Taking Good Care Podcast

As 2026 approaches, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down for an unscripted conversation about something we all have strong feelings about: New Year’s resolutions. Love them or avoid them, they’re hard to ignore. Together, they explore why the journey and process matters more than the end result, and how shifting your focus from perfection to progress can make all the difference. Along the way, familia...

In part two of our conversation on the treatment of depression, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave welcome psychiatrist Dr. Michael Martyna back to the Taking Good Care podcast. Responding to listener requests, Dr. Martyna joins the discussion to explore novel and innovative approaches to treatment-resistant depression. Recent advances in science and technology have expanded the options available to clinicia...

A major topic in psychology that this podcast has not yet covered is depression. In the first of a two-part series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave finally dive in. The episode explores three key areas: how major depressive disorder is diagnosed, practical strategies that can help lift low mood in the short term, and ways to begin addressing the inner self-critic that so often stands in the way of recover...

While the holidays are often filled with excitement and cheer, they can also be overwhelming or emotionally difficult. Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into how communication, self-kindness, and clear boundaries can make this season more manageable. They talk openly about coping with grief, navigating loss, and supporting neurodivergent children who may struggle with sensory overload. Throughout the e...

Borderline personality disorder is often viewed as one of the most challenging mental health conditions to understand and treat. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with registered psychologist Dr. Mark Nicoll for a compelling conversation that separates fact from myth when it comes to borderline personality disorder in adolescents and teens. Together, they explore intense emotions,...

Many people experience addiction in silence, and while substances like alcohol, nicotine, and drugs are commonly recognized, they are far from the only forms addiction can take. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave break down the diverse pathways that can lead someone into addictive behaviours and discuss why the journey toward recovery is often so challenging. They also explore the mental hea...

Brain injury rehabilitation is anything but straightforward and often deeply challenging. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with Dr. Martin Logan, a registered neuropsychologist with decades of experience supporting people recovering from traumatic and acquired brain injuries. Together, they dive into an insightful discussion about the profound changes individuals and their familie...

After their eye-opening talk about trauma with Dr. Janice Dicks, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave are back to continue the conversation. In this episode, they break down what healing from trauma can look like in real life by sharing practical ways to support recovery, how children experience trauma differently, and the surprising ways people can grow stronger after trauma. It’s an honest and hopeful discus...

In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into one of their favorite therapeutic approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) . Building on the foundations of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, ACT helps clients learn to accept what is beyond their control while committing to meaningful actions that foster change. Join Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave as they unpack the six core proce...

Collaboration across disciplines is essential in psychological practice. This week, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with Ms. Angèle Lamontagne Looy, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), to explore her experiences working with children and adults in rural communities. Together, they discuss the wide-ranging impacts of speech and language challenges from stuttering and pronunciation difficulties to...

In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave have a very unscripted conversation with their audio engineer, David Matta, about his experience editing his first podcast focusing on psychology and mental health without any background in this field. In this fun exchange, they explore what it has been like to inadvertently learn so much about psychology, how he has taken information from episodes and appl...

Think psychological assessments are intimidating? Think again. In this insightful episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with registered psychologist and University of Alberta professor, Dr. Jacqueline Pei, to reveal how psychoeducational, developmental, and mental health assessments can be powerful tools. Whether you're a client, parent, educator, healthcare provider, or just curious about the...

In this episode of Taking Good Care , Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave pick up where they left off in episode seven, diving deeper into attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); this time with a focus on adults. Responding to listener questions, they explore the unique characteristics of adult ADHD, the challenges of getting an accurate diagnosis, and the complexities of managing symptoms that often...

In this episode of Taking Good Care , Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with registered psychologist, Dr. Janice Dicks, for a compelling conversation about trauma and recovery. Drawing on her years of experience working with trauma survivors, Dr. Dicks unpacks the science behind trauma and posttraumatic stress, and shares insights into how therapy can support healing. Together, they explore how peo...

Living with chronic pain can be an isolating and overwhelming experience. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave explore the psychological side of chronic pain, by drawing from their clinical experiences. They discuss how chronic pain can impact identity, mood, and daily life, and why it is essential to take time to address both the physical and emotional aspects of pain. Learn how mental health...

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is gaining attention as a groundbreaking—and sometimes controversial—approach to mental health treatment. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave welcome registered psychologist, Ms. Priya Bains, for an insightful conversation about what PAT is, how it works, and why it is generating both excitement and debate. Together, they unpack the science, explore the pote...

Anger is a universal emotion, but the ways we experience and express it can vary greatly. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave engage in a thoughtful conversation about their personal and professional encounters with anger. Drawing on both clinical insight and research, they explore common misconceptions about anger and why it’s a frequent topic in therapy. Tune in as they unpack the roots of...

In this insightful episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave are joined by Sharon Smith, a registered psychologist based in Edmonton, Alberta. With a distinguished career supporting families through high-conflict divorces, Ms. Smith brings deep wisdom to the conversation around parenting, grief, and family restructuring. Together, they explore how to support children’s emotional well-being during separatio...

In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave are joined by psychiatrist, Dr. Michael Martyna, to explore one of the most common questions from clients: What’s the difference between psychology and psychiatry? Together, they break down misconceptions about psychiatric care, discuss the nuanced role of medication in mental health treatment, and highlight how psychology and psychiatry can work hand in ha...

Over the past decade, “mindfulness” has become a buzzword but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave break it down with a crash course on the essentials of mindfulness. They explore its historical roots, core principles, and the science behind being present in the moment. You’ll also hear practical, real-life examples of how mindfulness can be woven into everyday rout...

From the moment we wake up to the time we wind down, our behaviors shape how we move through the world. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with Yenushka Karunaratne, a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), to explore the practical and powerful ways behavioral science is applied in everyday life. Yenushka shares her experiences working with children, caregivers, and educators, hi...

In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave explore the lasting impact of attachment theory on our social and emotional development. From birth, our early experiences with caregivers shape the way we connect with others—often influencing how we navigate adult relationships. But the story doesn’t end there. With new insights from psychological research, they discuss how the brain can adapt and rewire...

In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave venture beyond their usual territory to sit down with Dr. Tatijana Busic, a registered psychologist with extensive knowledge in both clinical and organizational psychology. Dr. Busic has spent her career exploring the complex mental health challenges faced by professionals—especially those in leadership roles. Together, they dive into pressing issues like b...

In this late-night recording session, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into an unplanned but deeply honest conversation about compassion in the therapy room. From a psychologist’s perspective, they explore how to maintain empathy and presence with clients whose values may differ from their own. They also reflect on strategies for staying grounded and focused when navigating complex or emotionally diff...

In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive deep into the 5 Love Languages — Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Whether you're in a relationship, navigating friendships, or looking to better understand yourself, knowing your love language can transform how you connect with others.. Plus, hear real-life stories on how Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave...