Life Conversations

In today’s episode, Marissa and Tracy reflect on their chosen word for 2024, explore the top three episodes from season 2, and share an announcement about what’s next for Life Conversations.

In today’s episode, Marissa and Tracy sit down with Misty and Lindsay; owners of Nest & Nook, an amazing home decor store in Sidney, BC. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and join us for this conversation that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! 1. Misty and Lindsay share the story of how a casual walk and a budding friendship sparked the conversation that has led to a successful partnership. 2. We chat about the magical space that Misty and Lindsay have created at Nest & Nook. They share some of their favorite childhood memories and traditions that have shaped their love of the holidays. 3. We often create expectations around the holidays being such a magical and memorable time, but that’s not always real life. We explore ways to find joy and meaning in the holidays even when faced with the challenging realities of life. 4. Misty and Lindsay share how they clear and refresh their physical space and transition into the new year. They reveal their word for 2024! If you love the holiday season as much as we do, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In today’s episode, Marissa & Tracy sit down with licensed acupuncturist, Vivien Hsiung who shares the story of what inspired her to pursue a career in acupuncture. Through this conversation, we explore what it means to live in alignment and how the choices we make on daily basis, shape the person we become. *Important note: During this beautiful conversation, Vivien shares about her experience with miscarriage. We share that knowing this may be a difficult or triggering topic for some listeners. 1. Vivien offers insight into the foundational philosophy that she brings to her work with patients. 2. We explore how acupuncture can help optimize wellness and can be an amazing tool through major life events such as loss, relationship and career transitions. 3. Vivien reveals how her passion for sports such as snowboarding, surfing and climbing have taught her a profound lesson on embracing creativity and letting go of perfectionism. 4. Vivien shares her deeply personal story in choosing joy over fear on her journey to becoming a mother. We close this conversation with the story with how Vivien chose “Believe” as her word for 2023. We left feeling inspired and full of hope, and we know you will too!

In today’s episode, Marissa & Tracy sit down with Melissa Turnbull; a resilient 40 year-old mother of 2, high school teacher, and a true inspiration. 1. Melissa shares the message from her Facebook page that sparked this conversation and why she struggles with saying goodbye.  2. Melissa speaks openly about the journey of rebuilding her life and rediscovering happiness after tremendous loss. 3. We explore what it means to truly open up to vulnerability and joy, even when we know loss and despair are unavoidable.  4. Melissa reveals her word for 2023, which is also what brings true happiness and fulfillment to her life.  This heartfelt life conversation was so beautiful. Our hope is that Melissa’s perspective invites you to fully embrace the chapter of life that you're in.

Are you ready for part 2? Coach John Bentham is back to answer your questions! 1. Coach John shares his approach to building a successful team. 2. Coach John explains why it’s important for young players to know their strengths but the importance of developing their areas of weakness so they have depth to their game as they get older. 3. We explore how the game of hockey has changed and evolved and why size doesn’t matter in a highly skilled game. 4. Coach John reveals the advice he’d give his younger self as both a player and a parent. If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love for you to share Coach John’s insights with another player, coach or parent!

If you know Marissa & Tracy, one of the many things we have in common is our passion for hockey!  In this episode, we invite Coach John Bentham to share his experiences and the life lessons he’s learned as a hockey player, parent and coach. Here are some highlight’s from today’s episode; 1. Coach John shares the 2 most essential tools he uses with the kids he coaches 2. We explore what it means to “let your kid drive it” and how to know as parents when to push and when to pull back 3. John offers some insight into how players can navigate the highs and lows of the game of hockey 4. John reveals for parents, how we can best support our children through setbacks and disappointments. If you are a hockey player or a hockey parent, you are not going to want to miss this candid and insightful conversation. Stay tuned for part 2!

In this 1st episode of the fall season, Marissa and Tracy recap their summer experiences with these 3 questions: 1. What was your biggest learning or growth moment of the summer? 2. What was the most inspiring podcast episode that you listened to this summer? 3. What tool are you bringing into the fall?

We are back with one of our favorite Doctors! The amazing, Dr Russell Kennedy, The Anxiety MD. In this week's episode, Marissa and Tracy share a clip from their recent LIVE podcast event with Dr Russ. Here are some highlights from today's episode: 1. Dr. Russell shares his own journey with anxiety and what led to his discovery of the real root of anxiety. 2. We discuss why Dr Russ has termed anxiety, "alarm" and why he believes in order to heal your anxiety, you have to get out of your head and into your body. 3. Dr Russell reveals some of the surprising ways and traits that may show up in your everyday that could be a sign of a history of trauma. 4. Dr Russell explains the difference between coping and healing your anxiety. Find out how to know whether you're on the right path to healing your anxiety. This was just the start of our important conversation about healing anxiety, we're so excited to continue to share from our LIVE event with Dr Russ!

