Well-being and YU

She, He, They, Ze; what’s the purpose of pronouns? Are they just grammatical structures, or something more? And is gender only tied to trans identities, or is it a part of us all? Feeling safe and grounded in your gender identity is not a luxury; it’s essential to mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore what well-being can look like for trans and gender-diverse students; the challenges that may intersect yet differ from the rest of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the pressure of being out, and the quiet resilience of those who aren’t. A sense of comfort in one’s identity is an essential part of wellness and safety, yet trans students often face stigma and discrimination that can deeply impact their mental and emotional health. This conversation works as a guide for trans students to be grounded in their wellness despite these challenges, while also offering cisgender listeners insight into how they can be better allies. Together, we reflect on the evolving nature of gender and sexuality, and why building a stable, healthy, and accepting connection with one’s identity is the true guide to wellness. We explore these topics as our host Susu B. sits with our guest, Brian Ginther (they/them) who is a non-binary queer interdisciplinary multi-media artist, designer, and writer, and a work-study student at York University’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change. Brian shares their perspective on identity, community, and self-acceptance and provides us with valuable tips and resources that truly invite trans folks on campus to exist loudly. Resources: Trans, Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Asexual at York: https://tbl.gay/ SexGen York SexGen York is the University-wide committee responsible for advising and advocating around issues and concerns of sexual and gender diversity. The Centre The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education honours the rich history that is PRIDE and highlights the need for dedicated services and supports to 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. Student Counselling, Health & Well-being Access resources and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at York University; such as student name change form, gender neutral washroom map, tips & guides, clubs & networks, and more. https://students.yorku.ca/counselling/groups https://www.yfs.ca/healthplan

Not all chills come from cold autumn nights amid the eerie Halloween season. Sometimes it’s the mystery of the unknown. But what if the unknown wasn’t something to fear, but something that could bring peace, meaning, and connection? This episode, we’re exploring spiritual well-being; a kind of well-being that’s definitely not spoken about enough, almost like those who avoid mentioning ghosts just in case it one appears. Spiritual well-being can feel just as intangible; something you sense but can’t always explain. It’s woven into our values, our sense of purpose, and even the quiet moments when we look for meaning beyond ourselves. But how do we define it? What shapes it? Is it the same as religiosity, or do they intersect? Does culture play a role? So many questions, and we’re here to unravel the mysterious aura of spiritual well-being. In this Halloween season special episode, our host Susu B. sits down with Dr. Cindel White, Assistant Professor in Social and Personality Psychology at York University and leader of the Culture and Belief Lab. Together, they dive into the psychology of religion and spirituality, the cultural roots of belief, and how embracing curiosity about the unknown can help us feel more grounded, all from a researcher’s perspective. By the end of this episode, we hope you’ll see that you put the meaning into spirituality and that it has no limits, just like the sky you can sit under, pondering, “What are we?” which, in its own way, is practising spiritual wellness. Resources: https://www.yorku.ca/scld/student-engagement/club-policies-and-guidelines/multi-faith-space/ https://yuconnect.yorku.ca/club_signup?category_tags=6551649&group_type=https://www.yfswellness.ca/mental-health

Wellness is a journey. It is critical to the success of a university student. In this impactful conversation, we will explore different pathways to health and wellness, both within and outside of the York University community. Have you faced shame, anxiety or stigma, while trying to find your pathway to health and wellness? Have you faced challenges finding the right mental health professional that fits your needs? Are you interested in learning about self-care practices that can improve your mental health and Well-being? Listen: This conversation is for you. In this episode, host Clifton A. Grant interviews, York university recent graduate, Mercedes. Mercedes passionately discusses her lifelong mental health journey along the unpaved pathways that was filled with conflicting messages and turbulence experiences in the mental health profession. Mercedes also informs and enlightens our listeners on the importance of educating ourselves on the pathway towards self-care and compassion. We sat down and had an enlightening conversation on why community is also very important to your overall emotional, psychological and physical Well-being and how building a supportive community can impact student success. Resources: https://www.yorku.ca/well-being/finding-help/https://students.yorku.ca/counselling/health-education/resources/mental-health-crisis-supporthttps://www.yorku.ca/scld/https://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/https://www.yfs.ca/https://reconline.yorkulions.ca/https://counselling.students.yorku.ca/https://acmaps.info.yorku.ca

