
The VĪV Mental Health Podcast
By VĪV Mental Health
Host: Kristopher Marks
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok - LinkedIn - Threads - YouTube @vivmentalhealth
www.vivmentalhealth.com
Email: info@vivmentalhealth.com

The VĪV Mental Health PodcastMar 14, 2022

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 19 - Men vs. Men (with Justin Lessard)
After a twelve month hiatus, the VIV Mental Health Podcast returns with a brand new episode that focuses on men's mental health.
Mental health therapist Justin Lessard returns as my guest to discuss why some men are reluctant to change, how self-talk is instrumental in how men view themselves, the effects of the patriarchy and capitalism, the fear of being seen as weak, why many men are drawn to sports, and so much more.
Host: Kris Marks
Guest: Justin Lessard
Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com
Contact us at: info@vivmentalhealth.com
LinkedIn - Twitter/X - Instagram - TikTok - Facebook - YouTube: @vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used is with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders or has been deemed without copyright by the artist.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 18 - The First Time (with Cornerstone Counselling)
Kris reflects on Season One and then chats with Alexandra Scivoletto and Madi Holzmann of Cornerstone Counselling to discuss what it's really like "the first time" someone goes to counseling. From the first Google search to what a client can expect at their first session, we go through the feelings, fears, and everything in-between of someone beginning their own mental health journey.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guests: Alexandra Scivoletto, Madi Holzmann (www.cornerstonecounselling.com)
Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com
Contact us at: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com
Donate to VĪV Mental Health: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 17 - Addiction (with Jennifer Chow - Part 2)
In this episode I am joined by registered psychologist Jennifer Chow to discuss the topic of addiction. We explore the complexities of being someone's support, the emotions involved, and take a very honest, human approach in unpacking what it means to fallible and vulnerable.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Jennifer Chow (www.cornerstonecounselling.com)
Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com
Contact us at: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com
Donate to VĪV at: Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
and: Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 17 - Addiction (with Jennifer Chow - Part 1)
In this episode I am joined by registered psychologist Jennifer Chow to discuss the topic of addiction. We explore the complexities of being someone's support, the emotions involved, and take a very honest, human approach in unpacking what it means to fallible and vulnerable.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Jennifer Chow (www.cornerstonecounselling.com)
Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com
Contact us at: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com
Donate to VĪV at: Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
and: Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 16 - Anxiety 101 (with Alexandra Scivoletto)
In this episode I am joined by registered therapeutic counselor Alexandra Scivoletto from Cornerstone Counseling to discuss all things anxiety. What it is, what it isn't, what it does to us, where it comes from, and how we can manage it. Dentists, tests, performances, and much more. One of the most casual and relatable conversations I've ever had on this podcast. If you're anxious about anything, you'll want to check this one out.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Alexandra Scivoletto (www.cornerstonecounselling.com/)
Visit us at: www.vivmentalhealth.com
Contact us at: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com
Donate to VĪV at: Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
and: Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 15 - Willing & Able (with Brad Bartko)
In this episode I am joined by the inspiring Brad Bartko. Born with cerebral palsy and defying all odds, he has made it his life's mission to bring awareness to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. As you'll hear, his positive outlook on life is nothing sort of infectious as we discuss the challenges he's faced personally, where he gets his drive and optimism, and how we can better understand, identify, and take action on removing the barriers that millions of people face every day.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 14 - Emotional Regulation (with Justin Lessard)
Have you ever been in the heat of the moment, perhaps during an argument or intense debate, and thought, "I sure wish I could turn down the heat a little bit". Welcome to emotional regulation, the ability (or inability) to control our emotions in real time. In this episode, I am joined by Justin Lessard, a teacher and recent graduate with a Masters of Psychology. We explore emotional regulation through various lenses, such as social media arguments, raising children, politics, and what it means when we have...shower thoughts?
