Brokenhearted

Mark LeBusque believes that whilst every human is unique, every team is unique and every organization is unique, we have an overarching commonality at each of these levels.   Twenty-five years of career and fifty plus years of life experience has resulted in a whole range of stories and learnings that he loves to share with other humans.

In this next-to-last episode of Brokenhearted, Mark & I break down relationships at work - specifically how a system exists to monitor and control how human beings connect to other human beings in a corporate environment and why 'no bonking' policies don't always work.

James-Olivia Chu Hillman (they/them) facilitates and mediates uncomfortable, necessary, life-changing conversations with people who want more joy and connection and less suffering in their most important relationships—with themselves, their loved ones, their organizations, and the world.

In this episode, James-Olivia breaks down what "right relationship" means.  As someone who's ever-evolving, learning and growing, I found this conversation to be incredibly fascinating.  Our world is more divisive than ever; this conversation is a reminder that individualism is bollocks since we're all connected to one another.

Caelin Aerin is a writer, editor, coach and non-binary ex-copywriter with story in their blood & astrological chart.  Caelin knows that writing isn't easy for everyone and when your basic necessities of life depend on it, it's that much harder to do.

In this episode, Caelin breaks down why (air quotes) finding your voice can be difficult if you're a marginalized member of society, why most bro/boss babe tactics don't work and how owning your own business is so much more than getting a website up or making a logo.

Rosa Moniz has been single for more than a decade.   Does that mean she's not a great catch?  Categorically not.  She's decided to embrace being single to the fullest by creating an amazing life for herself.

In this episode, Rosa & I get real about what it means to be single - how societal beliefs shape our perceptions; how culture can influence your experience and most of all, the importance of finding a relationship that actually adds value to your life.

Heartbreak happens when you follow the so-called dating rules and you still don't end up with the #relationshipgoals you desire. 

These rules, just like most societal constructs out there today, aren’t designed for women to win. They’re rooted in patriarchal beliefs so that women don’t rise too high beyond their station. 

Dating advice is usually about how not to scare off the man somehow: double-texting will overwhelm him. Don’t make yourself too available for him so that he’ll desire you more. Be smart but not smarter than him. Be successful but not more successful than him because he’ll be intimidated and won’t see you as desirable. So either men are walking pieces of milquetoast or women are to be kept down.

In this episode, I break down 3 reasons why I believe dating is a bunch of bollocks and what 1 key thing we can replace it with.

On the path to reclaiming yourself, you have to break up with old versions of yourself - not just the versions that no longer serve you but the versions that can't be controlled or influenced by dominant patriarchal culture.

Christy Towns helps millennial women quit their boring AF jobs, create their passion and finally pursue dream careers.

In this episode, Christy & I discover that we're both in the process of discarding old versions of our identities in favour of ones that'll carry us to where we want to go in the future.  It's not an easy task but we realize we've already been doing it our entire lives... and so have you.

Halloween is the perfect time to talk about ghosting... all those spirits lurking in the shadows... those of us who have become full-time ghost chasers in order to find out what REALLY happened...

... not anymore.

In this episode, I get real about ghosting.   Yes, you should ghost if there is an imminent threat to your personal safety.   Otherwise, no.  Just no.

Ghosting is a choice.  You'll learn the #1 reason why people ghost, what people who ghost are actually saying to you and my rather salty message for ghosts everywhere (insert expletive gesture here).

Have you ever been ghosted?  Leave me a voicemail message below this episode.

At some point in your life, you come to a crossroads where you start to question everything.  It doesn't matter what stage of life you're at; what matters is that you take the time to not only pose the question but seek out truth.

In this episode, I break down what it means to unlearn things you previously believed to be true but no longer serve you in the here & now.  Does it REALLY matter if you double-text a love interest?  For the record, if it does and that person is put off by it, then leave them be.

Oana York first experienced heartbreak at 4 years of age.  She didn't know it then but that event sparked a lifelong journey of self-discovery.  

In this episode, Oana & I break down how heartbreak at an early age can shape your experience and how it relates to the relationship you ultimately have with yourself.

