Wellness with Kristy

Every Wednesday, Waná brings insightful conversations on mental health and wellness with Kristy Kaiswatum, a licensed Wellness Therapist. Drawing on over a decade as an Oskiskwewis (female helper) in Regina, Kristy shares expertise rooted in cultural teachings and a deep connection to community.

Tune in at 1 pm, with replays at 7 pm and 10 pm, for practical tips and grounded guidance to support your wellness journey. Empower yourself, reconnect, and find balance with Waná.

Airs every Wednesday at 1pm, with encores at 6pm & 10pm. 

Replays on Weekends @ 3pm.

The Healing Benefits of Yoga
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

The Healing Benefits of Yoga

In this episode of Wellness with Kristy, we explore yoga's transformative power, particularly in healing psychological trauma. Kristy discusses how yoga enhances self-compassion, coping skills, and mind-body awareness, while also offering physical benefits like improved strength, flexibility, and relief from chronic pain.

Learn how regular practice supports stress management, better sleep, and mental health. Highlighting insights from trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk, Kristy reveals how yoga helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and foster resilience.

Join us to discover yoga’s role in boosting mood, managing stress, and building a supportive community.

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Embracing the Winter Solstice
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Embracing the Winter Solstice

In this episode of Wellness with Kristy, Kristy is joined by Lindell and Amanda to explore the deeper meaning of the winter solstice. They discuss shifting away from the stress and expectations of the holiday season and embracing a more reflective, intentional way of celebrating. From honoring nature’s rhythms to creating personal traditions, they share ways to slow down, reconnect, and find fulfillment in the season’s quiet beauty.

The conversation also delves into self-reflection, grief, and personal growth—acknowledging both light and darkness as essential parts of the journey. They highlight the healing power of nature, the importance of rest, and the freedom in letting go of societal pressures. The episode concludes with meditation music, inviting listeners to embrace stillness, self-care, and the natural cycles of life.

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Breaking Mental Blocks: Tools for Clarity and Creativity
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Breaking Mental Blocks: Tools for Clarity and Creativity

In this episode of Wellness with Kristy, Kristy unpacks mental blockages and their impact on creativity, productivity, and well-being. She shares personal insights into overcoming perfectionism, procrastination, and decision fatigue, while exploring the role of ADHD and neurodivergence in thought processes.

Listeners will learn strategies like the Pomodoro method, active recall, and reframing negative self-talk with positive affirmations and evidence of strengths. Kristy highlights the importance of managing stress, mindfulness, healthy habits, and rest, offering practical tips to foster mental clarity and resilience. A must-listen for those looking to combat mental blocks and prioritize wellness!

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Understanding the Shadow Self
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Understanding the Shadow Self

In this transformative episode of Wellness with Kristy, Kristy and her guest unpack the concept of the "shadow self," inspired by Carl Jung’s theories. Together, they explore how the unconscious traits we suppress—like anger, sadness, or a need for validation—shape our personal growth and relationships.

Kristy shares practical tools like root cause analysis and shadow self meditation to help listeners identify emotional triggers, uncover hidden needs, and develop healthier boundaries.

With candid stories of overcoming people-pleasing tendencies and confronting fears of rejection, the hosts offer a relatable perspective on how unresolved childhood narratives influence adult behaviors. 

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Self-Reflection, Communication, and Cognitive Wellness
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Self-Reflection, Communication, and Cognitive Wellness

In this Wellness with Kristy episode, Kristy explores self-reflection, communication styles, and personal growth. She discusses winter as a time for introspection, setting authentic boundaries, and embracing the "shadow self" for healing.

Key themes include understanding learning styles, fostering creativity, and improving brain health through mindfulness and cognitive exercises. Personal stories highlight the importance of aligning with nature’s rhythms and nurturing mental and emotional well-being.

Tune in for actionable tips and inspiring insights!

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Enhancing Communications & Connections
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Enhancing Communications & Connections

In this episode of Wellness with Kristy, we dive into how communication styles, assumptions, and learning preferences impact interactions at work, home, and socially.

The discussion covers four main communication styles:

  • Action-Oriented: Focus on results and concise communication.

