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Hope Motivates Action

Hope Motivates Action

By Lindsay Recknell

Inspired by the mentors and models in her own life, Lindsay Recknell hosts inspiring people who have used the power of Hope to motivate action in their lives. Practical, compassionate and immediately actionable, the advice and tips shared by Lindsay's guests will motivate you towards powerful change and inspired thinking. Because without action, hope is just a wish.
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S05 | 08 - Be the Author of Your Own Story with Genevieve Graham

Hope Motivates ActionMar 17, 2021

00:00
35:12
S07 | E11 Turning Tragedy into Hope with Maggie Lam

S07 | E11 Turning Tragedy into Hope with Maggie Lam

We all experience trials and different tragedies in our lives. Unfortunately, many of them are unforeseen, so typically we are ill-prepared for them when they happen. Many find it difficult to stay motivated during times of uncertainty.

Today’s guest, Maggie Lam, is here to tell her personal story of not only persevering through tragedy, but using it as a catalyst for growth. Maggie believes that experiencing hardships is an opportunity for transformation and to bring about a better version of yourself. It’s not that you never allow yourself to feel sadness, grief, anger, or any other emotions, but you allow yourself to experience them, process them, and then accept what has happened and decide how to move forward with intentionality.

Ready to turn tragedy into hope in your own life?Tune in!

About Maggie Lam:

Maggie Lam was born in Hong Kong and moved to Canada in 1991, leaving behind her parents, 2 brothers, and twin sister. She quit school in grade 9 and didn’t speak much English when she immigrated.

A few years later, Maggie lost her twin sister in a car accident. That motivated her to start her own business, a consignment store in downtown Calgary, in 1996 with hopes of immigrating her parents to Canada in order to take care of them.

Around this time, she met the love of her life and got married. They had beautiful twins, a boy and a girl.  At this point, Maggie’s life was magical. They had everything we wanted until suddenly, tragedy struck.

Today, Maggie’s kids have grown up and are 22 years old, and she has been working at an insurance company called Combined. She has been with this company for 5 years and is very passionate about what she does.

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Sep 29, 202128:04
S07 | E10 Forging Your Own Recovery with Corinne Simpson

S07 | E10 Forging Your Own Recovery with Corinne Simpson

Recovery from any type of addiction is difficult. And while there are many awesome addiction recovery programs out there, what works for everyone else might not work for you. That doesn’t mean you are doomed to continue on the same path forever.

Recovery isn’t one size fits all. You may have to break out of the box to forge a way to your recovery. That’s what today’s guest, Corinne Simpson, did, and she just recently celebrated her 20th year of sobriety! Despite her respect for programs like AA, they just didn’t work for her and what she wanted from her sobriety, so she found something that did. You can do the same.

Listen in as she shares the amazing possibilities and options for recovery that are out there, and how she was able to forge her own recovery and rebuild her life to be what she wanted.

About Corinne Simpson:

Corinne Simpson (she/her), whom everyone calls Been, is a Virtual Personal Assistant with her own company called Corinne Assistant. Basically, she’s an assistant in your virtual pocket. If you need help with short term projects or everyday administrative duties but don’t have office staff, she’s your solution.

Been has worked as a live theatre stage manager and managed a movie theatre, both in New Zealand, and she’s worked everywhere from law offices to film sets and between. She has a special interest in creative entrepreneurs, queer folks, and writing, but she can absolutely help anyone.

Recently, on August 18th, 2021, Been celebrated her 20th sober anniversary. She loves sharing her story of recovery from alcoholism because as hard a journey as it sometimes was, she happily confirms it was the best choice she ever made. To learn more, you can find Corinne on Instagram.

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Sep 22, 202131:34
S07 | E09 Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver with Moira Cleary

S07 | E09 Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver with Moira Cleary

Many people fit into the role of “caregiver”, such as parents, children, and leaders. But something that all different types of caregivers tend to have in common is that they are so focused on caring for others that they stop caring for themselves in the process.

You have your own journey and your own story as a caregiver, and it is not selfish to recognize that and give yourself space to just be yourself. Because caring for others is not all that you are or do.

This is what Moira Cleary has joined me to discuss today, and it is a very personal journey that we both have been through in our lives. I hope that through our experiences, and Moira’s insightfulness on personal transformation, we can help you to better care for yourself as you navigate your own story.

Tune in.

About Moira Cleary:

Moira Cleary is a Professionally Certified Coach, Reiki Master, and a mom of two daughters with 15+ conditions.

Through her holistic approach, Moira helps moms of kids with medical and special needs when they find themselves literally or figuratively in life’s waiting room. She basically helps them with their ‘stuff’ so they can help their kids with their ‘stuff.’

When not coaching, she tries to be a resource for others by hosting the Surviving The Waiting Room Podcast, a Virtual Wellness Center, as well as the latest edition of the Parent + Caregiver Summit.

To learn more you can visit her website, and connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Sep 15, 202132:30
S07 | E08 Finding Your Seed of Hope with Karen Styles

S07 | E08 Finding Your Seed of Hope with Karen Styles

“There’s got to be something better than this.”

How many times have you told yourself this? Whether about work, school, relationships, or general frustrations with your life? These negative feelings of anger and despair might seem discouraging to you, but Karen Styles joins me on the podcast today to share why they shouldn’t be.

What you’re seeing as frustration on the surface, could actually be a seed of hope inside of you, telling you that there are better things to come. Learn how to uncover that voice and find the motivation you need to make a change in your life.

Tune in!

About Karen Styles:

Karen Styles is a Career and Life Coach, founder of Flow + Fire Coaching, and the host of the Intentional Career Podcast. Before becoming a coach, Karen spent 14 years in a variety of industries, including Career Services, Recruitment, and Education. During that time she went through a lot of angst about her work, before finding her calling as a coach.

Karen is committed to digging through the muck of complex work and life feelings with her clients so they can really listen to their authentic inner voice for guidance. She provides interview coaching, career direction, and life coaching, because everyone deserves to discover and do what lights them up.

To learn more you can visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Sep 08, 202132:38
S07 | E07 Creating Change in Education with Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy

S07 | E07 Creating Change in Education with Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy

The youth of today are our future, so investing in them is one of the biggest ways to create a collective change for tomorrow. But, we know that to continue guiding our kids towards a better future, we have to evolve the way we connect with, teach, and support them.

That’s why today I’m joined by Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy, an education activist working to change the current landscape of education. Her educational model is built on a foundation of love and compassion, focusing on human-centered learning that prepares kids for the “real” world, while giving them the tools they need to thrive as their authentic selves.

Tune in to learn from her years of experience in education and success stories from her students, as well as ways that we can all make a difference and create change in education to better support our future.

About Maureen O’Shaughnessy:

Maureen O’Shaughnessy is on a mission to connect the dots between education, belonging, and youth empowerment. She is the founder of the human-centered micro-school, LEADPrep. This learner-focused middle / high school is a national model for micro-schools, helping students learn from a place of love and personal alignment. Dr. O’Shaughnessy is the author of Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids, host of the Education Evolution podcast, and co-founder of the EdActive Collective. Stay tuned for her TEDx talk coming out soon!

Disrupting the outdated education system, Maureen offers a variety of coaching resources. From running a mastermind for leaders of small schools to consulting with educational innovators on developing accessible-for-all learning environments, she is a force to help all students thrive and be future-ready.

To learn more, visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.

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Sep 01, 202127:01
S07|E06 Living Life Without Fear with Shama Yunus-Joynt

S07|E06 Living Life Without Fear with Shama Yunus-Joynt

Aug 25, 202135:15
S07 | E05 How We Fuel Our Bodies to Function with Natalie D’Adamo

S07 | E05 How We Fuel Our Bodies to Function with Natalie D’Adamo

“You are what you eat” gets taken to the next level today as I’m joined by Natalie D’Adamo to discuss “clean” eating.

What does it mean, and why should we consider it? As Natalie says, the food we eat is what makes us, so we need to fuel our bodies to function the way they’re supposed to. If you’re feeling down, lost, or disconnected from yourself, the food you’re eating may be the root cause.

Natalie believes that transitioning into a “clean” lifestyle is a manifestation of wanting more for yourself and the rest of your life. Listen in as she shares how small changes in your diet can be transformative in your overall life and health.

About Natalie D’Adamo:

Natalie D’Adamo was born and raised in South Africa and moved to Canada in 2000, where she quickly found a feeling of home. Shortly after getting married and wanting to start a family, 3 years of fertility issues led her to start researching the effects of the chemicals we are being exposed to daily in the products we use and food we eat. Through learning to naturally support the body in doing what it does best, Natalie was able to naturally conceive two children, and loves to teach them about clean living and making good food choices to really thrive in life.

The information she learned ignited her passion to find health and wellness personally through keeping fit and living a clean lifestyle. In following these passions, Natalie discovered Precision Nutrition, where she completed her official designation towards health coaching. Natalie has achieved great personal wellness for herself and her family in the last 10 years. She is very excited to help others achieve balance and wellness in all aspects of life, and particularly women’s health.

To learn more you can visit her website, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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Aug 17, 202128:12
S07 | 04 - Living Life Outside of Expectations with Scott Blasken

S07 | 04 - Living Life Outside of Expectations with Scott Blasken

Are you living your life to fit the expectations of others, or are you living it for yourself, your joy, and your passions?

Feeling obligated to live up to the expectations and demands of those around you is a mindset that so many people fall victim to. Scott Blasken joins me on the podcast today to share how he was able to break free from that and truly begin living a life he enjoys. For many this may sound like an unattainable dream, but Scott believes that this is a potential everyone can achieve if they have hope as an active component in life.

