In this episode of Exception Seekers, Clarissa Kennedy, a passionate advocate for harm reduction and neurodivergence, shares her unique journey of personal and professional transformation. Through her work in addiction, especially in the realm of food addiction, Clarissa explores how neurodivergence can influence behaviors like disordered eating, impulsivity, and addiction. She reflects on her own experiences growing up with a different lens on the world and how she now embraces this difference to help others. Clarissa also discusses the importance of compassion and understanding for individuals who struggle with food addiction, and how breaking down the shame and stigma around these issues can lead to greater healing and personal growth.

Throughout the episode, Clarissa emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and refusing to accept that limitations define who you are.

Important Messages

Shifting away from traditional approaches: Clarissa highlights that traditional methods in addiction treatment often don’t serve everyone, particularly those who don’t fit the mold. Her approach is to smash stigma and offer new, more inclusive solutions. Her work is a blend of harm reduction and individualized care, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, which she believes offers innovative solutions for recovery.

The role of personal experience in healing: Drawing on her experiences with food addiction, Clarissa acknowledges the complex relationship many people have with food, noting that no two recovery stories are alike. She also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to protect oneself from triggering behaviors, using the metaphor of keeping food that acts as a bully out of the house to protect peace of mind.

The power of belief in people and possibilities: Clarissa believes in the power of possibility and self-belief. She encourages others to believe in themselves and to understand that anything is possible, even when faced with challenges or overwhelming circumstances. Her entrepreneurial spirit and focus on individual potential is reflected in her work with clients, helping them find their own paths to healing without shame or judgment.

Neurodiversity in the context of food addiction: Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADD, have a dopamine deficiency, which makes them more vulnerable to addictive behaviors — especially with ultra-processed foods that provide dopamine spikes. Impulsivity, linked to a lack of GABA in the brain, can lead to difficulties with moderation, and this behavior can manifest in addiction-like patterns when it comes to food.

The need for continued research: Clarissa encourages more research into the connection between neurodiversity, dopamine, and addiction — especially around how certain foods may affect neurodivergent individuals differently than the general population. This research can lead to more effective interventions and a greater understanding of how to treat food-related addiction in neurodivergent individuals.

Resources Mentioned:

• Food Junkies Podcast – A podcast that discusses food addiction, including episodes with experts like Dr. Roberto Olivardia, who focuses on ADHD and eating disorders.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy – Clarissa's current work and interest in exploring alternative, research-backed therapies to support addiction recovery.

This episode revolves around the theme of reconnecting with nature, the challenges of modern life, and how nature-based experiences, like camping, can foster personal growth, relaxation, and connection.

Anne and Colleen underscore the value of nature in promoting mental well-being, the importance of flexibility and presence in our experiences, and how even small, accessible outdoor activities can provide significant moments of growth and relaxation. It’s a reminder to be adaptable, enjoy the journey, and embrace nature as a way to recharge and reset in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Important Messages

Nature as a learning experience: Camping and outdoor trips offer valuable lessons in adaptability, flexibility, and presence. Small moments of discomfort, such as dealing with unexpected wildlife, can become fond memories and learning opportunities.

Progressive engagement with nature: Nature experiences don’t have to be extreme right away. Starting with smaller activities like car camping can be an accessible way for people (especially families) to gradually build up their comfort and skills with outdoor experiences.

The importance of presence: Success in outdoor experiences isn’t about achieving a specific outcome but about being present and tuning into the needs of the moment is emphasized. Pushing too hard for a set goal can cause more stress, and the real value comes from adapting to the situation.Outdoor experiences offer the opportunity to disconnect from the speed and demands of everyday life.

The joy in the simple moments: The small, often unexpected moments can become the highlights of outdoor trips, which help to emphasize the importance of embracing spontaneity and the unpredictable nature of life.

