You know what to do. You’ve read the books, journaled the insights, maybe even coached others through the same thing. But when it comes to your own life, something still isn’t shifting. We’re diving into the psychology of the knowing–doing gap, that frustrating space between insight and action, and unpacking why even the most emotionally intelligent among us get stuck. Rooted in behavioural theory, trauma-informed coaching, and real-life experience, we explore the invisible forces blocking chang...
May 06, 2025•27 min•Season 7Ep. 101
You did everything right. So why does it feel so wrong? In this episode of The Scenic Route , we dive into the quiet ache so many of us feel after building the life they thought they were supposed to want, only to realise it doesn’t feel like theirs anymore. We explore: Why “success” often leaves women feeling hollow instead of whole How Symbolic Interactionism explains the silent shaping of your identity Erving Goffman’s Front Stage vs. Backstage selves—and when the performance becomes unbearab...
Apr 29, 2025•20 min•Season 7Ep. 100
In this fierce and timely episode of The Scenic Route , we unpack the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that redefines “woman” based solely on biological sex, excluding trans women from legal protections, political representation, and basic recognition. But this isn’t just a courtroom debate. It’s a culture war dressed in legal robes. We follow the funding behind the ruling, expose the billionaire feminists fueling the backlash, and dismantle the persistent myths about biology, gender, and identity. Thi...
Apr 22, 2025•21 min•Season 7Ep. 99
Why do we feel exhausted even when life looks “fine” on the outside? In this episode of Scenic Route , we explore the quiet, invisible weight so many of us carry—and how our bodies often hold onto stress, tension, and emotional labor in ways we don’t even notice. Zurich-based body therapist Michelle Sabbatini joins Jennifer Walter to discuss the difference between having a body and being one and how tuning into our physical sensations can be the first step toward healing and resilience. What we ...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 7Ep. 98
Why are women punished for being honest about motherhood? When Chappell Roan said her friends with kids are “in hell,” the backlash wasn’t about the words but about breaking the performance. In this episode of Scenic Route , sociologist and coach Jennifer Walter unpacks the emotional labour, mental load, and societal expectations that define modern motherhood. Why do we praise men like Seth Rogen for opting out of parenthood while vilifying women who name the cost of caregiving? Why do tradwife ...
Apr 08, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 97
We are living in the Disinformation Age — a time unlike any other in history. Never before have we been bombarded with so much information, yet so little clarity. Our feeds are flooded with misleading headlines, personal opinions disguised as facts, and viral narratives designed to manipulate us. Even the sharpest minds can fall for misinformation—so how do we learn to see through the noise? In this episode of The Scenic Route , I sit down with Dr. Brie Kara , a psychologist specializing in disi...
Mar 25, 2025•59 min•Season 7Ep. 96
For decades, empathy has been celebrated as the glue of human connection— but what if it’s actually burning you out ? In this thought-provoking episode of The Scenic Route , we unpack why empathy alone isn’t enough and why it’s time to shift toward something more sustainable: compassion . 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why empathy is exhausting—and how it leads to burnout, anxiety, and emotional paralysis ✔️ The three ways empathy has been weaponized in modern life ✔️ How selective emp...
Mar 18, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 95
What we eat isn’t just personal — it’s political. In this thought-provoking episode, Matthew C. Halteman , philosopher and author of Hungry, Beautiful Animals , joins Jennifer to reframe the ethics of veganism through the lens of joy, flourishing, and resistance . Instead of guilt or perfectionism, Matt advocates for ethical and vegan eating as an act of joyful defiance — a way to challenge systems of oppression while embracing personal and collective well-being. Together, they explore: How vega...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 7Ep. 94
If you've ever had that gut-wrenching feeling of being behind in life, wondering "What am I doing with my life?" – trust me, you're not alone. In fact, you're part of a generation grappling with redefining success in a world that looks radically different from the one our parents knew. In this raw episode, we fearlessly dive into what it really means to thrive as a millennial in 2025. We'll unpack the hard truths behind the millennial wealth gap, exploring how economic shifts, the student debt c...
