The Mental Mile

In this episode Kjersti and Kristi have a conversation inspired by the Vox opinion article called The Limits of Therapy Speak by Allie Volpe. They dive into the debate around using terms like toxic, boundaries, narcissist, and trigger. Also mentioned in this episode: The podcast Armchair Expert Jonah Hill's personal story of therapy and boundaries Esther Perel Kjersti and Kristi end the episod...

In this episode Kristi listens to Kjersti gush about the TV show Bluey ! Bluey is a show about a family of Blue Heelers: a set of parents and two preschool aged kids. Kjersti makes the bold claim that " Bluey is the new Mr. Rogers ". Give it a listen and decide for yourself! Let us know your favorite episodes while you are at it! Kjersti and Kristi end the episode by sharing some TV show...

Kjersti and Kristi catch up after a LONG time of not recording or visiting! Following a happy catch-up convo, Kjersti and Kristi discuss the mental health benefits of connecting with nature, and experiencing nature with kids. Kristi shares about experiencing nature with her family on an Alaskan vacation, and Kjersti guides Kristi (and YOU) through a "Tree Meditation".  To end the episode...

In this episode of The Mental Mile, Kjersti and Kristi share about their summer visits to Utah, and happenings with their kids.  Then dive into the article put out by The Atlantic called "The Six Forces That Fuel Friendship" by Julie Beck. While discussing the six forces Kjersti and Kristi share some personal stories about the changing nature of their friendships throughout the motherhood exp...

In this episode Kjersti and Kristi catch up about some special events going on in their lives, discuss how to help teens cope in the digital age, and end with a personal sleep tip.   Mentioned in this episode:  Article by David Leonhardt via The Morning of the New York Times: We take a look at the mental health crisis facing adolescents--and the role of digital technology, May 10, 2022....

After a multiple month hiatus, Kjersti and Kristi catch up on life.  Both share their recent experiences in Big Sur, California. Kjersti for the marathon, and Kristi for her upcoming 40th birthday! Kjersti and Kristi also share their plans for summer, including the big puzzle of putting together a cohesive summer-camp plan. They end on a fun note discussing the one must-have makeup-trick for...

In this episode Kjersti and Kristi discuss common barriers to exercise as well as tips to overcome those barriers!  If you listen long enough you'll also hear about some of the benefits to mental health that come from exercise.  We start the show discussing our book clubs, and end the show talking about our current tv show watching.  To get you started with thinking about your own p...

Kjersti and Kristi are back to talk about finding purpose as a parent!  Whether you are searching for meaning and purpose in a big way or a small way we've got you covered.  In this episode Kjersti and Kristi talk about assessing personal values, connecting to community and other tools for discovering and exploring your raison d'être.   Mentioned in this episode: How To Raise and Ad...

Learn how we set goals with compassion, consistency and joy. We cover the tiny habits method, vision boards ( Rachel Letham ), accountability partners and more. Whether you are in the mood to set goals, or you just want to chill–do you! The Gottman Institute recommends reflecting on your goals as a couple each year. Kjersti suggests setting goals as a family. Books Mentioned: Tiny Habits by BJ Fog...

In this season 3 opening episode Kristi and Kjersti catch up about what's been happening since season 2 ended, and provided an update for what viewers can expect in this season that is different from last.   Kjersti and Kristi reflect on lessons learned from last year's holidays under lockdown, and what we hope we can apply to this year's holiday planning.  Hint, simplicity is key. &nbsp...

We interviewed the amazing psychotherapist, author, and new momma Michelle Goodloe, LCSW for our Season 2 Finale! Goodloe has a private therapy practice in Atlanta, and she also leads self-care workshops. In addition, Goodloe authored the self-care journal, “Self Explore, Self Restore,” and the new self-care workbook, “The Self-Care Investment.” Listen to learn about Goodloe’s self-care non-negoti...

In this episode Kristi and Kjersti discuss the value in re-thinking work-life, post-pandemic.  Many places, like California, are open for business, and people and businesses are reflecting on lessons learned during the pandemic. Some are doing their best to realign their personal values with their work-life.  This conversation is a great jumping-off point to get thinking about the change...

This one's for you dads! We chat about our Father's Day traditions and gifts, what we've learned from our dads, paternal mental health and more in our Father's Day episode.  Mentioned in this episode: 1. " Oh Baby: Postpartum Depression in Men is Real, Science Says " by Margaret Jaworski https://www.psycom.net/postpartum-depression-in-men 2. " The Science of Dad and the ‘Father Effect’ " by J...

