The Happy Soul Podcast

Gluten Free is a relatively new concept for most of the world. Heck, in many places of the world, it's not something that is even recognized.Have you ever wondered what it's like for someone living with a gluten intolerance? Wondered how it feels for their body when they accidently consume gluten? Or perhaps, what life was like before they learned that they had a gluten intolerance?If those sound like questions you've wondered in your mind; today's episode is for you.Amanda helps us understand what life was like for her growing up and how her whole world changed when she learned that all this pain she has been living with, was due to a gluten intolerance. The best part of this whole story? Is what Amanda DID with that knowledge. Amanda didn't just learn about her intolerance, make some adjustments and move on. Amanda has a huge heart and a heart that is working hard to create a different experience for kids growing up with a gluten intolerance and to serve adults who are already living with it.Bake Like a Betty is a specialty kitchen, designed to service only cake and cookie orders of gluten free foods. Amanda's dream with Bake Like a Betty is to make sure that every kid gets cake. That any adult living with gluten intolerance is able to order cake or cookies and never have to worry about accidental cross contamination. She wants everyone to be free to eat their cake and enjoy those special little moments in life, that previously, they had to miss out on.Tune in to learn more!With Love, Melissa and SammiFind Bake Like a Betty at:https://www.bakelikeabetty.ca/orhttps://www.instagram.com/bakelikeabetty/

You probably know him as Dashing Dad (honestly, that's what we call him too) but his name, is Matt Beauchamp and we can't wait to introduce you to him!Matt has so many incredible sides of his story to tell. From living with Diabetes, and ADHD, to becoming an influencer on social media, being a stay at home Dad, single parenting, navigating divorce, the tragic loss of his father at a young age and so much more.We didn't really know just where our conversation with Matt would take us today, but we knew it was going to take us good places - and we were not wrong.From his history to now and what he'd like to see coming up and everything in between (including how we think finding a therapist that's right for you should be faster and easier than having to repeat your own trauma over and over again until you find the right one) we cover the list! Thank you Matt for sharing your time and complete honesty with us and we hope this conversation gives everyone just a little more insight into who you are behind the screen! Find more of Matt and Chaos Comfort Club at:https://hoo.be/dashingdad?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGndrI0pwNff2v96Nmp43lX_zymqwv6ZqP4XsZGMlshkWiqzZrGL2_b8Ii8jMA_aem_ovNPPQ_q7HGtq_X4gPQI4gWith love,Sammi and MelissaAdvertisement info:⁠https://www.bakelikeabetty.ca/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bakelikeabetty/

You've heard Bryan before and we needed to bring him to you again. If you don't know who Bryan Saint-Louis is, what you need to know is that he had this brilliant idea that Radical Empathy is a concept that is missing in this world and we wholeheartedly agree with him.  He set himself on a mission to start spreading not just the concept of Radical Empathy in his day to day life, but he also goes around speaking it and teaching it in any way that he can. Bryan's program has gone from small gymnasiums within Alberta, to speaking globally in auditoriums and schools. With everything going on in the world today and how isolated we can all keep ourselves from ever hearing or attempting to understand someone else's perspective, we wanted to bring Bryan back to help us spread the message about why, at all times, but especially in times like these, Radical Empathy is one of the greatest gifts that we can give back to society.Our biggest takeaway from this conversation with Bryan, is that so many of us think that empathy creates weakness or that empathy removes consequence and we REALLY need you to hear that giving someone empathy does not remove the consequences of their actions, but it does release you from carrying a heavy burden and it shows the world that even when someone does us wrong, we can give them empathy and respect as a human and move on.Thank you AGAIN Bryan for sharing your time and your message with us.To learn more about Bryan or to hire him to speak at your next event, connect with him here:https://www.bslspeaks.com/With Love,Sammi and MelissaAdvertisement info:https://www.bakelikeabetty.ca/https://www.instagram.com/bakelikeabetty/

Grab a chair listeners and get ready!Doesn't that title just give you shivers?Knowing who we are AND then also knowing what we want to be in the world is a HUGE question that has all of us wondering what our answers are. It really takes some serious deep diving into ourselves to really figure out the answer to both parts of this question.In today episode with Sarah Barnes-Humphrey we dive into what this process was like for her and how it inspired her to write her book I Buried Her In A French Press (which, we highly recommend you read - link below). The whole idea of the book was to help people discover this answer for themselves, but Sarah does a really great job of not just telling us where she was and where she is now, but also, many of the thought processes and insecurities she had along the way. Seriously, read the book. In our conversation today, we obviously speak all about her book but also about developing self worth and where that comes from, how burnout can show up in our lives AND that sometimes it takes us awhile to figure out that we are in, fact, experiencing burnout AND, her story with Lipedema. Sarah teaches us how we need to get curious about life because life is a journey and it changes the way we receive new information and solutions to some of our obstacles.Find her book here:https://sarahbarneshumphrey.com/Thank you Sarah!With Love,Sammi and MelissaAdvertisement info:https://www.bakelikeabetty.ca/https://www.instagram.com/bakelikeabetty/

Well, we're here for another banter episode for your enjoyment.Don't be fooled though. We preface with the idea that we are going to talk about perimenopause because, when we first started chatting, that's where the direction was headed. But then! Melissa fills us in on some new systems she has been trying out in her home to help her mornings and days run more smoothly. With trying to get her kids out the door for school and still have everyone in a good mood, to planning her day to day and how she is going to get all of her tasks completed.Melissa and Sammi dive into what these habits look like not only in action but how our brains need to rewire themselves. That sometimes, in order to change a physical habit and the outcomes it creates, sometimes, all we need to do is acknowledge what our mental state is around completing the habit, and rewire that.Enjoy!With Love,Melissa and Sammi

