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A new podcast is released very week, so make sure you subscribe and don’t miss an episode about change - they could change your life!

Season 3 / Episode #44

Silvia Martini 

Quotes about change: "Wisdom: May it come through me and not from me"

Silvia Martini shares her journey through profound loss and change in her life. She suffered losses that affected her greatly but was able to find new beginnings by staying open and curious. Silvia believes that by staying true to our values, we can overcome difficult times and grow personally. Her way of becoming resilient involves being kind to oneself and embracing the liminal spaces where transformation and wisdom occur. 

Reflecting on the good and the bad, Silvia emphasizes that our experiences and the knowledge shared by others can bring light into our lives. She encourages us to live with purpose, nurture our growth, and make everyday count by contributing positively to the world. All while being grateful for the experiences that shape us. 

Season 3 / Episode #43 

Steve McLellan 

Have you ever wondered what it's like to climb the ranks in the bustling world of hospitality and emerge a leader in business advocacy? Steve McClellan, the former CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, joins us to share the rich tapestry of his career, from its humble beginnings inspired by a book and a cooking show, to reaching the pinnacle of his profession. His narrative is peppered with the timeless tenets of customer service and the joy of serving others—lessons that resonate whether you're a veteran in the service industry or just starting to chart your course.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on the nuances and shifts within the workplace that have shaped today's entrepreneurial landscape. Steve recounts the evolution from personal business ownership to becoming a voice for businesses at large, shedding light on the pressures and pleasures that come with the territory. His insights encapsulate the necessity of confidence and the power of a resilient spirit in facing the challenges and changes that come with any career.

The episode rounds out with a contemplative look at the transition to retirement. Steve doesn't just offer a roadmap; he provides a compass for navigating this significant life change with intention and preparation. From crafting a robust transition plan to seeking fulfillment through community involvement and mentorship programs like "Mission Possible," Steve's approach to retirement is anything but dormant. His story doesn't end with a farewell to a successful career, but rather with the exciting prospect of leveraging his expertise in new, impactful ways. 

Season 3 / Episode #42

Monica Kreuger

What happens when you leave the safety of a steady job to follow your passion? Monica Kreuger, the tenacious entrepreneur behind Praxis Global Info Brokers and the Praxis School of Entrepreneurship, navigated through this challenging path and has a wealth of stories to share with us. From her transformative journey to flourishing in a community-oriented approach, Monica's tale serves as a testament to the mantra, "Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow."

Monica brings to the table her exemplary knack for building strong networks that have become her pillars of support in achieving her goals. She tells us about her unique approach to community building and the anticipation of constant change - something that seems to be a constant in her life. Her insightful experiences in caring for aging family members while balancing her own family and work responsibilities will leave you pondering about your ways of handling change and how you can cultivate a support system within your community.

From finding joy in the simplest things in life to recognizing the importance of self-care, Monica's insights shed light on the importance of balancing personal and professional life for success. Join us as we delve into Monica's inspiring journey and how her belief in the power of community has shaped her life and business. Thank you for tuning in!

Season 3 / Episode #41 

Karri Howlett 

Quote about change: "Just go in, figure things out, and get things done."

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from corporate finance to entrepreneurship? Our insightful chat with Karri Howlett is a must-listen for anyone facing career changes or contemplating a leap into entrepreneurship.  Karri Howlett is the owner of Karri Howlett Consulting. She takes us through her remarkable journey of career changes,  the challenges she encountered,  and shares how her upbringing on a farm shaped her decisions and cultivated an optimistic outlook.

We dive into the real deal of entrepreneurship, discussing the decision Karri and her husband made to become entrepreneurs, even against initial apprehensions from their family. Karri shares insights on the risks and rewards of leaving a steady paycheck.  She sheds light on the resilience required to forge ahead and how nourishing optimism can lead to achieving goals. 

Karri shares her experience of buying a business with partners and how crucial alignment is in finding the right partner. Finally, we delve into the importance of trusting that inner voice when making decisions.

Season 3 / Episode #40

Cara Bahr 

Quote about change: "Learn to pace. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you."

Have you ever wondered what it takes to pivot from a successful career in a for-profit sector to lead a non-profit organization? Cara Bahr, the current CEO of YWCA in Saskatoon, did just that and she reveals her motivations, challenges, and accomplishments in this journey. As a certified professional accountant, Cara was deeply entrenched in the financial industry.  It wasn't just the job posting that drew her to the YWCA, but a deep-seated value of giving back, instilled in her by her parents. She discusses her leap of faith into the non-profit sector and the unique experiences that came with it.

Transitioning to a CEO role is challenging enough, but Cara faced the added pressures of the global COVID-19 pandemic. She shares how she tackled this new role while battling imposter syndrome and juggling her home life. Hear how she learned to refocus on the internal workings of her organization while maintaining her mental wellbeing. Cara's approach of showing up with mindfulness and positivity, even in trying times, is truly inspiring. She discusses the conscious planning that went into her transition and the power of being a steady anchor during periods of change.

