The Story Hour

Host Sara Jaswal returns to her podcast after months away due to technology issues, travel, and a difficult period. She shares a life update: January felt restorative, but February brought restlessness, and March became overwhelming after she got severely ill, which intensified loneliness, depression, intrusive thoughts, and fears about losing her parents. She reflects on grief, family enmeshment, her ongoing vision deterioration and limitations, and sadness about being single and nearing 40 without a partner or children, while emphasizing that even as a therapist and coach she still struggles. She describes a rejuvenating trip to Japan while noting grief still surfaced in dark environments. She closes by encouraging listeners to find daily glimmers of joy and gratitude.Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

DISCLAIMER: This episode includes a brief mention of sexual trauma as part of the guest’s personal healing journey. While we do not go into detail, we recognize that this topic can be sensitive. This conversation reflects one individual’s lived experience and is shared in the spirit of openness and awareness. Please use your own discernment when listening and take care of yourself. This podcast is not a substitute for therapy or professional medical or mental health support. If this episode brings up anything for you, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified professional or trusted support resource.Sara welcomes Margaret Pineda, a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and Certified Breathwork Facilitator, to discuss body-centered healing, nervous system regulation, and shifting from “fixing” to grounded presence. Margaret shares how desk-job pain led her into massage therapy, later expanding into craniosacral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. She describes postpartum anxiety, eczema flare-ups linked to stress, and insights from bioenergy training in Costa Rica that connected her symptoms to early heart surgery, generational trauma, and childhood sexual trauma; after disclosing her secret to her mother, her eczema disappeared.Margaret explains conscious connected breathwork (continuous open-mouth breathing) as a transformational tool that can surface emotions and patterns, emphasizes the need for integration and support, and offers simple breathing practices. She also explores “be a lighthouse, not a lifeguard,” boundaries, and letting others follow their own timelines.Connect With Magaret:Website: https://thespaciousbreath.com/Substack: https://thespaciousbreath.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaciousbreath/Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this insightful and empowering conversation, Sara sits down with her dear friend and fellow therapist, Harjeet (Harj) Thiara (Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling-Provisional). Harj shares her journey from a traditional Punjabi upbringing to becoming a counselor and private practice owner. They discuss the profound impact of Harj's mother's stage four cancer diagnosis, her transition from public relations to counseling, and her deepening spiritual journey. The conversation delves into themes of grief, identity, and the importance of following one's calling. Harj emphasizes the significance of community support, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of facing life's challenges head-on. This episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for anyone navigating difficult times and seeking deeper personal growth.Connect With Harjeet: Website:  https://onetruthwellnesscounselling.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/onetruthwellness/Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this episode, your host Sara welcomes Corinna Killeen, a Registered Therapeutic Counselor (RTC) and Certified Life Coach, who shares her profound journey through grief and loss. Corinna recounts the heartbreaking experiences of losing her younger brother, father, and stepfather, discussing the differences between anticipatory and sudden grief.She delves into the complexities of medical trauma, the impact on family dynamics, and the isolating nature of grief. Corinna also shares coping mechanisms for anxiety and the importance of acknowledging our grief. The discussion transitions into Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), emphasizing resilience, self-awareness, and the continuous journey of healing. Corinna’s insights, both personal and professional, provide listeners with a deeper understanding of grief and a hopeful perspective on finding joy amidst loss.Connect with Corinna:Website:  https://www.corinnakilleen.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/counsellorcorinna/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/counsellorcorinna/aboutTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@counsellorcorinnaConnect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this solo episode, Sara reflects on the holiday season and the emotional impact it can have, acknowledging that this time of year is not joyful for everyone. She speaks openly about her own experience of being single and the longing for partnership, family, and children, and explores a lesser-talked-about form of grief: grieving the future, milestones, and hopes that have not yet come to pass, and how this kind of grief can feel especially present during the holidays.Sara also commemorates six months of podcasting by sharing six insights from starting something new, offering honest reflections on growth, uncertainty, and what it means to keep showing up even when the path isn’t clear. She concludes the episode with journal prompts to support listeners as they transition from 2025 into 2026 with greater awareness, intention, and self-reflection.Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