Listen in and take Scott’s advice to stop apologizing for where you’ve been, and begin living your life looking forward to where you want to be.

About Scott Blasken:

Scott Blasken grew up a big dreamer, who wanted his head in the clouds by flying airliners, but was forced to live on terra firma by being partially colorblind. After having his wings clipped by his colorblindness, he spent his youth and adult years chasing the goals he thought would satisfy others, and happily lived his life for other people. He followed the idyllic life of school, a successful corporate career, a wonderful marriage, a nice house, and amazing children. He spent a decade working with top-level business coaches, and with them he “accidentally” figured out he hadn’t been his true self.

After a quarter century at the same company, he was given the golden handshake, with a boot in the backside for good measure. Scott took his experience from an exciting and challenging career all through his life, and with insight from a circle of professional supporters, he peeled back the layers to rediscover that childhood excitement, wonderment, and love of life. Inside his head and heart lies the opposition of needing everything black and white, but loving when his world was full of color.

As a commercial photographer, Scott loves that his crazy, creative mind and heart are allowed to run free within the confines of project scheduling, budgeting, and execution. Scott loves insightful conversations with others about the journey of chasing a self imposed set of goals to please others, because many others often say, “Yeah, me too!”

He’s humbled by the place, the time, and the circumstances he was born into. The wonderful life he’s led to this point is exactly what was needed to continue to grow, expand his photography business, and the mindblowing trajectory he has planned, prepped, and manifested.

To learn more, you can connect with Scott on LinkedIn.

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Aug 11, 202131:34
S07 | 03 - Cultivating Hope in Our Communities with Evan Spencer

S07 | 03 - Cultivating Hope in Our Communities with Evan Spencer

Aug 04, 202132:23
S07 | 02 - Taking Action on Your Dreams with Kelly Strongitharm

S07 | 02 - Taking Action on Your Dreams with Kelly Strongitharm

Where‌ ‌there’s‌ ‌a‌ ‌will,‌ ‌there’s‌ ‌a‌ ‌way.‌ ‌

It’s‌ ‌a‌ ‌popular‌ ‌saying,‌ ‌but‌ ‌as‌ ‌today’s‌ ‌guest‌ ‌proves,‌ ‌it’s‌ ‌also‌ ‌totally‌ ‌true.‌ ‌Kelly‌ ‌Strongitharm‌ ‌believes‌ ‌that‌ ‌there’s‌ ‌‌always‌ ‌‌a‌ ‌way‌ ‌to‌ ‌reach‌ ‌your‌ ‌goals.‌ ‌You‌ ‌just‌ ‌need‌ ‌to‌ ‌figure‌ ‌out‌ ‌how‌ ‌and‌ ‌make‌ ‌it‌ ‌happen.‌ ‌Today‌ ‌she‌ ‌shares‌ ‌her‌ ‌incredible‌ ‌story‌ ‌of‌ ‌hope‌ ‌with‌ ‌us,‌ ‌detailing‌ ‌the‌ ‌risks‌ ‌and‌ ‌opportunities‌ ‌she‌ ‌seized‌ ‌in‌ ‌order‌ ‌to‌ ‌make‌ ‌her‌ ‌vision‌ ‌a‌ ‌reality.‌ ‌Her‌ ‌ambition‌ ‌and‌ ‌trust‌ ‌in‌ ‌her‌ ‌own‌ ‌ability‌ ‌to‌ ‌take‌ ‌on‌ ‌big‌ ‌challenges‌ ‌is‌ ‌not‌ ‌only‌ ‌inspiring,‌ ‌but‌ ‌has‌ ‌allowed‌ ‌her‌ ‌to‌ ‌accomplish‌ ‌amazing,‌ ‌seemingly‌ ‌impossible‌ ‌things‌ ‌time‌ ‌and‌ ‌time‌ ‌again.‌ ‌

‌You‌ ‌can‌ ‌do‌ ‌the‌ ‌seemingly‌ ‌impossible‌ ‌in‌ ‌your‌ ‌own‌ ‌life.‌ ‌Believe‌ ‌in‌ ‌yourself,‌ ‌believe‌ ‌in‌ ‌your‌ ‌goals,‌ ‌and‌ ‌take‌ ‌action‌ ‌on‌ ‌your‌ ‌dreams.‌ ‌Listen‌ ‌in!‌ ‌

About‌ ‌Kelly‌ ‌Strongitharm:‌ ‌

Kelly‌ ‌Strongitharm‌ ‌is‌ ‌the‌ ‌founder‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌‌Ruben’s‌ ‌Shoes‌ ‌Society‌‌ ‌and‌ ‌the‌ ‌author‌ ‌of‌ ‌‌I‌ ‌am‌ ‌Emmanuel‌.‌ ‌As‌ ‌a‌ ‌child‌ ‌of‌ ‌adoption,‌ ‌Kelly‌ ‌understands‌ ‌the‌ ‌profound‌ ‌need‌ ‌for‌ ‌all‌ ‌children‌ ‌to‌ ‌know‌ ‌belonging‌ ‌and‌ ‌connection.‌ ‌In‌ ‌2020,‌ ‌she‌ ‌became‌ ‌the‌ ‌mom‌ ‌to‌ ‌a‌ ‌beautiful‌ ‌boy‌ ‌from‌ ‌Haiti,‌ ‌and‌ ‌her‌ ‌mission‌ ‌to‌ ‌create‌ ‌impact‌ ‌at‌ ‌home,‌ ‌as‌ ‌well‌ ‌as‌ ‌abroad,‌ ‌became‌ ‌her‌ ‌next‌ ‌great‌ ‌purpose.‌ ‌Her‌ ‌love‌ ‌of‌ ‌animals,‌ ‌mostly‌ ‌her‌ ‌2‌ ‌dogs,‌ ‌has‌ ‌translated‌ ‌into‌ ‌a‌ ‌plant-based‌ ‌lifestyle,‌ ‌where‌ ‌she‌ ‌hopes‌ ‌to‌ ‌expand‌ ‌on‌ ‌this‌ ‌on‌ ‌her‌ ‌new‌ ‌5‌ ‌acre‌ ‌property‌ ‌that‌ ‌she‌ ‌was‌ ‌able‌ ‌to‌ ‌manifest‌ ‌into‌ ‌reality.‌ ‌

‌To‌ ‌learn‌ ‌more,‌ ‌you‌ ‌can‌ ‌connect‌ ‌with‌ ‌Kelly‌ ‌on‌ ‌‌LinkedIn‌.‌ ‌

Mentioned‌ ‌in‌ ‌This‌ ‌Episode:‌ ‌

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Jul 28, 202127:53
S07 | 01 - Chiropractic Pathways to Hope with Dr. Madelyn Plett

S07 | 01 - Chiropractic Pathways to Hope with Dr. Madelyn Plett

Chiropractic care is often seen as cracking backs to help relieve pain. And while that can be true, that is only a small part of what a chiropractor can really do.

Dr. Madelyn Plett joins the podcast today to shed light on how chiropractic care has evolved over the years and how it truly contributes to your holistic wellbeing. Called to her career early in life after a transformative chiropractic experience of her own, Madelyn shares the importance of this care in proactive health care, healing trauma, and bringing a stronger balance to the connection between your body and mind. She has seen first hand the transformation this has brought to her patients of all ages, and is passionate about helping others be able to live deeper, more hopeful lives.

Listen in to learn more about this pathway to hope!

About Dr. Madelyn Plett:

Dr. Madelyn Plett was born and raised in Calgary. She has 3 siblings and is lucky to be a part of a big chaotic loving family. When I was 16, she saw her first chiropractor. It changed her life and she knew at that age it was what she wanted to be. She completed her bachelor of science at the University of Calgary and then moved to San Francisco Bay Area for chiropractic college. There, her passion for chiropractic was catapulted.

She began acquiring additional training to better care for pregnant and pediatric populations, which has become her focus in practice. Madelyn and her partner have started their own office in Calgary called Connected Chiropractic, where they work to bring high quality, heart-focused care to Calgary’s individuals and families.

To keep up with them, follow them on Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Jul 22, 202132:15
S06 | 12 - Connecting to Hope Through Story with Lea Storry

S06 | 12 - Connecting to Hope Through Story with Lea Storry

If you were asked to write down a story from your life, what would you write? If you just thought, “I don’t have any stories to share”, you’re wrong. We all have moments from our lives that are worth writing down and sharing.

Stories are emotion. Our stories build who we are. And, as today’s guest teaches, our stories connect us to hope. Not only hope for ourselves, but hope for others as well. The things you experience in your day to day life, even small snippets of meaning, can carry inspiration to others who may read about it.

Do you want to capture your stories and share your legacy? Tune in to learn more from Lea’s expertise as she shares why writing is important and how you can begin doing it yourself.

About Lea Storry:

Lea Storry writes, edits, and publishes your stories - from memoirs, to corporate histories, to blogs, and websites. She’s written family stories about war brides from England heading to the Banff backcountry with their husbands, as well as stories about doctors who have met Saddam Hussein. She’s also written about companies that started with a spark of an idea and now have locations spread out across the province.

Lea is an author and a writing coach, too, and offers people who want to write their stories some guidance in the process.

To learn more, you can find Lea on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Jul 14, 202129:02
S06 | 11 - Intentionally Creating a Vision for the Future with Taher Dawoodi
Jun 30, 202129:53
S06 | 10 - Finding Your Joy Spot with Leona deVinne

S06 | 10 - Finding Your Joy Spot with Leona deVinne

Many believe that joy is something that certain people are just born with, or that it is a feeling only afforded to the privileged. Today’s guest firmly disagrees and has made it her mission to help everyone find the spots of joy in their lives.