Cara speaks candidly about the discomfort and frustration that comes with leading from the front, and the importance of understanding and fostering relationships. Contrary to common misconceptions, ambition and driven leadership are integral to the success of non-profit organizations. This podcast is a must for anyone contemplating a career transition or seeking an in-depth understanding of the non-profit sector.

Season 3 / Episode #39

Maryam Masoomi

Quotes about change: "Never lose hope."

When we consider the resilience and courage it takes to survive in the face of adversity, few stories are as powerful as that of Maryam Masoomi. This extraordinary woman, an Afghan refugee, offers an intimate glimpse into her life before the Taliban's control forced her and her family to flee Afghanistan in 2021. Maryam's compelling narrative takes us through her pursuit of education and her passion for arts and journalism, even while leading an influential all-female music group, Sound of Afghanistan.

Maryam walks us through every detail of the high-stakes journey, the terror of the unknown, and the emotional impact of leaving her homeland. Her account of life post-escape presents a vivid picture of the emotional upheaval when finding safety, especially in a foreign land like Canada.

Transitioning from Afghanistan to Canada wasn't easy. Yet, through hardship, she found joy, particularly in her ability to share her Afghan music and experiences. Maryam's journey, told through her lens, is not just a testament to the strength of the human spirit but also a reminder to us all about the profound resilience and courage of refugees. Join us as we shed light on her inspiring story.

Season 3 / Episode #38

Shelley Marenka

Ever reevaluated your life at a milestone age and realized something had to change? Shelley Marenka did just that, and her story is one you don't want to miss. After ending a two-decade-long marriage at the age of 50, Shelley faced a period of grieving before she discovered a newfound passion for physical activities. This was more than just a hobby. It was a form of self-expression that led her on a path of self-discovery and personal growth.

Join us as we unpack Shelley's transformative journey, from living a life driven by external self-care to embracing a path of spiritual connection and self-love. As a result of her coaching work, Shelley sheds light on how to navigate the tumultuous waves of change and cultivate a deep sense of self-love. Her insights on internal self-care, self-worth and mindfulness will leave you pondering long after the episode ends.

In the final part of our conversation, Shelley explores the power of seeking support amidst life's challenges. She candidly shares her experience in finding mentors to bridge the gap between her true self and her limiting beliefs. Her deeply personal experience with grief and loss brings an enlightening perspective on mourning. Tune in for this inspiring and empowering episode with Shelley Marenka and prepare to be transformed. 

Season 3 / Episode #37

Connie Anne Toma 

Get ready for a breathtaking journey that will shatter the mundane and thrust you into an invigorating world of transformation. Meet our inspiring guest, Connie Anne, who will share her riveting saga of self-discovery. From being broke and homeless to finding her purpose, Connie reveals how the book 'The Secret' sparked a radical shift in her mindset, setting her on the path to greatness. 

Have you ever felt the urge to question established norms or explore different spiritual paths? Connie did just that, her curiosity leading her through tomes of wisdom from authors like Eckhart Tolle, fueling her understanding of life and alternative thinking. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of positive thinking. She walks us through the dark times, her two steps forward, three steps back journey, and how influential figures like Tony Robbins and Bob Proctor helped her take back the reins of her life.

Finally, we delve into Connie's newfound perspective on life, her choice of positivity, and the journey of personal growth. She shares how she moved beyond her 'okay-ish' life to create a life of purpose and happiness. Her inspiring narrative underlines the importance of self-reflection and positive thinking. Tune in, be inspired, and embark on your journey from 'okay-ish' to 'great'. This is not just a podcast episode - it's a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to take control of their lives. Don't miss it!

Season 3 / Episode #36

Lisa Rose Lodeski 

Quotes on change: "Trust your intuition and get out of 'Supposed to ville.'"

Imagine waking up one day and deciding to abandon everything you know to find your true self. That's precisely what Lisa Rose Lodeski did when she left her successful career as a private art dealer, turning her world upside down. As we chat with Lisa, she walks us through her soul-searching journey that took her from Hawaii to Europe and back, all in the bid to understand who she truly was without the constraints of societal expectations.

But life had more twists in store for Lisa. Just as she was adjusting to her new life, her husband suffered a catastrophic accident, forcing her to pivot yet again. In the midst of this unexpected change, Lisa discovered the strength to navigate her husband's health crisis and accept help from her friends. She opens up about the challenges she faced, and how trusting her intuition provided solace and a sense of control, even in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.

Throughout our conversation, the recurring theme of trusting one's intuition becomes apparent. Listen as Lisa shares how she harnessed her intuition to attract almost magical solutions to her circumstances. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to take control of our own journeys, trust our intuition, and embrace change. If you're on the brink of a significant life transition, you won't want to miss Lisa Rose Lodeski's inspiring perspective.

