Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and reflective episode of Unwritten Chapters, host Matthew Heneghan challenges the all-too-common notion of “holiday stress.” Drawing from personal experience, Matthew shares how the holidays have evolved for him—from moments of loneliness and pressure to a season of joy, connection, and realistic expectations.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• Why “holiday” and “stress” don’t belong in the same sentence.
• Practical ways to reduce holiday stress and embrace imperfection.
• How to prioritize quality over quantity and say no without guilt.
• The transformative power of gratitude and carving out time for yourself.

Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, financial strain, or just trying to slow down during the festive season, this episode offers relatable stories and actionable tips to help you reclaim the magic of the holidays.

Key Takeaways:

1. Create a “Stop Doing” List

   • Identify holiday tasks or traditions that add unnecessary stress, and give yourself permission to let them go.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

   • Focus on meaningful moments and connections, rather than overwhelming yourself with endless parties or gifts.

3. Say No Without Guilt

   • Protect your peace by setting boundaries and choosing what feels right for you.

4. Practice Gratitude

   • Reflect daily on what you’re thankful for to shift your focus to what truly matters.

Memorable Quotes from the Episode:

• “The holidays aren’t about doing everything; they’re about doing what matters most.”
• “Perfection does not exist in any aspect of life—why should it have to exist during the holidays?”
• “A few missing pieces won’t ruin the bigger picture. The magic of the holidays rests in connection.”

Practical Tips Mentioned:

• Write a “Stop Doing” list to eliminate unnecessary stress.
• Embrace imperfection—holiday magic isn’t about perfection.
• Take time for yourself, whether it’s a walk, a cup of tea, or quiet reflection.
• Say no to obligations that drain you, and focus on meaningful moments instead.

Connect with Matthew:

• Instagram: @UnwrittenChaptersPodcast
• Instagram: @unwrittenchapterspodcast
• Website: www.amedicsmind.com

Listen and Subscribe:
🎙️ Unwritten Chapters is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you tune in.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review and share it with someone who might need a little less stress and a little more joy this holiday season.

#HolidayStress #MentalHealthPodcast #SelfCare #FestiveSeasonWellBeing #UnwrittenChaptersPodcast

Episode Summary:In this heartfelt and reflective episode of Unwritten Chapters, host Matthew Heneghan challenges the all-too-common notion of “holiday stress.” Drawing from personal experience, Matthew shares how the holidays have evolved for him—from moments of loneliness and pressure to a season of joy, connection, and realistic expectations.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• Why “holiday” and “stress” don’t belong in the same sentence.
• Practical ways to reduce holiday stress and embrace imperfection.
• How to prioritize quality over quantity and say no without guilt.
• The transformative power of gratitude and carving out time for yourself.

Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, financial strain, or just trying to slow down during the festive season, this episode offers relatable stories and actionable tips to help you reclaim the magic of the holidays.

Key Takeaways:

1. Create a “Stop Doing” List

   • Identify holiday tasks or traditions that add unnecessary stress, and give yourself permission to let them go.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

   • Focus on meaningful moments and connections, rather than overwhelming yourself with endless parties or gifts.

3. Say No Without Guilt

   • Protect your peace by setting boundaries and choosing what feels right for you.

4. Practice Gratitude

   • Reflect daily on what you’re thankful for to shift your focus to what truly matters.

Memorable Quotes from the Episode:

• “The holidays aren’t about doing everything; they’re about doing what matters most.”
• “Perfection does not exist in any aspect of life—why should it have to exist during the holidays?”
• “A few missing pieces won’t ruin the bigger picture. The magic of the holidays rests in connection.”

Practical Tips Mentioned:

• Write a “Stop Doing” list to eliminate unnecessary stress.
• Embrace imperfection—holiday magic isn’t about perfection.
• Take time for yourself, whether it’s a walk, a cup of tea, or quiet reflection.
• Say no to obligations that drain you, and focus on meaningful moments instead.

Connect with Matthew:

• Instagram: ⁠@UnwrittenChaptersPodcast⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@unwrittenchapterspodcast⁠
• Website: ⁠www.amedicsmind.com⁠

Listen and Subscribe:🎙️ Unwritten Chapters is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you tune in.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review and share it with someone who might need a little less stress and a little more joy this holiday season.

#HolidayStress #MentalHealthPodcast #SelfCare #FestiveSeasonWellBeing #UnwrittenChaptersPodcast

• 🎙️ "Why I Rebranded: A Story of Change, Growth, and New Beginnings"

• In this episode, award-winning author Matthew Heneghan shares why he turned the page on his podcast, rebranding it from A Medic’s Mind to Unwritten Chapters.

  If you’ve ever faced a moment where change was necessary for growth, this episode is for you.

  • Why the rebrand? Learn how the old title limited growth and why Unwritten Chapters speaks to life’s evolving journey.
  • Personal reflections: Matthew opens up about navigating PTSD, sobriety, and recovery since 2017.
  • What’s ahead: Future episodes will include raw storytelling, mental health discussions, and conversations with inspiring guests.

  ✨ Your story isn’t over—every unwritten chapter is a chance to heal and grow.

  🎧 Listen now and follow for more stories of hope, healing, and transformation.

• 
  

• About the Host:
  Matthew Heneghan is an award-winning author, former military medic, and civilian paramedic who was diagnosed with PTSD and depression in 2017. Through writing and storytelling, he has turned his personal struggles into inspiration, publishing two full-length books—one of which is housed in the National War Museum in Ottawa. Matthew’s work has been featured on CBC and CTV News.

