Just as Jenn’s heli ski lodge season comes to an end - a new lodge season is about to begin! We hear the latest from Jenn’s wild runarounds and adventures and what’s currently keeping her busy these days, and what her summer plans entail. A few candid updates from the copilots before a rather large change up…Amanda and Jenn have been hinting at the van’s needs for a service appointment over the last few weeks, and it’s finally time to park the van indefinitely. Between time commitments and busy schedules, Amanda and Jenn are pushing pause on the Road Trip adventures for now, as The Safe Haven and Road Trip take a break.  It’s been a difficult decision to make, but a necessary one. ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Rainier Wylde is a teacher and writer who, as his son would say, is gifted with how he’s able to make people truly feel things. He has been a successful entrepreneur, a psychotherapist, a professor of psychology, and a spiritual director.  His own experiences have contributed to his deep compassion for others, for the world, and for himself. He is committed to writing about living life to the fullest, and teaching others how to access and acknowledge their deepest truths. In this fantastic conversation, Rainier tells us about his decision to walk away from a community he built to chase adventure with intention, and start playing a more active role in his life. He touches on the art of reinvention, and how it was in the blowing up of his life that he stepped into the truest thresholds of change.  There is so much to this conversation, and it goes in a few different directions, and I cannot wait for you to hear it! ---LINKS:Rainier on Instagram: @rainierwyldeRainier’s Website: www.rainierwylde.comLove Like Hell: Apple Podcasts - Love Like Hell  Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

As we were all aware, Jenn’s season wrap up at the lodge has had her as busy as a bee! She was unable to join Amanda in the van this week, as she had to head out to the island to grab her stuff and move it closer to where she’s working. The van had to head in for some maintenance, so one of Amanda’s besties, Emily Bromley, sat shotgun for the ride today! In this candid catch up, Amanda and Emily gush about plant names, their individual journeys into an abundance mindset, and what books they’re currently reading. Emily tells us all about her hobbies, her dogs, her job, and her side hustle with Wish Bone Dog Co. ---LINKS:Emily on Instagram: @embrom.leyWish Bone Dog Co. @wishbone.dogcoCome follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

CW: Today’s guest speaks about their sexual assault / rape. They also recount one morning’s thoughts on dying by suicide. Mx Trina Prince (they/them) is a trans, non-binary, disabled, neurodivergent, white person, who currently lives on the territories of the Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam First Nations (colonially know as Port Moody, BC). Ever since Trina became a survivor of sexual assault in 2009, they have been a huge advocate for ending all forms of gender based violence. Now, Trina is very honoured to be the Board Chair for the WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre in Vancouver and as of January 2021, Trina started a new role as the Manager of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Most importantly, they are a proud cat dad to Tucker. Today’s conversation sheds light on Trina’s realities after their sexual assault, burying themself in work and being busy through their declining mental health. Trina shares how important friendships were and have been - the kind where a friend truly sees you and helps advocate for you when you’re unable to do so. Trina also fills us in on the monumental work they’re doing now, and how that came to be. ---LINKS:Trina on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/trinaprinceTrina on Instagram: @trinap4  Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

CW: Today’s guest speaks about her sexual assault / rape.Amanda and Jenn hit the road for another great adventure… stocked with some meat and cheese snacks from Great Canadian Meats, they’re ready for a good catch up! After some funny stories and updates, Fiona calls! Thank goodness for the Bluetooth speaker! Fiona and Jenn met on the Island last summer, and we’ve all been in touch since. With a big heart and beautiful visions, Fiona fills us in on what she’s been up to lately with her business ideas and where she’s headed in this line of work. ---LINKS:Fiona on Instagram: @nowwhatcanadaFiona’s Website: www.nowwhatcanada.comCome follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Kina Reed is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practitioner. She is also the creator and curator behind the social media platforms, The AntiBlackness Reader Project and Divesting From Whiteness. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies and is a published researcher, conference presenter and public speaker. Her public advocacy is largely inspired by her academic research relating to social power and its intersections with race and gender identity constructions. She formerly held a dual faculty administrator appointment at Louisiana State University as the Director of Forensics.In the conversation today, Kina tells us about how her calling into education was heard when she was 17 years old. She also tells us about how she’s very much in the pivot’ing’ right now, having left a job of nearly two decades in higher education. We hear Kina’s perspectives on shadow work and the realities of entrepreneurship, her decolonizing journey, and what her latest endeavours are! ---LINKS:Kina’s Website: www.joquinareed.comKina on Instagram: @divestingfromwhiteness   |  @pleasesayblack  |  @theantiblacknessreaderPixie Lighthorse: @pixielighthorseWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

We love being friends and we love our friends and seeing our friends so much. On today’s drive, Jenn tells us about her visit with a lifetime friend, Julie Moore! That gets us into chatting about a mug from The Dorothy Motel in Banff that was recently shipped to Ontario, and somehow that weaves into Jenn’s wild order of slippers… you just wait. Amanda tells a few stories about her serendipitous meetings of new friends in Kaslo while house/dog-sitting for friends, and what happens on garbage day when you don’t have a lid for the dumpster… some dynamic stories for the drive today! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Ariana Novak is a passionate, empathetic and community cultivating being with a deep desire for connection and helping others heal and live a healthy life. She’s one of the co-owners of hustl and flow and more recently of their latest adventure, Everlove, in Collingwood. In this conversation, we hear about Ariana’s three week turned six-month journey in Costa Rica and how this was so pivotal for her own personal healing.  This weaves into the power of darkness, inner child work, and the manageability of stress. With the chaos of last year, there’d been a hold on this release, and so much has changed since we recorded in October! Ariana and her now fiancé have settled in Collingwood and are expecting a baby in the next two months! Ariana’s entire world right now is all about creation, and she’s found her flow.---LINKS:Ariana on Instagram: @ariana.novak  |  @everlovecollingwoodEverlove’s Website: www.tryeverlove.com  Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Well, post-White Bark coffees, Amanda and Jenn resume the drive onwards to Jenn’s massage and continue their squirrel brain question ping pong.  They dive into the questions and anecdotal stories around: Have you always liked your coffee black?  What scents do you prefer? What’s your alter ego’s name? - Buckle up for Jenn’s story for this one…  Then, where do you feel most centered and happy? And if you could travel back in time…So happy you’re here with us! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Mary Fashik is a Lebanese-born, Queer Disability Rights Activist, author, public speaker and workshop facilitator.  In 2019, Mary founded Upgrade Accessibility, a movement designed to challenge today’s accessibility standards.  The movement has grown to include disability rights, intersectionality, disability justice, equity and unequivocally supports Black Lives Matter / Black Disabled Lives Matter.  In the conversation today, Mary shares the backstory to Upgrade Accessibility and where and why the “Mary Mic Drops” have come from. We hear about why so many disabled people have neglected medical care during the pandemic as well as some personal experiences of Mary’s during the last few years. Mary also tells us about a very exciting upcoming project with Row House and Wheat Penny Press, and why representation is so vital. -----LINKS:Mary on Instagram: @upgradeaccessibility  |  @maryfashik  Shout Out: @catalina_blissRow House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepubWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Who would have thought that asking each other random questions could be this fun?! Buckle up for a laugh, because this one is one of the most fun yet.  For this drive, Amanda and Jenn ping pong random questions back and forth - everything from “where would you love to travel again?” to “how do you show up best in friendships?” then onwards to “scuba diving, or skydiving?” and “what’s a compliment you receive most often?”  The memories and random stories to accompany the answers are enough to put a smile on your face. ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Content Warning: Sudden Death of Lauren’s Dad Lauren is a heart forward, grounded, wise and incredibly empathetic woman. She’s a wife and a Mom, working for a large corporate company and is very intentional about the division and allocation of her time and energy.  Lauren’s Dad died tragically in a car accident when she was ten years old.  This extreme life pivot is one that Lauren can see so clearly now, how it plays into her every day.In this conversation, we hear about how suppressing her tears and emotions to look after and take care of others has played out throughout her life and in her relationships. Lauren shares some insights on how this huge loss has offered her perspectives on understanding our foundations, and how this has been such a teacher in her role as a wife and Mom. ---LINKS:Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Your favourite Road Warriors are back! And this chat is so good, so fun, and will get you thinking! The majority of this conversation plays with the idea: So, you just won $60 MILLION DOLLARS… who have you told, and what have you bought? Buckle up for this laugh-filled ride! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Content Warning: Still-BirthShelby Foster was born in Leamington, Ontario. After life adventures and starting a family moved her around, she’s landed back in Leamington and has taken the deep dive into establishing her own Bed and Breakfast with intention and clear visions.In the conversation today, you’ll hear how one of Shelby’s biggest life pivots - her son Calvin’s death - helped propel her into a life she loves.  Through many deep realization and life lessons, Shelby has learned that it’s not all about proving your worth and staying busy, but enjoying the little things, and spreading desires for abundance, inspiration, joy and miracles upon everyone. ---LINKS:HoriZen: horizenbnb.comHoriZen on Instagram: @horizen.bnb  Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Amanda and Jenn are back in the van.  They start with a quick card flip and then dive into their own personal experiences with the “Five Love Languages” - fitting as today is Valentine’s Day! After a candid chat about how they each feel loved and give love out to those around them, they explore the three different types of love and how that’s showed up in their lives so far. A candid chat from our hearts to yours! ♡---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Mark Groves is a Human Connection Specialist, founder of Create the Love, Create the Love Cards and Mine'd. In other words, he's a speaker, writer, motivator, creator and collaborator. Mark's work bridges the academic and the human, inviting people to explore the good, the bad, the downright ugly, and the beautiful sides of connection. His purpose is to empower individuals to step into their power, transform the way they relate to themselves and others, and create authentic change. Today’s episode is the second part of a two-part chat between Mark and I. In this conversation, I have a few questions for Mark about his biggest mentors and influential guides on his journey.  We hear about the backstory to Create the Love and Mine’d, and about his reflections after posting some very raw podcast content about a massive relationship rupture with his now fiancé, Kylie.  Mark shares some perspectives on the state of the world right now, how he self-regulates, and what he’s currently listening to and reading. ---LINKS:Explore Mark's offerings at CreateTheLove.com, tune into live on-demand wellness at DoYouMined.com and stay updated on all the things at @createthelove.Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Mark Groves is a Human Connection Specialist, founder of Create the Love, Create the Love Cards and Mine'd. In other words, he's a speaker, writer, motivator, creator and collaborator. Mark's work bridges the academic and the human, inviting people to explore the good, the bad, the downright ugly, and the beautiful sides of connection. His purpose is to empower individuals to step into their power, transform the way they relate to themselves and others, and create authentic change. In addition to all of that, Mark Groves has been a dream guest of mine for years, and I’m honoured to have him with me today! We talk about harnessing our sensitivities in order to build boundaries and then use them as our own powers.  Mark shares his perspectives on death in more ways than just physical, and how this can look in relationships. You’ll also hear about relationships and self-worth, relationship narratives, stepping into heart break with intention, and assessing our relational past. ---LINKS:Explore Mark's offerings at CreateTheLove.com, tune into live on-demand wellness at DoYouMined.com and stay updated on all the things at @createthelove.Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Don’t worry friends, we got the Bluetooth speaker hooked up in time for my friend Alex Albert’s phone call to come in! Great timing, considering Jenn and I were just talking about our shared love of and interest in all things ASTROLOGY!As Amanda and Jenn start their drive, there’s some chit chat about evolving friendships and gratitude for it.. And then ALEX CALLS! Alex tells us all about our individual birth charts, and what different things are going on for Jenn and I in our worlds. We talk about a super rare series of events that are all happening in April, too! This was such a fun conversation, and we’re so happy you get to listen in!If you have any questions that come up about your own readings or sun, moon, and rising signs, write them down and send them in either directly to me via email or instagram - or directly to Alex! We’ll have Alex call back one day when we’re on the road and answer them for us during the drive. ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Becky and Emmalee are more than just bandmates. They truly believe that they’ve lived parallel lives before and are connected on a soul level.  In the conversation today, we hear the backstory to Hollow Twin, how Becky and Emmalee met, and where they’re at now with life and music.  We hear about transitions and grounding practices through the pandemic, and what their creative process is while making music. ---LINKS:Hollow Twin on Instagram: @hollowtwinHollow Twin’s Links: https://linktr.ee/hollowtwinWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Amanda and Jenn are as thrilled as ever to be back in the van together, starting off their 2022 Road Trip adventures. This lovely catch up includes some more elaboration on words being carried into 2022, as well as some significant card flips of late. There is definitely a shared excitement heading into the unknowns of 2022… as dark and heavy and chaotic as the world seems to be, Amanda and Jenn are optimistic that great things are coming in their individual lives and for the greater good. There’s discussion of morning rituals, alone time, and a commitment to self care.---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Erin Treloar is a Health Coach and is the Founder of Raw Beauty Co. Her greatest passion is helping girls and women learn to live from a place of self love.  In the conversation today, we hear about the backstory to Raw, Erin’s personal postpartum journey and navigating depression, huge moves in life and business, and what her perspectives are on disordered eating and eating disorders. We talk about the media and about the importance of the environment we’re in. ---LINKS:Raw Beauty Talks: RawBeautyTalksRaw Beauty Co: www.rawbeauty.coWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Hi friends! Thank you for tuning in. This is a little solo episode to wrap up the year with some thoughts and reflections from my heart to yours. I was sure to include my hard boiled egg method for perfection, as well as my eggnog recipe! A little chat about intention and expansion, and a loving reminder to rate and review. I love you! Happy New Year! 

*Content Warning: Grief after losing father*March of 2020 was life altering for the entire world.  For Alex, it also included selling most of his belongings and moving across the world with his new baby and partner within nine days. In this conversation, Alex shares about grieving as a new Dad himself, some of the biggest lessons he’s learned in this new role, and what settling into life in Vancouver has been like as of late. We talk about the ego and integrating work and life into one another, and Alex tells us all about his business and his upcoming book.---LINKS:Alex on Instagram: @alexbrueckmannWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Guess what, friends?! She did it! Jenn has officially had the best day of her life and has crossed off Heli Skiing from her bucket list!  In the conversation today, she shares her experience in full detail, including how cool it’s been riding around in a helicopter and learning how to work as a team leader.  We get the full scoop on CMH life and meals, including a newly made up meal called “dessinner” and what going into the holidays looks like. Well, for Jenn, it’ll look like some back to back spa treatments, and for Amanda, it’ll be a whole lot of chill-moding and wrapping up a huge writing project after mentoring other authors in their writing journey.  Bring on the intentional down time!---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Brittany Carmona-Holt is a midwife’s assistant, a full spectrum doula, photographer and a very soon-to-be published author.  From someone who never thought she would get married or wanted kids, she’s now a wife and Mom, fully immersed in birth work.In the conversation today, Brittany shares her three biggest life pivots, and how they brought her to a space where she’s stepped away from a business she built with her partner in wedding photography and is now a birth doula.  She talks about how miscarriage solidified her desire to be a Mom, and how birth work has brought Brittany into the space where she’s now combined her love and knowledge of birth work and tarot reading into her soon-to-be published book called “Tarot for Pregnancy.” ---LINKS:Brittany Carmona-Holt on Instagram: @brittanythebirthwitchWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

When Jenn came to visit, we drove up a logging road - a typical Kootenay adventure! - and took the recording gear with us to capture a fireside chat!  The crackle sounds from the fire and the fresh air in our lungs had us in such a great space to record and we had such a blast!  We’re sure you’ll hear it amongst our chats about our dreams for our driver to catch a rainbow trout, Debbie the Beast, gratitude and The Five Minute Journal, cruise ships and what styles we shared growing up in the 90s… Buckle up! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Katrina Bell is the owner of The Copper Bell, making and selling natural soy candles.  After losing her job at the beginning of the pandemic, she found herself at home with a toddler and without a job… so she turned a new found interest into a business that’s growing quickly! She’s got a great sense of humour and brings her truest self into her work. In this conversation, Katrina shares the backstory to her pivot into entrepreneurship and creating The Copper Bell. We talk about the ups and downs of owning your own business and what showing up online authentically looks like for Katrina. ---LINKS:The Copper Bell on Instagram: @the.copper.bellThe Copper Bell’s Website: thecopperbell.caWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Jenn got a new job! So we get all the details about her new two week on, one week off job in the mountains at a heli ski lodge! - but what does living out of a suitcase feel like this time around? This ping pong style conversation covers everything from whether or not Jenn is in fact a kitchen crow or a kitchen glaucous winged gull to whether or not we sleep with socks on or not. We talk about the importance of a fitted sheet and why sleeping without one is a matter of compromise. This one is fun, so buckle up! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Ashley Wray worked as a journalist and loved it. After closing one particular case, she felt this internal shift and a sense of closure within her to explore something new. Completely unsure of what was coming next, Ashley went on a soul-searching trip. A chance meeting on a plane in Bali changed her life, and was a pivotal moment in her new direction towards becoming a CEO.In the conversation today, Ashley shares her journey from journalism into entrepreneurship, how limiting beliefs have popped up along the way - and still do today! - and how her natural curiosity has played such an important role in how she lives her life and has structured her business. ---LINKS:Mala Collective: @malacollectiveAshley Wray: @ashley__wrayWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Guess what, friends?! Amanda and Jenn are back together in real life for this drive! After Jenn’s 14 hour drive into the Kootenays, she’s ready to share some big news.  After nearly seven years as a passionate wedding and event planner, Jenn has resigned from her job and is welcoming new opportunities! This conversation is lively, as usual, but has some more serious undertones about value alignment and self awareness. We also talk about the fact that Jenn’s counting is terrible, and it’s okay to feel proud of yourself! Buckle up! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Jenny, Leah, Courtney and Sara’s lives intertwined while waiting to see RN Helen at their fertility clinic. What started out as a Whatsapp chat to connect and share their experiences and questions became a journey into authorship after Jenny shared a dream she had about the four women writing a book together. sharing their journeys with infertility.These four women have shared their stories in their new book, “Where’s Helen?” in a vulnerable and uncensored way in hopes that other women will feel less alone and will be filled with insight, hope, courage, and most of all the strength needed to keep moving forward. ---LINKS:Where’s Helen on Instagram: ​​@whereshelenivfWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

