Highlighting Real: Recent Episodes
Highlighting Real
Highlighting the everyday struggles and life that exists behind the filters. Welcome to my playground of deep connection, meaningful conversation and community building. I am here to create conversations that help us navigate this beautiful messy world in the most authentic way.
There are conversations that leave you a little lighter, a little brighter, and a lot more inspired. My conversation with Megan was all of these things. For those of you not familiar (I am sure most of you are!), Megan is founder of Simplified, a home organization company based out of Calgary, Alberta. She has worked with the likes of Jillian Harris, Sarah Landry (aka The Birds Papaya), Jann Arden, and the list goes on. However, the lessons that she highlights is that at our core, we are all so similar. We all carry our own attachments and shame to mess and clutter and seek organization and calm. This is where Megan comes in. She is kind, compassionate, empathic, non judgemental and rebuilds the systems within our homes so we can live better lives. From personal experience, her systems work. You can download all of her guides here. But before you do, listen to this conversation and know that starting small is enough for big changes.
Where do I even begin? These two women are changing how we dress ourselves. How? By showing up, as we are and being enough. Through their clothing store, they have created a sense of community where we can all belong in our bodies and with each other. If you need a hype squad, and we all do, these two women are the best of the best. If you are not already, please follow them on social (@belonglifestyle) through their store Belong Lifestyle. You won't regret it.
This is another episode from the vault, however the message continues to be extremely relevant and aligns with all that is going on for Christine and Awasis Boutique. Christine is the epitome of what it means to bring your authentic self to what you do and lean into your strengths within business. Representation matters. When you support Awasis Boutique not only are you adding style, comfort + practicality to your wardrobes, but you are also helping to celebrate the Indigenous culture and revitalize Indigenous languages. Along with being a part of giving proceeds back to the community one product at a time.
Welcome back and Happy World Down Syndrome Day. On today's episode I share the conversation I had with Brittany Caffet. For those of you who do not know Brittany, you are in for a treat. I have encountered very few people who lead with their heart the way Brittany does and lucky for us, she shared her time and wisdom of motherhood. Brittany, among many things, is the momma to three children (at the time of the interview it was two!) and for this episode we highlight the lessons that Brittany has learned from her son and middle child, Henry. Henry was born with Down Syndrome however, it is important to note that his diagnosis does not define him. You will hear how Brittany advocates for her children in a way that empowers their abilities. I left his conversation feeling grateful for Brittany's time and her perspective on motherhood. Join me in my conversation with Brittany as she highlights the upside of Down Syndrome.
In this episode of Hightlighting Real I sit down with Kiteen Mainil. Most of you will recognize her from Instagram as Kiteen's Closet. Friends, I loved this conversation. It was easy, natural and just so genuine. So often we are quick to make assumptions about people we do not know and this was an opportunity to get to know the person behind the influencer. Spoiler Alert: Kiteen is as authentic as they come. We talk everything from our small town upbringing and farm life, to the role of faith and of course, how dressing our bodies should be fun. I hope you enjoy this Spring refresh as much as I, and my closet did!
In this episode I sit down with the one and only, Katie Jameson. Katie is so many things, she is a momma, a wife, a creator and an advocate. In our conversation Katie shares her heart through the grief from death of her son Lochlan and the wisdom through the magic of her daughter, Kenzie. This conversation started off in grief and ended in advocacy. I left learning so many ways that I can be better, do better and how to create a world better for our children. Katie, thank you for sharing your heart with us. Lochlan, your legacy will age earth side and outlive all of us.
In this episode I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my long time friend, college roommate, Registered Dietitian, Creator of Tiny Bites Nutrition AND Co-Founder of Dietitians 4 Teachers. Yes, she is all that and then some. In our conversation, we talk food and biases and how this impacts how we feed our families. Terri provides her expertise around picky eaters, debunks this notion that “fast can’t be nutritious” and genuinely teaches all of us how to relax around meals. Let’s nourish ourselves with quality time, good conversations and teach food love right from the high chair. I’m so excited for you to learn along with me and grateful that I was able to spend this time in the wisdom and expertise of a very dear friend.
