In this conversation, Sadhvi Bhavya shares her journey into the practice of Brahm Gyan meditation, emphasizing the importance of community, guidance, and the role of a guru in spiritual growth. She discusses the differences between mindfulness and deeper meditation practices, the significance of ethics and morality in modern society, and the impact of ego and identity on personal development. Sadhvi highlights the need for inner peace in a chaotic world and reflects on her transition from a corporate career to a life dedicated to helping others find their true selves through meditation.

Learn more about her work here - https://sadhvibhavya.com/

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction to Sadhvi Bhavya and Brahm Gyan Meditation [02:36] Sadhvi Bhavya’s Journey to Meditation [05:32] The Role of Community and Guidance in Meditation [08:36] Commercialization of Mindfulness and Meditation Practices [11:41] The Importance of a Guru in Meditation [14:22] Non-Dual vs. Dual Meditation Practices [17:23] Ethics and Morality in Meditation Practices [19:54] The Role of Silence and Self-Reflection [23:08] The Guru-Disciple Relationship and Ethical Considerations [32:00] The Journey to Independence through Brahmgyan [33:27] Seeking Deeper Meaning in Life [35:11] The Role of Sponsorship in Spiritual Growth [37:15] Mindfulness and Connection to the Soul [39:02] Finding Purpose and Making Life Changes [41:51] Balancing Practicality and Spirituality [45:17] The Importance of Individualized Practices [48:20] Navigating Life Changes and Wake-Up Calls [51:58] Understanding Ego and Identity [56:28] Creating Peace Within to Impact the World

Questions - [email protected] 

Disclaimer 

Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition

Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.

From Burnout to Balance: Mental Health Tips for Entrepreneurs and Startup Teams – In this special episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Mike Stroh, founder of Starts With Me, to tackle the critical issue of managing mental health in high-pressure, fast-paced environments like startups. With World Mental Health Day approaching on Thursday, October 10, 2024, this conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals working in demanding roles.

Mike Stroh, who has overcome personal struggles with addiction and mental illness, shares his journey from battling his own challenges to founding a company that helps organizations support employee mental well-being. He discusses the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life, recognizing burnout, and how leaders can foster a culture of compassion and responsibility.

Original post from pitchplease.ca - Mike Stroh, MACP - Burnout in Startup Culture

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Understanding Burnout and Balance: Mike explains what burnout is, how it manifests, and the importance of finding your baseline for mental well-being.

• Signs of Burnout: Learn how to identify physical, emotional, and behavioral signs of burnout, both in yourself and your colleagues.

• Practical Mental Health Strategies: From sleep and exercise to managing internal dialogue, Mike shares actionable steps for improving mental health and preventing burnout.

• Company Culture and Mental Health: Hear Mike’s advice on how companies and leaders can create a supportive environment for employees while balancing business demands.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Compassion and Honesty: Mike emphasizes the importance of being honest with yourself about your limits and practicing self-compassion to avoid burnout.

• Finding Your Baseline: The idea of establishing a personal baseline for stress, sleep, and well-being is central to maintaining mental health.

• Creating a Culture of Support: Leaders and founders can set the tone by fostering a culture that values both compassion and responsibility.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Mental Health in Fast-Paced Environments

07:20 - Understanding Burnout and Balance

15:22 - Identifying Signs of Burnout

19:04 - Strategies for Maintaining Mental Health

30:59 - Implementing Change for Better Mental Health

49:13 - First Steps Towards Mental Wellness

More About Mike

Over the last 10+ years Mike has presented to over 100,000 people in live audiences discussing workplace mental health, k-12 education, and how to create mentally healthy teams that are connected, effective and purpose driven.

He is regularly featured on Canadian National News discussing a variety of mental health and addiction related topics. In 2019 Mike received the innovative Exemplary Practice Award in Student Leadership and Mental Health from the Toronto Catholic District School Board and was chosen by Arc'teryx as one of their distinguished Global Problem Solvers for his use of design thinking in k-12 education and workplace mental health.