Join host Sara Jaswal as she welcomes Chandra, a friend, and advocate for the visually impaired. In this episode, Chandra shares his personal journey with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), discussing its impact on his life, career, and daily routines. They delve into the emotional and mental challenges of vision loss, the misconceptions people have about visual impairments, and the transformative power of acceptance and adaptation. Chandra also talks about his passion for running marathons, and the incredible support he's received from organizations like CNIB and Achilles Canada. This episode is a testament to resilience, finding joy despite limitations, and the power of community and technology in overcoming life's challenges.Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this heartfelt episode, Sara returns after a brief hiatus to share a deeply personal story about her late paternal grandmother, Kaushalya Devi Jaswal, on the tenth anniversary of her passing. Sara discusses her first encounter with death, her grieving process, and the profound lessons she learned from her grandmother's life and death. The episode is a dedication to her grandma's memory, filled with personal anecdotes, family experiences, and spiritual insights into the afterlife. Sara emphasizes the importance of family, forgiveness, and living a meaningful life. She concludes by sharing ten pivotal lessons from her journey, offering a touching tribute to her grandmother's enduring legacy.Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this raw and vulnerable solo episode, Sara opens up about grief, loss, and the complex relationship we have with anger. She shares candid reflections on living with chronic fatigue and the emotional weight that comes with seasonal transitions. Drawing from her own experiences of vision loss, Sara explores how grief shows up in unexpected moments including a recent incident that deeply unsettled her and brought up intense feelings of anger. Through honest storytelling and reflection, she unpacks what it means to sit with anger rather than suppress it, offering gentle insights and practical tools for expressing it in healthy ways. This episode is a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, and the healing power of community and shared experience.Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this honest and moving conversation, Sara sits down with Tara Accardo, a grief and soul purpose coach and host of the Life with Grief podcast. Tara shares her profound journey through multiple losses, including the deaths of both her parents to cancer within six months of each other, a traumatic birth experience, and the subsequent self-discovery and transformation that followed. Tara discusses the complexities of grief, the importance of self-care, and finding meaning and purpose amidst loss. She emphasizes the significance of community, intuition, and maintaining a balance between grieving and living a fulfilling life. This conversation is a powerful exploration of how to navigate grief, find gains from losses, and ultimately rebuild a life filled with joy and purpose.Connect With Tara:Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegains/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithgriefpodcast/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-grief-podcast/id1688812587Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

Disclaimer: This episode is intended for educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for therapy, coaching, or professional support. If you are struggling with grief or any of the topics discussed, please seek support from a qualified professional.In this episode of the Story Hour Podcast, Sara delves into the multifaceted topic of grief. Sara discusses the importance of community, connections and collective healing, drawing from her personal and professional experiences as a Certified Grief Educator, Registered Counsellor, and Life Coach. The episode covers types of grief beyond the commonly understood death-related grief, such as non-death losses including chronic health issues, life transitions, and relationship changes. Sara also explores secondary losses, societal misconceptions around grief, and emphasizes that grief does not follow a linear timeline. She offers valuable insights into what not to say to grievers and provides suggestions for supporting someone who is grieving. This in-depth conversation aims to educate listeners about the complexities of grief and the importance of compassionate support. Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this episode of The Story Hour Podcast, host Sara Jaswal candidly shares reflections on her growth and emotional journey over the past year. Sara discusses the challenges and transitions of moving from summer to fall, drawing on her personal experiences with depression, loneliness, and the search for joy. She highlights the importance of intentionality, self-reflection, and the need for a supportive community. Sara emphasizes that even professionals need support and acknowledges the ups and downs of life, urging listeners to embrace their humanity and seek out joy amidst life's chaos. The episode ends with a call for creating more community connections and fostering a space for collective healing.Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In episode three of the Story Hour Podcast, host Sara Jaswal delves into the often-overlooked topic of non-death losses, focusing specifically on the grief and loss of future hopes and dreams. Sara shares her personal journey of longing for a life partner, marriage, and starting a family, while grappling with societal pressures and her own self-worth. She emphasizes the importance of self-love, discussing her journey towards embracing herself and finding emotional intimacy within. Sara addresses the impact of social media on mental health, the challenges of dating in today's world, and the need to let go of control to find fulfillment. Through her candid reflections and practical advice, Sara highlights the importance of reframing negative self-talk and aims to normalize conversations about grief and inspire listeners to take proactive steps towards their own healing and happiness.Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this episode of the Story Hour podcast, host Sara Jaswal explores her journey through alternative treatments and holistic health amid the challenges posed by her chronic eye condition. She delves into the complexities of self-healing, the importance of mental and emotional well-being, and the transformative power of slowing down and facing one's fears. Through personal anecdotes and detailed descriptions of her experiences in India, Sara emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit and advocates for a balanced approach to health that includes both Western and Eastern practices. This episode serves as an inspirational guide, encouraging listeners to take control of their life and health, highlighting that it takes time, dedication, and resilience with the promise of emerging stronger and more confident.Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

The Pilot: Stepping Into The UnknownIn the debut episode of The Story Hour Podcast, host Sara Jaswal opens up about the inspiration behind launching this podcast. Sara shares her long-standing dream of creating a space for authentic, unscripted conversations about life’s hardest moments, including grief, trauma and what it means to be human.Despite her initial self-doubt, she finally steps into her calling in 2025- seven years after a life-changing event on June 22, 2018, when she was no longer medically cleared to hold a valid driver’s license due to a diagnosis of a rare chronic eye condition: Gyrate Atrophy.Sara candidly discusses her battles with depression, anxiety, and vision loss, as well as her pursuit of alternative treatments and holistic healing. From a transformative Ayurvedic experience in India to reclaiming her driver's license, she recounts the milestones that shaped her path toward healing and post-traumatic growth.This deeply personal and emotionally resonant episode lays the foundation for future conversations, offering listeners a raw, inspiring perspective on resilience, purpose, and the power of storytelling. Connect With Sara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcastWebsite: https://www.sarajaswal.com/