On this episode of Highlighting Real, I had the privilege and pleasure to sit down with Ann Dowsett Johnson. Ann is an award-winning Journalist and bestselling author, turned psychotherapist. For more than 25 years she worked at Maclean’s magazine (where she is best known for being the chief architect of the Maclean’s university ranking). She also worked as the Vice Principal of McGill University. Ann is the author of the book Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol. This book is the inspiration for the conversation you are about join. Ann and I speak about this book, part memoir part journalistic exploration and unpack the journey that Ann so bravely took so many of us readers along. We talk about the “pinking” of the alcohol industry, the impact of afflictions on our lives, the stories that live inside of us that we need to tell and the heartache the often occurs when you have the courage to be the best version of yourself. This conversation with Ann was nothing short of what Elizabeth Gilbert would call “Big Magic” and it is an honour to share her wisdom with all of you. There are people, moments and stories that change our lives, Ann has changed mine. For more information on Ann, please visit her website (www.anndowsettjohnston.com). For those of you who have a story in you to tell (hint: all of us), consider joining her writing workshops.
In this episode I sit down with Lesley Kelly, well known as High Heels and Canola Fields. In this conversation, Lesley and I unpack the world of agriculture and how Lesley has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between those involved and not involved in agriculture. Lesley is an avid blogger, motivational speaker and podcast host, and she helped co-found the Do More Agriculture foundation, a not-for-profit organization that is championing mental health in agriculture across Canada. She has also created Martin Munchies, a snack food line which uses barley locally grown on her family farm.
I hope you enjoy the warmth and compassion of this conversation; Lesley has been instrumental in advocating for mental wellness within farming communities and families and beyond and has been a strong voice for all roles in agriculture being of value. In this episode we can all takeaway the value of community care and need for us all to look out for one another.
There is a giveaway for this episode. Please HERE here to find out more!
For more on Lesley, please visit:
Website
Podcast
The Do More Agriculture Foundation
In this episode I sit down Canada’s National Women’s Basketball Coach, Lisa Thomaidis. In our conversation we talk about lessons that extend beyond the basketball court, the impact that playing sport has had on our lives and the values that are instilled in us as a result. Lisa provides insight into her highly successful University program that she has been at helm of for 21 years. Lisa talked about what it has been like leading her teams in a pandemic and redefined my own perspective of how to look at the challenges we are facing; I have refocused on how I’ve been gifted more time in my own life. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this episode!
On this episode of Highlighting Real I sit down with Annie Brees, CRO and Co-Founder of Balance 365. Annie is an absolute force and voice that you want in your corner. Annie shared her reflections and wisdom of tackling diet culture, once and for all. She also shared the call for us to learn how to come home to ourselves. I have been a long time fan and member of the Balance 365 Community, learning lessons of loving my body through various seasons, ditching fad diets (who hasn't tried them all!?) and pursuing healthy habits for life. I hope you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did and I would love to hear your takeaways! If you don't already, please follow Balance 365 on Social Media. This is a community of women empowering women in our journeys to love ourselves. Finally, they also have an incredible Podcast: Balance 365 Life Radio
In this episode of Highlighting Real I sit down with a friend and fellow alumni, Kelcey Wright Johnson. Aside from being the Digital Contributor and Host with Grind City Media and the Memphis Grizzlies AND the first Canadian female NBA correspondent to work in the USA, Kelcey is one of the hardest working, dream chasing, goal getting women I know. I’m so excited to share her story that includes the reality for women in her field. It was so fun to catch up and I’m glad you are able to join us. You can tune into Kelcey as she hosts the podcast for the Memphis Grizzlies “Just Grizzlies”. This episode is dedicated to the life of our Basketball coach, Sandy Pothier.
On this episode of Highlighting Real I sit down with Jennifer Campbell, CEO and Co-Founder of Balance 365. Most of you will also recognize her as Mama Lion Strong. I have been a long time fan and member of the Balance 365 Community, learning lessons of loving my body through various seasons, ditching fad diets (who hasn't tried them all!?) and pursuing healthy habits for life. My conversation with Jennifer felt like a coaching guiding me into a new mindset while sharing her wisdom on reframing weightloss journeys. We dive into how body image issues destroy women's potential and all of the space that diet culture takes up in our day to day lives. My favourite part of this conversation (other than all of it) was Jenn talking about how we can mother ourselves.
I hope you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did and I would love to hear your takeaways!
If you don't already, please follow Balance 365 on Social Media. This is a community of women empowering women in our journeys to love ourselves.
Finally, they also have an incredible Podcast: Balance 365 Life Radio
Welcome to 2021! This Episode I talk about my own reflections of 2020 and my intentions for 2021. I hope you all made the best of the end of 2020 and are safe and healthy as we begin 2021.
