Upopolis: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Upopolis
Upopolis has been connecting youth with critical and chronic illnesses for over a decade with peer support and access to reliable medical information created with them in mind. Listen along as the Upopolis Child Life share resources, research, and interviews that highlight the experiences and expertise of youth and professionals that work alongside them.
Join Krista, the Upopolis podcast host for episode 43 (Oops! She may have said 42 in the episode) as she chats with Lily and Sarah about being young adult mentors, common grounds groups, Upopolis, and research they did that led them to work with the Upopolis team.
For youth interested in joining a common grounds session, please click and complete the application in this link.
Join Krista, our Upopolis National program manager and podcast host to learn about the steps to get connected with Upopolis as a youth and for professionals interested in referring youth. Krista guides listeners through the referral process, highlights some of the opportunities Upopolis is currently offering youth, and reviews other resources available on the website e.g. posters, rack cards, links, and additional content.
Know a youth who wants to join? Click here to make a referral
Are you a youth? Click here to express interest in joining Upopolis and our new Common Grounds events for specific diagnoses.
Register for CF virtual summer camp, click here
Join Upopolis host Krista Naugler and Upopolis Intern Betina Sales for this episode. Betina takes over host of the podcast to interview for a candid conversation with guests Certified Child Life Specialists Shaindy Alexander and Melissa Dodaro to explore the impactful work of Child Life Specialists in legacy-building and grief support. Drawing from their extensive experience, they provide invaluable insights into the delicate process of creating legacies and offer practical guidance for those navigating the loss and grief.
Upedia Webinar with Shaindy, Put on your rainboots – Including and supporting children through serious illness, death, dying, and grief.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- The Invisible String
- The Gift of The Ladybug
- The Gift of Gerbert’s Feathers
- Ida, Always
Link to PDF Talking to Kids about Serious Illness: The 6 C's and the 3 W's
Children’s Grief Awareness Symposium, Nov 14/15, 2023 -Register Here
In this episode, April Young, Camp Director from Camp Maple Leaf / Jacob Island joins Krista to talk about what their camp offers, what parents can look for in a camp, tips, stories, and more.
Check out Camp Maple Leaf on their website and specifics on Jacob Island Programs.
Youth can also check out more information about camps offered across Canada and tips for going to camp in the U Camp group on Upopolis.
Click here for the Canadian Alliance for Grieving Children and Youth's list of bereavement camps and here for the Canadian Camping Association list of Camps by province.
It's a long one but it is packed with good resources including our favourite books and activities that go along with them. Be sure to check it out and the links below to see the books that the Upopolis team refers to including Lifetimes, I Like Myself, 52 Lists for Happiness, Just as You Are, The Gift of the Ladybug, Hello in There, Have You Filled Your Bucket, Invisible String and more. We forgot to mention this one but is another great feelings book, My Many Colored Days, and this other one that just got released last week, What Does Grief Look Like. What are your favourites? Tag Upopolis on social.
A teacher asked and we have the answers in this episode of the Upopolis podcast.
What does Upopolis offer my student if I refer them? What does the programming offered by Upopolis look like? What are the goals or outcomes Upopolis is aiming for? Listen and find out!
Plus, check out our recent poster presentation from a virtual conference that the team presented at.
Did you know that the Upopolis team will be at ACLP Conference 2023? Please visit our exhibit if you are there. Plus, the team is working on presenting or offering an exhibit at a few other conferences this year (including ones for school staff).
Please note we ended up switching two episodes to get one recorded after this one out in time for National Children's Day and Children & Youth Grief Awareness Day. In this episode, we say this is episode 35 but it is episode 36.
Please join Krista the host of the Upopolis podcast as she chats with special guest Jenna, a youth who has been a member of Upopolis for 6 years and is one of the 2022 Connection Award Winners. Jenna talks a lot about embracing who you are and the value of programs like summer camps and virtual communities established for youth with medical diagnoses.
Two teens join Aushia, the Upopolis intern from McMaster University to talk about their experiences with grief support and their perceptions on how people can best support them during grieving.
Hello listeners! It is that time of year again...U Got This Challenge time. This year the Upopolis team will be encouraging youth to put themselves out there by doing acts of kindness, reframing things, volunteering, and having conversations with others. Youth can sign up by emailing us at sopport@upopolis.org or sending a DM to our social channels. All youth are welcome to participate. Teacher! Be sure to listen as there is a little something special in this episode for you.
