Rebel Therapy: w/ Katie and Michelle

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 51

🎙️The Sneaky Grief of Choosing: Friendship, Distance & The Four Seasons

In this episode we discuss a moving friendship scene from Netflix’s 'The Four Seasons', where longtime friends Kate and Danny grapple with his decision to move to Italy with his husband Claude.

After an unresolved goodbye, a later visit forces them into honest conversation: Danny admits he’s unhappy and misses Kate, and Kate explains how he uniquely holds a “time capsule” version of her beyond roles like wife or mom.

From there, they unpack how we carry multiple versions of ourselves over time, why specific relationships can’t be replaced, and how intentional choices always come with loss - sometimes a “sneaky grief” that appears even when the change is positive, like leaving a job or a child going away to university.

They end by emphasizing that strong relationships can be elastic enough to endure distance.

#rebeltherapypodcast #thefourseasons #episode51

00:00 Welcome and Hosts

00:05 Show Setup The Four Seasons

01:09 Danny and Kate Friendship

02:02 Italy Visit and Heartfelt Talk

02:59 Time Capsule of Friendship

03:24 Our Many Selves Over Time

04:27 Witnesses and Unique Loss

05:12 Specific Bonds and Timeliness

06:06 Meaningful Choices and Grief

08:09 Sneaky Grief in New Beginnings

09:21 Love That Endures Distance

10:41 Wrap Up Subscribe and Comments

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 50

🎙️Self-Discipline Isn’t Cute: What to Do When Everything Feels Meaningless

This episode, we open Rebel Therapy Podcast feeling frustrated, stuck, and disconnected from meaning, possibly intensified by Toronto’s unusually cold, gloomy weather, and we explore a Gestalt view that everything is relational: including our environment and daily micro-interactions.

Through a therapist-client-style roleplay, we describe doing all the “right” things (sleep, exercise, eating well) yet feeling tight, resistant, and chronically behind, like a rebellious teenager being dragged through the day. We unpack the internal push-pull between a disciplined “parent” part and a screaming “kid” part, emphasizing that self-discipline is a learned skill and doesn’t require enjoyment.

We reframe the day as managing expectations, i.e., getting it done without needing to feel inspired, while highlighting the need to acknowledge the underlying irritation and find a “reward” or recharge on the other side, inviting listeners to share what helps them reset.

#rebeltherapypodcast #episode50 #selfdiscipline

00:00 Welcome and Hosts

00:07 Feeling Stuck and Weather

00:55 Gestalt and Relational Life

02:21 Therapist Client Roleplay

03:04 Resistance and Inner Parts

06:36 Self Discipline vs Motivation

09:32 You Do Not Have to Like It

10:17 Rewards and Closing

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 49

🎙️ Kevin Calaguiro on Weaponized Humor, Creative Life at Deloitte, and Turning “Crazy” into a Superpower

In this episode we welcome longtime friend and podcast logo creator Kevin Calaguiro, a Toronto-based art director at Deloitte Canada. Kevin shares his non-strategic, “vibe” approach to life, from starting in retail management at TMU (then Ryerson), getting derailed by Toronto nightlife and the queer community, leaving school, and returning for fashion communications, which aligned with his creative strengths.

The conversation turns provocative as Kevin unpacks humour as armor shaped by early bullying, a fast litmus test for safety and belonging, and a double-edged sword in conservative corporate leadership settings.

He discusses learning to professionalize without losing authenticity, finding a therapist who helped reframe harsh self-judgment, and considering stand-up while sharing his chaotic, quick Instagram videos (@kevincalaguiro).

#RebelTherapyPodcast #Episode 49 #KevinCalaguiro

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:10 Art Director Life at Deloitte

03:13 From Business to Fashion

07:37 Finding Your Own Path

10:10 Humour as a Superpower

13:39 Provocation and Safety

15:56 Leadership and Professional Fit

20:03 Outlets Like Stand-Up

22:49 Therapy That Finally Clicked

31:36 Conflict Repair and Closing

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 48

🎙️Kingdom of Birds’ Asa Berenzy on Punk Joy, Post-COVID Loneliness, and Breaking Out of Toronto’s Music Scene

In episode 48 we host Asa Berenzy, Toronto musician and songwriter for the punk band Kingdom of Birds, discussing the band’s album Vermin, Asa’s influences (PJ Harvey, Pixies, Elastica), and how her sound evolved through years of writing and shifting from alternative rock to ’70s punk.

Asa reflects on being in high school during COVID, the hazy memories of that period, and the urgency to reconnect afterward. She explains her songwriting process (music first, lyrics emerging then finding meaning), connects meaning-making to Gestalt therapy ideas, and describes how Toronto’s post-COVID scene has become less accessible as DIY spaces closed and venues got pricier with fewer all-ages options.

