Meanderings with Trudy

All good things end, or at least pause, and that's what I talk about in this meander. I feel the need to clear space so I'm closing this season, and this podcast, down for a while. It's time. The pandemic, the genesis of my work, has long since ended, and while the world tumult and our fears around change have only intensified, I need a rest from monthly production. I may come back in future, but right now, I need a break. I have tried to show up in this space cleanly, and share with you what is in my heart and mind, with honest clarity. And this episode is no different. If Meanderings has landed in your heart and helped you in some way, I'd love to hear about it. You can reach me at [email protected]. Drop me a line; I read everything you send.  Thank you for joining me for any and all meanders, it has been my pleasure to sit with you and show you how joy in the every day shows up in the lives of my guests, in books that I love, and in my own life. Be well. Episode Links: Trudy's Blog on her coaching website Trudy's Substack   As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Thank you for joining me as we tie up any loose ends in our book review of “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. This has been a journey of exploration for all of us, as I've shown my work in applying the guideposts in my life. It has been a pleasure to offer these windows into one way of using her work. I hope, if it feels right to you, that you find your way into doing something similar. I hope this book review has been of service to you in your life. Please, if you have comments you'd like to share, shoot me a note at [email protected]. And share this episode around, talk about the ideas with your friends and family. I do think these practices can make a difference in your life and in the quality of your relationships. Episode Links: Trudy's substack, and her blog As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

If you ever wondered about the life of a Canadian actor, this is the show for you! Callum has worked for the last seven years in Canadian musical theatre. He's been featured in playhouses from the province of Ontario eastward to the Canadian Maritimes, and has done some TV and a little voice-over work too. When he's not acting, he's teaching in schools in the greater Toronto area... a pairing that he enjoys, keeps him engaged in life, and helps to pay the bills. I hope you like this meander. Please tap that "like" button, and share this episode around because no advertising is as good as word of mouth. Shoot me comments at [email protected], I'd love to hear from you! Episode Links: Callum's Instagram The County Stage Company, where Callum appears this summer in "First Date" and "Pinocchio" As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Yes, this will be the last PauseCast for a while. Maybe a long while. I’ve decided to close this chapter of the podcast, and if "Meanderings with Trudy" comes back, it will be in a different form. So this is the last of these PauseCasts, and we dive deeply into endings. We explore why endings matter, and what that means for bringing presence to our experience. And how endings can draw attention to the soul of our being human. Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around. Thank you for sharing your ears with me over these last six years, and these many episodes with Angie. Such conversations matter.  Episode links: Information about Angie’s community event in June is via Big Stone House Two poets we talked about and read from today include: Richard Wagamese’s “Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations” and David Whyte’s “Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words” Marie Kondo, Japanese American expert on how to tidy, in a meaningful way. Robin Wall Kimmerer, "Braiding Sweetgrass" Liz Bucar, "Beyond Wellness" Angie's substack, "The Bigger Picture" Trudy's substack, "Meanderings with Trudy" As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

As this podcast is about joy in the everyday, I'm bringing you deeply into what brings me joy, today. We meander through the story of my garden, and how my mother helped me build my garden and her legacy to me. A gift that keeps on giving. As I meandered, I realized how every plant has a story. Most every plant was a gift to me from someone. The lavender from my brother Steve, the hydrangea from my friend Mary, the allium from my Dad and so on. A community garden of a sort. I hope you enjoy this little window into my world, as it stands right now. If you have comments you'd like to share, please shoot me a note at [email protected].  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

We’re now covering the ninth and tenth guideposts to wholehearted living – cultivating meaningful work, and cultivating laughter, song and dance. I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. If you have questions or comments, please send them to me at [email protected]. I will address them in the next episode. Episode links: The 2010 TedTalk that started Brené’s rise to international helper Biography Brené Brown podcast “Dare To Lead” with Adam Grant on her new book We did another deep dive into Martha Beck’s “The Joy Diet: Ten Daily Practices for a Happier Life.” You can find the first episode here. The rest unfold after that.  Gordon Lightfood’s “Song for a Winter’s Night” is my favourite; and “The Last Farewell” is my favourite by Roger Whitaker As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Career coach Michelle Schafer returns to the podcast, but this time, we talk to her from the seat of her expertise as a career coach. Michelle has been on the podcast twice already. Both times we explored how she faced down adversity: once as she healed from breaking her leg, the other as she hiked to Machu Picchu in Peru. And both times, she had to draw on deep inner resources to persevere.  Today, we talk about the very difficult job market people are facing. Fewer jobs, more people looking, the encroachment of tech eradicating whole sectors of work. It’s tough out there. It’s an exhausting environment, and resilience is that much more important.  Relationships connect us to job opportunities, and support us as we do the shift. Michelle speaks to this and so much more in our meander: what does it take to navigate through this job market, and how can we stay positive in the process? You can find her award-winning book, "Cultivating Career Growth, Navigating Transitions with Purpose" at your local independent bookstore. And you can read about it on her website. (You can also find it on Amazon.) Michelle is just a delight to chat with; her clients are well-served by her effervescent outlook on life and vast array of support to offer them in their coaching adventure.  Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Episode links: Michelle’s coaching company is called: Michelle Schafer Coaching. Here are the links to her previous episodes: healing from a broken leg, and hiking in Peru. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

We meander far and wide this week… who are “we” when we are we? Why do we avoid community? What is it about being connected to others that we find so difficult?  There is no real answer to these questions we ask, but that’s ok. As Angie says here, “It’s not the answer that comes, it’s the art of asking the question. And when we can do that with someone else… we find the sweet spot.” It’s in the wrestle that our sense of loneliness and isolation evaporates, and we find connection, and compassion, caring and yes, community.  I hope you like this wrestle.  Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Episode links: Angie, and her Big Stone House, are proud sponsors of this podcast. Have a read of Mary Oliver’s poem: “The Summer Day” which Angie references. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

I had a fabulous time in Victoria, at a writer’s retreat with Alison Wearing. I talk about that a bit and compare this retreat to the other one I shared with Alison in Tuscany in 2024. The comparison could not be more profound! I also spent a week on the west coast of Vancouver Island, visiting with the Pacific Ocean.  There’s a wee treat in here for you too… Thank you again to all my golden lights... new and old. I so appreciate your company on this journey. Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Episode links: Alison Wearing is a wonderful Canadian memoirist. You too can study with her, just visit her website to learn how! Angie’s company is Big Stone House And if you are interested in any of my podcasts, both soundscapes, that I did from Tuscany, you can listen here, and here. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

We’re now covering the seventh and eight guideposts to wholehearted living – cultivating play and rest, and cultivating calm and stillness.  I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. If you have questions or comments, please send them to me at [email protected]. I will address them in the next episode. Episode links: The 2010 TedTalk that started Brené’s rise to international helper Biography Brené Brown podcast “Dare To Lead” with Adam Grant on her new book If you're interested in any offerings at Big Stone House, you can find them here under "Happenings" As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

I have enjoyed many a brunch and lunch at Amir's restaurant, Grounded Kitchen.  Amir is an Ottawa entrepreneur who has built a space in which people can connect and build community. It’s important to him that his is a scratch kitchen where every bite is homemade and fabulous. His restaurant came about through relationships – with himself, with his family, with friends, with his religion, and with his staff. He’s built it from the ground up and he loves what he does.  His family immigrated to Canada from Pakistan via San Francisco. And the spirit of his Ismaili Muslem faith guides his life. Our meander is wide and the topics are varied.  We have a lovely meander! I hope you enjoy this too. All comments are welcome. Please drop me a line at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Episode links: Learn more about Grounded Kitchen at their website, and via their FaceBook and Instagram "On Joy and Sorrow" from The Prophet by Khalil Gibran  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Angie and I meander further around the idea of community, but this time, it’s through Angie’s remembrances of the communities she’s been part of in different times of her life.  Stories matter. Sharing happens here, and it’s kinda lovely in the doing. I hope you’ll relate to some of what she shares. I certainly did. I forgot to voice the sign off properly, but I didn't add it after the fact because I liked how we ended this week. I hope you'll subscribe and share, and reivew, despite it all. Thanks, all. Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected].  Episode links: Information about Angie’s community event in June is via Big Stone House As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Spring has sprung in my neck of the woods... the snow and ice are melting and the world is awakening. I love this time of the year! Today's podcast is short and sweet. I give you a brief review of what's on offer in the coming weeks, but there's wee treat in today's offering... a little sound of the season. I hope you enjoy! Please shoot me a note if you'd like more sound. I can be reached at [email protected]. I read everything you send. And like and subscribe, as you wish. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