In this episode, Krista talks about filling the gap between gaining new knowledge and using it purposefully. Learning is great but sometimes we can feel guilt from learning new things and then not getting to do what we want with that information. This episode focuses on youth and school transitions and how we as parents, teachers, and health care professionals can help youth to use their knowledge and skills to have better experiences and to make an impact. Please take a few minutes to listen and move to take the time to help fill the gap in the future.
Blogs referenced:
Tips for helping youth as they return to school
How can I help a grieving youth as they transition back to school
Resources mentioned:
Dougy Center- Your friend is grieving
Lighthouse- 20 Things grieving students would like their teacher to know
Grief is hard! Going into something new like an online community or a grief group and not knowing what to expect is hard too (just a different kind of hard). The Upopolis team wanted to help you; parents, youth, and referrers to get the information you need to learn more about what Upopolis Island has to offer. Krista invited Jordan and Melissa, the two CCLS who work on Upopolis Island to join her for this podcast to talk about who Upopolis Island is for, what types of programming take place, examples of activities, and more.
Be sure to have a listen and reach out to the Upopolis team at support@upopolis.com with questions or to ask to join.
Krista, the host of the podcast stumbled across an amazing document from the ACLP released in 2020 ( maybe it got missed or overlooked with the pandemic) about this episode's topic and loads of good research. It is national self-care day in July and this post cast talks about several free self-care activities as well as supporting parents in learning about their child's hospital experience, diagnosis, and coping strategies as a way of self-care. Bonus research shows that doing this form of self-care also leads to increased confidence and coping in parents/ caregivers, improved cooperation and coping in their children, and sets them up for more positive future medical experiences. Have a listen and enjoy.
This is not a paid ad but I was truly inspired, as I often am by Jenna's content. I was listening to her new Audiobook titled How are you, really? and episode 30 was born. Life has been hard as we all have been learning to navigate lots of stressful things during the past two years. It can get overwhelming and sometimes even the thought of self-care seems like a lot to take on. While listening to this book I was inspired to share with you a practice that the author talks about that I also practice in my work as a child life specialist (and I know a lot of the youth on Upopolis would think it is a neat thing to do too). As national self-care day approaches think of the little actions that you could run towards that would have an impact. You don't have to plan to move mountains but you might just end up doing so.
Enjoy!
Krista
Join Krista, Upopolis National Program Manager as she explains the difference between Upopolis and Upopolis Island, what Umeets and Ucafe nights are, and ways to learn more about the world within Upopolis. Yes! She talks about general information sessions, meet & greets, the podcast, and the blog too.
Join Krista and Sophia as they chat with Cora, an eight-year-old girl who wrote and published a book during this pandemic. Cora puts into words her experiences during quarantine as she processes her grief in hopes of also helping other youth grieving as well.
You can find Cora's book here at Robert's Press.
For more episodes on coping with living in a pandemic visit earlier episode #3 and the U Got This series within the Upopolis Podcast episodes 4,5,6,&7
Good conversation and Valentine's are the perfect combinations. With conversation starters being successful in our host, Krista's front-line work, and showing up on her social channels, she was inspired to share more and to create this episode. Thank you to the facilitators at Camp Kedooopse, Miss Suzanne (child_life_grief_notes on IG), Bell, and CLTV at IWK for keeping the conversations going.
CLTV Crafts with Krista & Krista
Have you read Dr. Gary Chapman's book called The 5 Love Languages? It came to mind last night when Nancy and I were talking to the youth in the Greif & U group. When someone does something for you, what do you appreciate? Listen to this episode to learn more.
From tips on dealing with "firsts" after the death of a loved one to the launch of a new online grief support group for youth, this podcast episode with Krista has it covered. Listen in to hear highlights from Nancy's recent Upopolis blog and to get all the details on the new support group that starts on December 7th, 2021.
