Creating Midlife Calm: Coping Skills for Stress & Anxiety in Family, Work & Relationships

Are you a couch potato? A Sofa Spud?  Does  your critical voice constantly call you lazy? Do you plan on working out but don’t follow through? Someone looking to stop the weight gain as you juggle all the demands of midlife which leave little time for the gym?   This is the episode for you!!!! We all know the stats: working out is essential for the wellness of our body, spirit and mind. But, what...

It's August and you may be one of those parents sending an anxious child off to school, college, trade school, or the world of full time work. Yep, it's animal house right under your own roof. If it feels a little crazy, I'm here to bring you a bit of calm.  In this episode, you'll learn:  The practical science of why your child's anxiety is contagious  Three simple steps...

Have you ever wondered how others see you and how it shapes who you are? External self-awareness is crucial for cultivating mental wellness, yet many of us overlook it, believing that internal self-awareness is enough. In this episode, MJ and her guest explore why both are essential. Through real-life examples and practical insights, you'll discover how gaining a balanced view of self-awarene...

 Join MJ Murray Vachon, a licensed clinical social worker, as she explores the depths of self-awareness with a guest who shares his journey of understanding through the Enneagram personality test. This unscripted conversation will help you learn the  intricacies of internal self-awareness, the importance of values, and how tools like the Enneagram can aid in mental wellness and personal growth. Di...

Welcome to Inner Challenge, a podcast dedicated to mental wellness. In this episode, MJ and her guest  explore the theme 'How do I stay sane when my adult children are distressed?' Join the unscripted conversation between the host and a mother in mid-life  who grapples with the struggles of supporting her adult children while maintaining her own mental wellness. By sharing real-life chal...

Is there anything quite as inspiring as the Olympics! This episode may be it!!  Join MJ  and her guest, a wise young man who immigrated from Asia at the age of six, as he  shares his experiences and challenges growing up in a new land. From dealing with the pain of cultural shocks and relational differences to finding solace in simple activities like walking, this conversation offers a profound lo...

It's summertime! Time for the beach, walks and sitting outside with friends-real friends not virtual friends. In one of her favorite episodes MJ  talks with a neuroscience major who becomes her own cell phone therapist. This episode will give you not only the science of why it is hard to stop using our phones but little known solutions for this BIG problem. Are you tired of this 3x6 inch tech...

While MJ is on summer hiatus she will be sharing some of her favorite episodes! Taping for Season 4 beings in August and MJ would love to have you or someone you think is interesting as a guest. If interested email:mj@mjmurrayvachon.com   Enjoy this episode, where  MJ's   guest  shares his perspective on maintaining mental health through habits, relationships, and self-awareness.  They engage...

In this podcast episode,  MJ continues a conversation with Hedy Schleifer, an internationally renowned relationship builder and motivational speaker. Hedy introduces the latest iteration of ECT (Encountered Centered Transformation), emphasizing that peace begins with the family through strong, committed partnerships. They discuss the process of hosting and visiting different 'neighborhoods&ap...

Join me on this emergency podcast episode as I analyze 'Inside Out 2,' the Pixar sequel depicting the emotional life of Riley, a young adolescent. As a therapist with extensive experience in adolescent mental health, I delve into the film's portrayal of teen anxiety, its causes, and societal norms contributing to the current mental health crisis. I'll share insights and discuss...

In this episode MJ is excited to share her conversation with Hedy Schleifer, an internally renowned relationship builder and motivational speaker. Hedy discusses her work on Encountered Centered Transformation (ECT), emphasizing that peace begins with family and strong partnerships. She explains her distinctions between the individual and relational paradigms of mental wellness and shares insightf...

It isn't hard to hear about bad news, but in many neighborhoods, there is good news to share! In this podcast episode, MJ presents inspiring everyday wins that uplift our mental wellness and add unexpected but fulfilling fun to life. From a broken window incident that demonstrates amazing problem-solving and accountability, to new parents navigating the anxieties of early parenthood, and hand...

 Join MJ and her guest, a mother of two, as they delve into the challenges of parenting amidst anxiety, emphasizing the development of emotional intelligence. The differing experiences of anxiety in this mother's two children illustrate the diverse emotional landscapes parents must traverse. MJ shares her model of emotional regulation, which encourages using an Internal Mindset to Tend and Be...

Join MJ as she pays tribute to Jay Caponigro, an ordinary guy who did some extraordinary things with his one life. In this encore, Jay and his wife Lyn share their journey through cancer. In their humble yet very honest way, they discuss the complex emotional, psychological, and spiritual journey through the lens of mental wellness. They emphasize the importance of community support and their appr...

Join MJ and her guest as they discuss retirement, mental wellness, and embracing life's next chapters with openness and adaptability. In this episode MJ, shares insights about filming the Inner Challenge Masterclass and introduces a guest who has recently retired after a 50-year career. They explore the concept of 'Adulthood 2', a phase of life identified by cultural anthropologist...

Join MJ as she announces a new partnership with Michael Joseph McDonald creating MasterClass: Mental Wellness  our Inner Challenge! While MJ is in the studio filming she revisits an encore episode on mental wellness. MJ discusses the importance of distinguishing between the brain and the mind, emphasizing that mental wellness involves both treating the brain for conditions like anxiety and depress...

This may be MJ’s favorite episode! Join MJ as she talks with a  remarkable woman who shares her journey of leaving a manipulative and narcissistic spouse. Despite her successful career in tech and multiple talents, she faced a struggle at home that challenged her self-worth and independence. Through her story, the podcast delves into the nature of narcissistic behavior, the impact it has on relati...

In this episode,  MJ shares her the theory of social and relational intelligence as well as an awesome one pager!  We all know that relationships are key to cultivating mental wellness but so often relationships can make us unhappy or even miserable. This episode explains how belonging and being known are fundamental to human mental health and outlines the progression of how relationships are form...

Join MJ and her  guest as they embark on a captivating journey into the realm of stay-at-home parenting. Witnessing a notable 10% surge from 2022 to 2023, more parents have chosen to transition from their corporate roles to become the full-time CEOs of their households. In today's enlightening discussion, our guest sheds light on her own unexpected path to this lifestyle shift, delving into t...

Get ready to dive into a captivating conversation that goes beyond the usual chatter about Taylor, Travis, and Valentine's Day! MJ and special guest Elly Wynia LCSW, a seasoned relationship expert,(https://ellywynia.com/) are turning the spotlight on the country's buzzing atmosphere of LOVE. In this episode, they explore the intricate dynamics of relationships, urging couples to embrace...

Join MJ on a six-month journey with her guest, who initiates a self-imposed TikTok Block. Initially struggling with phone overuse, especially on TikTok, the guest deletes the app and shares valuable insights and strategies regarding the effects this has on her mental and physical wellness over time. The transformation illustrates the power of social media algorithms on the human brain and highligh...

Happy New Year! In this episode, MJ talks with personal trainer and weight loss coach, Julie Hamilton, about abandoning the quest for the perfect diet and instead focusing on what works for you. They discuss a practical and achievable approach to weight loss that begins with the question, "What foods can you not give up?" (MJ's – lattes and Julie's – chips!) How's that for...

Learning from Age: Wisdom and Insights on Mental Wellbeing How are your New Year's Resolutions going??? Hope to lose some weight? Do a bit more exercise? Maybe less phone time or more sleep. All useful but in this episode MJ invites us to turn our resolutions toward bettering our  relationships with those who matter most to us: family and friends.  MJ shares a meaningful conversation with a 9...

Ep. 53 Mental Wellness & 2023 In this final episode of  2023, MJ looks back on the year and shares her favorite Inner Challenge Insights from this years’ episodes. She celebrates her People of the Year, Grace Morrison, her podcast consultant, and Taylor Swift! Two badass millennials !! Her top ten Inner Challenge Insights underscore the value of cultivating a mindset that leans into Mental Wel...

  Join MJ and life coach Joan Claire Gilbert as they ponder some of the holiday classics! You know those family issues that can turn you into The  Grinch. We might not have Peace on Earth this holiday season but  MJ and Joan Claire give some practical solutions to help you make your holiday a bit brighter.  They share some ideas  to help you  not let your uncle or sibling  ruin your holiday. So pu...