Learn With Lels: Recent Episodes
Kaitlin Jingco, aka Lels
In the Learn With Lels blog, Kaitlin learns about life and herself as she attempts to navigate the twenties. In the podcast version of Learn With Lels, she sits down with a variety of guests to talk about their lives and the biggest lessons they've learned on their journeys.
Chloe Grande, an eating disorder awareness blogger, talks about her journey to recovery, the impacts of diet culture, and her work crushing myths and helping eating disorder survivors know they’re not alone.
Tracie Garacochea, a California-based adaptive skateboarder, talks about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and how she never let it hold her back, how she got into this unique sport despite being reluctant to use a wheelchair, and conquering fears regardless of age.
Tim Blackmore, a media studies professor at Western University, talks about the problems in our society, his media theory class and its impact on me, why “everyone’s always so offended nowadays,” and how we’re slowly progressing for the better.
Hi everybody, and thank you for listening to episode 40 of the Learn With Lels podcast.
This episode is definitely one of my favourites. This week, I spoke with Desiree Gamotin, a Filipina Canadian who ditched her corporate life in New York City and Toronto to be a remote-working surfer girl in Siargao, Philippines—legit, her life is basically my vision board and I was fangirling a little too hard when I was talking to her.
In our conversation we talked about:
-
why Des decided to make this drastic life change;
-
what her day-to-day is like as a surfer/remote-worker (think, work hours based on the tide);
-
surf culture in the Philippines and what it’s like surfing amongst people who look like her (something I’m dying to experience); and
-
how we have the power to create our own rules.
This conversation weirded me out because of how similar Des and I are (we’re both Filipinas, Western University journalism alums, and travel-obsessed surfers with a love for Toronto). It also made me so excited for my future because Des helped me to see that you really can build a life that’s totally authentic to who you are.
I hope you enjoy this conversation, and be sure to check out Des’ podcast, Siargao Love Stories.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe wherever you listen, and follow me on social for more content (@LearnWithLels on Instagram and @KaitlinJingco on LinkedIn and Twitter).
Jade Jingco, my sister, talks about being an ICU nurse during this pandemic and her thoughts on claims that COVID is a hoax.
A compilation of life lessons from Vy Nguyen, Shauna Solomon-Krakus, Stephanie Karam, Sue Lowman, Robin Pacquing, Brahm Leupen, Halyna Polityka, Grace Kuang, Eva Latapi, and Rochelle Byrne.
Caroline Mangosing, the founder and CEO of VINTA Gallery, talks about her ethical clothing business, entrepreneurship, and helping the Filipino community understand our colonized history and identity.
Dr. Stephen Barr, a professor and researcher at Western University, talks about how the COVID-19 vaccine works, the new vaccine he and his team are working on, and the misinformation being spread about getting vaccinated.
Shaunasea Brown, a humanities PhD candidate at York University, talks about what it means to be a Black woman in Canada, the politics around Black hair, and addressing racism in our society.
Mark Taylor, a self-proclaimed personal finance nerd, talks about why your money is disappearing and what you can do to get control of your dough.
A compilation of life lessons from Krista Kolodziejzyk, my parents, Carlos Castano, Andrea Felstead, Erin Breen, Raven Lacerte, Nancy Ruth Deen, Nicole Morais, Shailene Panylo, and Marley Bowen.
Connie Sobczak, the founder of The Body Positive, talks about their work to help people embrace their bodies, how to quiet inner criticism, and how self-love is the key to a better life.
A compilation of life lessons from my mom, Megan Ardiel, Jedda, my Auntie Connie Mariano, Merideth Kahn, Jennifer Swanson David, Oseko, Tracey Castano, Molly Vaclav, and Brianna Nelson.
Rochelle Byrne, the founder of A Greener Future, talks about her 430-kilometre paddleboarding trip through Lake Ontario, her team’s work to clean up the shoreline, and how we’re all connected to the lake’s health.
Eva Latapi, a psychologist and creator of the “Get Over Him Please” Instagram page, talks about moving on after a breakup, how to be a good partner, and finding the right person for you.
Grace Kuang, from McMaster University’s Academic Sustainability Programs Office, talks about sustainability, the issue of fast fashion, how climate change and social justice are tied together, and what we can do to help.
Halyna Polityka, a registered psychotherapist, talks about dealing with anxiety, giving ourselves grace during this pandemic, and why it’s so important to live based on our own values.