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." - Rumi

Letitia Elizabeth is an entrepreneur, business accountability coach, and the secret weapon you need to turn your idea into freedom. As a writer, creative director, event producer and motivational thought leader, she is best known for influential print publications, mobile tech products, syndicated columns, and lifestyle niche brands. She specializes in product development, media development and marketing.

About a year ago, Letitia wrote a social media post asking about diversity in the spiritual space.  She wanted to know where were the women of colour in the spiritual space... since this space is largely dominated by cishet able-bodied American white women.  I was so intrigued by this post that I had to reach out to her for a conversation.  

In this episode, Letitia shares her motivation for writing this post and reflects on her own spiritual journey.

A long time ago a bunch of people got scared about their slaves.  They thought they were gonna (air quotes) get them.  So they decided to keep them in check.  They decided that they were less than human; abnormal; inferior.  Hundreds of years later this core belief rooted in fear has become a normal part of our society.

In this episode, I break down how we as a collective have normalized dysfunction as part of the human experience.  

Let me know your thoughts by leaving me a voice message below this episode.

What's the most radical act you can think of?  Protesting?  Writing letters to politicians?  Boycotts?  

While these are valid ways to protest social injustice, there's something else you can do to give the finger (or two depending where you are in the world) to the man - you can begin to reclaim yourself.

Centuries of colonialism, imperialism & systemic racism have made one culture and/or race dominant and all others are supposed to pale in comparison.  It's a complex system designed to oppress, repress and suppress every aspect of your existence...

... until now.

In this episode, learn how to reclaim yourself.  It's the most radical act you can do.

Social injustice isn't just a trending hashtag.  For centuries, millions of people around the planet have been oppressed, repressed and suppressed by colonialism, imperialism & systemic racism.

So what happens when these systems that seek to smother all that you are affect how you conduct yourself in interpersonal relationships?  How do you begin to navigate your emotions when experiencing an emotion was always met with consequence?

Season 2 of Brokenhearted is all about real, raw & honest conversations about heartbreak in all its forms.  

Tune in for the season premiere of Brokenhearted on Monday, September 21 at 9am EDT.

Here it is - the season finale of Brokenhearted's inaugural season.  In the 50th episode, I break down what I've learned over the last year about heartbreak.  I also share details of Season 2 which drops on September 21, 2020.

Brokenhearted will now be on hiatus until the Season 2 trailer drops in early September.   I'm so grateful for all of you tuning in to Brokenhearted as you have since last September.  Season 2 will be something to behold - I can't wait for you to check it out!

Endings.  We face them every day.  Sometimes we mourn when we get to the end of that bingeworthy TV series.  Or the movie's ending wasn't like we thought so we'll just write off the entire series (I'm looking at you, Star Wars fans).  

Seema Sodha and I break down endings... specifically what happens when a phase and/or chapter of our lives comes to an end.  We've got no problems with the seasons coming and going but let's see how much we lose our collective minds when we lose a job, a partner or a dream.

Katie Kozlowski is a master energy coach and spiritual trainer dedicated to helping awaken the inner strength, wisdom and creative power for women who are ready to wake up, heal and transform.

She adeptly mixes her own stories and experiences with ancient wisdom and sacred teachings and techniques to create powerful energetic, emotional and spiritual shifts, and is known for her simple, relatable methods and tools.

With studies in energetic healing, neuroplasticity, neuro-linguistic programming, the quantum field, mind-body connection, and guided meditation and visualization, Katie brings together an eclectic mix of high-level training to create multidimensional transformation.

She has trained with some of the greatest minds on the planet including Dr. Jean Houston, Transformational therapist Derek O'Neill and Master Healer Brook Still and has created a unique system of transformational healing called ShaktiBOMB!

Katie shares her experiences with her soul mates (you read that right) and shares how important it is to let go of a soul mate connection once it's run its course.

*TRIGGER WARNING - This episode contains discussions about abuse.*

Arien Smith is a survivor of 15 years of abuse, passionate entrepreneur and activist hoping to change the world for marginalized individuals. After having built a life he loves after his trauma, he founded The Prosperity Path Program - a course that helps fellow survivors find joy in an inclusive and validating way. He also blogs every week to reach survivors around the world.  He's also a watercolor artist, LGBTQ+ activist and dog-lover.  Arien currently lives with his fiancée and pup in New York!