In this episode Kristi and Kjersti discuss the role that community-care plays in self-care, especially how it relates to parenting young children.  Mentioned in this episode:  1. The quote "Shouting 'self-care' at people who actually need community care is how we fail people." --Nakita Valerio as quoted in the Flare article: https://www.flare.com/identity/self-care-new-zealand-muslim-att...

Kjersti + Kristi chat about their Mother's Day traditions, holiday self-care and the best gifts for burned-out moms! You are amazing mothers, and we are so glad we get to walk the mental mile with you. Here's to joy, connection, laughter, hugs, breakfast in bed, and self-care this year and beyond. Books in this Episode: It's Not You, It's the Dishes by Paula Szuchman and Jenny Anderson  Fair...

Take a self-compassion break with the Giving and Receiving Compassion guided meditation from Kristin Neff, Ph. D. and Chris Germer Ph. D. Featured Resources: Self-compassion quiz by Kristin Neff  Insight Timer with Kristin Neff  Link to a PDF of the Giving and Receiving Compassion meditation Chris Germer meditation recordings   Kristin Neff meditation recordings   Featured Book...

Dr. Rachel Kowert is a research psychologist that studies topics relating to the uses and effects of digital games, including the impact on physical, social, and psychological well-being.  She is the author of numerous books, including 'A Parent's Guide to Video Games', and the children's book 'Pragmatic Princess'. In this interview Dr. Kowert demystifies the common stereotypes associated wit...

In this episode Kristi interviews co-host Kjersti (Marriage and Family Therapist and Run Coach) about how she got started with running and evolved her run practice into a therapy modality/intervention.  Kjersti covers her own run story, info about running as a treatment element for mild to moderate depression and anxiety, as well as using running and nature in a mindfulness practice.  &n...

In this episode Kristi and Kjersti interview Ilana Beigel, Yogi, Mindful Parenting Coach, Speech Language Pathologist, and all around wonderful human about her yoga practice and how she brings the lessons from yoga with her on and off the mat especially when it comes to parenting, wellness, and self-care.   Ilana shares with us her unique parenting tool that she calls "The Lollipop Technique,...

Listen to hear how we are doing a year into pandemic parenting, and our thoughts about grief during this time. We chat about COVID trends + fads, distance + hybrid learning, the skills we need in 2021, and two of our favorite self-care practices. Mentioned in this Episode: " The AfterGrief: Finding Your Way Along the Long Arc of Loss " by Hope Edelman, The Anniversary Effect blog, Greater Good Mag...

We take you behind the scenes of our most exciting interviews with self-care expert, psychologist, accomplished author and yogi Suzy Reading. We chatted with her last month via Instagram LIVE to break down how to welcome in a New Year amid a pandemic. We dive into her Vitality Wheel, goal setting and loose intentions, and taking time to celebrate our wins! Connect With Suzy Reading: @ suzyreading...

Put on your run gear, lace up your shoes, and join Kjersti for a guided body scan meditation to be used while running or walking.   Kjersti will guide you through a gentle warm-up, and help you attune inward starting at your toes working all the way up the body to the top of your head.  Finish with a guided cool-down.   This meditation is meant to help you turn your attention inward...

In this episode we talk about how to get your sleep back on track after binge-watching a great show, using sleep mantras to your advantage, building micro rest moments into your day, mindfully choosing when to sacrifice sleep for fun, and our thoughts on sleep and screen time (hint: we might blow your mind!). We end with our favorite episodes of the podcast to wrap up Season 1. We will be back in...

In this episode Kjersti and Kristi interview Natalie Nelson-Marsh, PhD ( https://www.up.edu/directory/Natalie-Nelson-Marsh.html ). an Organizational Communication Professor at University of Portland who teaches organizational communication and researches nontraditional and postmodern organizing. She is also CEO/Consultant of Nelson-Marsh Consulting, LLC where she helps individuals and organization...

Join us as we pick business and success coach, Rachel Letham's brain about how to stay healthy and balanced while building a business, navigating career pivots, and incorporating more self-care snacks into your daily life. Rachel is a new mother, business and success coach, self-care expert, and now the author of an amazing new self-care eBook! (Updated show notes version) Connect with Rachel Leth...