Season 3 / Episode #35

Kelsey Kendall 

Quotes on change: "I went to the hospital. That is where my transformation began but at the time, it didn't seem like a transformation."

How do we find the strength to keep going when faced with life-altering adversity? Join us as we explore this question with Kelsey Kendall, who shares her incredible journey of resilience and recovery after suffering a stroke in her 30s while battling Multiple Sclerosis.

In this captivating conversation, Kelsey takes us through her harrowing experience of being paralyzed and refusing a ventilator, as well as the emotional support she received from her family during this challenging time. She shares the invaluable lessons she learned throughout her recovery, such as setting goals, practicing gratitude, and embracing mindfulness. Kelsey's story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of the human spirit, even in the face of the most daunting challenges.

We can't help but be inspired by Kelsey's unwavering determination to rebuild her life and regain her strength and mobility. Her journey is a testament to the importance of support, perseverance, and finding gratitude in even the most difficult circumstances. So tune in, find your own inner strength, and learn from Kelsey's incredible story of resilience and recovery.

Season 3 / Episode #34

Jennifer Juniper

Quotes on change: "Use your mind to help yourself heal."

Jennifer Juniper considers herself a writer and a wanderer and is a healing and well-being coach. Jennifer has firsthand experience at what it takes to be healed and to be well.  As a young person, Jennifer was sick – a lot.  She was 15 years old, suffered constant stomach pains and told no one how she was feeling until she was 21 years old when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.  It was an incredible burden, and Jennifer describes her experience in a hospital bed that changed her life, and how the advice of one doctor and one nurse put Jennifer on the road to recovery.

Jennifer went on to get her social work degree, is a coach for healing, and lives on wheels, having moved from Wisconsin to the Florida Keys where she’s living…for now.

Season 3 / Episode 33

Kim Deschamps 

Quotes on change: "Navigating change is about finding your tribe."

Kim is the owner of Holistic Physiotherapy and Wellness.  As a practicing physiotherapist, Kim saw the gaps in her clients’ treatment.  She was searching for more of a connection with their whole being when treating them and knew she needed to change her approach.  She was going into peoples’ homes, teaching them how to listen to their bodies, and integrating yoga in her treatment.

Kim studied how our hormones are regulated and how our monthly cycles impact us – there are ways to set up our work and home life to take advantage of the stages of our monthly cycles.  

Like most entrepreneurs, there are parts of running a business that are challenging, and Kim found a way to keep the things she liked and delegate the things she didn’t enjoy.

Kim’s advice to running a business, marriage, raising children, continually finding ways to treat the whole body – have grace.

Season 3 / Episode #32

Roberta Bain

Roberta Bain had a profitable business with her hair salon and fell in love with being an entrepreneur.  She sold her business to go into a joint venture shortly after marrying her husband, a horticulturalist.  Their start-up company of micro-greens was successful and their product was distributed across Canada.  Roberta loved the culture that she was building with her team – a culture that supported a sustainable food product and a culture that supported the core values of the team.  It was exciting to be part of a company providing a sustainable food product.

Then, overnight, it became legal to grow cannabis. Having all the growing infrastructure made it easy to transition to growing cannabis.  But Roberta found this change very difficult.  It changed the way people thought about her (not everyone agrees with cannabis), it changed her marriage (not easy when you are the COO and your husband is the CEO), and it changed the culture of the team (culture is the most innovative part of business growth).

Roberta talks about all these changes, how she had to get back to doing what was important to her after losing herself,  and how difficult it was for her to get back into the workforce when she wasn’t the leader.

Season 3 / Episode #31

Christine Knight 

Christine Knight is a certified Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist and IFS practitioner. 

Her change story is about dealing with traumas in life that we often keep hidden until a major life event occurs. For Christine, it was a painful divorce that made her realize that she have to determine the root cause of repeated behaviours that caused her ongoing problems.

Her awareness that she had a problem led her to take a “scenic route” to heal. It took many years to discover how she avoided childhood developmental trauma so that she didn’t have to face the trauma. Her story of change is inspirational and shows how resilience, grit, and dedication can create a life of connection, safety, and fulfillment. Her ongoing commitment to understand trauma recovery has led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Service Counseling.

Season 3 / Episode #30

Laurie Thomas

Laurie has experienced more change than many of us could ever imagine. She left a senior position at Cameco to accept a job at UEX as their Vice President of Corporate Relations. During the beginning stages of working at her new job, tragedy struck.  Her son, Evan Thomas, lost his life in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018. An unbearable loss for Laurie, her husband, and their daughter.  

After the crash, she was let go from her job.  Still reeling from her grief, she learned that she needed to give herself more space to heal from the tragedy of losing her son. Laurie talks about her grieving process, losing her job, and how sometimes we have to put our ego aside and ask for help.  

