The Calm Cast

The Calm Place

The Calm Cast is hosted by Alison Petten, Registered Psychologist and Co-Director of The Calm Place, alongside Ashley MacLellan. Together, they create a space for honest, down-to-earth conversations about mental health and wellness. With the support of expert guests, they break down stigma, explore the topics we don’t talk about enough, and share practical tools—making healing feel more approachable, relatable, and even a little bit fun.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Finding Calm in the Cold

    What if stepping into discomfort could actually help you find more calm? In this episode of The Calm Cast, Alison and Ashley sit down with certified Wim Hof Method Instructor Donald Bradley to explore the surprising connection between cold exposure, breathwork, and nervous system regulation. Whether you've seen cold plunges all over social media or you've wondered why anyone would willingly sit in a tub of freezing water, this conversation breaks down the science, the mindset, and the practical ways cold exposure can support both physical and mental wellbeing. Together, they discuss: ✨ What the Wim Hof Method is and how it works ✨ Why breathwork is just as important as the cold ✨ How cold exposure can help train your nervous system to respond to stress ✨ The physical and mental health benefits supported by research ✨ Simple ways to safely introduce cold exposure into your routine ✨ How learning to stay calm in uncomfortable moments can carry into everyday life Whether you're curious about cold plunges or simply looking for new ways to build resilience, this episode offers an approachable introduction to one of the world's most talked-about wellness practices. Connect with Us If this episode resonated with you, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little more calm in their life. Remember: calm isn't something you find - it's something you practice. Connect with Donald Follow Donald Bradley on Instagram (@ice_whistler)

    Finding Calm in the Cold
  2. Jul 3

    When Busy Becomes Burnout

    Burnout isn't always obvious. Sometimes it looks like irritability, feeling disconnected from the work you once loved, or simply believing that being exhausted is "just part of life." In this episode, we're joined by workplace wellness educator Alison Butler for a thoughtful conversation about burnout, stress, and the pressure so many of us feel to keep going, even when our minds and bodies are asking us to slow down. Together, we explore: ✨ What burnout really is—and how it's different from everyday stress ✨ The subtle signs of burnout that often go unnoticed ✨ Why helpers, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and leaders are especially vulnerable ✨ The invisible mental load so many women carry ✨ How our culture ties productivity to self-worth ✨ Why loving your work doesn't necessarily protect you from burnout ✨ Simple ways to support your nervous system before reaching burnout ✨ Why meaningful connection is one of the greatest antidotes to stress ✨ How to begin filling your own cup without guilt Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or simply looking for permission to slow down, we hope this conversation reminds you that caring for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. Take a deep breath, put your heels on the ground, and join us for this honest conversation about finding a healthier, more sustainable way forward. Connect With Us If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may benefit from the conversation. To learn more about therapy services, reduced-rate counselling options, or the wellness services available at The Calm Place, visit our website or reach out to our team. Remember: calm isn't something you find—it's something you practice. Alison Butler Alison is a high-achieving, go-getter, highly engaged, “busy” entrepreneur, mom of two, partner, and friend. Before owning her own business, she worked for 15 years in a job she loved at a provincial non-profit organization. For years, she pursued all her work and interests with high energy, until one day things changed. Despite her best intentions, she felt drained, unfocused, scattered, irritable, and “blah”. That began a lifelong journey to support her own mental wellbeing and help others who might feel the same way. In early 2020, Alison became a full-time business owner, teaching Mental Health First Aid in workplaces. After teaching hundreds of courses, she noticed how many others were feeling stuck in similar patterns–never-ending work, life commitments that never seem to leave any extra time, and the drain from constantly being “on”. Alison strongly believes that it’s worth breaking the status quo of “going through the motions of life” and living a life that feels great (whatever that looks like for you!) You can connect with Alison Web: https://www.alisonbutler.ca/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbutlernl/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonsbutler/

    When Busy Becomes Burnout
  3. Jun 19

    What If It Could Be Better? A Conversation About Therapy and Healing

    In this episode of The Calm Cast, Allison and Ashley dive into one of the most common questions in mental health: How do I know if therapy is right for me? Whether you're considering therapy for the first time, wondering if your struggles are "serious enough," or simply curious about what happens in a therapy session, this conversation offers a compassionate and practical look at the role therapy can play in our lives. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Why therapy doesn't have to be reserved for moments of crisis ✨ The difference between reactive and proactive mental health care ✨ How unresolved childhood experiences can continue to impact us as adults ✨ The connection between trauma, anxiety, depression, and the fight-or-flight response ✨ Why understanding your life story is often more important than focusing solely on symptoms ✨ What to expect during your first therapy sessions ✨ Why it's never too late to begin your healing journey One of the most powerful concepts discussed in this episode is the shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to asking "What happened to me?" Our experiences—both the things that happened and the things that didn't—shape how we move through the world. Therapy can help us better understand those experiences, increase our capacity to handle life's challenges, and create meaningful change, even when we think we're doing "fine." Connect With Us If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may benefit from the conversation. To learn more about therapy services, reduced-rate counselling options, or the wellness services available at The Calm Place, visit our website or reach out to our team. Remember: calm isn't something you find—it's something you practice.

    What If It Could Be Better? A Conversation About Therapy and Healing
  4. Jun 5

    Is it Me or ADHD?

    In Episode 2 of The Calm Cast, Alison, Ashley and Stephanie Keezer explore one of the most common questions people are asking today: "Do I have ADHD?" With ADHD conversations becoming increasingly common online, it can be difficult to know whether symptoms like forgetfulness, overwhelm, difficulty concentrating, or emotional dysregulation point to ADHD—or something else entirely. Stephanie shares her expertise as a psychologist specializing in both ADHD and trauma, helping listeners understand the complex relationship between brain development, childhood experiences, and mental health. In this episode, we discuss: ✨What ADHD actually is—and what it isn't ✨Why ADHD is often misunderstood and over-simplified online ✨The connection between trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and ADHD-like symptoms ✨How childhood experiences shape brain development ✨Why ADHD assessments require more than a checklist ✨The differences between ADHD symptoms and trauma responses ✨How ADHD often presents differently in women ✨The role genetics play in ADHD ✨The importance of comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis About Our Guest Stephanie Keezer, Psychologist Stephanie is a psychologist here at The Calm Place in St. John's, Newfoundland. She specializes in comprehensive adult ADHD assessments, with expertise in identifying subtle and internalized presentations across high-functioning adults, including women, whose symptoms are frequently overlooked in standard evaluations. Her approach is collaborative and relational, focused on creating a safe space to understand patterns and explore how unprocessed stress, trauma, and early experiences may shape emotional and cognitive functioning. Her practice is grounded in genuine connection, thoughtful assessment, and clear, practical guidance. Connect With Us Have questions you'd like us to cover in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Follow The Calm Place on social media and send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas for future episodes of The Calm Cast @thecalmplace_nl Remember: Calm isn't something you find. It's something you practice. 💜

    Is it Me or ADHD?

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Calm Cast is hosted by Alison Petten, Registered Psychologist and Co-Director of The Calm Place, alongside Ashley MacLellan. Together, they create a space for honest, down-to-earth conversations about mental health and wellness. With the support of expert guests, they break down stigma, explore the topics we don’t talk about enough, and share practical tools—making healing feel more approachable, relatable, and even a little bit fun.