Triggorama

Beyond “Just Stop” | A Conversation with Brian Webster

In the season finale, Jay MacDonald speaks with Brian Webster, a social worker whose work spans justice services, youth diversion, employee assistance counselling, and addiction support. Brian breaks down what addiction looks like in real life, emphasizing that it’s not simply about willpower or “just stopping,” but about understanding the underlying drivers and building a practical recovery plan.   They talk about how the holidays can amplify pressures and risks, especially through social norms around alcohol and the expectation to participate. Brian shares concrete, realistic strategies for staying well, including setting clear limits, planning ahead, making safer choices in higher-risk settings, and leaning on peer and friend support in ways that don’t revolve around drinking. He also challenges all-or-nothing thinking, encourages small steps as the foundation for lasting change, and reframes “starting fresh” as something you can do at any moment, not just on January 1. For more information, visit https://cmha.ca/ [https://cmha.ca/] If you or someone you love is struggling, text or call Reach Out 24/7 [https://reachout247.ca/] at 519-433-2023. Thank you to our Season 1 sponsor, Scholar's Choice. Supporting teachers inspiring classrooms because well-being starts with you. Learn more about Scholar's Choice here. [https://www.scholarschoice.ca/]

When Letting Go Feels Impossible | A Conversation with Kara Kelly

In this episode of Triggorama, Christine Sansom speaks with Kara Kelly, a case manager who has supported people with hoarding and chronic disorganization for more than 15 years through the Clearing Clutter program. Kara unpacks why this concern is often hidden, highly stigmatized, and misunderstood, and explains how shame, anxiety, grief, perfectionism, indecision, and fear of making mistakes can make letting go feel impossible. The conversation explores common misconceptions, the emotional meaning attached to items and how loss can be a major trigger for collecting and difficulty discarding. Kara also discusses risks like eviction and unsafe living conditions, and why cleaning everything out without consent can deepen trauma and restart the cycle. Kara and Christine highlight what helps most: empathy, respectful language, small achievable steps (“small is huge”), and peer support that reduces isolation and builds confidence over time. For more information, visit https://cmha.ca/ [https://cmha.ca/] If you or someone you love is struggling, text or call Reach Out 24/7 [https://reachout247.ca/] at 519-433-2023. Thank you to our Season 1 sponsor, Scholar's Choice. Supporting teachers inspiring classrooms because well-being starts with you. Learn more about Scholar's Choice here. [https://www.scholarschoice.ca/]

Redefining Recovery | A Conversation with Dr. Arlene MacDougall

This episode of Triggorama features Dr. Arlene MacDougall, who brings her expertise in psychiatry and recovery-oriented mental health care to the conversation. She explores how recovery is more than symptom management — it’s about building meaningful lives, addressing triggers, and creating systems that support people holistically. Through her insights, Dr. MacDougall challenges traditional ways of thinking about mental health and highlights the need for compassion, innovation, and collaboration in care. This discussion offers listeners a thoughtful look at how families, providers, and communities can help shape better pathways to wellness. For more information, visit https://cmha.ca/ [https://cmha.ca/] If you or someone you love is struggling, text or call Reach Out 24/7 [https://reachout247.ca/] at 519-433-2023. Thank you to our Season 1 sponsor, Scholar's Choice. Supporting teachers inspiring classrooms because well-being starts with you. Learn more about Scholar's Choice here. [https://www.scholarschoice.ca/]

Addressing Homelessness | A Conversation with Kevin Dickins

This episode of Triggorama features Kevin Dickins, who brings insight into the realities of homelessness and the systems working to address it. The conversation explores the barriers that individuals experiencing homelessness often face, as well as the importance of coordinated supports, community engagement, and compassionate approaches. Kevin shares both professional perspective and on-the-ground understanding, offering listeners a thoughtful look at how homelessness is not only a housing issue but a complex intersection of health, social, and economic factors. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on stigma, systemic gaps, and the ways communities can work together to create meaningful change. For more information, visit https://cmha.ca/ [https://cmha.ca/] If you or someone you love is struggling, text or call Reach Out 24/7 [https://reachout247.ca/] at 519-433-2023. Thank you to our Season 1 sponsor, Scholar's Choice. Supporting teachers inspiring classrooms because well-being starts with you. Learn more about Scholar's Choice here. [https://www.scholarschoice.ca/]

Living In the Moment | Phil’s Story

In this episode of Triggorama, Phil shares his personal story of navigating mental health and addiction while learning to embrace the present. Through honesty and reflection, Phil talks about the struggles that shaped his journey, the triggers he continues to face, and the lessons he has found in choosing to live in the moment. His story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and growth — reminding us that recovery is not just about overcoming the past, but also about finding strength in the present. For more information, visit https://cmha.ca/ [https://cmha.ca/] If you or someone you love is struggling, text or call Reach Out 24/7 [https://reachout247.ca/] at 519-433-2023. Thank you to our Season 1 sponsor, Scholar's Choice. Supporting teachers inspiring classrooms because well-being starts with you. Learn more about Scholar's Choice here. [https://www.scholarschoice.ca/]