Asa shares progress toward a first record deal, opening at Danforth Music Hall, upcoming tour and festival plans, and why making joyful, fun girl-fronted punk is its own rebellion. #rebeltherapypodcast #episode48 #KingdomofBirds #asaberezny

Stay in touch with Asa Berezny on Instagram: @kingdomofbirds 

00:07 Introducing Asa

00:44 Band Influences

01:09 Finding Their Sound

03:18 High School in COVID

05:30 Isolation and Urgency

08:48 Songwriting Process

10:12 Meaning in Art

11:22 Toronto Music Scene

13:06 Record Deal and Breakout

15:05 DIY Promotion Lessons

17:27 Gen Z Reality Check

19:25 Music Industry Monotony

20:27 Why Make Music

22:05 Learning Through Songwriting

23:42 Supportive Mentors

25:01 Pre Show Mindset

28:33 Whats Next Plans

29:23 Finding Your Voice

33:42 What Fans Should Feel

35:17 Live Music Magic

36:57 Worst Gig Stories

37:35 Joyful Punk Rebellion

38:38 Shows And Sign Off

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 47

🎙️Voice Acting, Reliability, and the AI Shake-Up (with Josh “Tall Josh” Mead)

This episode we welcome, voice actor Josh “Tall Josh” Mead, who shares how he built a 13-year full-time career in voiceover and on-camera “face acting.” Josh explains why VO fits his lifestyle, how live-directed promo sessions create high-pressure “three beeps and go” moments, and why reliability and speed, i.e., responding fast, being available, and delivering, book jobs.

He recounts moving to LA in 2004, landing early VO work through a Yakima audition, learning an American accent after being told he sounded “too Canadian,” and leaning on mentors and fellow actors after mistakes on set.

The conversation turns to AI’s impact on the industry, including a sharp work slowdown in late 2024, backlash against “AI slop,” contract risks around voice/likeness rights, and why embodied, relational human performance still matters.

#rebeltherapypodcast #episode47 #TallJoshMead #voiceover #actor

00:00 Podcast Welcome00:10 Meet Josh Mead01:22 Voice vs Face Acting02:01 Why Voice Acting Wins05:12 Reliability Gets Booked08:58 Adaptable Mindset10:02 LA Move and Early Days10:56 First VO Breakthrough13:44 Promo Work Under Pressure19:18 Body Language in the Booth25:21 Breath Control and Accent27:46 Canadian Speech Tells28:18 Composite vs Composite29:33 Accent Chameleon Work30:03 Learning Accents Fast31:04 AI Hits Voiceover33:06 Why Humans Still Win35:37 AI Therapy Dangers39:52 Contracts and Safeguards41:23 Career Advice Just Do It46:14 Big On-Set Mistake49:03 Resetting After Rupture51:05 Wrap Up and Where to Find

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 46

🎙️Nonjudgmental Isn’t Neutral: Contact, Curiosity, and the Cost of Division

In this episode we reflect on how platforming diverse voices on the podcast parallels showing up as therapists: aiming to be nonjudgmental and unbiased while acknowledging judgments naturally arise. We discuss nonjudgment as a practiced stance supported by therapeutic boundaries, and how curiosity and generosity create a container that allows people to speak freely without friction or resistance.

We contrast disagreement (possible in contact) with division (separation), arguing real human contact makes it harder to dismiss or hate others and helps us stay connected to ourselves. We explore how unsupported, out-of-contact anger (like road rage or online outrage) feels corrosive and draining, and how too much screen-based engagement can erode mental health by pushing people out of contact.

We invite listeners to share thoughts and suggest or volunteer guests with different perspectives.

#rebeltherapypodcast #nonjudgment #therapy #curiosity 00:00 Welcome and Vision00:57 Judgment vs Nonjudgment03:49 Therapy Boundaries and Stakes05:10 Hosting Guests with Curiosity06:51 Generosity as a Practice10:12 Curiosity Builds Compassion11:38 Unsupported Anger and Contact16:09 Screens and Losing Contact18:26 Community Over Division21:28 Disagreement Without Division22:09 Join the Conversation

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 45

🎙️Artist, Educator, Ally: Maria J. Cruz Takes on Vancouver City Hall with COPE | In this episode we interview longtime friend Maria J. Cruz, a Vancouver-based performing actor, writer/producer, adult-education educator working with newcomers to Canada, and cancer survivor now running for Vancouver City Council with COPE (Coalition of Progressive Electors).

Maria explains COPE’s history and platform, the upcoming October civic election structure, and the party’s internal vote to select candidates, noting a growing appetite for change and opposition to Mayor Ken Sim.

She shares why COPE’s mission felt authentic and emotional to sign, her lifelong financial struggles as an artist, and how resilience, community-building, and activism including work around Palestine) fuel her courage.

