The Coolest Journey

Host Hélène Caron

Welcome to the podcast The Coolest Journey, where guests share literally and figuratively their coolest journey intersecting health and the environment - with hope and joy, spreading both science-based knowledge and everyday tips. All this to help us all better our lives while helping the planet, because... the coolest journey we’ll ever be on is the one with ourselves and our environments. This bilingual (EN/FR) radio show/podcast airs live online every Friday from 12:30–1:00 pm ET on CFMU 93.3 FM, which is why some podcast episodes have two numbers, 1 per show. www.thecoolestjourney.com

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 40 - One Man and his tow float with Dr Mark Christie

    After years of trail running, osteoarthritis took its toll on Dr Mark Christie's hip. Looking for a new direction, he embarked on a set of open water swimming lessons - and never looked back. Not only did this newfound passion give Dr Mark a new lease of life into his sixties, it also sparked an academic interest into the benefits and risks associated with the sport.   In this podcast chat, we talk about his interviews with swimmers and coaches, ethnographic observations, and a growing body of inter-disciplinary research, all featured in his book. We also talk about how immersion in natural water environments influences mental health, physical resilience, nature connectedness, and social belonging. In doing so, it shares the joys, challenges, community, and unexpected lessons Dr Mark and others have learned through swimming in blue spaces. If you’re a newcomer to open water swimming, you’ll learn a number of essential tips to start this magic-filled practice. If you’re experienced - you’ll be fascinated by Dr Mark’s stories and academic references.  And perhaps this chat will bring even more depth to your practice.

    Ep 40 - One Man and his tow float with Dr Mark Christie

  2. Oct 16

    Ep 39 - Meno-Tober with Dr Lisa Tabrizi

    Hot flashes at 3 a.m. Brain fog in the middle of a meeting. Feeling like a stranger in your own body, with joints that start hurting for no reason. For millions of women, menopause isn’t one moment. It’s a multi-year journey, and too often it’s one we take in silence. For Menopause Awareness Month, Dr. Lisa Tabrizi, a naturopathic doctor from Burlington, joins us to talk about perimenopause, menopause and what comes after. She covers strength training, protein, sleep, supplements, hormone therapy, and how movement in nature can support us through the transition. A must-listen for women of all ages, and for everyone who shares their lives with women. Learn more about Dr. Lisa: https://drlisatnd.com/ https://drlisatnd.com/menopause-talk/  - Free Perimenopause Talk (Oct 13th, 7pm, virtual and recorded)  https://drlisatnd.com/online-courses-in-burlington/  -online paid courses Contact her by email: lisatabrizi at gmail.com

    Ep 39 - Meno-Tober with Dr Lisa Tabrizi

  3. Oct 2

    Ep 38 - Get Bogged Down: Richmond's Hidden Carbon Hero

    An urban bog, a carbon hero?? You bet! Listen to this incredible chat with bog expert Dr Michael Bomford from Kwantlen Polytechnic University located in Richmond, BC. If you have little to no knowledge about the importance of bogs in our lives and that of the planet, I promise you'll be mesmerized by this conversation. You're already a pro and know a lot about bogs? I'm serious when I tell you that you'll learn a few things during this passionate chat with Dr Bomford. Enjoy - and hopefully you'll be keeping an eye out for a bog close to you, and figure out how you can help keep it healthy too!

    Ep 38 - Get Bogged Down: Richmond's Hidden Carbon Hero

  4. Sep 12

    Ep 37 - My Latest Experience with Post-Concussion Symptoms Management Part 2

    In this solo episode Part 2, I share how I’ve been addressing my post-concussion symptoms using the health matrix and key health blocks specific to post-concussion rehabilitation.  And I'll also talk about the single most important daily habit I've incorporated that has made a difference in my recovery this time around. Every TBI is different, and the journey will be different from person to person, but also as I learnt this time around, the journey will also be different from one time to the next when the same person has a different incident (for a number of reasons - how the head was hit, position, speed, power, etc). I hope you learn something and find hope in this episode. My sincere wish is that you’ll benefit from some of the tools mentioned - after discussing it with your medical team of course. Each person’s post-TBI journey will be different and everyone needs to consult their medical team before deciding to include anything mentioned in this episode.  Basically - if anything happens to your head, consult your medical team. Enjoy!

    Ep 37 - My Latest Experience with Post-Concussion Symptoms Management Part 2

  5. Aug 14

    Ep 36 - My Latest Experience with Post-Concussion Symptoms Management

    In this solo episode, I go through the health matrix I use to empower my recovery from various injuries and some tips as to how I used it to manage my latest major concussion which occurred this past June.   Every TBI is different, and the journey will be different from person to person, but also as I learnt this time around, the journey will also be different from one time to the next when the same person has a different incident (for a number of reasons - how the head was hit, position, speed, power, etc). I’d like to take a moment to remind each one of you that each person’s post-TBI journey will be different and everyone needs to consult their medical team before deciding to include anything mentioned in this episode.  Basically - if anything happens to your head, consult your medical team. I hope you enjoy this episode and perhaps you’ll be able to use some of the tools mentioned after discussing it with your medical team. Enjoy! Interested in my upcoming online post-concussion management course? Wait list is open www.thecoolestjourney.com References regarding Blood Brain Barrier: Blood–Brain Barrier Pathophysiology following TBI — NCBI Bookshelf Microenvironmental Variations After BBB Breakdown in TBI — Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience Quantitative Imaging of BBB Permeability Following Repetitive Mild Head Impacts — PMC Pathophysiology of Concussion — Complete Concussions Long-lasting BBB Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation After TBI — ScienceDirect