My mom and I used to attend "sound baths" at our local yoga studio. With mom gone, and the yoga studio closed, I haven't gone to one in ages, but this memory came up, which I share here. As this is a bonus episode, I thought I'd offer a soundscape with a Tibetan Singing Bowl. I'm no expert in playing it, but I hope this is soothing and joyful nonetheless. I hope you enjoy this sound bath as much as I did. All questions and comments are welcome, feel free to send me a note at [email protected]. Like and subscribe as you will. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

We’re now covering the fifth and sixth guideposts to wholehearted living – cultivating intuition and faith, and cultivating creativity so we can let go of comparison. I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. If you have questions or comments, please send them to me at [email protected]. I will address them in the next episode.Episode links:The 2010 TedTalk that started Brené’s rise to international helperBiographyBrené Brown podcast “Dare To Lead” with Adam Grant on her new bookOur episode on Truth in Martha Beck's book "The Joy Diet" and the book review of "Burnout" by Emily and Amelia Nagoski As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

While the rework of this is mine, the path was laid for me by Staci. She has graciously agreed to my use of it here. One of the blessings from my Tuscany trip was the enduring friendship of two women - Cheryl Marita and Jackie Rowe, both of whom have previously appeared on the podcast (links below).  Cheryl has organized a monthly journalling group for some of us to explore aging in our own lives. Our small group of about 20 meet monthly to support Cheryl (link to her blog below) who turned 80 this year. She is about to retire her nursing work as a palliative care nurse this May. She wanted company in journalling about her experience as she contemplates retiring and her aging body. As part of the experience, I offer a grounding meditation for the group to prepare us for the writing. This month, I riffered off Staci's meditation, called "Balancing on Four Planes" and I offer a version of this to you here. I hope you enjoy this guided meditation. If you'd like more guided meditations, please let me know and I'll consider it. I can be reached at [email protected].  You can hear Cheryl's meander, and Jackie's meander, via these links. Cheryl's blog is called "Morsels of Marita" and it is gentle, and lovely, and so very full of wisdom. I'm a regular reader.   As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

By 15 he was writing music and playing professionally. A degree in music led to playing music on cruise ships. In today's meander Ed tells us about his journey through music and life. Since he immigrated to Canada in 2011, he’s made his way in the jazz music scene in Ottawa and the country at large. Ed leads The Prime Rib Big Band, and feels as much business person as musician. “I get all of that entrepreneurial side from my mom. She’s a shark.” His philosophy of “don’t ask don’t get” has helped him build a jazz music career in our capital city, and he shares a few wee stories about how that unfolded. We talk about the Ottawa music scene, and the value of being a big fish in a small pond. It's hard to be so far from family, and we talk about how he stays connected with them from across the pond. We also explore what to do with mementos of our careers, and the value of celebrating our successes.We have a lovely meander; it's so much fun! I hope you enjoy this too.All comments welcome. Please drop me a line at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:The Prime Rib Big BandEd Lister and “The Espionage Orchestra” which plays themes from the James Bond oeuvre Paquin Entertainment is the agency that just signed Ed and The Espionage OrchestraEd Lister Music Productions on YouTubeOttawa IS a friendly place, with lots going on. Check out Ottawa Tourism  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Angie and I talk “we” – what is conjured up with the notion of us? Who are we in community and why does this matter so much? Martha Beck, in “The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life” tells us that 1+1=3… that when you and me talk, we create a third entity, we become “we.”  This is a true meander folks, and I hope you’ll sit down with us with a cup of your favourite beverage and join us for the ride. Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Episode links: You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood. Learn more about Martha Beck The except that I read is from Richard Wagamese’s book “Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations” You can learn more about Angie and her work at Big Stone House. And Angie quoted from poet Mary Oliver's poem "Summer Day" As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Back after my two-month winter break, I’m coming in with new energy and verve!This week I share with you what I did on my Christmas vacation, but also what I have in store for you in the coming winter and spring episodes on the podcast. I’m also trying to show not only joy, but how I put into practice the learnings we’ve had from books that I’ve reviewed as we go along. Perceptive listeners will pick up in today’s episode some of Martha Beck’s learnings from “The Joy Diet.” Feel free to drop me a line if you discern which practice I'm using.One quick note: you’ll hear a little new music here in the intro. This is from the Prime Rib Big Band; band leader Ed Lister has given me permission to us this song, called “Stampede.”All comments welcome. Please drop me a line at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:Prime Rib Big Band As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