What do you think of when you think of Indigenous well-being? If your mind jumps straight to history or trauma, this episode will challenge and expand that perspective. As we approach Orange Shirt Day, conversations about truth and reconciliation often centre harm and hardship, and while acknowledging those truths is necessary for healing, this episode invites a deeper reflection. What does Indigenous well-being look like beyond survival? In this episode, host Susu B. sits down with Rainingbird Daniels, a proud Plains Cree, Sioux, and Dakota student from Sturgeon Lake First Nation located on Treaty 6 territory also known as Saskatchewan. Now in her fourth year of Indigenous Studies at York, Rainingbird is the President of the Indigenous Students Association, a work-study student at the Centre for Indigenous Languages and Knowledges, and an active student leader on campus. Together, they unpack what well-being can look like from an Indigenous lens: community, advocacy, culture, and reclaiming joy. Rainingbird shares what it means to hold space in student leadership and everyday life and reflects on the importance of community connection, and cultural pride. They also explore how simple actions, like wearing an orange pin on Orange Shirt Day, support the community in achieving collective healing. Episode Resources: Indigenous Alumni Network York Indigenous Alumni Network Indigenous Council IC Member ListTerms-of-Reference-IC-APPROVED JAN 2017 Indigenous Programs of Study Indigenous Studies at YorkWüléelham Student Groups Indigenous Students Association at YorkOsgoode Indigenous Students Association Indigenous Friends Indigenous Friends Services Career CentreAtkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time StudentsCounselling & Disability ServicesCentre for Human RightsYork University Cooperative Day CareLee Wiggins Day Care (Part-time option)

The month of April represents an exciting transition for university students, that is as it marks the end of a school year and the beginning of a new one. For many students, the transition could be greater than beginning a new school year, and instead, they begin a new chapter as they graduate and explore their career options. Just like the yin and yang, a transition could be both exciting and distressing. As students graduate and ask themselves the famous question of “now what?” we realised it would be a great opportunity to introduce the Career Centre at York University and support those students in making their emotions during the transition lean more towards the exciting part of the binary. In this episode our host Susu B. had an amazing time speaking with Jasmine Moron. Jasmine reflected on different misconceptions about career building, the difference between a career and job, who you can reach out to for help and when you should do it. This episode has truly impacted my perception of a career and the career centre in general; now I know they do far beyond telling you to get a job! Resources Faculty of Graduate Studies Individualised Development PlanDivision of Advancement - Alumni and Friends https://www.yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/benefit/career-support/Level- Up seriesThe Level Up series invites alumni leaders to help new grads navigate life and work after getting their degree, covering subjects like professional networking, career development, and life skills. https://www.yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/level-up-series/York U Alumni Perks https://yorku.alumni-perks.com/The Career CentreCareerJoyCareer Cycles

Ability is a spectrum, yet a spectrum still has two ends. So, in order to create a universal design inclusive for all, we should first understand the needs of everyone in the “all.” How should I communicate with a person with a disability? Is that even how I should refer to them, “person with a disability” or is that not inclusive? How about viewing disability as a spectrum instead of a binary, would that help or trouble a person with a disability in accessing accommodations? Who can even access accommodations, I mean I don’t have an official paper proving that I need it, can I still get support? If you previously asked one of these questions or if you cannot find answers as you read through them, then this episode is for you. In this episode, our host Susu B. had the pleasure of having Ray Peart, the Autism Program Coordinator at York University as the guest on an episode that aims to digest different aspects of ability. Ray’s expertise in conversations around UDL, also known as Universal Design Learning, allowed him to propose social, lingual and academic perspectives on approaching ability. Resources York University's CHREI Inclusion Week 2025 University Services Assistive Technology LabBursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)Student Accessibility Services (SAS)Accessibility, Well-Bring and Counselling (AWC) Centre at GlendonDisability Services AppEmployee Well-being Office (for staff and faculty) Library Accessibility ServicesInterpreting and Notetaking (SAS)Strengthening Transitions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders ProgramCampus Services and Business Operations (CSBO) Student Groups & Clubs providing services Able YorkActive Minds @ York UniversityYFS AccessCentre Critical Disability Studies Student Association

