Making The Time: Well Being Through Compassionate Self-Care

Pamela Van Nest

What if self-care was less about another thing to “do” and more about becoming who you're meant to be? Making The Time is a podcast for anyone who's ever felt the quiet pull to live more intentionally, more authentically — and wondered where to start. In each episode, we go beyond the obvious and explore the full landscape of self-care: the emotional, the creative, the financial, the spiritual, the relational — and the parts of ourselves we don't always talk about. Guests bring their real-world wisdom and lived experience, sharing how caring for themselves in their area of expertise has transformed not just their own lives, but the lives of those around them, and beyond. And woven through every conversation? The Making The Time oracle card deck — a tool for reflection that helps us name our inner wisdom, recognize what holds us back, and commit to meaningful action. Because self-care isn't indulgence, it’s necessary. It's how we show up — for ourselves, and for everyone we love. New episodes weekly. Mark your calendars, set the alarm. Make the time.

  1. 6d ago

    Self-Care; Inner Child Episode 18

    Kristine’s contacts kristine@kristinegoad.com Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/kristine.goad/?hl=en Fb   https://www.facebook.com/kristinegoad LI    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinegoad/ Substack   https://kristine.substack.com/ Embracing Your Inner Child with Christine Goad Nurturing our inner child can transform how we engage with life, as Christine Goad shares in this insightful conversation. Christine, a coach dedicated to helping others embrace their fears and pursue adventures, invites us to explore the importance of self-care rooted in playfulness and curiosity. Defining Self-Care Christine begins by reflecting on self-care as a practice of awareness. It’s not just about indulging in luxuries but rather an ongoing assessment of our energy and emotional states. "It's kind of like doing a body scan and an energy scan," she notes. Recognizing when to rest and when to engage is vital to maintaining balance. The Inner Child Concept Christine describes the inner child as the most authentic version of ourselves. “Our inner child doesn’t exist unscathed; she really does start to take on those wounds." This reflection invites us to acknowledge and heal those past wounds, which can enrich our present lives. The Joy of Play As she beautifully puts it, "We're here to live a life that we enjoy." The Importance of Connection Ultimately, nurturing our inner child allows us to reconnect with our sense of wonder and harmony. As Christine notes, we often lose this connection as we grow, but it's never too late to rediscover it. To dive deeper into this topic, listen to the full episode. And if you are unfamiliar with the term Entelechy here’s some info: The Concept: Entelechy means the inherent potential within something that is bound to be realized. It is the "inner intelligence" or blueprint coded inside a living thing https://insighttimer.com/ralphdelarosa/guided-meditations/visualization-for-connecting-to-our-deeper-self Join Pam in exploring self-care:Making the Time Podcast WebsiteFollow on Facebook and Instagramhttps://www.facebook.com/pamela.vannest/https://www.instagram.com/pvncoaching/?hl=enTo buy the Making The Time card deck, email pvncoaching@gmail.com or visit www.pvncoaching.com/shopMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/aylex/the-paths-we-walk   License code: VN531E1LSWBH47NX

  2. Sep 2

    Cultural/Identity Self-Care Episode 17

    Cultivating Cultural Identity Through Compassion In this episode of Making the Time Podcast, Pam Van Nest continues her enlightening conversation with Charmaine Magumbe, focusing on the importance of cultural and identity self-care. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how understanding our cultural roots can enhance our well-being. The Power of Storytelling Charmaine emphasizes the significance of storytelling in nurturing our cultural identities. Sharing and listening to stories from diverse backgrounds helps us connect with our history and understand the rich tapestry of experiences that shape who we are.   Building Community and Inclusivity The Afrocentric Awareness Network in Peterborough is a remarkable initiative that fosters cultural exchange and understanding. Charmaine highlights the importance of community involvement and how sharing African and Caribbean histories enriches everyone's understanding of our collective past. Compassionate Empathy and Affirmation Pam and Charmaine explore the concepts of compassionate empathy and affirmation as vital components of cultural identity. Charmaine shares her Christian perspective on compassion, noting its role in embracing and learning from others without judgment. The discussion also touches on the role of positive affirmations in strengthening one's cultural identity and self-esteem. Charmaine recounts a recent gathering with fellow Jamaicans, where sharing experiences reaffirmed her pride in her heritage. Navigating Cultural Spaces Charmaine candidly addresses the challenges of navigating predominantly Eurocentric spaces while maintaining her cultural identity. She reflects on the importance of being aware of how she presents herself and the internal dialogues that arise in these contexts.   Closing Reflections As our conversation wraps up, Charmaine leaves us with a thought-provoking reminder of the importance of understanding our backgrounds. "Everyone should be looking at who they are and what's their background. It’s good to know your history because it informs who you are and shapes your cultural identity." Join us in reflecting on how we can nurture our cultural identities through compassionate empathy and community engagement. For more insights, listen to the full episode and explore the transformative power of cultural self-care. References: Footnote to Freedom https://www.indigo.ca/products/a-footnote-to-freedom To learn more about Charmaine: https://www.facebook.com/charmain.magumbe.5 https://www.instagram.com/charmaine_magumbe/ Join Pam in exploring self-care:Making the Time Podcast WebsiteFollow on Facebook and InstagramTo buy the Making The Time card deck, email pvncoaching@gmail.com or visit www.pvncoaching.com/shopMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/aylex/the-paths-we-walkLicense code: VN531E1LSWBH47NX