Leona deVinne joins us today to share how she found joy during times of immense trauma and difficulty, and how she now helps others experience more of it. It’s not simply an emotion for the privileged, but a lens through which we can all see the opportunities ahead. Leona teaches us that joy and hope work hand in hand by helping us to see the possibilities and then drawing us forward through trials.

Listen in to hear her research backed method for finding joy in life and begin finding the spots of joy in your own.

About Leona deVinne:

Leona deVinne is a certified coach and facilitator at deVille Partners, Chief Joy Injector, and Sock Broker at Joy Socks. In her professional life as a leadership coach and consultant, she provides leaders across the globe with the research backed tools to lead with exquisite expertise that creates teams and thriving organizations.

Leona is someone who needed three years of coaching to gain the courage to write her first blog, only later to be personally invited by Arianna Huffington to blog for the HuffPost. In her book, Finding Your Joy Spot, Leona draws upon her personal experiences from living with a life-threatening illness and healing after a heart-breaking divorce, to learning how to discover more joy in her life than she had ever known.

Leona knows that Joy is found in the simplest of moments and also experienced when one lives from a deeply rooted place of living with purpose, and it's her mission to have people experience more of it.  She believes that Joy is the juice that nourishes a thirsty world. Her mission is to help people find more joy by bringing their gifts and talents to the world. By sharing her expertise as a joy guru, professional coach, and facilitator, Leona helps others live their best lives and supports them as they turn their ideas into reality.

To learn more, visit her website and connect with Leona on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for the pre-release list for her book.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Jun 23, 202130:05
S06 | 09 - Moving Forward Without Regret with Eric Wiehler

S06 | 09 - Moving Forward Without Regret with Eric Wiehler

We all have dreams and goals we are motivated to achieve. But sometimes when we finally achieve those goals, we find they don’t align with what we actually want in life. Maybe your priorities changed or the lifestyle just doesn’t end up meeting your needs. How can you move forward from that?

This is something today’s guest is all too familiar with. Eric Wiehler got the opportunity to experience his dream job, but he soon learned that it wasn’t everything he thought it would be. His mindset shifted and he reevaluated what was important and real to him, and he was able to transition into a new stage in his life without any regrets for what he had experienced.

Tune in to hear how he was able to move forward through this transition. If you feel like your current situation isn’t all you expected, know that you gave it your all. You got to experience your dream, and if it’s not for you that’s okay. There is still more for you.

About Eric Wiehler:

Eric is the current operations manager of Wiehler Mechanical, a company specializing in solving problems in the plumbing and HVAC trade.

A lover of sports, Eric previously spent 4 years living in Toronto working his dream job at TSN as a writer. He enjoys travelling, playing pretty much any sport, and drinking a good Old Fashioned. He is also enjoying the humbling experience of being a father to his 4 month old son, Jackson.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Jun 16, 202125:55
S06 | 08 - Connect to Your Purpose Through Reiki with Geneva Robins

S06 | 08 - Connect to Your Purpose Through Reiki with Geneva Robins

Your mental and physical well-being is like a big tree with many branches. There are so many moving parts that all work together to help us feel healthy and whole. Vitamins, medicine, therapy, massage and more help to support you in different ways. So, when looking at the big picture of your well-being, what is supporting your spiritual wellness and re energizing you to reach your purpose?

Geneva Robins joins us today to talk about Reiki as the perfect complementary therapy and support you may be looking for to fill that need. Backed by science and positive results, Reiki works to help create a bridge between where you are and where you want to go so that you can move into a fuller aspect of your life.

By feeling, holding, and aligning your energy and focusing with intention, you’ll find that anything is possible for you. Tune in to learn more and support the spiritual wedge of your well-being.

About Geneva Robins:

Geneva Robins is a Reiki master, an author, and the founder of LunaHolistic: Calgary’s Reiki Centre. Reiki is an energy therapy that helps people feel centered and peaceful. Geneva is a teacher of meditation and Reiki with over 28 years of spiritual study. She’s also the author of The Secret Art of Happiness: How to Change Your Life with the Reiki Ideals, as well as journals, planners, and oracle card decks. She loves her work because she gets to help people connect to their purpose and re energize their lives.

To learn more, you can visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Jun 09, 202129:49
S06 | 07 - Taking Back Control of Your Life with Dennis Shinski

S06 | 07 - Taking Back Control of Your Life with Dennis Shinski

Long-time listeners of this podcast know that addiction is a topic close to my heart. It’s also very misunderstood. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. No matter your walk of life or your standing in society, you are susceptible to it and its effects.

But today’s guest is here to tell us that it doesn’t have to be this way. Your life and habits can be different. Dennis Shinski has walked the crooked path of recovery, and now works to help others do the same. In today’s episode, Dennis shares his journey and the choices he has had to continually make along the way.

If addiction has impacted your life, tune in to learn more about how you can take back control and have a future brighter than today.

About Dennis Shinski:

Today’s guest is Dennis Shinski, a 4th year Social Work student at the University of Calgary. Dennis worked in the Trades & Industry for 14 years with many different roles from labourer to supervisor, before transitioning out of Oil and Gas Industry and into Grande Prairie Regional College to work towards getting accepted into the UofC’s Social Work program. He has worked and volunteered in the mental health field for over 7 years, and has been helping people in recovery from addiction for over 8 years. He was also in a documentary called “Digging in the Dirt” that aired on CBC. The documentary focuses on men’s mental health and the crisis in the Trades & Industry sector around suicide and addiction.

Currently, Dennis works at a high school as a Youth Advocate and a FNMI liaison where he shares his lived experience to make a difference in the lives of others, inspiring hope and the courage to change. Follow him on Instagram to learn more.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Jun 02, 202130:07
S06 | 06 - Speaking Out for Those Who Don’t Know How with Darby Young

S06 | 06 - Speaking Out for Those Who Don’t Know How with Darby Young

Creating a future better than today doesn’t come without its own set of obstacles. You can’t make change without raising awareness and making the right connections, but it’s hard to know where to get started.

Darby Young joins us today to discuss how she’s been breaking barriers while working to create a Universally Accessible world. Darby knew there were problems she could solve for people with disabilities, and she knew she had the opportunity and ability to make the changes that others might not be able to.

Listen in to hear how she’s taken action to overcome obstacles and built a community of like-minded people to help bring her vision of a Universally Accessible world to fruition. You, too, can break barriers, create change, and be a voice for those who need it. Because if you don’t do it, who will?

About Darby Young:

Darby Lee Young is a former para-alpine ski racer who was born with mild cerebral palsy and a passion for removing barriers. She created Level Playing Field (LPF) in November 2015 to mitigate the barriers she faces every day. As the Principal Accessibility Strategist, Darby works with architects, designers, property owners, facilities management, etc. to ensure spaces are Universally Accessible.

Darby is a well-known public speaker and has been very active in the community. She has been volunteering with Hockey Canada since 2010 and served as co-chair on the City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA) from 2011-2015. She also represented the City of Calgary at the International Summit on Accessibility. She was recently named top 25 Women of Influence and has a shoe line named after her called the "Darby" Fellowship by John Fluevog.

To learn more, visit Level Playing Field and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

May 27, 202127:12
S06 | 05 - Taking a Chance on Big Change with Susan Elford

S06 | 05 - Taking a Chance on Big Change with Susan Elford

Many of us have dreams that we want to pursue- traveling, performing, making a big move or changing careers- but there is something holding us back. There’s a voice in our head that says, “Now isn’t a good time for that. It’s not practical. Just wait a little longer.” What is something you’ve wanted to do that you haven’t yet?

For today’s guest, it was traveling to New Zealand. Ever since she was young, Susan Elford had a longing to experience life in New Zealand, so eventually she took a chance, uprooted her life, and moved her family there. She shares with us her story and how it positively affected not only her life, but the lives of her two daughters as well.

If you have a longing to try something new, this episode is for you. Listen in to hear how Susan was able to fulfill her dream so you can be intentional about fulfilling yours.

About Susan Elford:

Susan Elford is a Leadership Coach and Business Mentor to ambitious women. The women Susan serves are often called to get involved with many things – their careers, their businesses, their communities, and their families. Susan particularly enjoys empowering women to design careers and businesses they love to work in, in the context of whole and busy lives.

With a 28 year career in Public Relations behind her, Susan launched her first business, Elford Communications, about 18 years ago where she primarily served not for profits, businesses, and the energy industry. In 2015, Susan launched her second business, Susan Elford Coaching & Consulting, so she could better support women building their businesses and careers through powerful leadership coaching, business mentorship, and PR strategy for small business. Always involved in her community, through her volunteer work, Susan brought Lean in to Calgary and launched Lean in Calgary in 2019 to further her mission to support women in leadership.

Susan is academically trained and holds two university degrees, one in English and the other in Public Relations. A life long learner, Susan is certified by the Canadian Public Relations Society, the International Association of Public Participation, the Coaches Training Institute, and the International Coach Federation.

On the personal side, Susan has lived in Calgary for over 20 years, is married and is the proud mother of two teenage daughters. As a family, they have enjoyed many global travel adventures together. Susan spends her free time outside as much as possible, running, hiking, skiing and walking her very friendly dog.

To learn more, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

May 19, 202132:52
S06 | 04 - Hope in Sight with Dr. Tim Saltys

S06 | 04 - Hope in Sight with Dr. Tim Saltys

There is possibly no hope more potent than one that promises to give you back something you thought you had lost. And that’s something Dr. Tim Saltys, our guest this week, specializes in. As a chiropractic neurologist, he has helped people regain not only the function of their limbs but also their hope. As someone who swore never to be a chiropractor, Dr. Tim not only gives hope to his patients, he also gets hope in return. Join us in this episode to learn more about what a chiropractic neurologist does and how one stumbles onto the path of changing lives.

Key Takeaways:
  • Stimulating limbs externally can form new neurological connections.
  • Hope is a cycle-- you can get hope from the people you give it to.

Mentioned in this episode:

About Dr. Tim Saltys:

Dr. Tim was born and raised in Portugal. He’s always played tennis and eventually chased that dream to Spain, and then to America where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Purdue University. He always knew he wanted to be in a healthcare profession, but for the first 21 years of his life the only one thing he knew was that he did not want to be a part of the chiropractic field! Then it hit him that in fact, chiropractic was the only profession he could see himself being fulfilled in. He attended Life Chiropractic College West and graduated in 2018. He currently co-owns Connected Chiropractic in Calgary, Canada with his fiancé, and most recently became a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board.

Find him on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

May 12, 202125:52
S06 | 03 - Planting Seeds of Action with Lauren Herschel

S06 | 03 - Planting Seeds of Action with Lauren Herschel

Lauren stands as a great example of how seeds of action can slowly plant themselves into our lives which then bloom into the initiatives we take to pay forward to those around us. This is how Lauren became the first anonymous kidney donor in Calgary when she donated her kidney to a total stranger. Join us as we talk about action, hope, and resiliency. You don’t want to miss out on the story of this truly selfless human being!

Key Takeaways:
  • Adaptation in stressful situations is as important as being resilient
  • Looking too far ahead into the future can sometimes be too daunting, plan a day or week ahead instead
  • Surround yourself with a variety of viewpoints

Mentioned in episode:


About Lauren Herschel:

Lauren Herschel is an Ontarian-turned-Albertan who has been living in Calgary since 2006. She is a communications leader with experience in a host of industries from commercial real estate to not for profits and the Calgary Public Library. Lauren is active in the community with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Heritage Calgary and the Canadian Transplant Association. She also has the distinction of being Calgary’s first anonymous kidney donor.

Lauren has had a number of ups, downs and difficult losses over the last decade that have taught her a lot about hope, resiliency, community and being adaptable. She believes it is important to “pay-it forward” and also find ways to improve her corner of the world where possible – and she plans to do just that with a run for City Council this year.

Find her on her personal and business LinkedIn, and Caregiver Toolkit.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

May 05, 202133:56
S06 | 02 - Illuminating your Path with Josephine Tite

S06 | 02 - Illuminating your Path with Josephine Tite

“Hope is just enough light to illuminate the path you’re on so you don’t have to sit in complete darkness.”

The goal of our guest this week is to make sure that everyone has a sense of meaning and purpose when they take their last breath. Josephine Tite works with the elderly who live in home facilities to make their time there as meaningful as the rest of their life. Whether it is by setting small goals everyday, organizing bowling meets with them and their families, or helping them apply positive psychology to their lives, Josephine emphasizes the importance of finding a brand of hope that works best for each individual. Join us this week as Josephine and I explore the question--what does it mean to be hopeful?


Key Takeaways:
  • Goals can be as small or as big as we need them to be. There is no minimum requirement.
  • People living in elderly homing facilities experience a profound loss of sense of purpose.
  • Positivity and hope aren’t age restricted!
  • Hope means different things and lies in different spheres of life for everyone.
  • How we apply positivity to our lives does not work the same forever.
  • Apply positive psychology to your life to experience it--it’s not just about the science, it’s about the lived experience.
Mentioned in the episode:
About Josephine Tite

While she's in tune with the challenges of daily life, Josephine’s disciplined and genuine approach to life and work keeps her and her clients focused on being high on life. She’s someone who prefers comfort over style, natural over manmade, Good Earth over Starbucks, and Pecorino over Parmigiana… and she knows that best coffee is always served in tiny little cups.

Leveraging a Diploma in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Josephine has provided years of coaching and education to elders in long-term care through her organization, Positivity Center. In a world that needs connection and relationships to thrive, Josephine understands how the science of Positive Psychology can be applied to create higher levels of well-being.

Find her on her personal and business LinkedIn, and Caregiver Toolkit.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Apr 28, 202132:46
S06 | 01 -  Fueling Compassion Through Resiliency with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett

S06 | 01 - Fueling Compassion Through Resiliency with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett

Trigger Warning: This week’s podcast contains mentions of sex-trafficking, domestic abuse, along with mentions of oppression and possession of women. If that is something that causes you distress or you are not currently in the state of mind for that at the moment, take your time listening to this week’s episode! When you feel ready and prepared, we hope you’ll join us in the conversation. Stay safe out there and take care of yourself, dear listener!

What do you do if you’re faced with the darkest aspects of mankind and all of a sudden, you have a personal connection to that dark? If you’re Dr. Laura Hambley, you use your hope for a better future to shine the light wherever you can, spreading awareness in a quest to eradicate the dark and bring people back into the light.

In this week’s episode of the podcast, Dr. Laura brings us into the tragic world of human sex trafficking, oppression and possession of women and domestic abuse. This is a tough conversation around an incredibly tough topic but Dr. Laura’s compassion and bias for action shows us that even in the darkest of places, hope is still there, and transformational change is totally possible. We discuss important topics such as compassion fatigue and fighting to stay healthy even while battling through horrific situations and the resilience that is built when coming through hard times. It’s a tough conversation to hear but the importance of bringing awareness so we can stop the madness is why these conversations need to be shared. Don’t miss it!

Key Points:

  • Human trafficking is a very real and prevalent threat today. It is a multimillion dollar industry.
  • Trauma is a very personal and subjective experience--it is experienced differently by each individual.
  • There are organizations in place to prevent victimization, as well as rehabilitate victims of domestic abuse and trafficking (mentioned below).
  • Resiliency and healing is a life-long process.


Mentioned in the Episode:


About Laura Hambley Lovett:

Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an Organizational Psychologist and serial entrepreneur based in Calgary, Alberta.  She is a sought-after thought leader on workplace psychology and career development in Canada – Dr. Laura often writes and speaks in public forums, and she is regularly interviewed by the media on current trends. Dr. Laura has 20 years of experience providing organizational consulting to organizations in Canada and internationally. Above all else, she is a leader and mentor who is passionate about making a difference in people’s work and lives.  Dr. Laura has founded and co-founded several psychology practices in Canada since 2009, including Work EvOHlution™, Canada Career Counselling, Calgary Career Counselling, the Leadership Success Group, and Synthesis Psychology. Dr. Laura specializes in leadership, team and culture development in organizations, remote workplace success, and building resiliency through turbulent times.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM.


Apr 21, 202128:58
S05 | E12 - Living a Purposeful Life with Hung Nguyen

S05 | E12 - Living a Purposeful Life with Hung Nguyen

Finding purpose in life is a journey, some may even call it an...amazing race? Well, this week’s guest is no stranger to races or to hope! From her parents’ story of seeking refuge after the Vietnam War to the 5-weeks that changed her life, Hung has found hope through her trials and tribulations. Join us as we dig deep into finding a purpose-filled life, Hung’s journey of giving hope back to others, and going behind the scenes on her time in the Amazing Race as her and her husband fought through their cabin-fever with some Coldplay!

Key Points:

  • Taking time off life and a new perspective
  • Risk and giving hope
  • Reevaluating your purpose
  • Hope, fear, and growth
Mentioned in the podcast:


About Hung Nguyen

Hung Nguyen is a principal at OUTLAST Consulting, a purpose-driven professional development + strategy firm focused on fueling innovation and empowering diverse talent. She has 15+ years of strategy experience at McKinsey, bp, and General Mills. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Economics from Harvard College and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her interest in diversity extends into a love for travel. You can watch her globetrotting antics on Season 32 of CBS’s reality TV show, The Amazing Race

Hung looks forward to collaborating on projects involving professional development or diversity and can be reached at hung@outlastllc.com, on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Apr 14, 202132:26
S05 | E11 - Raising Hope with Dan Tricarico

S05 | E11 - Raising Hope with Dan Tricarico

Who doesn’t have bad days? Whether it’s a stressful week, a bad day, or just overwhelming anxiety it can get pretty hard to stay hopeful. Well, our guest this week may have a way of changing the way we look at the stressors in our lives as he teaches us what it means to be “zen” and what it means to conduct healthy introspection! Join us as Dan Tricarico, author of The Zen Teacher, and I talk about the healing power of silence, teaching hope to the youth, and Marie Kondo-ing the heck out of our lives. Learn about the importance of simplicity and take a moment to take a few deep breaths this week!

Key Points:

  • How mindful practices help with stress and burnout
  • The human mind and its habits
  • Dan’s Five S’s in approaching a zen state
  • Applying Tricarico’s mindfulness tools to your life


Mentioned in the podcast:


About Dan Tricarico:

Dan Tricarico, CEO of The Zen Professional, teaches corporate leaders how to maximize their performance without sacrificing themselves. As a national speaker, author of two top stress management books, and creator of The Zen Professional 5-Step Blueprint for stress reduction, Tricarico now shares his expertise and insight by showing business leaders how to thrive both inside and outside the boardroom. He has been featured in Fast Company Magazine, EduTopia, and Teacher2Teacher, as well as having guested on many business and educational podcasts.

You can find him on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Apr 07, 202133:40
S05 | E10 - Be a Catalyst for Hope with Denise Summers

S05 | E10 - Be a Catalyst for Hope with Denise Summers

One thing that’s become abundantly clear to the world this past year is that mental health does not discriminate. Anybody in any situation is susceptible to experiencing mental illness, addiction, abuse, or any other sort of trauma.