What started off as a casual drive with Amanda updating Jenn about the ceiling sparks coming out of the light in the kitchen, they spotted a cute dog and … Shail?!We’ve picked up our first Road Trip friend!  On the drive today, our squirrel brains cover all kinds of things, from roommate dramas, Shail’s experience as the Bachelorette of Rossland, wine and grape varieties, meat and cheese sticks (obviously), relationships, things that interest us, and wrap up with some astrology talk!This drive is super dynamic with the perfect balance of hilarious and serious, so buckle up! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Marc Champagne is one rad human being. A podcast host, a Mental Fitness Strategist and most recently an author, he is the ultimate lover of questions and going beyond surface level conversation - with other people, and with oneself. In this conversation, Marc and I discuss his huge transitions between hosting a top ranked podcast called Behind The Human and the co-creation of a journaling app which reached 86.9 million people and into his latest endeavour as an author.  Marc’s love of questions has been deeply laced throughout his being as he’s studied mental fitness practices over the last decade and into his work as strategist, podcast host, and speaker.  As Marc says, “We all ask questions - but are they the right ones, the best ones, and are we asking enough of them?”---LINKS:Marc’s Website: https://www.behindthehuman.com/Marc on Instagram: @mchampagneBehind The Human: @behindthehumanWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

September usually marks a new start. Well, Amanda isn’t returning to teaching this year, so there’s no filling up a new spacemaker pencil case this year… so what has September looked like so far for Amanda and Jenn? On the drive today, Amanda opens up about some challenges working from home and navigating into a “school year” without the teaching job.  Amanda and Jenn talk about working from home, alone time, and setting boundaries. Amanda also shares a story about self-abandonment, a huge conversation with a friend, and how being in survival mode since March has impacted some of her friendships. ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Kim Kimball is a life coach and mentor, offering a holistic coaching practice that goes deeper than the pragmatic fix to addressing the root of what’s keeping you stuck.  Through her own personal deep dives into her own patterns in relationships, familial, platonic and romantic, Kim has been actively addressing codependency in herself and helping other women do the same. ---LINKS:Kim Kimball on Instagram: @kimkimballcoachingKim’s Website: www.kimkimballcoaching.com  Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Amanda returned from yet another ACTUAL road trip across the country, from BC to Ontario and back again. In this drive, Amanda and Jenn chat about a special brew that has now safely arrived in BC - the Kashagawigabob.  This beer was brewed by Jenn and her family in honour of her Dad, Bob, who died last May. Jenn has really been missing her Dad a lot these days, and shares what’s been coming up for her recently. She talks about how she honours him now, how grief shows up in her life, and what hypnotherapy has done to help her break through what she calls her unhealthy relationship with crying. ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Nutritionist and Yogi Tay Gendron is helping women fix their gut and balance their hormones so they can break up with anxiety for good.  The path towards becoming a nutritionist weaves in and out of incredible anxiety, panic attacks, and medication, and Tay shares this story in today’s episode. Tay always saw herself going through school to be a lawyer.  After someone close to her died of suicide, Tay’s path was altered significantly.  From limiting beliefs, expectations, guilt, shame and embarrassment, anxiety and panic attacks Tay shares how it took confronting her anxiety head on to completely change her life and understand her anxiety. With big goals and beautiful dreams, Tay is working towards helping women live their lives anxiety-free, with a healthy gut, and balanced hormones.---LINKS:Tay on Instagram: @tay.gendronWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

After a pretty significant break-up, Amanda booked a one-way ticket to Australia. Having spent a year in Argentina as an exchange student years prior, Amanda was hell-bent on getting her second year visa work done and dusted. From a nannying gig to house sitting, meeting new friends and working on a cattle station, Amanda shares how she lived in Australia almost completely rent-free for an entire year.With a few detours, this trip is a good one! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Renee Reina had a full ride scholarship to a university in Florida to play volleyball. After her first semester, she realized that she missed playing volleyball for fun, and a move back home was in order.  With the decision to switch schools and direction came the challenges of navigating her identity without volleyball, something she’d played for so many years of her life. Years later, Renee holds a Masters and a Ph. D in Psychology, has started a family, and is growing her social media platforms and podcast quickly and with intention. She’s the Mom friend you’ve always wanted, with her relatability and her ability to find humour in all things Mom-life. With psychology training in defense mechanisms, attachment, and reflective functioning, this conversation is right up my alley!! We speak about the socialization of young girls, being quiet, and how crucial it is to share stories and questions and experiences regarding motherhood. You don’t want to miss this episode! ---LINKS:Renee on Instagram: @reneereina_The Mom Room on Instagram: @themomroompodcastWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Jennifer and her 80L Gregory Diva backpack and a rolly carry-on went to Australia eleven years ago on a one-way ticket. Let us be the first to tell you that Australia was never the same after that...In today’s episode, Jenn tells us all about how the theme of her ten months in Australia was all about working to travel - and getting fired because, you know, jobs in Australia are just to supplement travel… Jenn’s storytelling abilities keep you on the edge of your seat while she enlightens us with her adventures in Australia. But wait… did topless bartending actually happen?! ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Eternity Martis is a Toronto-based journalist, author and advocate. She’s also a best-selling author of her first book, “They Said This Would Be Fun - Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up.” Eternity’s work focuses on issues of race and gender, taking deep dives into her own experiences and sharing them with the world.  Her stories are real, raw, and relatable.⁣⁣Our conversation covers so much about the journey through writing this book and many of the topics and experiences shared within.  We talk about setting boundaries and the challenge that comes with having to reassert yourself and reestablish boundaries time and time again - but how crucial that is for our physical, mental, sexual, emotional and spiritual health.  We talk about what love really is - and what it isn’t, and the hard lessons that come with navigating love on it’s own.⁣We discuss the theme of abandonment that is laced throughout Eternity’s story, and how she’s had to navigate both gender and race as a mixed woman; her Mom from Pakistan and her Dad from Jamaica.⁣I get excited about all of my conversations with my guests, but there is something about the level of relatability and raw vulnerability in this conversation with Eternity that really got my heart racing.⁣**Episode Trigger Warning - Contains content relating to sexual abuse and assault; some explicit language.**⁣---LINKS:Eternity on Instagram: @eterniteeeThey Said This Would Be Fun: Chapters / IndigoWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

This one is good. This drive will keep you in stitches, between our food chats - obviously - and then deep diving into the realm of glamping essentials… including juicy spidey dogs.Jenn and Amanda both share some snowboarding stories as well as what burying the hatchet looked like one day for Amanda while on a hot springs hiking adventure.Grab a snack and buckle up!---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Dylan Bromley is a business development specialist working in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His natural gifts in communication and interpersonal connections paired with his incredible level of self-awareness have allowed him to share his experiences over the last few years in a really powerful way.  Wearing his gigantic heart on his sleeve, Dylan is a hard working, business minded, family centred man who’s learned a lot from his experiences. Dylan is recovering from his addictions to alcohol and cocaine.  Recently out of rehab, he’s taken the plunge into therapy and recovery with a super focused mindset on the big picture. Always having been self-aware, Dylan’s abilities to connect to his inner self have proven extremely important throughout his recovery journal and connection to his spirituality. In the conversation today, Dylan takes us back to when he knew his addictions were a problem, and what the stages were moving through that in his relationships with others and with himself. This conversation is so heart-warming and inspiring, shared with a high level of emotional intelligence, acceptance, commitment and compassion.---LINKS:Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Today’s drive is the best yet - because we’re actually together! Like in real life! We chat about Amanda’s drive from the Kootenays to the Island to visit Jenn in Ucluelet. We laugh a LOT, and talk about things from being cheap on gas to squirrels (and the lack there of while in Australia) to Jenn losing her Dad’s ashes at the airport… but did she really?! You may need a tissue though… not for sad tears, but if you’re ready to join Jenn while she cry-laughs while holding onto her thoughts about meat and cheese sticks. Like, get your sh*t together, Porter.  ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Rick Werry is a motivational speaker and aspiring author, husband, and Dad. With incredible life lessons and insights from his life, he strives to live his life chasing Red Letter Days.In the conversation with Rick today, you’ll hear about how breaking his neck changed his life. Besides the obvious physical changes, Rick weaves his story through his challenges mentally and emotionally, too. He shares two of his biggest pivot moments and what kept him moving forward.A heads up that Rick shares his experience with suicidal ideation and how a goal turned into a moment of pride that took him home to share the news. ---LINKS:Rick on Instagram: @rickfromroeRick on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rick-werryWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Welcome back for another ride with Amanda and Jenn! On today’s drive, we chat about Jenn’s most recent chat with a Medium.  Jenn shares a lot about her connection with her Dad, why birds are significant in her life, and how they’ve been showing up for her since her Dad passed last year. As the food lovers we are, we get into what our must-haves on a charcuterie board are, and why ratios matter. ---LINKS:Come follow along! @roadtripbuckleupWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Life long journalist and creative writer Tamara Sellman went back to school at 47 to study sleep technology. A lover of reading and writing, she was left in total shock and a space of concern when she lost her ability to read or comprehend the words in her textbook while going to study for exams. Scans and tests confirmed her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis, (MS) and led Tamara into a space of grief as she worked through processing this new information. As a writer, she worked through her grief and new diagnosis with words and writing. Along with finding her people and learning to accept where she’s at in every moment, Tamara’s time camping and being in nature allowed her the time and the space to process and write her book, titled Intention Tremor.---LINKS:Tamara’s Website: https://tksellman.com/Tamara on Instagram: @tamarasellmanTamara on Twitter: @sellmanwriterWebsite: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

New segment, what?!  Welcome to the newest detour on The Safe Haven podcast, our new segment, ROAD TRIP! You already know Amanda well, so today you’ll meet Jenn Porter, Amanda’s Road Trip Co-Pilot!In this introduction episode, we get to know a little bit about Jenn! You’ll hear all about her 33rd birthday shenanigans, including how she ended up bartending at a bar she doesn’t work at.  We share the story behind how this segment came to be, and as you’ll hear through the laughs and the giggles, we cannot hide the excitement!  We drop a few breadcrumbs about what to expect while listening to this new bi-weekly podcast segment, as well as what we’re most excited about.---LINKS:Website: thesafehaven.coInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenAll the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Rebekah was a guest on The Safe Haven podcast on April 23, and in the conversation, I asked Rebekah how she was able to be her best self for her kids while grieving. Her answer was that she wasn’t her best self for her kids. I loved how raw and real Bex’s answer was. Today, Rebekah elaborates on what she meant, and the emotions she has experienced along her healing journey after losing her parents, while being a mom herself. Rebekah is also the creator behind the “Big Messy” book series, and came up with a plot line for a book about death and grief called “Zara’s Big Messy Goodbye.” Rebekah wanted to provide information and tools to children, adults, and families in the process, and so she connected with Gina Moffa, LCSW. This is a slightly longer episode with a different format, but I promise you it’s worth the listen. The episode starts with Rebekah Borucki, and then we welcome Gina Moffa onto the call. This episode and conversations in this episode mean a lot to me. The combination of Bex and Gina in the second half of the episode discussing the characters in the Zara Series, what the books cover and why, and in particular what children experience when someone dies is breathtaking. — LINKS: www.wheatpennypress.com Zara’s Big Messy Goodbye Rebekah Borucki on Instagram: @bexlife Gina Moffa on Instagram: @ginamoffalcsw www.ginamoffa.com thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Gianna Shamone joins us today on The Safe Haven, opening up about how she’d lost herself in a relationship – a relationship that resulted in a groundbreaking break-up. As she navigated her healing, she began writing poetry. In addition to the healing, writing itself brought forward even more than she could have ever expected. As Gianna wrote, the idea of publishing came to mind. She was flooded with limiting beliefs about how no one would be interested in her work, but she pushed through and promised herself she’d complete the book and publish it. Gianna shares her range of emotions along this journey, and even reads us one of her favourite poems in her book, Finding Me. — LINKS: Gianna on Instagram: @gianna_shamone Gianna’s Book “Finding Me” thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Over the last few years, Madison has thoroughly explored the world of podcasting. From being an avid podcast listener, she became the first employee of a podcast network, into the role as a podcast producer, and then jumped into the driver’s seat as the co-founder of a podcast and guest networking platform called Wildcast. It was part way through her MBA program that Madison realized she didn’t love what she was doing. Between the misery at work and her keen interest in podcasts, she recognized that many skills she was learning could transfer over into supporting podcast hosts and began “cold-emailing” managers and hosts from podcasts she’d become a regular listener to… It wasn’t long before Madison ended up hearing back from Clio, Kaitlyn Bristowe’s manager. This was only the beginning! Years later, Madison is still very much involved in the world of podcasts, however, she and one of her Dad’s best friends have partnered up with some big goals and visions in mind – including the creation of Wildcast; a networking platform for podcast hosts and guests. Listen along as Madison shares the pivots that have led her into the Wildcast journey, the ideas behind the branding, how this idea was in fact inspired by misery, and how pitching herself to potential investors actually feels. — LINKS: Madison on Instagram: @madibratty Wildcast on Instagram: @gowildcast Wildcast’s Website: www.gowildcast.com thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Happy Thursday, friends! This upbeat TGIT episode is jammed with updates and a fun story for some entertainment as your week wraps up. There are some updates about some shifts to look forward to within The Safe Haven, final totals for the She Moves Mountains pre-sale orders, and a rather large announcement about a career shift! Amanda fills you in on a massive take-away from a conversation with a great leader in her school community, and how the word “choice” now holds so much more meaning than before. The wild story of the week includes what happens when you leave your house and head in the direction of a campsite over an hour away without a working alternator and a dying car battery, and plan for a campsite car repair! The episode wraps up with some game recommendations that have been awesome for passing the time. — LINKS: Monopoly Deal Hive Pocket Codenames thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Patrica is an entrepreneur and the founder and creator of The Homeowner Link Inc. Previously a home stager herself, Patricia’s passion and desire to stay at home with her kids transitioned into the idea and then the development of the app, which connects Realtors and Home Stagers. After having her first child, Patricia knew that she wanted to create something big, that would allow her to generate revenue while allowing her to stay at home while her family grew. In this conversation, Patricia shares the story behind the app’s idea and creation, and how the lack of knowledge and know-how in the tech industry was never a hurdle. For Patricia, it was more about staying committed to herself and her vision, and bringing the right people on board while maintaining her values. — LINKS: The Homeowner Link Website: www.thehomeownerlink.ca The Homeowner Link on Instagram: @the_homeowner_link thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones that bring forward the biggest opportunities, the deep learnings, and most impactful life lessons. Erin Moraghan is a mindset and wellness coach, bringing her life experiences and practices into a space where she helps others live their truest and most healthy life. Over the course of the pandemic, she was able to bring forward a massive lesson from ending a relationship into the work she does today. Erin was in relationship with someone in crisis for over five years, waiting and hoping for changes in his behaviour, values and perspectives. Having adopted the role of a “fixer” in many areas of her life, it was a retreat she was on that brought the deeper connection to herself that was necessary to trust her intuition and follow through with ending the relationship. Honouring herself helped Erin shift these learnings and lessons into some tremendous changes in her business as a mindset and wellness coach, where she leads from her heart. — LINKS: Erin on Instagram: @erinmoraghan @litethriive LiteThriive’s Website: www.litethriive.com Animal Magic Oracle Cards thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Tasha Hunter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, an author of her book What Children Remember, and a host of her podcast called When We Speak. She’s worked through her traumas to bring her best and most empathetic self into her practice, heart first. Tasha’s deep connection to God is something that keeps her grounded. Her personal experiences have informed her practice and have helped shape the way she shows up for her clients, sitting with them in their pain, and helping them feel less alone. Tasha has done the deep healing. She’s worked through her childhood parental abandonment, physical abuse and sexual abuse, and calls on her inner knowing and her God to help her bring this strength into the guiding role she takes on as a therapist… the therapist that’ll sit right here with you. — LINKS: Tasha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashahunterlcsw/ Tasha’s Book: What Children Remember thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

In this week’s TGIT, Amanda fills you in on just how good her birthday was on Monday, and how the pre-sales for She Moves Mountains are going! Her “week” feels like it’s two weeks, being in the midst of the pre-sales, and the hype is real! There are updates on the dates as to when the pre-orders will be in your hands! This episode includes some injury updates, some candid stories from a recent camping adventure, and some timely conversation topics with some friends. The birthday excitement is real – and Amanda is riding this high until the pre-sales end on May 24th! The re-cap of her birthday includes how the day wrapped up with the best WORST tv, ever! — LINKS: thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Christa Couture refers to herself as a “singer, songwriter, storyteller, cyborg”. She’s an award-winning performer and recording artist, a non-fiction writer, and a broadcaster. She is also proudly Indigenous, mixed Cree and Scandinavian, queer, disabled, and a mom. Christa knows profound heartbreak and shares her journey with a depth that draws you in with humanity. In this beautiful conversation, Christa and I chat about her life and navigating identity through grief. Christa shares how she’s been introduced in the past, how the meaning of her name “singing woman” has been woven into her life, and how her flower leg has so greatly impacted how Christa sees herself and her disability. We talk about what resilience means to Christa and about support; the importance of it, and how it shows up in your life in such different ways. — LINKS: Christa on Instagram: Christa’s Website: http://christacouture.com/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