A favourite family tradition for me and many is to attend Christmas concerts as the holiday season approaches. This year was no different. Today, I share with you two clips from concerts I attended, and I hope you’ll enjoy them both! The first is a clip from Choir Choir Choir taped in Southam Hall at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa - I've included a bit of the background as to how they do what they do, as well as what was for us, the final product. The second clip I use with permission from band leader Ed Lister... a clever band member reworked the iconic theme song from Dr. Seuss' classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! called "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." It's a wild rendition, and I offer you a fair chunk of it. Enjoy!As always, all comments are welcome. Please drop me a line at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.And join me again in March, 2026 after my winter break for more meanders on joy in the every day. Happy New Year!Episode links:Choir Choir ChoirPrime Rib Big Band   As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

We’re now covering the third and fourth guideposts to wholehearted living – cultivating resilience, and cultivating gratitude and joy. I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. If you have questions or comments, please send them to me at [email protected]. I will address them in the next episode.Episode links:The 2010 TedTalk that started Brené’s rise to international helperBiographyBrené Brown podcast “Dare To Lead” with Adam Grant on her new book As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

With ten books under his belt, it's safe to say he's got a good grip on this writing thing. I've read every one and laughed out loud at many. This is a very generous conversation with Terry about his writing career, how it came about and where he’s going next. It was a true joy for me to chat with him about his wide-ranging novels - his first book featured Canadian politics (a comedy, really it is) and his latest is a rollicking Canadian spy story. He’s covered a lot of topics writing about what he knows in each. We too cover a lot of ground, as we talk storytelling and the ins and outs of how he tales a tale. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun in this meander. I hope you will too!All comments welcome. Please drop me a line at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:Learn more about Terry hereLearn about the great author, Robertson Davies, who is part muse to the character Angus McLintockThe Stephen Leacock Medal for HumourMy substack As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Once again, Angie and I wrestle over something we both love and come at from different places. The Enneagram as I come to it is more a lens that helps me see myself. And yes, maybe help me be a better version of myself. This is what it is for me, at this point in my life and development. And it's how I introduce it to my clients.For Angie, the Enneagram provides a means for personal transformation that enables us to be in better relationship with people we love, and with the world. It’s a spiritual thing for her, a sacred teaching that life is a gift. The Enneagram enables presence, and in this way, serves us in our relationships, both 1:1 and in larger communities. No wonder this is her approach, given she is “Reverend.” You’ll hear this difference as we meander. No matter how we approach it, the Enneagram gives us an opening, the beginning of a deep conversation about who we are, and that is just what we offer today.We also dig into Hope. December is the season for hope, as dark turns to light and the year begins again. And, I do think we need to remember hope as our world changes in ways I, we, may not like so much.Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, it matters. If you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:Angie’s newly renovated website: Big Stone HouseFor background about the, visit the Enneagram Institute As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

What if there were a place, once a week, where you could slow down and feel into your heart? To explore the highs and lows of you right now. To sit with others who can truly see you, without judgement but with buckets of kindness and big hearts. How might that change your day?That’s what “Sitting on Sundays” is. It is a practice that Angie and her husband Peter offer through their coaching company, have done so for a decade or so. Once a week, people gather on line to contemplate life. Share highs and lows. Hold space for each other without judgment or the need to fix. To slow down and just feel into who we are in that moment. While this is not something everyone will come for, the idea of slowing down, sinking into contemplation about who we are, exploring the role of grace, of hope, of peace and so many other things… it is something anyone can create with another person, and offer space to each other to be curious about life, right, now. That's the invitation... slow down and contemplate life. Your life. Find the awe in the moments. Name the highs, and the lows, and find a friend to do it with.Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:Angie’s newly renovated website: Big Stone House As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

