Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 8
Date: March 22, 2022

Participants: John Webster, Sammy Damaren, Cameron Earnshaw and Sheila Webster
Guests: Julia Heyens and Jonathan Gascho

Start times and Segment Summaries:

[0:00:19] What’s On Your Mind: Sammy and John talk about a quote from John’s quote list: “History is mostly guessing, the rest is prejudice.” - Will (1885-1981) and Ariel Durant (1898-1981), American historians. The hosts express frustration in not being taught about, and not learning about residential schools in Canada and the impact on Indigenous people.

Read more about Residential Schools and Truth and Reconciliation on the University of Manitoba website: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Reports page: https://nctr.ca/records/reports/#trc-reports

[0:09:26] Expanding Minds Interview: [Physical Wellness] Part 2 of our interview of Julia Heyens and Jonathan Gascho, helped bring international phenomenon parkrun to Kitchener. It’s an amazing community event.

[0:25:22] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron as the villain in a heavy metal villain and spider.

[0:29:23] Move Your Body: John and Sheila talk about our bodies being ideal for hunters and gatherers, and how they don’t lose sight of that despite technological changes in the last 100 years or so.

[0:35:10] Running Popup: John had his wellness breakthrough when he was running – when he was being physical. It didn’t happen while I was studying or writing. The significance of this point wasn’t lost on him.

[0:37:06] Flipside of the Coin: Sheila’s the doer. John is the thinker. Do opposites attract?

Guest Information:

Julia Heyens is a leisurely runner. She was attracted to parkrun for its inclusive nature and community feel.  She started attending events when she visited her sister in London, England (where parkrun started). She helped bring the event to Kitchener, Ontario. Julia is a registered midwife, currently on parental leave keeping busy with my 6-month-old child.

Jonathan Gascho is a local runner and a Wilfred Laurier University graduate. He became involved with parkrun to help remove barriers that make people believe that they are not, and can never be called a runner.  He lives in Waterloo and work at Running Room – which sells all things running related. He is another person who helped bring parkrun to KW

parkrun Contact information:
Victoria parkrun website (Kitchener, Ontario): https://www.parkrun.ca/victoriakitchener/
parkrun global website: https://www.parkrun.com/

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together/ ⁠

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 7
Date: March 15, 2022

Participants: John Webster, Sammy Damaren, Cameron Earnshaw and Sheila Webster

Guests: Julia Heyens and Jonathan Gascho

Start times and Segment Summaries:

[0:00:19] What’s On Your Mind: Sammy and John talk about one of the activities listed in John’s book, in connection with mental wellness: keeping an eye on your state of mind, emotions and feelings.

[0:09:20] Expanding Minds Interview: [Physical Wellness] Julia Heyens and Jonathan Gascho helped bring international phenomenon parkrun to Kitchener, Ontario, where it takes place at Victoria Park every Saturday morning at 9:00 am. This is Part 1 of their interview, where we learn more about parkrun.

[0:25:15] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron recounts an unusual recording studio session during the height of the Covid pandemic.

[0:30:16] Move Your Body: Like Sheila and John, Julie also loves walking. She also noticed something about how it opens up conversations.

[0:35:49] Running Popup: Trying something offbeat, even if it’s embarrassing, sometimes works out in the end.

[0:38:26] Flipside of the Coin: While out for a walk, Sheila talked about keeping balance while performing dance on stage. It’s a great analogy for seeking balance on the stage of life.

Guest Information:

Julia Heyens is a leisurely runner. She was attracted to parkrun for its inclusive nature and community feel.  She started attending events when she visited her sister in London, England (where parkrun started). She helped bring the event to Kitchener, Ontario. Julia is a registered midwife, currently on parental leave keeping busy with my 6 month old child.

