The Angsty Pod

Yoda Olinyk
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  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

For more than 2 decades, I have written in a diary almost every single day. And guess what? I saved them ALL. Each week, I will be reading from these archives and getting to know myself from the lens of my 10, 16, 25, and 36-year-old self. We'll explore big topics such as body image, queerness, divorce, addiction, mental health, and friendship. I'll read cringy poems and attempt to find compassion for the painful tenderness of my younger self. Join the drama of me and my guests as we explore our boy-crazy, closeted, angsty selves... one stupid page at a time.

  1. APR 15

    Episode 34 - I Never Want to Go Home

    Content Note: This episode mentions suicidal ideation, suicide, drug abuse, a car accident, and mental health in a way that might be hard for some listeners. Please take gentle care. If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime. --- In this episode, I dive headfirst into something I was avoiding during my last episode.  In the summer of 2016, on the cusp of adulthood, my mother left. I thought I remembered it correctly, but reading back on these diaries, I realize my memories aren't my memories. My memories. It's such a strange sensation to read what's true instead of what I've imagined to be true for 20+ years. But, in this episode, I am trying to be brave. There's some pages ripped out and so much sadness, which I always thought was anger. /3 "It's an interesting light to shed on yourself, for sure." 3 I also read more about what's going on with Corey. Louis re-enters my life. I am in a horrible car accident and severely depressed. It's a tough episode but worth listening to.  The essay I refer to in this episode can be found here: https://themondayclub.substack.com/p/sharing-a-cigarette-with-my-mother For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books here 3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

    53 min
  2. Episode 33 with Kristina Percy

    APR 2

    Episode 33 with Kristina Percy

    Content Notes: This episode centers around postpartum anxiety and depression. It might be a tender one for some listeners. --- Kristina Percy (she/ her) is an actuary by training who has somehow found herself the author of a book of poems, almost none of which are about math.  In 2019, she started writing e-mails to herself and her kids to work through what would later be diagnosed as postpartum anxiety. For over a year, it manifested as an all-consuming, uncontrollable rage.  In this episode, Kristina generously reads some of those e-mails and doesn't hold back. Excuse me while I gush over how brave and honest my friend is. 3 Through tears and courage, Kristina shares how she made it to the other side. One of my favourite lines from this interview was, "I had so much support once I asked for it."   In 2024, Kristina's book Both True was the runner-up in Button's 2024 Poetry Chapbook Contest. It was one of five books I gave a 10/10 rating in 2025 and think you absolutely need to read it. You can find it here: https://buttonpoetry.com/product/both-true/ Listen to the end of this episode to hear Kristina read a brand new poem titled, I Had a Baby and Now Anything Will Make Me Cry. Here is the article by Minna Dubin that was referenced in the interview: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/parenting/mother-rage.html If you are in need of postpartum support, you can text “Help” to 800-944-4773 anytime or go to PSI's website: https://postpartum.net/get-help/ For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books here 3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

    1h 4m
  3. *Special Episode!* The Angsty Pod Turns Two!

    MAR 23

    *Special Episode!* The Angsty Pod Turns Two!

    In this special edition BIRTHDAY episode, Yoda answers a few listener questions including: - Why Doula of Words? - How has sobriety impacted your writing practice? - Are you ever worried someone will read your diaries? Yoda also goes deep into her poetry archives and reads several deep, dark poems, which we really hope you enjoy! 3 Thank you so much for listening! We couldn't do this without you!!!!!!!!! For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books here 3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

    39 min
  4. Episode 32 - Hooter Shooters & Prom

    MAR 13

    Episode 32 - Hooter Shooters & Prom

    We're back in 2006 and I am struggling to balance being madly in love with my boyfriend and my new girl crush, along with working full-time, finishing high school, and planning for prom. Oh, and also, I go to a strip club and stuff gets crazy. Yes. I am 17.  Every time I enter a room, I am filled with near-crippling anxiety, believing everyone hates me and thinks I'm a liar. I want to open up and tell Corey everything, but it feels impossible to let him see the real me. So, I pull away and start making out with girls at parties.  There's a lot happening in this one and most of it breaks my heart. My bestie thinks I'm a "mean girl" and I am drowning in my adult responsibilities. I barely see my friends in this one, and barely notice my Mom is weeks away from leaving my Dad. It's a heavy one but I hope you enjoy hearing me forgive myself in real time 3 For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books here 3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

    44 min
  5. Episode 31 - Spoiler Alert: I Haven't Changed At All Part 3)

    MAR 3

    Episode 31 - Spoiler Alert: I Haven't Changed At All Part 3)