Have you experienced a life with someone going through dementia? Or have you been the support person for someone with dementia?Or perhaps, the support person, of the support person for a person with dementia?Fay talks about it all.Watching her husband Michael walk through first a cancer diagnosis and treatment and then, to receive a diagnosis of Dementia (albeit, long after Fay was certain he had it but no doctors would confirm), Fay candidly shares with us what this journey was like for her. Death is a tricky thing. Grief, even trickier. There is no one right way to handle either of them. Then add on being the care taker of someone that you typically wouldn't be a caretaker for and how that shifts the relational dynamic and what and when you actually grieve the loss of that relationship... its a topic that needs to be danced around and through to be able to really get a grip on just what it can be like.Fay Martin wrote her book Dementia Widow, in attempts to help other spouses who are walking the path of being that support person, or even just the spouse of someone dealing with dementia.If you have had any experience with dementia, we know this episode is for you.And if you have ever wanted to understand what it might be like for someone who has recently lost a loved one, who had a long battle with any medical diagnosis; this episode is also for you.To learn more about Fay or to order her book visit:https://www.faymartin.ca/With Love, Sammi and MelissaAdvertisement info:https://www.dashingdad.ca/https://www.instagram.com/dashingdad?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

We know you'll love Pia; author of the book, Welcome to the Creative Club: Make Life Your Biggest Art Project.And let us tell you; that is EXACTLY what Pia speaks so passionately in todays episode. Pia begins with sharing with us, just WHY she chose to pursue and education in becoming a Certified Coach and how going down this path completely changed her prior perspective on how to go about all the relationships in her life. And now, how she uses this to not only strengthen her relationships, but also to coach her clients and how its allowed her to relieve herself of the pressure she used to feel around other peoples lives and how she could help them. And now, allows her to come from a place of adding value and insight where it is wanted, and letting it be when it is not.Pia's book and our conversation is about rewriting old scripts, reconnecting with our innate creative power, and embracing the messy, transformative process of living and creating.We KNOW you'll relate and resonate with her message.Find more Pia here:https://kollektiv.studio/https://pialeichter.substack.com/As always,With love,Melissa and SammiAdvertisement Information:Find Dashing Dad at:https://www.dashingdad.ca/Dashing Dad After Dark:https://www.instagram.com/dashingdad?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

If you haven't heard Andy Campbell's story, we're telling you now; you need to.Andy's story is not just one of overcoming, we all overcome something. However the mindset and mentality that Andy has embraced and shares with us is something to challenge even the most positive thinkersAndy is real, raw and honest about how he goes through life. With his 15 core values guiding him through life's toughest challenges, he teaches us that these values aren't intended to be perfection, but more so guidelines and reminders about how we should approach and absorb the challenges that life throws at us.Teaching us that knowledge through experience is the best trainer and that part of surviving is being intentional with the things that you choose to put in front of you; whether that's people, books, movies or otherwise.If you need more of Andy's mindset after you've finished today's episode, we encourage you to check our his website and look into his book.https://www.askandycampbell.com/https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Lifes-Toughest-Challenges-Opportunities/dp/B0DCL3HTJ2?tag=askandycamp0e-20Thank you so much Andy! We're incredibly grateful for your time.With Love,Melissa & SammiAdvertisement Info:Dashing Dad After DarkFind Dashing Dad:https://www.dashingdad.ca/ddadhttps://www.instagram.com/dashingdad?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

It's a friendly 'Welcome Back' banter episode with Sammi and Melissa.What do we chat about today? Well, mostly what we loved about Season 3, what we are looking forward to in Season 4 and probably a few random other topics we couldn't help.Have a fun time listening and we can't WAIT to bring you all our amazing guests in Season 4!!With love, Sammi and Melissa

*Whew* How do we explain our conversation with Dr. Robb Kelly.He's been on thousands of podcasts, so you have likely heard of him before, but just in case you haven't, here's the INCREDIBLE gist. Dr Robb grew up on the stage. He had his first taste of alcohol at an extremely young age, which sent him down the path of alcoholism. This, eventually leading to the loss of his children, his wife, his home and ultimately, to homelessness.Caught on his knees, begging for help; someone found him and helped. Two major men came to his aid to help him come out of homelessness and alcoholism, but the shocking piece of where one of these men came from will leave you speechless.Now (and for many years) Dr. Robb has fully come out the other side of alcoholism and homelessness. And, returning the gift that those men gave him, he has made it his JOB to always make someone's day better. The work that he is doing through The Robb Kelly Recovery Group is absolutely outstanding and is making an impact with people from all walks of life who are working to overcome alcoholism. From A list celebrities, to an unhoused person on the street, Dr. Robb truly desires to help them all.To learn more about Dr. Robb Kelly and The Robb Kelly Recovery Group, click below:https://robbkelly.com/Thank you Dr. Robb, we are truly honoured.With Love,Melissa and Sammi

Join us today as we chat with Phil Calvert, the Chief Development Officer at The Mustard Seed. If you think The Mustard Seed is just about housing and shelter, then you need to tune into this episode with Phil to learn just how far The Mustard Seed's fingers stretch. We had NO idea all the way in which they are impacting the community. Phil shares with us some of the internal goals and visions that The Mustard Seed has, the founding story of The Mustard Seed, as well as some personal (hilarious) stories about how he first got involved with helping those in need. If you're looking for more information on The Mustard Seed, please visit their website and of course, if you have the means to donate, please do.https://theseed.ca/Thank you Phil and The Mustard Seed for joining us.With Love,Sammi and Melissa

Have you met Alyssa David yet? If you haven't, stop right now and go check out her instagram page:https://www.instagram.com/healing_through_habits?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Aly has changed her OWN life. She has been through a heck of a story and if you want to catch more of what she's been through, head back to the end of season 2 and catch her 5 mini episodes.Today though, today we are diving deeper into the piece of Aly's story where she spent time being homeless. Living on the streets of Calgary as a young adult.What was it like living on the streets? What kinds of experiences did she have? Were there any acts of kindness that stood out to her? And, most importantly, what can we all do to help those experiencing homelessness or living unhoused?!Aly shares some beautiful insights with us and how, now, she's living her dream shortly after this episode was recorded; took herself to Mexico to fulfill one of her biggest goals.Thanks so much Aly! We truly treasure this episode.With love,Melissa and Sammi

Our first episode for The Unhoused Awareness Month, of course, begins with the conversation that truly started it all. When we first spoke with Peter back in May and he shared with us so much about the EDAR program, we knew we needed to rally behind this cause and raise further awareness. There is a massive mindset gap that we all seem to have around understanding the Unhoused Community. Most of us shy away from it. Generally, we allow our fears and judgements to cloud our decision making and curiosity.Not Peter though. Peter took that fear and ran with it. Instead of running away from a person that made him uncomfortable, he decided to get up close and personal. Not only has he had multiple conversations with a vast number of those that are a part of the Unhoused community, but he has had lunch with them in their own spaces, and slept overnight in an EDAR in downtown L.A.Peter is truly using all he has to understand the community better and make life just a little bit more comfortable for them.We encourage you to listen to all of the stories Peter shares with us today and take the time to learn more about the EDAR program and how you can help by visiting:https://www.edar.org/Thank you again Peter! Until next time.With love, Melissa and SammiUnhoused - homelessness - shelter - program - help - donate - film producer

If you've been following along, you know that we are closing out Domestic Abuse Awareness month for October and November opens a new mini series for the Unhoused Awareness Month.In todays episode we chat about a few of the moments that stuck out for us around Domestic Abuse and fill you in on whats to come for the Unhoused Awareness Month.We're so grateful for each and every one of our guests from Domestic Abuse and from The Unhoused Awareness Group.Please tell us in the comments, what you've learned from each episode!With love,Sammi and Melissa

Have you heard of Gems for Gems?Gems is an organization that is committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse by focusing on the economic recovery and empowerment of survivors.To learn more about Gems please visit their website:⁠https://www.gemsforgems.com/⁠In todays episode with Jordan Guildford, the founder of Gems for Gems, Melissa dives into how this organization started, the staggering statistics behind domestic abuse, what types of programs the organization has AND, how close this cause is to Jordan's heart.This episode is full of shocking details about the survivors of domestic abuse, and those that have been lost to it.Thank you Jordan for taking the time to share more about Gems for us to spread the word.With love,Melissa and Sammi***the information in this episode is not meant to replace professional advice.***

Have you heard of Gems for Gems?Gems is an organization that is committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse by focusing on the economic recovery and empowerment of survivors.To learn more about Gems please visit their website:https://www.gemsforgems.com/In todays episode with Jordan Guildford, the founder of Gems for Gems, Melissa dives into how this organization started, the staggering statistics behind domestic abuse, what types of programs the organization has AND, how close this cause is to Jordan's heart.This episode is full of shocking details about the survivors of domestic abuse, and those that have been lost to it.Thank you Jordan for taking the time to share more about Gems for us to spread the word.With love,Melissa and Sammi***the information in this episode is not meant to replace professional advice.***

Mona is an inspiration.Her desire to break free and overcome the struggles she has gone through is powerful.We don't think we have better words than Mona's about WHY she wants to share on this podcast.Please read Mona's why:"I want to share my story because I know what it feels like to be in a relationship that slowly chips away at your sense of self. I've experienced mental and emotional abuse, and I was dangerously close to enduring physical abuse too. It's a tough, painful place to be, especially when you don't recognize the red flags until you're deep into it.My goal in speaking up is to spread awareness... Especially for those who are new to relationships, unsure of what love should look and feel like, or even those thinking about giving love another chance after heartbreak. I want to be a voice for people who might be feeling stuck,confused, or ashamed. I am not a professional at this, and I am speaking from experience through my first real relationship.By sharing my experience, I hope to empower others to recognize the early warning signs of unhealthy dynamics, understand their worth, and prioritize their emotional safety.Abuse doesn't always start with bruises, it often starts with subtle patterns that can be easy to overlook. If my story can help even one person spot those signs early, then it will be worth it. No one deserves to feel trapped, small, or unworthy in a relationship. I am still working through my healing journey but, my hope is to inspire strength, self-awareness, and hope for a healthier, more fulfilling future; For anyone who needs it."Well said Mona.With love,Melissa and Sammi

Rebekah's story is chilling.And the thing is, we didn't even go into in depth details about some of the worst case scenarios.6 months into the relationship, Rebekah KNEW she needed to get out. She knew she wasn't safe and it still took 3 years for her to finally be able to leave.Why? Because of the mental and physical trap she found herself stuck in.Living in a home with her abuser, isolated from everyone, on an acreage outside of town, he physically had her vehicle stuck there and the first few times she tried to leave, he stopped her.Rebekah's drive now is to help educate and empower other women who could be stuck in these dangerous situations, to figure out how to get help.Tune in as Rebekah shares with us how she finally managed to escape and what she did to heal, grow and ultimately find a loving spouse.With Love, Melissa and Sammi**These episodes are not intended to replace professional advice. If you are in an unsafe situation, please contact local authorities and/or a local shelter to help find a safe way out.**

