health wellness concepts early in life and continually across the lifespan, the hope is that this information will be adopted and integrated into daily routines resulting in an overall increase in mental wellness and quality of life.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
HUMAN SERVICE DIRECTORY: https://vibewellnessprogram.wordpress.com/resources/
https://vibewellnessprogram.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/VIBEvermilion/
https://impactwainwrightandarea.com/
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
In this Wellness Connection episode, join Paula and Shannon of Sage Wellness Connection as we chat with Kari Aykroyd, the Executive Director of Wainwright and District Family and Community Services. Kari discusses the programs, supports and resources that make up FCS. Wainwright and District FCS is a joint venture between the Province of Alberta and the Town of Wainwright, the Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61, and the Villages of Chauvin, Edgerton and Irma. https://www.wdfcs.ca/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, The Canadian Mental Health Association's Rural Mental Health Project.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, Paula and Shannon chat with special guest, Christina Harvey, a Health Promotion Facilitator with Community Mental Health and Addictions in Wainwright, AB. We explore the social pressures of drinking and how this can influence excessive alcohol consumption and impact our overall health and wellbeing.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, The Canadian Mental Health Association's Rural Mental Health Project.
https://impactwainwrightandarea.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/ https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, Paula and Shannon chat with special guest, Erica Waller, personal trainer and nutrition enthusiast to take a look at what it means to stay well during the winter months. We chat about everything from fitness and nutrition to sleep hygiene. Erica tells us about some of the tips she shares with her clients as well as how she creates a holistic wellness lifestyle for herself.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, The Canadian Mental Health Association's Rural Mental Health Project.
https://www.ericamaefit.com/
https://www.instagram.com/Ericamaefit/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode Paula and Shannon chat with special guest, Dr. Jaime Williams. https://www.jaimewilliams-psychology.com/
Dr. Williams is a clinical psychologist supporting individuals woth online therapy who live in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
In this episode we look at what living a balance life means to us and how to work towards creating balance throughout your day. We chat about moving towards taking a wholistic approach and align yourself to balance and overall wellness.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, The Canadian Mental Health Association's Rural Mental Health Project.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwrze0auCkYwbw7o5lQw4BQ
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.pinterest.ca/Sagewellnessconnection/_created/
Financial wellness is one of the eight domains of wellness that involves the process of learning how to successfully manage financial expenses. Living within your means is important as money plays a critical role in our lives and not having enough of it impacts health and wellbeing. Financial stress is repeatedly found to be a common source of stress, anxiety and fear for most people.
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, Paula and Shannon chat with special guest, Roxanne Arnal with Clarity Financial Services; https://cfspsc.ca/, roxanne@cfspsc.ca . Roxanne is a financial planner who is dedicated and passionate about helping others gain confidence and control of their finances. Together, they unpack some common challenges around finances, plus tips and simple, straight forward ways to begin to create financial ease in your life.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, The Canadian Mental Health Association's Rural Mental Health Project.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwrze0auCkYwbw7o5lQw4BQ
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.pinterest.ca/Sagewellnessconnection/_created/
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, Paula and Shannon focus on wellness for parents, some of the stress, stigmas and resources available in our rural community. We chat with special guest, Anna McLean who is a parent, family coach and social worker. Anna has 8 years of experience in supporting children and families and shares some of her knowledge with us in this episode. She also sheds some light on the struggles, joys and explore the support needed for parents.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, The Canadian Mental Health Association's Rural Mental Health Project.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection
https://www.pinterest.ca/Sagewellnessconnection/_created/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwrze0auCkYwbw7o5lQw4BQ
Workplace wellness is more than trying to recover from your workweek. Learn about employee wellness strategies, shifting our thoughts around work/life balance and resiliency in the workplace.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, the Canadian Mental Health Association's Rural Mental Health Project.
Today's conversation is about the topic of Healthy Communication and Assertiveness as it relates to our wellbeing. Join Shannon and Paula along with special guest, Joshua Iverson as they dive into this subject. Josh is a doctoral candidate studying clinical psychology. He is a trained classical musician and says that music and art play a huge role in his wellness. Much of Josh's psychological research to date has focused on romantic and interpersonal relationships. His intervention work has focused on addiction recovery.
Listen to the discussion to discover techniques to improve and expand on your communication style and learn how to put these into action.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, the Canadian Mental Health Association Rural Mental Health Project.
https://www.sagewellnessconnection.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sagewellnessconnection https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessconnection/
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, Paula and Shannon reflect on the impacts of Covid-19 on our physical and mental wellbeing. What were the positive aspects that came out of our time in the pandemic. How do we move forward while managing our stress and anxiety about the future.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.
In this Wellness Connection podcast episode, Shannon and Paula chat about being a wellness leader in your community. Being a leader begins with you. Create awareness of your own wellness; daily habits and behaviours that build a strong, resilient body, mind and spirit. As a leader of wellness you work to determine what creates better wellbeing for yourself and you inspire others to find what they need to do the same for themselves. When we are well, we are able to cope with the challenges life hands to us. When we connect to community we contribute to an overall vibrant community. Building community capacity does not have to consist of grandiose projects that have large price tags and formal backing attached. Building sustainable capacity can come from individuals working together to promote sustainable projects that are low-key and modest pursuits.
This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Mental Health Project through the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta.