HERHealth Podcast

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Stefanie Hunt-Kennedy and Dr. Yvonne Simpson from the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at the University of New Brunswick to discuss the intersections of gender-based violence (GBV) and disability, and the structural factors that contribute to the heightened vulnerability of disabled women and girls...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this powerful and important session, we’re joined by Dr. Halina (Lin) Haag , a CIHR Fellow and faculty member in the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. Dr. Haag’s work focuses on supporting women survivors of intimate partner violence-related brain injury, a largely hidden but critical public health issue. Many survivors of intimate partner v...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Pénélope Allard-Cobetto and Émilie Marien, who discuss the SPARX Program, a comprehensive prevention initiative designed to promote healthy intimate relationships among youth and prevent dating violence. The conversation explores the program’s four key components, including a youth ambassador committee created by and for teens, in...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Kira Snodgrass from Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA), who explores the impacts of working in the helping professions and human services field. The conversation focuses on recognizing the signs of empathetic strain, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout, and how these experiences can affect practitioners...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ranjan Datta from Mount Royal University and Dr. Kevin Wâsakâyâsiw Lewis from the University of Saskatchewan, who explore the meanings of responsibility in environmental research through cross-cultural and Indigenous community perspectives. The conversation draws on case studies from rural and northern Indigenous communities i...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Professor Alishau Diebold from Mount Royal University, who explores approaches to youth violence and radicalization prevention in Canada through a public health lens. The conversation highlights the unique vulnerabilities faced by South Asian young women and the need for culturally responsive, gender-sensitive policy approaches. D...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and brain injury. We are joined by Candace Stretch and Tori Dach from the Cridge Centre for the Family, who share insights grounded in frontline and direct service experience. The conversation highlights challenges in integrating brain injury supports into IPV services...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lisa Heslop, a research partner at the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children (CREVAWC), Western University. She discusses the importance of screening for family violence (FV) in family law and parenting plan assessments. The conversation explores why screening matters, common barriers faced b...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Brandi, who shares insights on the importance of natural supports within communities as a key protective factor for mental health. Drawing from her personal and professional journey in the mental health field, the conversation explores how meaningful connections and everyday support systems can play a vital role in prevention and...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jacqueline Holler and Sara Heembrock, who present on the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender minorities (MMIWG+) along the Highway of Tears, an issue widely recognized globally and shaped by strong advocacy and community-led efforts for change. Drawing from collaborative research and enga...

In this episode, Lianne Lee and Sarah Winstanley discuss how ConnectED Parents integrates evidence, innovation, and community engagement to support parents in fostering healthy youth relationships. They outline the ConnectED Parents model, highlight key research findings and practical lessons, and explore emerging questions about how technology is reshaping youth relationships and parent-focused p...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! Today, we discuss how shame-to-guilt forms of IPV can manifest among Sexual and Gender Minorities and Women Living Rurally through the voices of those with lived experiences and relevant service providers. Further, our guest will offer practical strategies to improve support and service delivery. About the Speaker Stefan Kurbatfinski , BSc, is a 4th year Doctoral...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we chat about the adaptation, implementation and evaluation of transdiagnostic CBT for youth at Hull Services, a non-profit youth mental health provider in Calgary that works with many families in the child welfare system. About the Speaker David Lindenbach  is the Director of Research at Hull Services and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychia...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! Today's conversation is with the folks at the Waypoint Research Institute. They will highlight innovative research and capacity-building initiatives addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) in mental health contexts. Learn more here: https://www.waypointcentre.ca/ At AVA we are working together to make things better. Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AVA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast In today's episode, we will introduce MIM’s early intervention, child-centred approach, demonstrating how the program builds on parenting strengths, fosters healthy mother-child connections, and supports mothers in practicing self-compassion while developing strategies for sensitive and responsive caregiving. Featured Speakers:  Lisa Sura and Sarah Woods Let’s...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast In todays episode we will introduce MIM’s early intervention, child-centred approach, demonstrating how the program builds on parenting strengths, fosters healthy mother-child connections, and supports mothers in practicing self-compassion while developing strategies for sensitive and responsive caregiving. Featured Speakers:  Lisa Sura and Sarah Woods Let’s dive i...

Welcome to the Her Health Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by survivor, advocate, and founder of End Violence Everywhere (EVE), Cait Alexander, who shares her story, experiences, and insights on resilience, justice, and the urgent need to end gender-based violence in Canada. Together, we explore the systemic barriers survivors face and the pathways toward meaningful reform. This conversation...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by members of the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, who share their work in co-designing resources to support military and veteran families experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).Together, we explore how collaboration, community engagement, and lived experience can shape meaningful supports for those impacted by IPV. Th...

Welcome back to the HERHealth podcast! Today we have a conversation with Dr. Kaitlynn Mendes  is a Sociology Professor at Western University. She will introduce the topic of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV), explain why we are moving to this language and away from older terms like cyberbullying when it comes to practices like non-consensual intimate image sharing, creating deepfake nu...

In today's episode of the HERHealth Podcast, we have a conversation with Dr. Susan Chuang about how abuse has no boundaries. Dr. Susan Chuang is a Professor at the University of Guelph, ON., and an accredited family mediator. She received a Masters of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters of Science and Doctorate in Human Development at the University of Rochester, New York. She will d...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! Today we are joined by Dr. Mandi Gray, an assistant professor at Trent University in the Sociology department. Mandi has worked with women and girls involved in the legal system since 2008. Her book Suing for Silence critically examines how abusive men can use defamation lawsuits as a weapon against anyone who attempts to hold them accountable. In today’s conversa...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast! We’re joined by Nolan Hill, a Training Centre Facilitator at the Centre for Sexuality. In this role, he facilitates professional development workshops for a variety of professionals around topics related to sexual health and sexuality. In today’s conversation, we'll explore practical tools for creating safer environments for colleagues and clients, along with...

Welcome to the HerHealth Podcast!  In this episode, we explore key concepts including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). We also delve into what trauma-informed care truly means in practice. Our featured guest, Dr. Nicole Letourneau, shares insights into the vital work being done through AVA (Alliance against Violence & Adver...

Welcome to the HERHealth Podcast ! We’re joined by Stafford Perry, an award-winning actor, educator, and long-time community leader in the prevention of gender-based violence. For over a decade, Stafford has worked to engage boys in conversations around harm, accountability, and healthy relationships through his work with the WiseGuyz program, a groundbreaking initiative developed by the Centre fo...

Join us for a Q&A-style conversation with Keitu Malatsi as we explore the foundations of queer inclusivity and QMUNITY’s Legal Clinic. We cover essential topics like terminology, pronouns, and inclusive language, while offering practical allyship tools to help foster safer, more affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Donate to QMUNITY: qmunity.ca/take-action/donate/ Access QMUNITY Legal...