Join Us as we dive back into the remainder of Rachel's story.If you missed part 1, please circle back to hear the critical details of how Rachel was sexually assaulted as a child and how she has persevered through and just, what her next steps are now.**Please note. These episodes are not meant as personal advice or information. If you are in a dangerous situation, please contact a safe house or local authorities.**With love, Sammi and Melissa

**Trigger Warning on sexual abuse**There are no words to properly explain someone's, beyond what they say themselves.And even the words spoken by someone who truly experienced something incredibly traumatic are not enough to convey the fear, loss, grief, heartbreak and anger they have felt. Today, we are holding space for Rachel.Rachel embraces immense bravery as she recalls the horrific actions that were done to her as a child. Starting at the young age of 3. Not only was Rachel sexually assaulted multiple times in her childhood by her grandfather, and step father, but those that should have been the ones protecting her, are also the ones who failed her and told her to be grateful. And then, to top it off, when she did take it to court; she was not taken seriously as someone with resounding evidence that the abuse happened.Our hearts are absolutely full of love for Rachel and we have a deep desire to watch her grow, and impact thousands of people in her life. Her bravery, hard work and desire to overcome all that she has been through is incredible.Thank you again Rachel for sharing this with us.We wish you so much prosperity in your future.With immense love,Sammi and Melissa**Please note. These episodes are not meant as personal advice or information. If you are in a dangerous situation, please contact a safe house or local authorities.**

Victoria Ellen has quite the story.We don't think we can even come close to giving it a proper introduction in the write up.Victoria got married at a young age after finding out she was pregnant, only to quickly realize that the person she had married has been lying about everything. The lying grew to controlling, the controlling turned to physical abuse on her and eventually, sexual abuse to her two beautiful children, which became her final straw to get out of there. This story is full of jaw dropping moments, heart break and incredible overcoming.Thank you for joining us Victoria and helping us raise more awareness around Domestic Abuse.To dive deeper into this story (which I know we plan to) - check out Victoria's book, Painting in the Rain here:https://www.victoriaellen.co/Or, watch her episode with Scam Goddess, on Disney+ in Canada or Hulu in the USA.We stand with all those who have fought so hard to overcome all they have,With love, Sammi and Melissa**Please note. These episodes are not meant as personal advice or information. If you are in a dangerous situation, please contact a safe house or local authorities.**

Join us Today as we finish off our episode with Lauren Woodley.Back in March, Lauren bravely shared her story about a abusive relationship that she was in with her wife. (We have re-released this episode, so if you missed, just jumped back to the episode released before this one, and it's right there for you). In todays episode, we chat with Lauren about what it was like to get out.When she decided, how long it took, where she stayed and how she has been rediscovering herself ever since. One of the most beautiful things to see in this episode is how Lauren lights up when she speaks about the one thing she does now that she never could have done if she had stayed in that relationship.Thank you Lauren for bravely sharing your story with us.With Love, Sammi and Melissa**p.s. - We had some technical difficulties with the sound and so the quality is not as great as our usual recordings, but the content is incredible!****Please note. These episodes are not meant as personal advice or information. If you are in a dangerous situation, please contact a safe house or local authorities.**

This episode with Lauren was one of the catalysts that drove us to deep dive and rally behind domestic violence awareness month. A repost from march this year:Did you know that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men, experience domestic violence?34% of people in Canada who have experienced domestic violence have never even spoken to someone else about it, let alone reported it to the police.This episode with Lauren starts the opening up of our topic on Domestic Violence. We are highlighting this topic for the month of October, but let todays episode be just one example of how domestic violence can show up in a relationship. Part 1 of Lauren's story puts the spot light on how her relationship with her ex started, how and when the abuse began and what was the final turning point for Lauren to escape. If you ever experienced domestic violence; do not sit in silence. If you see it happening, report it. Thank you Lauren for so bravely sharing your story with us.With love, Melissa and Sammi**Please note. These episodes are not meant as personal advice or information. If you are in a dangerous situation, please contact a safe house or local authorities.**

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.The facts about domestic violence and sexual abuse are staggering.They threw us right off.*1 in 4 girls are sexually abused, 1 in 20 boys are abused.*Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.*44% of women over 15 will report some kind of domestic violence*there are MULTIPLE different ways that people can experience domestic abuse, it's not just physical and emotional.In today's episode we are diving into why we wanted to highlight this month, what episodes are to come for this mini series as well as, some details about stories of abuse that Melissa and Sammi experienced in their younger years.This series is heavy, but we encourage you to listen, become aware and learn tips for how to help others who could be experiencing abuse or how to point out if you, yourself are experiencing it.With love,Melissa and Sammi**Please note. These episodes are not meant as personal advice or information. If you are in a dangerous situation, please contact a safe house or local authorities.**

We needed to release this episode as soon as possible!Did you know that less than 3% of e-mails that you send to your politician are actually read?There is so much going on in the world right now, climate change, famine, physical wars, wars on human rights, illness, domestic violence, book bans, gun control, over-stepping governments - you name it, it's happening in the world and it's heavy.We feel it too!In this episode with Sam Daley-Harris, we talk about his book Reclaiming Our Democracy and just HOW we, as the people, can take a deep breath, find out what causes are really important to us and find a way to really start to make some shifts happen.There is TANGIBLE information said here that we believe can help empower each and every one of you, no mater what cause you are fighting for or want to fight for, to take steps and learn what Transformational Advocacy is and how you can apply it.If you've listened and still aren't sure what to do, or where to turn to. Sam has set up a sign up sheet, where he can help direct you to an organization that teaches transformational advocacy, that can help you get on the right foot to start fighting for the causes you believe in and start to makes some real changes.Sign up sheet:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCQuqj-4O2eh4Sfy_E-dfVntbPlqg1A4T4oQ8E2J0nuZbD-w/viewformSam's website:https://reclaimingourdemocracy.com/Thank you Sam!With Love, Sammi and Melissa

