Upopolis: The Podcast
48 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Upopolis has been connecting youth with critical and chronic illnesses for over 15 years with peer support and access to reliable medical information created with them in mind. Now Upopolis also supports the user's siblings and youth navigating grief. Listen along as the Upopolis Child Life shares resources, research, and interviews that highlight the experiences and expertise of youth and professionals and organizations that work alongside all these youth.
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Episodes
Episode 43: Scoliosis Common Grounds Guests Lily and Sarah
April 01, 2024 14:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBJoin Krista, the Upopolis podcast host for episode 43 (Oops! She may have said 42 in the episode) as she chats with Lily and Sarah about being young adult mentors, common grounds groups, Upopolis, and research they did that led them to work with the Upopolis team. For youth interested in joining a common grounds session, please click and complete the application in this link.
Episode 42: Getting Connected to Upopolis: the referral process
January 31, 2024 20:00 - 9 minutes - 6.71 MBJoin Krista, our Upopolis National program manager and podcast host to learn about the steps to get connected with Upopolis as a youth and for professionals interested in referring youth. Krista guides listeners through the referral process, highlights some of the opportunities Upopolis is currently offering youth, and reviews other resources available on the website e.g. posters, rack cards, links, and additional content. Know a youth who wants to join? Click here to make a referral Are ...
Episode 41: Grief & Legacy Building; Stories and Insights from Child Life Specialists
October 31, 2023 14:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MBJoin Upopolis host Krista Naugler and Upopolis Intern Betina Sales for this episode. Betina takes over host of the podcast to interview for a candid conversation with guests Certified Child Life Specialists Shaindy Alexander and Melissa Dodaro to explore the impactful work of Child Life Specialists in legacy-building and grief support. Drawing from their extensive experience, they provide invaluable insights into the delicate process of creating legacies and offer practical guidance for thos...
Episode 39: Summer Camp & Camp Maple Leaf
May 26, 2023 18:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode, April Young, Camp Director from Camp Maple Leaf / Jacob Island joins Krista to talk about what their camp offers, what parents can look for in a camp, tips, stories, and more. Check out Camp Maple Leaf on their website and specifics on Jacob Island Programs. Youth can also check out more information about camps offered across Canada and tips for going to camp in the U Camp group on Upopolis. Click here for the Canadian Alliance for Grieving Children and Youth's list of be...
Episode 38: Our Favourite Books
March 31, 2023 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBIt's a long one but it is packed with good resources including our favourite books and activities that go along with them. Be sure to check it out and the links below to see the books that the Upopolis team refers to including Lifetimes, I Like Myself, 52 Lists for Happiness, Just as You Are, The Gift of the Ladybug, Hello in There, Have You Filled Your Bucket, Invisible String and more. We forgot to mention this one but is another great feelings book, My Many Colored Days, and this other o...
Episode 37: Programming Details and Outcomes
March 17, 2023 15:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBA teacher asked and we have the answers in this episode of the Upopolis podcast. What does Upopolis offer my student if I refer them? What does the programming offered by Upopolis look like? What are the goals or outcomes Upopolis is aiming for? Listen and find out! Plus, check out our recent poster presentation from a virtual conference that the team presented at. Did you know that the Upopolis team will be at ACLP Conference 2023? Please visit our exhibit if you are there. Plus, the team...
Episode 36: Jenna and the Connection Award
November 30, 2022 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBPlease note we ended up switching two episodes to get one recorded after this one out in time for National Children's Day and Children & Youth Grief Awareness Day. In this episode, we say this is episode 35 but it is episode 36. Please join Krista the host of the Upopolis podcast as she chats with special guest Jenna, a youth who has been a member of Upopolis for 6 years and is one of the 2022 Connection Award Winners. Jenna talks a lot about embracing who you are and the value of programs ...
Episode 35: Teens Talk About Grief Support
November 20, 2022 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBJoin Aushia, the Upopolis intern for this episode of the Upopolis podcast. She chats with two teens about grief and loss from their perspective. Grief is a personal experience, and it looks different from person to person. Guests on the podcast are two 16-year-old teens that will be sharing their experience of the death of their fathers, what supports were offered, what they found helpful, and what supports they wish they had. We explore the topic of mindful word usage, power over sharing th...