  3. Aug 26

    Cultural/Identity Self-Care part 1 Episode 16

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION What does cultural self-care really look like when your identity is shaped by migration, race, faith, and community? Charmaine Magumbe shares a powerful, deeply personal answer - and it goes far beyond “take care of yourself.” Pam Van Nest sits down with the Jamaican-born, Zimbabwean-Canadian community activist to explore how culture can become a living practice of self-care through identity, spirituality, boundaries, and belonging. From communal living and prayer to narrative activism and speaking out against white supremacy, Charmaine shows why self-care is never passive - it’s action, awareness, and protection. You’ll discover: How Charmaine defines cultural self-care as staying connected to the community that grounds youWhy living communally is not just practical for her, but spiritually and culturally essentialThe role prayer, reflection, and Christian practice play in her daily self-careHow “narrative activism” turns research and writing into a tool for resistance and educationWhy performative allyship falls short and what real allyship requiresHow identity is shaped by Jamaican, Zimbabwean, and Canadian roots - and why that mix mattersWhat Black History Month means as empowerment, context, and legacy for the next generationPam also opens up about her own decolonizing journey and the questions that come with uncovering heritage, making this conversation personal as well as political. Together, they unpack how culture, language, history, and racism all shape the way we care for ourselves and one another. This episode is essential listening if you’ve ever questioned where you belong, how your roots influence your wellbeing, or what it means to protect your identity in a world that keeps trying to define it for you. Charmaine’s perspective is a reminder that cultural self-care is not about nostalgia - it’s about reclamation, resistance, and legacy. Perfect for anyone interested in self-care, social justice, identity, Black empowerment, and the power of speaking up when it matters most. Pam Van Nest is an emotional confidence coach and host of Making the Time Podcast, where she explores one of fourteen self-care areas in each episode. Charmaine Magumbe is a Jamaican-born Zimbabwean-Canadian community activist, organizer, and arts contributor in Peterborough, known for co-founding Black Lives Matter Peterborough, the Afrocentric Awareness Network, and other community initiatives. She has served in race relations leadership, earned multiple awards, and continues to champion inclusion and awareness. Charmaine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charmaine.magumbeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-magumbe-2205aa13/Pam / Making The Time Website: Making the Time Podcast WebsiteFollow on Facebook and InstagramCard deck: email pvncoaching@gmail.com or visit www.pvncoaching.com/shopMusic Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)Track: https://uppbeat.io/t/aylex/the-paths-we-walkLicense code: VN531E1LSWBH47NX

  4. Aug 12

    Mental Self-Care episode 14

    Mental Self-Care with Kat McCartie Pam Van Nest talks with Kat McCartie a board-certified integrated neurosomatic practitioner, about mental self-care, the inner critic, and the beliefs that quietly drive burnout, overthinking, and self-overriding. The conversation centers on how awareness and pause create choice, and how changing internal narratives can help people rest, decide, and live with more compassion.This is an interview with two substantive speakers: Pam Van Nest frames the self-care lens, and Kat McCartie brings the main teaching on mental self-care, toxic independence, and updating the beliefs underneath our habits. Key topics In this episode, Kat defines self-care as the act of recognizing that you matter as much as everyone else, not as a selfish indulgence.Pam and Kat discuss toxic independence and how the belief that you must do everything alone can become a barrier to support and recovery.Kat explains mental self-care as everything happening inside the head, including thoughts, imagery, inner dialogue, shoulds, and unconscious narratives.The conversation explores the pause as the first step in self-care, especially when an automatic reaction starts to take over.Kat shares how identifying the belief underneath a reaction helps reveal whether the pattern still serves you or needs to be updated.Pam connects the discussion to self-compassion, noting that understanding how her own mind works helps her respond more kindly to herself and others.The discussion uses the cards open-mindedness and aspire to show how curiosity and belief in others can improve communication and reduce reactivity.Kat shares examples from parenting and everyday misunderstandings to show how assumptions can distort meaning and create unnecessary tension.The episode examines doubt as an inner saboteur that often appears when identity beliefs and current behavior are out of alignment.Kat describes her goal of helping high-achieving women move from override and self-doubt into alignment, where the inner critic becomes an ally. Notable quotes Copy “I love myself enough today that I’m going to take things that are important to me because I matter as much as everybody else.” Copy “The pause.” Copy “When we heal ourselves, we help heal other people and it creates this beautiful ripple effect.” Action items Notice when your mind shifts into shoulds, overthinking, or self-criticism.Pause before reacting and ask what need the pattern is trying to meet.Check whether the belief driving the reaction still serves you.Practice open-mindedness by asking for more context before assuming intent.Choose actions that reflect alignment, not obligation or fear. To reach Kat you can email her at katmccartie@gmail.com To buy Making The Time card deck, email me at pvncoaching@gmail.com or go to my website www.pvncoaching.com  shop. Music by uppbeat.io The path we walk by Alyex