The world could be unkind sometimes; and as we approach Black History Month, we reflect on the historical resistance to behaviours that could be least classified as unkind. The guest in our episode today, however, approaches adversity with his faith that “there is power in kindness.” In this episode, our host Susu B. conversed with the Black identifying York University student, speaker of “kindness” tour and founder of “Brothers-4-Brothers" mentorship program and “Communities Care” non-profit organisation, Nebiyou Timotewos. Nebiyou’s story, although full of challenges as he navigates intense circumstances including war, deaths and unfairness, highlights our abilities to not only rise from the ashes but to also help others in doing the same, all through kindness. The fight-or-flight response for survival, can indeed be replaced with the kindness response for success. Resources Black Excellence at YORK U https://students.yorku.ca/be-yu Black Student Associations and Clubs: Build Leadership and Create Community Support Black Student Achievement Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (CHREI) SCHW- Student Counselling, Health and Well-being (SCHW) helps you build resilience and realize your full potential while maximizing your journey as a York student. Manage the challenges of university life by accessing supports including walk-in counseling, peer consulting, workshops and more. Students are welcome to express their preference to meet with counsellors of a particular identity (e.g., Black, male, female, LGBTQ2S+). Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR) Brother-4-Brother https://www.nebiyoutimotewos.com/brothers4brothers

Sex and Sexual Activity are parts of many university students; to ensure you and your partner(s) are getting the best out of your experiences, you must first understand the art of asking for consent. Everything that consent is and is not, will be discovered in this episode. For example, consent is an ongoing process of understanding, communications and connections, with the persons you are engaging with. Consent is not a solid “checkmark” of approval that is achieved when hearing the word “yes.” With the help of Jessica Thyriar, a Training and Education Specialist from the Centre of Sexual Violence response, Support and Education, our host Susu B. cleared many misconceptions about consent and understood the true meaning of the art of asking. Resources: The Centre for Sexual Violence Response Support and Educationhttps://students.yorku.ca/the-centrehttps://students.yorku.ca/the-centre/training/onlineAIDS & Sexual Health InfoLine and eChatBlue Door ClinicCity of Toronto- Sexual Health ClinicsSex & USexual Assault Survivor’s Support Line & Leadership - SASSL

We are now approaching holiday season and the so called “most wonderful time of the year,” however, holidays can be bittersweet for international students who navigate going back home or staying in Canada. Many conflicting emotions arise for international students during the holidays. For those who travel back home, there’s the exhaustion of booking flights, the feeling of being an outsider upon returning, and the frustration of knowing the holidays will soon end. On the flip side of the coin, staying in Canada evokes its own set of emotions, including loneliness and homesickness. But hey, you are not alone, and this is proven as we have our conversation with Gagandeep Singh a Student Coordinator at York International (YI) and an international student himself. Gagan guides us through his emotions and how he manages them with the help of the ample resources provided by YI. Resources York University Psychology ClinicYork International#YIFeelAppletree Medical CentreWellTrack Mobile ApplicationLearning Skills ServicesStudent Counselling, Health & WellbeingGlendon Counselling ServicesStudent Accessibility ServicesCentre for Human Rights Equity & InclusionMental Wellness Support for Students outside of Ontario

Until 2003, the month of November has had the significance of any other month in the year. In 2003 however, this month marked the start of a movement referred to as “Movember” that aims to address multiple aspects of men’s health, including mental health and suicide prevention. Mental health has been historically overlooked in comparison to physical health, however men’s mental health has particularly been stigmatised by different societies. What is “growth mentality,” and when does it become toxic positivity? How can you, as a male identifying student, embrace your emotional journey rather than dismissing it? And how can society do better in helping you do so? All of these previous questions and more are addressed in my interview with Micheal Sa’d, the manager of the graduate student wellness services and counselling supervisor at the Student Counselling, Health and Wellbeing at York University. As a male identifying counsellor, Micheal offers different personal and professional perspectives on Men’s Mental Health. Resources: https://students.yorku.ca/counsellingGraduate Wellness & CounsellingStudent Success and Wellness Counselling at OsgoodeYork University Psychology ClinicThe Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Educationhttps://ca.movember.com/about/foundation