In this week's episode, Marissa & Tracy are joined by Dr. Yasmine Mason, founder of Fermentation Farm in Costa Mesa, California. Dr. Yas shares the story of how her thriving business came to be and offers the wisdom and insight she has gained along the way. 1. Yasmine shares how the French and Filipino cultures shaped her culinary skills and her love of preparing food that both nourishes the body and tastes amazing. 2. Dr. Yas tells the story of how Fermentation Farm grew from the kombucha on her kitchen counter into a wildly successful shop and restaurant. 3. We hear how Dr. Yas arrived at her "word" for 2023 and why it's been essential to the continued growth of her business. 4. Yasmine shares the story of the term "pluck" and how it has shaped the course of her life and work. She reflects on the advice she wants to offer her children as they prepare to enter the next chapter of their lives. If you have a dream or desire, big or small, but aren't sure where to begin, you will love hearing Dr. Yasmine's story. She has truly found the magic in doing work that you love in a way that adds value to the world. We know you will be inspired by Dr. Yasmine's energy and passion.

In todays episode Marissa & Tracy invite Kim Bull; a mother, friend, daughter, wife, and a retired school counselor, to discuss her experiences with loss and grief. We shared laughter, tears, and touched on so many aspects of the human experience. 1. Kim explains how grief and loss have impacted her in a myriad of ways during her lifetime. 2. Kim shares how her daughter’s journey with cancer created an even deeper connection between them. 3. Kim shares her approach to celebrating anniversaries & birthdays of loved ones who have passed on. 4. We discuss the many different forms that grief can take, including how we can hold both joy and sadness during big life transitions. Marissa & Kim touch on the emotions they are experiencing as their children prepare to graduate from high school and move into the next chapter of their lives. The journey of grief & loss is a deeply personal one, and it’s also universal. We hope this episode helps you to reflect on your own experiences and offers new insight. This conversation with Kim was truly a gift. ❤️

*Trigger Warning* In this episode, Marissa and Tracy sit down for Part 2 with Lindsay Sealey to continue to explore the question: “What’s Your Relationship With Your Body?” 1. We explore the various forms of disordered eating and Lindsay explains how her relationship with food continues to evolve. 2. Lindsay shares the ongoing narrative about her body that resurfaced at a recent event and explains what tools she uses to get back into the present moment. 3. We discuss the mind-body connection, and how we are learning to trust our bodies instead of turning against them. 4. Lindsay reveals that with the tools she has gained through her own journey, she is now helping young girls and women find their sense of self-worth outside of external validation. For more information on Lindsay Sealey and her offerings, check out her website: www.lindsaysealey.com

We are so thrilled to bring you another conversation with Tori Wesszer of Fraiche Living! She once again left us feeling inspired and with "fuller hearts". Here are some highlights from today's episode: 1. Tori shares the details of her exciting new cookbook, co-authored by Jillian Harris. "Fraiche Food Fuller Hearts" is available for pre-sale starting today! 2. Tori reveals what she discovered on a recent wellness retreat and her go-to strategies for preventing burnout. 3. Tori speaks openly about her son's journey with anxiety, her struggles in helping him navigate that journey, and the anonymous gift that she keeps on her desk as a daily reminder of how kindness matters. 4. Tori shares her "word" for 2023 and how it has shifted the way she approaches work and relationships. This conversation had us laughing, crying and so grateful for the honest and real way that Tori shows up in the world.

In today's episode, Marissa, Tracy & guest Lindsay Sealey explore the question, "What is your relationship with your body?" Stats show that 85-95% of North American women dislike their bodies. We live in a culture that glorifies a certain type of body, is infused with messaging that our bodies can't be trusted, and fuels the disconnection that many of us have from our bodies. This is a powerful and honest conversation about a cultural issue through the lens of Lindsay's struggles with an eating disorder and the lessons she has learned along the way. 1. Lindsay shares the story of the moment where she felt herself disconnect from her body and how that fueled an obsession with food and exercise. 2. Lindsay reveals how the messaging from magazines and peers validated her desire to keep losing weight. She reflects on losing her sense of self and finding her value in the number on the scale. 3. As Lindsay looks back on her journey, she is able to see that her obsession with food came from a desire to control, at a time when many things in life felt out of her control. 4. We explore the pathway to re-connecting with our bodies and using food and exercise as a way to nourish our bodies. Lindsay shares where she is now in her healing journey and how intuitive eating and movement has helped restore her relationship with her body. For women of any age, and especially those who live or work with young people, this episode invites you to reflect on your own relationship with your body. We are all part of this conversation.