A cute little TGIT to wrap up your week! In this snack-sized episode, Amanda shares a few really important thank you messages to her followers and one in particular who bought Amanda her first virtual coffee! There are some updates on Riley’s back injury, and a walk-through of the beautiful new website that launched last weekend. The hype is real! The walk-through will explain the highlights of the site and Amanda can’t wait to hear what you think! There’s the latest news about the book pre-sales and how to place your order, so jump in! Pre-sales start on May 10! — LINKS: thesafehaven.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Katherine is a heart driven woman, navigating the world with strong faith. Her relationship with the heavenly Father has been a pillar of strength and a huge influence in her life, as her relationship with her biological father is non-existent. Sharing a love of the Netflix series This Is Us, Katherine and I have found so many aspects of the plot line that resonate with us, and there’s one in particular that reached Katherine’s core. Part of the plot line in season one surrounds Randall searching for and finding his biological father, which is something that Katherine has thought about for her entire life. It was seeing it happen in the show that brought out the multitude of outcomes that could come out of this, and we talk about this today. In this impactful conversation, Katherine explains how part of her identity has felt like it’s been missing, not knowing much about the Vietnamese part of her being. She has spent many years longing for more information and more connection to her Vietnamese heritage and family, while never feeling like she totally belonged in any one space. — LINKS: Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Alex is a Counselling Astrologer, Empowerment Coach & Menstrual Cycle Educator, working to guide people through the cycles of life so they reclaim their power and come home to themselves. Her work in astrology came after her unhealthy relationship patterns began to scream at her and while she began seeking for answers. What she didn’t realize only a few short years ago was that having a birth chart reading would change her life. Bringing an awareness to mental health, Alex has learned so much about the ego – the unhealthy vs healthy ego, and it was ego that helped bring herself into a safe space and into healthy patterns. Alex’s work is so much deeper than the astrological birth charts. She also works with menstrual cycle awareness, mindfulness, yoga, emotional intelligence, communication in relationships and finding your own voice to claim your power. Her journey in this life has been so influenced by the throat chakra and finding her voice, and she’s now using her voice to help others find their own. — LINKS: Alex on Instagram: @wild.astrology Alex’s Website: www.wildastrologybyalex.com Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Jenny Jay is a creator to her core. In addition to being a six-figure photographer and videographer, Jenny is passionate about using her online platforms and blog to create a space for ideas, inspiration, love and advocacy. I had Jenny on the podcast almost a year ago, and we had a conversation about how important it is to have uncomfortable conversations in order to learn and grow and develop true empathy and understanding. Today, I am honoured to welcome Jenny back into The Safe Haven’s space to talk about many decisions she’s had to make in her business from a place of survival. Jenny shares about her work helping shape narratives in society and how she helps others do the same. Emotions and empathy are always at the forefront of what Jenny does as an entrepreneur, and also as an online course creator and educator. We start the conversation talking about the difference between a life pivot from a place of necessity versus a place of survival… buckle up, friends! — LINKS: Jenny Jay on Instagram: @justaskjenny Jenny Jay’s Website: www.jennyjay.ca Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Rebekah Borucki is a force. She’s an author, a mother of five, a business owner, meditation guide, a lover of all things joy, and has most recently started a publishing house, which you’ll hear about today! Started her entrepreneurial journey, which she calls her being a woman on her hustle; selling veggies to her local deli at 8 years old. She works as an activist and an advocate, and as a lover of people, Rebekah leads with her heart. Rebekah has had many significant life pivots, which she explains today were pivots she was forced into. She’s taken these lessons and has propelled herself forward into leadership roles – but leadership roles that respect and understand the importance of communication and team work, dividing roles and appreciating collective successes. In the conversation today, we discuss some of these pivots and lessons, along with her new publishing house, her appreciation for small businesses and how small business values tie into her visions to go big. Rebekah shares her appreciation of Black culture and Black food, and how it’s so important to focus on Black and Brown joy. — LINKS: Rebekah on Instagram: @bexlife Row House Publishing on Instagram: @rowhousepub Wheat Penny Press on Instagram: @wheatpennypress Zara’s Big Messy: https://www.bexlife.com/zara/ All the links for Rebekah Borucki: https://linktr.ee/bexlife Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Welcome back for another TGIT – Thank Goodness it’s Thursday episode with the host of The Safe Haven, Amanda Lytle! This week, Amanda offers the latest updates on Riley’s spinal fracture recovery and what his next steps look like. She shares some funny memories of traveling New Zealand with a best friend and what “the power of asking” looked like in practice one day for them while touring Queenstown. There are book updates, too! The book She Means Business has undergone a name change, and the excitement for the updated title is real!! The pre-sale dates and Amanda’s website launch and what to look for in the next couple weeks are included, too! She wraps up by sharing some of her favourite podcasts and specific episodes as well as books she’s reading and highly recommends. — LINKS: Vanessa West: @vanessawest.co Emmanuel Acho: uncomfortableconvos.com Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Hasan Wiso came to Canada with his family via Lebanon from Syria in 2016. I was lucky enough to be one of Hasan’s first teachers in Haliburton, Ontario, that fall. Hasan and I learned to communicate as effectively as possible while he learned to speak English using Google Translate and a variety of translation apps. As his English got better and his trust in me grew, Hasan began to share stories about his life in Syria and the journey from Syria to Lebanon and then over to Canada. I was completely blown away to learn that Hasan had taken it upon himself to leave Syria to find work in Lebanon as a teenager in hopes of making enough money to help his large family flee the war. Hasan was successful, making enough money to buy his entire family’s bus fare to enter Lebanon in hopes of a better life – a life that he explains today got better than he could have ever imagined. **I need to warn you before we jump into this conversation that Hasan describes some traumatic situations that he and his Dad were often in, crossing highways in large groups of people in order to avoid being shot and killed by snipers, and helping bury the people who didn’t make the trip across the highway.** — LINKS: Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Reita Johnston is a Coach with a mission to create brave spaces to heal. In addition to life coaching, trauma therapy and speaking events, Reita also facilitates trauma-smart stress-management workshops, retreats, and anti-racism training. Reita’s life experiences, her role as a Mom, and personal health issues – including having her body start to completely shut down from stress – have strengthened the lenses of access she’s able to bring into the brave spaces she’s creating to help others heal. In this incredible conversation, Reita shares numerous life pivots and events that have shaped who she is and why she does the work she does. We talk about the stuff we carry emotionally that keeps us from our goals, the really toxic patterns in our society that we fall into, and honouring intuition. — LINKS: Reita’s Website: https://www.reitajohnston.com/ Reita on Instagram: @reita.johnston Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Phoenix McCoy is the owner and fitness and mindset coach behind The Golden Movement. Using his own experiences with concussions and mental health struggles, Phoenix has created a space for men to feel, grow, and heal. In this incredible conversation, Phoenix shares the stories behind The Golden Movement, and the pillars it stands on. We dive into the importance of mind-body connection, cognition and focus, along with how important healthy personal practices are for holistic health and wellbeing. Phoenix shares how his coaching has evolved through the global pandemic, and what he’s more aware of now more than ever in the world of men’s health. Phoenix’s answers to my questions about what toxic masculinity means to him and what can be done about it deserve a round of applause. — LINKS: Phoenix on Instagram: @golden.movement The Golden Movement on Facebook: The Golden Movement The Golden Movement’s Website: www.thegoldenmovement.ca Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Welcome back for another TGIT – Thank Goodness it’s Thursday episode with the host of The Safe Haven, Amanda Lytle! This week, Amanda fills you in on the story behind Riley’s spinal fracture the last weekend in March, with some updates and potential next steps in his healing journey. You’ll also hear a few tears about how life has caught up to Amanda and why she’s been a little extra fragile while running in overdrive for the last few weeks. She also shares a family memory about her cleverly named childhood hamster “Hammy’s” funeral when she was a kid; a memory that sparked while watching her new favourite show, This Is Us! It’s not all sad though! There are some really exciting updates about a new website launching soon, and today’s episode wraps up with Amanda reading the first and last paragraphs of her soon to be published chapter in a book titled She Means Business, a publication coming this summer by The Great Canadian Woman. Full details and pre-order details coming soon! — LINKS: Vanessa West: @vanessawest.co Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Kristina McInnes is a 24 year old entrepreneur, with an impressive level of passion and drive. Her business mindset is fierce, and her loyalty to her clients is incredible. Diagnosed with dyslexia, she was able to understand how she interpreted and understood things differently from those around her, and used that as a tool to push ahead in the business world. Her tenacity and resilience in the role as an entrepreneur and leader has helped her grow leaps and bounds through this global pandemic. Balancing traits from both her Mom and her Dad, she’s goal oriented, super organized, driven, kind, and open minded. — LINKS: Kristina on Instagram: @kristinacatherinemcinnis KCMConnect: @kcmconnect Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Celina Caesar-Chavannes served as a Member of Parliament in Ontario, Canada, from 2015-2019. Having recently listened to her book, I was incredibly impressed by Celina’s life story and her level of determination through some major life pivots. Forced into leaving a job she loved, her book called “Can You Hear Me Now?” helps offer a more in depth look behind the difficult decision. I love this conversation so much, especially because we don’t simply recap what Celina’s new book is about. Instead, Celina offers another side to the stories in the book by sharing the space from which the sharing stemmed from in the first place. There are so many messages in the book that Celina elaborates on in this conversation, including her experience digging deeper into her stories to heal in the process of writing the book while honouring her truth. Celina talks about her work disrupting narratives and unspoken expectations in our world. She also shares the intention behind normalizing the conversation around mental health in order to amplify the voices of the people that don’t have the privilege to speak out as easily. — LINKS: Buy Celina’s Book: Can You Hear Me Now? Celina on Twitter: @iamcelinacc Celina on Instagram: @iamcelinacc Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast

Welcome back for another TGIT – Thank Goodness it’s Thursday episode with the host of The Safe Haven, Amanda Lytle! This week, Amanda shares about the word she’s carried into 2021: intention. She opens up about why and how this word has been so important, now more than ever, and what it looks like in practice. Amanda opens up about the emotions and anxieties that are linked to moving across the country during a global pandemic, and how sending voice notes with her besties and people she misses the most have been a saving grace on hard days. She also gushes about her latest Netflix binge: This is Us. Grab your tea or coffee or glass of whatever you need and get cozy for a catch up with your friend Amanda. — LINKS: Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Crystal “Zee” Hardy, Zongwe Binesikwe, is a Two-Spirit Anishnawbe-kwe from the Bear Clan, living in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Zongwe Binesikwe shares their stories guided by Spirit and includes their personal experiences healing through intergenerational trauma. They hope to help create safer spaces for Indigenous people through positive media representation, education and social justice. They make thunder in topics related to decolonizing healthcare practices through cultural humility, empowerment of Indigenous people, and missing and murdered Indigenous womxn in Canada. In this incredible conversation, Crystal opens up about the trajectory change their life took after their brother’s murder. This new path has included soul searching, ceremonial work, deep self-discovery, reclaiming the inner child, and really asking herself what they really want to do with their time here in this life. We discuss healthy relationships, self-awareness, and success vs. fulfillment. — LINKS: Crystal Hardy Zongwe Binesikwe’s Instagram: @zongwebinesikwe Crystal Hardy Zongwe Binesikwe’s www.zongwebinesikwe.com Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Sylvia Kim’s life changed course quickly in 2017 with some major life events, including her Dad’s diagnosis with cancer, surgery for her 2nd achilles rupture, losing her job, and ending a relationship. Thinking it couldn’t get much worse, her Mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, and passed away in 2019. During the time her Mom was sick, Sylvia was working a corporate job she didn’t love. After realizing the lack of time she had to spend with her mom, she left that role and so started her journey in the fitness world as a boxing instructor. Through some of the most difficult times in her life, boxing had become the medicine she needed. It became her safe haven. A place where she could release intense emotions, and start her healing journey – navigating the death of her Mom and grieving the loss of a future she’d picture with her. Her grief journey has led her into the deep questioning of her own identity and who she was without her Mom, and eventually learning to shed expectations of others, and coming home to herself. — LINKS: Sylvia’s Instagram: @hyeeah Feel Gud Fitness: @feelgudfitness Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

A huge hello and welcome back to the TGIT – Thank Goodness it’s Thursday solo episodes! They won’t be out every week, but you can expect these episodes to drop at least once a month as a fun update and look into the life of yours truly, Amanda Lytle, the host of The Safe Haven. This week, Amanda jumps into surviving a brutal head cold and her experience getting a COVID test. She shares what the heck a TGIT is, where they went, and why they’re back. There are some updates and things to look forward to as The Safe Haven grows, so buckle up! — LINKS: All the good stuff: linktree/thesafehavenpodcast Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

A professional athlete for years, pressure, competition, strict routines, and high expectations were woven into Elisa’s life. A World Cup athlete, she was primed and ready for the Olympics, but placed one spot short of qualifying… she calls this her Olympic failure. This life-shattering moment sent Elisa into a downward and very unhealthy spiral, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It was her personal rock bottom that brought her face to face with what she needed to do next in order to climb out of this hole she was in, associated with being a failure. A loss of sense of self, unhealthy habits, a toxic relationship that became a marriage and some really deep self-discovery, Elisa shares her journey navigating identity and realigning values with her life experiences and designing a life she loves. — LINKS: Elisa on Instagram: @elisakurylowicz Elisa’s Podcast: Elisa Unfiltered: Living Life Out Loud Elisa’s Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/elisaunfilteredvip Elisa’s EBook: https://go.elisaunfiltered.com/optin1614209870872 Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Vaneeta Kaur had hit her rock bottom while working a job she wasn’t happy in. She was relying on unhealthy habits and patterns to keep her going and communicating with others. It wasn’t until she came in contact with a therapist changed everything. Vaneeta, always a writer, started journaling with more intention, bringing an awareness to her thoughts. Having her thoughts down physically on paper helped her see the thoughts that were controlling her life, and allowed her to literally see and cross off the ones that were unnecessary. Through a lifestyle focused on over productivity, it was a blessing in disguise to be made redundant at her corporate job. The burn out Vaneeta was experiencing was jeopardizing her health and wellness in various ways. Taking time for herself and focusing on her writing, Vaneeta began to feel better in her body, mind and spirit. It was the time and consistency choosing herself first that has helped shift her life into a more positive place, and her books are sharing her learnings and perspectives with others in both subtle and more obvious ways. — LINKS: Vaneeta on Instagram: @missvaneetakaur Vaneeta’s Website: https://www.vaneetakaur.com/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Christina wasn’t always a heavy drinker. It was after university and into her mid-20’s, her drinking escalated significantly. She began to drink daily, and it became a huge part of her social life. The drinking became an addiction, and the dependence on alcohol that she and her husband shared became a red flag as they came to realize that this wasn’t a lifestyle that they wanted to bring children into. Lying, binge drinking, and even showing up to work drunk, Christina knew she had to make a change, and that change occurred in February of 2020. In this conversation, we discuss sobriety, the socialization and societal norms associated with drinking, and Christina’s personal sobriety journey through the initial stages of COVID-19. She shares personal messages to people who are sober curious, and how sobriety has changed her life. — LINKS: Christina’s Instagram: @ckimbrough1 Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Samukele is a self-described recovering overachiever and people pleaser. She spent a large part of her life pouring herself into projects and others, but not herself. At the beginning of 2020, her ways started to catch up to her, and her overworking ways took a toll on her body. As her health started to become a concern, Samukele had to let go of her additional commitments in order to focus on herself for the first time. As her energy slowly returned, she ended up finding so much peace in nature and had the time to really observe the world around her. Never a writer or a poet before, Samukele began to channel her energy into writing. She didn’t start off with the goal of writing a book, but taking walks and observing nature started to heal Samukele from the inside out. — LINKS: Samukele Ncube on Instagram: @thesamncube Samukele’s Website: www.samukelencube.com Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Sara Prodanos came home from two years in Australia in January, 2020. Her visa had ended and she came back to Canada and moved into her parents’ house, leaving a relationship and a lifestyle she loved behind. If that wasn’t enough of a shift, she got a new job, the long distance relationship ended, the global pandemic hit, and she lost her newly acquired job, all within a matter of months. Heartbroken, jobless, and living with her parents, Sara had endless time to feel, wonder, think, and of course, overthink. Feeling helpless, she began numbing out by jumping into dating online with dating apps and wound up disappointed with the lack of true connection and mutual interest in finding a partner. Questions like “am I good enough? Isn’t there someone else who is putting the same level of effort into this?” had Sara feeling completely lost and unworthy. Was she single by default or by choice? It was her time with a fitness coach that brought some of the most massive mental and emotional transformations into her life, and she ultimately became a coach herself. In this conversation, Sara offers her learnings and perspectives on being single by choice, and choosing herself first. She shares her observations in social settings and we discuss the idea of worth and what we connect to our feelings of worthiness, and why the word “partner” hold so much weight for us. Sara shares her perspectives on progress, and I love what she has to say! — LINKS: Sara’s Instagram: @sara.prooo Feel Gud Fitness: @feelgudfitness Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

On June 27, 2011, Michelle Salt was riding her new motorcycle east on Highway 1 towards Calgary. She was in a horrific accident, that medics say she shouldn’t have survived… but she did. Michelle had hardly digested the fact that her right leg had been amputated 10 inches above her knee when she declared that she was going to be a one-legged fitness model and would compete in the Paralympics. In fact, Michelle hadn’t even left the trauma unit and had already called coaches of the national teams. After five months in the hospital, re-entering life with her new prosthetic challenged Michelle in more ways than the obvious ones, like learning how to walk again. Determined, Michelle went back to work, tackling her new challenges and chasing her Paralympic dreams and World Cup podiums. A recent diagnosis with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, (en-seh-phe-lopathy) and beginning to open up with her battle with suicidal thoughts, Michelle is an advocate for mental health who is willing to share her stories in order to start the crucial conversations. — LINKS: Michelle on Instagram: @parashredder Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