As usual, I’m running down what’s to come this month, and this time, talking about birds in my backyard. It’s a colourful foray!Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:The Stephen Leacock Medal for HumourMy substack As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Hot on the heels of last month’s introduction to this book, today we’ll dive into the first two guideposts – cultivating authenticity, and cultivating self-compassion. I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. If you have questions or comments, please send them to me at [email protected]. I read everything you write.Episode links:The 2010 TedTalk that started Brené’s rise to international helperBiographyBrené Brown podcast “Dare To Lead” with Adam Grant on her new bookHere’s Dan Harris leading us into a metta meditation, which is also called a “loving kindness” meditation And here’s my episode on risk that I mentioned in this episode As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

“Women of a certain age have a lot of beauty inside them to share,” Sylvie tells us in the opening few minutes of today’s meander. Her lovely blog, “Little Old Lady… In Waiting” is a joy to read and she is offering a window into the world of middle-aged women that is often left shuttered. In our society that values youth and beauty, women over 50 are often overlooked and left out. In her blog, Sylvie is sitting with and listening to these women, many of whom are facing a renaissance as their life opens up after child-rearing and careers end, and they spend more time learning to be who they find themselves as now, in this body.Recently, Sylvie retired from a second career nursing, working in palliative care and sitting with people as they die. insights gleaned from this has enriched her life, and we explore some of that too. Meditation features highly in this conversation.I loved my time meandering with Sylvie, I’m sure you will too. Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:You can read Sylvie’s excellent blog here at Little Old Lady… In WaitingSylvie mentioned the book “Awareness” by Anthony De Mello and she recommends you listen to it first, which you can find on Audible (this is just her recommendation, not a product advertisement) As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Angie and I believe the Enneagram is critically useful in helping us live lives of meaning and joy. You see, we trip over ourselves every day. And with time, we develop habits around that, grooves in who we be that become unconscious... like a background operating system, but one that doesn’t always serve us well. The Enneagram provides us a lens through which we can see ourselves – the gifts and the challenges that are both burden and joy. This is how I approach the Enneagram in my own self, and with my coaching clients.Angie comes at the Enneagram from a deeper place, a reverent one. In this context, reverence means having a deep respect for someone or something. It includes a sense of awe and wonder. In this case, the Enneagram provides a spiritual portal for showing up fully as human, and holy, in our lives, and bringing our gifts to service of this world. Angie tells us that the personal and spiritual journey on offer from the teachings and practice of the Enneagram reminds us both of how awesome we are, and also, how much space there is for improvement. Understanding the Enneagram in our lives enables us to choose how we want to be in our life. With awareness, we engage with life from a sense of presence. Which, with any luck, enhances our relationships and creates ripples of goodness in the world. And that's why we're talking about the Enneagram, because all of us bringing our best sefl forth is how we change the world for the better. Love and be loved... that's the ballgame, folks.If you have questions about the Enneagram, or anything we covered here today, please drop me a line at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And stay tuned, there is more to come.Episode links:The Enneagram  as explained  by The Enneagram Institute  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Picking up on our previous episode on influences, Angie and I pick up the threads and look at the role of expectations and ask: what happens when our expectations are not met by those who we look up to? We meander all around this, and call “human!” on feelings that come up when disappointment comes for a visit.Please drop me a line if anything piqued your interest at [email protected]. And share this episode around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:The Mary Tyler Moore ShowFather Richard Rohr and The Center for Action and ContemplationOur previous meander on Expectations from May 9, 2023The Enneagram Institute As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

November is always a reminder to me that I can “begin again.” As light levels drop, so do my spirits. In today’s meander, I offer a wee check in to where I am at this time, and I hope it affords you the space to check in with yourself too. How are you now that winter is just around the corner – assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere that is. Drop me a line at [email protected] my check in, I’ll set the table for what is to come this month in our programming. I hope you enjoy this episode, please share it around, and if you’re of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Episode links:Trudy’s Substack  if you’d like to have a read. I write about my podcast, and a few other things Canadian.  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

