In the twentieth and FINAL episode of season four, I am joined by my pal Danielle Crowell to overthink about Past, Present and Future.

In this episode, Danielle turns the mic on me! 

We dive into: 

• The intention of the podcast and its’ evolution

• Important lessons in podcasting and life

• Future goals 

To find out more about Danielle, head back to Season 1, Episode 12.

In the nineteenth episode of season four, I am joined by Alix Robinson and Colleen O'Dea to overthink about Imposter Sisterhood.

In the eighteenth episode of season four, I am joined by April Howe to overthink about inclusion and mentorship. 

We dive into: 
• The story behind Crayon Strategies
• The importance of mentorship and building connections
• The benefits of public speaking

April has been an active voice for diversity and inclusion for many years. Through her Consulting firm, Crayon Strategies Inc., she helps organizations create the conditions for authentic inclusiveness. She consults and coaches extensively with clients within the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
April served the Province of Nova Scotia from 2018 – 2023, most recently as the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Prior, she was the Senior Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Justice. Before joining the Department of Justice, April was the Executive Director of People and Culture with the Public Service Commission, where she led the creation of the provincial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Before joining government, April was a Partner with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette leading their Career Services practice. April holds an Executive Master of Business from Saint Mary's University - Sobey School of Business and is also a Certified Career and Executive Coach.
As a believer in community engagement, April co-chaired the successful 2020 Halifax Mayoral campaign for Mayor Mike Savage. She currently sits on the Boards of the Neptune Theater, the International Women’s Forum (IWF), the Africville Heritage Trust, and the Tribe Network. Previously, she served on the of boards of the North End Community Health Center, the IWK Foundation, the Halifax Partnership, the United Way Halifax, the Black Business Initiative, and Dress for Success.

Crayon Strategies: www.crayonstrategies.ca

In the seventeenth episode of season four, I am joined by Alana Yorke to overthink about strength with a stroke. 

We dive into: 

• Music before, during, and after stroke

• How stroke impacted mental wellness

• Finding humour and joy in tough situations

Alana Yorke’s Destroyer is an art-pop stunner that represents both a creative triumph and a personal transformation. From its genesis, the album was anchored in the idea of a solitary descent to face the self and come back wholly changed. The universe of Destroyer is an otherworld where snapshots of Yorke’s psychic landscape are fanned out against a layered musical backdrop coloured by a 21-piece string orchestra, the ultraviolet cool of ’80’s synth-pop, the austere grace and rhythmic cadences of minimalist contemporary composers and the whole-hearted reverberation of anthems that call forth echoes from the unconscious, somewhere between the tidal forces of Kate Bush and Philip Glass. Toward the end of the multi-year effort of making the album, Yorke survived a hemorrhagic stroke which led to unparalleled experiences of existence, and an extraordinary recovery. Now as she rises above the surface, Destroyer has become an offering from the depths, transforming emotions from her singular experience into a gift of universal resonance.

Alana Yorke: http://www.alanayorke.com

In the sixteenth episode of season four, I am joined by Susan Henderson and Sarah Flemming to overthink about self and community compassion. 

We dive into: 

• Showing yourself love and grace

• Community care and inclusiveness

• Taking mental health days (without guilt)

Sarah Flemming is the current Executive Director at the United Way of Colchester County.

Sarah is passionate about housing solutions that work in community to keep everyone housed, addressing the impacts of poverty, and advocating for basic income. Sarah is also committed to creating inclusive and accessible communities where every person feels welcome.

At home Sarah enjoys hanging out with her family, reading, and getting outside whenever possible!

Susan Henderson is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Colchester East Hants Branch. Susan has worked in the not-for-profit and volunteering sector since 1985. This included the beginnings of a number of long standing organizations such as the Colchester Food Bank and the Third Place Transition House.

Following 7 years of employment at the Nova Scotia Residential Center she began a 15-year career in youth justice where she was involved in the establishment of the provincial Restorative Justice program. During this time Susan became involved with Nova Institution, eventually serving as the Co-Chair of the CSC National Volunteer Association for 3 years.

Susan began her employment with the local branch of CMHA CEH in November of 2010 and continued to serve on a number of Board and Committees. Currently she serves as a Board Member of the Colchester Sexual Assault Center, is the Co-Chair of the Northern Patient Rights Advisory Committee and the Chair of Governors of the Jane Norman College.

She is a proud wife, mom of two grown children and two cats. With nature as her reset button, Susan loves to garden and spend time outside. Happiest by the ocean, as much time as possible is spent at her family camp with loved ones and friends.

In the fifteenth episode of season four, I am joined by Stacey Harrison to overthink about death, dying and grief.

In the fourteenth episode of season four, I am joined by Laura Simpson to overthink about noticing the music.

In the thirteenth episode of season four, I am joined by Jen Meza to overthink about mindset.

In the twelfth episode of season four, I am joined by Mandy Wood to overthink about living with trauma.

We dive into: 

• Mental Health in the Workplace

• Childhood trauma and therapy work

• The courage to tell your story

Mandy Wood is proudly a mental health work-in-progress. A radio announcer in Truro, NS for 20+ years, Mandy co-hosts the Pure Country Morning Show. She is also a wife, mother and sexual assault survivor. Mandy has major depressive disorder, C-PTSD and a history of severe panic attacks and self-harm. She shares her story to help confront and eliminate stigmas and stereotypes; but most of all, to show there is hope — You can be at your darkest point and still feel the sunshine again.

*Trigger Warning: This conversation includes references to suicidal thoughts, self harm and sexual abuse. To anyone who may need help to cope with their mental health and/or thoughts of suicide, please, please, please reach out for help.

Canada Suicide Prevention: 

• 1-833-456-4566 (phone) 

• 45645 (text) 

• www.crisisservicescanada.ca (chat)

Please connect with a sexual assault centre or transition house in your local area:

https://endingviolencecanada.org/sexual-assault-centres-crisis-lines-and-support-services/

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