Arien & I break down what happens after you leave an abusive situation.  Arien shares his story and offers some incredible insights after he had to ask himself the question "and then what?".

Laura Buckley is a registered dietitian and emotional eating coach. She is passionate about helping coaches and healers improve their energy and prioritize their own well-being so they can end their weight and food struggles once and for all! She utilizes a mind/body/spirit approach that creates results that last!

Laura shares her journey through secondary infertility (the inability to become pregnant or carry a baby to term after previously giving birth to a baby).  Hidden pain was something Laura had to face head-on as she learned of her inability to have a second child.

Steph Miramontes takes fitness coaching to another level by inspiring deep change that goes beyond the diet.

With a passion for helping emotional eaters and yo-yo dieters lose weight for good, she coaches women to radically transform  body, mind & soul using a non-diet and pleasure-centered approach.

When she's not whipping your brain and body into shape, Steph loves to spend time watching the sunset, tending to her farm animals, and getting lost in books.

Steph & I break down buffering.  Buffering that's not when you've got a slow Internet connection & you're waiting for a video to load - but what buffering does when you're experiencing heartbreak.

Naomi Morgan is a 38 year old ex-teacher with a love of learning, psychology and travel!   She's halfway through a Master’s Degree in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology specializing in resilience training for improved happiness and wellbeing. She splits her time between helping her coaching clients achieve their goals & radically improve their happiness, completing her university studies and cuddling her three rescue kittens Teddy, Bruce and Millie. She's passionate about helping others improve their mental health & wellbeing and that's what drives her every day.

Naomi and I break down her uncanny ability to reflect on the lessons learned from a previous romantic relationship and how she applies those lessons to her next romantic relationship.

Feeling heartbroken sucks - there's no doubt about that.   But what happens when the heartbreak you feel is impacted by generations of colonialism, imperialism and systemic racism?

Your experience as a person of colour in a society that was designed to suppress you and your spirit can impact how you process heartbreak.

Denise Archilla is a former Pediatric Clinical Social Worker turned Chronic Illness Coach, Fellow Warrior, and Mom of 2 Young Adult Warriors. She founded the Chronic Warrior Society in 2015. Her passion is coaching teen and young adult warriors and helping them build confidence, shift their dreams, and reach new goals despite chronic illness.

Denise & I break down what happens when a person (especially young people) is diagnosed with a chronic illness by answering the question "So now what?"  

Nanaco Kawai teaches yoga classes & hosts retreats for snowboarders and skiers in Myoko, Japan.  Her mission is to help people become their most authentic & empowered self.  

She loves teaching yoga in a real way. It doesn’t matter if you’re not flexible or don’t own the latest leggings it's all about showing you a way to take care of yourself, to love yourself and to know that you are enough.

Nanaco and I break down The Three-Year Breakup - from the moment she found out her ex had cheated on her to the moment she was finally able to completely release the relationship from her heart, mind, body and soul.

Eva Wexler is a self-love coach and energy healer.  She brings her knowledge of the esoteric to help you to see your limitless potential.  By colliding the worlds of love and magic, you'll have the ability to create a symphonic harmony and cultivate a life filled with beauty and meaning.  

Eva & I break down how she came out of the spiritual closet.  Esoterica is now part of the mainstream; you can say "transcendental meditation" to someone and only get one eyebrow raise instead of two.  Eva shares how a devastating breakup with a man who she thought was the love of her life led her to journey within and discover she'd had all the answers to life's questions all along.

Valentine Lister is a former psychotherapist turned Twin Flame Tarot Healer. She uses her training as a tarot card reader, professional counselor, and spiritual teacher to help twin flames reconnect and get back to bliss! She provides one on one Tarot Card Readings and Spiritual Coaching to twin flames looking for clarity, healing, and union with their twin flames.

Her twin flame journey began in 2005 when she experienced a kundalini awakening with her twin flame, Michael. After an intense period of recognition, “a glimpse of heaven” & experiencing the terrifying mirror of looking at her shadow self, Valentine became a “runner”. Michael and Valentine were separated for 10 years before they were able to reunite and achieve union through spiritual and personal development. They’re currently married and raising three beautiful kids.

Valentine knows how confusing, painful, and terrifying the twin flame journey can be and is passionate about giving guidance to her clients to navigate them back to unconditional love.