This book was foundational to my personal development, and I hope you’ll find it equally as useful. A researcher, storyteller from the University of Houston in Texas, Brené Brown helped me to see how shame and vulnerability have run rampant through my life and upended my sense of belonging. She also helped me to accept this very human part of myself, and work with it in a healthy way. Today, we set the table for the ten guideposts she outlines in the chapters to come. The ten guideposts support what she calls “wholehearted living.” I hope you’ll read along with it all as we go. This is tender work folks. Brené’s got a lovely mantra that can help: “Stay awkward, brave, and kind.” I hope you’ll keep that in mind as we dig in.I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. If you have questions or comments, please send them to me at [email protected]. I will address them in the next episode.Episode links:The 2010 TedTalk that started Brené’s rise to international helperBiographyBrené Brown podcast “Dare To Lead” with Adam Grant on her new leadership book, "Strong Ground"  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Like many of us, Petra Fisher settled into a job that didn’t fit her, but unlike so many of us, she made an intentional switch and that has made all the difference!Petra shares with us her experience of switching professions from law to movement coach, how it has enhanced her life, and why she thinks we all need to focus on “future-proofing our bodies” so we age well and increase our “joy span.”Petra is offering a new foot fitness webinar as of this week, so please have a look at the link below if you're interested. I love all her programs, I hope you will too!I’m keen to hear what you think about this, so please take note, and send comments to me at [email protected]. I read everything you send.I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. Episode links:Petra Fisher Movement, and Petra's new foot webinar. You can find Petra's social media on her website.Katy Bowman As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

In this second PauseCast, Angie and I explore influences from our past, and how they differ from Influencers of the now, and why that matters. And of course, we finally explore why we love Alan Alda, but also Mr. Rogers, and Nancy Drew, and why THAT matters too. What is it about those people and things that influenced us that tells us so much about who we are?I’m keen to hear what you think about this, so please send comments to me at [email protected]. I read everything you send.I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. Episode links:The movie Angie mentioned is called “Pieowa” and here’s the trailerSome background about Alan Alda; his podcast is called “Clear and Vivid”Anne Lamott, author, and PBS children’s TV show host, Mr. RogersKen Burns latest documentary on the American Revolution, premiering Nov 16, 2025 on PBSBob Ross paintings to be auctioned off to raise money for PBS As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Rituals matter and so Angie shares with us what she did on her summer vacation this year. It’s the way we begin every season opener on this PauseCast, and always reminds me of my first days at school when I was a kid. You heard about my summer last week, so I hope you don’t mind me dedicating this space to Angie’s experience.Angie and her husband Peter, and their two golden retrievers, went on a 7,000 mile (11,265 kilometres) road trip, returning to places that feel like home, seeing old friends and making new ones along the way. They did a big loop from Arizona to the east coast of the US, north to Almonte, Canada where they lived for a number of years, then back down to Iowa and back home to Arizona. They travelled through some of the reddest states in the US union, only to find that people are people, regardless of political stripe. Kindness and generosity met them at every turn, and much BBQ was had. It was a good trip, and a reminder to slow down, let go of expectations, be present to each other and to the road, and be open to love. This was a good meander, and we’ll have more on this PauseCast. I’m always keen to hear from you, so please share your thoughts at [email protected]. I read everything you send.I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. Episode links: As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Most podcasts make only 3-4 episodes… this season, we’ll have dropped more than 200! That's quite an achievement.I am thrilled to be back with all of you, exploring joy in the everyday. This year, we’ll follow the same cadence has last year, and I explain all that in this episode. We’ll also have a sub theme of aging well, and how that connects to joy. I hope you’ll enjoy this coming season! I give you a sneak peek into what’s to come in our episode toay.I’m always keen to hear from you, so please share your thoughts at [email protected]. I read everything you send.I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. Episode links:My new trailerDrayton Theatre Festival in Grand Bend on Lake Huron, and Penetanguishene on Georgian BayCanada’s five great lakesPetra Fisher MovementTrudy’s SubStackTerry Fallis and his new book The Marionette  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Every fall my husband and I trek out to British Columbia to check on my aged father-in-law who lives on a lake at the edge of the wilderness. But before we go, we visit my sister-in-law who lives in West Vancouver. Her home is a beautiful, modern, cedar home which she shares with her husband, and two gorgeous cats, one of whom came to visit while I was taping this soundscape. Old cedar trees surround her home and a salmon stream runs down the back part of the property. It's as close as you can get to nature without leaving the city. Her home is halfway up the side of a mountain... (I just can't bring myself to call it a "hill") on your way out of Vancouver. It's idyllic and I love it here. I try to capture the spirit of the place through sound, and fail every time. Although I don't stop trying.I hope you enjoy this last "summer" episode, although by now it feels like fall. I return to regular programming next week. I hope you'll join me wherever you get your podcasts. All kind comments welcome. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Feasting… author Martha Beck tells us that feasting has three essential elements: celebration, nourishment and gratitude. That’s what we talk about today in this final episode of the book, and of this 2024 spring season.Thank you for your good company as we close out this review of this informative guide into joy in the everyday!Feel free to share your thoughts with me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear how your work has gone, and how you are onboarding, or playing with, these ten daily practices. Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.“What Comes From Spirit,” by Richard WagameseMy friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Connection! This is the chapter where I really feel like the rubber hits the road. We see how the practices support us in our relationship with ourselves, and then we can apply these skills to our relationships in the bigger world. That’s what we cover in this next to final chapter in the book.Feel free to share your thoughts with me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear how your work is going as we meander through these daily practices.Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.Brené Brown on shame and vulnerabilityThe anatomy of a conversationThe Five Love Languages, by Gary ChapmanMy friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Laughter! That’s the focus of today’s meander, as we explore the third last chapter in Martha Beck’s book, “The Joy Diet: 10 daily practices for a happier life.” We visit a laughter yoga class from 2023 on Australia’s sunshine coast and hear from two laughter yoga teachers about the benefits of such a thing. There’s good science behind it too, that Beck explores in the book. I hope you’ll have a read of that, and explore her invitation to increase your quotient of laughs per day.Feel free to share your thoughts with me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear how your work is going as we meander through these daily practices.Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.Laughter Yoga, edited, care of ABC Australia, Laughter Yoga InternationalBaby laughter, child laughter, royalty free, with thanksMy friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

