The MindSpa Podcast

The MindSpa Podcast is your go-to space for meaningful conversations around mental health, healing, and personal growth. Hosted by Michelle Massunken RSW and Tina Wilston RP, co-founders of MindSpa Mental Health Centre, each episode explores key mental health topics through expert interviews and thoughtful roundtable discussions. From managing stress and building stronger relationships to navigating invisible challenges, the MindSpa Podcast offers grounded, professional insights in a warm and accessible way. Tune in weekly for supportive, real-world conversations to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your wellness journey.

The MindSpa Podcast is a health podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 59 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The MindSpa Podcast, a health show with 59 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #31

  S2 · Ep 31: Consensual Non-Monogamy — Relationship Diversity Through An Art Therapist’s Lens | Elena Kourounis | The MindSpa Podcast

  Sep 28, 202659 minS2

  Monogamy is often treated as the only "serious" relationship option, but many people are quietly asking a bigger question: what if the relationship script we inherited doesn't actually fit? Tina Wilston sits down with Elena Kourounis, registered psychotherapist and art therapist at MindSpa Mental Health, and an author in Queer Worldmaking in Art Therapy , to talk about relationship diversity and how therapy can support couples, families, and individuals across many kinds of relationship structures.Elena breaks down consensual non-monogamy (CNM) in plain language, including the differences between swinging, open relationships, and polyamory. The conversation explores how mononormativity, patriarchy, and heteronormativity can teach ownership and competitiveness, and why those beliefs often show up as unfair "one-way" rules. Elena also shares the practical considerations that often get skipped online: sexual health conversations, time and money pressures, the role of metamours, and why "nesting partner" can be more respectful than ranking people as primary and secondary.Jealousy comes up too, not as a deal-breaker but as useful information. We talk about how to ask for reassurance, protect meaningful rituals, and build communication strong enough for difficult topics without ultimatums. Elena explains how art therapy can help when you don't yet have the words, and how clinicians can create safer spaces by asking "Who is in your relationship circle?" at intake and by representing more diverse family structures.If you've ever wondered whether CNM or polyamory could work for you, or why it might not, press play and think it through with us. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review. Then tell us: what would you need to feel truly safe in a relationship conversation like this? The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston , M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken , MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

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  The MindSpa Podcast

  S2 · Ep 30: Burnout — Why It’s More Than Just Being Tired | Julian McKenzie | The MindSpa Podcast

  Sep 23, 202615 min

  Burnout can be difficult to recognize. It may first feel like poor sleep, low energy, brain fog, or simply having too much on your plate, until functioning the way you normally do becomes much harder. In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast , journalist and broadcaster Julian McKenzie sits down with therapists Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken for a grounded conversation about burnout, how it differs from everyday stress, and the ways prolonged strain can affect both emotional and physical wellbeing. They explore a practical mental health continuum from green to red and discuss some of the changes people may overlook while they are still “getting by”: withdrawing from friends, struggling to concentrate, feeling persistently depleted, or needing significantly more recovery time than usual. The conversation also looks at an important distinction between ordinary stress and more sustained exhaustion: what happens when taking time off, sleeping more, or temporarily disconnecting no longer seems to restore your usual level of energy and functioning. What You’ll Hear In This Episode Tina, Michelle, and Julian discuss burnout recovery and prevention, including the value of speaking with a family doctor or qualified healthcare professional when symptoms persist, allowing meaningful time for recovery, and examining the work and lifestyle patterns that may contribute to recurring exhaustion. They also explore why athletes, professionals, parents, and other high performers can find it especially difficult to recognize when they are reaching their limits in environments that reward persistence and productivity. Along the way, the conversation considers practical ways of creating more space for recovery, including reducing social media during particularly demanding periods, making a “to-don’t” list, separating work time from family time where possible, reconnecting with community, and practising self-compassion. If you have ever wondered whether scrolling really counts as rest — or why taking a weekend off sometimes does not feel like enough — this episode offers a thoughtful look at what meaningful recovery can involve. About Julian McKenzie Julian McKenzie is a Canadian sports journalist, broadcaster, author, and podcaster. He is an NHL staff writer and contributor to The Athletic’s NHL news and enterprise team and co-hosts The Chris Johnston Show . He is also the author of Black Aces: Essential Stories from Hockey’s Black Trailblazers . Connect With Julian McKenzie The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/julian-mckenzie/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/julian-mckenzie-a5509492 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkamckenzie/ X: https://x.com/jkamckenzie The Chris Johnston Show: https://sdpn.ca/cjshow/ The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston , M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken , MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

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  Episode #29

  S2 · Ep 29: Veteran Transition — Rebuilding Identity, Purpose, And Belonging | Farid Yaghini | The MindSpa Podcast