Jonathan Gascho is a local runner and a Wilfred Laurier University graduate. He became involved with parkrun to help remove barriers that make people believe that they are not, and can never be called a runner.  He lives in Waterloo and work at Running Room – which sells all things running related. He is another person who helped bring parkrun to KW

parkrun Contact information:
Victoria parkrun website (Kitchener, Ontario): https://www.parkrun.ca/victoriakitchener/
parkrun Global/ International website: https://parkun.com/

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together/ ⁠

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 6

Date: March 8, 2022

Participants: John Webster, Sammy Damaren, Cameron Earnshaw and Sheila Webster

Guest: Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai

Start times and Segment Summaries:

[0:00:19] What’s On Your Mind: Part 1 of Sheila’s interview of Sammy. Get to know our co-host.

[0:08:55] Expanding Minds Interview: [Spiritual Wellness] We interview a Minister of the United Church of Canada, Reverend Michiko Bown-Kai. There’s a brief introduction of our series of interviews in the area of spiritual wellness. Michiko tells us about fasting and spirituality from the perspective of Christianity, as a United Church Minister.

[0:25:08] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Making lemonade out of lemons? How about honking ear training?

[0:30:10] Move Your Body: Sheila and Sammy talk about yoga – how they got into it.

[0:35:16] Running Popup: John talks about why he doesn’t see wellness as a zero sum game.

[0:38:03] Flipside of the Coin: Sheila and John talk about how parents may not know what they’re doing all the time, even if their children believe that they do.

Guest Information: Reverend Michiko Bown-Kai is a Minister of the United Church of Canada. They studied Social Justice and Peace Studies and Political Science at the University of Western Ontario before attending Emmanuel College for their Master of Divinity program.

Over the past decade Rev. Bown-Kai has engaged in ministry in many forms: as a Sunday School coordinator, program coordination at The United Church’s General Council Office, a youth group leader, an intern minister at East End United Regional Ministry, and most recently as the minister at Saint Luke’s United Church.

Rev. Bown-Kai is always excited to learn more about cultures, languages, and nature. You can often find them biking, highland dancing, or befriending as many dogs as possible

Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai’s website (with their contact page): https://michikobownkai.wixsite.com/ministry

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together/ ⁠

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 5
Date: March 1, 2022

Participants: John Webster, Sammy Damaren, Cameron Earnshaw and Sheila Webster
Guest: Jill Melanson

Start times and Summaries of Segments:

[0:00:19] What’s On Your Mind: Sammy describes an evolving relationship with money and finances.

[0:09:01] Expanding Minds Interview: [Economic Wellness] Jill Melanson talks about the 5 C’s of mortgage applications. It’s an intro to help people see what lenders consider when people apply for a mortgage.

[0:23:22] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron tells a story from a song writing retreat at a cottage.

[0:28:21] Move Your Body: Enjoying the feeling – Sammy and John how they enjoy physical activities on different levels – working out sometimes and enjoying the moment at others.

[0:32:53] Running Popup: John sees different podcast episodes as brush strokes that are slowly putting together a painting. We’re inviting listeners to ride along on the journey, and to join in the conversation.

[0:35:00] Flipside of the Coin: Sheila and John saw a presentation by spiritualist Mahatria Ra at a Rotary convention in 2016. He said that good people should strive to get money, because they will put it to good use.
Mahatria Ra’s 2016 “Be A Gift to the World” Presentation at Rotary International Convention in Seoul, Korea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbSBMIVQegI&ab_channel=MahatriaRa

Guest Information: Jill Melanson is a licensed Mortgage Agent who works with Invis, a large and respected Canadian mortgage brokerage. Jill guides her clients through the mortgage process and helps them make informed choices, including after a mortgage closes, providing tips and strategies to build long-term wealth. Jill spent most of her career with TD Canada Trust as a Financial Advisor.  She also worked at RBC as a Financial Advisor in a more remote role. She completed her Canadian Securities Course among other investment courses throughout her tenure in banking. Jill has been married for 10 years and has two beautiful kids. Her contact information:
Jill Melanson - Mortgage Agent with Invis (Kitchener, Ontario office)
Website: https://jillmelanson.ca/
email: [email protected] 
Tel: (519) 502-5259

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together/ ⁠

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie: Sammy

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 4
Date: February 22, 2022

Participants: Julie Wilson, John Webster, Cameron Earnshaw, Sheila Webster and Sammy Damaren.
Guest: Scott Williams

Start times and Segment Summaries:

[0:00:19] What’s On Your Mind: Co-Host Julie Wilson and John recall how they connected on a shared interest in wellness. Julie talks about workplace initiatives to bring attention to mental health and lessen stigma associated with it.