Season 3 / Episode #29

Tracey Kowalchuk

Quotes about change: "Don't put a lid on your emotions."

Tracey was influenced at an early age by her Mom. Her father had health problems, and her Mom had to run the farm.  At eight years old, she saw her Mom asking for money because nothing at the bank or on the farm was in her name. This had a profound impact on Tracey.

At a young age, Tracey became her Mom’s partner and they managed the farm together. She left to pursue her education working four jobs at one time to make ends meet. 

Tracey’s approach to life was to be tough – face life with toughness and you’ll get through. But her life changed when she changed her approach to being more vulnerable.  The old Tracey was broken, and she needed a different way to put herself back together. Her vulnerability and resilience gave her the support she needed when facing a heart-breaking loss.

Today, she has her Masters in Leadership and is a Leadership Development Coach.  Tracey still holds space to be vulnerable.

Season 3 / Episode #28

Shannan Corey

Quote about change: "Give yourself permission to be human."

Shannan Corey had a demanding job with long hours, big decisions, and huge responsibility as well as a young family to take care of.  She was noticed changes in her health because she wasn’t taking care of herself but kept going. Her health deteriorated to the point where she was in and out of the hospital dealing with serious allergic reactions.  

She made the decision to quit her job and lived in a bubble for an entire year where she did absolutely nothing, because she couldn't. Shannan was trying to heal.  She wasn’t getting the answers from the medical professionals, so through research into what would work for her and strong support from her family, her health started to improve. 

Slowly, she started to reintegrate herself back into life.  Now, she listens to the signs her body gives her.  Today she is the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Pension Plan. She continues to remind herself of the importance of positive thinking, and to not wait until you’re less busy to take care of yourself.

Season 3 / Episode #27

Palash Sanyal

Quote about change: "How can I tap into my abundances to make this place better?"

Palash Sanyal is the Strategic Partnership and Project Manager for the Global Institute for Water Security. Palash’s relationship with water started as a very young boy, and it has shaped and changed him.  Born in Bangladesh, Palash saw how valuable water was…every day… as he stood line to collect water for his family.  Palash's father died with he was young, and he grew up in poverty. But his mother was educated and valued education for Palash and his sister.  

Palash made his way to Canada and shares his thoughts on how some immigrants have a mindset of abundance when they leave their home country, but when they arrive to their new country, it changes to a mindset of scarcity. 

Saskatoon is Palash’s home now.  He is working to make meaningful connections with people who want him to be his best, and he in turn does the same. It’s not easy to move to a new country.  Palash describes how he is successfully making changes to make this his new home. 

Season 3 / Episode #26

Leane Durand 

Quotes about change: "I had to start living again. The old Leane wasn't coming back."

Leane Durand grew up in a home where family values and expectations included that one would get educated, get a job in that field, and then work there until retirement.  

So when she decided that teaching wasn’t for her, it was because teaching didn’t line up her HER values, not her family’s. She left a good paying job with benefits and summer holidays to …. she wasn’t sure what.

After trying a few different things, she opened her own business which she operated very successfully for 15 years – until her declining health made it untenable for her to carry on her business.  She went from great physical health and  running  half marathons to a nightmare of fatigue, severe pain, and severe weight loss.  After years of searching for medical answers and trying alternative approaches, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme's disease.

Leane describes how her change in health led to her closing her successful business, finding a way back to good health using resilience and perseverance, and embarking on a  new and fulfilling career.

Season 3 / Episode #25

Deborah Smith

Quotes about change: "Change has made me appreciate who I am."

Deborah Smith is the Former Chief of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in Manitoba.

Deborah grew up on the reserve, moved to Winnipeg to pursue her career, and was asked to return home to run as Chief.  She was successful and wanted to bring change by reclaiming women’s voices – voices that had been lost in their community.

Deborah talks about how she and her team brought change, found ways to seek progress,  and how she personally relied on her mentor during her time as Chief.

Losing an election can be a painful and public experience, and Deborah describes her unique approach following her election loss to find what was important to her. 

Deborah has changed despite and through trauma and challenges – her story is one of resilience and reclamation.

Season 3 / Episode #24

Brigette Marquette

Quotes about change: "Feel your feelings through change."

Brigette Marquette grew up on a dairy farm, giving her a strong work ethic, which was to serve her well in the years to come.  She married at 23 years old, and at around the same time, found a love and passion for pole dancing.  At the time, this was new as a form of fitness, and Brigette describes the judgement pole dancers continue to experience.

Brigette’s life changed when she went through the trauma of her divorce, losing her hair, and then having to undergo a hysterectomy at the age of 34.  She was under tremendous stress and was suffering from depression.  At one point, her puppies were the only reason for her to get out of bed.  Her turning point was when she decided she wanted to be proud of herself in 5 years, and she started to surround herself with people who helped her get back on track.