Over the years Starts With Me has worked with some of the world's biggest brands like Amazon, Hyundai, McKesson, the City of Toronto, and Canada's largest school boards.

Mike has a masters in counselling psychology, is a registered psychotherapist and works as a therapist in private practice.

In this conversation, we delve into the complexities of friendship, exploring themes of authenticity, self-reflection, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in relationships. They discuss the importance of recognizing false friendships, the role of self-interest in forming connections, and the necessity of setting boundaries. The dialogue emphasizes personal responsibility in navigating friendships, particularly in adulthood, and the challenges of maintaining meaningful relationships amidst life's changes. Through the lens of stoicism, they reflect on the nature of friendship and the importance of mutual support and respect.

Frenemies, Oct 18 -  from the Daily Stoic.

This is a series of me reading from #ryanholiday 's #dailystoic

Check out his book here - https://amzn.to/3xribbM

▶ Daily Stoic Reading Playlist = https://bit.ly/3LaDHVb

Chapters

[00:00] Navigating Relationships: The Quest for Authenticity

[02:46] Self-Reflection: The Mirror of Friendship

[05:59] The Complexity of Friendship Dynamics

[09:00] Boundaries and the Ethics of Honesty

[11:49] Friendship and Personal Responsibility

[15:01] The Role of Parents in Friendship Dynamics

[18:12] Reevaluating Friendships in Adulthood

[20:47] The Challenge of Maintaining Friendships

[23:50] Finding Balance in Social Connections

[27:13] Redefining Friendship in Modern Life

Takeaways

Self-reflection is key to understanding our role in relationships. Friendship dynamics can be complex and multifaceted. Setting boundaries is essential for healthy relationships. It's important to take responsibility for our friendships. Parents can influence our understanding of friendship. Friendships often change as we grow older. Maintaining friendships requires effort and prioritization. Friendship can sometimes be a source of stress. Navigating social connections is a lifelong challenge.

Patreon - https://bit.ly/3VHPGie

Questions - [email protected] 

Disclaimer 

Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition

Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.

In this conversation, Rebecca shares her experiences with burnout and bipolar disorder, emphasizing the need for self-love, accountability, and the inner work required for healing. Mike and Rebecca explore the concept of success, the impact of societal pressures, and the significance of community support in navigating trauma and fostering resilience.

Chapters

[00:00] Taking Accountability for Healing  [05:54] Understanding Mental Health Challenges  [10:11] The Fear of the Future and Its Impact [12:58] Shifting Perspectives on Work and Success [14:56] The Foundation of Self-Care and Resilience [19:10] Listening to the Whispers of Burnout [22:51] The Dark Side of Mental Health Awareness [29:05] The Importance of Personal Responsibility [32:49] Finding Hope in Shared Experiences

Learn more about Rebecca and her work here - https://www.beandbecomeconsulting.ca/

Key Themes of this episode

• Burnout often stems from a faulty mindset about success.
• Self-care practices are foundational for mental wellbeing.
• Radical self-love shifts our perspective on value and worth. 
• Listening to early signs of burnout can prevent deeper issues.
• Healing requires personal accountability and inner work.
• Fear of the future is prevalent among young generations.
• Achievement should be viewed as a journey, not a destination.
• We can change our narratives around trauma and pain.
• Support and resources are important, but personal effort is essential.

Patreon - https://bit.ly/3VHPGie

Questions - [email protected] 

Disclaimer 

Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition

Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.

In this conversation, I talk with Clinical Psychologist, Dr Julia Sen about the complexities of parenting, focusing on the emotional dynamics between parents and children. We explore how disappointment can negatively affect children, the balance of parental responsibility, and the importance of self-regulation. Our discussion also touches on the role of the vagus nerve in emotional health, the significance of fairness in parenting, and the impact of shame on a child’s development. Throughout, we emphasize the need for self-compassion and understanding in the parenting journey. Learn more about Julia here - https://drjuliasen.com/

Chapters

00:00 The Weight of Disappointment in Parenting  02:03 Navigating Parental Responsibility and Child Independence  04:55 The Importance of Self-Regulation in Parenting  10:02 Understanding the Vagus Nerve and Emotional Regulation  20:13 The Role of Fairness in Parenting  25:01 The Impact of Shame and Disappointment on Children

Patreon - https://bit.ly/3VHPGie

Questions - [email protected]

Disclaimer

Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.