In this chapter on play, I feel like I have really “shown my work.” I liked this chapter, and the invitation to make all that you do in your life feel like play. The exercises are great, and I walk through my answer to what my real career actually is, and if I am living into that in my every day. Sneak peek: I am! Feel free to share your thoughts with me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear how your work is going as we meander through these daily practices.Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.My friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

...Welcome to Lac Nominigue in Quebec for a summer soundscape by the water.In early August, my family and I took some time at a friends' cottage to regroup and recharge. It was a gorgeous, hot week and we thoroughly enjoyed being by the water. When I collected this sound, the lake was a little riled up, just perfect for capturing for this soundscape episode. I hope you enjoy the sounds from this paradise!Please like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And drop any feedback to me at [email protected].  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Treats! Everyone loves treats... and they can be a crucial tool in supporting you in the joy diet. They can help offset the inner challenge of taking a risk, and they can reinforce good habits.I hope you enjoy this meander as I share some of the things that I think of as "treats." It's more than chocolate and pizza, I can assure you! I hope you'll take some time to consider what a treat means to you. Beck calls treats things that make you smile, so what's your list? Feel free to share your thoughts with me at [email protected] links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.The iconic song, "My Favourite Things" from the epic movie "The Sound of Music" is used here with great thanks to Julie Andrews and Fox Family Entertainment.My friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

As the saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Risk is the pathway through something that you fear, which paradoxically, helps you grow. Risk is a skill you can practice, and this chapter helps you find your way through. I hope you’ll enjoy this episode. Please, share my work widely, and give the podcast a review to tease the algorithms. If you have comments or questions, please send them to:  [email protected]. Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.Comfortable Hiking HolidaysZion National Park, Angel’s LandingZion National Park, The Narrows on the Virgin RiverMy friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

Creativity is this week’s focus in chapter 4 of “The Joy Diet.” I found this chapter really helpful and I encourage you to grab a pen and a piece of paper so you too can work through the exercises she offers. She doesn’t as much talk about creativity as much as invite you into a few practices that help you explore yours, in relation to the desire you may have articulated in the previous chapter. In today's episode, I show my work and talk about what I learned about taking steps to make my desire a reality. I hope you’ll enjoy this episode. Please, share my work widely, and give the podcast a review to tease the algorithms. If you have comments or questions, please send them to:  [email protected]. Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.My friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

After five years podcasting around joy in the every day... what have we learned? As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc. Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-Huma Live life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