This conversation was sparked by a question from one of our listeners and takes us to some messy, deep and complicated places. 1. Marissa & Tracy explore the question, "What is the lesson you keep learning?" and find the common theme in their shared experience of loss. 2. Marissa shares the story of the moment of realization that she may never find the answers she had spent her life seeking. 3. Tracy explains how her relationship with her Dad continues to grow in new & different ways since his passing. 4. Tracy reveals how she is learning to find meaning in the hard stuff & Marissa explores how her journey through grief continues to evolve after 32 years. If you have lost someone you love, or struggled to find meaning in life's most difficult moments, this is an episode you will certainly relate to.

Marissa & Tracy sit down with Vanessa Lee, the founder and creator of Storyoga. This authentic and honest conversation explores the many ways that our experiences in work and motherhood teach us about ourselves and how we want to show up for others. 1. We explore the journey of how Storyoga came to be and how the values of yoga are infused into Vanessa's unique and special early childhood programs. 2. Vanessa shares a piece of advice on balancing the many roles in her life that will resonate deeply with so many of us. 3. In a brave and honest way, Vanessa explains how she is learning to let go of "self-criticism and comparison" and what has surprised her most about motherhood. 4. Vanessa reveals how her recent birthday has brought her into a time of reflection and what she has chosen as her "word" for 2023. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to create more space and ease in the midst of a full and busy life. Vanessa's presence and insight are a genuine gift and it's clear why Storyoga has become a sought-after place for children and families to grow and thrive. 

One of our favourite people is back on Life Conversations today! Join Marissa & Tracy as they invite Jeannine Wakely back to share how her interview in season 1 helped set the stage for one of her greatest adventures. We promise you will be inspired! 1. Listen in as Jeannine shares how she learned to value PLAY in her life. 2. Jeannine reveals how the experience of travelling to Bali helped her to find the pieces of herself that had faded away. 3. Find out how Jeannine came to see that mothers are often the “tuning fork” in the family and how she is able to reset herself when her vibration is off. 4. Jeannine shares the moment she discovered that “worry is not love” and how that shifted her approach to motherhood. This is a very personal and wholehearted exploration of the journey that many women go through to find themselves again. It’s a deeply inspiring conversation of what it means to love our people well and why that truly matters in the end.

In this final episode, Marissa and Tracy explore the stories and moments that impacted them the most in season 1. This heartfelt conversation is full of laughter, tears and meaningful connection. This is one you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, Marissa & Tracy talk with Tara Filteau of Mother Daughter Empower. This conversation is for every parent who wants to raise their daughter with a high level of confidence and self esteem. 1. Tara shares how a brief experience in politics inspired her to create Mother Daughter Empower. 2. Tara explores the 2 reasons she sees girls struggling the most with their self esteem. 3. Marissa and Tracy get Tara’s perspective on how to draw out the best of our kids without placing all the emphasis on their achievements. 4. Tara reveals the #1 thing that she has learned about herself in building Mother Daughter Empower. To learn more about Mother Daughter Empower; https://motherdaughterempower.ca

Are you ready for Part 2 with The Anxiety MD? Dr Russell Kennedy is back to answer your questions. In this episode, we cover: 1. Dr Russ’ top breathing technique for settling your nervous system. 2. Dr Russ uncovers the deeper roots to health anxiety. 3. We explore the best ways to support a partner or child who is struggling with anxiety.  4. Dr Russ shares why he created his new masterclass which will be available online very soon. If you’re ready for some practical tools, that will help you on your path to healing anxiety; this episode is for you!

If you or someone you love has struggled with anxiety,  this episode is a must listen! Marissa & Tracy sit down with Dr Russell Kennedy to discuss his revolutionary approach to healing anxiety. Dr Kennedy has degrees in advanced medicine, neuroscience, developmental psychology and is the author of the award winning book “ANXIETY RX”.  In this episode:  1. Dr Russ shares his personal story and explains how hitting rock bottom lead to his discovery of the real root of anxiety. 2. Marissa & Tracy reveal how reading Dr Russ’s book ANXIETY RX allowed them to feel for the first time like someone truly understood their struggles with anxiety. 3. Drawing on his experience as an MD; Dr Russ explains why traditional methods may help you to cope with your anxiety but never truly heal it. 4. Dr Russ explains where in the body we hold on to certain childhood experiences and how that can trigger anxiety in adulthood. If you’re just starting out on the journey to heal your anxiety, or if you’ve struggled for years; this episode with Dr. Russ will change everything you thought you knew about anxiety. For more information on Dr Russell Kennedy or to get his book ANXIETY RX:   Website: https://dr-russ.com/ IG: theanxietymd Stay tuned for Part 2!