Values, hard work, and working at things she is terrible at have guided Brigette.  Today, she is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and owner of Gilded Cage Counselling.  

Season 3 / Episode #23

Jana Danielson 

Quotes on change: "Can I step out of my safe bubble?"

Jana Danielson is an Amazon Best Selling Author, owner of Lead Pilates and Lead Integrated Health Therapies, her bricks & mortar businesses and the Metta District, her online wellness community.

Jana knew for a very long time that she wasn’t healthy.  She looked healthy and happy on the outside, but inside, things were not going well and living in pain was taking a toll.  After many visits to medical specialists, she was diagnosed with having "undiagnosed" digestive pain. She counted on her doctors to be the healers, but it wasn’t until she discovered that she had the ability to heal from within that her journey back to health began. She empowered herself to make change.

Jana started practicing Pilates and then teaching it.  Her physical issues began to resolve. She found Pilates connected to her purpose and led to her opening a studio.  Jana talks about how she had to listen to herself, and to someone close,  to make the changes she needed to lead her to the joy and fulfillment she is enjoying today. She now works with others to empower them to make change through health & wellness.

Season 3 / Episode #22

Jolene Watson 

Quote about change:  “You can’t change your personality type, but you can change your behaviour”.

Jolene Watson is a professional speaker and trainer and the owner of Clarity Coaching & Development. Jolene has changed professions several times during her working life.  She started as a Veterinary Technician and worked in a cat hospital.  After a period of time, she decided she wanted and needed a change to learn more about psychology and communications.
Through hard work and professional development, Jolene made her career changes.  It was her mentor who gave her the insights and encouragement she needed to take the leap to become an entrepreneur.

Jolene describes her very disciplined approach to personal change as first identifying the behaviours she wants to change or improve for herself, and then setting a plan to make it happen. Constant improvement and development are Jolene’s key to success.

Season 3 / Episode #21

Maja Jakic 

When Maja Jakic was 5 years old, her family fled Bosnia (former Yugoslavia) when civil war broke out in 1993. Her parents were practicing medical physicians, and she had 2 smaller sisters.  They escaped to the basement shelter in their grandparents’ home, where it was decided that Maja would go with her father to Germany, and her mother and two sisters would go to another part of Bosnia. It was an uncertain and frightening time for the family.

Maja learned to speak and study German and stayed in Germany until she was 11 years old.  The family was sponsored to come to Canada by a family in Herbert, SK, where they stayed for a year before moving to Saskatoon.

Maja has university degrees in nursing and psychology, and a Master’s degree in public heath, and today is a Clinical Nursing Educator with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.  Her entire life has been about change, and she reflects how her childhood experiences have shaped her. Her parents were the same age she is today when they made the decision to flee their country, and she admires how they navigated incredible change to provide a safe and better life for their family.

Season 3 / Episode #20

Cherise Arnesen 

Quotes on change: "Reflect on the pros and cons of a decision to find your moment of truth."

Cherise Arneson thought she wanted to teach high school – until she got her teaching degree and started teaching.  It wasn’t what she wanted or expected.  She ran away to London, England and took a teaching position in inner city schools only to earn money. It was a baptism by fire!  Cherise learned how to be fluid and adaptive, how to survive and tackle anything, and how to be an exceptional teacher in a difficult and challenging environment. She became really good at it!

Cherise moved back to Canada because she promised her Mom she would come home. She started teaching again, met her husband, and moved to Prince Albert where she established a very successful product and retail business.  Cherise tells us how she made the decision to wind down that business, and how her reflections and values have led her and her husband to their new business venture of providing homes for people.

Change is part of Cherise’s DNA, and her unique view on looking at the pro’s and con’s of change before making significant decisions has guided her well.

Season 3 / Episode #19

Kimberly Evans

Quotes about change:  "We always have a choice about how we show up."

Showing up when the chips are down and finding joy!

Kimberly is the owner of Kimberly Joy Evans Consulting.  She started her professional career as an event planner, and as a young woman, was an owner of RSVP Events.  Event planning is a busy profession day and night, weekdays, and evenings. She and her husband were raising their 2 young daughters and juggling their careers.

In 2012, they received the devastating news that their 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  Their lives changed overnight, and the family was gripped with fear.  Kimberly was accustomed to handling everything, but this shocking news put her into overdrive. Kimberly left her business so she could show up and be a stay-at-home Mom and they moved the family to Moose Jaw.  Kimberly talks about how she and her family navigated this very difficult time, how she knew when people were there for her, and why she paid attention when she heard a voice that said, “You are the chosen one”.

Season 3 / Episode #18

Darla Deguire

Quotes about change: "Clean up the stuff you've kept stuffed down. Then, do the soul work."