Have you ever wanted to leave everything you own and travel the world?Are you afraid of something that you couldn't even imagine surrounding yourself with?Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live on a boat?Elsine and her family did ALL of these.Elsine and her family are from the Netherlands. Her husband Ronald, always wanted to sail around the world but Elsine was desperately afraid of the water. But one day, she said "Why not?!"They bought a sailboat, and left their life in the Netherlands behind. Even though Elsine was filled with doubt.Doubt about how she could overcome this fear of the water and LIVE on it.Doubt about how she would feel spending 24hrs a day with her family.Doubt about how she would do with homeschooling.Doubt about her abilities to sail a boat.Doubt that it was the right thing to do.And you know what her response was to all this doubt?"Doubt is part of the adventure"If you need some inspiration to overcome some doubts you have about the choices your making or thinking of making, this episode is for you!We hope you love it as much as we do.With love, Sammi & Melissa

Christine Blosdale is THE Expert Authority Coach.What does that mean? She specializes in helping entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and business owners develop and amplify their Expert Authority and hone in on their craft so that they can become the go-to leaders in their industry.In today's episode with Christine we chat all things overcoming when it comes to believing in yourself and starting your own business, project or life calling.Christine shares with us how broadcasting found her, and completely changed her life forever. The best part of the story?! Is how she sees the small things her Mom did for her growing up, that really taught her and helped her believe that her opinion MATTERS. That she IS an expert and that she can make a difference and now she takes that to empower others.Perhaps one of our favourite questions and answers is: does Christine still deal with imposter syndrome ever? (after she speaks about how she helps others overcome this) Tune in to hear her answer!Thank you Christine!Find Christine (and check out all her incredible tips and tricks):https://www.christineblosdale.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@christineblosdaleWith love, Sammi and Melissa

Have you ever met someone who's had a lung transplant? How about a double lung transplant? How about a double lung transplant and was told as a baby that she likely wouldn't make it to grade school?Meet Deanna. Deanna was diagnosed around one year old with Cystic Fibrosis all because her Mom accidentally tasted her tears and the locum doctor she was seeing in their small town, happened to know a lot about Cystic Fibrosis. What are the chances?Back in the 80's, babies were not commonly tested for Cystic Fibrosis but now, every baby is tested at birth in Alberta.Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in these organs, leading to breathing difficulties, frequent lung infections, and problems with digesting food.  (Google definition)Deanna shares with us her story about being diagnosed, how it impacted her growing up and what it was like to go through a double lung transplant. And, of course, how she never actually TOLD her husband that she had Cystic Fibrosis.Tune in to hear more!With love, Melissa & Sammi

We're back!As you know, we always take our summer break in July and come back to bring some fun and stories sometime in August.Today Melissa and Sammi are just having a banter about some Taboo topics that really, most people don't like to deep dive into!Join us as we talk about these and have a few laughsWith love, Sammi and Melissa

First and foremost: This episode is being released on the DAY Peter Samuelson's book is released. Stop what you're doing now, and go find his book.Here's a quick link:https://www.samuelson.la/Peter Samuelson is a Producer and Executive Producer of 25 motion pictures, a Philanthropist and Founder of 7 different charities and an author. He has made a massive difference in the lives of extremely sick children, foster children, those experiencing homelessness and many others over his years.And now, Peter Samuelson has written an incredible book called Finding Happy. Intended to help give guidance to those who don't have someone else to turn to, and give insights on "things I wish I knew then, that I know now."In our episode with Peter today, we chat about all things related to Finding Happy. How it came to be, what inspired it, and what his hopes are for the book. Amongst many other things, we get the opportunity to ask Mr. Samuelson what kind of advice he would give to someone starting their own charity, and, if he himself is truly happy and just what it is in his life that brings him that happiness.Tune in, and stick around ALL the way to the end (even after the credits) to make sure you get every last little piece of advice.Find his charities here:https://www.starlightcanada.org/https://www.edar.org/https://www.firststar.org/about/With Love,Sammi and Melissa

Have you ever wondered how the newest of owners of Local Love Co ended up taking over? Have you been curious about the inner workings of a small business?Perhaps you are wondering what it would be like to work side by side with your best friend and neighbour?Tune in as we chat with Nicole and Amanda from Local Love Co in the Okotoks Area about how and why they decided to jump when Local Love first went up for sale, some of the inner workings of how the navigate (and embrace) the fact that they are neighbours, best friends and now business partners.From their first argument to needing to learn boundaries around their business and family lives, we had such a blast getting to know these amazing woman and where their hearts are coming from.To learn more about Local Love Co:https://localloveco.ca/With Love,Sammi & Melissa

