UN-Faqs
By Mary Lee, Host & Producer
We ask professionals in many fields what resilience means to them and how they kept focused on their passion and purpose to push past the pandemic; questions never asked of them before because there has never been a time like the here and now!
UN-FaqsJul 27, 2021
Own Your Worth with Robyn Clarke
After a long hiatus I am back with another thought-provoking and intriguing conversation with one of my favourite Comox Valley community members. She's a devoted mom and an energetic, fiery radio host that landed in media because she took a chance and believed in herself.
Robyn Clarke is a radio host with here in the Comox with 98.9 Jet FM. She's my inspiration and a reminder to us all that, with a little passion and a whole lot of drive, we can set our mind to anything. It's not in the receiving that makes the journey a success. It's in the trying and seeing just how far you can grow and become.
But what I love most about Robyn is her raw, authenticity and a willingness to surrender to vulnerability in sharing her backstory. There is courage in being vulnerable and it invites deeper more meaningful connections with others. If you don't believe me, follow the years of research by Brené Brown. Somewhere out there some one will lean into your story to find hope and inspiration to walk out of their darkness. I also admire Robyn's awareness that no matter what she feels in any given moment whether from external factors or her own hidden beliefs about herself, she has to show up a her best, most supportive self because others depend on it, namely, her daughter.
In this episode we talk books and among this list, the first is Robyn's favourite. Listen to her story, you will understand why.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
"We lead our lives like water flowing down a hill, going more or less in one direction until we splash into something that forces us to find a new course.” - Arthur Golden
Becoming a Math Badass with Kristen Moore
Her personal brand journey, like so many entrepreneurs you met in Season 1, involved a pivotal point and a traumatic life experience that helped shape who Kristen is today. Experiences that also help her endure through the pandemic by having a resilient mindset and the tenacity to thrive in a pandemic environment to reach her goals and excel in her purpose.
In this episode we talk about some great books, as always. Kristen shares two of her favourites:
- You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
- Mathematical Mindsets by Jo Boaler
Here are two key take-aways from this episode:
- Math is a metaphor for life. There is too much emphasis on the end result, rather than the process at arriving at solutions. No matter what the problem or the subject, or the learning environment - synchronous or asynchronous - it is necessary to alter our perspective.
"Alter Your Perspective," a key to Mastery, as explained in Robert Greene's book by the same name. When we operate in the Conventional Mind to solve problems we become enslaved to a mental shorthand relying on patterns or past experience. Creative people resist this mental shorthand and look deeply at the situation with a kind of wonderment. Katherine Johnson and her fellow mathematicians are examples of this mindset at work.
- Mindset matters - Greene defines mastery as having a child-like spirit only at a higher level of intelligence. The pandemic forced many of us on a steep learning journey to discover new processes thus enabling the mind to be more fluid and adaptable. Neuroscientists call it brain plasticity. It allows us to retain a level of creativity and become more intuitive. Greene states that Intuitive powers at the mastery level are a mix of instinct and rational thought - the conscious and the unconscious mind. As children we have it, evident in our imagination and spontaneity. Over time it is lost. Masters are able to return to this state.
More about mindset can be found on Kristen's blog at moorethanjustx.com. You can find her on IG & Twitter @moorethanjustx
Un-Faqs is a podcast original. If your are enjoying the show, be sure to like, share, subscribe on your favourite listening app. I am your host Mary Lee of MGG Communications Inc.
Hey, it's a second season. I'm so excited, are you excited? I'm super excited!
Another series of candid interviews with entrepreneurs who share their tales of wisdom, lessons learned and lived experience from the pandemic as they grow, thrive, transform, and manage brand success amid all the challenges that keep coming their way.
We live in interesting times, says Confucius, so why not redefine ourselves to be a better version of who we truly are and were always meant to be. Never thought you'd be asked so much about resilience and vulnerability, now did you? That's why this is the one and only podcast platform for those un-frequently asked questions because there has never been a time like the here and now!
UnFaqs is an original podcast by MGG Communications Inc., a PR strategy firm that builds brand authenticity by sharing the individual's backstory. Get real and be relatable and relevant to your clients and customers. We are all in this together so let's create those deeper more meaningful connections because some where in there is a unique solutions to someone’s problem.