A year and a half ago, Annelie graduated from her undergrad program, and was a free bird. Finishing her undergrad on a high, she took a four month trip around the world. After returning from her trip, she was hired into a job that she loved. A few months later, and with the arrival of COVID-19, she was laid off, and then re-hired a few months after that. In September of last year, she was promoted and holds a job as a Digital Marketing Specialist. Being an influencer in the Yoga community on Instagram, this new role has really made Annelie reevaluate her relationship with social media as she dives into her job in the industry. It’s also a new relationship with a partner who doesn’t have any social media accounts that has really made her reflect on her time online, as well as what her priorities really are. In this episode, Annelie opens up about how both the new job and her new relationship have really helped her deepen her sense of self while reflecting on her patterns from her past. Allowing herself to unravel in a safe and grounded relationship has helped Annelie realize what a healthy partnership feels like, while being able to set supported goals for herself, and within a partnership. — LINKS: Annelie on Instagram: @annelieyoga Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Among many titles that Weeze holds, she is an anti-racism educator, a podcast host, an advocate for change, and calls herself a compassionate provocateur. She’s both kind and direct, informed and aware, and lives her life full of intention. One of the hardest decisions Weeze had to make was getting a divorce. She realized that in order to make the marriage work, she had to play small. She explains that this was no fault on his part, but really made Weeze herself dig deep and think about what it was she needed in this life, and forced her to really analyze the social conditioning they both brought into the marriage. She had to start asking herself the really dig-deep kinds of questions. What version of her life path did she want to venture down? What did her soul need? What were the next steps necessary to decolonize and start leading others in doing the same? What had to happen in order for Weeze to start living her most authentic self and guiding others to do the same? Rebuilding her life required her to deconstruct and then reconstruct identities. She needed to start giving herself permission to say NO. In this episode, Weeze shares some really thought provoking perspectives on decisions she’s had to make and consider while having melanated skin. Her life experiences, knowledge, and ability to bring heavy subjects to the surface of everyday conversations make Weeze an absolute force. — LINKS: Weeze on Instagram: @accordingtoweeze Weeze’s Website: www.accordingtoweeze.com Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Michelle Young is an author, a wife, a Mom and an advocate for mental health. Struggling with anxiety and depression has been something that Michelle experiences often, and has channeled her experiences with mental health and infertility into her writing in hopes of helping people feel less alone. Michelle, her husband and their daughter live in Ottawa. A busy Mom, Michelle sits on the board of directors for writing champions and has published three books. Through her poetry and novels, Michelle finds sparks of inspiration in her daily activities and her life experiences. Originally she thought she was writing for a specific target audience, but has learned that her books reach far more people than women in their 30s and 40s. Healing through writing and bringing light to the darker and more invisible things we experience, Michelle weaves her own memories and the stories of others into her characters and plot lines, offering words of love, compassion, and understanding. — LINKS: Michelle Young on Instagram: @michelleyoungauthor Michelle Young’s Website: https://michelleyoungauthor.com/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Gina Moffa is a licensed clinical social worker and cognitive behavioural therapist, specializing in anxiety, trauma and grief work, and helping her clients with challenging transitions. Gina puts her heart into her work, helping her clients feel a deeper sense of connectedness with themselves and others. In November, I heard an episode of NPR’s Consider This podcast called “Pandemic Fatigue Q & A: Mental Health, Processing the News, and Staying Occupied.” So many of Gina’s responses resonated with me to my core, and I reached out immediately. I finally felt like I had a few answers to how I’d been feeling! In this very insightful conversation, Gina shares the early analysis of when the pandemic hit New York City; rapid changes in lifestyle, unresolved traumas surfacing in nearly everyone, and projected fears and anxieties everywhere. She enlightens us with many symptoms of anxiety and pandemic fatigue and offers suggestions on how we can be a little more understanding with ourselves and others by holding up a mirror. In a career that demands a large reserve of energy, Gina tells us about the full stop that she experienced before Christmas, and the changes that she’s implemented to look after herself and her personal well being. — LINKS: Gina Moffa on Instagram: @ginamoffalcsw Gina Moffa’s Website: https://ginamoffa.com/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Bryan and I connected at the end of last year, and totally geeked out about podcasting and education, and the importance of leading with love. Bryan worked as a teacher and school administrator, and is now a youth pastor, and has recently become the host of his podcast, M.A.D. Casters Podcast, “Make A Difference.” Many experiences in Bryan’s life have led him towards his calling as a mentor, but it was a tragic loss in 2017 that led him down a path towards even deeper self-discovery and growth that has carried him to where he is today. In 2017, Bryan Saint-Louis and his wife experienced the tragic loss of their daughter after an emergency C-section delivery. In this vulnerable conversation, Bryan shares his grief story and his lessons from losing one of his greatest loves, and how he has channeled this loss into the work he does today. **trigger / activation warning: we discuss child loss at birth, suicidal thoughts and drinking through grief.** — LINKS: MAD Casters Instagram: @madcasters MAD Casters Website: M.A.D. Casters Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Tiffany Shlain is a wife, a Mom, a filmmaker and an author. Her booked 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week came from a practice that she and her family have continued for over ten years. Tiffany’s non-practicing Jewish family has adopted one very deep, very rich element of Judaism: Shabbat. Tiffany, her husband Ken and their two daughters have been turning off all things tech from 5:30pm on Friday nights for at least 24 hours. Once a week, every week, for over ten years. In this engaging conversation, Tiffany shares how her family has adopted Tech Shabbat, and how this practice has changed their lives. As a filmmaker, author, and creator, her best ideas come during this weekly reset, and help her and her family connect in a deeper and much more meaningful way. — LINKS: Tiffany’s Twitter: @tiffanyshlain Tiffany’s Instagram: @tiffanyshlain Tiffany’s Website: http://www.tiffanyshlain.com/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

You know when you have it in your mind that your worth is based on your accomplishments? Achieving those goals, titles and credentials that someone else would find really impressive? Author of Goal Setting 101, Amira Sookram, joins us to discuss some ways that we can really settle into this brand new year with a clean slate, freeing ourselves of the expectations of others and honouring ourselves, first! Amira shares her own personal struggles with depression and anxiety, and how setting and sticking to goals didn’t come naturally or easily to her. It was listening to her needs and wants and pushing aside the expectations of others that led to a complete shift in educational direction in university from computer science to health psychology that helped guide her onto this path. We discuss the influence of the ego and the importance of giving ourselves grace and starting with small and manageable changes, first. Amira shares her method of SMARTEY goals, adding a really crucial extension of EY to the famous SMART goals method. Amira shares some tips and tricks for anyone and everyone to get us on the right track this year, even when we just feel like we can not do it – and even how to face our excuses as to why we can’t do something. — LINKS: Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

At the end of July, I sat down (remotely, of course!) with Alli Arruda. This year has been a big one for Alli for many reasons, but has also been a big year for reflection as she turns 34. Alli’s brother died when he was 34, and this year, she and her family also celebrated what would have been her brother’s 50th birthday. From fashion school to working for MTV, and then getting married and buying a gym, Alli’s life has had some real ups and downs. A lot of her entrepreneurial journey has been about learning to balance expectations – of others, and of herself. Alli has worked through life’s challenges with a different perspective, having lost her brother, but she’s learned so much about life and grief through some things her Dad shared on an Instagram Live as they shared their celebration of Garrett’s 50th birthday. Hearing some of the deep thinking her Dad had done over the years and how he shared in a really thoughtful way has deepened Alli’s appreciation for the circle of life and everything we experience in it. — LINKS: Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Is your vision board getting dusty? We’re told that if we craft vision boards and surround ourselves with affirmations, our desires will automatically come to us. The car would be in the driveway, the person would be in our bed, the first-class ticket would be in your hand! But it doesn’t work that way. And the reason is, you’re skipping a step. Possibilities is a weekly show dedicated to giving listeners the tools they need to harness their mindset and lead healthier and happier lives. Hosted by success coach and registered psychotherapist, Hina Khan. — LINKS: Possibilities Podcast: Possibilities with Hina Khan Hina Khan on Instagram: @coachwithhina Hina Khan on Twitter: @hinakhantherapy Hina Khan’s Website: hinakhan.ca Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

When I asked Namira to tell me a bit about herself, my jaw hit the floor. Namira Anani is the daughter of Bangledeshi immigrants. She is a Lawyer and Graphic Designer, which are an interesting combination! She finds a connection between the two in creativity; creativity in law around ideas and concepts instead of layout or fonts, exploring various forms of problem solving and legal creativity. Namira works in anti-racism education, racial justice, racial equity, healing and grief, as well as storytelling and narrative building. Namira has an incredible family foundation of leaders and heart-driven citizens who were always spreading kindness and love. Her Dad founded a non profit organization serving orphaned kids, using education as a tool to end the cycle of poverty. So much of Namira’s life has been dedicated to examining systems and educating others. In this conversation, Namira takes us through some of her journey, including her own experiences feeling othered, and how that has been so pivotal in the work she does today. — LINKS: Namira on Instagram: @namiraesq Namira on Twitter: @namirari Namira on Medium: https://medium.com/@namira.islam Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Kind and Confident Ed offers parent and children programs for children ages 0-7 years old, offering opportunities for parents and their little ones to connect, explore mindfulness and education, and try out kids yoga. Kristine Cuenca is a passionate educator and Mom, committed to creating engaging, inclusive and supportive programs for a crucial age for the development of the subconscious mind, 0-7 years old. The foundations and values of Kind and Confident Ed are rooted in love, mindfulness and being present, which are Kristine’s goals as a Mom and educator. Her deepest goal is to have every one of her students and little ones feel heard, seen and loved. In this lovely conversation, Kristine explains how these programs are typically offered in person but have been delivered virtually due to circumstances with COVID-19. She shares her perspectives as a teacher going back into teaching kindergarten during the pandemic and finding strategies and solutions to interact safely and as compassionately as possible. — LINKS: Kind and Confident Ed on Instagram: @kindandconfidented Kind and Confident Ed on YouTube: @kindandconfidented Kind and Confident Ed on Pinterest: @kindandconfidented Kind and Confident Ed’s Website: https://www.kindandconfidented.com/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

I came across Miik’s Instagram account earlier this year. Whether it was a shared hashtag or a comment from a friend, or some algorithm, I landed on his profile and was intrigued immediately. Miik Wells is an absolute force. We start this conversation chatting about how and why Miik’s move to Seattle in ‘98 changed his life forever. Miik shares a series of events that took him to his lowest low, where he was reminded of the hopeful, joyful spark within him that he could always return to. As he was forced to reimagine his life and what actually mattered, it was the introduction to running ropes courses that brought Miik full circle and back into so many things that he was naturally good at; facilitating groups in learning, his ability to observe, improv artistry, creating connections, and shifting perspectives. We talk cards and card readings, exchanging energy, and some of life’s biggest moments and lessons. Miik’s answers to my Safe Haven style questions were so beautifully communicated and from the heart, especially when I slip in a bonus question! — LINKS: Miik on Instagram: @miikwells Miik’s Website: https://www.miikwells.com/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Katie is a Yoga teacher and a Psycho-Practitioner, mixing traditional psychology practices with holistic and spiritual healing modalities. She works with veterans, first responders and their families. She also travels across Ontario as a guest speaker and teacher offering her teachings and messages through a trauma sensitive/ trauma informed lens. Katie’s first career was as a social worker. Not long into her studies and career path, she hit rock bottom, carrying baggage from each case, which impacted her overall wellbeing. Following a friend’s suggestion over ten years ago, Katie went to a Yoga class – and has never turned back. Through her own Yoga practice and various trainings, finding peace and reflecting on where her skillset could serve others, LifeSpark was created. In this beautiful conversation, Katie shares her Yoga journey, career paths, and things she’s currently working through, including her deep desire to be a Mom. She opens up about love and loss, growth in her relationship and unlocking a love and understanding they’d never known before. — LINKS: LifeSpark Holistic’s Instagram: @lifespark_holistic Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

From spinal surgery, not feeling in control, to feeling outrageous trust in the unknown, and seeing connections to everything. From experiencing resentment towards her ailments and conditions to establishing a gratitude practice, entering a true journey of self discovery, and dedicating her life to help others. Juliana Leamen is a Nutritionist and Mind-Body Weight Release Expert, University-trained with a Masters degree in Science, certified as a Holistic Nutritionist and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. She is dedicated to helping women over 40 balance hormones naturally and achieve sustained weight loss, what she likes to call Weight Release, through the use of real foods and a shift to the ‘diet mindset’. Juliana’s education is supported thoroughly with her own personal experiences, which combined, have created a very welcoming and authentically empathetic practice. — LINKS: Juliana’s Website, Naturally Joyous: https://www.naturallyjoyous.ca/ Naturally Joyous on Instagram: @naturally.joyous Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Shayda’s Dad, Amir, is an Iranian immigrant. His story is captivating, raw, and full of emotional moments that have been shared recently on a podcast called The Hopeful, on the Frequency Podcast Network. In total transparency, I didn’t listen to The Hopeful before my conversation with Shayda. I wanted to be able to speak with her entirely about her perspectives on her Dad’s story and what being the daughter of immigrant parents has been like without knowing anything about the story in advance. I wanted my reactions to be as authentic as possible. After we recorded, I downloaded the five episodes that had released up to that point, and sat in on the Watch Party for the finale on Monday. To say I’m blown away by the work that went into this podcast is a massive understatement. I could hardly find the words to describe how quickly I fell into this story and the vulnerable recount of Amir’s life. Shayda and her friend Portia worked incredibly hard to put this piece together. You’ll hear about some of the massive efforts in the conversation today, but Amir’s voice sharing his own stories in The Hopeful makes the podcast series incredibly moving! Today’s episode is about Shayda’s perspectives and her story within her Dad’s story. Shayda shares about her life growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents, navigating her own identity, and her own personal struggles and successes. We talk about the pressures faced while growing up, prioritizing mental wellbeing, and intergenerational trauma. I’m eternally grateful for the time with Shayda, and hope you enjoy the episode! — LINKS: The Hopeful on Instagram: @thehopefulpodcast The Hopeful Podcast on Frequency: https://frequencypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/the-hopeful/ The Hopeful Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-hopeful/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Deborah was always into fashion, dressing up and style, and was often assumed to work in the creative industry. Most of her working career was spent behind a desk, working in tech, and modelling had never really crossed her mind. As her hair slowly started to turn silver, she decided to embrace it, and people began to notice.As people began noticing Deborah’s hair, some friends started to suggest she try modelling. One evening, left alone and unsupervised with a laptop and the internet, she sent her photos off to a modelling agency without giving it much thought. Well, a few weeks later, Deborah got a call – and the adventure began.Although she would say this was just about being in the right place at the right time, I would have to say that there isn’t anyone more well suited than Deborah herself, with her sunshine personality for this path in pro-ageing and connecting with other people, and her perspectives on how growing old is privilege are so beautiful.—LINKS:Deborah on Instagram: @deborah__darlingDeborah’s Website: https://deborahdarling.com/Deborah on TikTok: @deborah__darlingFrequency Podcast Network: The Safe HavenFacebook: The Safe HavenInstagram: @thesafehavenpodcastEmail: [email protected]

Mady and Scout are sisters and creators of an online space and podcast called “Okay Sis.” Their contrasting and complementary personalities make for entertaining, funny, engaging, relatable and sometimes serious conversations about their lives. They welcome guests into their community and onto their podcast to discuss topics of all kinds. Mady is really detail oriented and likes a solid plan, where Scout is really fly by the seat of her pants, so this is where their personalities really got to shine in a shared platform. These two love to laugh and have a good time; they’re also super down for deep conversations about mental wellness and the really challenging things that life throws at us. In this episode, we chat boundaries, vulnerability, personal practices, being honest, owning your sh*t, and honouring emotions. Mady and Scout share their wins and goals with their podcast and Facebook community, and how mental illness has influenced their individual lives. — LINKS: Okay Sis on Instagram: @okaysispodcast Okay Sis FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/okaysispodcast/ Okay Sis Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/okay-sis/id1434353917 Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Arvin moved to Canada from the Philippines eleven years ago, and came to live with his Mom, who had moved here several years prior. Leaving his life in the Philippines behind, Arvin worked through his transition into life in Canada with his Mom’s support and encouragement to dream big. In this lively conversation, Arvin shares many personal experiences along his journey into journalism and as a journalist today. He talks about what being a person of colour was like both in university and what it’s like in the industry today, and how a person’s voice can be such a tool on the job. Arvin has worked so hard to chase his own personal dreams as a journalist while exploring areas that are both fun and of interest to him, aiming to show other journalists and people of colour that you can be what you’ve always dreamed of being. We even talk about where journalism meets drag in Arvin’s career, as he tells us about some experiences from his time reporting about Canada’s Drag Race; how contestants are treated in race and sobriety, and how he feels really blessed for these opportunities meeting the Queens and watching their growth throughout filming the show. — LINKS: Arvin’s Instagram: @arvinjoaquin Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Valentina moved to Canada from Colombia eleven years ago to study. After her studies and settling into life in Kamloops, Valentina started thinking about ways in which she could take on business working for herself. A favourite purse of hers from Colombia was getting so many compliments, she wondered how she could bring these products made in Colombia to Canada to support herself, and the artisans from back home. This story is so much more than an entrepreneurial journey… after Valentina shares the story behind IndiArts Collective, we discuss the pandemic situation for her artisans and family in Colombia, and how this pandemic is affecting her business – and theirs. Valentina has shifted her business and mindset to more of an online presence so she can continue her sales and keep supporting the artisans in Colombia and Mexico while distributing handmade bags, jewelry and accessories here in Canada – primarily Vancouver! — LINKS: IndiArts Collective: https://www.indiartscollective.com/ IndiArts on Instagram: @indiartscollective Valentina’s GoFundMe to support the Artisans Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Bradford and Bryan Manning are brothers, entrepreneurs and business partners. They both share a degenerative retinal eye disease called Stargardt Disease, where you lose your central vision over time. Five years apart in age, both Brad and Bryan started losing their central vision around 5 years old. Today, Brad and Bryan explain that they really don’t know much different than living life with a visual impairment. In this episode, I sit down (virtually, of course!) with Bradford and Bryan Manning, for a really great conversation about life with a visual impairment, and the creation of their clothing business called: Two Blind Brothers! We also talk about maintaining mental wellbeing, personal practices to best life balance, and why they’re working so hard to create the softest and most comfortable clothing on the planet! — LINKS: Two Blind Brothers Two Blind Brothers on Instagram: @twoblindbrothers Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Kenzie Brenna is a self and body love enthusiast, a mental health advocate and an extremely engaging and thought provoking influencer on Instagram. Although even Kenzie rolls her eyes at the title influencer, she’s created a platform that is safe and brave, comforting to most and confronting to some. She’s educated, extremely well spoken, and incredibly inviting. Kenzie is also an Atheist. In this really rich conversation, Kenzie shares her spiritual journey and her path towards atheism, through a spiritual background and into the questioning of personal experiences, philosophies and traumas in her life. Through policies and politics, and entering a YouTube wormhole in 2016, Kenzie began a really deep self exploration. Something I admire so wholeheartedly about Kenzie is the way she educates herself and is always reading, learning, and listening. During our chat about Atheism, she’s aware of and so respectful towards other belief systems. The way Kenzie acknowledges Indigenous wisdom and spirituality made my heart nearly explode. To share space with someone whose values are so aligned with mine felt like magic. We chat about connection to everyday life and the wonders that surround us, what life is like as an influencer, feeling all the feelings, and what our dream jobs would be like. Enjoy! — LINKS: Kenzie on Instagram: @kenziebrenna Kenzie’s Podcast Instagram: @conversationswithkenzie Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

No music. No podcasts. No audiobooks. No journal. No pen. No books. No radio. No shelter. No camera crew. No conversation. Just you, in the Arctic, ALONE. The History Channel’s show Alone follows a group of contestants as they explore an area – in Season 7, the most extreme challenge yet, the Arctic! – for 100 days. The stakes were high this season, with $1,000,000 as the prize for the winner. Out of the ten contestants, two were women, and one of those women was from Ontario, Canada. Sitting on the couch watching the show, I told my partner that I was going to have this woman on the podcast, and here we are! Kielyn joins me on today’s episode, and we hear about her journey into this experience, the lead-up and the weight gain, the mental and emotional pulls and takeaways throughout the time in the Arctic, and what coming back home and reintegration was like. Kielyn shares a little about her business, Lure of the North, and what their next huge business endeavours are! Kielyn made it to day 80 on her quest to 100 days Alone in the Arctic, and I am thrilled to honour Kielyn and her experience with my 100th episode! So fitting! There are a few connection issues – but they don’t last long! We hope you love it. — LINKS: Lure of the North on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lureofthenorth Lure of the North on Instagram: @lureofthenorth Lure of the North Website: lureofthenorth.com Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