The discussion focuses on why it's important for schools to take proactive steps in addressing mental health and behavioral challenges.

Brandy Samuel, M. Ed., discusses the work she does with eLuma Therapy, a Telehealth company that supports students' social and emotional well-being.

• We discuss a variety of ways to address the state of poor student mental health across the western world.
• We talk about using universal screeners to evaluate students' social skills and find areas for focused teaching.
• The conversation highlights the importance of a whole-school approach to mental health and the benefits of building strong relationships with students and families.
• We also touch on the impact of social media and technology on student well-being.

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction   [02:00] Proactive Approaches to Mental Health   [05:19] Using Universal Screeners   [10:30] Teaching Social Competencies   [16:45] Embedding Mental Health Education   [22:53] Bringing Students Together   [29:04] The Correlation Between Emotion and Academics   [38:34] The Cost of Proactivity   [45:18] The Importance of Teaching Social Competencies

Patreon - https://bit.ly/3VHPGie

Questions - [email protected]

Disclaimer

Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.

The conversation explores the pitfalls of false positivity and how it contrasts with the value of positive psychology. We cover many other topics and practices around cultivating resilience and well-being, and how innovation and community can lead to solutions for societies growing mental health problems. Featured on this episode is Mark Fussell, the founder of Take Two Minutes @take2min, a nonprofit focused on mental well-being.

Chapters

[00:00] The Paradox of Prosperity and Doom and Gloom   [00:28] The Impact of Social Media and News on Mindset   [01:12] Introducing Take Two Minutes: Yoga, Meditation, and Positive Messages   [08:53] Exploring the Value and Challenges of Positive Psychology   [23:45] The Role of Technology in Supporting Mental Well-being   [26:07] Overprotectiveness and Anxiety   [27:05] The Need to Learn from Adversity   [31:23] Gratitude Journaling and the Gratitude Challenge   [35:15] Recognizing Positivity and Dealing with Grief   [43:25] The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health   [48:40] Finding a Balance with News and Social Media

Learn more about Mark and Take Two Minutes here - https://take2minutes.org/

Patreon - https://bit.ly/3VHPGie

Questions - [email protected]

Disclaimer:

Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Podcast. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.

In this conversation we dig into the many myths and misperceptions around men and help seeking. I think it is a needed and important discussion that is often poorly addressed in today's world. Eric Pierni, a registered psychotherapist and certified sex addiction therapist, owns Men Therapy Toronto, a clinic dedicated to providing a safe space for men to explore their mental health.

He runs a men's group focused on healthy sexuality and masculinity, inspired by the lack of male-specific support spaces. Pierni specializes in male trauma, particularly sexual abuse, and emphasizes the need for a non-judgmental environment for healing. He discusses the stigma around compulsive sexual behaviour, the importance of support groups, and the need for a nuanced understanding of sexual sobriety. He also explores vulnerability, intimacy, and the concept of masculinity in healing. 

Chapters

[00:00] Guest intro & hello

[02:30] Introduction and The Genesis of Men Therapy Toronto and the Need for Men's Therapy

[07:11] The Myth of Men Not Asking for Help

[10:01] The Importance of Brutal Honesty and Connection in Therapy

[11:38] The Role of Shame Reduction in Healing

[20:22] Specializing in Male Sexual Abuse and Trauma

[23:11] Understanding and Treating Behavioural Addictions

[28:04] The Shame and Stigma of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour

[29:29] Defining Sexual Sobriety in 12-Step Programs

[30:52] The Power of Support Groups

[31:21] Developing a Supportive Internal Voice

[31:49] The Importance of Emotional Awareness

[34:54] Differentiating Between Anxiety and Addiction

[40:08] Exploring Vulnerability and Intimacy in Healing

[47:10] Redefining Masculinity and Overcoming Shame

Patreon - https://bit.ly/3VHPGie

Questions - [email protected]

Disclaimer Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.