Exploring faith amid the chaos with Daniel Smith
Episode 14 - My next guest is a wonderful, deeply caring and charismatic man of faith. Daniel Smith is a pastor and teacher in the Comox Valley, British Columbia who currently serves on staff at both Northgate Church and Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Academy.
Daniel and his wife, Mariah, are passionate about working with and empowering young leaders, caring for the needy, and ensuring that everyone in the Comox Valley and beyond has the opportunity to discover their best selves.
Daniel is currently working on his Master's Degree in Christian Studies at Regent College, a UBC-affiliated school of Theology, and desires to see the world become a better place through the love of Jesus and inspiring leadership.
By way of hobbies, Daniel loves going for runs and playing sports, hanging out on a patio on a sunny day with Mariah, and taking in a good podcast or book. Indeed we talk mention a few including:
- The Holy Bible - Daniel's favourite book of all time!
- Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth
Many wonderful takeaways from this episode. Here are five worth sharing. I hope you also get some more great takeaways to apply right away in your life.
- Empathy - Ensuring to address and relate with people with a degree of understanding of their position and their own personal relationship and experiences with the pandemic.
- Consistency - Being consistent in our character, energy and joy.
- The Flaw of Self-Focus - Fear, worry, depression, and any egotism actually flowed from an over-emphasis or focus on self. Stop focusing on the self because it is destined to make mistakes. Instead, turn to the one source of abundant joy and energy
- Resilience - It takes an element of 'grit' to push through hard things and a degree of patience. In fact, resilience "is best built by patience."
- Clear and Transparent Communication - One of my objectives in life and serving in serving my client's public relations needs. Even when you don't have all answers, be honest, open and clear with those you lead. It instills trust and helps dispel the often-imagined "mirage of information."
No matter where you are in life, what your spiritual journey may be, the team at North Gate invite you to come explore your faith. Join their Sunday service online or watch on-demand throughout the week. Visit www.ngate.ca.
In the episode I mention The VIA Survey of Character Strengths, a free self-assessment that in less than 15 minutes provides intriguing results too help you understand your best qualities. Visit https://www.viacharacter.org
I am your host Mary Lee. You can find episodes and more on my website at mggcommunications.ca/un-faqs-podcast and follow me on IG at mary_mgg_inc.
Cultivating a money mindset with Jodi-Ann Smith
Episode 13 - Jodi-Ann Smith, owner and founder of Abundance of Jo is a Personal Finance Coach. Her perfect client and niche market is young women who are starting off on their own and are learning techniques to save and make money so they can live an abundant life.
She arrived in Canada from Jamaica only a few years ago to pursue an MBA a an international student at University of British Columbia (UBC). As her story goes, she needed to organize her finances and get on top of her money life. In doing so, she quickly came to realize that there was not enough personal finance information for some very key groups in society – young women fresh out of school and immigrants.
She launched her business, Abundance of Jo, in 2020 to teach young women and immigrants, like herself, to to become money-wise, beginning with the right mindset. She is a self proclaimed Personal Finance Geek and loves consuming content on saving money, investing and all things related to smart money management.
Her experience and knowledge gained from Business School taught her how to operate a successful business of her own - a foundation that has changed the trajectory of her career from retail and Public Relations (PR).
Jodi herself became for ingrained on the topic of finances by following podcasts. Three she mentioned are:
- More Money, a Canadian-based podcast hosted by Jessica Moorhouse;
- Budgetnista hosted by Tiffany, America's Favourite Financial Educator; and
- Money After Graduation hosted by Bridget Casey
In this episode we talk books. Here are her top two:
- Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence by Dr. Ben Caron; and
- The Holy Bible.
If you are like me, you wish you had more time to read the stories and verses of the Bible. To get my daily dose I rely on handy apps. Today, there are so many out there. My personal favourite that I have been using for several years now is YouVersion. Each morning there's a new verse that I can lament over for the rest of the day. You can also subscribe to any number of plans from a few days to 30 days. It's also a platform to connect, share a profile and the plans and readings you are following. I often share them on Instagram. IG has many you can follow as well such as @verseoftheday.
