• Scenic Route, Social Change and Mental Health Conversations for Perfectionists

  • Written by: Jennifer Walter
  • Podcast

Scenic Route, Social Change and Mental Health Conversations for Perfectionists

Written by: Jennifer Walter
  • Summary

  • 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.*

    © 2025 Scenic Route by Jennifer Walter
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • The Invisible Filter: How Nationalism Shapes Everything You Think Is 'Normal'
    Feb 4 2025

    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 (yup, not looking at people waving flags at sports events...) — and learn practical ways to spot these patterns in your daily life.

    In this episode, we unpack:

    • The shocking youth of nationalism (hint: it's younger than photography)
    • How your routines reinforce national boundaries
    • Why museums turn ancient artefacts into "national treasures"
    • The dark connection between everyday nationalism and fascism
    • Practical tools to spot nationalist framing in daily life
    • How to appreciate culture without nationalist baggage

    Perfect for critical thinkers, activists, and anyone interested in understanding how invisible structures shape our world—and what to do about it.

    Key Resources:

    • "Imagined Communities" by Benedict Anderson
    • "Banal Nationalism" by Michael Billig

    _____________________________________________________________________

    READY FOR YOUR SCENIC ROUTE?
    Visit jenniferwalter.me — your cozy corner of the internet where recovering perfectionists come to breathe, dream, and embrace a softer way of living – while creating real change in their communities.

    Keep the conversation going:

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Threads


    DAILY DOSE OF CHILL
    Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.
    Need a gentle nudge in the right direction? The Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck Deck is your online permission slip to trust your inner compass. Grab yours and let's see what wisdom awaits you today:

    👉 Pull Your Daily Affirmation Card


    LOVE THE SHOW?
    If today's episode hit different, leave a rating and review. Your words help other wandering souls find their way to the Scenic Route.

    Show more Show less
    19 mins
  • Political Burnout is Real: How to Change the World Without Breaking Yourself
    Jan 28 2025

    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 engaged without burning out.

    What you'll discover:

    • The shocking truth about information overload (hint: it's actually by design)
    • Why your brain's "overwhelm" is a perfectly normal response to abnormal circumstances
    • Political economist Naomi Klein's groundbreaking research on the strategic use of chaos
    • Three actionable strategies to protect your mental health while staying engaged
    • The revolutionary power of setting boundaries in the age of endless news cycles

    Featured insights:

    • The science behind cognitive overload and democratic participation
    • How modern media dynamics affect our ability to process information
    • Practical tips for building sustainable activism
    • Why self-care isn't selfish – it's revolutionary

    Your Action Steps:

    1. The Power of Two
    2. Building Your Information Squad
    3. The 48-Hour Rule

    Remember: Your rest is resistance. Your boundaries are brave. And your choice to stay grounded and connected – that's the foundation of any meaningful change.

    New episodes drop every Tuesday.
    See you on the Scenic Route.

    _____________________________________________________________________

    READY FOR YOUR SCENIC ROUTE?
    Visit jenniferwalter.me — your cozy corner of the internet where recovering perfectionists come to breathe, dream, and embrace a softer way of living – while creating real change in their communities.

    Keep the conversation going:

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Threads


    DAILY DOSE OF CHILL
    Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.
    Need a gentle nudge in the right direction? The Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck Deck is your online permission slip to trust your inner compass. Grab yours and let's see what wisdom awaits you today:

    👉 Pull Your Daily Affirmation Card


    LOVE THE SHOW?
    If today's episode hit different, leave a rating and review. Your words help other wandering souls find their way to the Scenic Route.

    Show more Show less
    19 mins
  • Lonely Hearts Club: Vanishing Third Spaces and Adult Friendships
    Jan 21 2025

    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 Discover:

    • The shocking stats about loneliness in your 30s and 40s (and why it's not just a 'you' problem)
    • What the heck "third spaces", are and why their disappearance matter more than you think
    • The real reason Nordic countries are winning at the friendship game (hint: it's not hygge)
    • Practical strategies for building meaningful connections without adding more to your plate
    • Why your local coffee shop might be more important than your Instagram feed


    Featured Research:

    • American Psychology Association's 2023 loneliness study
    • Harvard Social Connection Lab findings
    • Brené Brown's research on shame and connection
    • Ray Oldenburg's "Third Places" concept


    Ready to Break Free from the Lonely Hearts Club? Try our micro-connection challenge and start treating every interaction like it matters (because it does).


    Free Resource:
    Go online and pull your free "Scenic Route Affirmation Card" for those moments when you need a reminder that you're not alone on this journey: https://www.jenniferwalter.me/scenic-route-affirmations


    See you on the Scenic Route.

    _____________________________________________________________________

    READY FOR YOUR SCENIC ROUTE?
    Visit jenniferwalter.me — your cozy corner of the internet where recovering perfectionists come to breathe, dream, and embrace a softer way of living – while creating real change in their communities.

    Keep the conversation going:

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Threads


    DAILY DOSE OF CHILL
    Tap into your inner wisdom and let it guide you.
    Need a gentle nudge in the right direction? The Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck Deck is your online permission slip to trust your inner compass. Grab yours and let's see what wisdom awaits you today:

    👉 Pull Your Daily Affirmation Card


    LOVE THE SHOW?
    If today's episode hit different, leave a rating and review. Your words help other wandering souls find their way to the Scenic Route.

    Show more Show less
    26 mins

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