Ignite the Chat

In this episode, listeners will embark on a guided escape meditation, to help those suffering from depression find a sense of inner peace and motivation.   This particular guided journey helps you by focusing on an object or space while you meditate to help ground your thoughts.  It will offer positive affirmations and motivational messages to help uplift your mood and ease any sadn...

In this episode, our host shares a letter we received from a listener about how they are treated in the workplace, surrounding their manic episodes of depression.  We also get into the commonality of depression episodes that many people struggle with during the month of February.  February is a month that can be difficult for many people, with its short days, long nights, and often drear...

In today's episode, we are joined by a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Canadian counsellor - Montana Vascotto, who helps us explore the world of therapy and answer the common questions people have when considering seeking help.  We delve into why many people are hesitant to seek therapy, despite it being a safe and effective way to improve mental health. We discuss the risks and bene...

The beginning of any new year can be challenging and anxious for many of us, especially after a long holiday season.  So here at Ignite the Chat, we wanted to start the year off slowly and peacefully by dedicating the first month of 2023 to relaxation and meditation.  In this final episode for January, our host Gia Laurent guides our listeners through her very own guided meditation for d...

As we welcome in the new year of 2023, it's important to remember the lessons we have learned and the progress we have made.  It's also a time to set new goals and resolutions for our mental health and self-care and work towards making the coming year a better one.  Let's embrace the opportunities and challenges it brings with hope, determination, and positivity.   We begin episode...

In this episode, we discuss the struggles surrounding the holiday season.  The stress and expectations that come with the holidays can be emotionally draining.  Feelings of worry, despair, and loneliness can happen at any time of the year, and the stress of the holidays can make them worse.  We speak about setting boundaries, being kind to ourselves to enforce those boundaries, and...

In this episode, we are joined by two very special guests: Madeline Rose Fiore and Nickolas Franco. Madeline is an author, filmmaker, director, producer, and photographer, whose work leaves a mark on every life she touches. Nickolas is an incredible actor and producer who brings a never-before-seen realism to every role he plays and produces. The artistic nature of these two Toronto jewels has bon...

In this episode, we share information about negative thinking and how it can wreak havoc on our minds and in our lives.  We discuss how vital it is to form new habits around positive self-talk and walk the listener through a positive affirmation meditation.  The episode can be enjoyed anytime at work, rest, or play, and is encouraged to be repeated often to form new, positive mental habi...

“Trigger Warning: This episode will discuss a specific person's experiences with sexual child abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts. It may also contain explicit language.  Please engage in self-care as you listen. In this episode, we are joined by special guest - Giacomo Piccolo (Giac) for storytime, as he shares his never before told story of abuse as a child.  Forced into silence f...

“Trigger Warning: This episode will discuss a specific person's experiences with PTSD as a result of cancer and will contain explicit language.  Please engage in self-care as you listen.  In this episode, our host Gia Laurent shares a never before told story of her personal battle with cancer.  This was a 1-take production, just as she wanted it to be.  "no fuss or edits - just...

In this episode, our host Gia Laurent guides you through another peaceful meditation.  This is exactly the mid-day fuel that you will need to get on with your day.  It is a well-deserved coffee break for your mind, that will recharge and re-energize you.   To get the most from this episode, it would be best heard with headphones. *CAUTION*  Do not listen to this episode while y...

In this episode, our host Gia Laurent guides our listeners to a calm place, with her very own guided meditation.  This helpful practice is for anyone feeling anxious to help restore a feeling of peace and calm in their life.  To get the most from this episode, it would be best heard with headphones during a moment in your day when you are relaxing.   *CAUTION*  Do not listen to...

In this episode, we uncover a newer, not so common disorder in the mental illness world. It's called Trichotillomania. Unheard of to some, but a very real world for our special guest, Maria. Join us as she walks us through her daily battle with this peculiar disorder. Her story is not only moving, but very educational for us all. For more information about us, visit www.inkstane.com For more on Tr...

In this episode, we talk about the obsession with diet culture, and how it's taken over our world today.  We will discuss the harmful behaviors and rituals that can spiral out of control and ultimately lead people down the path to eating disorders and other health issues.   We welcome Mel, our very first guest on this podcast, to share storytime with us and discuss her own journey battli...

In this episode we will be discussing coping tips for the holiday season.   During this time of year, anxiety and depression is always high.  Now, throw in a global pandemic and we are at our wits end.  We are all in our feelings in different ways and we must try our best to keep fighting and finding positive solutions to keep well – mentally, spiritually and physically. We hop...

In this episode of Ignite The Chat, we will be discussing Stigmas surrounding mental health.  We look at how truly dangerous both social, and self stigmas can be for those who suffer from mental illness.  By using stigmas to belittle someone who is ill can very well mean the difference between life and death.  Stigmas can deter someone from seeking the help they need, for fear of ju...

Welcome to Ignite The Chat In our first episode, we wanted to start off the series, with an introduction to the whole #ignitethechat movement.  So, it is only fitting that we give you a taste of what will be our ongoing story-telling series called – The Masks We’re In. And who better to start with, than the story of our very own podcast host – Gia Laurent. In Episode # 1 she shares the raw an...