    In this episode, I get the f**k out nof Brisbane (no shade!) and start a whole new life in Perth, WA. There's ups, there's downs. There's sex, drugs, and soooo much alcohol.  In Western Oz, I get a job and make juuuust enough money to blow it all on an EPIC roadtrip across the south coast of Australia. I make two of the best friends a girl can ask for, get two back-to-back bouts of food poisoning, spend a day on an $8 million yacht, and almost hook up with my friend's brother. (???) Then, I make it back to Sydney just in time to meet Jessa where it all started... Bondi Beach! This episode is full of lust and longing... and so many lessons. I hate how it ends, but I kindof love it too.  For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books here 3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

    1h 4m
  6. Episode 30 - Fraser Island Fling (Part 2)

    JAN 26

    Episode 30 - Fraser Island Fling (Part 2)

    It's 2010 and I've been in Australia for about a month and am finally settling into things. I'm still dying of homesickness but am eager to find a job and am already thinking of extending my stay in Oz. My friend Ian tells me I need to relax and come live with him in his van, and I consider it, but ditch him quickly for a local named Alan. Alan and I dive into a very passionate fling. The fling takes us on a disastrous trip to Fraser Island and our ending is as swift as our beginning. I travel up and down the coast from Yamba to Byron Bay to Brisbane and back again. I get food poisoning on an island and worry I might die. My friend and I are fighting constantly and the zoo makes me feel nothing but sadness.  I turn 22 and stay on the job hunt. I get my heart broken, stomped on, and spit out. I decide I want to make some changes.... and decide I'm going to fly West! All that and more in this DOOZY of an episode. 3 For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books here 3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

    1h 7m
  7. Episode 29 - Can Homesickness Kill You? (Part 1)

    JAN 5

    Episode 29 - Can Homesickness Kill You? (Part 1)

    I'm skipping ahead a bit here and taking you to 2009. Brokenhearted from my messy break up with Corey, I let myself fall into the arms of the friend of my best friend's boyfriend. Him and I try desperately (and unsuccessfully!) to fit a whole relationship into a few months because surprise! I'm flying to Australia and no one can stop me. Australia is the furthest I've ever traveled, and I am drowning in homesickness. So much so, I am having visions of the guy I left behind, and am rying myself to sleep while the other backpackers surf paradise around me. I write about 20K words in the first 48 hours and every single one of them spells 'anxious attachment.' One minute, I am fighting with my friend, the next I am making out with a Dutch guy on the beach, the next I am cooking for everyone in the hostel. Total whirlwind. Don't worry! I share how to properly make a Vegemite sandwich, chef-stylez. I also get a foot rub from Jamie Oliver's cousin (lol)! I am pounding 'goon,' which is a wine (if you can call it that!) that costs $11 for 4 liters!!  This episode certainly isn't a party, although there is a fair amount of that. I get caught stealing and hate myself so much that I almost decide to go home. Instead, I wander aimlessly up the East Coast and try to find myself. Join me in Bondi, Sydney, Byron Bay, and Yamba. 3 You might want to take a lorazepam for this one!!! For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books here 3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

    1h 11m

  8. 12/21/2025

    Interview with my Dad 3

    The long-awaited episode is here!! I finally had the chance to sit down and interview my Dad, Ron, for The Angsty Pod!  "Let's call it a journal, not a diary!" lol Dads... ammiright?!?! We sat down in my Dad's living room, mic between us, Dad sipping wine, me sipping Gingerale, and we talked for about four hours. We covered all kinds of topics, including the way his mother smelled, eating escargot, staying open to life's opportunities, writing practice, and much more.  In this episode, it's 1979, and my Dad, age 20, is backpacking through Europe. His mother, my grandmother, has recently died and he is living at home with his father, my Gido. It's the first time he's left the country, been on a plane, or rode in a taxi... and he does it all in the first page of this journal. He ultimately wanted to end up in India, to become a yogi and learn more about meditation, or, in his words, "I wanted to live in a cave and become a guru."  But the story takes a turn when he is "bamboozled" in Rome. He loses most of his money and the scam leaves him completely broken hearted. His shame over the incident, 45+ years later, is still profound.  "It was the most beautiful, incredible journey I've ever had in my life; the most adventurous, and I learned SO much... but there were so many other moments of pain and sadness and loneliness." We end this episode with a conversation about travel, and Dad even agreed to read some poems!  This is one of my favourite episodes, as well as a personal & career highlight for me. I know my Dad will appreciate you for listening, and I do too!! For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books here 3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

    1h 30m
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About

For more than 2 decades, I have written in a diary almost every single day. And guess what? I saved them ALL. Each week, I will be reading from these archives and getting to know myself from the lens of my 10, 16, 25, and 36-year-old self. We'll explore big topics such as body image, queerness, divorce, addiction, mental health, and friendship. I'll read cringy poems and attempt to find compassion for the painful tenderness of my younger self. Join the drama of me and my guests as we explore our boy-crazy, closeted, angsty selves... one stupid page at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Yoda Olinyk
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Angsty Pod
  • Show Website
    The Angsty Pod