Have you heard of the transformative power of love? Have you heard of Dr. Bernard Bail? Have you ever heard someone speak about the imprinting of our dreams?Listening to Cynthia Marks speak about how falling in love with the most unexpected person, at the most unexpected time, in the most unexpected way; taught her all about the transformative power of love. She shares with us how this kind of love completely changed the way she viewed herself and all the relationships she had around her. The most incredible piece is how she had to overcome her own perceptions of what is acceptable, her own limiting beliefs AND how hearing her own fathers voice in her head was impacting the way she made choices.Cynthia made a commitment when her husband Dr. Bernard Bail passed away, that she would continue to share his message and his learnings about how transformative real love can be.If you don't get enough of Cynthia and Dr. Bernard Bails' work here, go check out more at:Her Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/andnowlove.podcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==The And Now Love Podcast:https://linktr.ee/andnowlovepodcast?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacWkdLWu6fwWfAYJvy3GpDF93vppssBM4fsvtV-FhYSMTVcYQ0hHkYmrLqhtw_aem_MixRr84mLonSgdVf9p1dWQWith Love, Sammi and Melissa

Rebekah is the creator of DIY Mom.Renovating, Redecorating and Restoring homes and teaching you how.Rebekah was told 'no' more times than she can count when she first started to pursue the idea of DIY Mom. But she knew this was going to make an impact. She knew this was going to add a huge amount of value to the world. And boy was she right. Coming from a music background, an abusive relationship (more on that in October), and a single Mom in her 30's, Rebekah shows up for herself and builds her life in a way that many people can only imagine. Showing up on film sets, without confirmation she would be paid, taking charge and showing her value before anyone else ever realized it, Rebekah is a force to be reckoned with.Just before recording this episode in March 2025, Rebekah has been on a trip to South Africa to help with an event called Hope Of Africa. This incredible cause helps to empower at-risk youth through sustainable agriculture. You can help support DIY Mom and Hope of Africa by purchasing one of their DIY Vegetable Garden Starter Box.Check out more about these boxes here:https://diymom.ca/yougrowgirlFind Rebekah:https://www.instagram.com/diymom.ca?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==orhttps://diymom.ca/diy-who To learn more, tune into todays episode.With Love, Melissa & Sammi

Join us today as we dive into Kijuan Amey's mindset, that he speaks about in his book. Teaching others the difference between forgiving, forgetting and letting it go. There are so many incredible little pieces of advice that Kijuan gives in our conversation today that can have a really big impact in someone's life that is struggling to move forward into the next chapter. Life if FULL of setbacks and, as Kijuan reinforces; it's all about how we handle those setbacks.Working with the air force, building companies of his own when suddenly, a horrible motorcycle accident left him in the hospital for over a month. Kijuan is grateful to be alive and walking and has found incredible ways to embrace living life blind and now mentors others who have gone blind or are in the process of losing their sight. Two pieces we want you to hear:1.) Kijuan's advice near the end about how he coaches someone to still be able to deeply engage with their kids and future kids, even if they can't see them.2.) The song Kijuan recommends. Good Day by Forest Frank. If you haven't heard it. You need to go listen. It will help you have a good day.Find Kijuan at:https://www.instagram.com/kijuanamey?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==orhttps://ameymotivation.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeF2SxsFlYjMAjUQzNBmAgOPLL5BcRe-LH5xgyb78lh462I4U9KtTrj9R_lFg_aem_hOdr45Dze42RBERceWh_0QWith love, Sammi & Melissa

Three things we need you to know about this episode:1.) Dammit. There are people we forgot to mention or didn't mention enough. Or stories that are on our hearts that we forgot to share, but they will be in episodes to come.2.) We definitely cried while editing this and re-listening to Kyla's song. If you didn't know her, it might not have made sense to you.3.) We need to give a huge shout out to Dana who may never see this, but is due the credit behind all the photos we pulled and threw into this episode (Except for those at the very end of the episode... that is the video made for Kyla's ceremony of Life... credit to her family). Neither of us have much for photos from those years!Whew. This one. Do you ever leave a group of people and have all these things you wish you had said? Or attend a funeral or event and wish you'd said more to the person who passed? Or said more to the family that was working through their grief? This was a piece of our episode today.  There are so many things that get left unsaid and the beautiful things don't get said until the end. We, unfortunately let that happen with Kyla Dawn and we realized it at her celebration of life. So today, for this episode... We wanted to honour Kyla by speaking about what an incredible person she was. And let the world know what a light and impact she made.We ALSO wanted to speak life into a few other people that made massive impacts in our hearts during our Gitter's time and we hope that we can do better at telling those we love and appreciate, just how much we love and appreciate them.This is our call out to you.If you have something that you've left unsaid... go and say it right now.With Love and in Honour of Kyla Dawn, Sammi & Melissa

First and foremost, we have to express our gratitude for this episode. Scooter is in a crazy busy season of tree planting and, on very short notice, made some time to hope on a call and record this podcast episode. As of Aug 2024, Johnathon "Scooter" Clark has overseen the planting of over 147 MILLION trees being planted, right here in Canada. He works alongside big logging companies, to help replant those trees that are being logged and cut down. AND with replant.environmental, they are planting trees on the east coast that are forever trees. Trees that will still be standing years and years from now, as long as we take care of them. We edited this episode a little bit different than any other episode we've ever done. On Replant's website, there is a large collection of tree planting photos, AND a soundtrack full of songs written by those who have been out planting trees. We tied these photos and songs into the episode.Here are the songs in order:First:Song:  Pockets Full Of CreamArtist:  Yankee Yanni & the Lowballing Jazz BandSecond:Song:  Similkameen RisesArtist:  B CruiseyThird:Song:  Planto RantoArtist:  Sydney SandiaFourth:Song:  Treeplanting SongArtist:  Nigel EberdingFifth:Song:  The Happy PlanterArtist:  Jennifer NobleSix:Song:  Ride On Rooster (In Memory of Eric Rousseau)Artist:  New Red River RebellionSeven:Song:  ShoulderArtist:  Stephane LevesqueEight:Song:  This LifeArtist:  Claire KuzmykTune in to learn all about HOW this incredible company got started (hint: It was just a website, in the 90's to keep people updated), how large it has grown, what is on this man's heart to do, how many trees get planted and just what YOU can do to help support Tree Planting in Canada.Find more information at:https://www.replant.ca/index.htmlorhttps://www.replant-environmental.ca/index.htmlWith Love,Sammi & Melissa