Denise Summers joins us on the podcast today to explain that this is exactly why hope is a necessity. Everybody needs to have hope in their lives and be able to actually wield that hope, because without it, what are we left with? This is why Denise believes that there’s a sense of responsibility in each of us to spread hope whenever and however we can. She and I both share the belief that hope is contagious, and Denise’s inspiring story proves why.

Listen in to learn how you can not only use hope as a foundation in your own recovery strategy, but how you can help be a catalyst for hope in the lives of others.

About Denise Summers:

Denise Summers is the Principal of Amphora Communications and the host of Stand Out!, a video interview series celebrating women founders and business leaders, published on Calgary Business digital news platform.

Previously, she held a number of communications advisory positions in the energy, financial, and nonprofit fields. Since 2007, Denise has consulted many sectors including energy, construction, nonprofit, healthcare and finance, helping to tell the stories of and create meaningful change for many organizations. She is able to adapt her storytelling and writing skills to projects as diverse as a multinational oil company needing help during a takeover to bring new employees into the future, to ghostwriting the first business book for a successful local HR consultancy to media pitching for a First Nations colouring book and journal.

Check out her website to learn more and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Mar 31, 202135:33
S05 | 09 - Choose to Walk Forward with Kristina Risinger

S05 | 09 - Choose to Walk Forward with Kristina Risinger

Grief is an often misunderstood thing. Many people see it as a destination or a defining characteristic, but in actuality it is a journey that can help you process your emotions and grow. There are so many experiences in life that lead us to go through grief, even if we don’t necessarily realize it at the time. Of course, the death of a loved one, but also major life events like moving, a global pandemic, or even marriage.

It can feel dark and alone, but today’s guest is here with a different message. Kristina Risinger has experienced her own share of loss and grief and has been able to find her way to move forward with hope. She teaches that you are not alone and you do have the ability to heal.

Listen in as she shares her story and her approach to handling grief. She knows that the pain and loss you feel is real and can be excruciating, but it is not the end. Tomorrow is another day and it’s waiting for you, if you choose to walk forward.

About Kristina Risinger:

Kristina Risinger is a daughter of God, wife, mother, coach, author, podcaster, summit host, speaker, and photographer. Kristina and her husband have six children, one which was called to take her place alongside Jesus in Heaven in 2016. Their youngest daughter was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 which is considered incompatible with life. She passed away shortly before her first birthday, however; they believe they were so very blessed to have her for a short time.

While Kristina is thankful for each moment shared, and grateful to have been given the chance to know such a precious being, she is fully aware of the heartache that comes with burying a child. Her daughter’s life and death have purpose, and it is what compels her to be a better human being.

She is a woman who desires to be guided by the Lord to fulfill her purpose in life. After losing her daughter, Kristina struggled with figuring out how to put the pieces back together. She continues to renew her hope and has discovered her purpose as she now desires to support others through their grief journey after great loss.

Kristina has been called to help people through the grieving process by placing their faith in God and regaining identity and purpose for their lives. In addition, she is being led to bring Christian women together in fellowship as they continue to deepen their personal walk with the Lord; understanding that Kingdom Women can encourage one another through the adversity they face and acknowledge the work of God as He reveals His perfect peace and will for their lives.

To learn more about Kristina’s story and see how you can work with her, you can visit her
website and follow her on Facebook.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Mar 24, 202131:47
S05 | 08 - Be the Author of Your Own Story with Genevieve Graham

S05 | 08 - Be the Author of Your Own Story with Genevieve Graham

Have you ever been paralyzed by the fear of failure? Sometimes, that fear keeps us from taking opportunities that come our way. We miss out on pieces of ourselves and what we could be.

Today we are joined by author Genevieve Graham, and her question is, What’s the alternative?

What is actually holding you back from following your passions? If you don’t, what’s the alternative? Is the potential for falling a bit short actually worse than never taking action in the first place?

Genevieve believes that we should let hope be our silver lining. Remember what drives you and take a chance. Because even when it’s uncomfortable, you are still moving forward. We are the authors of our own stories, so make yours an interesting one!

Listen in!

About Genevieve Graham:

Genevieve Graham received her Bachelor of Music Performance (Oboe) at the University of Toronto in 1986. When an autoimmune disease forced her to quit oboe, she spent the next dozen or so years doing everything from advertising to marketing and fundraising, teaching piano to children along the way. In 1992 she traveled to Banff to visit a friend - and met her future husband (of almost 30 years!) in a chairlift lineup! They lived 17 years in Calgary, then moved to Nova Scotia in 2008 with their daughters, Emily & Piper. There, she was surrounded by history, and she realized how little she knew, not only about the province but all of Canada.

At 42 she began researching then writing exclusively Canadian Historical Fiction novels. Most recently, Genevieve focused on the dark, little known story of Canada’s British Home Children in “The Forgotten Home Child”. Despite bookstore shutdowns across the country due to COVID-19, it became an “instant #1 bestseller” and remained on that list for 19 weeks – 11 of those at #1. It achieved the #5 position in Canadian Fiction for 2020 and educated tens of thousands of readers about this vital part of our history. Her sixth novel, “Letters Across the Sea” will be published this April.

To learn more you can visit her website, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Mar 17, 202135:12
S05 | 07 - Embracing Your Journey with Kendra Reddy

S05 | 07 - Embracing Your Journey with Kendra Reddy

I think hope has a PR problem. Part of that? People tend to have this idea that having hope makes your life all sunshine and rainbows. But the truth is that the journey of hope isn’t always easy and it doesn’t look the same to everyone.

It’s personal and ever-changing. Everyone's definition of hope is different. You need to find what’s true to yourself and your own story. Hope can be altered, shifted, and learned as you explore what’s true to you.

Today’s guest joins us to share her own crooked story of hope with us. Kendra Reddy took control of her journey by learning to be vulnerable, seeing the possibilities, and influencing the things she had the power to change. She had to learn first hand how to recognize hope in her own life, and now helps others find it in theirs. If you’re ready to embrace your own journey and find your definition of hope, tune in!

About Kendra Reddy:

Kendra Reddy is an executive coach and keynote speaker who empowers leaders to act with authenticity, create capacity, and find purpose. Her clients are global industry leaders across Canada and the U.S., including PwC, Scotiabank, BMW Group Canada, ROOTS Canada, The Northwest Company, and Egon Zehnder.

With nearly two decades of experience working in leadership development and human capital, Kendra's methodology to lead with excellence begins with personal mastery. Her refreshing perspective on authentic leadership has been featured in The Globe and Mail, CNN, and The Financial Post.

In 2020, Kendra founded The Tala Leadership Institute, a coaching certification school that unlocks leadership through real-world coach training. For leadership wisdom, hacks, and techniques, follow Kendra on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit her website.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Mar 10, 202132:22
S05 | 06 - Intentionality in Your Decisions with Tarun Singh

S05 | 06 - Intentionality in Your Decisions with Tarun Singh

How intentional are you about the decisions you make in your life? Are you actually intentional in the decisions you make or are you just holding on to a blind optimism, wishing to meet your goals?

Intentionality is a driving factor in hope and taking action. It’s about envisioning your end goal and planning what the steps are that you will take to get there, and then actually following through.

My good friend Tarun Singh joined me on the podcast this week to discuss how we can be more intentional in our decision making and how we can innovate solutions to problems that arise while we experience life. He believes not in blind faith, but in faith rooted in realism and tempered by facts. Listen in to hear his own amazing, personal story and how intentionality has helped him reach his own success. Learn the steps he takes in practicing intentionality, so that you can find your why and reach your success too.

About Tarun Singh:

Tarun Singh is an expert in sales, leadership, and strategy, and currently serves as the Outside Account Manager at Grand & Toy. He works to simplify complex problems and ensure that solutions are found for customer needs. With a history in sales and strategic management, Tarun uses his passion and skill to help bring hope to Calgary, volunteering with and fundraising for Redefin’d.

You can connect with Tarun on LinkedIn to learn more.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Mar 03, 202139:02
S05 | 05 - Contagious Confidence with Scott Ackerman

S05 | 05 - Contagious Confidence with Scott Ackerman

What separates a good leader from a great leader? It’s not the magical ability to never fail or meticulous planning skills.

No, it’s a lot deeper than that. It’s a power you draw on from deep within yourself.

This week Scott Ackerman joins the podcast and he shares from his own personal experience what he believes separates the good from the great- faith, hope, and charisma. A truly great leader will show hope and faith in their team, cultivating a confidence that will enable their team to succeed. And while he warns about the dangers of blind hope, Scott also echoes my sentiments about what separates hope from optimism- taking action and continual motivation to reach your goals.

Whether you are a leader in a personal or professional setting, tune in to hear Scott’s expertise on hope, confidence, reflection, and strength in leadership.

About Scott Ackerman:

Scott Ackerman is a Strategic Advisor and Executive Coach, currently serving on several for-profit and non-profit advisory boards. He has served as Managing Director for several management consultancies, including Online Business Systems, Criterium Group, and Western Management Consultants. Previously, he held global leadership positions with Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq Computer Corporation, and Hewlett Packard.

Scott specializes in IT Organizational Effectiveness, Strategy, Sourcing Advisory and Program Management.  With more than 25 years experience, he has proven success managing complex programs throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. With an MBA from Royal Roads University with specialties in Executive Management and Management Consulting, he is a Certified Management Consultant and a member in good standing of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.

