Real People Real Conversations

Jennifer Courtney is the Master of cozy, the Queen of organization, an experienced Life Coach and amazing children’s book Author. If that’s not impressive enough she does it all while taking care of four kiddos! I had the privilege of sitting down with Jen to discuss the importance of having an organized, cozy home. Through out our conversation I had many Ah-Ha moments as we dove into how clutter and it’s presence can innocently impact our entire family’s quality of life. Jen emphasizes that our homes are to be lived in, and smashes the societal expectation of a pristine polished home, stating its simply unrealistic. Get cozy and have a listening to how this Mom of four turned her home into a high functioning organized haven for all. To learn more about Jennifer Courtney, access her Life Coaching, Organizational Assistance or to purchase one of her multiple empowering Children’s Books visit: www.jencourtney.ca

This weeks bonus podcast features Shannon Mercer; a Mom, Mental health Advocate, and High School Teacher. With extensive knowledge and experience in media, Shannon shares her take on the current pandemic. Together we offer advice and tips for parenting, homeschooling, and making it through these difficult times calmly, together. Please enjoy my candid chat with Shannon as we discuss mental and emotional health, parenting and homeschooling during COVID-19. *Please note: This episode was recorded from the comforts of our own homes in where we are self-isolating. Due to the apparent ever growing slowing internet and glitches there are some areas of this podcast which aren’t as high-quality as we would like, but that’s life!

Today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with former UFE Pro Fitness Model Clarissa Irwin to discuss body image, the fitness industry and diet culture. Clarissa has always, and continues to be passionate about her personal fitness and health journey. Throughout the last four years she has experienced weight gain and weight loss. It was during this journey where she gained insight and first hand experience of not only the physical affects of the diet culture spectrum but the mental health aspects of it as well. Today Clarissa works as a case manager for the Canadian Mental Health Association and is joyfully preparing to begin her new adventure as a first time Mom.

This week I sat down with Nicole Kelley, a Paramedic and survivor of abusive relationships. Together we discuss candidly the realities of living in and escaping a toxic relationship. Nicole points out some very important red flags to look out for within relationships of all shapes and sizes; be it romantic, working, or family. Our goal is to open doors and start discussions surrounding the realities of toxic relationships and how you can find help or support someone living in or escaping from a toxic relationship. To find out more about how you can get help if you or someone you know is in a toxic relationship please visit: http://whsbg.on.ca/ http://endingviolencecanada.org/getting-help/

Today’s episode is about getting real about transgender parenting. I had the honour of sitting down with a local Nurse, Mom, Speaker, LGTBQ Advocate and friend Shannon Rock. With the permission of Shannon’s daughter Ava we dive into Ava’s story of transitioning and “coming out” to her family, peers and community. Our hope with today’s podcast is to bring awareness to transgender parenting and how to support those identifying as transgender. For more information about how to support children and adults in the LGBTQ community check out the following links: https://pflagcanada.ca/resources/ For more information about the PFLAG group in Grey Bruce, please email [email protected] or call 888-530-6777 ext 570 and leave your name and phone number.  Your call will be returned as soon as possible. To reach out to Sarah or Shannon email: [email protected] or [email protected]

On today’s episode I sit down with Tricia MacLennan! Tricia is a former research and teaching assistant at Dalhousie University, has a Masters in Political Science and when she isn’t addressing The House Of Commons or advocating for Women’s rights she can be found embracing her journey into Self awareness. Today we dive deep to discuss what it’s like to be an outsider in a small town and the journey it took to get past the pain of being excluded. Tricia shares how she overcame her anger and resentment while learning the skill of forgiveness after moving back home.

In today’s chat Miriam Katz and I talk about the challenges of stepping into your spiritual gifts. We get real about the loneliness and fear that can come with owning a “non-traditional” spiritual business and how to find connection and support. Miriam is a lifelong spiritual seeker who loves helping others become the highest version of themselves. Using a toolbox that draws from shamanism, mysticism,  energy medicine, life coaching and beyond, she guides others to access the resources necessary to overcome spiritual, emotional, mental and physical obstacles. Since 2009, she has assisted clients to cast off their restraints and become more powerful, lighter, freer versions of themselves. If you’re interested in her work check out www.miriamjkatz.com

Let’s get real, self care can be terrifying. After all who wants to sit in a group of individuals and open your own personal Pandora’s Box of trauma? I’m here to let you know you are NOT alone! I was there once it’s terrifying but also normal. Have a listen!