Feb 18, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 93
Think you know quality fashion? Get ready to upgrade your shopping game. Today, we're diving deep into the world of ethical fashion with Lora Gene, who's challenging our perception of luxury and inviting us to be part of a mindful fashion revolution that values both people and the planet. B Corp certified fashion business owner and designer Lora Gene shares her journey into ethical fashion, teaching us how to spot quality in clothing, understand fabrics, and build a wardrobe with intention. It's...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 7Ep. 92
From your weather app's borders to the "ancient traditions" invented last century, nationalism shapes our world in ways so subtle we rarely notice them. Join us for an eye-opening exploration of how modern nations make their power invisible (yup, not looking at people waving flags at sports events...) — and learn practical ways to spot these patterns in your daily life. In this episode, we unpack: The shocking youth of nationalism (hint: it's younger than photography) How your routines reinforce...
Feb 04, 2025•19 min•Season 7Ep. 91
Feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world? You're not alone, and more importantly – it's not your fault. In this episode, we're diving into the hidden forces behind your political exhaustion and uncovering practical strategies to stay engaged without burning out. What you'll discover: The shocking truth about information overload (hint: it's actually by design) Why your brain's "overwhelm" is a perfectly normal response to abnormal circumstances Political economist Naomi Klein's groundbreaki...
Jan 28, 2025•19 min•Season 7Ep. 90
In this episode, we're diving deep into the loneliness epidemic hitting millennials and Gen X harder than any generation before. Spoiler alert: it's not just your busy schedule or endless TikTok scrolling that's the problem. What You'll Discover: The shocking stats about loneliness in your 30s and 40s (and why it's not just a 'you' problem) What the heck "third spaces", are and why their disappearance matter more than you think The real reason Nordic countries are winning at the friendship game ...
Jan 21, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 89
Are you exhausted from being everyone's emotional support human? In this game-changing episode, we're unpacking how being "nice" became a cage and why embracing wild kindness might be your key to freedom. Drawing from bell hooks' radical vision of love and Pierre Bourdieu's social theory, we explore: How society weaponizes kindness against women The real cost of emotional labour in modern life Why "being nice" is a tool of social control How to practice fierce kindness without guilt Setting boun...
Jan 14, 2025•19 min•Season 7Ep. 88
Ready for the great shift? 2025 isn't just another year – it's a total vibe shift for business and life. A once in a shift! Join me with astrology powerhouse Sheri Moise and intuitive business strategist Jen Fieldman as we decode the massive energetic changes coming your way. In this episode, we spill the celestial tea on: Why Pluto in Aquarius means saying bye-bye to old power structures How North Node in Pisces is killing bro marketing (finally!) The rise of trust-first, intuition-led business...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 87
Ready to cut through the noise around perimenopause? In this episode, nutritionist Sandra Mikhail helps us navigate the complex world of women's health without falling prey to expensive supplement marketing. Key Episode Highlights Common perimenopause symptoms and when they typically start Why supplement companies target perimenopausal women How to identify quality supplements vs marketing scams The truth about collagen supplements and the bone broth trend Understanding hormonal changes and thei...
Nov 26, 2024•52 min•Season 6Ep. 86
In this transformative episode, identity coach and speaker Don Mamone (they/them/theirs) shares their powerful journey beyond society's gender binary. From navigating privilege to embracing radical freedom, Don reveals the profound costs and unexpected rewards of choosing authenticity over conformity. Don challenges us to examine how binary thinking limits not just gender expression but every aspect of our lives. They illuminate the path from fear to liberation through their experience of coming...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 85
Ever hit "complete purchase," only to be smacked with a wave of buyer's remorse? Join activist and author Aja Barber as she rips the band-aid off our collective consumption addiction and helps us imagine a world beyond fast fashion. In this eye-opening episode of the Scenic Route, we dive deep into: Why your shopping habits might be a hangover from colonialism The truth behind "retail therapy" and emotional spending How to break free from the buy-buy-buy culture Finding your authentic style with...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 6Ep. 84
In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the psychology of toxic relationships with author and creativity coach Caitlin Liz Fisher. Breaking the silence on why leaving isn't as simple as "just walking away," Caitlin shares her raw, personal journey through abuse, manipulation, and, ultimately, freedom. In This Episode The shocking truth: It takes an average of 7 attempts to leave an abusive relationship Why abuse only works with "good times" in between How gaslighting and isolation tactics gr...