The Canary Yellow wasn’t started to just share his music. It was created to resonate with an audience that needs the love, support, compassion and companionship that Josh needed through his early life. Josh moved around a lot as a kid, and through various family structures and experiences, found music to be his safety. Music allows for deep insight and self exploration, and has proven that although beautiful things can come from dark places, joy and light can be found in such small moments. Growing into the role of a husband and recently a father, life has begun to unfold in ways that allow Josh to keep navigating his own struggles with mental health while creating safe spaces for the next generation to feel less alone, while owning their experiences and honouring their emotions. — LINKS: Josh’s Website: https://thecanaryyellow.carrd.co/ Josh’s Instagram: @thecanaryyellow Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Aundra Williams is a blogger, a speaker, and a coach. She is the creator of a beautiful Christian blog, where she writes to her readers about faith and self-improvement. She teaches about biblical principals and how to put it into a lifestyle. She works with girls and young women to establish healthy boundaries, increase self-confidence, and speak their truth. Aundra moved from a small town in Michigan to California to chase her dream of being a full-time blogger. What she didn’t know when she left was that her incredible success and building a full time business would be established during a global pandemic lockdown. In this conversation, we talk about so many things, from the power of strong friendships, to how love can be right under your nose. — LINKS: Aundra’s Website: https://www.aundrawilliams.com/ Aundra’s Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/AundraWilliams1 Aundra’s Instagram: @aundra.williams Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Warning: Content relating to the death of Bianca’s sister, Katrina, who died from Ovarian Cancer. Bianca Hayes is a force. This summer, she biked from Vancouver to Halifax in 19 days and 18 hours. Bianca Hayes was never an avid cyclist. Her inspiration to ride came from the aspiration to raise money and awareness for Ovarian Cancer. Bianca’s sister Katrina died in 2018 from Ovarian Cancer, which is the fifth most common cancer but most deadly of all women’s cancers. August 2018 was the first real serious bike ride she’d been on, using a borrowed bike. Two years later, with training, sponsorship and a coach, Bianca set out to bike across Canada and is now the fastest woman to ever complete the ride. In this episode, Bianca shares the story of Katrina’s diagnosis with Ovarian Cancer, and her experience as Katrina’s sister, as well as the inspiration and steps that led to her committing to the big ride across the country. — LINKS: Bianca’s Website + Donation Pages: www.biancahayes.com Bianca Hayes on Twitter: @theovariangang Bianca Hayes on Instagram: @theovariangang Ovarian Cancer Canada: https://ovariancanada.org/ World Ovarian Cancer: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Over the past several months, I’ve been taking a really critical look at marketing and advertising. During my deep dives, I came across Jacqueline Carrington’s Instagram page, and her company, People of Color Beauty. After years in the hotel industry, Jackie and her husband made some big life changes and began growing their family. Along with the changes in location and jobs, Jackie took on a whole new role as an entrepreneur, and started up a nail polish company! In this episode, Jackie shares her stories and the ideas behind People of Color Beauty, as well as how she finds time for herself in order to maintain her best self, under the many hats she wears! — LINKS: People of Color Beauty: www.peopleofcolorbeauty.com People of Color Beauty’s Instagram: @peopleofcolorbeauty Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

For anyone with a passion, old or new, you completely understand the time, effort, love, sweat and tears it takes to complete a project, a painting, a quilt, a new build, a new idea, and in this case, a podcast. Tara Jean Stevens is a broadcaster, an actress, a storyteller, and most recently a podcast host. In this episode, we chat about the creation of Heaven Bent, Tara Jean’s new podcast on Frequency Podcast Network, and how she was able to put this together and produce it all during a global pandemic. Tara Jean tells us about family travels during what she calls her mid life crisis, and the true meaning behind passion and balance when it comes to creating a podcast. For anyone interested, this is the podcast description for Heaven Bent on Frequency Podcast Network, and you can find the direct links below. On January 20th, 1994, strange things started happening at a small Christian church in Toronto, Canada. Worshipers found themselves laughing, shaking, falling, rolling around on the ground. That was only the beginning. How did the church suddenly become one of Toronto’s ‘Top Tourist Attractions’? Was something supernatural truly happening? Did gold teeth miraculously appear in people’s mouths? Tara Jean Stevens was a teenager when this bizarre movement spread from Toronto to her childhood church on the other side of the country. More than 25 years later, join Tara Jean as she explores what really happened – on this examination of divine intervention.” — LINKS: Tara Jean Stevens’ Instagram: @tarajeanonline Frequency Podcast Network: Heaven Bent Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Imagine going from near perfect health, talking, walking, working, and living your best life, to completely paralyzed and fighting for your life within days. In this episode, Mallory Bishop shares her experience with an upper respiratory infection gone wrong, with symptoms that progressed so quickly she found herself completely paralyzed from the neck down only days later. The diagnosis was Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder where your immune system attacks your nervous system. In Mallory’s case, it stripped her peripheral nervous system and left her almost completely paralyzed for months. This story blew my mind. This conversation is a perfect example of why I never want to know too much about my guest’s story before hearing it in full. You’ll hear my surprise and disbelief while experiencing your own as Mal shares her experience. — LINKS: Mallory’s Instagram: @malroseplace Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Marcie is a writer, a blogger, a wife and a Mom. She’s the creator of many online spaces that she calls brave spaces, most namely Black Coffee with White Friends and Mockingbird, history lessons for adults. Marcie is one incredible person, and this conversation sits right in my heart. In this episode, Marcie shares the stories behind how these ventures began, and how at the root of them were the crucial conversations that need to be had about history, race, identity, and what it is to be Marcie. These conversations are woven with such a beautiful sense of vulnerability and so much truth, including personal practices, finding balance in the world today, and what deepest challenges and biggest rewards have been like for Marcie in her life. At the end of most episodes, I pull out some of my Safe Haven style questions… just wait until you hear the stories about Marcie’s Mom during that part of our fabulous conversations!! I literally was speechless listening to these stories. — LINKS: Black Coffee with White Friends: www.blackcoffeewithwhitefriends.com Black Coffee with White Friends Instagram: @blackcoffeewithwhitefriends Mockingbird Patreon: www.patreon.com/mockingbirdhistorylessonsforadults Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Jess Pinili is a Female Empowerment Coach from Perth, Australia. With her background in personal training and personal life experiences, she blends spirituality, life-experience, and strategy into her methods, working to help uplift her clients and those around her. Starting into a business degree program and getting involved in fitness, Jess realized she needed something more. Through her own personal struggles and grief and life transitions, she has created a platform and business model that helps people all over the world shift their limiting beliefs and change their mindset to establish confidence and control over their own life. Jess’s mission is to help YOU uncover the sensational potential you have inside of you. — LINKS: Jess Pinili’s Instagram: @jesspinili Jess Pinili’s Podcast: The Jessica Pinili Podcast Jess Pinili’s Website: www.jessicapinili.com Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

*Trigger Warning – Contains content relating to sexual abuse and assault; some explicit language.** Eternity Martis is a Toronto-based journalist, author and senior editor at Xtra. She’s now a best-selling author of her first book, “They Said This Would Be Fun – Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up.” Eternity’s work focuses on issues of race and gender, taking deep dives into her own experiences and sharing them with the world. Her stories are real, raw, and relatable. Our conversation covers so much about the journey through writing this book and many of the topics and experiences shared within. We talk about setting boundaries and the challenge that comes with having to reassert yourself and reestablish boundaries time and time again – but how crucial that is for our physical, mental, sexual, emotional and spiritual health. We talk about what love really is – and what it isn’t, and the hard lessons that come with navigating love on it’s own. We discuss the theme of abandonment that is laced throughout Eternity’s story, and how she’s had to navigate both gender and race as a mixed woman; her Mom from Pakistan and her Dad from Jamaica. I get excited about all of my conversations with my guests, but there is something about the level of relatability and raw vulnerability in this conversation with Eternity that really got my heart racing. — LINKS: Eternity’s Website: www.eternitymartis.com Eternity’s Instagram: @eterniteee Eternity on Twitter: @eternitymartis Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Jermaine Fowler is a Public Educator and Historical Storyteller, and his passion is undeniable. Jermaine explores society, culture, biographies, and politics, through a historic lens, and shares his learnings through a variety of mediums, most recently, his podcast, The Humanity Archive. I came across Jermaine’s page after my time with Lettie Schumate, my guest from June 22. Lettie and Jermaine have a shared interest in passion for history, and connecting the dots, bringing knowledge forward and making it available for the education of others. In this conversation, Jermaine shares the journey into the podcast world, how he was called “The Professor” by his friends when he was a kid, and how his trait of being a lifelong learner has brought him into sharing his love of history with others. Among other things, we talk about finding balance in the world we live in, the origin of The Humanity Archive, and the importance of emotional awareness, and emotional and self regulation in schools. — LINKS: Jermaine’s Instagram: @thehumanityarchive The Humanity Archive – Podcast: The Humanity Archive The Humanity Archive Website: www.thehumanityarchive.com Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

As this heart-driven networking continues, Jenny Jay was the one who put Lauren Russ-Constant and I in touch. This led me to a video on Lauren’s Instagram page that was so raw, so real, and so relatable, and ultimately sparked the conversation around Lauren sharing some of her personal experiences and perspectives with me on the podcast. Lauren is an incredible person. She’s taken her own personal growth to create safe spaces where people feel less alone and can communicate openly about their emotions and mental health, rather than lying about their emotional and mental wellbeing, which is something so many of us do or have done in our lives. In this episode, Lauren shares her experience being mixed, and how she’s had to navigate being mixed in her social life and within her family – which is half white, and half black. We chat about the importance of emotional awareness and using correct language with regards to emotional wellbeing in the education system, and what her role has been in trying to bring this forward in classrooms. This conversation has so many different aspects to it, and sits so close to my heart. — LINKS: Lauren’s Instagram: @laurenaisharc Space Parties: @space.parties Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Matthew Hayes has so many layers to his story. From navigating depression and his own identity through pain and trauma, he’s grown and designed a life that aims to help others move forward from a place of compassion. People are hurting. We’re all finding our own ways to cope. We all have different life experiences and have met different people to have helped inform us, teach us, or direct us as we grow and heal. Matt has learned how to name his own narratives and patterns, and helps others do the same. He highlights the detrimental patterns so many of us fall into that prevent us from being the best versions of ourselves. — LINKS: Matt’s Website: www.coachmatthewhayes.com Matt’s Instagram: @coachmatthewhayes Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Brianna teaches special education. She works with students with a variety of needs and ability levels, and moves through her life heart first. From her own lessons and struggles in life, she’s developed a sense of empathy that runs deep, and works hard to create a safe and engaging learning environment for her students. Her love of Disney and yoga led us into some fabulous chats about finding balance in life. We talk about hanging around in the background to fit in, and her experience navigating her identity as a black woman, and how she’s totally outgrown her acceptance of the word “Oreo.”. We talk about our love for yoga and shared admiration for Brené Brown. I honestly could have chatted with Bri all day. We hope you love listening in on this conversation! — LINKS: Bri’s Insta: @spedteacherbri Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

You know those people you meet – in person or online! – that you instantly feel drawn to and connected with? That’s how I felt about Leah Brathwaite! In her own words, is a Soul Advisor, Best-Selling Author, an Entrepreneur, a Truth-Telling Sagittarius, World-Class Hugger and Travel-Loving Sweat Junkie. I connect with all of this! Real connection feels so good. It’s the kind of thing that lights my soul on fire. Leah’s story is woven with a constant and deep drive to chase her soul’s desires. She’s created a career and a life that revolves around helping people live their truest expression of themselves, establishing new habits and new patterns while severing ties with the detrimental ways we hold ourselves back. The real struggles and life experiences that Leah brings into her work with her clients helps elevate her empathy to such a powerful level. This conversation is my equivalent to soul food, and I hope you share the same level of joy listening to this conversation as I felt having it! — LINKS: Leah’s Website: https://www.leahbrathwaite.com/ Leah’s Instagram: @leah.brathwaite Leah’s Book, A New Way of Life: https://www.leahbrathwaite.com/shop Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

As I continue on my anti-racism journey, I’ve found several accounts on Instagram that have taught me so much. When you follow a hashtag on Instagram, photos will often come up on your feed that will lead you to a profile you may not have come across before. This is what led me to Dr Tiffany Bowden’s profile. At the top of her page, it says anti-racism educator, TED Speaker, Cannabis, Tech and Mental Health Influencer. As a TED talk lover who is chasing the depths of anti-racism and understanding how I can help dismantle the systematic and systemic racial structures in our society, as well as having had my own struggles understanding the different perspectives around cannabis use, all of these things sparked my interest! Tiffany’s story is so deep. This conversation with Tiffany unfolded in ways I’d never anticipated. It is laced with so much resilience, perseverance, acceptance, and grace. With full circle lessons accented by racism, mental health, self-worth and learning to let go isn’t quitting, Tiffany has spent her life working to better the health of those around her, empowering others to enhance their health and well being, and she advocates for the cannabis and mental health industries. From a spinal injury to significant losses, business theft and hitting literal rock bottom, Tiffany is a force to be reckoned with. She’s dedicated and heart driven. — LINKS: Tiffany’s Website: https://www.tiffanybowden.com/full-bio Tiffany’s Instagram: @rootedgoddess Tiffany speaking for TED: TED Talk – How my colouring book taught me about racism. Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Lettie Shumate is an Historian, educator, a social justice supporter and a podcaster from North Carolina. The way Lettie shares her knowledge is seriously moving. She’s direct, passionate, and extremely enjoyable to listen to. In total transparency, I’ve been taking notes while listening to her podcast! She discusses a variety of topics in history and their connection to social issues. She has an ability to connect the dots in history and is incredibly talented. “Heart-work” is work that has been prompted by the heart, or executed with all one’s heart. That’s exactly what Lettie does as an Historian and educator. Connecting the dots, creating educational content, and sharing her passion for history with the world is something Lettie does, heart first. Social media has become a fabulous connector for people around the world. As I continue on my anti-racism journey, I’ve found several accounts on Instagram that have taught me so much. I came across Lettie’s profile, which led me to her podcast, which I binged, which led me to her Patreon page, which I’ve since subscribed to. PS: I definitely didn’t edit out the cat sneeze attack in the middle of the conversation, because it is such a real moment of love and laughter! — LINKS: Lettie’s Website Lettie’s Patreon Page Lettie’s Podcast on Apple Podcasts Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Earlier this year, looking into events going on in Ontario related to personal and professional growth and development, I came across an event in Vaughan that was right up my alley. I booked it right away. It was an event that aligned with my values in ways no other event I’d attended had before. Sandra Chuma is from Zimbabwe. She is a storyteller, a filmmaker, a podcaster and an entrepreneur. Sandra’s passion in storytelling, empowering women and sharing stories helped ignite her desires to create the Woman on Fire Summit, the inaugural event of which was to have taken place April 5th of this year. Her podcast, Nidini, is a collection of stories and truths of African women who are fearless leaders in their communities. Sandra’s value and passion for connection and community is demonstrated with her podcast and the creation of the Woman on Fire Summit, along with her filmmaking. During her life, she’s learned how to stand in her truth, hold and value pride in herself, and overcome shrinking to make others feel more comfortable. I recognize the privilege that comes with my platform, and I am committed to diversifying my content to create a more inclusive space. I’m listening. I’m learning. I’m unlearning. I am shifting my releases over the coming months to honour the Black community and amplify Black voices, and commit to maintaining an inclusive space from here on out. — LINKS: Sandra’s Website: http://www.sandrachuma.com/ Sandra’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra.chuma/ Ndini Podcast Site: https://ndini.com/ Ndini’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NDINImedia/ Woman on Fire Summit Website: https://womanonfiresummit.com/ Woman on Fire Summit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womanonfiresummit/ Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Jenny is a creator, a storyteller, and an entrepreneur. She has recently learned the power of voicing her truth and embracing her culture living as her most authentic self. She holds space with such compassion that getting uncomfortable with Jenny actually feels like a safe space to learn and to ask questions. If today is the start of your journey into the depths of anti-racism, learning and unlearning old ways, be kind to yourself. Try not to feel burdened by shame or guilt. Keep moving. Keep growing. Keep leading with love. Privilege, racism, learning, unlearning and why this all really matters have been topics of conversations that I’ve been having lately. So much of what is on the news, on IGTV, Facebook Live is showing us very harsh realities about what is going on in the world and has been going on for longer than many of us were aware of before now, especially with regards to black lives and the challenges faced daily by the Black Indigenous People Of Colour communities. These conversations can be messy and emotional, but they’re so necessary right now. The reality is, they have always been necessary, but have been overlooked by so many of us, and I will admit that they’ve been overlooked by me, too. Until now. — LINKS: Jenny’s Instagram: @justaskjenny Jenny’s Website: www.jennyjay.ca Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Facebook: The Safe Haven Instagram: @thesafehavenpodcast Email: [email protected]

Elaine Kapogines is the owner and publisher of Wiltshire Media, a wife, and a Mom of two. She’s ambitious and driven towards success with her business, and has explored different avenues in the media world, from podcasting to production and social media to running a successful magazine called The Holistic Parent. She and her husband work hard to create a life that allows her to work from home and to be the best role model she can be for their daughters, demonstrating balance and commitment to self, family, and business. Elaine’s values surrounding family are present in everything she does. — LINKS: Elaine’s Website Instagram: @wiltshire_media The Safe Haven Podcast: Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected]

Founders Case Bakker and Jessie Lyon met and began selling Ecuadorian alpaca blankets out of the back of Case’s car. At the time, they didn’t realize that they were laying down building blocks that would later become a full time job for both them and six others. As time passed, they were increasingly inspired by the international connections and community being created by their efforts, and the potential impact it could have for communities both locally and globally. With the help of a notable collection of loyal and hardworking friends and family, Case and Jessie remain partners with big dreams surrounded by a team they couldn’t do it without. For anyone familiar with Instagram, you’re aware that many accounts participate in giveaways, and work together with other accounts to promote their pages and their products. I saw a cute post with two alpacas one day a couple of months ago, and it led me back to an account for a company called Pokoloko. I reached out to the owners, and caught Jessie one day in April for a chat about entrepreneurship, business, travel, and the balancing scale of being in a relationship with your business partner. — LINKS: Pokoloko’s Website Pokoloko’s Instagram @pokolokoltd The Safe Haven Podcast: Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected]

