Life Outside the Box

Language plays a powerful role in shaping what is tolerated, ignored, challenged, or normalized in schools. Harmful language doesn’t exist in isolation—it affects school climate, student safety, and a sense of belonging. On June 4th 2026 at University of Toronto Schools , our live podcast conversation featured four  panelists who discussed the role of language in both reinforcing harm and creating...

A candid, compassionate and hopeful conversation with Media Producer , Speaker and Activist Cal Campos, Senior Editor Mikaela Brewer, and 'Life Outside the Box' hosts Asante and Abbigale.  Activation Warning: This episode discusses mental health, including discussing suicide and suicidal  ideation, loss, and grief. Our discussion may activate folks with similar lived experiences, beyond...

"It's [the 'manosphere'] an appealing message, because on the surface the message is, what we're offering is freedom. We're offering you freedom to be a man again, to be a young dude–it's okay, you don't have to watch your language, it's not so tense[...]. But the reality is, it's a bait and switch. Because they sell you freedom, but when they pull...

On November 5th, Donald Trump won his second term as President. On January 20th, Elon Musk gave a Nazi salute at Trump's inauguration. On January 31st, Trump announced 25% tariffs on Canada. On February 27th, Ontarian's went to the polls to vote for a new Premier. On April 28th, Canadian's went to the polls to vote for a new Prime Minister. It has been a rocky start to 2025. ​ The M...

Activation Warning: This episode of the 'Life Outside the Box' podcast discusses suicide and self-harm. If you feel safe & well-resourced to do so, we'd love for you to listen to this conversation. Please also note the difference between feeling uncomfortable and being activated/triggered outside of your window of tolerance. In this episode we welcome back to the pod multi-disci...

Brennan Jackson is a 16 year old high school student with cerebral palsy.  The interview discusses ableism, Jackson's  experiences with disability advocacy, and his own mental health journey. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box Follow us on Facebook @the44north Email us at editors@the44north.ca T...

"Focus on finding those small wins as [much as] possible, because it gives you that confidence.". Our hosts take an in-depth look at the ups and downs of podcasting, sharing life experiences, and how to keep challenging yourself with the host of the "Oh My Curry Goodness", Hamza Isalm Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the...

"Everybody wants results. We all want to be better at whatever we do."  In episode 13, acclaimed  Performance Psychologist Dr. Dana Sinclair talks with our co-hosts about staying calm and focused under pressure, and how to use your head to get the best out of yourself whatever the situation - whether it's in sports, school, work or life. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the4...

In this pivotal interview with athlete,  mental health advocate, non-profit founder and survivor of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash Ryan Straschnitzki, our co-hosts get into a deeper conversation about facing adversity, finding strength and the mindset needed to push forward despite overwhelming odds. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44no...

Episode 11 with guests Micah Dawanyi and Angelica Galluzzo dives deep into a nuanced discussion  of grief and loss, and the impacts of social media on mental health in young people. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box Follow us on Facebook @the44north Email us at editors@the44north.ca Thanks for liste...

Recorded live in Toronto on May 30th 2023, this panel discussion brought together a diverse group of young people to reflect on managing anxiety about the future. Featuring co-hosts Asante Haughton and Abbigail Kernya, with special guests Arissa Roy,  Matthew Dawkins, Tosan Tosanwumi and Dance Susilo Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44no...

"Poetry is closer to the human soul… it connects you to that inner, old soul of humanity.” A candid and powerful conversation with Iranian born poet, writer and activist Bänoo Zan - on the power of poetry, freedom of speech and feminism in 2023. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box Follow us on Fa...

Matthew Dawkins is a Jamaican award-winning author and poet whose work explores subject matters including adolescence, race, nationhood, and mental health. Until We Break is his debut novel. Matthew is currently the Student-Writer-in-Residence at Western University where he also pursues a Bachelor’s of Arts in The School for Advanced Studies in Arts and Humanities and English Literature. Matthew’s...

Episode 7 focuses on the indigenous experience and how it connects to youth mental health.  A powerful and profound conversation with Samantha Crowe, a social worker and an Anishnaabe Kwe from Lake Helen First Nation; and Elton Beardy, a cultural educator, storyteller, and writer based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This is an episode that will both make you think, and inspire hope. Support the show Fol...

In our first episode of Season 2,   Abby and Asante chat with Arissa Roy - Youth Activist, Advocate, Author, and founder of Project Power Global . Join our co-hosts for a truly empowering conversation that will lift you up! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box Follow us on Facebook @the44north Email us...

In episode 5, our co-hosts have a powerful conversation with podcast host and award winning mental health advocate Ryan Forsyth , on the topic of youth mental health and masculinity, + redefining what healthy masculinity looks like. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box Follow us on Facebook @the44north...

In episode 4, Asante and Abby talk with advocate Hailey Hechtman about finding your passion through your purpose. They dive into topics such as internalized beliefs, the  exploration of career possibilities, and how to "let go of expectations & enjoy the journey". Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-out...

In our third episode, the co-hosts have a conversation with University student and mental health advocate, Patrice Cammarano, for a discussion on eating disorders, diet culture and more. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box Follow us on Facebook @the44north Email us at editors@the44north.ca Thanks for...

In this episode, Asante and Abby sit down with elite athlete and mental health advocate Mikaela Brewer for a candid and honest conversation about youth mental health, including the unique challenges that young athletes face.    Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box Follow us on Facebook @the44north Emai...

In our first episode, co-hosts Asante Haughton and Abby Kernya have a conversation with Western University student Helena Nikitopoulos about student mental health during the pandemic, coping with the anxiety of being back at school, and what really matters in life.  Support the show Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box...