Darla Deguire is the founder and owner of Cedar & Sage Boutique Retreats – a far distance from her first job as a Clerk for SGI in auto insurance claims.

Working for SGI, Darla began her journey through the labour movement where she was President of the Union Local and eventually worked 17 years for the Canadian Labour Congress. She had a senior position and  was well-respected with lots of responsibility.  But, she started to see that she didn’t like how she was showing up in the world – as Darla puts it – she was misaligned with herself and her purpose.

So she listened to her inner voice and did a 360 review of herself. She looked in the mirror, read books, and built a new community.  She realized that she had to get rid of the labels she gave herself because lasting change starts from within.

Season 3 / Episode #17

Arlene Jorgenson

 Quotes about change: "Do the basics so you feel normal."

Arlene Jorgenson is a strong person.  She built a successful business, had a loving husband who was also her partner in business, and was part of a strong faith community.    

In 2003, her husband was diagnosed with cancer, and shortly after that she went through the difficult time of selling her business.  That was hard period for Arlene and her husband.  As his health failed, Arlene was the primary caregiver and there were days when it was difficult just to make the bed.  COVID hit shortly after her husband’s passing, leaving Arlene to grieve in isolation.

 It's been a long and lonely time, and Arlene shares how family, faith, and journals helped her to get through one day and one week at a time.  Through perseverance, today she sometimes catches her reflection in the mirror, and sees that she’s happy.

Season 3 / Episode #16

Dean Ehrmantraut

Quotes on change: "What value am I providing? What is my purpose?"

Dean Ehrmantraut was a Financial Advisor Assistant Manager for Wood Gundy. He was in his groove and doing very well financially.  He would set financial targets, then meet them, set higher targets, and meet them, and on it went.

But there came a point where Dean asked himself, “What value am I providing?” And to answer this question, he tells us in the podcast that you have to take money out of the equation.

At the age of 46, Dean retired.  He was financially secure but suddenly had lots of time on his hands.  Walking the dog, going to the gym, but what was the purpose?  Dean talks about the people in his life who sparked new interests for him, and how he started a new career as a lawyer, finding purpose and value for himself and the people he serves. 

Season 3 / Episode #15 

Lee Knafelc

Quotes about change: "Test and try things out before retirement"

Lee Knafelc came from a family of teachers, so it seemed obvious to him that he would go into teaching himself.  Lee realized early on that teaching in primary and secondary school was not for him.  He loved teaching and so refocused on teaching and training adults. As with many things in life, things rarely turn out as we planned, and Lee found that human resources was a good fit for him and there he enjoyed a long and successful career.

Lee has recently retired from his high-level HR position in a mining company, where he was a big part of the change from a very tactical approach to human resources to a company-wide strategic approach.  Now,  HR is at the table making key executive decisions about the future of the company.

In Lee’s position, he was able to forecast how people would transition into retirement by the retirement gifts people chose for themselves – it was a peek into how they planned to spend their time, and it gave Lee great insight into how he wanted to spend his time in retirement.  Choice, confidence, and self-awareness have been important elements to Lee’s successful life transitions.

Season 3 / Episode #14

Ryan Townend

Quotes about change: “Everything in life comes at the right time.”

Ryan Townend is the Owner and CEO of William Joseph Communications.  During the pandemic, like many of us, Ryan stayed at home, gained a few extra pounds, and lived in stretchy, comfortable clothes.  When his doctor reported he had some pre-eminent health conditions, his first thought was, “Is this the life I want to live?”

Inspired by a friend who had undergone significant weight loss, Ryan went into “Fat Camp for 90 Days”.  His goal was a time limit, not a weight goal, and it worked.  Ryan lost 50 pounds in 3 months.  Ryan talks about how getting off social media freed up the time he needed to spend on himself. Focusing inward has changed Ryan’s life – how he perceives himself and how others perceive him.

For someone in the brand industry, Ryan is now the brand he wants for himself.

Season 3/ Episode #13

Arla Gustafson

Quotes about change: "What do you need to bring into your life to move forward?"

Arla Gustafson made the decision for big change - retirement! She describes her life up to now as raising family, having fun, developing a busy professional life as a CEO, travelling, and having a lot of interesting experiences. When she reached 60, she realized that life becomes more about focusing on applying the wisdom and experience we’ve gained over the years to taking risks and applying to our own life to move forward.

Not a bad approach.  At one time, Arla considered working until she was 70.  But that’s not the case. Arla talks about how she reached her decision to retire, and how she moved through grief to pure excitement about what’s ahead.

Life transitions can occur when you don’t have a choice, and for Arla, this life change was going to be one where she was making the decision and it wasn’t being done for her. Through decades of having a busy career and being a very public figure, Arla feels she had lost herself, and she describes how she is going to re-connect and get to know Arla again.