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Justin Lessard, Masters of Psychology
Contact: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok - Facebook: @vivmentalhealth
www.vivmentalhealth.com
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 13 - A Dapper Conversation About Mental Health (with Scott McKeen)
Edmonton Métis (Ward 6) City Councillor Scott McKeen joins me for an incredibly candid and inspiring conversation about men's mental health, municipal politics, overcoming addiction, and how a simple greeting to a stranger can have profound effects.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Scott McKeen
Contact: podcast@vivmentalhealth.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
www.vivmentalhealth.com
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 12 - The Study of Masculinities (with Dr. Michael Kehler)
Guest: Dr. Michael Kehler
Contact: info@vivmentalhealth.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
www.vivmentalhealth.com
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 11 - Music & Mental Health (with Robin Cisek)
In this episode I am joined by Métis singer/songwriter Robin Cisek to discuss her latest album "Delicate Minds", an introspective ode to her personal mental health journey. We talk about using music as a therapeutic outlet, the candid process through which artists share their deepest thoughts, and how that "emo" phase that so many of us went through may not have been as depressing as our parents thought it was.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Robin Cisek
Check out "Delicate Minds" on Spotify, Apple Music, and www.robincisekmusic.com
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 10 (Part 2) - Diet Culture & Eating Disorders (with Karly Watson)
Our relationship with food and our concept of body image is incredibly complex. It starts at a very young age, and we are influenced by everyone - and everything - in our lives. From our parents and peers to our idols and culture, it's clear that the only way to navigate the choppy waters of diet culture is through education. In this episode, I'm joined by anti-diet culture advocate Karly Watson as she shares her experiences of struggling with an eating disorder, the PTSD that followed, her journey to seek help, and how she now works tirelessly to educate and advocate for people to change the way they see food...and themselves.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Karly Watson
Resources about diet culture and eating disorders:
Health At Every Size: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ejCKaH3lNtdoAGHaELUIu?si=eaX5wR9bQ9eATF2PE22KrA
Eating Disorder Support: https://nedic.ca
The science behind weight inclusivity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/525kHyw4JCg1lHjW6WPcOM?si=EyHmJ_sGSRG2Sx049CvsOw
Racism and body positivity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5q2HM2yKkyTfC3mjD8jB3n?si=S9NfVeWLQJOVCPEpFCFlDg
Recognizing and Resisting Diet Culture: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/recognizing-and-resisting-diet-culture
Busting Myths About Health and Weight: https://lindobacon.com/videos/busting-myths-health-weight/
Is Obesity A Choice?: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNS4fx0DhDF/?igshid=1aqjos6pyskca
Social Media Accounts To Follow: @chr1styharrison @drjoshuawolrich @louisegreen_bigfitgirl @jennifer_rollin @feelgooddietician @raffela_mancuso @minoritybodies @theselfcompassionproject @yrfatfriend @amysnellingpt @bodyposipanda @300poundsandrunning
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 10 (Part 1) - Diet Culture & Eating Disorders (with Karly Watson)
Our relationship with food and our concept of body image is incredibly complex. It starts at a very young age, and we are influenced by everyone - and everything - in our lives. From our parents and peers to our idols and culture, it's clear that the only way to navigate the choppy waters of diet culture is through education. In this episode, I'm joined by anti-diet culture advocate Karly Watson as she shares her experiences of struggling with an eating disorder, the PTSD that followed, her journey to seek help, and how she now works tirelessly to educate and advocate for people to change the way they see food...and themselves.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Karly Watson
Resources about diet culture and eating disorders:
Health At Every Size: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ejCKaH3lNtdoAGHaELUIu?si=eaX5wR9bQ9eATF2PE22KrA
Eating Disorder Support: https://nedic.ca
The science behind weight inclusivity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/525kHyw4JCg1lHjW6WPcOM?si=EyHmJ_sGSRG2Sx049CvsOw
Racism and body positivity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5q2HM2yKkyTfC3mjD8jB3n?si=S9NfVeWLQJOVCPEpFCFlDg
Recognizing and Resisting Diet Culture: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/recognizing-and-resisting-diet-culture
Busting Myths About Health and Weight: https://lindobacon.com/videos/busting-myths-health-weight/
Is Obesity A Choice?: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNS4fx0DhDF/?igshid=1aqjos6pyskca
Social Media Accounts To Follow: @chr1styharrison @drjoshuawolrich @louisegreen_bigfitgirl @jennifer_rollin @feelgooddietician @raffela_mancuso @minoritybodies @theselfcompassionproject @yrfatfriend @amysnellingpt @bodyposipanda @300poundsandrunning
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 9 - Self-Doubt & The Fear of Failure
When self-doubt begins to creep in, it often comes in the form of a familiar voice, telling us that we can't, we shouldn't, or we have no right to. In this episode, we'll take a look at who that voice actually represents, what it's trying to telling us, and how we can minimize its effect on us. Is it the act of failing that we're afraid of? Or is it just the feeling we anticipate if we do? From living out your childhood dreams to setting personal goals, we'll explore the reasons why that voice exists, why it's so pervasive, and what to do when those little whispers try to get the best of us.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 8 - Pandemics & Prenatal Care
In this episode, I interview a prenatal registered nurse working the front lines during the global COVID-19 pandemic. She candidly describes how nurses support each other on the job, what it's like to deliver babies in the world of COVID, and what challenges new mothers face before, during, and after childbirth.
Guest: "Bea" - Registered Nurse and co-owner of Labour Day Prenatals (www.labourdayprenatals.ca)
Host: Kristopher Marks
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 7 - Get The Funk Out
On this episode, we're keeping it simple, short, and sweet. Everyone gets into a "funk" sometimes, and it can be hard to break that cycle once you're in it. Here are a few reminders of some easy ways that you can shake things up and hit "reset" on your mental health. Because sometimes all we need...is a fountain of free wine.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnuYZRuoL50hgtMPc1gTYLA
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
Check out the new single "Moon Sugar" from Edmonton groove band Disco Porn everywhere that you find music!
