Warrior Spirit Podcast: Recent Episodes
Beth Sturdevant
Welcome to the Warrior Spirit Podcast; conversations featuring raw and inspirational stories of triumph over tragedy, overcoming adversity, and the healing process that often accompanies positive change, growth, and finding inner peace.
Join hosts Beth Sturdevant and Jenny Sawanohk, as they speak with special guests to share their thoughts on how they turned their painful experiences into positive transformations — for themselves, and the lives they touch.
*TW: The conversations and content in these interviews may contain triggering events involving personal trauma, and at times, the recounting of upsetting experiences or disturbing imagery. Listener’s discretion is strongly advised.
Follow socials: https://www.facebook.com/warriorspiritpodcast www.instagram.com/warrior_spirit_podcast
Beth Sturdevant: www.bethsturdevant.com
Jenny Sawanohk: www.misiwenirelations.com
Sean Strasbourg - Sound Editing
Born in Gracefield, Quebec, Olympic Athlete Caroll-Ann Alie began competing in windsurfing at the age of 18, and soon became a member of the Canada National Sailing Team. She is a 3-time world champion in windsurfing, Pan Am Games silver and gold windsurfing medalist, and competed in sailing at the 1992 Summer Olympics, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2000 Summer Olympics.
In 1993, Caroll-Ann became a member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame 2010.
Caroll-Ann speaks with Beth and Kelley about following her dreams, the Olympian journey, and how that has helped her in other trials and tribulations throughout her life.
Just after Christmas 2021, US Navy AWV1(NAC/AW) Ryan P. Denny ended up in the hospital in San Diego, California, battling for his life after he contracted double pneumonia post Covid-19. Miraculously he survived, and only 2 months after leaving the hospital, Ryan shares with us his near-death experience of being in a coma for 16 days, placed on a ventilator for 4 weeks, and an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine for 18 days.
In this episode we are joined by Rabbi and Master Reiki Practitioner Joshua Corber, a Senior Rabbi at the Beit Rayim Synagogue & School, in Vaughan, Ontario.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Rabbi Corber grew up in the Reform Jewish tradition, while attending jewish day schools and jewish summer camps. Later in life, while majoring in religion, literature and the arts at UBC, his interests in spirituality and mythology lead him to begin studying and practicing the Japanese healing art form of Reiki. Rabbi Corber shares with us how, through Reiki and his experiences using it around the world, he developed a deeper connection with Judaism and became a more observant Jew.
Allen Kanerva is a former Canadian Military Officer and Humanitarian worker who worked in post conflict and humanitarian disaster situations. Allen served domestically as well as in Egypt, Iraq, South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya. Today, he is an Neuro-Linguistics Practitioner (NLP) Master Coach and International Trainer. In this episode, Allen speaks with Beth and Kelley about his trauma-team, and the rigorously researched tools in neuro-science that address post-traumatic stress without the use of drugs, without re-experiencing trauma, and with a greater than 90% success rate.
To find out more about Allen and his trauma team visit www.traumateam.com
In Season 3 of the Warrior Spirit Podcast, we would like to welcome our new co-host Kelley Crowe; Kelley is a Neuro Linguistic Practitioner, Sepsis Survivor, mother of 2 biological children and 2 foster children, recipient of the “Women Building Better Communities Award” award, and owner of the Resilience Hub Canada – a not-for-profit organization that offers funding to people to receive help and healing from trauma.
In this episode Beth and Kelley talk about the importance of seeking continual personal growth and looking for alternative means of therapy and healing, to help access the inner workings of our subconscious mind, and most importantly to release us from the binding effects of our past traumas.
Father of 3 Ryan Hunt is a recovered addict, mortgage agent, and an addictions counsellor, Carly Henkelman-Leavoy is a mother of 2, Forest and Nature School Practitioner and holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology. In this episode we talk about the deep-rooted void of addictions, the disempowering effects of modern-day educational systems and psycho-educational labelling, and how these experiences can diminish our capacities to value and know who we truly are.
https://naturehillconnection.com/
Finding the courage to leave an abusive husband, single mother Tammy Warrington shares her story of living in shelters, trusting her instincts, and ending toxic cycles by creating positive changes for herself and her two boys.
www.sharingtonvs.com
Film maker, DJ, and digital marketer, Acie Tran is a single father who’s been a vocal advocate for men’s mental health for several years, helping to define what it means to be a man in today’s society. He runs the Ottawa Dad’s Group on Facebook, which has over 1000 members in the Ottawa area. As a life coach and life-long student, Acie believes that mental health and spiritual development is essential for men and fathers, as is the need for conscious parenting and being healthy male role models for the next generation of boys and men.
