Scenic Route, Social Change and Mental Health Conversations for Perfectionists
Forget the fast lane! The Scenic Route is where perfectionists slow down, get better, and create real change.
We explore:
- Mental health wisdom (minus toxic positivity)
- Social change (that starts from within)
- System critiques (with actionable solutions)
- Inner wisdom (over external validation)
- Mindfulness for minimalists (no crystals required)
Join Jennifer Walter, sociologist (MASoc UCC) and recovering perfectionist, for weekly conversations that blend critical thinking with oh-so-much compassion.
Whether you're questioning everything or trying to find peace amongst the chaos, you'll find space here for your inner voice, mindset, mental health, and collective change — you're in the right place. We make space for both personal healing and collective change — with a side of potty humour.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.
The longest way round is the shortest way home – and that's exactly why we're taking the Scenic Route.
Ready to walk the scenic route?
The view here is *chef's kiss.*
Episodes
95 episodes
What We Eat Is Political: Reframing Veganism with Joy feat. Matthew C. Halteman
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 ...
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Season 7
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Episode 94
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1:04:13
Feeling Behind in Life? You're Not Alone: Redefining Success as a Millennial in 2025
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 lo...
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Season 7
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Episode 93
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26:10
Redefining Luxury: Join the Slow Fashion Revolution with Lora Gene
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 revol...
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Season 7
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Episode 92
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1:02:37
The Invisible Filter: How Nationalism Shapes Everything You Think Is 'Normal'
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 (yu...
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Season 7
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Episode 91
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18:53
Political Burnout is Real: How to Change the World Without Breaking Yourself
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 engag...
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Season 7
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Episode 90
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19:06
Lonely Hearts Club: Vanishing Third Spaces and Adult Friendships
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 D...
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Season 7
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Episode 89
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26:17
Wild Kindness: Breaking Free from the 'Nice Girl' Trap
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 ...
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Season 7
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Episode 88
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18:50
2025 Astrology Report: The Death of Bro Marketing & Rise of Intuitive Business ft. Sheri Moise & Jen Fieldman
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 mas...
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Season 7
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Episode 87
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1:00:03
Perimenopause Club: Break Free from Supplement Scams & Reclaim Your Health with Nutritionist Sandra Mikhail
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...
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Season 6
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Episode 86
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52:05
Breaking Society's Binary: A Revolutionary Tale of Gender Identity & Freedom with Don Mamone
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 un...
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Season 6
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Episode 85
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59:36
Fast Fashion Exposed: You Deserve Better Than Consumerism with Aja Barber
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 th...
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Season 6
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Episode 84
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1:15:54
Why Do We Stay? The Truth About Toxic Relationships with Caitlin Liz Fisher
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 ...
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Season 6
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Episode 83
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59:01
Thank You, Fear: Transforming Anxiety into Empowerment feat. Jana Osta
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...
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Season 6
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Episode 82
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1:00:04
Grief and Healing: The Art of Somatic Awareness and Witnessing with Parijat Deshpande
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:
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Season 6
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Episode 81
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53:14
Heal Family Trauma: Mothers, Forgiveness, and Self-Empowerment with Blanca E. Rodriguez
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 untanglin...
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Season 6
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Episode 80
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1:05:50
Can Family Psychology Solve Global Conflicts? Social Change and Conflict Resolution with Phyllis Leavitt
In this groundbreaking episode of The Scenic Route Podcast, host Jennifer Walter delves into the transformative power of psychology in mending our fractured society. Join us for an illuminating conversation with Phyllis Leavitt, acclaimed psych...
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Season 6
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Episode 79
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1:02:04
Embrace the Unknown: Why Certainty is Overrated in Personal Transformation with Jessica Ell
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 t...
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Season 6
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Episode 78
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58:48
Sexual Awakening: Reclaiming Intimacy and Self-Love with Dominique D'Vita
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 ble...
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Season 6
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Episode 77
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1:04:16
The Productivity Myth: Courageous Insights to Thrive Without the Hustle feat. Elise Enriquez
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 cult...
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Season 6
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Episode 76
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55:47
Healing Through Shadows: Build Resilience and Embrace True Self-Acceptance with Shadi Sadeghi
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 demystif...
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Season 6
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Episode 75
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1:05:36
Live Fully and Become a Better Leader: Authentic Integrity Made Actionable feat. Christine Lieu
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 Bran...
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Season 6
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Episode 74
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48:15
Avoid Bore-Out: How to Thrive as a Multi-Passionate Professional with SaCola Lehr
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 gues...
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Season 6
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Episode 73
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56:43
How to Build Thriving Communities: Championing Reciprocity and Equity with Becky Mollenkamp
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...
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Season 6
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Episode 72
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50:07
Embracing Your Menstrual Cycle: Find Harmony and Well-Being with Dana Michelle Gillespie
Today, the incredible Dana Michelle Gillespie, founder of My Moontime, joins us to talk about all things menstrual health. In this episode, we dive deep into the female health realm, mainly focusing on the menstrual cycle and how it impacts our...
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Season 6
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Episode 71
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1:04:25
Cosmic Clarity: Empower Yourself with Astrology feat. Laura Ordile
Ever wondered how your star chart could guide your personal growth? Join us as Laura Ordile, a hypnotherapy master and intuitive life coach, reveals how astrology can be a powerful tool for self-discovery. Embark on a cosmic journey through the...
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Season 5
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Episode 70
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1:04:43