Episode 34: Put Yourself Out There
November 09, 2022 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.21 MBHello listeners! It is that time of year again...U Got This Challenge time. This year the Upopolis team will be encouraging youth to put themselves out there by doing acts of kindness, reframing things, volunteering, and having conversations with others. Youth can sign up by emailing us at [email protected] or sending a DM to our social channels. All youth are welcome to participate. Teacher! Be sure to listen as there is a little something special in this episode for you.
Episode 33: Filling the Gap
September 16, 2022 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.2 MBIn this episode, Krista talks about filling the gap between gaining new knowledge and using it purposefully. Learning is great but sometimes we can feel guilt from learning new things and then not getting to do what we want with that information. This episode focuses on youth and school transitions and how we as parents, teachers, and health care professionals can help youth to use their knowledge and skills to have better experiences and to make an impact. Please take a few minutes to liste...
Episode 32: Upopolis Grief Groups and Island
August 10, 2022 20:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBGrief is hard! Going into something new like an online community or a grief group and not knowing what to expect is hard too (just a different kind of hard). The Upopolis team wanted to help you; parents, youth, and referrers to get the information you need to learn more about what Upopolis Island has to offer. Krista invited Jordan and Melissa, the two CCLS who work on Upopolis Island to join her for this podcast to talk about who Upopolis Island is for, what types of programming take plac...
Episode 31: Parental Coping & Self Care
July 24, 2022 04:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBKrista, the host of the podcast stumbled across an amazing document from the ACLP released in 2020 ( maybe it got missed or overlooked with the pandemic) about this episode's topic and loads of good research. It is national self-care day in July and this post cast talks about several free self-care activities as well as supporting parents in learning about their child's hospital experience, diagnosis, and coping strategies as a way of self-care. Bonus research shows that doing this form of s...
Episode 30: Check In
July 05, 2022 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.64 MBThis is not a paid ad but I was truly inspired, as I often am by Jenna's content. I was listening to her new Audiobook titled How are you, really? and episode 30 was born. Life has been hard as we all have been learning to navigate lots of stressful things during the past two years. It can get overwhelming and sometimes even the thought of self-care seems like a lot to take on. While listening to this book I was inspired to share with you a practice that the author talks about that I also pr...
Episode 29: Opportunities with Upopolis
April 01, 2022 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.43 MBJoin Krista, Upopolis National Program Manager as she explains the difference between Upopolis and Upopolis Island, what Umeets and Ucafe nights are, and ways to learn more about the world within Upopolis. Yes! She talks about general information sessions, meet & greets, the podcast, and the blog too.
Episode 28: Cora and The Corona
February 16, 2022 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBJoin Krista and Sophia as they chat with Cora, an eight-year-old girl who wrote and published a book during this pandemic. Cora puts into words her experiences during quarantine as she processes her grief in hopes of also helping other youth grieving as well. You can find Cora's book here at Robert's Press. For more episodes on coping with living in a pandemic visit earlier episode #3 and the U Got This series within the Upopolis Podcast episodes 4,5,6,&7
Episode 27: Conversation Starters
January 26, 2022 21:00 - 7 minutes - 5.21 MBGood conversation and Valentine's are the perfect combinations. With conversation starters being successful in our host, Krista's front-line work, and showing up on her social channels, she was inspired to share more and to create this episode. Thank you to the facilitators at Camp Kedooopse, Miss Suzanne (child_life_grief_notes on IG), Bell, and CLTV at IWK for keeping the conversations going. CLTV Crafts with Krista & Krista
Episode 25: How You Receive Things
December 15, 2021 18:00 - 7 minutes - 5.45 MBHave you read Dr. Gary Chapman's book called The 5 Love Languages? It came to mind last night when Nancy and I were talking to the youth in the Greif & U group. When someone does something for you, what do you appreciate? Listen to this episode to learn more.
Episode 26: How You Receive Things
December 15, 2021 18:00 - 8 minutes - 5.57 MBHave you read Dr. Gary Chapman's book called The 5 Love Languages? It came to mind last night when Nancy and I were talking to the youth in the Greif & U group. When someone does something for you, what do you appreciate? Listen to this episode to learn more.