Jodi writes a blog, which is on her website abundanceofjo.com with each article full of great advice regarding money from financial planning and budgeting to mindset work and learning to be in control of what you make and spend. She also shares in her blog some valuable money podcast worth tuning into. You can find Jodi on and on Facebook and IG at @abundanceofjo, Pinterest at pinterest.ca/AbundanceofJo/ and Twitter at twitter.com/JoAbundance
Thank you for tuning in. I am your host Mary Lee. You can find episodes and more on my website at mggcommunications.ca/un-faqs-podcast and follow me on IG at mary_mgg_inc.
Of course she's Wonder Woman - with Linda Thomas
Episode 12 - This character is describe as compassionate, caring, stubborn, opinionated, highly competitive, and outgoing. Fearless and focused on her objectives, she prefers to avoid conflict but if pressed she will engage in battle.
I've just given you the description of a true warrior princess - Princess Diana - the superhero that is, not the one we fondly remember as part of the monarchy. Also known as Wonder Woman. Who is lucky enough to have a living breathing superhero on a podcast episode? If there is anything close to that, my bets are on my next guest. Once you listen to her story, you will agree. She is unstoppable in her tracks, has the strength and personal fortitude of a genuine fighter and will do whatever she can to support society - specifically, local businesses and non profits in her community.
Linda Thomas, also known - to herself - as batshit crazy and loving every minute of it, is a gal's best girlfriends, a guy's best gal friend, a devoted mom and a deeply committed and immensely integrated member of her community.
By day, she is the Promotions Director for the Jim Patterson Media group, which, among many stations, owns The Eagle FM in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, B.C. By night, weekends and any free hours in between, Linda is a student pursuing her Master's Degree in Communications through Royal Roads University. And then there are her ambitious athletic pursuits in marathon races and conditioning training with CrossFit. The list isn't done. She is also a member of the Auxiliary police force for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Coincidently, her fiancé is Steve Trevor. For those of you who know the most revered female superhero icon created in 1941 by William Moulton Marston will know that Trevor is the famed love interest Wonder Woman. Of course he is! Humbly, Linda will not fess up to being all these amazing things we her colleagues and friends will describe her as.
There is no doubt, Linda is a woman of wonder. Wonder what she will say next. Stick around for this episode to find out. A word of caution, you will laugh and you may even cry. You will probably be shocked and will most certainly be inspired.
In this episode we talk books, a must for all my guest's questions. Linda's all-time favourite read is: How I became the Fittest Woman on Earth, by Tia-Clair Toomey
We also briefly mentioned, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski.
Wondering where to find this amazing woman? Linda is on Instagram @linda.thisis40ish
If you don’t see Linda hitting the pavement training for her next 1/2, she’s hitting stuff at 30-Minute Hit or hauling heavy stuff at StrongHearts Fitness both located in Courtenay, BC.
UN-Faqs in a Spotify original podcast created by MGG Communications Inc. with your host Mary Lee. If you are enjoying these episodes, like, share, subscribe. You can also leave a review on Apple Podcast. You can find me on Instagram @mary_mgg_inc
Figure out how to play again with Terri Kozlowski
Episode 11 - Terri Kozlowski, is a Native American Athabascan of the Gwich’in Tribe - Raven Clan and now resides in Woodstock, Georgia, discovered her true path in life only by coming to terms with a painful childhood. Today, she is a successful life coach with a certification from the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology and helps many others overcome limiting beliefs and fears. In her podcast, Soul Solutions, launched in August 2020 during the pandemic, Terri delves into the soul to teach us how to take control of our ego and emotions to create the life we desire. Her show recently reached a milestone 1,000 downloads. You can find her on Apple Podcasts.
Among the fascinating feats that Terri has overcome from childhood trauma and abuse, she can now add published author to the list. Her book, Raven Transcending Fear, is part memoir, part self-help guide; Terri's raw and personal story of diving deep into her past, dealing with the terror before ultimately getting comfortable with fear and transcending it.