Paul Fishman is a self love coach and You Do You activist. Paul has taken his life experiences and channeled it into a business and lifestyle that brings love, care, compassion and realness to the struggles we all face on our journey to self love. Paul speaks from experience, and his naturally empathetic way of guiding his clients comes right from his heart’s centre. In this episode, Paul shares some personal stories from his road to self love, and about the shifts that have come along with saying yes to himself after years of not doing so. Because this recording took place during the COVID-19 isolation period, we talk real talk about numbing practices and how they have been stripped from us, and how Paul has embraced this time to really look at himself and shift some of the narratives in his life. Full disclosure here too, Paul and I recorded on April 9th, before all the deep COVID-19 emotions really hit me and before I’d really had the opportunity to digest everything it was, has been, and is now. After listening to this recording several weeks later, I completely acknowledge that my emotions rode roller coasters between this recording on April 9th and where we’re at today, and that I needed to exercise all things that Paul and I discuss in this episode. — LINKS: Paul’s Website Paul’s Instagram The Safe Haven Podcast: Frequency Podcast Network: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected]

Leisse Wilcox is a transformational mindset + success coach who helps high-potential women courageously become the vision of themselves they can’t stop dreaming about. A passionate speaker, dynamic thought leader, author, NLP practitioner, top podcast host, cancer survivor, mom of three, and taco enthusiast, her entire experience has been about coming home to her truest self and to call herself “beloved,” knowing intimately that changing the world starts by making the changes we want to see within ourselves, first. An expert featured on Simple Habit, and an entrepreneurial advisor with StartUp Canada, Leisse’s intention is to guide people to come home to themselves, giving them permission to live, authentically. Leisse’s first book To Call Myself Beloved is available for pre-order, and you can watch her on Season 2 of Amazon Prime’s “The Social Movement.” — LINKS: Instagram: @leissewilcox www.leissewilcox.ca YouTube /leissewilcox Podcast: To Call Myself Beloved: The Podcast with Leisse Wilcox The Safe Haven Podcast: Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected]

In her experience as a Certified Financial Planning professional, Martha Adams has spent her career helping her clients plan and achieve their financial goals. From as early as grade 6, Martha took her gift of turning inwards to explore personal narratives and narratives from those in her life around money and business to understand the world around her. Throughout this journey, she discovered a common theme that she was determined to change: the negativity around financial conversations. This is where Martha’s educational background in both business and education shines, as she brings her heartfelt compassion, experience, and knowledge to uplift, empower, and educate those she works with. Her passion for changing the conversation around money and finances has become the focus of her life’s work, aiming to emotionalize these narratives and relationships to the positive. — LINKS: Website: www.MarthaAdamsMedia.com Instagram: @marthaadamsmedia Facebook Group: The Positive Financial Conversation with Martha Adams The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Mark Harrison has to be one of the most interesting people I know and follow along with on social media. He has been a source of inspiration and intrigue for years without knowing it, and has kept me entertained with his YouTube videos of his travels and his photography and videography adventures around the globe. A few weeks ago, I saw an update of Mark’s about having COVID-19 and what it was like. I asked him if he was interested in sharing his experience with COVID-19 with me, and he jumped at the opportunity. The episode starts with his Coronavirus story, but naturally turns into far more than that! From traveling and teaching abroad, to becoming a Vice Principal and “roof-topping” in China, to changing gears and becoming a full-time world-traveling videographer, Mark has many great stories to share. We talk about how Mark achieves routine and balances his mental health while traveling the world, what he’s reading and super passionate about, and I ask some deep questions that highlight his values and animated personality! — LINKS: Mark’s Instagram Mark’s YouTube Channel The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Dana Clark has started the most beautiful social impact movement called Heroic Humans. This incredible project was born from an out or no where journal prompt type question during a workshop at lululemon, that had Dana so full of excitement and vision that she began immediately. Dana and her company Heroic Humans ‘provide a gathering space for inspiration, celebration and empowerment. [They] aim to foster connections among heroic people and groups, helping to establish a broader reach and more profound influence on their individual communities. We care about authentic connections and the power behind all people and passions.’ We chat about the importance of curiosity and seeking positive, asking questions and having deep, rich and vulnerable conversations. — LINKS: Dana’s Website – Heroic Humans Connection Cards Link Instagram: @theheroichumans The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

On April 1st, Esther de Bruijn and I had a very informative and interesting conversation about her experience with symptoms of COVID-19. April 1st marked day 18 of her experience with this virus. Esther experienced her first symptom March 15th with a burning chest, unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. Having had Malaria and Typhoid in the past, Esther knew very quickly that something was wrong. Part way through the conversation, I work through a variety of listener questions for Esther to answer, and at the end of the interview, there’s an update from the 12th of April to see how things have changed in the last twelve days. Esther’s educated and thorough knowledge of the virus and and the current situation in the UK is extremely mind-opening. From her personal story about the inability to acquire a COVID-19 test to the sadness and grief she experiences not being able to physically be with her daughter, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. — LINKS: The Guardian – ‘I’m losing faith in the leadership’: an NHS doctor’s story The Guardian – ‘Everyone is scared to speak up’: A&E doctor asks for Covid-19 tests ShirazMaher – Twitter Status The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Last week, Chris Forman eluded to the person who inspires him most – his wife Nicole. After meeting in a bar down in Kingsville, Ontario, Chris and I connected over some engaging conversation that included what/who he was most proud of… his wife Nicole.Nicole has been battling skin cancer and melanomas since her childhood. To date, she’s had various tumours surgically removed, has battled chemo and the loss of her hair, and has had over 500 melanoma moles removed from her body. Doctors say this is beyond rare, and that cases like Nicole are more like one in a billion.Nicole is currently fighting Multiple Myeloma, a form of cancer without a cure. Listen along to Nicole’s powerful story of health, wellness, love and resilience.—LINKS:The Safe Haven Podcast:Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven PodcastFacebook: The Safe Haven PodcastInstagram: The Safe Haven PodcastEmail: [email protected] code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co.Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Chris Forman is a bartender at The Banded Goose down in Kingsville, Ontario. He leads with his heart and enjoys real and raw conversations with strangers. He has the ability to connect with his inner child, and encourages others to do the same. He is passionate about public engagement and public speaking, and uses his innate optimism and sunshine personality to lift those around him as often as possible. — LINKS: Erie Shores Toastmasters Club The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Kim Palazzi is a Designer/Craftswoman, passionate about creating artistic and wearable pieces with gemstones and crystals. Unsurprisingly, Kim and I met in such a beautiful, organic way, through a mutual friend and crystal lover, Amy! During my last adventure down to the Kingsville/Leamington/Harrow area, Kim welcomed me into her home to share some of her her life stories and the events that have brought her into her purpose. With a backstory in fashion design, her creativity combines with the energies of each crystal, which comes through in her jewelry making. “The gemstones and crystals dictate most of the creative process. I am a facilitator to get them from one place to the next so they can connect with whomever they are meant to be with.” — LINKS: Unconscious Reality Designs Instagram Unconscious Reality Designs Website The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Melissa is an incredible connector of humans and energy. She’s creative and uses her natural curiosity and lived experiences to design the life she loves. Much of Melissa’s life encompasses what it means to be human, to grow, to connect, to learn, and to love. This chat in her home sheds some light on some personal stories about Melissa, and how she has learned to take setbacks to propel herself forward, always leading with her heart. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Tiffany Nicholson Smith is an International Teacher, an Ayurvedic Practitioner, and a Lover of Life. Tiffany shares the gifts of Meditation, Yoga & Ayurveda globally, both in person and online, around the world. Her perspectives were framed by her extensive time spent in India. She dedicates her life to serving those around her for the greater good. Her learnings from her time abroad, her teachers, mentors, readings and her experiences have shaped her life in such a beautiful and meaningful way. Tiffany has to be one of the most peaceful and knowledgable people in my life, and I feel so eternally grateful that our paths have crossed. Listen along to her messages and perspectives, and I can promise you’ll feel a shift! — LINKS: Tiffany Nicholson Smith’s Website Rasa Ayurveda Sarovara Yoga – Ally Boothroyd The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Danielle is a lifelong friend of mine. Among many titles, she is a wife, a Mom and a very talented photographer… (she won the top 30 under 30 photographers in Canada… that talented.) Danielle begins this episode with a full disclosure and warning, that this episode is her story, with her opinions and her perspectives. She shares her two incredibly different birth stories, with virtually no similarities. Her first birth story ended up with her family in Sick Kids, her son having a brain bleed after being forcefully vacuumed from her body, while her second birth story took place at home, with a healthy baby delivered in the same contraction her water broke. From kidney infection complications and oversights to a lack of positivity and encouragement in one setting to strong support and respect in another, this episode sheds light on some harsh realities that new Moms face in labour and delivery. — LINKS: Danielle Meredith Photography’s Website Dani’s Instagram @ouradventurefam The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Colin Matthew is the Union President for District 15. He’s both knowledgable and passionate about public education, what that currently looks like in Ontario, and why we as educators and parents are so concerned. Listen along as he and I discuss the importance of public education and why cuts to education harm kids. This episode is intended to be informational and educational, and is delivered as such. Subjects discussed include safety, e-learning, classroom sizes, individual needs and accommodations, why these cuts to education are so harmful to Ontario’s students, and what you can do, parent or not, to help. — LINKS: Better Schools Stronger Economy Here for Students Bargaining for Education Slaying Goliath The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Carolyn and I met in university as Frosh Leaders at Nipissing University, and she and her husband Josh welcomed me into their home to record one of their most life-altering stories. After teaching and traveling abroad, Carolyn and Josh returned to Canada, and got jobs teaching in Churchill. After they got married, and Carolyn’s near-perfect pregnancy, they welcomed Malcolm into their lives in September 2018. Shortly thereafter, they debated moving closer to family, but were forced to leave Churchill for a very different and unexpected reason. In January 2019, Malcolm started showing some serious signs of being unwell, but without answers. Numerous trips to the emergency room and with different doctors, there seemed to be no answer as to why this sweet and healthy little guy was so sick, without any signs of getting better. There were no answers until the answer became: your son has Infant Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) In this episode, Carolyn (and Josh in the background!) tell us about their journey as parents of a son with AML. They share how they worked to maintain their own mental health and balance their lives to keep their relationship strong throughout this stressful and emotional time. They talk about normalizing life as much as possible while living in the hospital, and how they’ll work towards a label-free life for Malcolm. Carolyn and Josh also open up about some strategies they adopted to heal and cope, and though they might not be the same, they encourage each other in their every endeavour towards healing and processing the last year and a half. Carolyn and Josh, I appreciate you both more than I can articulate. Thank you for everything you do and have done, supporting other families dealing with cancer throughout this process and continuing to advocate for Malcolm. — LINKS: Carolyn’s Email: [email protected] The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

So the cool bartender I mentioned in the last TGIT from The Banded Goose in Kingsville is going to be on the podcast! So is his incredibly resilient wife, whom he mentioned he was so proud of! Amy helped make connections in Kingsville that exploded in the best way possible, and I’m going to a super interesting and uplifting Soul School event on the 22nd! Future release updates, some new affiliate codes, and curiosity about… what the heck is actually going on on the Bachelor?! Like does Peter even know these girls yet?! Just a fun release for this week’s Thank Goodness it’s Thursday! Happy long weekend! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

*TRIGGER WARNING – Content relates to sexual abuse and related traumas* Jenna Morton is a health coach, a speaker and an entrepreneur. She has overcome and is still healing from some significant traumas in her life, but leads a life of grace and gratitude. She works hard at bettering herself, so she can positively influence the world around her. From being adopted to not fitting it, dabbling in drugs, alcohol, and troubles with the law, this episode weaves through trauma, healing, rebellion and triumph. Even through the lowest lows, Jenna always felt a pull forward and upwards from a connection to a higher power, that urged her to keep going and that everything was going to be okay. We also have a discussion about the terms “triggered” and how it’s more realistic to use the word “activated” as moments, words or experiences present us with a space to heal or to process. — LINKS: Jenna’s Instagram: @jennadmorton The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Sammi and I met in the middle of Australia, and walked around Uluru together. We’ve had a unique and undeniable connection ever since! We met up in Calgary while I was driving back to Ontario, and I lured her into my hotel room to visit and record! We talk about how we met, the power and importance of communication, and how simply re-phrasing your words can completely change your intended message. We talk about honouring emotions, and the importance of identifying them as we experience them, without identifying “as” the emotion itself. Listen along as Sammi shares some insights into how life has changed as she has become a Mom, and how she works at being the best wife and Mom she can be. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

I’ve made it back from #Nakusp, BC! (Hashtag isn’t a typo… it’s for Riley and Jay! Ha!) Road trip last week: Nakusp – Calgary – Regina – Winnipeg – Thunder Bay – Sault Ste Marie – Kingsville (via Michigan!) – Minden! Family visits are feeling really good! So you wanna be a guest on The Safe Haven Podcast? Perhaps you know someone with a story to share? Please reach out! This is how the podcast continues to grow! It’s been growing super organically so far, and it’s when guests know someone I should reach out to, (or contests that I win lead me to more cool people!!) – or, someone that I meet naturally and find a window to invite them in! That’s exactly what happened at The Banded Goose in Kingsville last weekend when one of the bartenders, Chris, brought around a card that asked us: if your life was to flash before you on a film reel, what are the top three moments that stand out, right now?! … what are yours?! Send me a message! Have a great weekend! — LINKS: Banded Goose Brewing, Kingsville Bear and Fox Apparel The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Taylor Aeichele is a 22 year old gal, very close to acquiring her certification as a Red Seal Electrician! (Get it girl!) In this episode, she shares about the encounters and experiences in her life that helped direct her towards this career path – something very different from the vet she wanted to be as a little girl. Enjoy her lighthearted “sasshole” (hey! – that’s what she calls herself!) nature and sense of humour! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Ever heard of “I AM” affirmations? Do you believe in the power of the spoken word and the ability to retrain and rewire your brain? It is doable! I share my love for Love Powered Co.’s FEMME “I AM” affirmation cards, and how I’ve turned them into a pre-recording ritual. Check them out! I share my love of teas, more recently, New Moon Tea Co.’s teas! I am officially going to two gigantic events this year, one in April and one in October, and I am so excited about them both! They’re both going to keep my 2020 fire lit, I can feel it!! Thank you so much for listening! Have a fabulous Thursday, friends! — LINKS: New Moon Tea Co. – Instagram: @newmoonteaco Love Powered Co. – Instagram: @lovepoweredco Harmony Yoga Haliburton – Instagram: @harmonyyogahaliburton Woman On Fire Summit – April 5, 2020 in Vaughan, ON The Great Canadian Woman Summit – October 5, 2020 in Canmore, AB The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

*TRIGGER WARNING – Content relates to physical abuse, drug and alcohol addiction and pregnancy*Served her first shot of alcohol by her parents at 9 years old and her first pot brownie at 11 years old. This was her normal. This episode presents some very confronting topics and personal experiences for Claudine, some of which could be considered very controversial and challenging. Claudine demonstrates bravery and courage in this episode. I know Claudine personally, and know who she is, and I applaud her ability to share these stories in such a vulnerable way. She hopes that this will reach the people who need to hear it the most, and that this story and this vulnerability encourages people who need to attend a meeting or seek help do so. That they find that one person who believes in them, as she did.She maintains her strength and her 17 years sobriety by owning her truth and sharing her story, and I admire her resilience immensely.—LINKS:The Safe Haven Podcast:Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven PodcastFacebook: The Safe Haven PodcastInstagram: The Safe Haven PodcastEmail: [email protected] code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co.Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

*TRIGGER WARNING – Content relates to sexual abuse and exploitation* Mary Pichette is a survivor of sexual abuse and exploitation – but she will be the first to tell you that these aspects of her life do not define who she is. In this powerful episode, Mary sheds light on the lack of power she had in her childhood and certain events in her life growing up in the 50s and 60s, as well as various injustices she’s faced throughout her life. Mary elaborates on why she’s been so silent about the horrific things that have happened in her life, and how she’s been able to move forward from her past as she heals. She shares the challenges she’s faced sharing her story of being prostituted and how people’s opinions and perspectives shift so quickly based on the story she shares from her past based on misconceptions or deep societal beliefs. Much of Mary’s work today deals with “Relating Effectively,” as a speaker, author, trainer, and relational coach, helping people overcome their PTSD due to surviving exploitation, addiction and homelessness. She speaks to the importance of the phrase “I believe you” and how much weight and power that can carry while supporting others on their healing journey. She shares her personal strategies for dealing with PTSD, as well as her perspectives on exploitation and prostitution vs being prostituted. — LINKS: Vancouver Podcast Festival Mary’s Website Book: Wow Woman of Worth: 15 Empowered Entrepreneurs Share Success Stories with Soul The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