Krista mentions some other Upopolis blogs, click below to access the various titles:
- Negativing "firsts" after the death of a loved one
- The ABC's of Grief
- How I can help a grieving youth transition back to school
- Helping Youth Navigate Grief Online
- 5 Interventions to get the youth in your life talking
Hey, youth! Are you up for a challenge and an email campaign? The Upopolis team will be emailing out information and activities on four different themes starting on October 18th - it's called the U Got This! Challenge. The theme is embracing control and content goes out every Monday to your inbox for four weeks.
Krista, Jessica, Tija, and Nancy will be talking about mantras, big feelings, the past, the future, stress responses, and more. Plus participants will be invited to work on photo projects, art pieces, coping skills, and t-shirt designs.
Want to take part? All youth are welcome just email support@upopolis.com to let the team know you want in.
Watch the Upopolis social media for more info. Oh! There will be information in the Upopolis blog too.
It's September which usually means lots of transitions for youth and their families. Maybe it means heading back to school or starting university or college, going to an adult care facility, or preparing for a hospital stay. Yes, even the transition from summer activities and routines to fall ones.
Join Krista, the Upopolis podcast host as she talks about a few transitions that youth she knows are experiencing and gives you 10+ tips for supporting youth that you know as they head back to school, university, or something that is new to them (and you).
If you know a youth who would be interested in the upcoming U Got This! Challenge that Krista talks about at the beginning of the podcast, please have them email support@upopolis.com for more info.
In this episode, Krista interviews Tammany a mom of two boys, one who lives with ADHD and the other with profound deafness. Tammany's parenting journey led her to develop a website that helps families find the professional support they need. Over 500 professionals and organizations have set up profiles in the areas of health, mental health, and education. To learn more check out this episode and the Everyday Heroes Kids website
What school will look like...who knows! What can you do to set yourself up for success and to cope with your new schedule- GET ORGANIZED! In this episode, Krista offers some tips to help you get organized and to cope with whatever your school year looks like, maybe it is from home, from the hospital, or at school. It doesn't matter where, it matters that you have a plan to cope and adjust as needed to make things be as stress-free as possible. Bonus, being organized helps you to focus, get better grades, and can reduce having adults nagging at you. Join Krista as she talks about all the things, check lists, agendas, spaces, storage, routines and reviews.
Join Upopolis podcast host Krista as she interviews Maggie M, a young lady now studying respiratory therapy who spent over 10 years on Upopolis. Maggie and her friendship with another user named Katrina inspired an annual award for Upopolis users called the Upopolis Connection Award. To learn more about Maggie, their friendship and the Upopolis Connection Award listen to this latest episode. Youth can access the application for the connection award each spring using the link provided within Upopolis and the Upopolis Unews.
Summer is upon us and Krista, Upopolis's National Program Manager sat down with Jenn Ross, Director of Operations at Brigadoon Village to talk about camp. Jenn offered some tips for parents who are preparing their children to head off to camp. Plus she shared how the team at Brigadoon Village made camp happen in 2020 and 2021. Tune in to hear all the deets!
This has been a very different year with COVID and all the restrictions. With the vaccine becoming available to youth in most places across Canada this week, the Upopolis team wanted to show their excitement by sharing some tips to help you and your child get prepared.
Krista the Upopolis podcast host is a child life specialist with over 25 years of experience preparing youth and their families for procedures. In this episode, she gives you ten tips to get prepared for the vaccine. You might notice these tips look similar to ones that Tija, the Upopolis social coordinator shares each week on Upopolis's Facebook and Instagram known as #TipTuesday. Be sure to follow Upopolis on social for all the extra value.
Learning how to do injections is BIG! For some, it will come easy and others will need a plan. Check out this episode of the Upopolis podcast as Krita, our host and Upopolis's National Program Manager talks about allergies, anaphylaxis, and injections. Krista talks about her experience as a mom with a teen daughter who has known anaphylaxis, their learning curve, an observation about others' hesitance to give epi injections too, and lots of information and resources that will get you started on gaining more knowledge about the "why" and getting a plan in place. Stay tuned for the Uproject by the youth on Upoplis where they share strategies and their experiences with home injections.
Think F.A.S.T Poster
More episodes of the Upopolis podcast
Did you know that April 27th was national tell a story day? It was! So the host of Upopolis sat down with Ella Sofie to hear about her journey follow an AVM at fourteen years of age. Get cozy and enjoy taking in Ella's story.