Episode 25: Grief Support for Youth
November 17, 2021 15:00 - 10 minutes - 6.92 MBFrom tips on dealing with "firsts" after the death of a loved one to the launch of a new online grief support group for youth, this podcast episode with Krista has it covered. Listen in to hear highlights from Nancy's recent Upopolis blog and to get all the details on the new support group that starts on December 7th, 2021. Krista mentions some other Upopolis blogs, click below to access the various titles: Negativing "firsts" after the death of a loved one The ABC's of Grief How I can h...
Episode 24: Embracing Control
September 30, 2021 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MBHey, youth! Are you up for a challenge and an email campaign? The Upopolis team will be emailing out information and activities on four different themes starting on October 18th - it's called the U Got This! Challenge. The theme is embracing control and content goes out every Monday to your inbox for four weeks. Krista, Jessica, Tija, and Nancy will be talking about mantras, big feelings, the past, the future, stress responses, and more. Plus participants will be invited to work on photo p...
Episode 23: Transitions
September 10, 2021 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.28 MBIt's September which usually means lots of transitions for youth and their families. Maybe it means heading back to school or starting university or college, going to an adult care facility, or preparing for a hospital stay. Yes, even the transition from summer activities and routines to fall ones. Join Krista, the Upopolis podcast host as she talks about a few transitions that youth she knows are experiencing and gives you 10+ tips for supporting youth that you know as they head back to sc...
Episode 22: Interview with Tammany from Everyday Heroes Kids
August 18, 2021 16:00 - 14 minutes - 9.72 MBIn this episode, Krista interviews Tammany a mom of two boys, one who lives with ADHD and the other with profound deafness. Tammany's parenting journey led her to develop a website that helps families find the professional support they need. Over 500 professionals and organizations have set up profiles in the areas of health, mental health, and education. To learn more check out this episode and the Everyday Heroes Kids website
Episode 21: Getting Organized for School
August 04, 2021 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBWhat school will look like...who knows! What can you do to set yourself up for success and to cope with your new schedule- GET ORGANIZED! In this episode, Krista offers some tips to help you get organized and to cope with whatever your school year looks like, maybe it is from home, from the hospital, or at school. It doesn't matter where, it matters that you have a plan to cope and adjust as needed to make things be as stress-free as possible. Bonus, being organized helps you to focus, get b...
Episode 20: Guest Maggie M
July 05, 2021 13:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBJoin Upopolis podcast host Krista as she interviews Maggie M, a young lady now studying respiratory therapy who spent over 10 years on Upopolis. Maggie and her friendship with another user named Katrina inspired an annual award for Upopolis users called the Upopolis Connection Award. To learn more about Maggie, their friendship and the Upopolis Connection Award listen to this latest episode. Youth can access the application for the connection award each spring using the link provided within...
Episode 19: Summer Camp
June 25, 2021 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBSummer is upon us and Krista, Upopolis's National Program Manager sat down with Jenn Ross, Director of Operations at Brigadoon Village to talk about camp. Jenn offered some tips for parents who are preparing their children to head off to camp. Plus she shared how the team at Brigadoon Village made camp happen in 2020 and 2021. Tune in to hear all the deets!
Episode 18: 10 Tips for preparing your child for the COVID vaccine
May 26, 2021 23:00 - 13 minutes - 9.53 MBThis has been a very different year with COVID and all the restrictions. With the vaccine becoming available to youth in most places across Canada this week, the Upopolis team wanted to show their excitement by sharing some tips to help you and your child get prepared. Krista the Upopolis podcast host is a child life specialist with over 25 years of experience preparing youth and their families for procedures. In this episode, she gives you ten tips to get prepared for the vaccine. You mig...
Episode 17: Allergies & Injections
May 11, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 8.18 MBLearning how to do injections is BIG! For some, it will come easy and others will need a plan. Check out this episode of the Upopolis podcast as Krita, our host and Upopolis's National Program Manager talks about allergies, anaphylaxis, and injections. Krista talks about her experience as a mom with a teen daughter who has known anaphylaxis, their learning curve, an observation about others' hesitance to give epi injections too, and lots of information and resources that will get you starte...
Episode 16: Ella Sofia's Story
May 05, 2021 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBDid you know that April 27th was national tell a story day? It was! So the host of Upopolis sat down with Ella Sofie to hear about her journey follow an AVM at fourteen years of age. Get cozy and enjoy taking in Ella's story. Ella Sofia is a habit coach and content creator at www.retrainyourbrain.ca . After sustaining a brain injury at 14 years old, Ella learned how to harness the power of the mind to transition her rock-bottom into her breakthrough. Through a process dubbed mental rehabil...