  Sep 14, 202650 minS2

  The uniform can provide structure, status, belonging, and a clear sense of what comes next. But when military service ends, those familiar anchors can change all at once, leaving much bigger questions behind: Who am I now? Where do I belong? What gives my life meaning? In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast , Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken sit down with Farid Yaghini , a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, author, wellness coach, and founder and CEO of Camp Aftermath, for a thoughtful conversation about veteran transition, identity, purpose, and belonging. Born in Iran, Farid came to Canada as a child after his family fled religious persecution. He later joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2002 and served on deployments to Afghanistan. Farid reflects on how military service gave him a strong sense of community and purpose, and what it meant to begin rebuilding those parts of himself after leaving that environment. He also shares an idea that has shaped the way he thinks about difficult experiences: “flickers” — small, vivid moments that can stand out amid chaos and give the mind something meaningful to hold onto. That perspective connects closely with the work of Camp Aftermath, a Canadian charitable organization supporting veterans, serving military members, first responders, and frontline professionals as they navigate transition. Farid explains the program’s emphasis on identity, purpose, belonging, volunteerism, peer connection, and long-term continuity, as well as why ongoing follow-up matters after an intensive program ends. The conversation also explores friendship outside military life, connection after service, stoicism, and the difference between experiencing pain and adding unnecessary suffering to it. Farid discusses how Camp Aftermath continues to evolve its programming, including cohorts designed to better respond to the experiences of women veterans. Farid also shares the story behind his memoir, Life in Rotations: From Persecuted Iranian to Proud Canadian , which traces his journey from Iran to Canada, military service and Afghanistan, family life, transition, and the eventual creation of Camp Aftermath. This is a grounded conversation about what can happen when a role that once shaped nearly every part of your identity changes — and how purpose, community, contribution, and connection can become part of building what comes next. Who Is Farid Yaghini? Farid Yaghini is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, author, wellness coach, and founder and CEO of Camp Aftermath. He completed Humber College’s Wellness Coaching Ontario Graduate Certificate with honours in 2022. His work focuses on veteran transition, purpose, belonging, volunteerism, and creating meaningful connections beyond military service. Connect With Farid Yaghini Website: https://faridyaghini.com/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/farid-yaghini-a17079211 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/F.Yaghini Camp Aftermath: https://campaftermath.org/ Learn more about Farid and his story through MindSpa Mental Health: https://themindspa.ca/meet-farid-yaghini-veteran-author-and-founder-of-camp-aftermath/ The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston , M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken , MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

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  Episode #28

  S2 · Ep 28: AITA Scenarios — Intimacy, Boundaries, And Unspoken Expectations | The MindSpa Podcast

  Sep 7, 202633 minS2

  In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast , Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken explore three AITA scenarios centred on intimacy, boundaries, communication, and the expectations that often go unspoken in relationships. Scenario 1: When Intimacy Stops Feeling Mutual Sex gets “taken off the table,” and a marriage that looks solid on paper starts to feel like it is missing something important. Tina and Michelle unpack a long-term dead bedroom scenario and explore the difference between pressuring a partner and honestly naming your relationship needs. They also discuss what it can mean when someone says they are “working on” their libido, why shared goals and follow-through matter, and how pausing sex in couples therapy can either support connection or create more distance depending on how the decision is framed and agreed to. Scenario 2: When a Birthday Trip Crosses a Boundary A small birthday trip turns into a friendship conflict when someone invites a person who was specifically not included in the original plan. The conversation looks at what happens when a clearly stated boundary is dismissed, and how minimization, accusations of being controlling, and shifting the focus away from the original issue can complicate conflict. Tina and Michelle reflect on the pressure to “keep the peace” and the emotional cost of repeatedly setting aside your own limits to avoid tension. Scenario 3: When Helping Turns Into Overfunctioning A short babysitting trial slowly expands into dinner, extra responsibilities, and a much later drop-off than expected. This scenario opens a broader discussion about people-pleasing, overfunctioning, and the guilt that can show up when capable, dependable people finally enforce a boundary. Tina and Michelle explore how unclear expectations can create resentment and why direct communication matters before helpfulness becomes an obligation. Across all three scenarios, the episode looks at how healthier boundaries, clearer communication, and more realistic expectations can support stronger relationships without reducing complicated situations to simple judgments. The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston , M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken , MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

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  Episode #27

  S2 · Ep 27: Financial Anxiety — Why We Avoid Money And What Clarity Can Change | Melany Goodhue | The MindSpa Podcast

  Aug 31, 202643 minS2

  Money avoidance does not make financial stress disappear. In many cases, uncertainty can make money feel even more overwhelming. In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast , Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken are joined by Melany Goodhue , Certified Financial Planner® and Founder and CEO of Pulse Wealth Management, for a thoughtful conversation about money, financial anxiety, and the emotional patterns that can shape the way we manage our finances. The conversation explores why people may avoid looking closely at debt, spending, savings, retirement, insurance, or their overall financial picture. Melany discusses how anxiety, shame, embarrassment, and uncertainty can contribute to procrastination around money, including for successful professionals who feel confident in other areas of their lives. They also look at why earning more does not automatically create a sense of financial security. From behavioural finance and emotional spending to putting off important decisions, the episode explores how our beliefs and habits around money can influence financial wellbeing. Comparison also plays a role. Social media and the pressure to keep up with other people’s lifestyles can make it difficult to know whether financial decisions are actually aligned with our own priorities. Melany explains why having a clearer understanding of cash flow, debt, pensions, insurance, benefits, investments, and long-term goals can help replace uncertainty with a more complete financial picture. The conversation also turns to money within relationships, including what can happen when one partner tends to save while the other is more comfortable spending. Tina, Michelle, and Melany explore the importance of transparency, communication, and understanding the meaning that money can carry within a relationship. Melany also discusses different forms of financial support, including financial coaching, credit counselling, and comprehensive financial planning with a Certified Financial Planner, as well as how the type of support someone needs may change depending on their circumstances and stage of life. The episode closes with a discussion of common questions and assumptions around investing, debt, and retirement. About Melany Goodhue Melany Goodhue is a Certified Financial Planner® and the Founder and CEO of Pulse Wealth Management in Kanata, serving clients throughout the Ottawa region. She works with individuals, families, professionals, and business owners to understand their broader financial picture and make decisions that reflect their goals, priorities, and the life they want their finances to support. Connect With Melany Goodhue Website | Pulse Wealth Management LinkedIn | Melany Goodhue The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston , M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken , MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

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