Nov 05, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 83
Ever wondered how fear shapes your reality and what it takes to overcome it? Discover how to turn fear and anxiety into powerful tools for personal growth and success. In this empowering episode of The Scenic Route Podcast, host Jennifer Walter and guest Jana Osta, a hypnotherapist and Kundalini yoga teacher, explore practical strategies for managing anxiety, trusting intuition, and finding balance in life. Key Highlights: Understanding fear: Learn about the evolutionary purpose of fear and how ...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 82
In this powerful episode of The Scenic Route Podcast, host Jennifer Walter dives deep into the often misunderstood world of grief and healing with expert Parijat Deshpande, MS and founder of Ruvelle. Together, they explore: The universal nature of grief and why all loss is valid How to integrate loss into daily life and honour loved ones The importance of raising our somatic capacity for emotions Cultural perspectives on grief and mourning Building empathy and becoming a witness to others' grief...
Oct 22, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 81
Ready for some real talk about family drama? Buckle up, buttercup! In this episode, we're diving deep into the mother of all wounds (pun intended) with the amazing Blanca E. Rodriguez. From Puerto Rican family trauma to untangling the knots of mother-daughter relationships, we're serving up a raw, real, and surprisingly hilarious journey through generational trauma, self-sabotage, mother wounds and becoming your hero. In this episode, we chat about: The mother wound: What it is and why it's such...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 80
How do our personal relationships shape the way we engage with society? Can psychology offer solutions to the deep divisions we see today? In this thought-provoking episode of The Scenic Route Podcast , host Jennifer Walter sits down with Phyllis Leavitt , acclaimed psychologist and author of America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis . Together, they explore the powerful link between family dynamics and societal conflict—and how we can use psychology to heal d...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 79
Are you feeling stuck because you're afraid to make the "wrong" choice? Do you find yourself paralyzed by the need for certainty in your life decisions? What if embracing uncertainty could be the key to unlocking your true potential? In this illuminating episode of The Scenic Route Podcast, host Jennifer Walter sits down with Jessica Ell, a Martha Beck-certified life coach specializing in helping people make hard decisions. Together, they explore the power of embracing uncertainty in personal gr...
Oct 01, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 78
Are modern media and societal norms sabotaging our understanding of pleasure, intimacy, and sexuality? Join me as I chat with Dominique D'Vita, who challenges the miseducation of sexuality head-on. Dominique's holistic approach blends science and spirituality, helping us rediscover self-love and forge deeper connections. From Tantra practices to practical tips for new parents, this episode is a journey of sexual awakening and personal empowerment. Key Topics The miseducation of sexuality in mode...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 77
Ready to shatter the productivity myth and reclaim your life? AND say Arrivederci to Hustle Culture – for good! Join us for a transformative conversation with productivity coach Elise Enriquez as we courageously challenge the hustle culture mindset – and why we both hate the "you have the same 24 hours as Beyonce" meme. In this eye-opening episode, we explore a revolutionary approach to productivity that prioritizes meaningful progress over relentless doing. Discover: Bold strategies to break fr...
Sep 17, 2024•56 min•Season 6Ep. 76
What if the key to living an authentic, soul-led life lies in the shadows of our psyche? On this episode of the Scenic Route Podcast, we're joined by Shadi Sadeghi, a certified life coach and Jungian psychology expert, who demystifies the profound journey of shadow work. Ever wondered what it means if the same things keep on happening to you? We peel back the layers of our unconscious mind using the metaphor of an iceberg to uncover how personal traits and internal conflicts shape our everyday e...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 75
What if you could lead your life, team or business with unwavering integrity, even under societal and cultural pressures? Join us in this episode as we host Christine Lieu, the visionary founder of CL Designs and host of the Brand Party podcast. Christine shares her inspiring journey from a safe corporate job to becoming an adventurous, globe-trotting graphic designer. Christine opens up about the internal battles she faced as a first-generation Canadian and how she discovered her "North Star" t...
Sep 03, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 74
Ever wondered how to juggle multiple passions and side ventures successfully? Or have you ever been shamed for your side hustle? Like you don't take it seriously enough? Join us on the Scenic Route Podcast with our brilliant guest, SaCola Lehr, as we demystify the stigma around side hustles and redefine what it means to be a multi-passionate professional. SaCola opens up about her incredible journey from finance to education, inspired by her family's entrepreneurial legacy. Together, we brainsto...
Aug 27, 2024•57 min•Season 6Ep. 73
What if embracing community could radically transform your mental health and personal growth? Join me as I sit down with Becky Mollenkamp, an accountability coach and intersectional feminist, to unravel her inspiring journey from a childhood devoid of community to discovering its immense value after becoming a parent. Becky opens up about the often overwhelming challenges of motherhood and how finding supportive communities can alleviate self-judgment and societal pressures. Her insights shine a...
Aug 20, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 72