Episode 15: Our Child Life Roles with KHLF
April 07, 2021 19:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBThe three of us have been given the unique opportunity to practice child life solely online. From programming within Upopolis, adding value through the Upopolis blog, podcast, website, and social channels, plus providing resources and educational opportunities with both Upedia and Upopolis our team is expanding how we deliver services by meeting our community where they are at. Most importantly, we are always striving to reduce the isolation that comes with diagnosis (and loss) and treatment...
Episode 14: Guest Linda Skinner
March 22, 2021 15:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBMarch included a very special day, International Women's Day. This day inspired our host Krista Naugler to sit down with one of Canada's very own women of impact in the world of Child Life, Linda Skinner. Linda's career in Child Life began when the profession of child life and the role of the "play lady" was new and spanned over four decades. In this episode, Linda shares about three initiatives that had a huge impact on child life during her career. Plus, she highlights other women of imp...
Episode 13: Guest Jane Marchildon, CCLS
February 23, 2021 15:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBDo you work with youth with a mental health diagnosis or the children of parents with a mental illness? Yes, then this episode is for you. Child life specialist, Jane Marchildon joins our host Krista Naugler to chat about her top three child life-based interventions for this population, Bonus, Jane and Krista actually cover seven interventions including ones that Krista has done with youth navigating grief as the result of the death of a loved one. No worries, if your not a child life sp...
Episode 12: Taking Medication
February 09, 2021 15:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBDid you know that up to one-third of the population report having issues taking pills? In this episode of the Upopolis podcast, Krista covers some of the research and offers some tips to help set you and your child/ teen up for success when it comes to taking pills and liquid medication. Remember, mindset is very important and so be sure the child/ youth is willing to learn and that it is low stress and distraction-free. How To Swallow Pills by Dr. Bonnie Kaplan Video
Episode 11: Distraction Items
January 19, 2021 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.87 MBInspired by another podcast, our host Krista Naugler is sharing her favorite things. In episode 11, she shares her five favorite distraction items or strategies. Child Life Specialists are often known in the hospitals for their bags of goodies and their distraction practices that support children and youth in having a positive experience.
Episode 10: Child Life for Teens
December 31, 2020 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBYou asked and we are delivering! In the feedback following our Tools of The Trade workshop series, CCLS asked for more content and sessions on child life-based interventions for teens. Join Krista Naugler, host of the Upopolis podcast for a NYE count down of five technology-based ( and nontech alternatives) interventions that she has used in her Child Life career working with teens.
Episode 9: Tips For Parents Preparing Their Child For Getting A Vaccine
December 15, 2020 15:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBWith the COVID-19 vaccine being released this week, this is the perfect time to share some of our team's expertise in preparing children and parents for medical procedures. In this episode, the Upopolis team will share their tips on preparing yourself (the parent) and your child for getting a vaccination. From finding opportunities for control to distraction plans this episode is full of helpful information. Enjoy! In the episode, the team mentions Comfort Positions, click this link to se...
Episode 6: U Got This! Coping
November 25, 2020 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.54 MBJoin Krista Naugler the host of the Upopolis podcast as she shares about the exercise the team created to help youth navigate 2020 and the world pandemic. This episode explores what the word cope means, how to sort out a coping plan, and some strategy examples. Worksheet Video lesson with Jessica, Upopolis Program Coordinator
Episode 8: Two Youth's Perspectives on Life with Crohn's
November 24, 2020 18:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBJoin Amiah, our intern, as she does a podcast takeover speaking with Rebecca and Meghan, two incredible youth who share their perspectives about living with Crohn's. These youth speak candidly about the reality of living with an invisible disability and how it impacts every aspect of their life. We cover everything from what it was like to be diagnosed to coping with tube feeds and medications. Practical strategies for seeking support and tips are discussed that are helpful for other youth, ...