    Ep 36 - My Latest Experience with Post-Concussion Symptoms Management

  6. Jul 31

    Ep 35 - Retraining Your Nervous System with Dr Nur Shaw

    In this Coolest Journey episode, we focus on the intersection of internal health and environment.  We’ve all been stressed before, and trauma in one shape or another marks the life of most of us humans. Dr Shaw, a trained psychiatrist turned counsellor in Vancouver BC, started to use self-regulation therapy (SRT) in her practice after recognizing limitations in pharmacological approaches and traditional talk therapy, particularly for patients with trauma and developmental issues.  The body-centered therapy she uses focuses on tracking sensations and rewiring the nervous system rather than reliving traumatic events, emphasizing the importance of the autonomic nervous system's response to trauma. If you think this might sound woowoo - please keep an open mind and know that everything she shares here is strongly rooted in science.  I’ve personally had a number of sessions with Dr Nur and I can honestly say that both my acute and chronic pain levels have gone down.  You’ve got nothing to lose, as the saying goes! The conversation covers key concepts like the definition of trauma, and how to activate the ventral vagal system, which promotes safety and regulation, versus the dorsal vagal system associated with shutdown and depression.   Finally, Dr Shaw generously shares some practical applications of SRT techniques for everyday life. This is one conversation that might stay with you for a very, very long time.

    Ep 35 - Retraining Your Nervous System with Dr Nur Shaw

  7. Jul 24

    Ep 34 - What to include in a personalized swimming safety plan - with guest Jessi Harewicz

    In this episode, I'm focusing on the importance of swim safety plans for open water swimming, prompted by a recent tragedy at the Kelowna Across the Lake Swim. Since this week is also National Drowning Prevention Week, this somewhat serves as a DIY PSA. Here, Jessi shares her experience with the Swimming Safety Plan she prepared for her challenge of crossing Lake Okanagan, detailing the preparation, crew support, and the unforeseen issues that led to her not completing the full distance - but that also fell within the bounds of her safety plan. We talked about the need for all of us to develop personalized safety plans no matter where we swim, assess environmental conditions, and the value of swimming with a buddy or support crew. Some links: To contribute to Jessi’s swim for mental health fundraiser for expanding Foundry youth and family services across the Okanagan  https://www.cmhakelowna.com/  Swimming Canada Open Water Safety Plan Template — the most comprehensive and practical starting point USMS Open Water Safety PlanWOWSA Marathon Swimming Rules & RegulationsFINA Open Water Swimming Manual 2022Open Water Guide to Event Operations | US Masters Swimming

    Ep 34 - What to include in a personalized swimming safety plan - with guest Jessi Harewicz

  8. Jul 10

    Ep 33 - Jessi Harewicz - Crossing Lake Okanagan Fundraiser for Mental Health

    This interview with Jessie Harwitz focuses on her upcoming record-breaking 106-kilometer non-stop swim across Okanagan Lake from Vernon to Penticton. Jessie, one of Canada's most accomplished open water swimmers, discussed the extensive logistics and safety planning involved in the attempt, including weather considerations, crew composition of eight people, and the use of a sailboat with support vessels. She explained her motivation for the swim goes beyond setting records, as proceeds will support youth and family mental health services through the Canadian Mental Health Association and Foundry locations in the Okanagan region. Jessie shared her swimming background, including previous achievements like completing the Triple Crown of open water swimming and becoming the first Canadian to swim the North Channel from Ireland to Scotland. The swim is scheduled to begin Friday morning at 1 a.m. and is expected to take between 48 to 60 hours, with Jessie having already raised nearly 80% of her $10,000 fundraising goal. To donate to Jessi’s swim for mental health fundraiser for expanding Foundry youth and family services across the Okanagan https://cmhakelowna.crowdchange.ca/146861 Marathon Swimmers Federation https://ultraswimming.org/

    Ep 33 - Jessi Harewicz - Crossing Lake Okanagan Fundraiser for Mental Health
See All (24)

About

Welcome to the podcast The Coolest Journey, where guests share literally and figuratively their coolest journey intersecting health and the environment - with hope and joy, spreading both science-based knowledge and everyday tips. All this to help us all better our lives while helping the planet, because... the coolest journey we’ll ever be on is the one with ourselves and our environments. This bilingual (EN/FR) radio show/podcast airs live online every Friday from 12:30–1:00 pm ET on CFMU 93.3 FM, which is why some podcast episodes have two numbers, 1 per show. www.thecoolestjourney.com

Information

  • Creator
    Host Hélène Caron
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Host Hélène Caron
  • Show Website
    The Coolest Journey