On this episode of Highlighting Real we unpack lessons in living and grief from Speaker, Author and Philanthropist, Jessica Janzen. After reading her book Bring the Joy, I wanted to learn more about Jess and how she learned to follow the nudges in her heart to find true and lasting joy. In this conversation, we hear about Jessica's son, Lewiston. in 2016 Lewiston was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 at 2 months of age and was given less than a year to live. From this devastation, the Love for Lewiston Foundation was born and to date, has raised over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to spread love and support to local families, and ultimately raise funds focused on treatments and finding a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Jessica, her family, and the Love for Lewiston Foundation believe to their core that Lewiston’s message of “squeezing a little tighter, loving a little deeper and dancing a little longer”, is meant to be extended to the world. In our conversation, we talk about Jessica's book, The Love for Lewiston Foundation, and family. We talk about the unbearable grief from the death loss of a child and we talk about what is helpful (and unhelpful) in grief. HINT: It is not the casseroles! It was an honour to talk with Jess and I hope after listening, you are better able to notice the nudges, see the choices and find the joy. Resources: Order a copy of Bring the Joy Love for Lewiston Foundation
F bomb alert!
On today's podcast, I sit down (virtually) with the one and only Dr. Jody Carrington. This change- making, trauma- informing, connection creating powerhouse needs no introduction but I want to share that you are all in for a treat in what is the first of a Rapid Fire Series for Highlighting Real. We talk about the December holidays, struggling as a way to stretch, the impact and importance of perception, and of course, trauma. This is a hard time of year for many and who better to walk us home than the one and only, Dr. Jody Carrington. I enjoyed our entire conversation, but I have to say, the Deep Dive Rapid Fire is my favourite part.
My heart is still exploding from the gift of her time to have this conversation and also a huge shoutout to her Marti , for fielding my (many) emails and booking this. Other than extreme gratitude, I just want to say, never underestimate the the power of everyday courage, it’s what makes shit happen. Lean into your dreams, face the fear of rejection and go for it.
Dr. Jody, when I dreamt up this podcast I created a list of bucket list people to interview, you being one of them. Thank you for being the first on my list, leading the way to more. Connection. First, last, and always.
Be Brave. Play Big. Get Curious.
Find all things Dr. Jody Carrington here:
Website
Kids These Days
Grab a tissue and join me for this very special interview with Cindy Placsko-Hoffman. Before I dive into the content of this episode I want you, the listeners, to know this interview is raw, vulnerable and takes us to the depths of a mother's journey through grief. Cindy allows us in to her very personal and courageous journey that ranges from the diagnosis, the dying and the death of her daughter, Rayna. Nine years later, Cindy is sharing her story of surviving grief, the lessons from Rayna and how she has continued the bonds with her daughter. Please join us, take breaks as you need and find ways to take care yourself. Shortly after her third birthday (2007), Rayna was diagnosed with Leukemia. While she received treatments and moved in an out of maintance phases, it was in 2011 that Rayna recieved a terminal diagnosis and would later die in that same year. While I only have stories about Rayna from her mom, I have no doubt that this little girl was filled with wisdom and wit, charm and a fierceness that could not be matched. She taught those around her so many lessons in living. Rayna was acutely aware and an insight beyond her years; her end of life decisions were focused on quality of life and for her, that meant having as many days as possible to play. In this interview, you will hear how many days turned out to be 100 more days of play for Rayna. I am forever grateful to Cindy for the way she allowed you and I into her heart to learn more about Rayna. My wish for you as the listener, is to leave this conversation with a heart full of love, actions of kindness and the understanding that we are all students of life. To quote Morrie Schwartz, “Death ends a life, not a relationship. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on- in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.” This interview is dedicated to life of Rayna Jeannine Korte and to her momma, Cindy, who keeps her legacy very much alive. May we all love a little harder, live a little better and play a little longer.
On the first episode of Highlighting Real we unpack lessons in leadership from the current President of Memorial University, Dr. Vianne Timmons. In our conversation we talk about the struggles and barriers for women in leadership, the importance of supporting each other and why Dr. Timmons is so passionate about supporting ALL women. Dr. Timmons is an absolute fierce and is doing her part to break down barriers for the generations that come behind her. Our ability to rise comes down to the community and village supporting us and you will learn just how committed Dr. Timmons is, into growing this village. The conversation ends like all interviews, with the Rapid Fire Deep Dive; a set of questions to allow you, the listeners, to learn more about who Vianne is, below the surface. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's highlight real!