  • Process-Oriented: Provide step-by-step details and structured information.

  • People-Oriented: Start with relationship-building, empathy, and collaboration.

  • Idea-Oriented: Allow time for creative discussions and emphasize the "why."

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Mindful Learning: Embracing Effective Study Habits
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Mindful Learning: Embracing Effective Study Habits

Kristy and her colleagues discuss effective study habits and the importance of self-awareness in learning. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the need for tailored study environments and strategies such as scheduling and body doubling. The conversation highlights various learning styles, with participants preferring active engagement over traditional note-taking and recognizing the benefits of printed materials. The hosts underscore the significance of self-care, acknowledging burnout, and seeking support from peers and faculty. The episode also includes meditation and affirmation practices for relaxation and techniques to manage test anxiety, empowering listeners to embrace their unique learning journeys and prioritize their mental well-being.

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Building a Positive Self-Image Through Self-Care
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Building a Positive Self-Image Through Self-Care

In this week’s episode of Waná, Kristy Shaw and Lindell dive into the importance of self-care and fostering a positive self-image. Kristy emphasizes the need for compassion toward oneself, encouraging listeners to identify their strengths and set realistic goals.

The conversation highlights the power of positive self-talk and surrounding yourself with supportive influences. Learn how to be gentle with yourself and create an environment of positivity that nurtures mental wellness.

Tune in for practical tips and heartfelt advice on how to prioritize your well-being.

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Social Wellness & Nurturing Authentic Connections
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Social Wellness & Nurturing Authentic Connections

In this episode of Wellness, Kristy explores the significance of social wellness, particularly as winter approaches and feelings of isolation may intensify. Drawing from her own experiences, she discusses barriers like social anxiety and insecurity that can affect social connections. Using humorous anecdotes, Kristy reflects on navigating uncomfortable social situations and preparing for triggers. She likens social wellness to gardening, highlighting the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships and the role of "good relatives" who offer support and challenge personal growth.

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Procrastination, ADHD, & Finding Focus
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Procrastination, ADHD, & Finding Focus

In this episode of Wellness, Kristy, Lindell, and Stewart discuss the intricate relationship between procrastination and ADHD. They share personal experiences and humor while highlighting the challenges individuals with ADHD face in managing time and focus. Kristy recounts her struggles with distractions, while Lindell discusses how procrastination can serve as a coping mechanism for stress. The trio offers practical tips for overcoming procrastination, such as creating routines, utilizing timers and apps, and breaking tasks into smaller steps. They emphasize the importance of seeking support and community.

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The People-Pleasing Trap Pt.2
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

The People-Pleasing Trap Pt.2

In this episode of Wellness with Kristy, Kristy and Lindell discuss the complexities of people-pleasing and its effects on mental health. They share personal experiences, emphasizing how the need for approval can lead to stress, burnout, and a loss of identity. Lindell explores the roots of this behavior, while the duo highlights the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. They provide practical strategies for overcoming people-pleasing, such as learning to say "no" and validating personal needs.

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The People-Pleasing Trap Pt.1
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

The People-Pleasing Trap Pt.1

In this episode of Wellness, Kristy and Lindell discuss the complexities of people-pleasing, exploring how the need for approval can lead to stress, burnout, and loss of self. They share personal experiences and examine the origins of this behavior, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and self-care. Practical strategies are offered, such as saying "no" and self-advocacy, to help listeners prioritize their own well-being. This episode encourages balancing kindness to others with kindness to oneself and embracing authenticity in relationships.

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Tapping Into Emotional Freedom
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Tapping Into Emotional Freedom

In this episode of Wellness, Kristy, Amanda, and Lindell delve into Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping—a therapy that uses gentle tapping on meridian points to manage stress and emotions. They discuss EFT’s role in connecting emotional and physical health, with Amanda and Lindell sharing personal stories about its effectiveness for anxiety relief. The episode provides listeners with a foundational understanding of EFT and practical tips for integrating it into daily routines to enhance emotional regulation and overall well-being.