Episode 7: U Got This! Revisiting Your Schedule
November 24, 2020 17:00 - 8 minutes - 5.92 MBJoin Krista Naugler host of the Upopolis podcast for a look at schedules and how 2020 has us finding new ways to make things show up in our day. Be sure to check out the other episodes highlighting exercises from the U Got This Challenge Brain vs Mind, Feelings, Coping and Goals) Worksheets Exercise Video Lesson
Episode 7: U Got This! Revisiting Your Schedule
November 24, 2020 17:00 - 8 minutes - 5.92 MBJoin Krista Naugler host of the Upopolis podcast for a look at schedules and how 2020 has us finding new ways to make things show up in our day. Be sure to check out the other episodes highlighting exercises from the U Got This Challenge Brain vs Mind, Feelings, Coping and Goals) Worksheets Exercise Video Lesson
Episode 5: U Got This! Feelings
November 03, 2020 17:00 - 11 minutes - 7.61 MBJoin the Upopolis podcast host Krista as she discusses the activities that were offered to youth by the child life team via the U Got This! Challenge in March to help them identify and navigate all feelings. These activities and worksheets offer a nice way for families and groups to break the ice and start hard or uncomfortable conversations. The yoga session pairs with Day 4 but the link is shared below since it was mentioned in this episode. Links: Yoga Session with Christina Discussion o...
Episode 4: U Got This! Brain Versus Mind
October 27, 2020 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.37 MBWhen the pandemic hit Canada our Upopolis Child Life team quickly pivoted to create a tool to support youth as they navigate the restrictions and all the feelings that came along with it. We called this tool U Got This! It is a five-day challenge that the youth received from our team via email. Each day, there was a video lesson, a worksheet, and an activity. We invite you to take a few minutes each week for the next five weeks to learn about the U Got This! tool/ challenge. We welcome yo...
Episode 3.3: Parenting during a world pandemic with a unique lens
October 16, 2020 01:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBJoin host and child life specialist Krista Naugler as she interviews fellow CCLS Shaindy Alexander about her experiences parenting youth through a world pandemic. You will love her use of the 3W's (wants, wishes, and worries) and checklists to cope with the unexpected, be sure to listen so that you can use her strategies in your practice or home.
Episode 3.3: Parenting during a world pandemic with a unique lens
October 16, 2020 01:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBJoin host and child life specialist Krista Naugler as she interviews fellow CCLS Shaindy Alexander about her experiences parenting youth through a world pandemic. You will love her use of the 3W's (wants, wishes, and worries) and checklists to cope with the unexpected, be sure to listen so that you can use her strategies in your practice or home.
Episode 3.2: Parenting during a world pandemic with a unique lens
October 13, 2020 19:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBJoin host Krista Naugler as she chats with child life specialists Laura McGrath and Morgan Livingstone about their experience parenting youth during the COVID-19 world pandemic. Parenting at the best of times can be challenging, add a world pandemic to the mix and you will see parents pulling out their work skills and strategies to help them and their families cope.
Episode 3: Parenting during a world pandemic with a unique lens
September 29, 2020 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBJoin Upopolis podcast host Krista Naugler for a conversation with three fellow child life specialists, who also happen to be the parents of youth ages 6-17 years. These four mothers share their experiences parenting during a world pandemic (aka COVID-19) with the unique lens of being a child life specialist. The interview covers tips, strategies, temperament, grief, and more. Thank you to Sarah Patterson, Laura Breau, and Jessica Miller for joining the podcast for episode 3. Resources: “Co...
Episode 2: Meet Christina & Learn How Upopolis Came To Be
September 21, 2020 04:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this episode of the Upopolis Podcast, our host Krista Naugler is joined by Christina Papaevangelou, Co-founder of Kids' Health Links Foundation. Learn about the backstory of Upopolis and how the experience of two teenagers (one being herself) inspired Christina and her family to advocate for a safe place for youth to connect and partner with TELUS to make it happen. The episode will give you a glimps int to the evolution Upopolis and Christina and Krista will share stories of youth that t...
Episode 1: Upopolis Connection Award
September 08, 2020 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBJoin the Upopolis podcast host Krista Naugler, CCLS as she spends some time chatting with two youth from Upopolis Samantha and Kendall, the recipients of the 2020 Upopolis Connection Awards. Upopolis is all about giving youth the opportunity to connect with peers with similar experiences and these two have done just that.
Welcome to the Upopolis Podcast
August 11, 2020 16:00 - 2 minutes - 1.56 MBKrista Naugler the host of the Upopolis podcast shares a bit about Upopolis and what you can expect from the podcast launching September 2020. Join Krista every second Tuesday as she interviews youth and professionals who will share their experiences, expertise, research, and resources to support you in your journey as a youth, parent, or professional.