Talayna is an advocate for sustainable living with kids, she has an e-book, is advocating for the 7 R's and is determined to help the world raise earth loving kids. In this beautiful conversation with Talayna we talk about how she learned so much of her adult behaviour as a child, growing up out to play in the fields. She is helping anyone who follows her account, learn how to make more eco conscious choices AND speaking out about how each choice is different for each family and each families values. If you're not already following Talayna, we encourage you to check out her account at:https://www.instagram.com/talayna.z?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Before you go today... don't forget to ask yourself a very important question:What did you see outside today that you loved? (from Talayna)With Love, Sammi & Melissa

Earth month is bringing us so many incredible guests and THIS is another one to make sure you gather information from.If you didn't know; mattresses and car seats ARE recyclable! You just need to find the right location and ReMatt is one of those locations, right here in Calgary, Alberta.Our guest today, Shawn Cable, started ReMatt in 2014 when he learned just how many mattresses were ending up in landfills and learning just how much space they take up. His approximate guess is that, not including the 50,000 they recycle each year; the mattresses still ending up in landfills could fill up McMahon Stadium 5 times, and stacked 10 high. That's a LOT of mattresses. One of the biggest goals of this episode is raise awareness to how we can better recycle these products that we ALL use, what their materials get turned into and how we can help make a bigger difference by not just recycling our own mattresses but encouraging our city or residence to make this a more accessible program. If your City doesn't already have a program, we encourage you to reach out to them and encourage them to start one. If you live in or around the city of Calgary; reach out to us and we can help you find the information to get in touch with your Ward councilor and help encourage change right here.Reach out to us at: [email protected] ReMatt at:https://www.re-matt.com/With Love, Sammi & Melissa

Bringing on a burning desire to help educate and make an impact with her voice is Sarah Robertson-Barnes. We are so honoured to share this space with Sarah today. Sarah, Melissa and Sammi speak about what we can do as individuals to make a difference in the world around us. Sometimes, looking at what's going on with climate change, waste and the environment can be daunting and overwhelming. Sarah is here to help us all navigate that. How we can take it just one step at a time. With her bold statement of "All we have to do; is ANYTHING." We hope this empowers you to remember and believe that although your steps may seem small and insignificant, if we all try... the more difference we can make. Talking about how the system is not the consumers fault, and that YOU can do so much; Sarah helps to find those small steps, those small differences that can make a difference. We don't need to do exactly what everyone else is doing, but we do need to aim to do better if we want a livable planet. Not just for ourselves, but for future generations. Find Sarah at: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.robertson.barnes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==With Love, Sammi & Melissa

We are SOOO excited about this month's mini series!Perhaps today we went a little too far into the rant-y side of our love for the planet and doing better things to make a difference but hey, come join us anyway. If you don't know us, we love a good laugh and a good rant about something that's deep in your heart. That's us today. Join us as we start off our Earth month mini series with why Melissa and Sammi wanted to do this whole mini series, what things are important to us, how we both differ in the ways we go about being more environmentally friendly in our lives and households and some of the things we just don't understand why society thought it was a better approach. We're laughing at ourselves and encouraging you to laugh at us too AND ideally, you'll take some value from some of the things we have shifted and be inspired to make some shifts in your own life. With love,Sammi & Melissaenvironmentally conscious, making an impact, climate

Did you know that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men, experience domestic violence?34% of people in Canada who have experienced domestic violence have never even spoken to someone else about it, let alone reported it to the police.This episode with Lauren starts the opening up of our topic on Domestic Violence. We are highlighting this topic for the month of October, but let todays episode be just one example of how domestic violence can show up in a relationship. Part 1 of Lauren's story puts the spot light on how her relationship with her ex started, how and when the abuse began and what was the final turning point for Lauren to escape. If you ever experienced domestic violence; do not sit in silence. If you see it happening, report it. Thank you Lauren for so bravely sharing your story with us.With love, Melissa and Sammi

Alright, we just like to do these every now and again. Usually just full of some laughs and a good time. This episode is some opinions about movies as a "hang out", reminiscing on Gitter's good ol' times and a tiny bit of advice at the end. Really, we're just a couple of girlfriends who run a podcast, just having a good time.Join us!With love, Sammi & Melissa

In our last episode with Bryan, we spoke about Radical Empathy and his mission to spread and teach Radical Empathy to everyone who crosses his path.During that conversation, Bryan shared with us a moment in his career that helped him realize just how powerful Radical Empathy can be. In today's episode though, Bryan shares the story of his daughter Korneliah and how, during the loss of her, an act of Radical Empathy saved his life. This full circle story about how a student, whom Bryan had shown Radical Empathy to, came around and gave it right back to him, in a time that he would never have expected AND how this act literally saved his life.Two quotes we want you to take from this episode:"Radical Empathy does not excuse or enable someone's actions, but it does explain their behaviour.""It is not in my control to receive Radical Empathy, but it is in my control to forgive and give Radical Empathy."You definitely don't want to miss this episode.Find Bryan:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bsl_speaks?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Website:https://www.bslspeaks.com/*This Episode is Dedicated in loving memory of Korneliah*With Love, Melissa and Sammi

