Let It Land

Are you part of a blended family? Are you navigating through a separation or divorce? At the beginning of June, Kate Vanderlugt - the owner and founder of #singlemotherHOOD and yourowntwofeet.ca - talked with Kat about how this global pandemic was impacting relationships in transition, from new separations to divorces. Kat opened up about her own blended family, and they talked about co-parenting, how COVID was affecting shared access, and what tips and support were available to lessen relationship stress. Now as we settle back into a school year and the balance in family dynamics shifts again, Kate’s advice seems more poignant than ever. Make sure to follow her at Instagram.com/makeshift.mama - and make sure you follow us at Instagram.com/letitlandpodcast. Remember you can save $10 off your next Knix purchase when you use this link: https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l9Utd and use the code KNIXPARTNER10 at checkout.

How do we teach our kids safely through a global pandemic? At the end of June, TDSB Educator Christopher Snow and Kat had a conversation about dealing with lockdown, shifting to virtual education, the importance of mental health, high risk communities, and universal education. Christopher’s advice resonates deeply when it comes to facing uncertainty, and his outlook and tips for this September offer both teachers and families encouragement and hope. If you have questions for Christopher, make sure you follow us and send a DM to us at Instagram.com/letitlandpodcast. Whatever your school year looks like, remember you can save $10 off your next Knix purchase when you use this link: https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l9Utd and use the code KNIXPARTNER10 at checkout.

Are you ready for a little “Woo woo without the cuckoo?” At the beginning of June, Tarot Lori, did a Zoom call with Kat where Lori did a bang on Tarot reading. At the time, Kat thought Lori’s cards resonated with what was going on but now, 3 months later, Kat realizes how accurate her reading really was! In this episode, Kat and Lori talk about intuition; inherently knowing the changes that we need to make in our lives; and how Tarot can act as a guide to affirm and guide our own inner knowledge with a special kind of ‘life coaching’. Connect with Lori on Instagram at Instagram.com/tarot.lori or on her website at tarotlori.com. Also, join her every full moon for an Instagram live “Burn Your Sh!t” party, where you release the things that no longer serve you, and maybe make some friends in the process. Kat always goes if she can! 😎🔥 Follow us at Instagram.com/letitlandpodcast for more!

In Episode 7, Kat is joined by writer, director, producer, and creator of the acclaimed LGBTQ web series The Fortnight, Cory Xenos. This conversation took place in May 2020, during COVID-19 lockdown, and a time where the world was actively looking to connect with each other and themselves through stories. Cory and Kat discuss their connection through Swerve Series (another cult LGBTQ web series created by Jason Armstrong) that Kat produced and acted in. The two reminisce about their initial talks on Twitter through to an in-person conversation in California. Cory maps out the birth of The Fortnight series and the real life experiences it was based on, and shares the process of translating it to the screen. The two talk about the casting process of Peyton (Alexandra Swarens) and Luca (Rachel Rogers) and the vulnerability of reliving the past as it's acted out in a creative context on set. Cory and Kat also discuss the integrity of telling a human relationship story while actively embracing the importance of representation to the LGBTQ community - while leaving ample room for the individual experiences that every person might have based on how they identify.  Cory explores the nurturing environment of quarantine, and how her production decision to shoot in entirety and release weekly content helped launch the series to its current status.  Cory's takeaway walks curious storytellers through the mental, emotional, and logistic steps of script-writing, while simultaneously encouraging them to identify and work through obstacles. Watch the full series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8BaWxn5W5QJQy5aDXR0S4K_HrPGm8gjL . Follow Cory Xenos on Twitter at: twitter.com/coryx182 and follow The Fortnight Series at: twitter.com/fortnightweb . You can watch Swerve, the series created by Jason Armstrong - through which Kat and Cory connected - here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-XHkngWuOBJS0hze7FCbhn_NuAxRW1hc Also remember, Kat is offering $10 off your next Knix wear purchase when you go to this special link, https://prf.hn/l/6PkD5Wx and enter KNIX10 at checkout. Follow us at instagram.com/letitlandpodcast and make sure you subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! 

In Episode 6, content strategy coach, freelance writer, and blogger Rebecca Stanisic gives Kat storytelling and content creation tips 7 weeks into COVID lockdown. Rebecca coached Kat through a major transition where Kat went from mom blogger to an empowered content creator with disabilities. The two discuss the natural evolution of personal social media and blogging over years, the hesitancy to share stories during crises, collaboration and paid ads during COVID, and navigating audience relationships during times of massive change. Takeaway addresses those who are pro storytellers, and those who need a nudge to connect for the very first time. Fun fact - last year, during a content creation intensive, Becky made Kat include Knix as a beautifully aligned brand to approach for partnership due to Kat’s love and loyalty. Now, 12 months later, Kat is offering $10 off when you go to this special link, https://prf.hn/l/6PkD5Wx and enter KNIX10 at checkout. Please visit RebeccaStanisic.com to learn more about Becky’s offerings. Follow her on Instagram at Instagram.com/bitofmomsense - and follow us at Instagram.com/letitlandpodcast. Make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening right now, so you don’t miss an episode! 🖤

