In the second part of this two-part conversation, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave explore how shame develops from childhood into adulthood and how it can shape the way we see ourselves and connect with others.

Shame can be learned in many ways: from comments we hear when we make mistakes to the subtle messages and microaggressions we experience in our environments. Over time, these experiences can become internalized, influencing how we cope, communicate, and relate to ourselves and those around us.

Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave discuss how shame can affect our relationships and how therapy, counselling, and self-compassion can help us challenge negative self-beliefs and begin to heal.

This thoughtful and hopeful conversation invites us to reflect on our own experiences with shame and consider how greater self-compassion can help us build healthier, more positive, and fulfilling relationships with ourselves and others.

In the first of this two-part conversation, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave explore one of the most powerful, and often misunderstood, human emotions: shame.

Shame is something most of us try to avoid, suppress, or simply ignore. Yet, throughout our lives, it can be difficult to escape. How we experience shame, make sense of it, and process it can profoundly influence our thoughts, actions, relationships, and behaviours.

When shame becomes toxic, it can erode our self-esteem and confidence, affect how we see ourselves and the world around us, and contribute to other mental health challenges. Our experiences in childhood, including how we are treated and the messages we receive from those around us, can play an important role in shaping how shame develops and how we carry it into adulthood.

In this important and deeply reflective episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave unpack the impact of shame and begin exploring how we can better understand and work through it. If you’ve ever struggled with a deep or persistent sense of shame, this is a conversation worth listening to.

In the third and final episode of our memory series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave turn their attention to the other side of developmental psychology: ageing.

As we grow older, changes in memory are a natural part of the ageing process. For some individuals, however, memory changes can become more significant and may eventually meet the diagnostic criteria for dementia.

In this thoughtful and in-depth conversation, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave explore what dementia is, how it can affect individuals and families, and practical strategies for supporting clients who are navigating a new diagnosis. They also draw on their own personal experiences with extended family members living with dementia, offering perspectives that go beyond clinical practice.

Dementia is something many of us will encounter in our lifetime, whether through a client, a loved one, a friend, or someone in our community. Learning how to adapt, remain flexible, and meet people where they are can make a meaningful difference in preserving their dignity, autonomy, and sense of connection.

Join Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave for a compassionate conversation about memory, ageing, dementia.

In the second episode of this three-part series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave explore practical strategies for strengthening our memory and making it work more effectively in everyday life.

Our individual interests and unique characteristics influence what we remember. When we’re naturally interested in a topic, information often comes more easily but what happens when we need to remember something that simply doesn’t interest us? How can we improve our memory for studying, particularly when the material feels boring or difficult? And what about the everyday things we often forget, like where we left our house keys?

Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave share practical tips and easy-to-use strategies to help improve memory for studying, daily tasks, and activities of everyday living.

Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or simply looking for ways to sharpen your memory, this episode is a must-listen!

In the first episode of this three-part series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave explore the powerful connection between memory, learning, mental health, and healing.

From an early age, we learn patterns and behaviours from our environment and the people around us. Our memories help us recognize these patterns and shape how we respond to them, often with the goal of keeping us safe and helping us navigate challenging experiences.

This learning can include how we respond to difficult experiences such as abuse, grief, bullying, and other forms of adversity. Over time, we may become conditioned to respond automatically in certain ways to avoid perceived threats or negative outcomes. These learned responses can continue to influence our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviours long after the original experience has passed.

While we often think of memory and learning in the context of school and academic achievement, they play a much deeper role in our everyday lives and in our mental health. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave explore how our brains learn from experience, how those lessons can shape our responses to the world, and why understanding these patterns can be an important part of healing and developing healthier ways of coping.

Community mental health services are an essential part of our healthcare system, yet they are often among the most underfunded. In this episode of Taking Good Care, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with Rachelle Kay, Executive Director of Momentum Counselling, a leading non-profit mental health organization in Edmonton, Canada.

Together, they explore the realities of providing accessible, community-based mental health care and the challenges that non-profit organizations face in sustaining these vital services. Non-profit mental health organizations like Momentum play a critical role in bridging gaps in the healthcare system. They provide counselling, assessments, and support to individuals and families who may otherwise be unable to access or afford these services.

What does it take to build and sustain effective grassroots mental health services? What happens when the need for care far exceeds the resources available? And how can communities better support the organizations working on the front lines?

If you are passionate about mental health, interested in community-based care, or curious about the important work of grassroots non-profit organizations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Momentum's Website - https://momentumcounselling.org/donate-today/

Direct Donation Link - https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/64128

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/momentumcounselling

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/momentumcounselling.yeg

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/company/momentum-counselling

In the worlds of elite sports and the performing arts, success often comes down to more than talent alone. The ability to manage pressure, stay mentally resilient, and perform when it matters most can make all the difference.

On this episode of Taking Good Care, Dr. Andrew H.C. Wong and Dr. David St. Arnault welcome renowned neuropsychologist and University of Alberta professor Dr. Martin Mrazik for an insightful conversation on the science of sports and performance psychology. Drawing on decades of experience working with organizations such as the Edmonton Oilers (NHL), the Edmonton Elks (CFL), and the International Ice Hockey Federation, Dr. Mrazik shares practical strategies to help athletes and performers unlock their full potential.

The discussion also explores the mental health challenges that can accompany high-performance environments, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and trauma. Dr. Mrazik offers evidence-based approaches to building resilience, overcoming setbacks, and supporting long-term well-being.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, performer, parent, or simply fascinated by the psychology of peak performance, this fun and engaging episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to thrive under pressure.

In the second episode of this two-part series, psychologists Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave continue their conversation on intelligence, exploring how it shapes learning and education.

This episode examines what defines a learning disability and unpacks the concept of giftedness. Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave discuss how students with learning disabilities possess both strengths and challenges, highlighting the importance of individualized supports, effective learning strategies, and appropriate accommodations to help them succeed. They also take a thoughtful look at giftedness: Why the label can be both valuable and controversial and why it should never be viewed as a predictor of a person's future success.

Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or simply interested in how intelligence is understood and applied in education, this insightful discussion offers valuable perspectives you won't want to miss.