In this episode we delve into a thought-provoking commentary on discussions involving JP Reacts (Awaken with JP), and Tom Bilyeu. Exploring themes of parenting, life satisfaction, and societal dynamics, we critically evaluate the arguments put forth by these prominent figures. Our analysis highlights the significance of intellectual engagement and critical assessment in navigating complex topics such as parenthood and happiness.

Join us as we dissect the nuances of their conversations and underscore the importance of honest and sincere dialogue in today's media landscape.

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction and Discussion of the Video Topic   [03:05] The Impact of Children on Happiness and Fulfillment   [08:31] Critiquing JP's Framing and Bias   [14:35] The Limitations of Research Studies on Parenthood   [19:22] The Importance of Honesty in Personal Choices   [25:08] Exploring the Concept of Sacrifice and Happiness   [29:55] The Cultural Divide between Parents and the Childless   [38:16] Critiquing the Child-Free Movement and Self-Obsession   [43:31] Humorous Rebuttal and Conclusion   [44:55] The Fulfillment of Parenting   [49:41] Balancing Career, Family, and Societal Expectations   [55:50] The Pitfalls of a Self-Centered Lifestyle   [01:02:07] The Motivation and Purpose of Parenthood   [01:10:07] The Impact of Parenting Style on Happiness   [01:14:49] The Wisdom and Joy of Intergenerational Relationships   [01:20:52] The Complexities of the Decision to Have Children   [01:26:12] The Interconnected Happiness of Parents, Grandparents, and Children

Takeaways

• The pursuit of hedonic pleasure does not lead to long-term fulfillment or positive emotions. 
• The decision to have children is influenced by societal factors, such as the cost of living and cultural ideologies. Accepting shortcomings and taking responsibility are important aspects of parenting that can inspire personal growth and motivation.
• The happiness derived from parenting is influenced by the parenting style and the intergenerational relationships it fosters.
• Elitism and bias can hinder productive conversations and understanding.
• Researchers should acknowledge the limitations and challenges of psychological research.
• Certainty in complex social phenomena is unrealistic; uncertainty is inherent in scientific exploration.
• The value of sacrifice and the complexity of personal choices should be considered.
• Honest and sincere conversations are essential in a society dominated by social media and tribalism.

Original video link - https://youtu.be/33PCUZpXuvU?si=8Zwxh5P-UvPl06HZ

Questions - [email protected] 

Disclaimer Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.

Andrew Kirsch, a former intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), shares his journey from finance to espionage and the challenges of transitioning into a career in intelligence. He discusses the meaning and purpose behind his decision and provides insights into the recruitment process, what it's like to live a hidden double life, including the polygraph test and the impact this life had on his personal and family life.

The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining honesty and authenticity while working in a covert government role. It explores the impact on personal relationships, the psychological toll of secrecy, and the strategies used to navigate the complexities of the job. The themes of honesty, secrecy, and the psychological impact of covert work are central to the discussion.

The conversation covers Andrew Kirsch's experiences in the field of intelligence and security, including surveillance, undercover operations, and managing high-stakes situations. It delves into the challenges, decision-making, and interpersonal dynamics involved in covert operations, as well as the psychological and emotional impact on the individuals involved.

Buy Andrew's book here - https://bit.ly/3Wfg18P

Check out his Youtube Channel here - https://bit.ly/3VXqWTc

Chapters

[00:00] Andrew's Life and Journey into CSIS and the Life of a Spy

[03:00] Post 9/11 World and The Call to Service

[08:30] Intelligence Officer Recruitment Process

[14:00] What is the Polygraph Test? How Do Spies Work With It?

[20:00] Personal Impact: Family and Relationships in Espionage

[25:14] The Challenge of Honesty in Covert Work

[30:17] Navigating Secrecy and Authenticity

[37:34] The Psychological Toll of Covert Operations

[01:06:35] Managing Tensions and Resentment Within the Team

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Disclaimer

Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.