Brahm Leupen, an adventure seeker and van dweller, talks about his months-long bike trip in Africa and what it’s like living in a van.
Robin Pacquing, a leader in the Great Lakes surfing community, talks about where and how to find the best lake waves, how she is trying to make surfing more inclusive and diverse, and why she loves the sport so much,
Sue Lowman, the first internationally adopted person in Ontario, talks about her adoption experience, what she’d say to her biological parents if she had the chance, and finding your place in a world where you stand out in every way.
Stephanie Karam, a career counsellor at Ontario Tech University, talks about the struggles her students face in figuring out their career paths and what to do if you don’t know what to do.
Shauna Solomon-Krakus, a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Toronto, talks about eating disorders and body image, the dangers of diet culture, and the importance of body representation in the media.
Vy Nguyen, a Bowmanville tattoo artist, talks about how she changed career paths after studying and working in science, what it’s like becoming and being a tattoo artist, and the importance of being true to yourself.
Marley Bowen, executive director of Get REAL, talks about the non-profit’s amazing work to combat LGBTQ+ discrimination, how they’ve shifted due to the pandemic, and how Get REAL would’ve helped her growing up.
Shailene Panylo, a community leader and the organizer of the Oshawa Black Lives Matter protest, talks about Black Lives Matter, her experience growing up in Oshawa as a Black woman, and creating an anti-racist future
Nicole Morais, co-owner of Crave Doughnuts, talks about how Crave started, what goes into making their delicious doughnuts, how they’ve adjusted with COVID-19, and what it’s like being a young business owner.
Nancy Ruth Deen, a breakup coach, on dealing with heartbreak and how to successfully move forward and rediscover yourself after a breakup.
Raven Lacerte, the co-founder of the Moose Hide Campaign, on ending violence toward women and children and understanding why Indigenous women are uniquely impacted by this issue.
Erin Breen, a pediatric cardiac nurse, talks about the highs and lows of taking care of sick children and gives insight on what it’s like being on the frontlines of a global pandemic.
Andrea Felstead, a transgender woman, talks about coming out, what transitioning has been like, the privileges of being a passing trans woman, and what she wants people to know about the transgender community.
Carlos Castano, my brother-in-law, talks about preparing for a baby, what being a new dad has been like, and advice he has for soon-to-be parents.
My parents, Joe and Maria Jingco, talk about how they met, the obstacles they had to overcome throughout their relationship, how they’ve been able to stay so strong for so long, and the advice they have for other couples.
Krista Kolodziejzyk, a registered dietician and an old friend from McMaster University, talks about leaving her 9 to 5 to start her own wellness business and gives advice for staying healthy during quarantine.
Brianna Nelson, the founder of the Womxn of Colour Durham Collective, talks about how being a minority in Durham impacted her life and how she’s using her organization to create positive changes and community.
Molly Vaclav, a Toronto-based longboarder, talks about longboarding, creating an inclusive community of female longboarders, and empowering women to try new things.
Tracey Castano, my sister, talks about pregnancy, postpartum blues, and the ups and downs of being a new mom.
Oseko, a Courtice-/Toronto-based rapper and fellow Holy Trinity C.S.S. graduate, talks about how he’s dealt with doubts while pursuing his music career, his purpose, how he’s grown as a person, and, of course, his music.
Jennifer Swanson David, my cousin-in-law and First Nations communications expert, addresses racist misconceptions that people have toward Indigenous people and talks about her recent battle with breast cancer.
Merideth Kahn, my childhood dance teacher, talks super candidly about closing her dance studio, filing for bankruptcy, and coping with the loss of her 15-year business. She also talks about what she’s learned from that journey, self-awareness, and how she’s moving forward in work that feeds her soul.
My Auntie Connie Mariano—a former doctor in the White House, Navy Admiral, and doctor at the Center for Executive Medicine—chats with me about our family, her time at the White House, and her relationship with her late husband, John.
Jedda, whom I met in Bali, talks about stepping away from the corporate world to find happiness in a simpler life, traveling, and working as a surf instructor. He also talks about embracing ups and downs, meditation, and not caring what people think.
Megan Ardiel, one of my best friends, talks about coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community, what it taught her, and other important things she’s learning on her journey.
My mom talks about what she's learned from immigrating to Canada, being a parent, and other important lessons she's learned in her life.