Do you know someone who lives with a Rare Genetic Condition? Do you live with a Rare Genetic Condition? In todays episode, Francois is allowing us to ask any and all questions about his son Benjamin and what life looks like for them, with their son Ben, living with CASK MICPCH (ponto cerebeller hypoplasia)What we learned about in this episode that was mind boggling? There are less than 200 people living with this condition and most males who are born with this condition, die during infancy. Ben is one of the only known males who has currently made it to the age of 17. Listening to Francois share about Ben was an incredible experience. Ben is full of energy, laughs and the biggest smile and he gets to go on some incredible adventures with his family. Tune in to learn more about Ben and CASK MICPCH (ponto cerebeller hypoplasia)With love, Melissa & Sammi

Do you know what it means if someone was to say "Curveballs come with opportunity?" If the answer is no or even leaves you slightly confuse, then this episode and Gail's book are for YOU. Gail Taylor wrote the book Curveballs to inspire others to follow their dreams, pursue their passions and to not allow life's curveballs to slow you down. Her book Curveballs is written in the most beautifully unique way; sharing stories of her life and then giving a QR code at the end of each story, so you can hear the song that was inspired by her own Curveball. In this episode, Gail shares with us how the book came to be, how she used some of her own Curveballs to propel herself forward and how, if we all are able to learn and harness the mentality of compartmentalizing the situations that life throws at us, we can go through even the hardest of times and come out on top. We absolutely adored our conversation with Gail and we can't wait to share it with you.Make sure you keep watching for when she brings our her keytar and shows us how she makes sure she's not at the back of the stage during a performance.Find Gail at: https://www.gailtaylormusic.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gailtaylormusic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==ORBuy her book here: (Not an affiliate)https://gailtaylorauthor.com/With Love, Melissa & Sammi

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in Motherhood? Building a business? Or life in general?Sandra shares her inner journey to rediscovering herself and things she felt she lost in motherhood. Growing up in a tough household, Sandra shares with us how this shaped her early on in her parenting journey and when she broke and started taking the steps to finding herself again.Her kids became her teachers in showing her how she wanted to show up for them, instead of how she was taught to show up.This beautiful story, that we are certain many of you will be able to relate to, dives into the moment that Sandra realized she was a burned out mom, how she found yoga and really took the time to learn not just the physical aspect of yoga, but the inner work that real yoga can teach you to embrace. Now in her own business, her desire is to help Mom's, like herself, who are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, to find themselves again. To rediscover what they may have set too far aside, in their parenting journey and how to show up for themselves, how they want to me.Find Sandra at:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unwindblisswithsandra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Check back often, as Sandra hopes to be able to share a free link with all of our listeners, to a meditation practice that is meant to help anyone recenter, and find their footing amongst the busy-ness of life.With Love, Sammi and Melissa

Iesha Madden is passionate about mental health, self-advocacy, setting boundaries and taking care of YOURSELF in order to be able to function at your best level, in all areas of life.   Iesha is a working Mom, who started her instagram page @Morethanamamaseries originally, to start helping other Mom's who were finding it hard to balance both motherhood and well, life. But what Iesha came to find out; is that, her instagram page that she started, began impacting her more than she had anticipated.  As a career coach at a community college, Iesha is helping new students learn how to take their mental health seriously, while also pursuing their goals and dreams.  One of our favourite lines that Iesha says "I admire GenZ..." tune in to find out why this is.  We can't wait for you to hear this one! Find Iesha at: https://www.instagram.com/morethanamamaseries?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== With Love, Sammi & Melissa

Have you heard of John's Crazy Socks? If not, stop what you're doing right now and go check them out. If you're looking to hear the true meaning of Spreading Happiness and living through your values, these gentleman and their company are IT. They speak from their heart on issues such as Elon Musk using the 'R' word, how the world needs more social lubricant, that our values don't matter until we're willing to spend money on them, and on top of doing their very best to spread joy and happiness to other humans, they are also doing what they can, and always looking to find new ways, to make a difference for the environment too. Jump right into this one and get ready for some solid life advice, business advice and certainly a ton of laughs. Find John's Crazy Socks at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnscrazysocks?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Website: https://johnscrazysocks.com/collections/new-arrivals?page=1 With Love, Melissa & Sammi

Rachel graciously shares the deep truths of her past. At 18 years old, Rachel has lived a heck of a lot more life than many of us ever will. She has been on a rollercoaster and a half, and yet, somehow she handles it with grace, gratitude and ambition. Rachel and I started our conversation at a grocery store of all places and she sparked our interest with her go-getter attitude for achieving her goals. We are so honoured to be able to hold space for Rachel and her story. As a ambitious entrepreneur, you can find Rachel in a few places: https://www.instagram.com/ghostorchid.ink?igsh=MnNnOWdjeXRrc2w3 or https://www.instagram.com/mistheticsco?igsh=MWd4NG5qazZ5dDI5aw== With love, Sammi & Melissa

We love to say it.. so here it comes again... Buckle UP! Season 3 is here and ready for YOU. If you follow us on Instagram, you've seen us share about what we have coming up for this season. If you don't, stop what you're doing now and go follow us on Instagram. Or. Send us a lovely e-mail at [email protected] and say "hey. I dont use social media but I would like all these details please."  And we will happily send it along. In today's episode, we catch up on Christmas, touch on anxiety and share some of our hearts for what's to come.  Sit down and have a laugh with us and we ramble our way through some hilarious anxieties and ways that we cope. With Love, Melissa & Sammi