@Ninemilecreative
@coachacie_
@djacie_
Amazon best-selling author and Joy Aficionada, Olga Dewar, shares with us the importance of happiness and how to find more of it every day. She is one of the happiest people in the world and always pleased to share her love for life with others. It was not always easy in the face of life’s adversities, but she figured out the way. If you are looking to add more happiness to your year, months, weeks, or days ahead, listen to this episode.
www.happinessbyyou.com
In today’s podcast, we are joined by power coach and former IDF (Israeli Self Defense) Operational Sergeant & international self-defence teacher Mirav Tarkka, who speaks with us about the importance of inner strength & awareness, un-choosing violence, and stepping out of the victim mentality to avoid potential dangers and conflicts in life.
www.peppercoaching.com
FB: www.facebook.com/mirav.tarkka
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirav.tarkka/
In today’s podcast, we talk with Relationship Recovery Coach and Divorce Mediator, Diane Valiquette, about recovering from the emotional toils of a relationship breakdown, her 8-Week Blueprint program that helps people understand their patterns so that they don’t keep repeating them.
www.dianevaliquette.com
Today we are joined by former radio announcer “J-Man” Jason Petrunik, host of the Launchpad Podcast, and the owner of the largest leisure/tradeshow in the Ottawa Valley “Showcase in Petawawa”.
Jason speaks with us about the loss of his mother, critical thinking, and the importance of constructive open intelligent conversations.
@jmanisalive
Youtube.com/jmanisalive
www.thelaunchpadpodcast.com
In this episode we are joined by 7th dan black belt, 2004 World Tae Kwon Do Champion Master Chris Reid, to discuss perseverance and the warrior mindset & dedication needed to achieving one’s goals in life.
After a few failed attempts at winning a World TKD championship title, Master Reid’s insatiable desire to win mixed with his commitment and dedication to his dream, eventually manifested in his ability to win the title as World Champion.
Blake Gauthier’s warrior spirit journey is a story of resurrection and actionable change. Of death and transfiguration. 3 years ago and over 530lbs, Blake died from a massive heart attack, only to be resurrected and make a warrior’s transformation in support of living a better life, and manifesting his childhood dreams.
From Lame Deer, Montana, but currently living in Denver, Colorado – Sheldon Spotted Elk (Tsista – Northern Cheyenne Tribe) is a change agent to move the child welfare system towards humanity and love. Recognized as a NCAIED 40 Under 40, he has worked tirelessly with tribal and state courts on Indigenous child and family issues, and has recently been appointed as judge on the Ute Indian Tribe (Uintah & Ouray) Court of Appeals. Author of articles on the ICWA and an adjunct law professor, Sheldon is a Warrior through and through decolonizing systems to better serve Indigenous people.
Today’s episode explores the incredible journey of Alec Mead, from street musician to Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of a very successful real estate investment company Home Group Ventures, and how Alec’s beliefs of infinite creativity and connection to one’s true self, has helped him create miracles in his life and the world around us, by improving the quality-of-life for others through greater financial freedom.
www.homegroupventures.com
Leading up to the September 30th Remember Me: An Annual Day of Remembrance, at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, Beth and Jenny discuss the importance of truth and reconciliation, and the value of how we identify ourselves and the language we use, as allies and practitioners.
Please consider donating and helping this group of volunteers reach their fundraising goal;
https://www.gofundme.com/f/remember-me-an-annual-day-of-remembrance?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet
You can visit the official Remember Me website at;
http://remember-me-september-30.org
We had the honour of interviewing Indigenous Warrior Joseph Brings Plenty Sr. who is Mnicoujou and Ogala Lakota from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. He is a traditional practitioner of the Lakota Traditions and owns a boxing club where he helps disadvantaged youth on the reservation to seek positive resolve for the many issues facing Indigenous people.
A website is currently in the works for Wolves Den Boxing. Any support for Joseph and his vision can be sent through prayers. Words of encouragement, energetic exchanges and monetary donations can also be sent to wolvesdenboxing@yahoo.ca and via paypal
Welcome to the Warrior Spirit Podcast Season 2!
Along with our name change, we also honour the introduction of our new co-host, Jenny Šâwanohk.
Jenny is a proud member of the Moose Cree First Nation and, like Beth, has her own healing and spiritual education practice. She specializes in traditional medicine work and has studied and has extensive experience working in child welfare, children’s mental health and is very passionate about indigenous social work.
Beth and Jenny discuss the recent uncovering of hundreds of unmarked graves within the now closed residential schools in Canada, and the healing work that must be done in the wake of such a painful history and traumatic present for indigenous peoples.
They also announce their trip to the states to the many relevant, sacred sites that matter to both of them. On this journey they will be talking to numerous interesting individuals and knowledge keepers, all of which will be appearing in future episodes of this podcast!
