Episode 09: Bipolar Disorder. Anger. Advocacy. (ft. Vanessa Bancheri)

In this week's episode, Christine spoke with Abbie Garcia, a queer content creator based in South Korea. They produce content via Spoon and Twitch live streams, YouTube videos, as well as their own podcast Thoughts On That in hopes to raise LGBT awareness. Christine and Abbie compared their experiences growing up as children of Asian immigrants in Canada and the US and how these experiences have shaped them as adults. Abbie also shared their story on being queer and non-binary. You can check them out @Absgarcia and @Thoughtsonthatpodcast on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @bitonalpodcast. Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, Christine shares anonymous submissions from the listeners. Our friend Ajit shared a photo from 2019 by a middle-school English teacher named Karen Wunderlich Loewe. Her students wrote on a sheet of paper, crumpled it up, and put it in a bag hanging in the classroom. Her "Baggage Activity" allowed students to share what was bothering them or heavy on their heart. At the end of the episode, Christine shares something that's been on her mind lately. Trigger warning for this episode includes the topic of suicide. Thank you Ajit for this idea. Follow us on Instagram @bitonalpodcast. Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]

In this week's episode, Christine had a Zoom chat with Youtuber Ana Psychology about borderline personality disorder (ie. diagnosis, clinical presentation, gold standard interventions, and more). Ana is a clinical psychology doctorate student and therapist in Chicago. She also runs a Youtube channel called Ana Psychology surrounding real-life applications to psychology and social commentaries to pop culture. Ana has a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Emory University. She is most interested in personality disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, couples therapy and family therapy. You can follow her on Youtube at Ana Psychology. Check out her videos! Follow us on all the socials @bitonalpodcast. Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]

In this week's episode, Christine had a Zoom chat with Vanessa Bancheri. She is the founder and director of Your Mind Matters, a nonprofit organization for youth mental health awareness, education, and support. Vanessa shared the origin story and behind-the-scenes of Your Mind Matters. She started the organization as a mental health resource for students at the University of Toronto, and since then continued advocacy through social media and outreach events. She talked about her experiences with anger growing up as a kid, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder into young adulthood. They also touched upon topics such as stigma, medications, and how they are coping with the global pandemic. Please check out Vanessa’s wonderful work on Instagram @yourmindmattersorg. You can also find her on upcoming podcasts @projectriseorg. Follow us on all the socials @bitonalpodcast. Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]

In this week's episode, Christine (“The Retired Love Guru”) answers your questions and shares her experiences of being in love. Given all that is happening with COVID-19, we thought it would be best do a light-hearted episode. Christine tried her best to answer the questions with depth, honesty, and a touch of entertainment. Topics discussed in this Q&A: the honeymoon phase, marriage, break ups, codependency, getting over exes, and dating with a mental illness. Thank you to those who submitted the questions. Our hearts go out to our listeners and fellow podcasters living through this challenging time in history. Stay safe and informed. Continue to be kind to one another. Follow our Linktree to access our social media (@bitonalpodcast). Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]

In this week's episode, Christine visited her friend and peer, Chandler Kutney. They talked about her experiences with depression, burnout in healthcare professionals, and what she has learned so far as a fourth year chiropractic intern working in a patient demographic with a variety of psychosocial factors. She also discussed in depth about her ups and downs with antidepressants, and how she got to where she is today. Chandler is also a proud mother of two adorable cats, Aria and Harley. She enjoys teaching fitness classes with the elderly and dancing in her spare time. Finally, she is an advocate for interprofessional care and mental health. Good luck Chandler on the remainder of your clinical internship and board exams. Thank you for sharing your story! Follow our Linktree to access our social media (@bitonalpodcast). Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]

In this week's episode, Christine chatted with Rachel Tolkin, Communications Specialist at CMHA Toronto. CMHA stands for the Canadian Mental Health Association. They are official partners with Bell Let's Talk Day, along with Canadian Red Cross, jack.org, Kids Help Phone, and more. Rachel explained the programs CMHA provide and the role they play in the community. She also spoke about how people can get involved on Bell Let’s Talk Day, and her own experiences with mental health. For more information about Bell Let's Talk day, visit their website: letstalk.bell.ca. Check out CMHA Toronto on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and their website - toronto.cmha.ca. Follow us on social media for updates (@bitonalpodcast). Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek the help of a licensed healthcare professional. Here is a list of local resources: Toronto Distress Centres at 416-408-HELP (4357) Gerstein Centre at 416-929-5200 Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 416-863-0511 or Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511 Progress Place Warm Line at 416-960-WARM (9276), every day from 8pm to 12 midnight LGBT Youthline at 1-800-268-9688 Good2Talk (for post-secondary students) at 1-866-925-5454 or connect through 2-1-1 Community Crisis Line (Scarborough and Rouge Hospital) at 416 495-2891 Kids Help Phone at 1 800 668-6868 Distress Centre Peel at 905-278-7208 Durham Crisis Line at 905-666-0483 Oakville Distress Centre at 905-849-4541 TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000

In this week's episode, Christine had an exciting interview with Kelsey Darragh. Some may know her as a Youtuber and video producer at Buzzfeed. We talked about her journey to getting hired by one of the largest digital media and entertainment companies of all time. She shared her experiences around living and dating in Los Angeles. Kelsey talked about her mental health and a condition that she lives with day to day. You can catch Kelsey on E! Entertainment's "Dating: No Filter". Follow Kelsey on Instagram and Twitter @kelseydarragh. Check out her podcast "‎Confidently Insecure". Follow us on social media for updates (@bitonalpodcast). Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]

In this week's episode, Christine sat down with Dr. Jade Wu. We had a wonderful discussion about imposter syndrome, internalized racism, and the importance of following morals and values as a guide through life. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and host of the Savvy Psychologist podcast. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Cornell University, completed her PhD at Boston University, and finished her medical psychology residency at Duke University. She specializes in health psychology, with particular expertise in behavioral sleep medicine. Needless to say, she is an expert at sharing knowledge in digestible ways to the average listener. For quick and dirty tips for mental health, The Savy Psychologist on Facebook, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more! To keep up with Dr. Jade Wu, check out her website. Follow our Linktree to access our social media (@bitonalpodcast). Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]

In this week's episode, Christine chatted with her friend Jessica Cao. After finishing her undergraduate degree at McMaster University, Jessica was employed by EPIK (English Program in Korea) and became a full-time English teacher at an all-boys school. When she wasn't teaching, Jessica explored Asia and sought out her next travel adventures. She has visited Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and much more! Jessica shared her experiences, reviews, and ratings on all the places she has conquered (the good and the bad). She also discussed the importance of her time abroad to her own personal growth and development. Welcome home, Jessica! Follow @jessalady_on_earth on Instagram to keep up with the beautiful places she has been, and all places she will go. Follow our Linktree to access our social media (@bitonalpodcast). Gotta question, topic suggestion, or some feedback? Drop us a line! Email us at [email protected]