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The VĪV Mental Health Podcast

The VĪV Mental Health Podcast

By VĪV Mental Health

The VĪV Mental Health Podcast offers a fresh look at how we talk about, access, and understand all things related to mental health. Overcoming stigmas, coping with trauma, day-to-day mental health maintenance, the effects of social media, mental health in the workplace, and so much more. This podcast is guided by health professionals, my own personal journey, and inspiring personal stories from all walks of life.

Host: Kristopher Marks
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok - LinkedIn - Threads - YouTube @vivmentalhealth
www.vivmentalhealth.com
Email: info@vivmentalhealth.com
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Currently playing episode

VIV Mental Health - Ep. 16 - Anxiety 101 (with Alexandra Scivoletto)

The VĪV Mental Health PodcastJan 13, 2022

00:00
44:36
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 19 - Men vs. Men (with Justin Lessard)

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.

Aug 29, 202301:01:27
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 18 - The First Time (with Cornerstone Counselling)

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.

Aug 25, 202201:02:41
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 17 - Addiction (with Jennifer Chow - Part 2)

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.

Mar 20, 202251:53
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 17 - Addiction (with Jennifer Chow - Part 1)

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.

Mar 14, 202249:25
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 16 - Anxiety 101 (with Alexandra Scivoletto)

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.

Jan 13, 202244:36
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 15 - Willing & Able (with Brad Bartko)

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.

Dec 06, 202101:00:24
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 14 - Emotional Regulation (with Justin Lessard)

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.

Oct 02, 202101:09:07
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 13 - A Dapper Conversation About Mental Health (with Scott McKeen)

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.

Aug 17, 202152:40
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 12 - The Study of Masculinities (with Dr. Michael Kehler)
Jul 15, 202148:49
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 11 - Music & Mental Health (with Robin Cisek)
Jun 29, 202133:21
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 10 (Part 2) - Diet Culture & Eating Disorders (with Karly Watson)

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.

May 25, 202125:31
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 10 (Part 1) - Diet Culture & Eating Disorders (with Karly Watson)

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.

May 25, 202138:03
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 9 - Self-Doubt & The Fear of Failure

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.

May 13, 202133:58
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 8 - Pandemics & Prenatal Care

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.

Apr 29, 202132:31
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 7 - Get The Funk Out

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.

Apr 21, 202126:21
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 6 - Suicide

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.

Apr 08, 202134:43
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 5 - Support At School
Mar 30, 202151:60
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 4 - Stigmas
Mar 23, 202123:50
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 3 (Part 2) - Anni(virus)ary

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.

Mar 16, 202130:58
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 3 (Part 1) - Anni(virus)ary

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.

Mar 16, 202127:11
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 2 - The In-Between

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.

Mar 09, 202117:05
VIV Mental Health - Ep. 1 - The Big Question

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.

Mar 02, 202130:00
VIV Mental Health - Trailer & Introduction

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)

Feb 18, 202101:18