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Support us on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/
Follow socials:
https://www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/
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Beth’s website and healing practice:
www.bethsturdevant.com
info@bethsturdevant.com
Jenny Sawanohk:
www.misiwenirelations.com
Zachary Porter, Audio Editing & SWP Co-Producer:
www.zacharyitahokow.com
info@zacharyitahokow.com
www.instagram.com/itahokowmusic/
In today's episode, Randy Kakegamick, a man of Ojibwe & Cree descent, retells his childhood of living with close family and relatives who survived residential school; The traumas, his struggles with alcoholism, crime, and the intergenerational impacts of being an indigenous person of Canada. He speaks on behalf of himself, siblings and all brothers and sisters native to this land that are on the path to reconciliation and healing. Miigwetch! https://www.facebook.com/randy.kakegamick.3 https://www.instagram.com/randykakegamick/ Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ Follow socials: https://www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ www.instagram.com/bethsturdevant.spiritwarrior/ Beth’s website and healing practice: www.bethsturdevant.com info@bethsturdevant.com Zach Porter, Audio Editing & SWP Co-Producer: www.porteraudio.com mix@porteraudio.com www.instagram.com/porteraudio/ These episodes at times contain graphic and triggering content involving emotional and physical trauma, scenarios of abuse and strong language. Listener's discretion is advised
Author Tanya Koller joins Beth Sturdevant to talk about how her life and the pain she experienced helped to inspire her book Misha and the Purple Moon Prophecy; a fantasy story about a young woman’s journey to discovering higher consciousness and her inner warrior.
Tanya’s personal quest to finding inner peace lead her to travel the planet, participate in various mindfulness and meditation retreats with some of the top Shamans and gurus around the world, and earn a doctorate in Metaphysical Science.
In this podcast, we discuss how adversity and trauma can become fuel for purpose and passion, and help us discover what we are truly capable of.
www.tanyakoller.com
Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ Follow socials: https://www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ www.instagram.com/bethsturdevant.spiritwarrior/ Beth’s website and healing practice: www.bethsturdevant.com info@bethsturdevant.com Zach Porter, Audio Editing & SWP Co-Producer: www.porteraudio.com mix@porteraudio.com www.instagram.com/porteraudio/
What happens if your life turns upside down because you don’t have the information or resources to find a solution? Lieutenant Commander Rob Waller, a Senior Naval Engineer in the Royal Canadian Navy, joins host Beth Sturdevant to talk about his experiences dealing with panic attacks and anxiety, both at work and at home, and the importance of finding work-life balance in a high stressed, ever-changing environment.
Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ Follow socials: https://www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ www.instagram.com/bethsturdevant.spiritwarrior/ Beth’s website and healing practice: www.bethsturdevant.com info@bethsturdevant.com Zach Porter, Audio Editing & SWP Co-Producer: www.porteraudio.com mix@porteraudio.com www.instagram.com/porteraudio/
Singer songwriter Mélanie J. Lelièvre spent most of her life searching to find her voice, and herself. Having grown up living in constant uncertainty and fear caring for her sick and dying father, Melanie struggled to find her self-worth and personal power through eating disorders, a pornography addiction, and eventually relationships. But it wasn’t until Melanie found the courage to stand up for herself against her rapist in court, that she finally discovered her worth and her voice, as a warrior.
IG @roelyn.wilde
Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ Follow socials: https://www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ www.instagram.com/bethsturdevant.spiritwarrior/ Beth’s website and healing practice: www.bethsturdevant.com info@bethsturdevant.com Zach Porter, Audio Editing & SWP Co-Producer: www.porteraudio.com mix@porteraudio.com www.instagram.com/porteraudio/
Violinist Alexandra Cutler-Fetkewicz shares with us her journey of overcoming adversity having survived a devastating car crash that almost took her life and her career as a concert violinist. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Alex’s long journey to recovery, not just physically, but emotionally, intellectually, and interpersonally as well, lead her to have a deeper understanding of the importance of life and to recognize her capacities to rise above other major challenges. http://phillymusiclab.com Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ Follow socials: https://www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ www.instagram.com/bethsturdevant.spiritwarrior/ Beth’s website and healing practice: www.bethsturdevant.com info@bethsturdevant.com Zach Porter, Audio Editing & SWP Co-Producer: www.porteraudio.com mix@porteraudio.com www.instagram.com/porteraudio/
After her husband left her for another woman, Mony Dojeiji found herself questioning her purpose and her entire life as she knew it. It was then that Mony decided to leave her job as a successful consultant, and go on a 2-year Pilgrimage of self-discovery on her own, to look inwards at whatever wars were raging inside of her. After walking the 800-km Camino trail, followed by the 5000-km 13 country Pilgrimage from Rome to Jerusalem, Mony finally found the inner peace and love she was always looking for. Mony is the author of "Walking Alone: A Pilgrim's Guide to the Inner Journey", "Channelings", and "Walking for Peace: an Inner Journey" co-authored by her husband Alberto Agraso, whom she met while on her Pilgrimage to Rome. https://www.amazon.ca/Mony-Dojeiji/e/B0067MDKYI Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ Follow socials: https://www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/ www.instagram.com/bethsturdevant.spiritwarrior/ Beth’s website and healing practice: www.bethsturdevant.com info@bethsturdevant.com Zach Porter, Audio Editing & SWP Co-Producer: www.porteraudio.com mix@porteraudio.com www.instagram.com/porteraudio/
Vibrant single mother of 4, Christine Caron went from leading an active and healthy lifestyle, to being in a medically induced coma for one month, and having to amputate 3 and a-half-limbs all because of a small dog bite. Often known as “the dog-bite woman”, Christine, shares with us her life-altering and life-threatening experience of going into extreme Septic shock in response to a small infection, and how that put her on a mission to help educate and support others.