HAPPY NEW YEAR! A day late for this TGIT! I’d say no excuses, but I was stuck in the mountains because of road closures and avalanches… can’t even make that stuff up! I hope your holidays were awesome. This episode gives some updates on the holidays here in the mountains and how fun our New Years was, including 2 x 1000 piece puzzles, Mandalorian binge sessions, GT races, game nights, 8 ft snow buddy named Billy Beaton and what being stuck in the mountains can be like! … New Years resolutions anyone? — LINKS: Cobble Hill Santa Puzzle Disney+ Mandalorian JACKBOX.TV – QUIPLASH 2 Amazon.ca – HIVE Pocket – SUCH A GOOD 2 PLAYER GAME! Billy Beaton! Amazon.ca – CODENAMES – A really really great game!! The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Tim Ting worked as a musician and a musical director on a cruise ship for eight years! He sheds light on what living on a ship is like, and what his work life balance was like during this time. Tim has recently changed his career path, and is now working as a Real Estate agent in the lower mainland. Listen along as he shares a few stories about his early years and some unique perspectives he’s acquired during his life, laced with his quirky sense of humour! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Trying something new heading into the holidays! A phone call with one of my closest friends, Katie Sobil! She’s been one of my partners in the photography world, and is always a source of inspiration when it comes to trying something new. A Mom of two busy kids, Katie shares some challenges she’s faced with going back to work as a nurse, and how that has had her questioning her next moves in photography and videography while giving as much of her time to her kids as she possibly can. She shares some cringe-worthy stories about things her busy kids have done, including beads up the nose, and painting the walls! Stories I’m sure some parents out there can relate to! Katie and I talk about how important our friendship has become to one another, being each other’s sounding board… having someone who can talk you through your self-doubt when it comes to natural talents, career choices, and over thinking habits – even when you’re setting up for an epidural, right Katie?! These voices in our heads can be so challenging, and somehow we allow them to tell us we aren’t good enough, we aren’t capable enough, we should be doing something better than we are… We wouldn’t tolerate someone else speaking to us the way we speak to ourselves… so why do we speak to ourselves to poorly? We talk about how crucial it is to start catching yourself in these moments and actively changing your thought patterns. — LINKS: The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Settling into Vancouver after a big move from Toronto, EA is figuring out how to find balance in our busy world while managing her mental health and wellness. In this episode, she opens up about some really low times she’s experienced that landed her in the hospital, and how writing, photography and art help her look after her mental wellbeing. EA demonstrates some incredible vulnerability on her social media platforms, and opens up about some personal stories from her past with us during this conversation. Her self awareness and ownership of behaviour is really admirable, as you’ll hear in the stories she shares. She opens up about MDD, and what living through psychotic episodes can feel like. EA shares the whys and whats behind her “zine” – her self published booklet called “Strange and Mysterious Creatures,” and how this personal diary helps her maintain her creativity and share her sense of humour and even the darker sides of life as she knows it. This platform allows EA a space for her own personal narratives through her past, which is woven with emotional and physical abuse, self-harm, trauma and substance abuse. — LINKS: Broken Pencil – Canzine EA Douglas’s Website, Newsletters, and Online Shop! The Artist’s Way – Morning Pages EA’s Instagram @ea.douglas The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Happy “12-12” Full Moon my friends! Do you set intentions with the moon? The full moon is a perfect time to reflect on where you’ve come in the last two weeks, working towards goals or reflecting on the intentions you’ve set! It’s an excellent time to release or purge things that no longer serve you… that could mean food, toxins, drugs, anything in excess, tension, stress, negative or hurtful relationships, etc! In this episode, I share some fun updates about a giveaway that I won, and share the excitement I have about a giveaway that I’ll be doing with Welo Probiotics and Love Powered Co. in the next few weeks! Find out what I’m reading, what I’m watching, how much fun it is updating instagram accounts… (insert eye-roll emoji!) and how things are going in #Nakusp! — LINKS: Love Powered Co. Instagram: @lovepoweredco Welo Probiotics Instagram: @welo.probiotics The Birds Papaya Instagram: @thebirdspapaya @thepapayapodcast The Universe Has your Back – Card Deck Mitch’s Company – Starting Lineup Uniforms and Apparel Over The Top – Jonathan Van Ness Dare To Lead – Brené Brown The Lodge (“K2”) Honey (for discount codes! THE BEST!!) Star Wars The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Juan (J.D.) Leaño has the most infectious positive energy I’ve come across in a while. He’s vibrant and kind, ambitious and humble. Has anyone ever told you that an indoor cycling class could change your life? It’s true. I’ve experienced it myself. Recently back from an intensive training in New York City, JD has officially crossed off a life goal of becoming a SoulCycle instructor – but it didn’t come easily! Four applications and three auditions later, JD has navigated deep self-discovery, diving into his true motivations, and now holds space for others to live their truths. In this episode, JD sheds light on growing up internationally, shaping his own true identity, and moving through shame he has felt associated with being Latino. We talk about the importance of exercise and movement, nutrition, limiting beliefs, the stories we tell ourselves, and how “cyclical” (my cycling pun!) the highs and lows of life are. You won’t want to miss this uplifting conversation! — LINKS: SoulCycle SoulCycle Vancouver Lewis Howes JD’s Instagram – @jdleano The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Kelly Lamb is a highly educated, well-travelled, motivated, kind and compassionate woman, and I feel extremely grateful for having made her acquaintance. In this episode, Kelly openly shares the challenges she’s faced stating her faith in Vancouver. She delves into her opinions and perspectives she’s gained after asking questions loudly about the where women fit into the narrative of the gospel and into society and into church life, with both passion and grace. Exploring such topics has created rifts in her life, often resulting in her being asked, “Why are you so angry?” She shares questions she’s been asking recently, inwardly and outwardly, highlighting the importance of being able to live in tension, building bridges in society, and how you really need to go into “your basement” and do the work. Get into the ugly, face it, and move forward. Listen along to hear about her incredibly unique life experiences, her “switchback lifestyle,” while exploring her life’s purpose. — LINKS: Adventure Teaching Parker Palmer The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! A gigantic shout out to Jessica Lee for opening up her space this weekend, granting me the opportunity to record four incredible episodes! They offer very different but very moving content, so buckle up! This week’s TGIT holds few updates about my work contract, and some exciting adventures I’ve been on with the students, including WE Day in Vancouver seeing Frozen 2 in reclining chairs! Not sure who enjoyed that field trip more, me or my students. I open up about how distance in relationships has never felt hard for me until last week, being on the other side of the country while Riley was grieving the loss of his Opa. I also share how much I am looking forward to being an extra set of eyes, ears, hands and an extra heart for my sister next semester while living in their basement “Auntie” suite! PS – Check out The NaturoDetox Show! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Chad Gilmour has recently turned a gigantic page in his life story, taking on a brand new role as a Father! This has Chad reflecting deeply on his own life choices, the role of his own father in his life and the role of his Grandfather on his Dad’s life, or lack thereof. “How can I be the best person in his world? How can I be as present in my son’s life as possible?” Self examination is something that Chad has become very familiar with, and in this conversations, you’ll hear Chad open up about some of the deep conversations he’s had recently with his friends. He’s learned some hard lessons along the way, and opens up about some lessons he’s learned with regards to alcohol and the way his life has changed without it. Chad is definitely a lifelong learner, and shares some lessons he’s learned through experiences, and things he’s read, including the importance of expressing yourself effectively and respectfully. — LINKS: The Long War Julia Cameron – The Artist’s Way The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

One of my best friends, Jessica Lee, has officially made her debut on The Safe Haven Podcast! I really couldn’t be more excited to share this deep chat with you. Jess is moving through some major confrontations and epiphanies with regards to her weight and self-image. She opens up about the healing she is working through right now with her body image, body positivity and appreciation. She is exploring the concept of disordered eating and how this has shaped her life and her views of herself throughout her life. We discuss body issues we’ve both experienced, what inspiration looks like and feels like for us, and how some insecurities present themselves. Jess and I are deep-divers when it comes to conversation and vulnerability, and this conversation is a great example of what a safe space for sharing and growth can feel like. Jessica Lee, I appreciate you so much, and feel honoured to call you my bestie. — LINKS: The Long War – Instagram: @thelongwarband The Birds Papaya Mik Zazon Jess’s Instagram: @jessnewtonmusic The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Back at it after an incredible girls’ weekend in Naramata, BC, with games and some wine tasting, lots of lovely chats, heaps of laughs, and something extra exciting… Sam got engaged! The new teaching gig has officially started, and it’s great! I’m feeling super grateful to have been asked to step in while another teacher is away. I also learned some big lessons last Friday at the Vancouver Podcast Festival while discussing the frequency of content release and burn out. I’m nowhere near burning out, but gained some new perspectives on what it can do to your podcast’s success and how you need to maintain momentum by keeping your head and your heart in check. TGITs will become a bi-weekly release, in order to maintain quality content and to continue chasing interview and storytelling content! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Nikola Barsoum and I met recently in BC, after being put in contact through a mutual friend, Kathryn (Berube) Darling, and we clicked immediately. As a herbalist, Nikola lives in a sustainable community of 40 people in the Kootenays offering her herbs, herbal medicine and tinctures, and is one of the most interesting people I have ever met. In this conversation, you’ll hear about many of her journeys and life experiences which brought her to where she is now, working with herbs in her garden, with the most genuine love of life and nature and the environment. During our chat, Nikola shares an unexpected story about how her partner died in a hiking fall, and the steps she has taken to heal through this significant loss. Her interest and passion for understanding environmental issues weaves through her stories, along with the deep emotions and connections she has with our world. She shares her perspectives on water use, conscious eating and sustainable living. — Links: Vandana Shiva Permaculture BC – Reflections on food forester Richard Walker The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! Already a week into November, what the heck?! Back to work after a really fabulous ten days out in the mountains! In this episode, I share about some Halloween shenanigans, (including a robbery!), what meeting a best friend’s best friend feels like, how a podcast was the catalyst to a good cry on the phone with my Dad, and what karma can look like when you say something you shouldn’t say, ever, but in this case, online! – and get caught doing so. Forgiveness is key. We all say things and do things we shouldn’t, but that’s where so many lessons are found. Hey, I asked a life-long friend something today that made me feel so embarrassed afterwards, but she’s so full of grace that she just left it go… gah, there are so many good people in this world. Have a great Thursday and enjoy your (long) weekend! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Back in July, while chasing content around Western Ontario, I met Anna Swisterski. Our mutual friend Urszula put us in touch when the podcast was still fresh! Anna grew up in Windsor, Ontario. In her later teens, she started to feel a pull that she needed to leave and explore somewhere else and be in nature. Confused about next steps, she was sure she wanted to be in nature, so she jumped into the a Parks and Outdoor Recreation program for two years. The science and outdoors really interests her, but there was more depth with healing and intuition that was pulling her in other directions, along with a relationship! Later on, it was through a breakup and some self-healing and growth, Anna found herself as a Shadow Guide, and continues to live her truth and realities today! Today is also her birthday! Happy Birthday Anna. Thanks for sharing your story! — Links: Anna’s Personal Website; AnnaSwisterski.com The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! Not only is it Halloween today, it’s the first day of the last Mercury Retrograde of 2019! Unsure of what that means? I share a little in this episode about what retrograde means, and why the next three weeks may feel rather emotional and intense! I also share some perspectives on some chats with Jess and a few articles I’ve read recently about Halloween, costumes, the expectation and/or acceptance around “sexy” costumes, and why freedom of expression should really be embraced – especially for Halloween. I read an article about “slut-shaming” this week, and how it’s the most scary thing about Halloween. Halloween is loved by so many people, disliked by others, and misunderstood by a huge majority of the world that doesn’t even recognize the day! So enjoy, embrace, and accept. H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N ! — Links: Retrograde Article – Mercury In Retrograde Is Around The Corner, And It’s Time To Be Cautious Article – How Parents Should Talk About Sexy Halloween Costumes With Teens And Children Article – The Scariest Part Of Halloween Is Costume Slut-Shaming The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Karen Orr, my “newish” friend shares some stories about her career as an ICU nurse and how she prioritizes her mental health and establishing a work-life balance. In this episode, Karen speaks about her diagnosis with Crohn’s in 2004 and what life is like living with a chronic illness. Currently in remission, Karen explains how Crohn’s has really dominated her life and her level of planning and spontaneity. She shares some travel stories about how scary traveling can be with a chronic illness. Reserving energy is so crucial for everyone, but particularly for people living with a chronic illness. With her career and working through life with her chronic illness, Karen works hard to reach her goals, and elaborates on how she holds herself accountable for reaching them and how every goal she’s set for herself, she’s achieved or is in the process of achieving. #anothershitpun — LINKS: Brain on Fire The Moscow Rules 52 Lists Spoon Theory The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! An emotional week last week was accentuated by a fender bender in a parking lot earlier this week. The collision was as “good” as a collision could be, but really brought some financial perspectives full circle. I practice being vulnerable on this week’s TGIT by sharing some emotional perspectives I faced last week with regards to finances, and how some great friends of mine helped me pull my head in. I open up about some of my thought patterns with regards to finances, and how a chat with Jess opened up a can of worms about money scripts and money stories, the stories and limiting beliefs we all have about money and why it’s so important to understand your relationship with money. This week, I’m simply sharing the wave of emotions and thoughts I experienced this week! This podcasts means so much to me, and I’m still chasing this dream. — LINKS: Zoom H5 Shure PGA48 Boom Mic Stand The Art of Asking TED Talk The Art of Asking – Book Google Form for Sweaters – “under renovation!” The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Juliette and I met during our Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica in 2017. We were in the same room, and established a friendship that has kept us connected. Juliette is a person I admire so greatly. She’s intelligent, generous, talented and ambitious. Before jetting off to Burning Man in August, Juliette sat down with me to share some of her life stories with us for the podcast. In this episode, Juliette shares stories about her life growing up, going to school in several countries, traveling around the world, working and living abroad. She opens up about the loss of her Mother, and how that contributed to her battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. She shares her journey with yoga and meditation, her recent Vipassana, and how they’ve shaped her life and who she is today. Juliette’s passion for health and wellness is so prevalent in her words, her lifestyle and her business endeavours. — Links: Burning Man The Locomotive Co. Bulan Yoga The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! Another day, another drive, another roadside recording! Some fun Thanksgiving weekend updates, including the wrap up to the tire saga that started last week! A really lovely weekend in the Koots, and some intense games of Scrabble. The drive is beautiful, but it’s very long! So I listen to podcasts. Not just The Safe Haven Podcast, but a few others I’ll fill you in on, including one called HerMoney. After listening to several episodes of the HerMoney podcast today on my drive back to the lower mainland, I share some of my insights and perspectives on money and some of the views that really stood out. Hoodies or crewnecks anyone? Catch the details at the end about where you can share your interest! Thanks for your love and support! — Links: HerMoney Beautiful Anonymous The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Myana and I met in Bali, and immediately feel into a genuine friendship. This girl is a powerhouse, and I admire her so greatly. From growing up as an island girl, moving around the world, modelling, and even being Miss Universe to becoming a very ambitious entrepreneur, Myana is a force to be reckoned with. She’s real, she’s compassionate, she’s intelligent, and she sets really high goals for herself – then puts the work in to achieve them. Myana shares some personal stories about what it was like growing up on the islands, what being Miss Universe entails, about some of her struggles with endometriosis, and many others. Her stories are from the heart, and I hope you love our “visit” and her stories and messages! — Links: Instagram: @myanabananas FU’UNA Moxie Lash – Discount Code: MYMY10 Instagram: @moxielash Color Me Pure Instagram: @colormepure The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! This week’s TGIT elaborates a little on how I reset when I feel overwhelmed, how I work towards finding balance, and what goes on inside my squirrel brain sometimes with my mind’s internal dialogue. My mind is always on the go… A text from a friend sparked a chat about the fact that we shouldn’t assume, so I elaborate on The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, and why they are so important to incorporate into your life. That trails into some more chats with another friend about communication and how difficult it can be to speak our truth… but how important it is to do! There are also some updates on how things have been going here in BC, and why winter tires have created so much drama in my life this week. H A P P Y T H A N K S G I V I N G ! — Links: 16 Personalities Quiz The Difference: Introvert / Extrovert The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Back in July, while chasing content around Western Ontario, I met up with an old friend, Natasha Grant. In this episode, Natasha (joined by her sweetheart daughter Charlie!) opens up and elaborates on the challenges she and her husband Kyle faced with secondary infertility last year. They conceived their son Finn almost immediately after saying “I do!” – but their journey with their second born, Charlie, was far from that. From highs and lows, waiting for phone calls, referrals and appointments, hormone injections and procedures, this story sheds light on something many people experience. Natasha and Kyle are such a powerful team, and collectively hope that their story helps people feel understood and less alone. They welcome any questions and stories and offer support and ears to anyone who needs to talk! — Links: Robin’s Nest Family Care One Fertility Tiarne Shaw Dr Janine Buisman Wilcox, ND The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! Well here’s an update for the books… I am back in BC after a visit in Ontario! – yes, you read that correctly… I was in Ontario last weekend, and it was AMAZING. It was definitely strange to be there and not see my besties or have a car at my disposal to use to get where I wanted to go when I wanted or needed to. It was a massive time crunch – but was so worth it. I surprised my whole family (stories included!), spent Friday night with my sister and my nieces, was a plus-one at a wedding on Saturday, had great visits with my parents and grandparents, and got my required vulnerable sector check completed for my BC teaching requirements… flew in first thing on Tuesday, taught yesterday, and have another gig today! GO MODE to the extreme, and I love it. HAPPY OCTOBER! — Links: Vista Print Zoom H5 The Kosy Katie Sobil’s Instagram (PLEASE GO FOLLOW!) SKIDS Documentary The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Holly Bishop is like a real life mermaid. She is smart, kind, creative, fierce, and inquisitive – she’s also an incredible Mom and partner to her husband, Pablo! In this episode, Holly shares some beautiful stories about her life and her travels in her younger days, and her more recent travel adventures, designing a life that keeps her heart happy, her skin sun-kissed, and her kids exploring life and the beaches and all things beautiful while spending the majority of their time together down in Mexico! Holly has her own business, and is a talented jewelry maker. She also runs retreats and is passionate about helping others live their best life! Holly is such a powerful and inspiring woman, with interesting and intriguing perspectives. I’m honoured to have her as a part of this podcast. — LINKS: Gypseas Lifestyle Email Holly! [email protected] The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! This week, our first male guest hits the podcast. I start this recording by trying to clarify what I want this podcast to be and who I want it to reach… everyone. Kas was born as a female, but always knew something was different. At 14 years old, came out as a lesbian – something that was difficult to communicate, unsure of how it was going to be received. At 17, Kas learned about what it was to be transgender, and felt so much relief in knowing that he wasn’t alone, beginning his transition in Florida shortly thereafter. Kas’s story sheds light on his journey through self-hate, self-sabotage, suicidal ideation, self-harm, to now being a happy and successful musician, a strong advocate for the LGTBQ+ community, and husband to his loving and talented wife (and bandmate!) Emily – he even shares the story of how they met, which is so sweet! This episode also dives into the importance of emotional support, the stigmas and challenges presented by our society, looking after your own mental health, and the challenges associated with living with suicidal thoughts, and even our health care system. Kas, you’re such an inspiration, and I feel so grateful to know you and have you in my life. Thank you so much for diving in as a guest! “Being trans is finding, becoming and living as your true authentic self.” – Kas Baker — Links GF Strong, Vancouver Winter Youth Krow’s TRANSformation Reflections The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Mena Canonico and I were connected through Sarah Ritchie, last week’s guest! (this podcast has become the master networker!!) Mena sources her intuition, expertise and wisdom as she joins forces with her dream team of former rescue horses to spark healing and transformation in her clients. She’s incredibly dedicated and powerful. This podcast was recorded on July 18th, and exactly one month later, Shiloh, Mena’s greatest gift and love, chose to transition. This loss has been felt so deeply by Mena, yet she remains inspired by him and committed to her mission of sharing the magic and power of the work with many. One of the most beautiful things about this recording is that it took place just outside Shiloh’s stall, and he is very much present in our recording! You’ll hear him several times! In this episode, Mena shares her life story and how horses have helped her overcome her fear of them and continuously transform her own life so she can help others become empowered. She helps people experience more inner peace and confidence through facilitating deep, liberating and profound interactions with her herd of now 7 beautiful horses – interactions that shine a light on ‘blind spots’/illusions and help people connect to the TRUTH of who they really are and what they are capable of. Mena’s messages about not hiding, taking off your masks and taking control of your life are so inspiring. Mena and the Freedom Herd welcome people into their sacred space to dig deep and transform how they see their biggest struggles, so they can ignite their own intuition and expand towards their full potential… and in part, they do this by providing a safe space to JUST BE.—LINKS:Mena’s FacebookThe Safe Haven Podcast:Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven PodcastFacebook: The Safe Haven PodcastInstagram: The Safe Haven PodcastEmail: [email protected] code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co.Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! From looking after a geriatric bulldog to a diabetic cat and his hairless counterpart… just adding things to my resume! In this episode, I share my reflections on a Mark Manson article that I dove into this week called: “5 Skills to Help You Develop Emotional Intelligence.” I also share five things from my bucket list that I’ve crossed off over the years and why they were important for me to check off, with a quick short story for each of those items! (Thanks for the idea, Barbara!) I wrap up with some fun news updates, including what it’s like to be a part of a Fantasy Football League without having a single idea about how it actually works; how much I loved doing an Escape Room this weekend; and some really exciting news about my sister! You’ll have to listen for the updates on that one! — LINKS: Mark Manson’s Blogs, Archived by Date! ANZUK Education The Dive Doctor Revelstuck Escape Rooms Yoga Teacher Training – Marianne Wells Yoga School The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Sarah Ritchie has had such a powerful and positive impact on my life. Trained originally as a school teacher, Sarah shares the life experiences and trainings that have helped shape the incredible light worker and healer she is today. Amongst many titles, Sarah is a lightworker, a healer, a Shaman, a Reiki Master, a Meditation Teacher, an RMT, an Intuitive, and a dear friend of mine. From painful skin conditions to bouts of depression, Sarah’s story about how she has arrived at where she is today doing the work she does will inspire you to follow what feels right, listen to your intuition, and whatever it is that makes your heart beat. — LINKS: www.inneromwisdom.com @inneromwisdom The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! I have great friends. This recording takes place in Julie and Glen’s camping trailer… guys, I’m glamping this week, and I love it! In this episode, I share the story about surprising Julie and Glen for their wedding, my take on Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages, the importance on knowing what you want in a relationship and why big chats are so crucial, a university breakup (total blindside!), why being called “emotional” is A GOOD THING, my biggest insecurities, why the extra weight women carry below their belly button should be praised, and what I feel the differences are between hope and expectation. I share some progress with regards to my September goals, and how happy I feel about people taking me up on my invite to reach out and share their stories with me so we can line up a recording session. … thank you, thank you, thank you! — Links: Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages SWOOP Airlines Invisalign Reflection, Re: Kas’s Story The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Shortly after launching the podcast, Ashley Mariani reached out to ask me a few questions about the podcast. Long story short, we met up, we clicked, and now we’re friends! Ashley is a clinical social worker, is growing her own business, and has recently launched a podcast of her own! In this episode, you’ll hear us chat about the importance of storytelling, knowing your own story inside out and being aware of how you retell it to others and yourself, sexuality, communication, growth in relationships, Impression management, and a variety of other topics! Ashley, I appreciate you so much! — LINKS: MINDONLINE SOCIAL DETALKS PODCAST The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! I’ve made it back to Vancouver! This episode gives some updates on my adventure back from Bali and what I’m hoping September looks for me while I settle in to Vancouver. This is the first September in a few years that I haven’t been returning to a teaching job, so I’ve lined up a few new goals! My September goals include finding a job, a place to live, and getting back into my fitness and clean eating. I share some of the books I’ve been reading and my biggest takeaways from then, along with what experiencing every emotion possible while walking down the beach last week felt like! I also do a mini dive into the importance of friendship in my life and how much I value my friendships around the globe. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Sacha radiates positivity and health – but is very open and real about her lows and struggles, and that’s what makes her such a great guest for this podcast! In this episode, you’ll hear our shared excitement for life and the little things, and about the importance of moving your body – whatever shape and size it may be. Sacha shares some of her personal struggles with depression, bullying and her weight, as well as her goals moving forward with her personal training business and home studio. Sacha’s energy is so infectious, and I’m sure you’ll feel uplifted and inspired after this episode. — LINKS: Sacha’s Instagram / Site The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! Some listeners and friends have been asking about what I’ve been up to, so I’ve taken today’s episode to deliver an update from Bali and my adventures in Gili Trawangan, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida, and Ubud. It’s been such a special time! I also elaborate a little bit on feeling lonely, and how that is super rare and confronting for me. I’ve met some really cool new friends and they couldn’t have entered my life at a better time on this Indonesian adventure. Considering I booked this trip months ago, it couldn’t have come at a better time for me, providing me with emotional, mental and physical space from some goings on in my life, and some time to just turn inward and worry about me for a bit. Ahhh, life… xo — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