Link to Mental Health Commission of Canada for Mental Health First Aid Training: https://www.mhfa.ca/en/home

[0:10:00] Expanding Minds Interview: [Social Wellness] Part 2 of our discussion with Scott Williams of Spectrum (Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space), about Spectrum’s 2021 LGBTQ2+ Terminology Reference Guide, with a focus on gender related terms and concepts.

[0:27:09] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron took a trip to Colorado and is firing back up a team to create jingles and library music (e.g., for commercials). Connect with Cameron on Instagram @c4msh4w and it will be jingle all the way.

[0:30:02] Move That Body: John and Sheila talk about their go-to Move That Body – going for a walk.

[0:34:23] Running Popup: John talks about the hesitation and apprehension he felt about telling his story in public (in his book and on this podcast), then moving past it.

[0:39:15] Flipside of the Coin: Sheila and John talk about their annoying tendencies to repeat the same annoying words on the podcast, and how they “100%” need to fix that. “Basically,“ is it funny? Is it interesting?

Guest Information: Scott Williams holds a BA in English Language & Literature from Wilfred Laurier University, and a diploma in Film Production from Vancouver Film School. He completed certificates in Diversity & Inclusion Fundamentals and Anti-Racism with the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion. He is a graduate of the Engage!KW program from the KW Community Foundation. Prior to SPECTRUM, Scott served as the Communications & Development Coordinator at KW Counselling Services where he was part of the OK2BME Team. He volunteered as a member of the City of Kitchener Mayor's Task Force on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, the Children and Youth Planning Table Communications Advisory Committee, the Mental Wellness Network of Waterloo Region, and on the Breaking the Silence working group of the Rainbow Community Council. In his time at WLU, Scott served as Co-President of GLOBAL (Gay, Lesbian Or Bisexual At Laurier) and as a member of Laurier's Sexual Diversity Committee -- the antecedents of the Rainbow Centre. Scott was one of a small group that organized the first Pride Prom in Waterloo Region in 2003. He has previously volunteered with the Rainbow Reels Film Festival, and as a member of SPECTRUM's Board of Directors.

Spectrum (Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space): https://www.ourspectrum.com/
Link to Spectrum’s New 2021 LGBTQ2+ Terminology Reference Guide: https://www.ourspectrum.com/resources/101-terminology-guide/
Instagram @SpectrumWaterlooRegion

Spectrum Waterloo Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEf0IGt_3nyZ6hOJSTW8unQ

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together/ ⁠

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 3
Date: February 15, 2022

Participants: John Webster, Sammy Damaren, Cameron Earnshaw and Sheila Webstr
Guest: Scott Williams

Start times and Segment Summaries:

[0:00:19] What’s On Your Mind: Sammy and John talk about the Arts, which are important to wellness in their lives.

[0:09:16] Expanding Minds Interview: [Social Wellness] Part 1 of our discussion with Scott Williams of Spectrum (Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space), about Spectrum’s 2021 LGBTQ2+ Terminology Reference Guide, with a focus on gender related terms and concepts.

[0:23:21] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron’s tells us how Shy Harry’s single, “Do You Right” is getting radio play in the U.K. He hopes to perform in the U.K. with the band. He also put out a cover of Take Care (by City and Colours) with friend and harpist Rose – find it on Rose’s Instagram page @roseharpist. He also had a great teaching moment.

[0:26:12] Move That Body: Sammy and Sheila both danced throughout their lives. They talk about their love of dance and how it’s different from exercising at the gym.