Valentine & I break down how spirituality can help you navigate heartbreak.  Spirituality is sometimes used as a vice to avoid or escape the pain however you'll see how moving through pain can actually be a good thing.

Mother's Day is around the corner if you live in the Western Hemisphere.  I've been a mum for a few short years but it's definitely been an amazing experience - poo, vomit and other projectiles not withstanding.

In this episode, I break down what mommyhood means to me, how it's affected my life and where I go from here.

Simran Bhatia is the founder of Flowation.com, where spiritual-minded entrepreneurs can find resources to learn how to create more Flow in their lives and businesses.

She’s been obsessed with the question ‘how can I make this feel easier?’ since she can remember. As a former Estate Planning and Succession Planning attorney for small businesses, she learned firsthand what makes small business owners function at their best. She’s taken that knowledge forward as a small business strategy coach for spiritual-minded small business owners and helps them bust through their limiting beliefs and upper limits to create systems in their lives and businesses to help support their more aligned self. These systems help them become more efficient with their time and priorities; and helps them feel lit up as they work with greater purpose and allow more Flow in their lives.

Simran specializes especially in helping parents with children under the age of 5, who want the space in their life to practice Conscious Parenting, but are struggling to fit everything they want to do with their business and children into their schedule.  

In her time away from work, Simran spends her time dancing or attempting to do yoga, while her two spirited kids are normally climbing on her. And she loves taking hot baths and engaging in self-care while listening to binaural beats music, while her wonderful hubby takes the kids out for an ‘adventure day.’

In this episode, Simran shares her first heartbreak experience led her to discover more about her faith, spirituality and ultimately herself. 

Parenting is by no means easy.  So being a parent in the midst of a global pandemic is categorically not easy either.  So why are we expected as parents to have it all magically figured out?

In this bonus episode, I'm here to tell it like it actually is.  It's hard!  There's so many unknowns! But I believe we'll make it if we take care of ourselves first.

This global pandemic isn't going away anytime soon.  It's changed our lives completely.  So is change a good thing?

In this episode, I ask a few big questions like is change good for us?  How do we navigate change?  What's going to happen to us now?

It's super-important now to take care of yourself - your whole self inside and out.  Your mental wellness is just as important as your physical health.  Be mindful of where you get your pandemic-related information from.  Practice physical distancing.  And for the love of everything green and good, wash your hands.  

Rhiannon Halley is an Intuition and Women's Empowerment coach combining the mystical with the grounded and practical.

She guides women home to their natural state of empowerment by connecting them back into their intuition and the guidance they have within.

Rhiannon & I dig deep into intuition and how it saved her from a vulnerable situation.  

Humanity, let's be real.  We've been through some thangs.  Influenza.  War.  Plague.  Locusts.  Ebola.  Now COVID-19 is a global pandemic.  

Yes, it's touched all of us.  But remember what Jerry Springer said at the end of every episode?  "Take care of yourselves... and each other."  

We need to do more of that.  We'll get through this but we'll need to keep a clear head.   We can move through anything that life throws at us with a clear head.

Moni Castaneda is a Feng Shui Consultant, Speaker and Author.  Feng Shui is the ancient Asian art that teaches us how to live in harmony with our surroundings.

Moni has integrated modern Western architecture (for which she trained) with ancient Feng Shui knowledge to create the Nine Steps to Feng Shui® System, a step-by-step method to study and practice this art. With this method, Moni helps clients turn their current homes into dream homes,
where they may live happy lives and realize their full potential.

In this episode, Moni introduces me to Feng Shui.  She shares the 3 things you'll need to move through heartbreak and the #1 thing people need to declutter before opening up to new love.

Self-love isn't inherently wrong... but I think we're missing the point of self-love.  Yes, it's good to love yourself. You can't clearly break up with yourself so you gotta be ok with you.

Self-love is an ongoing journey. There's no end point where you say to yourself, Self, I love myself enough to start looking for a romantic/intimate relationship..  Along the way you'll meet people who will enhance/add to/complement your journey. You can have love for those people too.

In this episode, I break down how self-love has become synonymous with self-isolation, why things start to get sketchy when we think that the only love that's in our lives can be for ourselves and that love isn't what we think it is.