The conversation ties her choices to meaning, responsibility, self-care, and advice to her younger self: do the thing you’re most afraid to do.#copevancouver #rebeltherapypodcast #mariajcruz #courage

Viewers can support Maria J Cruz's campaign: https://www.copevancouver.ca/join_for_maria Instagram @musecruzBluesky: @mariajcruz.bsky.social

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:40 Meet Maria Cruz

01:33 Running with COPE

06:23 Why COPE Feels Real

09:45 Courage and Cancer Journey

15:54 Finding Community and Activism

20:59 Meaning Authenticity and Choice

24:50 Introvert Extrovert Balance

28:40 Advice to Younger Self

30:37 Where to Find Maria

31:18 Final Thanks and Goodbye

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 44

🎙️Dropping the “Therapist Face”: Sophia Okyere-Oduro on Real Therapy, Power, and Imposter Syndrome | In this episode we welcome registered social worker and psychotherapist Sophia Okyere-Oduro to discuss her path from aspiring lawyer to mental health work, including brain injury, concurrent disorders training at CAMH, an MSW from the University of Regina, and launching a private practice focused largely on young Black women.

Sophia shares how her client demographic formed organically, how she adapts therapy to culture and person rather than rigid modality, and why the therapeutic alliance and “holding space” often matter more than jargon or diagnosis. We explore authenticity versus professionalism, managing power imbalance, self-disclosure, and what clients’ questions can reveal about trust and vulnerability.

Sophia recounts harmful therapy experiences (including a therapist selling vitamins) and emphasizes client agency to “break up” with a therapist. The conversation closes on imposter syndrome and bravery. #sophiaokyereoduro #rebeltherapypodcast #podcast #impostersyndrome #authenticity #therapeuticalliance Find Sophia Okyere-Oduro: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/soo-affirming-counselling-services-toronto-on/1492095 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:36 Why Invite Guests01:38 Sophia’s Career Path03:31 CAMH and Mental Health Work04:07 Masters and Private Practice06:05 Finding Her Client Niche07:53 Alliance Over Modality09:16 Dropping the Professional Mask13:55 Authenticity vs Authority15:13 Handling Advice Requests16:31 Self Disclosure Boundaries18:17 Clients Testing Trust23:35 Debunking Therapy Stereotypes24:50 Therapist Stereotypes27:01 Showing Up Human28:35 Holding Safe Space30:26 Teens Test Trust32:02 Clients Have Answers34:55 Break Up With Therapists37:17 Agency And Boundaries39:26 Imposter Syndrome Leap44:14 Closing And Where To Find

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 43

🎙️Creating Worlds: Inside a Prop Master's Mind with Jim Murray on Chaos, Cockiness, and Keeping the Set Moving | In Episode 43, we interview Toronto IATSE 873 prop master Jim Murray, who has spent 28 years sourcing, building, and delivering anything actors touch—often in multiple versions for stunts and safety—across shows like The Expanse, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the Saw films, Welcome to Derry, and The Terminal List.

Jim explains why the job demands constant creativity, flexibility, backups (“one is none”), and calm under pressure when plans collapse on the shooting floor, sharing a recurring nightmare problem: expensive space helmet visors fogging up mid-shoot. He describes learning to “MacGyver” solutions in the non-union world, managing stress through compartmentalization, team debriefs, and newer on-set therapy supports, and recounts breaking an NDA to help fans push The Expanse to the right streamer, contributing to its revival. #JimMurray #PropMaster #theexpanse #rebeltherapypodcast #resilienceJim Murray, IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11410545/ 00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:26 What a Prop Master Does01:50 Breaking NDA for The Expanse02:31 Pivoting Under Set Pressure04:12 Visor Fog Crisis Story06:20 MacGyver Mindset and Confidence12:57 Risk Tolerance and Organic Days13:58 How He Got Into Props19:35 Community and Learning Non Union21:26 Managing Stress and Burnout26:36 Transformative Shows and Fans30:00 Where to Find Jim Closing

🗣️ Rebel Therapy Podcast: Episode 42🎙️Marathon Mindset: Fueling, Anxiety, and the Mental Skills That Actually Last | featuring Rachel Hannah (RD, Elite Runner) | In this episode of Rebel Therapy Podcast, we welcome our first guest, Rachel Hannah: registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition, Maurten sports nutrition consultant, elite runner, and six-time Canadian champion including the 2025 Canadian National Marathon Champion. Rachel shares how consistency, proper fueling, and a toolbox of mental strategies shape both performance and well-being, reflecting on past under-fueling, stress injuries, and learning to pace herself physically and mentally. She discusses managing start-line anxiety by returning to “neutral,” staying present, chunking the race into manageable pieces, using healthy distraction and gratitude, and adjusting expectations without self-judgment when the body doesn’t cooperate. The conversation connects marathon training to mental health: self-support over willpower, flexibility with coping tools, boredom as mental training, and the role of community and accountability. #rebeltherapypodcast #eliterunner #sportpsychology #episode42 Find Rachel Hannah @ rachelhannahrd.com & IG: rachelhannahrd00:00 Meet Rachel Hannah01:26 Why This Guest Series02:22 Running Roots and Consistency03:51 Fueling the Marathon05:07 Marathon as Mental Health06:30 Start Line Anxiety Tools10:56 Staying Present and Grateful12:43 When the Body Says No16:15 Self Coaching and Coping Tools21:11 Boredom as Mental Training23:05 Community and Support Systems25:38 Where to Find Rachel26:21 Final Takeaways and Joy