What do you think of when you think of the word “well-being”? If you fall into the trap of only thinking about mental and physical health, then you should definitely watch this episode that discusses a forgotten aspect of well-being: Financial Well-being. Many of us run past the Student Financial Services Department at York University, so we are not reminded of the uncomfortable conversation about managing finances, but why make it uncomfortable? This episode brings to you Karen Warner, the manager of the Scholarships and Bursaries, to the comfort of your seats and hopefully bank statements. In this episode, Karen informs our host Susu B. of the true meaning of Financial Well-being, offers different perspectives on financial wellness and provides the resources available to help YU achieve financial well-being. The rich conversation I had with Karen had truly changed my perspective on quantifying financial literacy and had certainly made the Student Financial Services (SFS) less scary than it seemed. Finances are friends, not foes! Resources https://students.yorku.ca/ssa-contacthttps://www.glendon.yorku.ca/student-financial-services/https://students.yorku.ca/finance-and-awardshttps://osap.yorku.ca/https://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/personal-finances-in-canada/https://students.yorku.ca/sfs/work-study-programs#abouthttps://www.yorku.ca/colleges/ccsc/the-financial-wellness-project/ You can also find budgeting tools online: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/pay-down-student-debt.htmlhttps://itools-ioutils.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/BP-PB/budget-plannerhttp://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2013/acfc-fcac/FC5-29-2012-eng.pdf Visit our website at go.yorku.ca/wbpodcast!

Some students may think that obtaining a degree is a direct and linear process, however, life might throw you with academic, financial and health challenges that you may not expect while navigating your path. How many of us predicted the York University strike? How many of us knew of financial difficulties while doing well financially? And how many of us see health crises coming? The answer to these questions is probably none, however, by listening to this episode you can help prepare for crisis and adversity before they arise, as a York University student. In this episode, host Clifton interviews Alfred Ene, a manager at the Office of Student Community Relations, also known as OSCR. OSCR provides advice, referrals, training, alternate dispute resolution methods, judicial processes and critical incident supports to help students navigate and resolve their issues. Remember, you are not alone. Resources Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR - https://students.yorku.ca/oscr) offers the following services: Since every situation is unique, other departments in the Division of Students can also help you. OSCR may refer you to acquire accommodations or to work with someone to help bring resolution to a problem you may be facing. These departments include: https://rights.info.yorku.ca/https://reslife.yorku.ca/https://www.yorku.ca/housing/https://www.yorku.ca/safety/security-services/https://students.yorku.ca/accessibilityhttps://students.yorku.ca/counsellinghttps://sfs.yorku.ca/https://students.yorku.ca/ssa-contacthttps://students.yorku.ca/the-centrehttps://www.yorku.ca/president/https://vp.students.yorku.ca/https://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/ Visit our website at go.yorku.ca/wbpodcast!

If you're feeling tense, this is the meditation for you. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce tension and promote relaxation. It is a powerful tool to calm oneself and detach from stresses.

Take a couple of minutes to relax and detach with an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) activity. Whether you're seeking relief from stress, anxiety, or simply wish to unwind after a long day, this guided session offers a tranquil retreat for the mind and body.

