Everyone has a story

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live on a boat full time, sailing the open waters?  I have.  But doing so, with four young children, while homeschooling, having sold most of my worldly possessions AND learning how to actually sail as a family all at the same time? Well that's a level of bravery that blows me away.  And that's what Shona and Kris decided to do back in 2019 when their kids were just 4, 5, 7 and 9.  And it's five years later and they are still going. In this conversations I learned about how they value 'faith not fear' and how bucking the social norms has ultimately allowed them to have more quality family time, all the while allowing for  exposure to adventure and different cultures.  It's a different way of life - and one I definitely aspire to!

Brittany Gray is a multifaceted entrepreneur aiming to blend beauty, skincare, and wellbeing through her brand, Fancy Face. From her roots as a professional dancer, singer and actress to her current role as CEO, Brittany's journey is as vibrant as her products.Driven by a childhood passion for makeup and its transformative power, Brittany founded Fancy Face in 2006 because for Brittany, being fancy isn't just about looking good; it's about feeling empowered & truly healthy inside and out.  Check out her story and her products at: www.fancyfaceshop.ca

Do you try to walk through the  world with curiosity, empathy and a desire to honour multiple perspectives?  It's HARD.  The world feels  divisive, polarizing....angry.  I am so often tempted to pick a side and stay in my echo chamber.  It feels easier; but it doesn't feel good in my body.  Ten years ago, I discovered Ann Bradney's workshops - imagine spending  a week in a room with strangers to process all of our deep feelings - imagine lots of screaming and crying.  Sounds scary and hoaky right?  Yet I emerged from those weeks clear, open, connected and curious.   Ann has been leading this work with Palestinians and Israelis for years...and today she does it amidst the backdrop of a horrific war, and so I couldn't think of a better time to have this conversation.  While listening: ask yourself what rings true, and what brings up your judgement.  Stay curious.  This is a powerful conversation and my goal is that it exposes more people to this transformative work of radical aliveness.To learn more visit: https://radicalaliveness.org/

Nat the founder of SAOR studio; a haven, a sanctuary that so many of us have been yearning for.  It's not just a space for movement; it's a place where we connect, where curiosity thrives, and where a sense of belonging is palpable.Can a thriving business emerge from a need for community and connection?  SAOR is a testament to this truth.  Join me for my conversation with Nat as we discuss her journey, what led to SAOR's creation, and the secrets to its success.For more check out:www.saorstudio.com@saor_studio@nathania_harrison

I'm back!  It's been a while...and for this I am sorry.  I'm back home from our year abroad in Spain and I'm ready to share with you my update on how it all turned out.  Did my hopes and dreams come true?  Were my fears and shame justified?  Listen to find out. I will also be talking about what I have in store for Season 2 - and how I am hoping that you, the listener, can help me.  What do you want to share?  What stories are you interested in hearing about?  I'm ready and listening and can't wait for more connected conversation.

My first 'Before & After'.  For the first time I will document an experience before it's about to happen...because this time, it's my experience.  Spoiler Alert - we're moving to Spain!.....and I am TERRIFIED.  (What?? Why?? I know, it doesn't make sense...but in this episode I'll tell you all about it).This episode is an update of how the podcast is going, where it's going...and why I am taking a bit of a break to build up more content for Season 2...and  you'll also hear all about my new adventure!

Today you'll hear from 3 perspectives...Dylan's mom Heidi, Dylan's dad Chris..and Dylan himself.  Since Dylan was 3 he loved barbies, skirts and everything pink.  He was confused that he was expected to dress in 'boy's clothes...he felt most comfortable in dresses and headbands.  In grade 1, Dylan was responsible for his school's first all-gender bathroom; he was being bullied in the boy's bathroom but felt it wasn't right to use the girl's one.  This is a controversial issue...and I try to ask all the questions...but if you've ever wondered why all-gender bathrooms are a thing...or even just want to hear what it's like to raise a child who doesn't fit the stereotypical gender norms...then this episode's for you!

Bonnie was a Type-A science based researcher. She was the first in her family to go to university, and then studied interior design at a graduate school in Georgia, where she later taught classes. After over a decade of working, both in the corporate world and as a professor, she tried meditation for stress reduction. It was this singular decision that changed the course of her life. Diving deep into meditation and various forms of therapy, she discovered a superpower of intuition and mediumship that she never knew she had. She has officially ‘come out’ to the world as an intuitive empath/medium. You can find Bonnie at: www.intuitivebynature.comand www.interweavepeopleplace.com.

Jillian Walsh was there the day her 6.5 year old daughter Georgia was hit by a car.  The little girl’s death shook the community, and Jillian found herself grappling with a grief that is every parent’s worst nightmare.  How do you move forward and find purpose in the aftermath of such a tragedy?  Jillian’s story is both heart wrenching and inspiring as she tells us how it was her perspective, that helped her move through one of life’s cruelest tragedies.

Growing up, Rachel had became accustomed to monthly episodes that left her dizzy, fatigued and weak.  In high school, she got used to living with the fear and stress of never knowing when this mystery illness would debilitate her. What happens when our bodies betray us and the medical community is stumped?  Only when she had children, did Rachel finally decide to advocate for herself in order to get a diagnosis that would change her life.

Amy grew up in a restrictive religious cult that preached modesty and shutting down your sexuality.  She internalized her shame until she fled and forged a new path for herself: filled with experiential sex workshops, ecstatic dance and a future as a sex coach.  She’s devoted her life to healing and coaching others towards their path to pleasure without shame.

It’s been almost 2 years since my first conversation with Tanya regarding her 100lbs weight loss, and today we discuss skin removal surgery.  Cutting off a part of your body is no small decision and she describes how difficult it was for her to reconcile both ‘loving herself’ and wanting to ‘cut off parts of herself’.  This is the second chapter of Tanya’s journey towards ‘It’s not about the weight you lose, but the life you gain’.

Even after the physical, emotional and financial abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband, she never lost hope that he would heal and become the man, and father to her 3 children, she’d hoped for.  This is one woman’s journey of the ups and downs  of surviving an abusive relationship and how she came out of it stronger than she’d ever dreamed.

Twins Avery and Blake came into this world 14 weeks early.  Avery didn’t survive, and Blake spent the next 6 months in the neonatal intensive care unit at one of North America’s top Paediatric hospitals.  In this episode, you’ll hear from parents Zak and Michelle - both interviewed separately about the toughest year of their lives.  It’s a story about how we cope when faced with life’s most cruel tragedies, and how our resilience helps inspire others. 

Growing up in a small born-again Christian community, it was made clear to Ray what her life’s path should be; and sexual exploration was definitely not part of it.  Years later, married with two young boys, Ray felt trapped, and courageously sought out something that was both terrifying and exhilarating - her sexual awakening as a dominatrix/submissive within the kink community. 

I met Tanya while volunteering at an overnight camp for kids with cancer almost a decade ago.  We became fast friends and I witnessed how she walked in the world as an overweight young woman.  In 2019, she invited me to follow her Instagram handle - Hundred To Zero - in which she documented her 100lbs weight loss goal.  In this episode we speak candidly about her weight gain as a child; how it affected her life, and her views on fat phobia and thin privilege in today’s society.

They met in high school, dated in university and married soon after.  After 20 years and 3 beautiful children, Mike and Janine’s picture perfect family faced a challenge; Mike was struggling with his sexual identity as he suddenly found himself attracted to men.  What happens when your marriage and family is blown up for one person’s desire to be true to who he really is?  I interviewed Mike and Janine separately for this episode, and edited their answers together for a unique ‘He said, She said’.  Theirs is a powerful story of love’s triumph.

Welcome to Everyone has a story; a podcast about our experiences; and how curiosity can help refute our judgements. I believe that empathy and connection is created when we ask questions…and I ask A LOT of questions.  Get ready to feel inspired and connected with these brave individuals who graciously share their stories.