Scott currently lives in Redwood Meadows with his wife, where he proudly serves as Deputy Mayor. To learn more, you can connect with Scott on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:


Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Feb 24, 202140:34
S05 | 04 - Community Spirit with Graham Calder and Iyla Christie

S05 | 04 - Community Spirit with Graham Calder and Iyla Christie

In the science of hope, it’s shown that having a heart of service is better for your health, resiliency, and overall being. Today’s special guests, Graham Calder and Iyla Christie, are here to talk about how people of all ages can get involved in service that improves their own communities and communities around the world.

“Service above self” rings true for these Rotary International members. Graham teaches why movement of the heart, even in small ways, is so important in uplifting community spirit, why it is so meaningful to see young people get involved, and how it brings us closer to a hopeful future. Iyla shares why Rotary is so important to her, what she loves about being involved and where she feels the most hopeful.

Listen in to learn more about how you can get involved and why, even if it’s not with Rotary International, you should get involved with service opportunities in your own community.

About Graham Calder and Iyla Christie:

Graham Calder and Iyla Christie are two of Lindsay’s favorite people, her father and niece. They are working together on a special project, Rotary International. Rotary International is a global service organization dedicated to bringing wellness, support, and education to people in need all around the world.

To learn more about Rotary, you can visit their website and follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Feb 17, 202130:11
S05 | 03 - Fashion, Technology and Hope Engineering with Dr. Sharon Jones

S05 | 03 - Fashion, Technology and Hope Engineering with Dr. Sharon Jones

As a society, what brings us together is continued growth and development. It’s in the process toward our goals where we find the sense of confidence and belonging that we need as humans.

Today’s guest, Dr. Sharon Jones, shares how we can find hope in the continuous work and celebration of education. In her work, she especially sees the impact of this on young girls interested in STEM. By encouraging an environment where students and educators alike feel like they can be themselves and be passionate about their work, we can create a future where young girls and women can feel more empowered to find their place in technology. Plus, we talk about how the fashion industry uses technology and how we can engineer hope through STEM. 

Tune in now to learn more about seeking continual education, why women in STEM is important, and how we can foster this interest in our own communities.

About Sharon Jones:

Dr. Sharon Jones, Ed.D is the founder and CEO of the dot. Consulting and the non-profit Dottie Rose Foundation, where she leads and implements technology focused education and innovation. Dr. Jones has found her passion in education and has served as a computer science expert for the past 20 years, bridging the gap between our everyday actions and the application of technology. Dr. Jones is a highly sought after and national award winning Computer Science educator in the public school system and for corporate training.

She has presented and been published nationally and internationally on data analytics, educational practices and technology. Her book A Recipe for Success Using SAS University: How to Plan Your First Analytics Project is being used in curriculum and classrooms around the country. When not running the technology-world, Dr. Jones spends her time with her husband Ricky, and two sons, Ethan and Dylan and their beloved dog, Cooper.

To learn more, you can find Sharon on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Feb 10, 202131:50
S05 | 02 - Getting Out of Fear and Back Into Purpose with Lindsay White

S05 | 02 - Getting Out of Fear and Back Into Purpose with Lindsay White

The global pandemic and its economic fallout have been especially tough on women owned small businesses. How can you find hope beyond what seems like the end of your future?

Today’s guest, Lindsay White, is here to help us see that there is always a possibility, we just need to look for it. Ask yourself: What do you value? What is important to you? And how are you living that everyday? Lindsay believes that by connecting to yourself and your purpose, you can find hope, resiliency, and authenticity. In her work, she has worked with so many business owners to help them embrace the possibilities of the future and create work environments that inspire.

If you feel stuck, listen in as Lindsay shares how we can become unstuck in order to get out of fear and back into purpose.

About Lindsay White:

Lindsay White is the owner of High Voltage Leadership. She believes that every business, no matter how small, deserves three things: great leadership, an impactful people strategy, and a culture that inspires. It’s Lindsay’s incredible passion, high-voltage personality, and decades of talent management and coaching experience that inspires her clients as they drive their business success through their people.

As an entrepreneur, a working mom, and a first-time grandmother, Lindsay knows that the blend between work and life can be difficult to create . That’s why she loves to coach and guide female business owners as they navigate their personal leadership journey. Her focus on people strategy, team engagement, and leadership development all help her clients drive their business goals while creating an inspiring culture. Lindsay’s signature VIP leadership coaching program opens for enrollment only a few times a year, so check out her website to find out more and schedule an inspiration session today. You can also keep up with High Voltage Leadership by following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Feb 03, 202135:23
S05 | 01 - Live the Life You Love with Jenna Lessner

S05 | 01 - Live the Life You Love with Jenna Lessner

Our hearts crave connection, yet often the biggest connection we miss out on is our connection with ourselves. We’re conditioned to believe that we aren’t worthy of love or compassion unless we look a certain way. Is your self-loathing stopping you from living the life you really want?

Jenna Lessner has first hand experience with this, going through a physical, emotional, and psychological journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance. She joins the podcast to help us explore how our relationship with food can control our mood and the emotional connection we need to create sustainable changes in our lives. Her message of hope is that we are in control of our lives and by better serving ourselves and our bodies, we can better connect with ourselves and find our sense of purpose.

Listen in to learn how you can find big success in small changes, and live the life you want by shifting your mindset.

About Jenna Lessner:

Jenna Lessner is a Wellness Coach who empowers her clients with self-love and supports them to understand why their emotions impact their food choices and vice versa. After her own 130-pound weight loss, Jenna became passionate about nutrition and helping other individuals improve their health and longevity. Jenna focuses her work around emotional eating and body acceptance coaching, which allows her to help her clients get to the root of their issues with food.

To learn more you can visit her website, Simply Nurtured, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Mentioned in This Episode:


Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Jan 27, 202131:20
S04 | 12 - Rising to the Occasion with Connie Jakab

S04 | 12 - Rising to the Occasion with Connie Jakab

During times of crisis, who do you look to for support? Or are you the one people look to?

One thing is for sure, hope is created socially. A supportive community is imperative in helping each other to heal. That’s what today’s guest, Connie Jakab, is here to teach us today. She is an expert in providing hope to those in need, believing that no matter the problem, a solution can be created.

And that’s the key. Whether it be at home, in the workplace, or from across the country, each of us has the ability and the opportunity to rise to the occasion. Each of us is capable of doing hard things, taking action, and creating solutions that can work to bring us a better future. Listen in to learn more.

About Connie Jakab:

Connie Jakab is the owner of the Brave Parent Institute, and the senior manager of Wellness Innovate. She is the author of Bring Them Closer as well as two other books. Connie is passionate about rebelling against the status quo, living and encouraging others to branch out. She is the director of the National Hope Talks and the Hope Movement, combating mental health in Canada.

A sought after speaker, Connie drives her passion outwards into the arms of those wanting something more radical and meaning in life. To learn more, visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Jan 20, 202132:56
S04 | 11 - Reversing Roles with Jenny Smith

S04 | 11 - Reversing Roles with Jenny Smith

As we get older, some things become inevitable. There are difficult decisions we will have to end up making on our parents’ behalf, and along with those come difficult conversations. It feels so easy and comforting to put them off until later… right?

Jenny Smith from When Roles Reverse joined me today to talk about how having these difficult conversations early on can actually provide more hope and joy in both yours and your parents lives as you navigate challenging circumstances. Difficult conversations will always be difficult, but being prepared and being intentional will give you the freedom to be more present in the face of these challenges.

Listen in to learn more so that you can fully begin to focus on the things most important to you.

About Jenny Smith:

Jenny Smith is a heart centered mom, daughter, coach, and facilitator whose work is grounded in her own experiences. She turned 42 this year and feels like she has never been more alive and more vibrant. Jenny has a bachelor of arts degree in Sociology, 14 years experience as a corporate HR professional, and is a trained co-active coach. She leads with passion, compassion, and love, and has made it her purpose in life to guide people towards joy.

Learn more about her business, When Roles Reverse, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Jan 13, 202139:53
S04 | 10 - Motivated Action with Sean Crump and Derek Deacon-Rogers

S04 | 10 - Motivated Action with Sean Crump and Derek Deacon-Rogers

My definition of hope is “the future will be better than today by taking action over the things we can control”.

The average person walks through life completely unaware of how accessible (or inaccessible) the world around them is for others. But the reality of life for many people who have unique characteristics and needs is that the world is not super inclusive, leading to feelings of otherness and anxiety.

But luckily, there are amazing people working hard to change that. Today’s guests, Sean Crump from Universal Access and Derek Deacon-Rogers from GenerousSolutions, are taking motivated action to create more inclusive spaces that can accommodate every person. Their future is a world that is more inclusive and accessible to all, and their hope for this has catapulted change as they’ve taken action to make it happen.

Listen in to learn more about the work they do and actions you can take to be more inclusive in your own life.

About Sean Crump and Derek Deacon-Rogers:

Sean Crump is an accessibility and universal design industry expert and an inclusion collaborator. After breaking his neck in 2004 from a diving accident, he now lives his life with quadriplegia and utilizes a wheelchair to optimize his independence. Sean has dedicated the better part of his professional career committed to bettering accessibility and inclusion in society. As founder of Universal Access (UA), Sean’s goal is to create communities where all people feel comfortable conducting daily tasks, participating in social events, and contributing to their economic well-being as though spaces were designed to accommodate all people regardless of their unique characteristics.

