More Than Gold: Recent Episodes
More Than Gold
A podcast that digs deep into navigating the joys and sorrows of life while recognizing three very important truths: YOU are precious, YOU are of value, YOU are worth more than gold...follow me on Instagram @morethangold_bysonja
Our roles as women are diverse, but one thing is certain...when we support each other on this journey that we call life we reach heights that we otherwise would not have been able to reach.
Join Theresa Smith of Optimize Dental and myself as we discuss the magnificent power and growth that occur when women support other women. Let's all strive to be each other's cheerleaders!
A significant and tragic event in Jocelyn's life was the start of a full circle journey that now enables her to give back and help women in situations that take so much strength to leave. Listen as Jocelyn shares her powerful story and light.
"Gratitude is the healing path from grief." Kristen Edmiston
Grief and loss are an inevitable part of the human experience that affect each and every one of us. In this episode, Kristen shares how navigating the experience of losing her parents enabled her to find beautiful purpose and perspective amidst her grief. You are sure to feel the warmth and light of Kristen's soul in this episode as she shares her inspirational story.
Tie dye, totes, zipper pouches, clothes and so much more! Join Keira from Design Laine and myself as we discuss what life as a teenage entrepreneur looks like. This inspirational grade 9 student is making a beautiful mark in this world!
Women, we are a force to be reckoned with, and when we unite in solidarity in the spirit of sisterhood…watch out…we can do anything. International Women’s Day is Tuesday March 8th and in this episode, I talk about the Women's Suffrage Movement. In order to understand who we are, how far we have come and how far we have yet to go we must know some key historical points and events. Sisters, we have not come this far to only come this far...
Join Transformation Coach TJ Aneca and myself as we speak openly about the joys and struggles of motherhood...real life...unfiltered. Listen as TJ describes her self discovery journey and how recognizing the need for self care changed her life. This episode features a special treat as we introduce the first round of a soon to be recurring segment in the show: "Real Life Confessions of Two Frazzled Mama's." In this segment, TJ and I share our top 3 real life embarrassing mom moments. Listen to the end to find out who wins!
Join Julie and I as we spread some serious love and cheer through random acts of kindness. If you are looking to improve your kindness fluency, listen to Julie's thoughts and insights on this episode, but watch out! Kindness is contagious...
In the words of Mark Twain, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
Let's all become more fluent in this language!
Join Kathie, from Anchored Collective, and myself as we discuss the topic of self-love. What does this kind of love look like? How do we obtain it? Why is it so difficult for so many of us to obtain?
In this show, we reference a song by MercyMe, "Let Yourself Be Loved" (The Cabin Sessions) Be sure to check out their brand new album inhale (exhale)
"This was never meant to be complicated Love your neighbour as yourself Lord help, why can we not do this well? What if all the answers we've been looking for ain't next door Could it be, maybe we Just ain't that fond of ourselves?"
"You ultimately judge the civility of society not by how it treats the rich, the powerful, the protected and the highly esteemed, but by how it treats the poor, the disfavoured and the disadvantaged." - Bryan Stevenson
In this episode, I share with you why I am passionately running 10K in the Hypothermic Half Marathon being held on February 20, 2022 in Edmonton, AB in support of YESS.
Thank you for listening, and thank you for your support!
Your donation however great or small to Youth Empowerment and Support Services will help struggling at risk youth in our beautiful city of Edmonton achieve success in their education, health and personal choices to achieve independence.
Your donation today may help change the direction of a struggling child's life and help them to acquire the necessary tools, relationships, positive connections, help and support to become a thriving member of our society.
Here is the link to make a donation in support of YESS and sponsor my 10K run in the Hypothermic Half Marathon on February 20th 2022. Donations will be accepted until February 19, 2022.
https://www.runningroom.com/dashboard/giving/?raceId=17307&eventId=51061&memberId=UjdWZABkAmwBaAs8Djw=&lan=1
To make a donation in support of YESS after February 19th, 2022 please visit the following link:
https://yess.org/donate/
All my love,
Sonja
"Even if you cannot hear my voice, I'll be right beside you dear."
My Dad loved to run, and from the time I was a small child I would watch in adoration as he went for his daily run…sometimes he would even let me join him even though I most certainly slowed him down. My Dad was the greatest Dad a daughter could ask for. He taught me to love music. He taught me to love everyone unconditionally. He was a man who lived his life by precept and example right to the very end.
My Dad had a lifelong dream of having a family band. That dream was never made a reality during his time on earth. So in loving memory and tribute to the most amazing Dad we could ask for, my siblings and I performed and recorded this song.
Sonja Deklerk - Vocals and Piano Kris Stangeland - Guitar Davin Stangeland - Drums
(Words and music by Gary Lightbody, Jonathan Quinn, Mark McClelland, Nathan Connolly and Iain Archer)
The fourth episode in a series that digs deep into navigating the joys and sorrows of life together, while rejoicing in three very important truths: YOU are precious. YOU are of value. YOU are worth more than gold. Please listen as Kristi shares her story of bravery and resiliency and the defining point in her life where she realized that she was never broken.
A special thank you to Devon Music Studios for recording this episode.
Photography by Tracy Jazmin
In this episode, I focus on suicide prevention...my friend, take a seat and let's talk. It is time to get this conversation started. As a community, as a nation, as the entire human race we must come together and be united in our efforts. There is a Tsunami of need in regards to mental health that is fast approaching and it is time to leave no man behind. This is a war cry...this is a battle cry...it is time to gather the troops.
The second episode in a series that digs deep into navigating the joys and sorrows of life together, while rejoicing in three very important truths: YOU are precious. YOU are of value. YOU are worth more than gold. Please listen as Holly shares her story of the miracle of healing she experienced after the loss of her 17 year old son in a tragic car accident.
I had just finished recording my first podcast episode when my husband called me to tell me that Weston had passed away. My. Heart. Shattered.
Thoughts of Holly and her family consumed me and I tearfully called to share my love and pain for them. In my mind's eye, I envisioned a one of a kind piece of jewellery that would serve as a form of comfort for my sweet friend.
Seven diamonds graduating in size decorated the bail, but more importantly represented Holly, her husband, and her 5 surviving children. Weston's diamond had to be special. Weston's diamond was placed in a starburst setting in the middle of an oval 14KT yellow gold medallion. On the back of that medallion the most important detail of all...Weston's engraved fingerprint.
My beautiful friend Holly is wearing this very special piece as seen on the cover photo of this podcast episode. For more behind the scenes photos as the pendant was presented and the design process of this one of a kind piece, follow me on Instagram @morethangold_bysonja
A special thank you to Kristian Stangeland at Devon Music Studios for recording this episode.
Photography by Tracey Jazmin
This song was sung at the funeral service of Weston Pitcher on Monday October 18, 2021 who passed away on October 8, 2021. Forever loved...Forever in our hearts.
Words and Music by Nik Day Vocals by Avery Archibald Piano by Sonja Deklerk
The first in a series of episodes that digs deep into navigating the joys and sorrows of life together, while rejoicing in three very important truths:
YOU are precious YOU are of value YOU are worth more than gold
Please join me as I share my personal story of navigating the pain of suicide. I promise there is hope. There is help. There is healing. You my friend are oh so very loved and are precious beyond measure.
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethangold_bysonja @morethangold_bysonja