Ella Sofia is a habit coach and content creator at www.retrainyourbrain.ca . After sustaining a brain injury at 14 years old, Ella learned how to harness the power of the mind to transition her rock-bottom into her breakthrough. Through a process dubbed mental rehabilitation, Ella teaches tactical advice on topics such as habit creation and narrative to help clients make their rock bottom to breakthrough transitions as well.
If you want to take in more Ella has to offer, please visit her YouTube Channel
To access the U Got This! Challenge, please check out Upopolis podcast episodes 4-7.
The three of us have been given the unique opportunity to practice child life solely online. From programming within Upopolis, adding value through the Upopolis blog, podcast, website, and social channels, plus providing resources and educational opportunities with both Upedia and Upopolis our team is expanding how we deliver services by meeting our community where they are at. Most importantly, we are always striving to reduce the isolation that comes with diagnosis (and loss) and treatment.
Want to know more about our team, click here.
Be sure to check out the Upopolis monthly blog and our unique resources on Created for U.
Do you know a youth that would like to become a member of Upopolis or would you like to be approved to make referrals? Click Here
March included a very special day, International Women's Day. This day inspired our host Krista Naugler to sit down with one of Canada's very own women of impact in the world of Child Life, Linda Skinner. Linda's career in Child Life began when the profession of child life and the role of the "play lady" was new and spanned over four decades.
In this episode, Linda shares about three initiatives that had a huge impact on child life during her career. Plus, she highlights other women of impact in the field, three Canadians and a few other colleagues that she holds high regard for.
Did I mention that Linda was one of the leaders at the table when Basile, founder of KHLF and Upopolis asked what Canadian child life needed? She shares about this in the episode too.
For information on the child life profession visit:
Association of Child Life Professionals
Canadian Child Life Leaders
To refer a youth to Upopolis or to become a referrer visit Upopolis
Do you work with youth with a mental health diagnosis or the children of parents with a mental illness? Yes, then this episode is for you. Child life specialist, Jane Marchildon joins our host Krista Naugler to chat about her top three child life-based interventions for this population, Bonus, Jane and Krista actually cover seven interventions including ones that Krista has done with youth navigating grief as the result of the death of a loved one.
No worries, if your not a child life specialist because this episode still holds huge value for you too. Be sure to check it out!
Did you know that up to one-third of the population report having issues taking pills? In this episode of the Upopolis podcast, Krista covers some of the research and offers some tips to help set you and your child/ teen up for success when it comes to taking pills and liquid medication.
Remember, mindset is very important and so be sure the child/ youth is willing to learn and that it is low stress and distraction-free.
How To Swallow Pills by Dr. Bonnie Kaplan Video
Inspired by another podcast, our host Krista Naugler is sharing her favorite things. In episode 11, she shares her five favorite distraction items or strategies. Child Life Specialists are often known in the hospitals for their bags of goodies and their distraction practices that support children and youth in having a positive experience.
You asked and we are delivering! In the feedback following our Tools of The Trade workshop series, CCLS asked for more content and sessions on child life-based interventions for teens. Join Krista Naugler, host of the Upopolis podcast for a NYE count down of five technology-based ( and nontech alternatives) interventions that she has used in her Child Life career working with teens.
With the COVID-19 vaccine being released this week, this is the perfect time to share some of our team's expertise in preparing children and parents for medical procedures. In this episode, the Upopolis team will share their tips on preparing yourself (the parent) and your child for getting a vaccination. From finding opportunities for control to distraction plans this episode is full of helpful information. Enjoy!
In the episode, the team mentions Comfort Positions, click this link to see position options for bloodwork from our partners BCCH. Note, several of these would work for vaccines as well.
Join Krista Naugler the host of the Upopolis podcast as she shares about the exercise the team created to help youth navigate 2020 and the world pandemic. This episode explores what the word cope means, how to sort out a coping plan, and some strategy examples.
Worksheet
Video lesson with Jessica, Upopolis Program Coordinator
Join Amiah, our intern, as she does a podcast takeover speaking with Rebecca and Meghan, two incredible youth who share their perspectives about living with Crohn's. These youth speak candidly about the reality of living with an invisible disability and how it impacts every aspect of their life. We cover everything from what it was like to be diagnosed to coping with tube feeds and medications. Practical strategies for seeking support and tips are discussed that are helpful for other youth, adults, and healthcare providers to know.