Meet Ashlyn Nguyen, York University Peer Health Educator and the Project Lead on an exciting new Cookbook for the York University Community called FUEL- Feel Good University Eating and Living. The main goal of this project is to create a cookbook that will be a valuable resource which provides proactive approaches to healthy eating which will enhance your well-being on campus. FUEL - Feel Good University Eating and Living Cookbook highlights the themes of accessibility, affordability, approachability, health and well-being, and balance to align with the priorities of university students. This Cookbook provides a vast array of recipes from many different cultures and backgrounds. It also enlightens and empowers readers on interesting topics that will help to attain balanced and healthy eating. FUEL is truly more than just your ordinary Cookbook. In this episode, host Clifton A. Grant joins Ashlyn Nguyen in her kitchen as he goes on an educational journey of trying to cook a few of the delicious recipes contained in the cookbook. He also interviews and is educated by Ashlyn on many of the foundational and informative aspects of FUEL including finding out firsthand her motivation and inspiration of this impactful project. Please join us for this fascinating and delicious conversation on a subject matter that we all love, Food. Healthy eating can be the foundation towards the difference of your overall emotional, psychological and physical Well-being. FUEL - Feel Good University Eating and Living all that you need! Resources Link to the book https://www.canva.com/design/DAFczuoXrNU/9ItVer2gRMMPPvfSAetU_A/edit?analyticsCorrelationId=f598c31b-a432-4d35-aeef-ccbabdba08c4 Learn more about student-centric health resources, workshops and events at: https://counselling.students.yorku.ca/health-education Learn more about Student Counselling, Health and Well-being services at: https://counselling.students.yorku.ca/ Follow us on Instagram! To contact the Health Education and Promotion Team, you can reach us by:

In this Mindful Moment episode, we will go through a brief guided meditation to help destress and recenter yourself. Use it before a big presentation, test, or a difficult conversation. Focus on the present by focusing on your senses!

In this Mindful Moment episode, counsellor Marcie Campbell guides us through a breathing exercise that can help us find balance as we tackle our challenges.

The university Experience isn’t just a degree—it’s also important to build your community. It can have a great impact towards your success as a university student by providing you with a valuable network of resources. Are you having difficulty making connections? Do you feel lonely on campus? Do you come to campus feeling a desire just to go backhome? Do you wanna learn how to build a network? Do you want to get involved with an interesting activity or passion? Then this episode is for you. Listen: it is all connected to Well-being and YU In this episode, host Clifton A. Grant interviews SCLD Coordinator Andrew Brown, from Student Community and Leadership Development, otherwise known as SCLD. Andrew talks about his personal journey and experiences in developing community relations. Andrew also provided valuable insight into how to navigate and construct your own personal network.m Andrew does this by providing visionary tips to resources and services that will assist York University members in building their community. We sat down and had an enlightening conversation on why community is also very important to your overall emotional, psychological and physical Well-being and how building a supportive community can impact student success. Resources o SCLD https://www.yorku.ca/scld/ o York International https://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/ o YFS https://www.yfs.ca/ o Wellness Center o York Recreation https://reconline.yorkulions.ca/ o SCHW https://counselling.students.yorku.ca/ o ACMAPS - https://acmaps.info.yorku.ca Building a community can be vital to the overall health and Well-being of all members of the York University community. Always remember; university should be more than just a degree. It can also build your network for future success.

Progressive relaxation is a technique that has you tense and relaxes body parts from the feet up. We are going to pay attention to how it feels when you tense and relax. Your mind may wonder, and that is okay so long as you notice and refocus!

Student life means always being under pressure–but do you know that taking a moment to deal with your stress can make a huge impact on your academics and productivity? Have you ever found yourself reading and when you get to the bottom of the page you realize you haven’t taken anything in yet? Do you ever lose focus when you’re trying to finish an assignment? Listen: it is all connected to Well-being and YU. In this episode, host Clifton A. Grant interviews SCHW counsellor Marcie Campbell, a registered psychotherapist and social worker. Marcie shares tips on how to recognize the signs of harmful stress and teaches us some ways that we can manage our stress levels for greater well-being and academic success. We also hear from upper-year York University students who tell us about why University life is stressful and what tips they’ve learned along their journey to both manage stress and thrive in life as a university student. Key Take-aways from this episode: Resources from this episode: All of these resources are free and available to students at York University. Student Counselling, Health and Well-being (SCHW): https://counselling.students.yorku.ca/ Learning skills workshop: https://www.yorku.ca/scld/learning-skills/ Career Center: https://careers.yorku.ca/ Clubs and Groups: https://yorku.campuslabs.ca/engage/ York International: https://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/ York Federation of Students (YFS): https://www.yfs.ca/