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 6 - Suicide
Every day, eleven Canadians are lost to suicide. It is a crucial part of the mental health conversation. Yes, it's heavy. It can be uncomfortable. But it's a conversation worth having. In this episode, I share my deeply personal history with suicide, as well as some warning signs to look out for in others, and ourselves. We also discuss ways that you can support and assist someone in crisis. Suicide prevention starts and ends with awareness and education.
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Text CONNECT to 686868 Chat Services (6 pm–2 am EST) www.kidshelpphone.ca
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Online chat: www.hopeforwellness.ca
Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
For Quebec residents: (24/7) 1-866-APPELLE
Host: Kristopher Marks
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 5 - Support At School
Every parent wants their child to feel supported while they’re at school, and understanding what resources they have access to is beneficial to both the child and the parent. In this episode, I have an enlightening conversation with a school guidance counselor and family wellness worker to discuss what role she plays in the mental health maintenance of children and teenagers when they’re immersed in a learning environment. We discuss the most common issues that children and young adults are facing today, what she uses to communicate and break down uncomfortable barriers, and she gives a surprising and revealing answer when asked who she believes perpetuates the stigma around mental health the most.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
Music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 4 - Stigmas
Sometimes, we hear a word so often that it graduates into something of a "buzzword", and the power of that word is lost. The word "stigma" is literally defined as "a mark of disgrace". It is the precursor to discrimination. It is one of the most pervasive barriers between suffering and acceptance, and in this episode, I share my personal experiences dealing with mental health stigmas to give the word "stigma" it's power and gravitas back. There is great power in words...and this word holds the power to make - or break - the mental health conversation.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 3 (Part 2) - Anni(virus)ary
In Part Two of this conversation, I am joined by Samantha Graham, host of the Aligned Mind Weekly podcast, as we discuss the effect that the global pandemic has had on our psychological and emotional well-being. We explore the phenomenon known as "pandemic fatigue", the impact of social media, vaccine "fomo", and Samantha explains how she uses thought-work and mindset management to cope with the effects of isolation, fear, frustration, and monotony.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Samantha Graham - Aligned Mind Weekly podcast (Twitter - TikTok - Instagram: @an_aligned_mind)
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
Outro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 3 (Part 1) - Anni(virus)ary
In Part One of this conversation, I am joined by Samantha Graham, host of the Aligned Mind Weekly podcast, as we discuss the effect that the global pandemic has had on our psychological and emotional well-being. We explore the phenomenon known as "pandemic fatigue", the impact of social media, vaccine "fomo", and Samantha explains how she uses thought-work and mindset management to cope with the effects of isolation, fear, frustration, and monotony.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Guest: Samantha Graham - Aligned Mind Weekly podcast (Twitter - TikTok - Instagram: @an_aligned_mind)
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
Outro music: "My World" by No Witness
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 2 - The In-Between
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked steps many of us need to take before we feel comfortable reaching out for help. There are many things we need to address before we simply "talk to someone". Many emotional and psychological barriers need to be overcome before we take action, or we risk becoming discouraged before our journey can even begin. We explore the small steps "in-between" the bigger steps, and reflect on the importance of acceptance and self-understanding.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/vivmentalhealth
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
Outro music: "Gold" by Olivia Rose
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 1 - The Big Question
What is "mental health"? On this episode we start by defining what mental health is, the philosophy behind becoming more comfortable with it, and understanding its importance in our every day well-being. I share the reason why I became so passionate about mental health, how my own journey began, and explain the steps I needed to take once I decided it was finally time to seek help.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Contact: vivmentalhealth@gmail.com
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
Intro music: "My World" by No Witness
Outro music: "As I Am" by Haley K. Turner
All music used with the express permission of the artists and/or rights holders.

VIV Mental Health - Trailer & Introduction
Mental...health.
It’s a term that we’ve all heard before, but what is it? What does it mean? In this series, we're going to break down and explore the world of mental health in a whole new way: Engaging, easy to understand, informative, and dare I say, entertaining.
Not only will you hear directly from health professionals, psychologists, counselors and therapists, but also the stories of everyday people who have just...been there. We’ll be looking into everything from what to expect from your first therapy session, to the effects of social media on our mental health. Parenting, mental health in the workplace, pop culture, social stigmas, everyday maintenance, and so much more.
Join me as we pursue a new path to understanding and treating our mental health.
Host: Kristopher Marks
Twitter: @vivmentalhealth @kristoph_errr
Instagram: @vivmentalhealth
TikTok: @vivmentalhealth
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnuYZRuoL50hgtMPc1gTYLA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivmentalhealth
Music by Scott Buckley (www.scottbuckley.com.au)