For more information and resources about Crohn's and Colitis, visit: https://crohnsandcolitis.ca
Join Krista Naugler host of the Upopolis podcast for a look at schedules and how 2020 has us finding new ways to make things show up in our day. Be sure to check out the other episodes highlighting exercises from the U Got This Challenge Brain vs Mind, Feelings, Coping and Goals)
Worksheets
Exercise Video Lesson
Join the Upopolis podcast host Krista as she discusses the activities that were offered to youth by the child life team via the U Got This! Challenge in March to help them identify and navigate all feelings. These activities and worksheets offer a nice way for families and groups to break the ice and start hard or uncomfortable conversations.
The yoga session pairs with Day 4 but the link is shared below since it was mentioned in this episode.
Links:
Yoga Session with Christina
Discussion on Feelings
Worksheet
When the pandemic hit Canada our Upopolis Child Life team quickly pivoted to create a tool to support youth as they navigate the restrictions and all the feelings that came along with it. We called this tool U Got This! It is a five-day challenge that the youth received from our team via email. Each day, there was a video lesson, a worksheet, and an activity.
We invite you to take a few minutes each week for the next five weeks to learn about the U Got This! tool/ challenge. We welcome you to use it yourself, with your family, patients, clients, or class.
Day 1 Resources
Video Recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/zLrjXTHkViE8GW1EvV2Iu2pBi2XrZndH8ufmPkgTyqhUrgHGuVVzpvajI4biN6hh.9uxqU0AJmSLFyj3S
Worksheet:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pdhO6RyEPb55VYtvcTKcvp8b7uU8rrC_/view?usp=sharing
Meditation with Christina:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HNPXDdT-sXE3gdQT-u173Hul4xbDoG4y/view?usp=sharing
Join host and child life specialist Krista Naugler as she interviews fellow CCLS Shaindy Alexander about her experiences parenting youth through a world pandemic. You will love her use of the 3W's (wants, wishes, and worries) and checklists to cope with the unexpected, be sure to listen so that you can use her strategies in your practice or home.
Join host Krista Naugler as she chats with child life specialists Laura McGrath and Morgan Livingstone about their experience parenting youth during the COVID-19 world pandemic. Parenting at the best of times can be challenging, add a world pandemic to the mix and you will see parents pulling out their work skills and strategies to help them and their families cope.
Join Upopolis podcast host Krista Naugler for a conversation with three fellow child life specialists, who also happen to be the parents of youth ages 6-17 years. These four mothers share their experiences parenting during a world pandemic (aka COVID-19) with the unique lens of being a child life specialist. The interview covers tips, strategies, temperament, grief, and more. Thank you to Sarah Patterson, Laura Breau, and Jessica Miller for joining the podcast for episode 3.
Resources:
- “Coronavirus: How to Teach your Kids about COVID-19” by BrainPop on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoXxmzKdick&t=94s
- “Flattening the Curve” by BrainPop News on YouTube (explaining what ‘flattening the Curve” means was very helpful to Tristan.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlt8hgGh1-k
- “Back to School, How to Prepare for the 2020 School Year” by BrainPop on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrEDX1HV1U8&t=53s
In this episode of the Upopolis Podcast, our host Krista Naugler is joined by Christina Papaevangelou, Co-founder of Kids' Health Links Foundation. Learn about the backstory of Upopolis and how the experience of two teenagers (one being herself) inspired Christina and her family to advocate for a safe place for youth to connect and partner with TELUS to make it happen.
The episode will give you a glimps int to the evolution Upopolis and Christina and Krista will share stories of youth that they have met along the way.
Join the Upopolis podcast host Krista Naugler, CCLS as she spends some time chatting with two youth from Upopolis Samantha and Kendall, the recipients of the 2020 Upopolis Connection Awards. Upopolis is all about giving youth the opportunity to connect with peers with similar experiences and these two have done just that.
Krista Naugler the host of the Upopolis podcast shares a bit about Upopolis and what you can expect from the podcast launching September 2020. Join Krista every second Tuesday as she interviews youth and professionals who will share their experiences, expertise, research, and resources to support you in your journey as a youth, parent, or professional.