  5. Jul 29

    Spiritual Self-Care Part 1 Episode 12

    Discover how spiritual self-care goes beyond religious practice to encompass connection, compassion, and self-awareness. Celia McBride shares her personal journey and practical tips for nurturing your inner life, even amid life's busy stimuli. Key Topics: The broader definition of self-care and its inner focusHow spirituality connects us to ourselves and the universeDistinguishing self-care from selfishness, especially in spiritual practicesThe vital role of self-compassion and patience in self-carePractical ways to incorporate spiritual practices into daily lifeOvercoming challenges like overstimulation and guilt around prioritizing oneselfThe importance of listening deeply to one’s inner voiceHow values like curiosity, kindness, and patience enhance spiritual self-careThe power of internal images: the loving mama and wise elder within• • The ripple effect of inner self-care on relationships and the world Reference to May Sartonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Sarton You can reach Celia through Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=omygodthebook https://www.celiamcbride.com/ Join Pam in exploring self-care: Making the Time Podcast WebsiteFollow on Facebook and Instagram To buy the Making The Time card deck, email me at pvncoaching@gmail.com or go to my website www.pvncoaching.com  shop. Music by uppbeat.io The path we walk by AlyexNote: This episode explores the profound link between inner compassion and outward well-being, emphasizing that spiritual self-care is accessible and essential for everyone, regardless of religious belief.

  6. Jul 22

    Listening as Self-Care Episode 11

    Self-Care and Listening Brief Summary In this episode, Pam explores the importance of self-care and through listening with her guest Lynn M Teatro.   Listening Beyond Words: The Power of Compassionate Listening and Self-Care Discover how exploring deep listening and self-care can transform relationships and personal growth. In this episode, Lynn Teatro shares her groundbreaking framework that emphasizes trust, attention, and open-mindedness in fostering meaningful communication. Key Topics: The framework of TACCT: Time, Attention, Capacity, Care, Trust in effective listeningThe importance of listening with all senses—eyes, heart, and mindHow self-care influences our ability to listen and be heardPractical ways to improve internal and external listening skillsThe role of curiosity, acknowledging strengths, and open-mindednessManaging inner critics like catastrophizing to foster better connectionThe impact of listening on other life areas and relationships She invites listeners to join her on the Making the Time journey and shares ways to connect, follow, and support the show.Notes You can reach Lynn through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynn.teatro where she will send you a brochure about the 7 ways of listening. Join Pam in exploring self-care:Making the Time Podcast WebsiteFollow on Facebook and InstagramTo buy the Making The Time card deck, email pvncoaching@gmail.com or visit www.pvncoaching.com/shopMusic by uppbeat.io• • “The Path We Walk” by Alyex

About

What if self-care was less about another thing to “do” and more about becoming who you're meant to be? Making The Time is a podcast for anyone who's ever felt the quiet pull to live more intentionally, more authentically — and wondered where to start. In each episode, we go beyond the obvious and explore the full landscape of self-care: the emotional, the creative, the financial, the spiritual, the relational — and the parts of ourselves we don't always talk about. Guests bring their real-world wisdom and lived experience, sharing how caring for themselves in their area of expertise has transformed not just their own lives, but the lives of those around them, and beyond. And woven through every conversation? The Making The Time oracle card deck — a tool for reflection that helps us name our inner wisdom, recognize what holds us back, and commit to meaningful action. Because self-care isn't indulgence, it’s necessary. It's how we show up — for ourselves, and for everyone we love. New episodes weekly. Mark your calendars, set the alarm. Make the time.