Christine is now an advocate for Sepsis awareness, is on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Sepsis Foundation, and is helping to start the Amputee Coalition of Canada to connect amputees across Canada and to offer them a support system to feel and believe that “There is life after amputation and trauma.” – Christine Caron.
To find out more about Christine Caron and her journey in helping other Sepsis survivors and Amputee, please visit https://canadiansepsisfoundation.ca/Sepsis-Stories
To support what we do, please consider becoming a member for exclusive behind the scenes content, on our Patreon page. For as little as $1 per month, you can help us continue to share more powerful stories of strength and growth beyond adversity.
https://www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast
*TW: The conversations and content in these interviews may contain triggering events involving personal trauma, and at times, the recounting of upsetting experiences or disturbing imagery. Listener’s discretion is strongly advised.
Lynda Heyden-Carroll joins us in this episode of the Spirit Warrior Podcast, to share her story of finding happiness and joy beyond grief and despair, after the sudden loss of her father to suicide, and the tragic death of her teenage daughter in a boating accident.
Lynda’s moving story of the power of forgiveness and finding inner peace after immense tragedy, is a beautiful example of the strength and capacities of our warrior spirits to celebrate and live our lives, beyond our traumas.
https://www.lyndaheyden.com/
To support what we do, please consider becoming a member for exclusive behind the scenes content, on our Patreon page. For as little as $1 per month, you can help us continue to share more powerful stories of strength and growth beyond adversity.
https://www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast
In this podcast episode, Sarah Cross shares with us her journey through child abuse & starvation, being made to sleep in chicken coops, living in Foster Care, struggles with alcoholism, and eventually finding the strength within herself to break free from the cages of her past, freeing her to become the powerful business leader and spirit warrior that she is today.
This intimate and powerful modern-day Cinderella story about overcoming adversity and finding self-love, despite growing up in a world of chaos and trauma, offers us all inspiration to believe in ourselves and the strength that we hold inside.
@salonblissottawa
To help support us in what we do, please consider becoming a member on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast
Michael is a Father of 2, and the Lead Pastor at Community Life Church as well as the owner and kickboxing instructor for CREED Martial Arts. In this episode we talk about overcoming our limiting beliefs, learning disabilities and ADHD, and how inner strength, faith, and living like a warrior can help us push through the inner and outer obstacles in life, and allow us to become better people. Michael's journey in life and passion in Martial Arts, lead him to his path as a Pastor, but also in helping to save himself from his battle with Lupus. Stay up to date on all our episode releases, by subscribing to our YouTube channel or by following us on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../spirit.../id1547444298 https://open.spotify.com/show/6lG8eaPP04Khnfeo8F45lm https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx85wq7mSrc9sqtrdRw62GQ You can also support us and receive upcoming special bonus content, on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast
Pete Bernard is an Algonquin Shaman from the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation in Golden Lake, Ontario. In this episode we discuss some of the adverse events that helped shape Pete’s life, our potential - as humans - to evolve and grow through trauma, and the incredible teachings he has to offer as a 'Spirit Warrior', author, educator, and healer. https://www.the8thfire.com/ To get exclusive video content please visit us on Patreon www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast
Like and join our Facebook page www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast
You can also visit our website at www.bethsturdevant.com/podcast
In this first introductory episode of the Spirit Warrior Podcast, host Beth Sturdevant provides an in-depth glimpse into what it means to be a Spirit Warrior, how each and every one of us has the 'Spirit of a Warrior', and why this podcast and its raw and inspirational stories are important in helping you find the strength within yourself to overcome adversity through positive growth and change.
To get exclusive video content please visit us on Patreon www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast
Like and join our Facebook page www.facebook.com/spiritwarriorpodcast
You can also visit our website at www.bethsturdevant.com/podcast