This episode, with Diana Clements, touches on several important themes around education, the role of nature, the impact of technology, and child development. Diana reflects on her personal journey, her commitment to nature-based learning, and her insights as a teacher and parent. She talks about how she has always questioned societal norms, particularly around technology and the need for outdoor learning. Diana's main focus is on the importance of children engaging with nature, as it provides them not only with physical and emotional benefits but also with life skills that can be carried into adulthood.

Diana highlights her experiences with Forest Schools, emphasizing how outdoor environments encourage children to take risks and develop resilience. She also discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning from a traditional educational setting to one that prioritizes outdoor learning, especially considering the initial fears around safety.

A significant part of the conversation explores Diana’s shift in perspective from believing the planet needs us to protect it, to understanding that we, as humans, need nature to thrive. She acknowledges the challenges faced by parents and teachers in navigating the complexities of modern technology, particularly the pressure to keep children safe online while also providing opportunities for growth and exploration.

Important Messages

The role of nature in child development: Diana believes nature plays a crucial role in children's physical and emotional health. Outdoor experiences help children develop resilience, decision-making skills, and independence. Nature-based learning allows children to engage in full-body, immersive experiences that are vital for their growth. Diana believes the best way to protect the environment is to help children love it. This deep connection with nature fosters a desire to protect it for future generations. As a teacher and advocate for outdoor education, Diana feels that helping children appreciate and care for the world around them is crucial for their long-term well-being.

“As Safe as Necessary” vs. “As Safe as Possible”: A central philosophy discussed is the importance of balancing safety with opportunity for growth. Diana shares her initial fear of children getting hurt during outdoor play but later embraced the idea that children need to be exposed to small risks in order to develop resilience. The concept of "as safe as necessary" allows for this balance, whereas "as safe as possible" can hinder a child’s ability to learn from experiences and take risks.

The need for outdoor education: Diana’s Forest School is designed to create environments where children can engage with nature freely. She emphasizes that in order to foster a sense of love and protection for the planet, children need to first experience it and develop a connection to it. Outdoor education, according to Diana, also nurtures social and emotional skills.

The impact of technology in the classroom: Diana expresses concerns about the overuse of screens and technology in the classroom, especially when it comes to young children. She believes that the increased reliance on screens reduces opportunities for meaningful interaction and engagement with the physical world. This resonates with her concerns about how society's focus on technology might be limiting healthy childhood development.

Resources mentioned:

Unplugged Canada (https://unpluggedcanada.com/)

Outside Play (https://www.outsideplay.org)

The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt

In this episode, Anne and Colleen talk about the value of summer camp, particularly in shaping leadership skills, personal growth, and providing unique opportunities for young people to gain responsibility and experience. They reflect on their own experiences working at camp and the lessons they learned that continue to influence them in their personal and professional lives. The conversation touches on the development of soft skills, the importance of connection, and how camp fosters a unique sense of community. Anne and Colleen also discuss the transition from the "magic" of camp to other work environments, highlighting the contrast between the high level of responsibility and the strong sense of mission at camp compared to more traditional workplaces.

This episode highlights the profound impact that summer camp can have on both the staff and the campers. It’s not just about the skills learned but about building connections, growing as individuals, and experiencing a sense of belonging and purpose. For parents, camp is a safe space for their children to develop independence while still being supported in a nurturing environment. The lessons and growth from camp remain with individuals for years to come.

Important Messages

Connection over skill: The central philosophy of camp work is to "teach the camper, not the skill." Building a personal connection with campers and staff is emphasized as crucial for creating a positive impact and fostering learning.

The magic of camp: The sense of community and mission-driven environment in camps creates a unique "magic" that isn't often found in other workplaces. Camp helps young people shape their values by understanding the "why" behind their actions and the work they do, fostering a deep sense of purpose that can be carried into other areas of life and work.

Leadership and responsibility at camp: Working at camp, especially as a young person, provides unique leadership opportunities, such as giving and receiving feedback, planning programs, and managing responsibility. These experiences are invaluable in preparing individuals for future careers.

