Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Graeme Jenvey: The Joy of the Semi-Professional Amateur

April 12, 2021 Season 2 Episode 14
Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Graeme Jenvey: The Joy of the Semi-Professional Amateur
Show Notes

Ongoing engagement in values-driven activities through personal projects reflects among the most powerful ways to foster a sense of meaning, achievement and confidence as well as ward off low motivation, lethargy and low mood.  Graeme Jenvey, owner of the YouTube channel Woodness Goodness  which chronicles the technical and psychological journey around many of Graeme's ongoing projects, joins host Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych for an epic chat in which they touch a number of topics including:    

  • a brief overview of Graeme's personal and professional background
  • finding a balance between preparation & action when taking on a project 
  • the psychological journey around growing his Woodness Goodness YouTube channel (e.g., public-facing persona, managing success, reflexes around "people pleasing", handling negative feedback)
  • reflections on why vulnerability and authenticity are critical to resonating with an audience 
  • balancing novelty with contentedness when pursuing projects
  • managing internal expectations to stay grounded while respecting one's ambitions
  • the importance of saying "no" to foster new growth and the evolution of new life chapters
  • the healing potential for projects via principles of behavioural activation (i.e., mastery, pleasure) 
  • Graeme's personal experience with anxiety and depression and the preventative coping formula that he has developed 
  • the power of being "still" in order to build awareness of one's inner experience
  • the necessity of tolerating uncertainty & failure in the service of realizing longer term goals & personal growth
  • leveraging a routine and schedule to enhance motivation and mood regulation  
  • leveraging music & visual arts for enhancing creative pursuits and regulating mood
  • curating self-awareness to effectively self-edit creative pursuits
  • reflections on sustainability of modern lifestyle to human happiness 
  • a brief discussion around fatherhood - lessons learned & shifts in perspective

Based in Virginia, Graeme Jenvey is a multidisciplinary filmmaker, directing, shooting, producing and editing commercials and work for nonprofits. He specializes in automotive content but is also driven by good people, nature, and stories yet to be told.  Originally from Canada's British Columbia, Graeme has both traveled and lived throughout North America. His passion for exploration is evident in his visual storytelling.  Graeme's creative spark was ignited at an early age—building tree forts and making videos for fun. Fast forward 20 years, he now enjoys house projects, woodwork, and telling stories through film. Graeme’s YouTube Channel, Woodness Goodness, features a number of Graeme’s projects, has nearly 100k subscribers and over 8 million views.

Woodness Goodness
https://www.instagram.com/instagreyum/