After being asked to be a guest on the podcast, Kathryn struggled with the topic idea we were considering; the loss of her Mom to ALS. This topic ended up being much more confronting that she’d anticipated, realizing that she hadn’t fully grieved the loss of her Mom over the past 9 years. So Kathryn came to the table willing to talk about her Mom but also couldn’t resist diving into other positive parts of her life that have also shaped who she is today. She weaves the storyline of loss and sadness into her experiences with the wilderness, wild and powerful women who are both friends and mentors, and her journey as a mother. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! During my first week in Bali, I met up with one of my greatest friends, Lindsey Francis. Recently back from her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, she and I caught up in Canggu before she headed back to the New Zealand winter. I feel so grateful to have been able to catch up in person! We’re usually in touch via FaceTime or hand written… (or typed!) letters in the mail. This girl is a powerhouse, and a really real one at that. Like many of us, she’s had her ups and downs, and although she was a little reluctant to jump into sharing a story on the podcast, she did! Linds shares about a bad concussion and her recovery afterwards, including depression, visits with a neuro, and an exercise addiction. Linds, I really value you and our friendship! Xx — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Joleen starts her story with how she met the love of her life, and how they joined their lives together. Shortly after they got serious – they got pregnant with Olivia – born one year to the day of their first date! Their lives changed quite significantly with the extremely severe allergies that presented with Olivia, and Joleen shares her stories about the challenges and difficulties with this in the young stages of Olivia’s life and how these allergies have altered their lives – but also how they work cohesively to make their lives as normal as possible. Joleen home-schools her kids and keeps her family outdoors and very active! This story will really inspire you to live your best life and to turn your lack of food intolerances and allergies into pure gratitude. This episode is much longer than a typical weekly release, but we just couldn’t cut this story short! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness it’s Thursday! – Hello, from Bali! – A few fun updates about the last few days here in Bali and where my busy brain is at! Some reflections that go deeper than anticipated as go on a few solo mini rambles! I am so grateful to be here in Bali, and have endless amounts of gratitude for my friend Juliette for having me stay with her! I love you, friend. Please be sure to rate, review, like, subscribe, and maybe tell a friend! — Try this! So fun and so accurate… https://www.16personalities.com/ — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Brandi gets real with us about the struggles of being a really passionate entrepreneur. Working in a male-dominated industry, Brandi’s drive and dedication to chasing her goals keeps her in motion and her business growing! From traveling the world, to family holidays, days at Wonderland to weekends on the boat, she’s a wife, Mom, inspiring and successful entrepreneur, and super dedicated woman. Brandi hopes to set an example of hard work and work-life balance for her family and for women in the community and around the world. Her vulnerability in this podcast was “unexpected,” as she put it afterwards, and is really real! — LINKS: Wai Products Website: https://www.waiproducts.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Waiproducts/ The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness it’s Thursday! I made a new friend when I was in London! Her name is Grace Paul, and she’s such a cool person. Grace is a cook, a blogger, and an editor. In this podcast, you’ll hear about her latest shift – leaving her job! But this shift sheds so much light on her positive and sound mindset, where her visions lie, what her passions are, and what her goals are for her near and distant future. Her wisdom and insights are incredible. Grace, you’re so great, and I really appreciate you! — LINKS: Shared House Kitchen Instagram: @gracepauleats The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Stacy has found the balance between science and art… she’s had to, ever since her son Parker was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic. Life goes on for a T1, but it certainly has its ups and downs, and not just with regard to blood sugar levels. Long nights, stressful days, planning every meal and where to eat, dangerous lows and highs, numerous appointments and learning through these challenges as Parker grows up. Stacy is so knowledgeable and her real life stories about the stress and the struggles. If you’re a T1, this podcast will help you feel less alone, and for everyone else with a functioning pancreas, will make you feel so grateful that your pancreas works as it should. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank Goodness it’s Thursday! Some recent updates about what’s going on in my life, including the drive across Canada, my perspectives on normalizing normal bodies and some insecurities, podcasts I love, why I love bucket lists, and what brings me back to centre. Listeners have been asking how they can support the podcast… so I reluctantly share how you can do so! Please be sure to rate, review, like and subscribe. – A Xx — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

On Monday, June 17th, I saw something pop up on my Instagram feed that made me smile… Project SHE. When I saw Shay’s name attached to it, I knew I needed to jump on her at spin that afternoon… and did just that. We knew we needed to get a recording in ASAP, and the girls came over the next day for a lovely evening chat! Shay Hutchings and Sarah Comer are two of the wisest 24 year old women I have ever met. In this episode, they share a basic timeline of their *relationship* and how their steadfast friendship has brought them together for an incredible project and business endeavour – Project SHE. You will hear the girls talk about who SHE. is, what their visions of Project SHE. are, and what to expect from this journey. You’ll be amazed as what these two young women have started, and will immediately share their visions of success. Project SHE. is going to explode! — LINKS: Instagram: @projectshe_ The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

This week’s TGIT episode is pretty unique! I was given Brenda’s contact information from two different friends in the matter of two weeks… you know my feelings on the universe, so when Darlene mentioned Brenda again at spin one afternoon, I knew it was time to make the call. We spoke for over an hour, like we’d known each other for years. Brenda is a lightworker, using many modalities Including the Emotion Code and the Body Code to release blocked emotions. Brenda suggested that we do a session for me so that I could speak to that experience during our recording! Well… to say the least and to keep some suspense, I was blown away. We did the session, and in this podcast episode, we dive into how the session went, what came up, and Brenda explains how she helps people move into being the best version of themselves. There’s no holding back in this episode! You’ll learn a lot about me, too! Thanks for listening! Xx — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

*Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse* I like to think that society is slowing waking up to the importance of talking about mental health… it’s so important to care for and maintain your mental health and wellbeing, and this guest and I get into that discussion. This beautiful soul shares her struggles with mental health, medication, a label that she carried for seven years, sexual abuse in a relationship, and how she’s overcome these lows to rise and grow into the incredible woman she is today. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Today’s TGIT is fun! It comes to you from the side of the road in farm country, near Orangeville, Ontario! In this light hearted episode, you’ll get some of the latest updates and some fun stories. Thank goodness for cellphone hotspots to upload, and this lovely mic / MacBook Pro set up… LIFE IS AMAZING! – A Xx — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

In this very raw and vulnerable episode, Chyna shares her struggles and journey with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. She doesn’t hold back, and is so aware of how prevalent PPD and PPA is, and is working hard amongst her peers and this community to spread awareness and remove any stigmas related to mental health, PPD/PPA, and medication. Chyna is so knowledgeable and real in all areas of her life, and this podcast episode is no exception. Grab the Kleenex… this is so powerful. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Thank goodness it’s Thursday! For this week’s TGIT episode, I convinced my super lovely friend Katie (and host for this leg of my adventure) to sit and have a light hearted chit chat with me about my time here in London so far, and what living in London is like for her. Katie has been living here in England for nearly five years. We met in Australia in 2013, and have maintained a friendship from a distance. I really value and appreciate Katie and her friends for welcoming me into their space! She’s created a super lovely and supportive network of friends here who are more like family, and I was so fortunate to meet so many of them. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

On October 19th, 2011, Heather and her family went through something no family should ever have to go through… the loss of her brother, to a horrendous home invasion. Heather shares her version of this story with us, and how life has changed since those dark days, weeks and months. Heather is such a strong individual, and after listening to this story, you’ll have a totally new understanding of grace and gratitude. *Get the Kleenex.* — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

I started following Annelie on Instagram about a year and a half ago after one of my besties won a workshop with her online. I was immediately drawn into her real and raw nature online, sharing parts of her life and her yoga practice and life lessons with her followers. We were both experiencing a similar low last year, and I sent her a message, admittedly not expecting a reply, but simply just sending some love… low and behold, she replied! Having followed her for a while, I really started to appreciate the things she was sharing, and her insights online. While creating my guest list, I immediately thought of her and how cool it would be to have her as a guest… so, I sent another message, and she jumped at the opportunity to chat with me! Annelie and I learned quickly that we share many parallels in life and personality, and connected very easily! From some dark days in high school to her yoga practice, progress and growth on Instagram, and some really great perspectives on all things life, Annelie shares some stories with us that will really brighten your day. — LINKS: Instagram: @annelieyoga The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Victoria is a gorgeous human, inside and out. In this episode, she shares her journey into her own online marketing business success, that allows her to design the life she loves! She reminisces and shares some travel stories, how she met her love, and shares how and why they work so well as a team to make their relationship work while she spends 9 months with him in Honduras and 3 months back home working each summer with the goal of getting Denis here to stay! — LINKS: Vic’s Instagram The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

After some lovely feedback about last Thursday’s random episode, I’ve started thinking that some random Thursday drops might blend in nicely and give my lovely listeners so more to munch on during the week. I think we’ll call these ones TGIT – That Goodness it’s Thursday! – because really, Thursdays were my favourite weekday this year, and felt like a little Friday. Some will be with guests, and others will just be me! So this week’s TGIT features my sister, Allison! She has a huge heart, often guarded, but is one of the most thoughtful and caring humans I know. We weren’t always friends, but have finally come to the stage where we just love each other to pieces and feel so grateful for one another. I’m super lucky to have her as a sister and a best friend. You’ll hear some thumps – another learning curve – hand talkers that tap on wooden surfaces while talking… and while recording… well, those thumps really comes through the mic! Ahhhh well, we get excited! Thanks for listening! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Kortney Ecclestone (formerly Gerber) was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was in high school. In this episode, Kortney shares her timelines through this journey, as well as what kept her going through her surgeries and struggles. She’s been seizure free since her benign tumour was removed in October 2011! A message from Kortney: “So… I know that when you listen to this podcast episode, you might think ‘wow, she sounds super happy and lighthearted about her whole experience.’ Please know… this is mostly nerves. My experience was real. It was emotional and traumatic and terrifying, and sometimes the best way to face fear is with laughter. I also want to point out how fortunate I have been. Not everyone is a candidate for surgery. I know that, and I am very grateful for the gift I have been given. I am also blessed with the most AMAZING friends and family… who love me and support me unconditionally.” Kortney mentions Katie’s Run, which is in Haliburton on July 6, 2019. — LINKS: Website:https://www.katiesrun.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatiesRunforEpilepsy/ The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Hey everyone! This is Amanda, the host of The Safe Haven Podcast, just popping on to say “heeeyy!” I just couldn’t hold out any longer, and needed to drop another *solo* episode to express my gratitude and share some updates. Thank you, SO much, for listening. Your support and patience has kept my fire stoked, and words can hardly articulate the gratitude I feel. The podcast is already doing what I’d hoped it would do… join people together, make them feel less alone, and help people connect. Messages aren’t just being sent to me… they’re being sent to the guests who are sharing their stories. They’re touching lives and hearts. I’d hoped that this podcast would help people feel less alone, and more connected to the world around them, and we’re already there. A perfect example is how one of my besties in Vancouver has already reached out to Nancy about setting up a call! The network is growing and becoming a strong movement already. I owe it to my guests, and you, my listeners. Thank you for your vulnerability and for your support. In this release, I also: – acknowledge sound quality and inconsistency! – share upcoming guests to keep you stoked! – let you in on some super fun statistics … thank you so much! The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Michelle is a friend of mine here in Haliburton! We met working at a local restaurant one summer during university. In this episode, Michelle shares her story about growing up with a Mom she didn’t know and a drug addicted Dad. She talks about her dark past and estranged Mother, what life was like growing up, the significant shifts in her life, meeting the sister she didn’t know she had, and the people that have helped shape her into the incredible and resilient woman she is today. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

Nancy Brownsberger has to be one of the most genuine and authentic people I have ever met. During a girls night on March 28, 2014, Nancy’s house burned down… in this episode, Nancy opens up about the devastation of that night and the months that followed, along with her journey afterward through depression and PTSD, and how she was able to move forward from sitting in the *ick* of this life altering event. Nancy’s main goal in this life is to serve others as her most authentic self, and does just that with her job and business, Grow Optimism. (PS: You’ll hear the phone ring, the oven tell us that the pizza is ready, and you will even the lawn mower as John finishes his chores for the day! But hey, I promised real life with this podcast, didn’t I? And please note some strong language used in this episode – from the soul, and full of raw, real emotion.) — LINKS: Find Nancy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowOptimism/ Find Nancy on Instagram: @growoptimism The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets

This is the introduction episode for The Safe Haven podcast! I elaborate on where the podcast idea came from, and what I’m hoping to deliver and facilitate with this platform. In a very impromptu manner, I end up sharing a confronting embarrassing moment that helped shape who I am today, and I open up about my recent return to myself and my happiness! You’ll learn what to expect from the podcast and its guests, and the topics that are coming up in future episodes. In this VERY FIRST episode of the safe haven podcast, you’ll get to experience what this adventure is all about. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven Podcast Facebook: The Safe Haven Podcast Instagram: The Safe Haven Podcast Email: [email protected] Use code SAFEHAVEN for 15% off at Love Powered Co. Use code SAFEHAVEN for $40 off at HUSH Blankets