In this very close and special episode, Ayla puts Ian into the hot seat as he celebrates his 2 years of sobriety.  She asks some burning questions on the process he has walked and the challenges and successes along the way.  They also announced that a short break in podcast schedule is upon us.  Remember pausing and taking a break is a good thing.  With new life upon us we celebrate and savour the moments we have had.  We wish you good health and look forward to releasing some new amazing topics in the future.

In this episode Ayla and Ian explore the real process of healing.  They discuss how healing is a nonlinear state of exploration which requires serious focus and patience.  Explore this topic with us and see where you sit in your own healing journey. 

Human programming dictates that in order for the survival of the species we need to reproduce. Becoming a parent is not only life changing but bestows responsibility upon us for a new life and the development of that life. Ayla and Ian discuss how generations of teaching are now under the microscope. Current parents are finding the broken patterns and ineffective teachings of tradition, close-minded thinking and emotionally invalidating childrens’ feelings. We break the mold of what is right and open the talk to what is needed and how parents are evolving their connection with their children. 

The 5 C’s of Mental Health - Ever asked the question “What are key focus points that can help maintain good mental health?” Ayla and Ian explore the 5 C’s of mental health as discussed on 247dct.org.  They peel back the relevance of these key areas in their own lives and discuss how and why it continues to be important in their own healing journeys.  Take a listen and see how these areas apply to your own life and healing journey.  You might just pick up something you can apply to improve your mental health.

Ever been asked this question before? “Do you really need that? Or do you just want it?” Ayla and Ian explore this age-old question when it comes to communicating.  Ayla opens the pages of the book entitled “Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall Rosenburg and shares how this has opened her eyes to the power of language and how we use it everyday.  Are we asking for what we need? Follow along in this week’s episode as we explore the process of discovering what you need, making a request, and navigating what happens when you’re met with an undesirable response. 

This week’s episode aims to challenge stigma, stereotypes, and mental programming of modern-day men.  Ayla and Ian discuss the ever-growing concern around men's mental health, especially focusing on the need for connection and community amongst our North American male-identifying population. Tune in as they discuss how empowering men to step into uncomfortable conversations of vulnerability and emotion can help combat the challenges of undoing decades of dysfunction and toxic ideologies.  Listen for strategies to empower the men in your life to feel seen, heard and safe expressing themselves emotionally as they navigate against archaic Patriarchal values that no longer serve any of us.

 Referencing an impactful video from @kill.the.ego displaying a bear in Romania freed from captivity yet continuing to pace cage-like circles in the wild, Ayla and Ian expand on last week's episode entitled Prison Break.  Resonating powerfully with our two hosts, this visual representation demonstrates how extended years of trauma can keep us locked in a perpetual cage - much like poor Ina was for over 20 years.  Follow along as we discuss the experience of being locked into thought patterns, and challenge yourself to reflect on the cages in your life.🫰

Link to the full reel is here: 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEaOAkIsNrr/?igsh=MTU0YXoyb2F5c2gwZQ==

This week's discussion begins with the hard hitting quote from @poetryrise - “The hardest prison to leave is the one I built to feel safe.” Ayla and Ian dive into how this resonates with each of their unique pasts and experiences.  They discuss how the past helps to construct this prison of the mind, which can be both frightening and restrictive, often keeping us from our true potential. Join us to discover if any of these discussions resonate in your life. As always, feel free to leave a comment and join in the discussion! 

We are very excited to have a special guest join us this week in the CISFY Podcast Studio.  Jonathan Bacon is a Social Service Worker and Addiction Counsellor currently working as a Community Outreach Worker with Support House Halton.  He has a background in developmental support work as a DSW.  He shares with us his first-hand experience in the field and how it links closely with our authenticity and safe space message.  We explore the reality and challenges of this key area of mental health support in the community.