You can follow UA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Derek Deacon-Rogers is a Social Entrepreneur who believes in the power of business for good. He knows that we can use ingenuity to design and operate businesses that have a positive impact on our planet, our neighbours and our pocketbooks. As founder of GenerousSolutions, Derek created a barrier-free ticketing and registration platform that has raised over $1.4 million dollars for local Nonprofits. As a volunteer Board member, he has helped the Volunteer Centre of Calgary (propellus) and Children’s Link digitize their services - enabling them both to become social enterprises, to start earning revenue and reduce their dependence on government grants.

You can follow GenerousSolutions on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope, as well.

Jan 06, 202140:05
S04 | 09 - Building Hope Through Humor with Lindsay Harle-Kadatz

S04 | 09 - Building Hope Through Humor with Lindsay Harle-Kadatz

When you find yourself slipping into the cloudiness of depression, stress, or anxiety, how do you cope and find the motivation to get through it? There are many coping methods you might see as a beacon in the darkness, but today’s guest specializes in using humor.

Lindsay Harle-Kadatz’s story is all about finding the humor in our lowest times, reaching out for help, and how sharing our stories can help us build connections and motivate others to take action in their own lives. From experience, Lindsay knows that we can’t grow without taking action for ourselves. Listen in to hear her inspiring words and learn how a little compassion and humor can help bring us out of the darkness.

About Lindsay Harle-Kadatz:

"What if..." is the question that keeps Lindsay Harle-Kadatz up at night. It's the question behind her curiosity and what inspires her to support overwhelmed business leaders in shaving years off their business stress through brand and content strategy. As owner of The Write Harle, she helps these overwhelmed leaders become overjoyed with their own original voice. When not working with small business brands, she is a vocal mental health advocate creating better connection through humour. She even wrote a book about it called Depression Constipation: How Pooping Saved My Sanity…and Other Stories, a real-life tale of understanding depression in terms of constipation, humour, and mental prune juice.

She has spoken on a number of entrepreneurial topics, including mental health and the creative brain, growing your readers with branded content, and gaining brand trust through consistency. Each time, she looks to leave value through tangible takeaways while connecting with a bit of humour here and a well timed-pun there. This is what saw her receive the 2019 Women of Inspiration – Influencer award, through the Universal Women's Network.

With everything, Lindsay continues to focus on the foundation for her true love: connection through stories. And, it's what she'll continue to use to help businesses connect with their communities! You can follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope, as well.

Dec 30, 202035:35
S04 | 08 - Healing Stress with Craniosacral Therapy with Devan Ridsdale

S04 | 08 - Healing Stress with Craniosacral Therapy with Devan Ridsdale

Feeling stressed? Experiencing burnout?

With the current state of the world, I don’t doubt it. But we don’t have to let the overwhelm take over our lives. By managing our stressors we can energize ourselves to find the solutions we need to make it through the hard times.

Devan Ridsdale joins the podcast to tell us about the success she’s experienced with Craniosacral therapy, and the data backs it up. You may be skeptical about putting your trust in these alternative modalities, but Devan breaks it down in a way that’s easy to understand. Listen in to learn more and hear about how this science gives Devan hope.

About Devan Ridsdale:

Devan Ridsdale has been practicing as a Registered Massage Therapist since 2009 after graduating from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. Devan specializes in therapeutic massage for children and adults, chronic whiplash cases, headaches, postural dysfunction, and nagging chronic injuries commonly found in those of us who work sitting down.

Devan has a special passion for educating clients about their pain and discomfort and believes that there are many different roads to recovery and body maintenance. Because of this she takes pride in offering a variety of services to help you better your health and meet your goals. She also sees tremendous value in treating and preventing stress. To assist her in doing so she obtained level 1 Craniosacral Therapy from the Upledger Institute in 2013 and will be achieving level 2 in February 2021.

You can visit her website to learn more and follow her on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:


Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Dec 23, 202029:35
S04 | 07 - Building Hope through Community with Liz Duerholt

S04 | 07 - Building Hope through Community with Liz Duerholt

A sense of community and belonging brings hope and meaning to our lives. But… how? And why are these connections so important to us?

According to Liz Duerholt, today’s guest on the Hope Motivates Action podcast and Executive Director of Redefine’d, it’s all about the redefinition of our stories and expectations, and creating sustainable change in our lives. Liz’s work with Redefine’d has shown her just how powerful building a connected community can be for all of us. Her story also teaches us that we can make that difference for countless others in our lives.

Tune in to learn more about Liz’s work and story, and the strength community relationships have in leading us to find our purpose.

About Liz Duerholt:

Liz Duerholt is a social entrepreneur, leader, and a healer. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Redefin'd, a community that brings love and healing to young people overcoming emotional trauma. She left Calgary's Oil and Gas Sector in 2014, to breathe life into a bold idea that meaningful work and connection could transform the future for many of Calgary's young people.

Liz is passionate about what is possible when we are radically connected to ourselves, others, and the planet. Her work has taken her as far away as Africa, then closer to home into the lives of young people who were living on the margins. It's been a journey of love and of healing and ultimately one that is returning her home to herself.

To see more about the work of Liz and Redefin’d, you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Dec 16, 202040:22
S04 | 06 - Create a Future Better Than Today with Elise Montgomery

S04 | 06 - Create a Future Better Than Today with Elise Montgomery

It’s often difficult to envision the long term effects of our present decisions and emotions. Human nature desires instant gratification, preferably with minimal effort put in. But if we want to change our futures for the better, we must change our current behaviors. Otherwise we will always experience the same results.

Today’s guest, Elise Montgomery, joined me to discuss future visioning and how imagining a better future for ourselves can help give us hope. Each of us can take actions today that, although they may be hard now, we will be thankful for tomorrow. Making these decisions will guide us down an exponentially hopeful, empowering path to a vibrant and passionate future.

Elise’s expertise in creating a passionate lifestyle is truly inspiring. To learn more about changing your behaviors and mindset, listen to today’s episode.

About Elise Montgomery:

Elise Montgomery is a proven business and success coach for women, specifically in real estate. Elise got her start in business coaching with one of the top real estate coaching companies in the world, she now has her own coaching business. She is committed to empowering her clients to design a business that serves them to their highest level of income, lifestyle, and passion.

Elise has been featured in Forbes and sits on the Forbes Coaches Council. She is on a mission to show female entrepreneurs that they can make more income and impact than they ever thought possible, while also creating a lifestyle that lights them up. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook ,and LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:


Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Dec 09, 202036:36
S04 | 05 - Identifying Your Own Motivational Experiences with Kristen Dyck

S04 | 05 - Identifying Your Own Motivational Experiences with Kristen Dyck

It’s very easy to feel inadequate when it comes to our own experiences, especially when there are so many incredible and inspirational stories coming from those around us. We’ve been hardwired to believe that we need a big, dramatic story in order for it to be worth sharing.

Kristen Dyck joins us today to disprove this notion, telling us that we must believe that what we’ve been through matters. By identifying our own motivational experiences, we can come to understand our personal values and have clarity surrounding the direction we are heading in. Kristen defines hope as similar to vision, knowing what your North Star is and holding on to it. Listen in to hear how you can uncover that North Star in your own life.

About Kristen:

Kristen Dyck is the founder of AVRO Creative, where she is a personal brand strategist. Kristen was once told, “You do great work but no one knows who you are.” After that, she developed her personal brand, went on to reach her goals, and received national recognition for her work.

Today, she uses more than thirteen years of marketing, communications and brand experience to help women achieve their goals with her unique personal branding process. You can follow Kristen on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Dec 02, 202034:34
S04 | 04 - Creating Hope and Faith in Yourself with Karen Gallagher-Burt

S04 | 04 - Creating Hope and Faith in Yourself with Karen Gallagher-Burt

When you’re struggling with mental health, it can be difficult to navigate the system and know where you can actually turn for recovery. In fact, you may not even feel there is a pathway to recovery for you or that you are worth the effort.

Karen Gallagher-Burt joins us today to share her expertise in creating passion for yourself and motivation towards recovery. Everybody is worthy and capable of growth and confidence, and Karen teaches us how hope and faith work hand in hand to bring us there. She knows that hope is not effortless. It is a learned, active behavior that we create within ourselves.

If you’re struggling to find and create that hope and faith in yourself, you’ll want to listen in to Karen’s incredible wealth of knowledge and experiences. You are not alone, you are worthy, and you can transform your own life.

About Karen Gallagher-Burt:

Karen Gallagher-Burt is an intentional leader who delights in empowering individuals and groups to engage with their communities and bring compassion to their workplaces. Through inspiring leadership and a warm, bubbly personal style, Karen ignites passion and purpose in the organizations and individuals she is privileged to serve.

Karen is currently the Executive Leader of Community Investment with Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary. While pursuing these passions, she completed graduate studies in Social Work, raised 48 children, and served on many Boards and Commissions. Outside of the office, Karen is committed to local community volunteering, the sweaty life of physical fitness, and an ever evolving relationship with coffee. She has received multiple awards and acknowledgements as an Alumni of Distinction from Mount Royal University as well as Student Leader at the University of Calgary.

As a Compassion Curator and Empathy Engineer, Karen is determined to conquer the world with love, hope, and kindness. You can find and follow Karen on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Nov 25, 202043:28
S04 | 03 - Building Compassion Through Communication with Andrea Jones

S04 | 03 - Building Compassion Through Communication with Andrea Jones

Communication is the basis of every relationship you will have, but it can be difficult for many people to express themselves effectively. Have you ever wondered why someone else responds the way they do to certain situations, or why they can't communicate themselves the same way you do? Maybe you are confused or frustrated about your own reactions and how you navigate those same situations.

If you’ve ever wondered why there is such a big communication gap between yourself and a loved one, you’ll want to listen to today's episode as we are joined by communication expert Andrea Jones. She knows first hand the importance of healthy expression and understanding in our lives, both for ourselves and for our relationships.