Personal growth and development: Both staff and campers have the opportunity to develop valuable life skills, such as self-awareness, leadership, teamwork, and resilience, in a supportive and nurturing environment. These experiences go beyond hard skills and can influence personal and professional growth.

The importance of camp for parents and caregivers: Camp provides parents with an opportunity to practice "letting go" and allows children to learn independence, make mistakes, and grow outside of the home environment. It also gives parents peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing space.

Financial Resources for Camp

• Kids in Camp: https://kidsincamp.com/

• Amici Children’s Camp Charity: https://www.amicicharity.org/

• Ontario Camps Association: https://ontariocampsassociation.ca/
  

In this episode of Exception Seekers, therapist and educator Jake Ernst shares his insights on relational therapy, and the need for a societal shift that recognizes the critical importance of human connection. Jake encourages us to reframe how we approach mental health, especially with children, so that we can look past the idea of individual skill sets and consider mental health as a system of relationships to be nurtured. This episode touches on the impact of social media, recognizing passive versus active technology use, the myth of self-regulation, and all things in between, Jake’s humility, curiosity, and emphasis on relational context stand out as deeply humanizing and hopeful, as he shares ideas on how to build connection with young people.

Important Messages

Co-Regulation as a Foundation: Jake emphasizes that co-regulation is a prerequisite for self-regulation. Children (and adults) need safe, emotionally attuned relationships before they can regulate themselves. This idea challenges models that expect individuals, especially young kids, to "self-regulate" in isolation.

Mattering matters: of the three entry points into helping kids co-regulate, Jake highlights that “mattering”- having a meaningful significance in someone's life - is important and very often missed. Jake shares ideas on how adults can help young people feel like they matter.

Healing Requires a Shift from 'Fixing' to Relating: the conversation critiques cultural and therapeutic models that promote "fix the child" or "learn to regulate" approaches without acknowledging the relational, systemic, and social environments that shape those needs. Jake stresses the importance of relational health over rigid behaviour correction.

Not all Screens are Created Equal: Jake shares his interest in investigating social media and technology on human development and its impact on our ability to connect with others in real life.

We’re All Performing Something: Jake shares that he realized early in life that people are often "performing" roles, and liberation came from releasing himself from that pressure. It allowed him to simply be, rather than perform what he thought he should be.

Resources Mentioned:

• Clinical Practice: Straight Up Health (https://www.straightuphealth.ca/)

• Podcast: This Isn’t Therapy (https://open.spotify.com/show/0gvAhpRsaI8lDip7B1Jpi9)

• Social Media: @mswjake

In this episode of Exception Seekers, we welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a leading expert in eating disorders and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Dr. Federici shares her journey into the field, her passion for challenging conventional treatment models, and how she integrates DBT into eating disorder treatment. She discusses the systemic barriers in mental health care, the importance of lived experience in treatment approaches, and the development of her MED-DBT model.

Dr. Federici highlights the importance of being an Exception Seeker—challenging norms, questioning systems, and continuously striving to improve mental health care. Whether you're a clinician, caregiver, or someone navigating the system, her insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can do better.

Important Messages

The power of lived experience: People with firsthand experience of eating disorders provide invaluable insights, yet their voices have historically been dismissed. Traditional treatment models often fail to address the full spectrum of eating disorders, and innovative approaches like DBT can offer better support.

DBT as a transformational tool: DBT’s focus on emotional regulation, acceptance, and co-constructed treatment plans makes it an effective modality for complex cases.

Systemic barriers in mental health care: There is a disconnect between research, clinical practice, and accessibility, leaving many without adequate support.

Empowering caregivers: Educating parents and caregivers with practical skills can significantly impact recovery, even if the individual is not yet ready for treatment.