Amy Auset Rohn is an ordained Priestess of Isis, Intuitive Soul Coach, photographer and creator of the Soul Song.  Auset helps people connect to their soul by the written word, a photograph or alchemizing musical notes into the soul's ballad.

Auset & I discuss her work with the soul - specifically through photography & music.  The soul always finds a way to express itself by turning pain (and heartbreak) into medicine.

Ambila Nath guides women who are seeking a long term relationship; the women who are dating a lot of people hoping they will find the right one, but feeling frustrated that it's just not happening. She mentors them to stop the endless dating, find themselves and find their man.

Ambila and I have an enlightening conversation about dating and all the rules (or brules) that go along with it.  Instead of following the rules/brules, Ambila shares her insights on what to do instead.

Are you going on endless dates, feeling frustrated and losing faith in yourself and the possibility of ever finding the right person let alone a loving relationship?

Book a free hour long #CONNECTIONS Complementary Call.  Ambila will share some powerful steps you'll need to move forward and find a loving relationship.

Harj Thiara is a life coach who helps people recover from heartbreak.   No, this isn't a typo nor have I lost my everlovin' mind.   Harj & I are both Canadian and heartbreak is our jam.

We get together to break down romantic heartbreak and the beauty that can happen at the end of a romantic/intimate relationship.  Harj reveals why ice cream is so bloody good for easing the pain and she shares how a broken heart can shed light on the parts of yourself that need the most work.

Valentine's Day (formerly known to me as Singles' Awareness Day) is just around the corner.  If you're like me, you're excited for all that heart-shaped chocolate to go on sale.

In this episode, I break down connection.   You can be attracted to someone; you can even find a soul mate (hint: check the 3rd cubicle on your left next time you're at work)... but a true twin flame connection is next-level.  

Erin Stafford was (and still is!)  the girl with the big, fun personality that no one wanted to date in high school.   Her brother was THE hot guy that all the girls loved and she was basically invisible when standing next to her  gorgeous BFF. She wasn't exactly pursued by many guys growing up (neither was I TBH)

Fast-forward to now - she's got a master’s degree from a kick-ass university, traveled the world, grew in her  career, met amazing friends, fell in love a couple of times and had a blast along the way, all the while thinking she'd meet Mr. Wonderful and settle down at some point.   She'd myself up for success after all, right?  Instead, Erin became intimidating (read: #highenergy)

Erin & I break down what it means to be intimidating in this wonderfully fun conversation.  Personally, I own being intimidating.  So there.  

Lilly Garcia is a flexible brand designer currently putting her skills to good use in the non-profit sector. She believes that design can be a tool for social change when we decide to show up as our full selves in our branding.

For the last 12 years, Christi Anne Bela has been there for stressed out executives, seniors with severe health problems, couples struggling with connection, people during pregnancy, weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, loss and with families as they prepare their special needs children for the future of independent living with a disability. She meets you wherever you are at right now and shows you how to build the life you love.

Christi Anne & I break down how pain affects the chakras.  She gives a wonderfully delicious description of the chakras and how it's essential to do the work in the lower chakras to establish a solid foundation for yourself... especially if your formative years weren't so formative-friendly.

It's a perfect time of year to break down greatness. 

Ever hear terms like "world-class", "personal mastery" or something to that effect? These terms would have you believe that unless you have a bazillion social media followers or a bazillon dollars in the bank (spiritually manifested while you sleep of course), you haven't achieved greatness.

In this episode, I break down how the current definition of 'greatness' can only lead to disappointment and a distorted view of the Self.  I'm challenging you to go within to figure out what greatness means for you. 

Despite our circumstances (we're not all having the same experience), I genuinely believe there's greatness in all of us.  Having the courage to figure out what greatness means to us as individuals (I think) is where greatness begins.

Amanda Midkiff is the herbalist and plant witch at Locust Light Farm, an herbal teaching garden and community space in central New Jersey. Through on-farm/online classes and seasonal rituals, she helps people to connect with the magic and medicine of the plant world. She believes that ritual can change your life, that all words are spells, and that the plants are always here to help us -- if we simply remember to ask.

Amanda shares her compelling journey of how she made her dream a reality... until it was turned into mulch.  Literally.