Have you ever felt like a fraud, fearing that any moment, you'll be exposed for what you really are – an imposter? What if we told you that these feelings aren't just common, they have a name, Imposter Syndrome. As individuals who've grown up in poverty, feeling the constant need to prove our worth, we have a unique understanding of this syndrome and how it can affect your career and self-worth. 

We'll walk you through the five types of imposter syndrome, its triggers, and who's most susceptible. It's not just about identifying the problem; we're also sharing seven practical strategies to combat these feelings. From cultural and environmental factors to family dynamics and roles we assume early in life, we delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome and how to tackle it head-on. We also shed light on the difference between a fixed mindset and imposter syndrome, and the potential connection to trauma responses. 

Our journey doesn't end there though. We contemplate the wisdom of sharing struggles with imposter syndrome in the workplace and how to work on self-worth. With personal stories and insights, we encourage you to remember your value and worthiness, because everyone has their own story, and every single person on this planet is truly valuable. Prepare for an enlightening episode filled with heartfelt discussions, practical tips, and empowering reminders. Stay tuned for our upcoming guests!

As always, reach out to me about anything you want to share or any ideas you may have for future podcast episodes at thehumanbirchtree@gmail.com

This episode contains discussion around losing a child to suicide. Please take care while listening.

In this episode, I discuss the intense shame that I felt after losing my daughter to suicide. I talk about how the shame crept into every part of my life and how it affected my friendships, my job, and my sense of self-worth. Near the end, I talk about what I did to overcome it through talking, sharing, self-compassion, and giving myself grace.

As always, I am with you and never want anyone to feel alone in this thing, we call life.

As always, reach out to me about anything you want to share or any ideas you may have for future podcast episodes at thehumanbirchtree@gmail.com

Up to 20% of people having an emergency and life-altering surgery, will experience depression and anxiety disorders.

In this episode, my daughter Laura shares her experience with needing emergency spinal cord surgery and how it affected her mental health. She also shares her story of navigating the healthcare system and what could be done better to support patients. Laura also bravely shares her fears, thoughts, and how mental health services are lacking for those who may be considered non-acute and don't have either benefits or funds to pay for them.

Near the end, we both discuss how going back to our Indigenous roots, referring to the medicine wheel, family & community, and the healing balance of Mother Earth, can ground us and fortify our energy.

As always, reach out to me about anything you want to share or any ideas you may have for future podcast episodes at thehumanbirchtree@gmail.com

Episode alert: This episode contains discussion around mental illness, addictions, and suicide. See links to support you at the bottom of the show notes. Please take good care while listening.

In this episode, I talk with a guest named Traci who is a nurse with a deep passion and advocacy for those who struggle with mental illness and addiction. She has over 12 years of experience in the field and has dedicated her career to providing empathy and understanding towards those who are struggling and need someone to walk along with them on their journey. Traci has worked in various healthcare settings including inpatient mental health, forensics, the emergency room, and currently working as a rapid addictions assessment management nurse. She is compassionate and her empathy shines through in this episode.

We also discuss how caring is a science, moral injury, and the importance of self-care while working in a caring profession. Near the end of the episode, we also share our own personal life struggles and how we try on the daily, to give care to ourselves and how sharing and talking openly, can reduce shame and know that none of us are ever alone in this thing we call, life.

Ontario Addictions & Substance Use Treatment (rocketdoctor.ca)
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health | CAMH
Get Help | Talk Suicide Canada or call 1-833-456-4566 at any time 24/7
Canadian Mental Health Association - National l A Mental Health Charity (cmha.ca)
Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Services | Connex Ontario

As always, reach out to me about anything you want to share or any ideas you may have for future podcast episodes at thehumanbirchtree@gmail.com

Audio update - near the last ten minutes or so of the podcast, you will hear some echoing and my apologies for that. Good 'ole technology! I hope that you will be able to listen all the way through. Thank you and take care.

In this episode, I am interviewing Sterling and their pronouns are they/them. Sterling is Metis, queer, and lives with disabilities. They are a very strong advocate within their disability community, both provincially and nationally. We talk about what it is like to navigate the Ontario Disabilities Support Program, and how workplaces should be accommodating those living with disabilities. We also discuss the biases within the healthcare spaces and how social determinants of health are vital to discuss and consider when treating patients. 

Take care and I welcome all feedback at thehumanbirchtreepodcast@gmail.com

I thank Sterling whole-heartedly for joining me as a guest and we all have a lot to learn from them.

As always, reach out to me about anything you want to share or any ideas you may have for future podcast episodes at thehumanbirchtree@gmail.com

Listener awareness - this podcast will discuss poverty, addictions, child loss, and suicide. Please take care while listening.

I've put some thought (a lot of thoughts), into the "why" behind the reasons for creating this podcast channel. Well...it's directly related to my passion for humanity, social justice, and equity. These are my passions and I'm introducing myself and my experiences of which have shaped who I am and how I think. As always, reach out to me at thehumanbirchtreepodcast@gmail.com 

As always, reach out to me about anything you want to share or any ideas you may have for future podcast episodes at thehumanbirchtree@gmail.com

In this episode, I talk about perimenopause, some of the symptoms I've been personally experiencing, and what my journey is right now. I also discuss healthcare provider empathy, and how our partners can listen to us and believe us, so us women can feel heard and feel validated. There is no shame in how we are feeling. I don't play the shame game and talking reduces it!

Feel free to email me if you want to share at thehumanbirchtreepodcast@gmail.com

As always, reach out to me about anything you want to share or any ideas you may have for future podcast episodes at thehumanbirchtree@gmail.com

This quick intro will let you know what future podcasts will be about related to the human space of grit, courage, hope, and love. I hope you'll stay!

Email me at thehumanbirchtreepodcast@gmail.com 

As always, reach out to me about anything you want to share or any ideas you may have for future podcast episodes at thehumanbirchtree@gmail.com