Episode Notes
There are so many take aways from this conversation that I don't even know where to begin but one thing is certain, the more I sat and listened to Terri's backstory of childhood abuse, abusive parenting and neglect from her mother during her upbringing to the spiritually strong and vibrant women, author, educator, and healer she is today, I was in complete awe. To take in so much hate and deliver so much love is, in itself, a miracle.
This is one episode you mustn't miss. As I stated in the episode, Terri's message of hope, spiritual growth and compassion ate mindset is like a warm blanket wrapped around our bodies giving reassurance and hope that everything will be okay.
Here are just a few key lessons I took from Terri; important rules for life:
- We are not confined to limits others put us in either with labels, opinions, neglect, or pain inflicted from our parent's emotional immaturity.
- Play fills the soul and can be relearned, rediscovered and rekindled. All it takes is the freedom to find it again and the permission to indulge.
- Self-love is the cure-all for pain, trauma, anger, and all the unwanted emotions that our ego hangs onto.
- The pandemic was a real wake up call and the healing that is coming is the realization that we all have the opportunity to love one another. When we respond from a place of love, not fear. we change the world but it begins with changing ourselves first.
Learn more about Terri at https://terrikozlowski.com
In this episode, we mention a few books, one of which is Terri's favourite and played a poignant role in her road to self love and healing:
- A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
- The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
And finally, Raven Transcending Fear, now available on Amazon. Terri's book has also been nominated for the "Cover of the Month" contest on AllAuthor. Throughout the month of April you can cast your vote online at allauthor.com
UN-faqs is a podcast original by MGG Communications Inc. If you enjoy these conversations with entrepreneurs sharing their stories of resiliency, authenticity and courage, I would love that you leave a review on Apple Podcast. Share with your friends, and subscribe. You can find me on Instagram at mary_mgg_inc
Trusting Her Gut with Christine Terrio
Episode #10 - My next guest hails from Brooklyn, New York and, like many of us entrepreneurs did and are still doing, has redesigned herself, pivoting from one career to another.
One year ago this month, Christine Terrio was furloughed from her job. She had worked in the hotel industry for 18 years after pursuing her undergrad studies, a BA in Hotel Management. The announcement and shift happened so quickly and with one week's notice that the hotel would be closing it doors temporarily. Around the same time, she had taken interest in learning about autoimmune disease because, at the time, a friend had recently been diagnosed and Chris was eager to find a solution to help her friend avoid thyroid surgery. The journey led Chris down a path of holistic health and wellness, something she had always been interested in. Chris enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) to earn a certification in health and nutrition coaching. She soon created a business, Simply Living Journey, and began to offer 1:1 wellness programs to help women take a holistic approach to nutrition and health, prioritize themselves, and build healthier and happier lifestyles.
The pandemic was a game changer. Chris reignited a passion, pivoted and pursued her own personal development discovering nutrition coaching and the fascinating connection between foods we eat and the health of our brains. It was her silver lining. COVID gave Chris permission and opportunity to get grounded, reconnect with her purpose, build a wellness tribe, and help others do the same.
So, how does one go from hotel management to health and healing? Christine Terrio will explain that it was simply about being led by the gut, figuratively and literally, and having the right mindset.
Each episode of UN-Faqs comes with a healthy dose of references to great authors and a chat about books. I
n this episode, we mention:
- Don't Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller; and
- A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.
You can find Christine on her website at www.simplylivingjourney.com. On her site you will find a very informative blog, some delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and treat recipes. Yes, there is chocolate and peanut butter included.
Her social media is @simplylivingjourney on Instagram and Facebook. You can also drop in to Clubhouse @christineSLJ and listen to one of her chats with a panel of Health Coaches every Wednesday at 8 a.m. ET.
Standing in her truth with Blythe Reimer
Episode #9 - In this episode, I have the delightful experience of sharing similar stories about our career beginnings with Blythe Reimer, co-owner of an award winning new restaurant here in the Comox Valley, the Tidal Café. It is a wonderful breakfast eatery that opened November 2019 and survived 2020 because of the strength of its founders Blythe and husband Kurt. It’s really rather serendipitous and I can’t wait for you to sink your teeth into our conversation over food, flight suits, ethics, and a little Italian flare mixed in to spice it up.