In episode 5, Kat's daughter Vee joins her to have an intimate conversation about burn out, mental health, dealing with siblings, and how to deal with big feelings in small quarters. They explore the topics that have had the biggest impact on Vee in the last 2 months, including COVID-19 itself, living in a high-risk home with a mom who has multiple autoimmune conditions; systemic racism and the importance of the Black Lives Matter protests; the end of the school year, and more. Vee also discusses the tension and shifts in attention when dealing with siblings and discloses how hard it's been at times to share space with her 5 year old brother. She also talks directly to the kids and parents who are currently in quarantine, and gives advice to each for listening and discussing feelings. Follow Vee on TikTok at @CommandVee, and watch her on my personal feed, instagram.com/bumpandhustle  Follow the show on Instagram: Instagram.com/letitlandpodcast and remember, save $10 on your next Knix wear purchase when you use this link: https://prf.hn/l/6PkD5Wx and enter code: KNIX10

In episode 4, Dr. Shalini Bhat talks through to our future selves from the start of COVID lockdown about how to manage stress and stay healthy during quarantine and beyond. Shalini discusses the roles of adrenaline and cortisol in our bodies, why we feel exhausted, and gives us actionable tips for preserving our Circadian rhythms in days that seem to run into each other. Dr. Bhat also shares her tips for consuming the news, being at peace with what we can’t control, how she moved her practice online, and of course what her favourite nutrient-dense, comforting snack is. Looking back from June 23rd, 2020 -which marks 101 days in quarantine- it’s clear why we’re so burnt out, and what we need to bring into our lives. Learn more about The Movement Boutique’s virtual studio by visiting themovementboutique.ca/virtual-studio , and by visiting Instagram.com/dr.shalinibhat as well as Instagram.com/themovementboutique . You can follow us at Instagram.com/letitlandpodcast - and remember to comment, rate, and subscribe to us anywhere you are listening to this podcast.

In Episode 3, Kat and her husband Heath get taken off guard by his need for COVID testing after a very visible symptom emerges 2 days after an errand- a situation that forces their high risk family to come to terms with their uncertainty about the future. Together they discuss their home’s ‘new normal’, high risk cleaning and distancing protocols, their reception of their province’s graduated plan for reopening, the need for intimate and open discussions around intensive care, legacy planning, and more. Kat also discusses the need for improved resources and communication around COVID guidelines, specifically related to vulnerable communities. Heath talks about the incredible stress of the situation and the ‘burnout’ that they are navigating through. Takeaway revolves around what couples can do to stay present, raw, connected, and vulnerable together during a time where the world dealing with a pandemic can bring out the urge to distract and detach. >>> Follow Heath on Twitter at Twitter.com/hhorejda and on Instagram at Instagram.com/heathhorejda. >>> Follow Kat’s personal handle for updates on Heath’s health Instagram.com/bumpandhustle >>> A reminder to enter our giveaway for a ticket to The Virtual Retreat-ment on June 26th and 27th! Check out this incredible event at yourlifedesigner.ca/retreat for more info and see how you will spend 2 days keeping that quarantine burnout in check. Enter by (1) following Instagram.com/thevirtualretreatment (2) following Instagram.com/letitlandpodcast (3) liking our Virtual Retreatment post, and you’ll be entered for the INSTA LIVE DRAW on June 22nd at 12pm. Kat is so excited to be a co-host of the evening ‘Heart to Heart Fireside Chats’ and she wants to see you there! (This contest is not sponsored by endorsed or associated with Instagram, Anchor, or anywhere else you might be listening to this podcast. Entry closes Monday June 22, 2020, at 12am. Open to residents of Canada and the US only.)

Allie Duff is the owner and founder of Pure Balanxed - a brand that has its roots in eating disorder recovery, and one that is committed to creating a feeling of safety, strength and freedom for all. Every piece of her apparel features an affirmation tag that helps ground and centre whoever wears it. So what happens when a global pandemic strikes, manufacturing freezes, and COVID lockdown hits? Now more than ever Allie believes in getting her message out to the world. Can she use creativity to adapt? In this episode - recorded weeks ago- we talk about sitting with discomfort and healing, explore mental health and eating disorders, and discuss how creative thinking can lead us to business breakthroughs. Stay tuned at the end for a very cool business update! Connect with Allie at purebalanxed.com and follow her on Instagram at @purebalanxed. Make sure you are following us at @letitlandpodcast too!

This episode was recorded during the 1st weeks of quarantine- but has never been more timely! Leisse talks about moving beyond fear and scarcity, into abundance and compassion- and the vital importance of community and our outlooks in shaping our future. We also talk about emotional alchemy, moving into a feminine global energy, and the equality and inclusion of disabled and vulnerable communities during quarantine and beyond. Learn more about Leisse at leissewilcox.com and follow @leissewilcox on Instagram. Also make sure you like, subscribe, and comment here, and hop over to follow @letitlandpodcast on Instagram - because you’ll be entered to win a full annual coaching membership to YGT Mama’s The Mama Brain Network. (Contest closes on May 31 at midnight and is open to residents of the United States and Canada. Winner will be chosen by random selection at 12pm on June 1st, and announced on Instagram. This contest is not affiliated with Instagram, Anchor, or any other podcast network.)