Podcast
Life Outside the Box
Hosted by The 44 North · EN
Honest conversations about mental health. Life Outside the Box is a new youth mental health podcast that takes a deeper dive into the issues that affect youth – from a youth perspective. What do you want to talk about? On this podcast, no topic is off limits! Hosted by mental health advocates Asante Haughton and Abbigale Kernya, 'Life Outside the Box' is a series of interviews with young people from all walks of life: from students and athletes, to artists and activists. Asante, Abby and guests explore every topic with wit, grace and remarkable insight. Visit our website at: https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box for more information.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 21: Live Podcast Event Beyond Words: Addressing anti-Black Racism and Discriminatory Language in Schools
2w ago01:22:20Tap to summarizeLanguage 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 the conditions for more respectful, inclusive, and courageous school communities. Hosted by Asante Haughton and Kritika Sharda, the discussion explored what responsibility different community members hold, and what it takes to build environments rooted in dignity, accountability, repair, and inclusion.About the Hosts:Asante Haughton has emerged as a leader in mental health. A veteran of the speaker circuit, Asante has presented across the globe, including doing TEDx talks telling stories detailing how family trauma impact mental health.Kritika Sharda is a Contributing Writer at The 44 North Magazine, and a Program Facilitator with Unsinkable Youth. Sharda is a recent graduate of McMaster University Health Sciences in Ontario and also co-hosted last year's live podcast event.About the Panelists:Delux Yogarajah is a youth worker, psychotherapy student, and founder of Finding Your HeART (FYH), a community initiative supporting Black and racialized youth through art, storytelling, and mental health programming. By combining youth culture—particularly sneaker customization—with art therapy, he has carved out a unique pathway for young people to access mental health support through creative expression. With extensive experience in youth violence prevention across Toronto, his work focuses on building leadership, healing, and opportunity for youth to feel seen, heard, and empowered.Tracey Kayy is a Multidisciplinary Artist, Caseworker, Mental Health Practitioner, Educator, and Equity & Diversity Advocate who uses her musical creations to heal, empower, and inspire through enlightenment. Through music and poetry, she brings attention to realities that are often overlooked, creating space for reflection, healing, and meaningful dialogue. Known for her powerful presence and ability to connect deeply with others, she often leaves audiences feeling inspired and renewed. Over the years, she has worked with a number of notable organizations and remains passionate about strengthening communities while creating opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.Diara Jones is a Grade 12 student at the University of Toronto Schools. Co-lead of the Black Equity Committee, she has worked to create a safe and inclusive environment for Black Students, while educating the broader school community on racial injustice and how to promote an environment of equity. This year she helped lead the Black Equity Committee in presenting a school-wide assembly on Digital Blackface and the exploitation of Black culture in pop media. Additionally, the committee hosted the annual Black Student Affinity Network Conference, connecting Black Students across Independent Schools in the GTA. She will be pursuing a degree in Architecture at the University of Waterloo in September 2026. Safeyyah Imam is a high school student, advocate, and public speaker. Within her school she leads many affinity groups and committees - ranging from the Black Equity Committee, to Sustainability Club. In her community, she engages in youth access initiatives like Hart House’s Youth Advisory Council, and Culturelink’s Newcomer Orientation Week - planning and running events that give students community. In and out of school, her impact lies in creating spaces for marginalized youth in the best way she can; using her voice and leadership.Support the showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Questioning the Systems We're In: Empowering Honest Conversations about Suicide
Dec 100:59:56Tap to summarizeA 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 what feels safe to spend time with. Please engage with this podcast episode how/whenever it feels safe for you. Resources:Ontario non-police mental health servicesCanadian Centre for Suicide Prevention + research roundupToronto Community Crisis Service - Call 211Call & Text 988ANCHOR (Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response)Statistics:Per year, a range between 1/10 - 1/20 have considered suicide (5-10% of the population) & ~4,000 die. The number of total deaths per year has increased, but deaths per 100,000 have decreased from ~12 in 2000 to ~9 in 2023. These statistics are not necessarily inclusive & are categorized by M/F (CSP Cross Canada Statistics, 2023)Trans & non-binary communities: 30% reported suicidal ideation & 4% reported a suicide attempt (Santos et al., 2025), though this is a decline.Support the showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Episode 19: Moving From Harmful to Helpful Ideas of Manhood
Jul 3, 202501:03:10Tap to summarize"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 you into the movement it's restrained. It's, 'you have to act a certain way. It's the only way to be a man. You can't act like this, you can't look like this. That's 'weak', that's 'soft'." In this powerful conversation with speaker, writer and facilitator Jeff Perera, our hosts take a deep dive into the influences that shape our ideas of gender and masculinity; as well as how to build and train your emotional muscle and develop emotional literacy. There are so many pockets of practical wisdom in the episode, don't miss this one!Support the showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Live Podcast Event on Political Anxiety: How to Take Action and Take Care of Yourself
Jun 10, 202501:11:37Tap to summarizeOn 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 May 29th live podcast discussion focused on navigating the current political climate, non-stop barrage of news, and how people can take action and build emotional resilience in uncertain times. Dive into the discussion during this episode, where a diverse panel of people with lived experience in politics and organizing spoke to our hosts and took questions from our live audience following the discussion. Support the showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Poetry, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention with Mikaela Brewer
Mar 5, 202500:59:18Tap to summarizeActivation 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-disciplinary writer, poet, speaker, and researcher Mikaela Brewer. She discusses her research and work in suicide prevention, and talks about the launch of her new project 'Murmurs' - a poetry-album, available now on Spotify. To take a deeper dive into Mikaela's work visit: https://mikbrew.substack.com/p/murmursSupport the showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Ableism & Disability Advocacy
Feb 18, 202500:49:27Tap to summarizeBrennan 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 showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Podcasting, Story Telling and "Levelling Up" with Hamza Isalm
Sep 11, 202400:45:14Tap to summarize"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 IsalmSupport the showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Managing Your Emotions Under Pressure + Overcoming Fear
Jan 1, 202400:29:42Tap to summarize"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 showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Finding Strength in the Face of Overwhelming Circumstances
Dec 4, 202300:41:03Tap to summarizeIn 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 showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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Grief, Loss + Social Media
Oct 23, 202300:56:03Tap to summarizeEpisode 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 showFollow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-boxFollow us on Facebook @the44northEmail us at editors@the44north.caThanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.
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