Her belief is that knowledge leads to compassion, and that compassion can open up channels of expression in which we better understand each other. Certainly, changing our point of view can help us to appreciate those around us just a little bit better. Listen in and learn as Andrea shares her biggest communication tips, the differences between how men and women interact, and how we can become conscious of our own communication issues and boundaries.

About Andrea Jones:

Andrea Jones is fascinated with the things that make us tick and how we can use them to step into our full power. As a Communication Specialist, Andrea is dedicated to helping professionals figure out how their clients, co-workers, and employees think, so they can build trust faster and create stronger bonds and better relationships.

She also brings to the table extensive experience in business management, marketing, and television production, combined with her 20+ years of investigation into psychology, NLP, neuroscience, body language, and personal development. As a result of this unique combination of skills, her clients typically double or triple their revenue, while they start loving their lives again.

There is little help out there for spouses who are in a support role, but Andrea has found hope and optimism by making sure that she is in a place where she can be her best self. You can follow Andrea on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and visit her website for more information on her services.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.



Nov 18, 202032:20
S04 | 02 - A Hopeful Journey Through Parenthood with Angie McNulty

S04 | 02 - A Hopeful Journey Through Parenthood with Angie McNulty

Many people have an intrinsic desire to have children and raise a loving, supportive family. For people like Angie, this journey happens in a much different way than expected. Certain factors can complicate the situation and make it more difficult for some to reach that dream of parenthood.

Angie McNulty joins us on the Hope Motivates Action podcast today to talk about her journey through parenthood while experiencing infertility, fostering, and adoption. Angie had to learn how to fulfill her purpose as a mother and keep her faith while facing the sorrow of discovering her infertility. Listen in as she shares her story of hope and motherhood, and how she was able to keep herself motivated through grief and uncertain circumstances. She shares that even during difficult times, there is always something to be grateful for and we can always look forward to brighter horizons.

About Angie McNulty:

Angie McNulty is a life and leadership coach, with a specialty in helping working moms to find peace and balance so they can pursue their passions and purpose without guilt. She is a wife, mother of three kids, and two dogs. Angie loves self-development; whether it be reading books, seminars, workshops, or podcasts.

She is an iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) and John Maxwell Team certified coach, speaker, and trainer. Angie offers individual coaching, group coaching, training, workshops, team building. and speaking.

The founder of McNulty Coaching Services, LLC, Angie is an experienced coach who has helped many women make a transition to living out their dreams & passions, which brings more joy into their everyday life. To learn more, you can visit her website or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Nov 11, 202028:46
S04 | 01 - Motivating Action During Active Addiction with Mike Davies

S04 | 01 - Motivating Action During Active Addiction with Mike Davies

Addiction is an isolating thief of joy, hope, and life. For someone facing active addiction, it can be difficult to find the motivation to reach out for the help they need. Feelings of shame and fear will often hold someone suffering from addiction back from getting help towards recovery.

Today, Mike Davies joins us to share his incredible journey about his history with active addiction and how he was able to motivate action in his life to start recovery. Mike worked hard to change his life and now works hard to bring that hope to countless others suffering from addiction and other mental illnesses. He lets us know that help is out there and no one has to push through this on their own.

Listen in now to hear more about his journey and how he was able to use hope to motivate action during active addiction towards recovery.

About Mike Davies:

Mike Davies is a registered social worker with a clinical master’s degree. He is a counsellor and community engagement liaison at Health Upwardly Mobile (HUM) in Calgary. Mike also has a private practice and sits on the board of directors at the Sunrise Healing Lodge Society and is an advisor/consultant at the Foundation for Addiction and Mental Health.

Mike is a person with addiction and recently celebrated his 12-year milestone in recovery after living in active addiction for 29 years. He is a husband, a son, a brother, an uncle, a great uncle, and a cat daddy. He enjoys classic sci-fi movies, being around water, and spending time outside under the sun with loved ones.

“I feel privileged to share in and witness the transformation that is possible when people choose recovery”.

If you’re interested in learning more about what Mike does, you can follow HUM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Mentioned in this Episode:


Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well. 

You'll also find Mental Health in Minutes, a monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations designed to increase the well-being of employees. You can let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams.

Nov 04, 202047:04
S03 | 12 - Using Hope to Become Bigger than Ourselves with Kim Forrester

S03 | 12 - Using Hope to Become Bigger than Ourselves with Kim Forrester

Many of us have been there before: a big move that involves dismantling our lives completely. Our sense of community, support systems, careers, and stability are gone as we move on to new phases in life. How can we see through these moments of loneliness and fear to a valuable and vibrant future?

Today we are joined by Kim Forrester, who has lived through this example 6 times in the past 20 years. She knows that feeling of despair and how it feels to live with depression, and yet she was able to activate hope in her life and go on to live a passionate and holistic life. Listen in as she shares her story and her relationship with hope over her lifetime. Kim’s outlook on life and how we experience it is one you definitely won’t want to miss.

About Kim Forrester:

Kim Forrester is a mother, nature lover, holistic wellbeing advocate, kindness enthusiast, and the host of the Eudaemonia podcast. As an award-winning author, educator, and consultant, she combines cutting edge science with spiritual philosophy to inspire holistic wellbeing and fullness of living.

Born in New Zealand, Kim has lived in several countries - now in Singapore. She has used hope to sustain her through 6 continental moves in the last 20 years. In her work, she encourages people to go deeper on their well-being journeys and take the steps to nourish their very essence.

You can find Kim online on her website or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Want to take action over your hopeful future? Check out my new online membership called #BetterThanToday, a monthly subscription for the person who's done with not having enough time, money or energy in their life and is ready to integrate work and life with intention so their future is better than today.

Are you ready to Save Time & Money and get back to enjoying more of life? Download my free 37 Ways to Save Time & Money checklist and successfully achieve work/life integration so you can focus on what matters.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well. 

Oct 28, 202040:55
S03 | 11 - Growing Resiliency Through Hope with Nic Calder

S03 | 11 - Growing Resiliency Through Hope with Nic Calder

The pandemic has certainly changed our lives and altered the way we connect with each other and our communities. For many of us, we are left to feel isolated and unsure of how to build and maintain these connections in our current reality. At many times, we feel a sense of hopelessness creeping into our corner. 

Today we are joined by Consciousness and Leadership Coach, Nic Calder, to talk about how we can grow our resiliency during difficult times through hope. I truly believe that we experience hard times as a way to build our resilience, and Nic shares with us how we can shift our perspectives and adapt our behavior in order to do this.

By focusing and taking action on what we can control day to day, we can build a resilience to motivate ourselves to endure hard times. Nic teaches us that just like a garden growing in the desert, we can be resilient, symbols of hope within our own lives and communities.

About Nic:

Nic Etheridge Calder lives and works in Calgary, Alberta. Nic is a certified coach and has an MA in leadership. After spending a decade in non-profit he started his own practice as a Consciousness & Leadership Coach. He does consulting within the non-profit sector, provides workshops on occupational stress and growth, and operates a short-term rental and property management company with his partner, Sam.

Inclusion, human rights, and space for variety is important to him. He practices from a framework of authentic leadership and loves working with people and organizations that are interested in growing and shifting perspectives. To learn more, visit his website, or connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Want to take action over your hopeful future? Check out my new online membership called #BetterThanToday, a monthly subscription for the person who's done with not having enough time, money or energy in their life and is ready to integrate work and life with intention so their future is better than today.

Are you ready to Save Time & Money and get back to enjoying more of life? Download my free 37 Ways to Save Time & Money checklist and successfully achieve work/life integration so you can focus on what matters.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Oct 21, 202038:16
S03 | 10 - Inspiring Hope Through a Lipstick Journey with Anna Warner-Mayes

S03 | 10 - Inspiring Hope Through a Lipstick Journey with Anna Warner-Mayes

Four cancer diagnoses and years of treatment would seem to be a killer of hope in any person’s life. And yet, through four diagnoses and stage 4 cancer, Anna Warner-Mayes has worked to maintain a positive mindset in her life and to motivate others to hold the same in their own lives. Instead of asking “why me?”, Anna fiercely questioned “well why not me?”

Anna joins us today on the Hope Motivates Action podcast to share her incredible story and philosophy of hope with us. Her goal is to inspire others to find hope and joy day to day and know that they are not alone in their battles. Take that first step forward in your life and recognize the beauty in each moment.

This is truly one of the most inspiring interviews I have had the privilege of hosting for this podcast, and I’m so excited for the world to hear it. Listen in now to hear her message of actionable, active, and empowering hope.

About Anna:

Anna Warner-Mayes is a graduate of Western Michigan University. Originally a music theater major, she graduated with a degree in science and has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for over 20 years. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, she decided to fulfill one of her dreams and start her own lipstick company, The Lipstick Journey.

First diagnosed in 2008, cancer has been part of her story for over 10 years. Through her company she wanted to create a great product, but also help other cancer fighters by donating partial proceeds to cancer organizations she has had personal experience with. Anna has been involved with everything from creation of the formula, colors, to manufacturing, packaging, and website content.

You can keep with Anna on her blog, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Want to take action over your hopeful future? Check out my new online membership called #BetterThanToday, a monthly subscription for the person who's done with not having enough time, money or energy in their life and is ready to integrate work and life with intention so their future is better than today.

Love scrolling social media? You can find me on FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, and INSTAGRAM. If you're interested to learn more about my other programs, find additional podcast episodes and my most popular experience, Wellness Webinars, check it all out on my website, Expert in Hope as well.

Oct 14, 202040:33