  Connect with Matthew Heneghan:

  • Website: ww.amedicsmind.com
  • Instagram: @UnwrittenChaptersPodcast
  • Facebook: Unwritten Chapters Podcast
  • Twitter: @amedicsmind

  Listen and Subscribe:
  🎙️ Unwritten Chapters is available wherever you listen to podcasts:

  • Spotify
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Google Podcasts
  • Amazon Music

  🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

  Hashtags for SEO and Social Media
  #UnwrittenChaptersPodcast #PersonalGrowth #PodcastRebrand #MentalHealthPodcast #Resilience #HealingJourney #StorytellingPodcast #SelfImprovement #PTSDRecovery #LifeStories

  
  

Hello everyone, and welcome to Unwritten Chapters. I’m your host, Matthew Heneghan—an award-winning author, former paramedic, and military veteran.

In 2017, I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression as a result of my time in service, and since then, I’ve been on a journey of learning—about myself, about how to navigate the world, and about finding self-compassion when it feels impossible. Writing became a lifeline, and sharing my story led me to being featured on CBC, CTV News, and publishing two full-length books, one of which sits proudly in the National War Museum of Ottawa.

Unwritten Chapters is a podcast about the human condition—exploring personal growth, recovery, and the untold moments that shape who we are. Because, like you, I believe we all have chapters yet to be written.

So, join me on this journey... and together, let’s write the next chapter.

Listen and Subscribe:
🎙️ Unwritten Chapters is available wherever you listen to podcasts:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Amazon Music

🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

Hashtags for SEO and Social Media
#UnwrittenChaptersPodcast #PersonalGrowth #PodcastRebrand #MentalHealthPodcast #Resilience #HealingJourney #StorytellingPodcast #SelfImprovement #PTSDRecovery #LifeStories

Hey, everyone. Matt here. So, no episode this week. As we near the wonderous holiday that is Christmas, life tends to get a little busy and thus, as this is a one man operation around here at A Medic's Mind the podcast, I run out of time to get the things done that I'd like it. But, I plan to release an episode the following Tuesday, December 17th at the usual time, so be on the lookout for that.

As always, thank you so much for your love and support, it truly does mean the world to me. Thank you.

Be well, be safe, and above all else... keep talking to each other.

This week on A Medic's Mind, I step into the ring of my own life to share an unforgettable weekend. Join me as I dive into my love for WWE wrestling, recount the plane ride that tested my nerves, and reflect on a fancy dinner where I met some of my favorite wrestlers like Bron Breaker, Candice LaRae, Chelsea Green, and Tiffany Stratton. I’ll take you to the electrifying atmosphere of Survivor Series, share what it was like enjoying a weekend getaway with Sheena, and even tell you about a hilarious airport moment that capped it all off.

Through it all, this weekend reminded me of the importance of pushing past anxiety to create memories that last a lifetime. Tune in for a mix of wrestling nostalgia, heartfelt reflection, and lighthearted fun!

#SurvivorSeries #WWELove #WrestlingFan #AnxietyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #WeekendAway #PodcastLife #AMedicsMind #SheenaAndMe #WWE2024 #OvercomingAnxiety #LiveYourDreams

🎙️ Check out the latest episodes of the A Medic’s Mind Podcast!
🍎 Apple Podcast: 🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-medics-mind/id1418721976
🎧 Spotify: 🔗 https://open.spotify.com/show/5hmuMofDnEkc8Ec9MqGHmC?si=3b119618da0a48a1

🔥 Don’t miss it! 🙌

Buy the A Medic's Mind Book: ⁠⁠Here⁠⁠

Buy Woven in War: ⁠Here⁠

Follow Me on Social Media:

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/amedicsmind⁠⁠

Email Me: ⁠⁠Info@amedicsmind.com⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠www.amedicsmind.com⁠⁠

Why do we feel the need to hide our emotions? Even when it’s natural to express them, societal pressures often push us to suppress our feelings. In this episode of A Medic's Mind, we explore how these cultural norms impact our mental health and why vulnerability is a powerful strength, not a weakness.

Through personal stories and professional insights, I’ll uncover the mental and physical toll of hiding emotions and share practical tips to help you embrace emotional expression. Whether you’re looking to improve your mental health, strengthen your relationships, or grow personally, this episode is for you.

• How societal norms shape emotional suppression.
• The hidden costs of bottling up emotions.
• Why embracing vulnerability leads to stronger connections and personal growth.
• Actionable tips to help you express your emotions confidently.

📱 Instagram: @TheAMedicsMindPod
🎙️ Subscribe & Review: A Medic's Mind on Spotify

#MentalHealth #Vulnerability #EmotionalHealth #Podcast #SelfImprovement #EmotionalGrowth #WellnessJourney #BreakingTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness #AMedicsMindPodcast

In this special Remembrance Day episode of A Medic’s Mind, I share two deeply personal stories that reflect on the bonds of brotherhood, the pain of loss, and the enduring power of memory. These stories honor the lives of Cpl. Andrew Eykelenboom, Cpl. Michael Starker, and Pte. Colin Wilmot—brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

I also take you behind the scenes of my contribution to the Canadian National War Museum's Oral History Project, where I had the honor of sharing my experiences. Now featured at the museum, this project ensures that the voices and stories of those who served will be preserved for future generations.

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to those we’ve lost and a reminder of the legacy they leave behind. Join me as I honor their memory through words, reflection, and the enduring promise to never forget.

🎧 Listen now and take a moment to reflect on those who gave everything in service of others.

#RemembranceDay #NeverForget #MilitaryBrotherhood #AMedicsMind #CanadianMilitary #OralHistory #SacrificeAndHonor #WarStories #PodcastLife #VeteranStories