Season 3 / Episode #12

Shawn Moen & Garrett Pederson 

Shawn Moen was a practicing lawyer and Garrett Pederson, an environmental engineer. They are both farm boys, families rooted in agriculture farming 9 miles apart from each other in SW Saskatchewan.  A home brewing kit turned out to be life-changing for Shawn and Garrett when they started brewing beer and is now the very successful and award-winning craft brewery, 9 Mile Legacy Brewing.

Shawn and Garrett thought long and hard about leaving successful careers to put all their time and energy into their business and knew there were lost opportunities by not staying.  There have been many times when they thought about throwing in the cards.  But they have what Garrett describes is “…like a marriage, a strong partnership rooted in love and respect.” It works because they learned to how work together and sorted out who was good at what.

Their life transitions have been mired in uncertainty, hope, and hard work. Their resilience is hard-baked into their DNA.

Season 3 / Episode #11

Stephanie Staples 

Quotes about change: "I stopped trying to change others and worked on changing me."

Stephanie Staples was working as an RN – she had a nice family, a nice husband, a nice house, a nice job.  And then she had an “incident”, a fairly significant one, that made her stop and ask herself, “Is this the person I want to be?”

Stephanie knew something was missing in her life and felt guilty about wanting more when she had so much.  But she wanted a better life, so fell into personal development and everything changed for her when she stopped looking to change other people and focused on changing herself. 

A big step was deciding the people with whom she wanted to surround herself.  She wanted people in her life who fed her, and she did a tally on how people made her feel when she was in their company.  She also takes a pulse on her pain, and now doesn’t wait for it to become a 9 before she does something about it.  Stephanie has changed and evolved and is now a Psychosocial Wellness Coach, speaker, and author. 

Season 3 / Episode #10

Leslie Bennett

Quotes about change: "Self-care is about being kind to yourself."

Leslie Bennett is a Partner with Mental Health Innovations, focused on supporting organizations that prioritize workplace mental health.

Leslie has had a personal journey with her own mental health and has asked that we let our listeners know that this conversation may be confronting or challenging for some.

Leslie was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder in her 20’s, and she describes a very painful period of her life where the decisions she was making weren’t healthy or safe.  Shame, isolation, and aloneness came with her diagnosis.

In 2007, Leslie made a life-changing decision to be open about her experience living with bipolar disorder. After concealing her mental illness for 10-years, she now speaks and writes about her journey through her mental health blog, at lesliebennett.ca.

Leslie talks about the importance of self-care, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and what she watches on TV.  Self-care changes are based on what’s going on in her life.

Season 3 / Episode #9

Gayle MacDonald

Quotes about change: "If you don't want to be treated like a doormat; quit behaving like a doormat."

Gayle MacDonald is an entrepreneur.  Currently, she is the Owner and President of Legacy Land Inc and  a commercial real estate developer.  

She studied orthoptics (physiotherapy for the eye) and practiced in Regina for 6 years.  She and her husband decided to make the move back to his home in the Kindersley area where together, they built a very successful business in the crop production and supply industry.  

Although the agriculture business was successful , it took its toll on her marriage and personal health. Gayle reflects on how you need to work at your personal relationships as much as your business and know when it's time to walk away.

Gayle transitioned into commercial real estate and was ready to launch some exciting business ventures when COVID hit.  It hit her businesses hard. Gayle is resilient and practical, and her advice on life changes is do the work on yourself… because no one else will do it for you.

Season 3 / Episode #8

Janice Gladue

Quotes about change: "Wherever I am, I make sure my heart comes with me."

Janice Gladue was part of the 60’s Scoop.  She was apprehended from her biological family and grew up on a farm with her foster family.  It was  a home that did not nurture love and affection. Yet, there was and is something deep within Janice that fuels her and keeps her going – gratitude. Janice learned early in life the importance of attitude and describes how your attitude really matters.  She gives herself grace and is learning more from a field of study on “post traumatic growth”. 

Today, Janice is the COO of the TIPI Group of Companies.  It’s an important leadership position in an expanding company.  She has been in the insurance business for over 12 years and is an accredited insurance broker.

Janice also contributed to the Great Canadian Book Series by writing a chapter “Leaning into Gratitude” for The Great Canadian Woman – She is Strong and Free.

Season 3 / Episode #7

Joanne Zuk

Quotes on change: "I do one thing a day to cultivate joy in my life."

Joanne Zuk has started a new chapter in her life that has “lit me up from within”.  Before now, she worked in the Manitoba public service for over 15 years and led the movement to develop a culture of innovation. 

But at about the 15-year mark in her career, she experienced personal loss and pain, followed by the chaos of leading change in the Manitoba government in the midst of the world pandemic.  She felt like she was juggling 20 lb. medicine balls that were all coming down at once.

She noticed that she wasn’t doing the things that brought her joy, and that she needed to do something different.  Joanne talks about how she made the changes in her life and how it led to branding and marketing herself – something she never had to really do in her life as a public servant. 