We're always told to live our best lives, but what does that really mean? In this book, coach Beck introduces us to the 10 daily practices that she believes will help us live more joy-filled lives. We're on chapter three, which dives into finding your heart's desire.Today, I meander with you from the hot tub, the site of my daily meditation practice. Truth be told, I've been struggling with this week's practice on Desire. I had a whole script written, but instead, by instinct, I set it aside and just spoke from my heart. You'll hear the hiss from the hot tub's filtre for a while, then the sound of the wind brushing the mic and the birds tweeting in the background. It's all real, I promise you! After that, I share with you what I have learned about stillness and how it has applied in my life. I keep coming back to this first practice as it is just that pivotal. Then we turn to the book and the topic of desire and how I have worked with that practice. I'm hoping you are reading along  and so will learn also from Martha Beck herself as I stray a bit away from her work in this meander, and into my experience with it. I hope you’ll enjoy this episode. Please, share my work widely, and give the podcast a review to tease the algorithms. If you have comments or questions, please send them to:  [email protected]. Let me know how this practice lands for you.Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.My friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

We're always told to live our best lives, but what does that really mean? In this book, coach Beck introduces us to the 10 daily practices that she believes will help us live more joy-filled lives. Today, we’re looking at chapter 2, called “Truth.” The practice in this case is all about getting quiet enough in our body and mind to hear what is true for us in this very moment. Beck walks us through just how we can do that. I also weave in a bit of my favourite Indigenous author, Richard Wagamese with a few excepts from his book “Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations.” If you are interested in reading along, you can buy her book from your local independent bookstore and join me each week to explore her offering.I hope you’ll enjoy this episode. Please, share my work widely, and give the podcast a review to tease the algorithms. If you have comments or questions, please send them to:  [email protected]. Tell me how exploring your truth has worked for you!Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood. Same thing with “Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations” by Richard Wagamese.Learn more about Martha Beck.My friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lily.  I use it with permission.  As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

We're always told to live our best lives, but what does that really mean? In this book, coach Beck introduces us to the 10 daily practices that she believes will help us live more joy full lives. We are starting this week with chapter 1, habit #1: do nothing. In this episode, I explore this practice a bit with you, talk about how doing nothing has helped me live a more balanced life, and invite you into the practice using Martha Beck's directions.  If you are interested in reading along, you can buy her book from your local independent bookstore and join me each week to explore her offering.I hope you’ll enjoy this episode. Please, share my work widely, and give the podcast a review to tease the algorithms. If you have comments or questions, please send them to [email protected]. Tell me how doing nothing has worked for you!Episode links:You can find "The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life" by Martha Beck at Indigo in Canada, and at local bookstores near you, like Books on Beechwood.Learn more about Martha Beck.My friend Richard Godin shot this beautiful picture of the water lilly.  I use it with permission. As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

While May 2-4 weekend (we still celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday in Canada, on the third weekend of May, typically called "May 2-4" after our cases of beer that hold 24 bottles or cans) marks the beginning of summer in Canda, nothing marks summer like the end of school followed by Canada Day, on July 1. The festivities were great this year, our new national motto of "elbows up" seems to have sparked national fervor that had wilted in the recent past. A few days later, we woke to a cooling rain, which the gardens and farmers enjoyed. I hope you will too. All comments can be sent to me at [email protected].   As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.

In this final meander of the season, I spend a little time and go back over my work these past five years to see if I can articulate a more satisfactory definition of joy. Not the noun or the verb, but the concept of joy. With help from a few dictionaries, and a few poets, as well as my many guests, I show you where I’ve landed. I’m keen to hear what you think about this, so please take note, and send comments to me at [email protected]. I read everything you send.I hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode widely. See you in October!Episode links:This podcast is supported by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Poets I mentioned: Mary Oliver, “Don’t Hesitate”; Khalil Gibran, “The Prophet”; Brené Brown’s epic TedTalk, “The Power of Vulnerability”; “Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words” by David Whyte and his on-line class, Three Sundays Series; Richard Wagamese, “Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations.”Royalty free music is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-Huma As always, this podcast is sponsored by the guests who give of their time, and by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Royalty free music is gratefully received and is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-HumaLive life joyfully, and always let kindness guide you.