[0:31:13] Running Popup: John talks about an approach he’s exploring: achieving balance by making informed choices about the trade-offs he makes between different areas of wellness. He’s forced into trade-offs, because of time management, for example

[0:34:58] Flipside of the Coin: Sheila and John talk about the first time they fell in love with a painting when they bumped into the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. They bought it and art became a rich source of enjoyment – part of wellness for them.

Guest Information: Scott Williams holds a BA in English Language & Literature from Wilfred Laurier University, and a diploma in Film Production from Vancouver Film School. He completed certificates in Diversity & Inclusion Fundamentals and Anti-Racism with the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion. He is a graduate of the Engage!KW program from the KW Community Foundation. Prior to SPECTRUM, Scott served as the Communications & Development Coordinator at KW Counselling Services where he was part of the OK2BME Team. He volunteered as a member of the City of Kitchener Mayor's Task Force on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, the Children and Youth Planning Table Communications Advisory Committee, the Mental Wellness Network of Waterloo Region, and on the Breaking the Silence working group of the Rainbow Community Council. In his time at WLU, Scott served as Co-President of GLOBAL (Gay, Lesbian Or Bisexual At Laurier) and as a member of Laurier's Sexual Diversity Committee -- the antecedents of the Rainbow Centre. Scott was one of a small group that organized the first Pride Prom in Waterloo Region in 2003. He has previously volunteered with the Rainbow Reels Film Festival, and as a member of SPECTRUM's Board of Directors.

SPECTRUM (Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space): https://www.ourspectrum.com/
Link to Spectrum’s New 2021 LGBTQ2+ Terminology Reference Guide: https://www.ourspectrum.com/resources/101-terminology-guide/
Instagram @SpectrumWaterlooRegion
Spectrum Waterloo Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEf0IGt_3nyZ6hOJSTW8unQ

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together/ ⁠

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast – Episode 2
Date: February 8, 2022

Participants: John Webster, Sammy Damaren, Cameron Earnshaw and Sheila Webster
Guest: Beth Beattie

Start times and Segment Summaries:

[0:00:19] What’s On Your Mind: Sammy and John talk about the masks we wear and how we notice some of them, but maybe not all of them.

[0:09:51] Expanding Minds Interview: [Mental Wellness] Part 2 of our discussion with Beth Beattie, a lawyer who revealed her bipolar disorder at work after keeping it secret for 14 years.

[0:25:34] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Instead of practice makes perfect, what about practice makes habit?

[0:28:54] Move That Body: Differences between core and strength training.

[0:34:51] Running Popup: Poets ask the questions and philosophers try to answer them.

[0:37:00] Flipside of the Coin: Sheila and John talk about budgeting when they were starting out in their careers, and the importance of economic wellness.

Guest Information: Beth is Senior Counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General Civil Law Division, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care Branch.  She has a broad litigation practice. Beth Beattie “came out of the mental illness closet,” as she puts it, after 14 years of working as a lawyer with bipolar disorder. Her story has been broadly featured on television, newspaper and other media. Beth has made presentations to thousands of people, including professionals and the public at large. Beth works hard and volunteers much time to help improve the lives of those living with mental illness as well those who care for them.

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together/ ⁠

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 1
February 1, 2022 

Participants: John Webster, Sammy Damaren, Cameron Earnshaw and Sheila Webster
Guest: Beth Beattie

Summary: It’s the debut episode. Our podcast grew from concepts in John’s book, Accidentally Well. He’s developing a framework to seek balance and fulfillment, taking into account eight categories of wellness: Physical, Mental, Economic, Social, Artistic, Environmental, Spiritual and Intellectual. If he ignores some areas, even if he’s thriving in others, it affects his overall well-being. He needs to act – to take active steps – to foster wellness in the different areas. Most interviews relate to one or more the eight facets of wellness that we’re exploring.

