Stress Less, Joy More

What if the life you've been chasing is actually waiting for you in the present moment?In this deeply expansive and heart-opening episode, we sit down with Jenn Walker, adventurer, coach, and powerful perspective shifter who invites us to rethink everything we've been taught about success, burnout, and what it truly means to live. From summiting mountains and running ultramarathons to navigating deep burnout and healing, Jenn shares her journey from pushing and proving to surrendering and trusting.Together, we explore the difference between living in your mind versus being fully present in your body, and how that single shift can change absolutely everything. We dive into the hidden cost of performance-based worthiness, the profound wisdom of the body, and how burnout can become a powerful initiation into a more aligned, joyful way of being.You'll also walk away with simple, practical tools to regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your intuition, and gently move out of overwhelm, starting with something as beautifully simple as noticing.This conversation is an invitation. To slow down. To soften. To trust. And to remember that you don't have to push so hard.Learn more about Jenn Walker @ diveheartfirst.com 

In this heart-centered conversation, Paula and Doris sit down with counselor and artist Tanya Levy to explore the powerful connection between creativity, emotional healing, and being truly seen.Tanya shares how art, in all its forms, writing, movement, nature, even everyday rituals can help us process life’s hardest moments. From working with students navigating anxiety and trauma to her own experiences with grief, she reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be big or overwhelming… sometimes it’s as simple as noticing a tree, holding a stone, or making your favourite tea.Together, they explore why creativity is such a powerful tool for emotional release, and how it can help us gently “thaw” when we feel stuck or frozen. Through this conversation, Tanya highlights the healing power of authentic connection, being truly seen, heard, and human with one another. Tanya also shares simple, grounding tools to support nervous system regulation, reminding us that healing doesn’t have to be complicated. Tanya reveals how adding just 5% more joy into your day can begin to shift everything.This episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, get curious, and reconnect with yourself, one small, compassionate step at a time. Learn more about Tanya @ https://linktr.ee/heartladyinspiration

In this special Podcasthon episode of Stress Less, Joy More, we spotlight the inspiring work of Wellspring Stratford Cancer Support Centre.Our guest, Lisa Stacey, is a yoga and meditation instructor, Reiki master, and the manager of Wellspring Stratford. For over 15 years, she has supported individuals and families navigating the cancer journey with compassion, connection, and practical tools for well-being.Together, we explore how healing goes beyond medical treatment. Through meditation, breath, gentle movement, and community support, Wellspring offers a safe space where people facing cancer can find hope, calm, and meaningful connection.Lisa also shares touching stories from the community and guides us through a grounding breathing practice you can use anytime stress or fear arises.At its heart, this episode is about something we all need— presence, compassion, and the reminder that no one has to face life’s hardest moments alone. If this conversation touches you, we invite you to learn more about Wellspring Stratford and support their work.  https://wellspring.ca/london-region/locations/stratford/ https://www.instagram.com/podcasthon_en 

What if one word could gently guide your entire year?In this heartfelt episode, Paula and Doris explore the power of choosing a Word of the Year. Doris shares why she chose clarity. Paula shares why she chose awareness.Together, they reflect on how intention shapes our well-being, beyond goals, beyond hustle.They dive into: • Letting go of the “hamster wheel” • How clarity creates emotional safety • How awareness brings peace to the nervous system • Childhood patterns that disconnected us from our needs • And how less truly can become morePaula guides a simple grounding awareness practice to support your well-being right now!This episode is your invitation to pause, breathe, and choose a word that supports your growth, peace, and joy this year. This is your invitation to stress less. Enjoy more!Learn more about Doris @ dorispolakkuder.com and Paula @ paulanowakwellness.com 

In this deeply grounding episode of Stress Less, Joy More, Paula and Doris are joined by Lubna Forzley, Certified Compassionate Inquiry® Practitioner and founder of Stories. Lubna shares her extraordinary journey growing up in a war-torn country and how resilience, faith, and self-awareness shaped her path. Together, they explore stress as a trauma response, the difference between survival and sustainable well-being, and why managing energy not time is the true foundation of living well. This conversation weaves trauma-informed insight with practical wisdom on parenting, purpose, and inner peace. If you’re seeking clarity, balance, and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to stress less and live with joy, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about Lubna at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubnaforzley/

Movement Is Medicine: Qigong Helps Us Heal, Breathe & Transform with Munira JiwaIn this deeply nourishing episode of Stress Less, Joy More, we are joined by Munira Jiwa, a passionate Qigong teacher, former physical therapist, and global spreader of Qi Joy. Munira shares her powerful healing journey from chronic pain, fatigue, and depression to a life rooted in vitality, presence, and joy through the practice of Spring Forest Qigong. With warmth and wisdom, she helps us understand how energy flows through the body, why emotions play a central role in our health, and how slowing down is often the most powerful medicine. Together, we explore: Why less is more when it comes to healing How breath, gentle movement, and awareness calm the nervous system The connection between emotions, energy blockages, and physical pain Parenting, caregiving, and the art of letting go How simple daily practices can ripple healing through families and generations Munira also gently guides us through short, accessible Qigong and breathing practices, inviting listeners to feel the shift.  This episode is an invitation to pause, soften, breathe, and remember the innate wisdom within your body. A perfect listen if you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, stuck, or simply longing to feel more at home in yourself.Learn more about Munira: www.munirajiwa.ca

In this deeply transformative conversation, Paula and Doris sit down with author, speaker, and global changemaker Fadhwa Yusuf to explore the early wounds that shape us and the parts of ourselves that try to keep us safe. And yes, we even get to meet the part of us Fadhwa calls the gatekeeper. Curious which part of you plays that role?With raw honesty and profound wisdom, Fadhwa shares how trauma, self-awareness, and compassion can open the door to emotional freedom. Together, they unpack the journey from stress to deeper well-being, offering grounded practices, soulful insight, and a powerful reminder: no part of us is too broken to belong.Learn more about Fadhwa at https://www.thegemsoflife.com/

Paula and Doris welcome Dr. Michelle Greenwell, founder of the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health, dance educator, and Tai Chi teacher, to explore how movement supports emotional well-being. Michelle shares her powerful healing story and guides a simple awareness practice listeners can do anywhere. Together, they discuss how posture, energy, and emotions intertwine, and why mindful movement can ease stress and restore balance. A heart-centered conversation filled with gentle wisdom, practical tools, and hope for anyone ready to reconnect with their body and reclaim calm.Learn more about Michelle at: https://greenwellcenter.com/dr-michelle-greenwell/

Bonus Episode!What happens after the podcast ends?Join Paula, Doris, and Claudia Goetzelmann in this tender after show as they explore how grief, mortality, and gratitude open us to deeper joy.  Listen to this 20-minute conversation: After-Podcast with Claudia — Joy, Grief & Permission to Bloom.

Finding Joy in the Mud with Claudia Goetzelmann: Grief, Healing & TransformationIn this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Claudia Goetzelmann, a holistic and somatic practitioner and Compassionate Inquiry practitioner who guides people through transformation with compassion, courage, and curiosity. Claudia shares her own journey of loss, sitting with grief, transformation, and self-forgiveness, and how practices of presence and compassion can bring us back to our bodies, our breath, and our joy. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the mud of life, wondered how to move through grief, or longed for more peace in your healing journey, this episode will inspire and ground you. Learn more about Claudia at permissiontobloom.org

Holistic Stress Management: Prescription for Joy with Eva GoldIn this inspiring conversation, Paula and Doris welcome Eva Gold, Eden Energy Medicine faculty member, Holistic Health and Qigong practitioner, and radiant teacher of joy. Eva shares her journey from illness to vitality, offering profound wisdom on stress, healing, and the transformative power of playfulness. Together, they explore how stress shows up in the body, why joy is essential for well-being, and simple practices anyone can use to ground, release overwhelm and reconnect with the life force within. From breathing techniques to movement practices, from joyful connection to nature-inspired healing, this episode is filled with wisdom and heart-centered practices you can begin using today to ease stress, boost energy, and reclaim your joy. Learn more about Eva Gold at https://em4all.com/

In this heart-opening first episode of Stress Less, Joy More, hosts Doris and Paula take you behind the scenes of their own personal well-being journeys. From childhood trauma and parenting burnout to high-pressure careers and chronic stress, they share how the pursuit of wellness is not a straight line – but a series of intentional, compassionate steps back to ourselves.What you’ll learn: - How Paula turned childhood anxiety into tools for adult vitality - How Doris’ daughter sparked her emotional and physical healing - Why gratitude is more than a list—it’s an act of self-awareness - How 2-minute energy-balancing practices can create big shifts in well-being. -  3 simple and powerful guided practices with breath and gratitude you can do. This episode is an invitation: to pause, to breathe, to reconnect. Because all we really want is to feel good today.