Blythe is not just an owner and manager of Tidal Café . She is also the mother of three boys, a wonderful wife, a fantastic friend, a certified nutritionist, and was the first woman in the Canadian Armed Forces to fly the Sea King helicopter. Evidently, at one time, she commanded an all-female crew. How cool is that!!
As always, we talk books and so, If you are or once was a young fiction fanatic like Blythe and I, you also won’t want to miss our chat about Meg Murry, the beloved and determined main character in the novel, A Winkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.
If you are enjoying listening to stories of entrepreneurs and learning how they are enduring through a pandemic always staying true to their why, then please, go ahead and like, subscribe and share with friends. UN-FAQs podcast can be listened to on several platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcast.
Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation on Patreon. Visit patreon.com/MGGInc
Alan Frew: Drown in the stories he tells
Episode #8 with Alan Frew.
Would you believe there was a time when Alan was terribly afraid of performing on stage. So afraid he was violently ill before each performance. Today, he’s a multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter, a public speaker, a podcaster, and the author of The Action Sandwich - A Six Step Recipe to Success by Doing What You’re Already Doing.
In this episode, I’m talking with the man who is best known as the lead singer of Glass Tiger, the iconic five time Juno Award winning Canadian band that also earned a Grammy nomination and five Canadian Classic Awards. In his 2007 best seller, Alan lays out six steps to find one's success - receptivity, desire, belief, intention, and then the action sprinkled with a heavy dose of passion. Steps to finding your mastery, as I call it. Alan is no different than you and I and his book as well as this conversation is a reminder we are all impacted by the same things - fear and uncertainty. It's how we respond to these emotions that defines our greatness and help us rise above it all.
Alan begins his debut book with the line, "My Life is a true success story." But Alan measures success in far simpler terms than what you might think. Not necessarily the rise to stardom. Success by Alan’s definition is the attainment of that which you set out to attain no matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may appear. Small victories as told by someone who overcame a big obstacle to attain that which he desired - to entertain others. Alan not only overcame stage fright but he made a full recovery after suffering a stroke in 2015. Glass Tiger went on to release to more albums, 31 and 33, a 2020 Holiday special album and took on several show tours including their most recent with Corey Hart - Never Surrender. Absolutely remarkable and how apropos!
The Action Sandwich is a must read if for no other reason but to enjoy Alan’s witty storytelling. And now the book is available in electronic version so you can have it in your hot little hands right away. Visit alanfrewworld.com to get your copy, and take advantage of the Frew The Looking Glass special. You can also follow Alan on Instagram to watch his live performances and subscribe to his podcast, Frew the Looking Glass on Apple Podcasts.
If you are enjoying these episodes with COVID Crusaders, share and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts! Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc
Sky Bergman: Age has its wits and wisdom - golden secrets to our wellness
Episode 7 - The joy, happiness and wisdom we gain from Intergenerational relationships. In this episode I sit down with a film maker, director and educator of photography and film to learn about what resilience means to her.
Sky Bergman found strength to endure through a pandemic in lessons she learned five years ago while directing her debut documentary Lives Well Lived. For her film, she interviewed 40 seniors between the ages of 75 and 100 to learn how to live life well. The underlying secret, happiness, a sense of purpose and a great sense of humour. Stories of our elders’ generation can teach us so much while giving opportunity to tap into the hidden wisdom of some of our most senior citizens and glean from their experiences to face challenges of today.
Sky is a champion of intergenerational relationships that help nourish the spirit while, at the same time, preserving the legacy of our elders’ wisdom, customs, traditions and good old-fashion wise advice for younger generations to benefit from. Social science research reveals that social engagement is a significant component to healthy aging and great medicine for combatting the loneliness encountered by senior populations, more so now with increasing isolation imposed by the pandemic. So why not end age segregation, close the gap while serving the needs of the younger and the older generations. To learn more about the award-winning film or to order the DVD, visit www.lives-well-lived.com.
In this episode, Sky shared her favourite read, Happiness is a Choice You Make By John Leland. Similar to the her work on the film, Leland weaves together stories of New Yorker ages 85 and up to share wisdom and advice on what it takes to live well by those who have mastered it.
Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit www.patreon.com/MGGInc
Deasha Waddup: More than the gift of kindness; it’s a state of mind
Deasha shares her secret formula for self-love and self-care The best gift we can give ourselves is the gift of kindness - random acts of kindness and being true to whatever serves you in the moment whether that's buying a complete stranger a coffee, paying a casual compliment or kicking up on the couch in our jammies to binge watch movies all weekend.
Deasha's passion and purpose is all about creating space for connection and she teaches this to entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their authentic brand reach organically. Engagement is about being visible in those communities where people are connecting - online - and be at your very best for others. will create a ripple affect. But that's not always attainable on those days when we aren't always on top of our game, at that is perfectly okay. The pandemic year was tough enough, so allowing ourselves space to reconnect with our core values is critical if we are going to be meaningful for others. A better you is better for all those you lead, coach and influence.
Here are some great books for entrepreneurs we discussed in this episode:
The Conversion Code, Chris Smith
Profit First, Mike Michalowicz
The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins
Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
If you are interested in learning about Hello Fresh, Canada's #1 meal delivery service, as mentioned this episode, visit www.hellofresh.ca. Send me a message at mary@mggcommunications with " Episode 6" in the subject line and I will invite you to receive a discount on your first meal plan. Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit www.patreon.com/MGGInc
Ellen Lee: A zesty designer of happy spaces
February doesn't have to be all about couples! This is a wonderful time to celebrate the many relationships we have or have had with people - past and present. In this episode, I rekindle a wonderful connection with a friend from my childhood and what a conversation we share. I can't wait for you to dive in too.
Ellen Lee is a rare find. Tenacious, bold, beautiful, and ridiculously funny, there isn't a situation - good or bad - she doesn't welcome with a zestful curiosity and humble appreciation. Ellen is a creative thinker able to ingeniously weave together ideas and principles of interior design with all the senses. It’s called sensory input or sensory design. The sensory designer’s task is to render a space vivid enough for the individual to actually be who they truly ought to be. Ultimately, that is to be happy. A single room can yield enough power to change how we feel and what we experience.
Our senses move us through space, according to an article on the subject, Why Sensory Design (Lupen, Lipps. 2018), That space entwined with the senses can evoke memory and emotion, time and place, which you will learn in Ellen's recounts of her life's journey. Ellen's capacity for appreciation both in her profession and every day life is a sweet reminder that enduring through life's hardships only serves to show us what beauty lies with each of us, and what mastery we are capable of achieving. So take the time this month to connect with someone, something or some place and savor the delicious sensation of the here and now!
In this episode, Ellen reveals her three favourite books:
Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton The Complete Far Side by Gary Larson
Mãn by Kim Thúy
You can find Ellen Lee online ellenleedesign.ca. To learn more about sensory design, take a read of this interesting article www.cooperhewitt.org/2018/04/03/why-sensory-design/
“It is perhaps when our lives are at their most problematic that we are likely to be most receptive to beautiful things.” ― Alain de Botton, The Architecture of Happiness
Rachel Bood: Moving Forward with Ease
Episode #4 - An encouraging and emotional conversation with a business owner of a newly established pilates and yoga studio who learned first hand how three elements of entrepreneurial spirit - passion, expertise and values - kept her steadfast in her determination to excel - even when obstacles kept popping up unexpectedly along her path.
Rachel Bood was in pursuit of excellence in her field of study of dance when, in 1998, she was diagnosed with a rare type of arthritis affecting the Her misfortune led to a deeper dive into her studies in anatomy to better understand her own body and manage pain. Rachel came to the Comox Valley in 2006 and was introduced to Pilates for rehabilitation by Lynn Brandon of Bodyworx Physiotherapy. Using her knowledge of anatomy and movement with Pilates ignited a new passion for sharing the benefits to help people find trust and safety in their own bodies.
Rachel became a STOTT Pilates practitioner certified in mat and reformer and continues to seek more special knowledge including a recent qualification as a TRE® Provider - Trauma or Tension Releasing Exercises - a series of innovative exercises to aid the body in releasing deep muscular tension and stress. But it doesn’t stop there. The dream of one day opening her own studio came true in early 2020. She had finally achieved one of her many pursuits. Eight weeks later, the first government imposed COVID -19 restrictions came into effect. What happens next for Rachel is a vivid reminder of the power of your why.