Show Format and This Week’s Segment Summaries:

[0:03:20] What’s On Your Mind: chat between hosts about a wellness topic (10 minutes)⁠.
This week: John and Sammy talk about a social media post that compared toxic positivity to genuine optimism.
Link to Mental Health Commission of Canada for Mental Health First Aid Training: https://www.mhfa.ca/en/home

⁠[0:12:21] Expanding Minds Interview: We talk to guests about their experiences in the 8 areas of wellness we’re exploring. Some are from organizations that foster wellness (15 minutes).⁠
This week: [Mental Wellness] Part 1 of our discussion with lawyer Beth Beattie. Her story of living and working with bipolar disease is well publicized. She’s been a mentor to law students and junior lawyer on how to foster their own mental health. She works to eliminate stigma associated with lawyers who face mental health issues. It’s so important for business leaders to publicly disclose their mental illnesses. Beth is one of the brave leaders willing to do so.

⁠[0:31:04] Adventures of the Starving Artist: hear about Cameron’s adventures as a musician (3-5 minutes)⁠.
This week: Cameron introduces his segment and tells us about himself.

⁠[0:34:46] Move That Body: we highlight physical activities people enjoy and how the activities make them feel (great!) (5 minutes)⁠.
This week: Sammy and John talk about how great it feels – the sensations – when they hit the right level of physical activity – a good amount but not overdoing it.

[0:40:06] Running Popup: John shares a thought on a topic, which often comes together on a long run (3-5 minutes)⁠.
This week: John explains the popup that led to his book and ultimately this podcast.

⁠[0:47:49] Flipside of the Coin: banter between Sheila and John – some fun while discussing wellness in the context of a relationship (5 minutes).
This week: Find out how John and Sheila met.

Guest Information: Beth Bettie is Senior Counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General Civil Law Division, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care Branch.  She has a broad litigation practice. Beth “came out of the mental illness closet,” as she puts it, after 14 years of working as a lawyer with bipolar disorder. Her story has been broadly featured on television, newspaper and other media. Beth has made presentations to thousands of people, including professionals and the public at large. Beth works hard and volunteers much time to help improve the lives of those living with mental illness as well those who care for them.

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together⁠ use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lets.Be.Well.Together/ ⁠

 Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila and Julie

Pre-Show Released January 9, 2022

Lots of introductions in advance of our February 1, 2022 launch. Learn about our origins, our team, our show format and how to connect with us.

You will hear from hosts John Webster and Sammy Damaren, along with team members Cameron Earnshaw, Julie Wilson and Sheila Webster.

We talk about different areas of wellness, including physical, mental, economic, social, artistic, environmental, spiritual and intellectual. If we’re thriving in some facets but ignoring others, it affects our overall well-being.

Our episodes will be about 50 minutes. They’re set up to allow listeners to take in the whole show at once, or in sessions over the course of the week. The segments include:

What’s On Your Mind: chat between hosts about a wellness topic (10 minutes).

Expanding Minds Interview: We talk to some guests about their experiences in the eight areas of wellness we’re exploring. Some guests explain concepts connected to a facet of wellness. Others are from organizations that foster wellness (15 minutes).

Adventures of the Starving Artist: hear about Cameron’s adventures as a musician (5 minutes).

Move Your Body highlights physical activities people enjoy and how they make them feel (great!) (5 minutes)

Running Popup is a chance for John to share his thoughts on a discrete point, which often come together on a long run (3-5 minutes).

Flipside of the Coin is banter between Sheila and John – some fun included in discussing wellness in the context of a relationship (5 minutes).

 Check out our website letsbewelltogether.com.

Follow us on Instagram @lets.be.well.together. Instagram will be our primary venue for social media. Please use the hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast to connect with us.

We also have a Facebook page and a Twitter account

Be some of the first to join our social media sites.

 Be sure to look for our debut episode on February 1, 2022, on your favourite podcast platform.

 Thanks for joining us,

 (-(-_(-_-)_-)-)   Your wellness check-in team