Her new project is a coaching and mentorship program for women called The Art of Negotiation, and Joanne clearly has taken the advice she gives to others and developed the confidence in herself to negotiate her life changes. 

Season 3 / Episode #6

Ann Mitchell

"Quotes on change: "Trust your gut - Self-awareness is a big part of change."

Ann Mitchell is the Chief Administrative Officer for Lethbridge County. Her long and successful career in municipal government is because of hard work and commitment.  She has a Masters from Royal Roads and is planning her retirement that is yet 5 years out. She is planning new and exciting things around interests that have fueled her. 

Ann is funny, really funny, and she uses humour to help her keep perspective.  She has an amazing sense of self and is assured of herself. Her personal choices are right for her and she hasn’t let society influence her choices.  

Ann says it’s important to slow down, and sometimes the only way to do this is to build white space into your calendar.  

Season 3 / Episode #5

Graham Snell

Quotes about change: "Everyone needs to call themselves on their own garbage and work to fix it."

Graham Snell thought he was going to have a career as a musician.  After high school, he attended music school in Iowa with the dream of becoming a rock star.  But making a living as a musician can be a tough gig.  After several years, he considered the reality of a future in music and started a new career path.

Graham talks about resilience and rolling through change as life evolves, the tools he uses to help him move through change, and how his fear of becoming redundant has helped him invite and seek change.  His practical attitude and leadership skills have served him well as he has moved through the non-profit world, to aviation, and now the agriculture industry.  And the passion for making music is still there and always will be.

Season 3 / Episode #4

Renea Egeland

Quotes about change: "No place can make you happy unless you are happy inside."

Renea Egeland has been a caregiver for her entire life.  In fact, she took her training as a nurse, and just recently retired after a career in nursing of over 30 years. 

Her grandmother and sister both received end of life care from Renea.  She was a caregiver for her family and always thought of herself as giving to others.

Her retirement focused a light on Renea’s lack of self-care, and it took healing and professional guidance to help Renea see she needed to make some life-changing decisions that would affect her and her entire family.

Renea takes us through her inspiring, and sometimes painful, journey of personal life changes and how she transitioned from being a nurse to a shepherdess and finding happiness inside.

Season 3 / Episode #3

Curtis Korchinski

Quotes on change: "It's more than about survival ... it's about thriving."

Commercial realtor, entrepreneur, former restaurateur, bodybuilder, and family man.

Curtis Korchinski is well-known in these parts for owning and operating restaurants; he was also successful in the restaurant business in Vancouver.  

Curtis comes from a strong entrepreneurial family but decided early in life he didn’t want to work in the family business. Restaurants were his life for many years – he loved the chaos and the energy, but the chaos got harder as he grew older, and Curtis found he wanted and preferred more predictability.

He and his partner moved back to Saskatoon from Vancouver where Curtis started a new career in a new industry – and then COVID hit, and he was out of a job for the first time in his life.  He took a full year to reflect and decide what was next in his life.

Curtis talks about his family – both his adoptive parents and his birth parents, how they have shaped him, and what it was like growing up as a young gay man in a small prairie city.  

Season 3 / Episode #2 

Krista Babiuk

Quotes about change:  "Things are going to change and it can be the catalyst for good."

Krista’s story is about healing from accident trauma and making change.

Krista Babiuk thought her life path was laid out.  She grew up in the food service business with a family-owned shop, worked in restaurants, and went on to get her training in the culinary arts, specializing in pastry and baking.

She loved her work, and her life was nicely unfolding as she had planned.

One day, in an instant, it all changed.  There was an accident requiring months and months of recovery.  Her family and her support system helped her through the days when there was mind-numbing pain, uncertainty, and hopelessness.  

Today, Krista has turned things around and has found joy in the industry she loves, and some surprising outlets for her energy.

Season 3 / Episode #1

Belinda Smith

Quotes about change:   “We have so much capacity in our brain to choose our outlook”.

Belinda Smith is an award-winning songwriter, a real estate agent, an advocate for people with disabilities, and a life coach.   Does this seem disjointed and all over the map?  It does for Belinda as well, but she loves her unhooked life. 

Originally from West Virginia, Belinda moved to Nashville to become a songwriter, and Nashville is still her home today. She was born with a physical disability, but that has never stopped her.  It seems her motto is to “grease the squeak”, do what it takes and move on.  

Belinda is a firm believer that your mindset is a choice - it can hold you back or it can free you to great heights.  Belinda started her company, Unhooked Life, where she “helps women slay their money mindset and confidence demons so they can finally break through their own glass ceilings and live the BIG dreams they’ve been dreaming.” 

Belinda’s sense of humour and sense of self make our conversation with her one you won’t want to miss.  Check out her podcast “Money B.S.”