As with all my guests, we talk about books, cite great authors and reference r leading research of the topic of conversation. Here's this episodes line-up:
The Four Agreement, don Miguel Riuz. If there could be only one book to guide you through life's lessons, this little gem just might be the one! Mastery, Robert Greene. My personal favourite and that one book to convince anyone to understand about themselves, you are a master! Start With Why, Simon Sinek. Great leaders truly do inspire us and do many entrepreneurs in our community if we stop, listen and learn about their why
You can find these great reads on Amazon, Goodreads or listen for free with a 30-day trial on Audible Learn more about Rachel's studio, classes and workshops at www.alignedmovementstudios.com And finally, an Acknowledgement to the Margaret Klaric's of the world who spoke impeccable words thus inspiring the life of one young woman to stay true to her passion, keep building her expertise and honor her values. Thank you for tuning in!
I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc
Resilience: The art of letting sh*t go to keep shooting forward with Kelsey Lee
Episode #3 - A conversation with Kelsey Lee a paramedic based in Calgary, AB, Canada.
Throughout 2020, Kelsey encountered all kinds of call outs from horrific and gruesome to simple less invasive treatment. She endured through the heartache and frustration on the front lines in the service of others. Mental wellness is a big concern as is the need to find ways to build resilience. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are regularly called to deal with COVID positive or COVID suspected patients, which places them in harm’s way, continually at-risk. Yet, every day EMS workers must show up in the face of these dangers ready to perform.
Kelsey is also a #millennial (age 25 to 40 as of this year) who has concerns outside of her profession – the current state of affairs, more specifically sustainability and climate change as well as finding and maintaining an affordable living against the ever rising costs of living exacerbated by the pandemic. A Deloitte research study concludes, however, that her generation and the one following, #GenZ are the resilient generation. Find out why and more in this episode.
We also talk books and apps for do-it-at-home fitness and wellness, including #alomoves and #sadhguruTV
Looking for some great books on environmental optimism:
- Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think Is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis, by Dr. Elin Kelsey #oceanoptimism
- Superman’s not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do about It, by Erin Brockovich
We also mentioned:
- Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
- This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor, by Adam Kay
- American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental and emotional health, reach out and help. No matter where you live in Canada, support is never ever far away. Visit crisisservicescanada.ca. Call 1.833.456.4566 or Text 45645.
Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc
Step aside fear, this girl is on fire!
Episode #2 - In conversation with Mia Jerritt, an accredited life coach residing on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Mia brings 30 years of experience in health and fitness and entrepreneurship to her coaching skills. Mia is an author, a long time Medical Exercise Specialist and Personal Trainer, an Adaptive Holistic Nutritionist, a philanthropist, and a much sought-after public speaker.
I’ve known Mia many years dating back to the early to mid-90s. Mia in fact was my teacher trainer training me to be a personal fitness trainer. I owe a lot of my spunk and vitality in leading my fitness and yoga classes to the enthusiasm that Mia is well known for in her profession. As she says, she hands out a hefty dose of humour and play. Now, don’t get me wrong, this gal demonstrates and stands for integrity, flexibility, consistency, and, above all else, fearlessness.
In this episode the following awesome books are noted. Pick up your copy today:
- Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners, Jack Hawley
- Leading with Soul, Lee G. Bohman & Terrence E. Deal
- Reawakening The Spirits in Work: The Power of Dharmic Management, Jack Hawley
- Conversations with God – Neal Donald Walsch
- The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin Sharma
- Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
Visit Mary Lee, your host at MGG Communications Inc.
Sharon Farquharson: Teamwork, wine and grit.
Episode #1 - My first guest once served in the Canadian military police branch and used the value of team work she learned in her early career as her compass. Today, Sharon Farquharson is a successful paralegal in Vancouver, Canada.
Sharon shares her insights on how to persevere through a job change find balance in her home life being a supportive mom of three adult kids snd a loving wife of 26 years, all while navigating life in the midst of a pandemic. Her pure, raw, funny intellect will keep you listening, laughing and perhaps jotting down notes.
Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc