A conversation with labour relations specialist Natasha Tony

In this episode of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast, host Gregg Taylor sits down with longtime industry insider and labour relations expert Natasha Tony to talk about the impact of exclusion in the workplace, especially in film.

Natasha has worked in the industry for over three decades, beginning in casting and later serving as a union rep before founding her own consulting firm, Elevate Inclusion. Her work now focuses on building inclusive workplaces and shifting workplace culture in film, TV, and beyond.

This episode is a powerful, personal conversation about how exclusion shows up, how it takes a toll on people’s mental health, and what we can all do to help create safer, more inclusive working environments.

Links mentioned in the Podcast:

• Creative Pathways Professional Development Program

• Calltime Mental Health Video

• BC Humans Rights Code

• Black Screen Office

• Indigenous Screen Office

• Racial Equity Screen Office

• WorkSafe BC Psychological Health and Safety

• A Transformative Framework to Achieve and Sustain Employment Equity - Report of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force

• Calltime Mental Health Resources

• Calltime Mental Health Union Benefits

• Find a Councillor Tool

• Narrative Shift with Natasha Tony Podcast
  

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gregg Taylor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michael Levett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gaëtan Harris

In this episode of the Calltime Podcast, we’re joined by Mary Ann Baynton, Chief Experience Officer at Mary Ann Baynton & Associates Corp and Director of Strategy for Workplace Strategies for Mental Health. Mary Ann shares her expertise on creating psychologically safe workplaces, offering practical tips for reducing stress and promoting mental well-being, especially in high-pressure industries like film. Tune in to hear about the importance of vulnerability, managing expectations, and fostering a supportive environment in the workplace. Don't miss these powerful insights for better mental health at work!

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health:

• An initiative providing free, practical ideas, tools, and resources to help with the prevention, intervention, and management of workplace mental health issues.https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/ 

FlourishDx:

• A platform providing tools and resources for managing psychosocial risks and promoting psychological health and safety.FlourishDX

Psychologically Safe Leader Method:

• A resource designed to help leaders create and maintain psychologically safe workplaces.https://www.mindfulemployer.ca/psychologicallysafeleadermethod 

National Standard of Canada on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (Z1003):

• A set of voluntary guidelines, tools, and resources intended to guide organizations in promoting mental health and preventing psychological harm at work.https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/national-standard/ 

ISO 45003: Psychological health and safety at work

An international standard providing guidelines for managing psychosocial risks in the workplace.https://www.iso.org/standard/64283.html

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gregg Taylor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michael Levett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gaëtan Harris

In episode four of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast, Gregg Taylor is joined by Stacy Ashton, Executive Director of the Crisis Centre of B.C., to discuss the critical work being done to support individuals in crisis across Canada, and in British Columbia in particular. The Crisis Centre of BC provides 24/7 support to anyone wanting to talk about their mental health through two phone lines:

988 (simply dial or text 988 from any phone): This is the Canada-wide phone line for suicide crisis support. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or intentions call this line to gain immediate support

310-6789 BC Mental Health & Crisis Response ( no area code needed): This is BC’s Mental Health crisis line offering emotional support and information on appropriate referral options, for a wide range of mental health concerns.

In this episode, Stacy takes us through how the Crisis Centre works, emphasizing the power of peer support. Over 250 trained volunteers at the Centre are available to listen and provide empathetic, non-judgmental assistance. 

Links mentioned in the Podcast:

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gregg Taylor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michael Levett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gaëtan Harris

In our latest episode of the Calltime podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Kira Berntson, Manager of Prevention Field Services at WorkSafe BC. Listen in as our Host Gregg Taylor and Kira  discuss an essential topic: safe and healthy workplaces. 

As employers and unions strive to create safer, healthier environments, understanding the intersection of mental health and safety is more crucial than ever.

Links mentioned in the Podcast:

Employers

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Gregg Taylor⁠⁠⁠⁠

Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Michael Levett⁠⁠⁠⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Gaëtan Harris

In this latest episode of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast, Gregg Taylor sits down with the amazing Dr. Ray Baker, a specialist in addiction medicine and recovery coaching. Their conversation is full of hope, real stories, and practical advice for anyone facing addiction or supporting someone through it.

Recovery Coaches and Programs:

Provincial Mental Health and Addiction Phone Lines:

Employee Assistance And Substance Use Programs

Your union or employer health benefit plans offer counselling, assessment and addiction treatment and support. Check your benefits here.

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠⁠⁠Gregg Taylor⁠⁠⁠

Producer: ⁠⁠⁠Michael Levett⁠⁠⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠⁠⁠Gaëtan Harris

In this episode, host Gregg Taylor will be joined by Shanelle Connell from Therapy Off Script to break down how to get a counselor, the various types of counseling available, how counselling can help, and share some valuable tips on how to choose the best counselor for you. Plus, we’ll explore the many ways a counselor can be a transformative part of your journey toward improving your mental health.

Whether you're seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or something specialized, this episode will guide you through the process of finding the support that fits you best.

Who is Therapy Off Script?Therapy: Off Script engages Canadian Entertainment Professionals in the art of enhancing mental wellbeing. As a Film and Television Industry member, Shanelle Connell is the founder of Canada's first therapeutic company solely dedicated to film and entertainment professionals. To find out more information on Therapy Off Script, please visit ⁠https://therapyoffscript.com⁠.

Links mentioned in the Podcast:

⁠The AFC Counselling Program⁠

⁠Setprotect⁠

⁠Union Benefits - Calltime Mental Health⁠

⁠BC Clinical Counselling Directory⁠

⁠9-8-8 Text Service⁠

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠⁠Gregg Taylor⁠⁠

Producer: ⁠⁠Michael Levett⁠⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠⁠Gaëtan Harris

Welcome back to Calltime Mental Health Podcast, where we dive into the depths of mental health with empathy, understanding, and hope. As we gear up for Season 2, we're on a mission to empower you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the realities and challenges of working in the motion picture sector.

In a world where mental health struggles often go unnoticed or untreated, it's time to break the silence. Season 2 of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast is your beacon of support, guiding you through the maze of seeking help and offering support to those in need.

Finding help for your mental health shouldn't feel like wandering in the dark. Whether it's therapy, medical support, or self-care practices, we'll explore the various avenues to getting the help you deserve.

It’s not just about seeking help for ourselves. It's about being there for others, too. From active listening to offering a helping hand, we'll discuss practical ways to support loved ones who may be struggling.

Join us for candid conversations, expert insights, and personal stories that shed light on the path to healing and resilience. Together, let's break down stigma, build connections, and create a world where mental health matters.

Subscribe and follow to be informed on episodes wherever you get your podcasts. 

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: Gregg Taylor

Producer: Michael Levett

Engineer and Editor: Gaëtan Harris

In the final episode of the season, host Gregg Taylor is joined by Dr. Allison Crawford, Psychiatrist at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Chief Medical Officer for the new national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Gregg and Dr. Crawford explore how the holiday season can be a time for family, community and joy, or a difficult season of stress, grief and challenging experiences.

In episode six, learn how you can navigate the holiday season with self-awareness and new strategies for maintaining your wellbeing and perspective. When times get really tough emotionally for you or those around you, learn how the new national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Hotline can be of immediate help.

If you are feeling like you have lost hope and are struggling to cope, if you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8 is here for you. When you reach out, a trained responder will listen without judgment, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help. A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Call or text 988

Web: Visit 988.ca

What is 9-8-8?What is the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)?

The Centre for Addiction & Mental Health provides education and research information for Canadians through their website: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info

During the episode, Allison expanded on her SEASONS model (graphic below), a list of top strategies for staying well and resilient through the holidays and beyond.

Links mentioned in the Podcast:

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠Gregg Taylor⁠

Producer: ⁠Michael Levett⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠Gaëtan Harris

In Episode 5 of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast, host Gregg Taylor is joined by Dagan Nish, Safety Advisor at Actsafe. Gregg and Dagan explore mental health models and programs for improving mental health on sets and in the workplace.

Learn how you can help support mental wellbeing and psychological safety on set. This episode focuses on ways people in the film and entertainment industry can support mental health on set, and discusses training that is available for those who want to build their knowledge and confidence. Accessing these programs will allow union and non-union members to foster and protect mental health on set and continue to end the stigma. 

What is Actsafe?

Actsafe Safety Association is a not-for-profit health and safety association supporting British Columbia’s arts and entertainment industries.

Since 1998, we have been serving our industries by providing resources and training to employers, workers, and supervisors to achieve a healthy and safe workplace. We are always here to provide information relevant to best practices around health and safety in the arts and entertainment industries in British Columbia.

Please watch “What is Actsafe?” video to learn more about Actsafe!

Links mentioned in the Podcast:

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠Gregg Taylor⁠

Producer: ⁠Michael Levett⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠Gaëtan Harris

Host Gregg Taylor is joined by Marlee Poole, Policy and Innovation Manager at the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS). Through her own personal story and programs available at VAHS, Marlee and Gregg discuss ways in which aboriginal mental health practice can help anyone who is struggling with mental health and addiction.

What is the VAHS?

VAHS is a not-for-profit organization offering urban Indigenous-focused health and social services. For more than 30 years, we have delivered programs by and for urban Indigenous people in Vancouver to support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Through services that focus on building relationships and connections, we address inequities in the health care system and promote empowered, healthy communities. 

Current VAHS services include a full-scope Primary Care Clinic, a Dental Clinic, a cultural wellness program led by Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous Early Years programs for children and families. 

VAHS will be opening a new Healing Centre, with dedicated outdoor spaces for land-based healing, at 52–92 East Hastings in Spring 2025. To learn more, please visit us online at vahs.life.

Links mentioned in the Podcast:

Credits:

Host / Executive Producer: ⁠Gregg Taylor⁠

Producer: ⁠Michael Levett⁠

Engineer and Editor: ⁠Gaëtan Harris