The importance of advocacy: Seeking alternatives, pushing against systemic limitations, and creating research-backed models can lead to better outcomes for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

• Organizations: Body Brave, NEDIC, Sheena’s Place, National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED)

• Dr. Anita Federici’s Work: MED-DBT caregiver group, upcoming book on MED-DBT

• Training & Education: SickKids

During this episode, Dr. Rob Meeder, shares insights from his journey as a pediatrician and his shift toward understanding mental health through a relational, family-centered lens. He discusses how early childhood experiences, particularly trauma and trust, shape both individual behaviours and societal norms. He emphasizes the importance of fostering trust and emotional resilience, especially in the context of families, and that he encourages parents to be more forgiving of themselves.

This conversation underscores the importance of taking a deeper, more compassionate look at family dynamics, mental health, and societal structures. It calls for an ultimate system shift in how mental health care is delivered—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of family members and the long-term societal benefits of nurturing trust and resilience from childhood onward.

Important Messages

Parenting and perfectionism: Parents often feel pressure to be perfect, but this is unrealistic and counterproductive. Acknowledging imperfections and offering grace to oneself as a parent is crucial for both personal well-being and fostering healthy family dynamics.

The influence of trauma in parenting: Many parents carry unaddressed trauma from their own childhoods, which may subconsciously influence their parenting styles. Understanding this connection can lead to healing and healthier family relationships.

Relational and family-oriented approaches: Focusing solely on the child as the "patient" can limit the impact of mental health care. A more effective approach involves considering the entire family unit and the relational dynamics at play, helping parents understand how their own history shapes their parenting.

Building trust and resilience: Trust is a foundational element in child development. It is established early in life through interactions with caregivers and can have lasting effects on an individual's sense of security and relationships. Fostering trust can contribute to a more resilient society.

Challenges in mental health systems: Dr. Meeder highlights the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, especially pediatricians, in addressing mental health concerns. He expresses the frustration of wanting to do more but being constrained by systemic limitations, such as waitlists and time constraints. But, despite these challenges, Dr. Meeder remains hopeful about the potential for change.

In this first episode, Anne and Colleen explore how the experiences of childhood, family, and community shape the ways we show up in the world — and how small moments of exception can open new possibilities.

Anne reflects on her journey from feeling the pressures of cultural expectations to discovering a deeper sense of self through leadership at summer camp. Her story illustrates how authentic leadership doesn’t require loudness or charisma, but rather the courage to be fully oneself. Together, Anne and Colleen explore themes of risk, intergenerational resilience, and the value of embracing change — even when it’s scary.

From childhood lessons in autonomy to parenting through uncertainty, this conversation highlights how we grow when we’re allowed to make mistakes, take risks, and be supported unconditionally. The episode closes with reflections on starting imperfectly, the beauty of vulnerability, and why the most powerful changes often begin in small, exceptional moments.

Important Messages

Exceptions spark change: Change doesn’t always come from grand gestures — it often begins in small “exceptions” to our norms or beliefs. Remember - noticing and nurturing these exceptions (like a four-year-old ending gymnastics on her own terms) can build confidence and agency early on.

Authenticity in leadership: Being a leader doesn’t mean being the loudest or most energetic — it means showing up as your full, honest self. Authenticity attracts others because it creates space for connection and permission for others to do the same.

Summer Camp as a microcosm for growth: Camp provides a space for young people to explore identity, experiment with leadership, and make mistakes in a supportive environment. Canoe tripping and camp problem-solving nurtured resilience, adaptability, and creativity — all vital life skills.

Taking risks and letting go of perfection: Risk-taking is essential for growth, even if the outcome isn’t guaranteed. In fact, risk gives success its meaning; starting with 70% readiness and adjusting along the way is often the key to progress.

Parenting through acceptance, not protection: Parents naturally want to shield their kids from struggle, but growth often comes through manageable risks. The goal isn’t to prevent failure, but to create a safe home base where kids know they’re supported no matter what.