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Grounding Techniques for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Grounding Techniques for Managing Stress and Anxiety

This episode of Wellness explores grounding techniques—practical methods to manage stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges by reconnecting to the present moment. Kristy and her guest discuss various grounding practices, such as sensory engagement, physical activities, and mindful exercises, emphasizing the need to find personalized techniques. They also highlight cultural perspectives, especially the natural connection to nature within Indigenous communities and the role of family in healing. The episode concludes with a calming body scan to help listeners relax and find balance.

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Empowering Minds: The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Empowering Minds: The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In this week’s episode of Waná, Kristy Shaw and Lindell dive into the importance of self-care and fostering a positive self-image. Kristy emphasizes the need for compassion toward oneself, encouraging listeners to identify their strengths and set realistic goals.

The conversation highlights the power of positive self-talk and surrounding yourself with supportive influences. Learn how to be gentle with yourself and create an environment of positivity that nurtures mental wellness.

Tune in for practical tips and heartfelt advice on how to prioritize your well-being.

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Building Your Window of Tolerance
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Building Your Window of Tolerance

In this episode of Wellness, hosts Will and Lindell welcome Kristy to discuss "building your window of tolerance," a framework for managing stress and emotional responses, particularly for trauma survivors. Kristy explains the importance of self-awareness in expanding this window to avoid hyperarousal (anxiety) and hypoarousal (dissociation).

The trio introduces the "spoon theory" to illustrate how those with chronic pain or mental health challenges have limited emotional reserves. Kristy highlights the need for grounding techniques, such as breath work and sensory awareness, to manage anxiety. They explore strategies for regaining balance, emphasizing the healing potential found in understanding our emotional landscapes and fostering genuine connections.

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Thoughts, Feelings, Actions: The CBT Guide to Self-Compassion
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Thoughts, Feelings, Actions: The CBT Guide to Self-Compassion

In this episode of Wellness, Kristy dives into the transformative power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to understand and shift the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Exploring how automatic negative beliefs can shape our lives, the conversation offers tools for challenging these thoughts and choosing healthier, more constructive responses. With insights on workplace communication, the role of social media in shaping our perceptions, and personal stories of grief and growth, the episode encourages self-kindness and awareness as foundations for change.

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Nurturing Kindness: Strategies for Self-Care
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Nurturing Kindness: Strategies for Self-Care

In this episode of Wellness on CFNU Radio, hosts Will, Lindell, and Kristy discuss the transformative power of "ridiculous kindness," focusing on self-kindness. Kristy shares her humorous "mirror work" technique to boost self-affirmation. The hosts explore the differences between kindness, empathy, and compassion, especially concerning compassion fatigue in caregivers. They emphasize the role of positive morning routines and mindfulness in mental health, particularly for those with ADHD. The episode concludes with a collective affirmation activity, promoting connection and self-acceptance in our wellness journeys.

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Understanding Attachment Styles
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Understanding Attachment Styles

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday on CFNU Radio, hosts Will, Lindell, and Kristy Shaw discuss how attachment styles—secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized—affect our relationships. They share personal stories about parenting and the deeper emotions behind children's expressions of anger. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding these styles to enhance communication, build trust, and foster healthier connections. The episode concludes with a grounding exercise for self-trust and forgiveness, encouraging listeners to strengthen their relationships within families and communities.

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Exploring the Vagus Nerve and Emotional Well-Being
Sonia Radwanski Sonia Radwanski

Exploring the Vagus Nerve and Emotional Well-Being

In this episode, the Wellness Wednesday hosts discuss the vagus nerve's role in emotional well-being and trauma. They share personal experiences with the "freeze" response and stress the importance of self-awareness and coping strategies for managing anxiety. The conversation includes gentle communication methods for youth and concludes with practical self-regulation techniques, such as breathing exercises, to promote mindfulness and emotional resilience.

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Meet Your Host

Kristy Kaiswatum is Cree and Metis from Piapot First Nation. Kristy is a Wellness Therapist who holds a Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work from FNUC and is a Registered Social Worker with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Work. She has been an Oskiskwewis (female helper) in the local community for the last decade spending her time working and volunteering in the Regina Community.