Cynthia and Josie's Unmentionables

Cynthia and Josie as they navigate personal stories, relationship dynamics, health journeys, and pop culture, offering insights and humour along the way.   key topics The impact of couples therapy on communication and understanding Parenting challenges and strategies for cooperation Health journeys and weight management insights Pop culture reflections and conspiracy theories Personal stories of growth, resilience, and humour    

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are everywhere, there in doctors’ offices, group chats, and comment sections. For some, they’re life-changing. For others, they raise uncomfortable questions about body image, privilege, and the pressure to be thin at any cost.But what doesn’t get talked about enough is what happens when you stop.In this episode, Brianne Cail opens up about her decision to start Ozempic and Mounjaro for health reasons and followed when she had to come off them. From the financial strain to the physical and emotional impact, we unpack the realities people don’t always share out loud.Because the truth about weight, money, and medical choice? It’s more complicated than a before-and-after photo. Ozempic, Monjaro, weight loss, body image, food noise, health, personal journey, societal standards, emotional impact, medication THE KIT ARTICLE    

 Cynthia and Jose catch up on their lives, discussing everything from Cynthia's new bangs to the challenges of parenting and anxiety. They reflect on the pressures of caregiving, the inevitability of grief, and the cultural perceptions of aging and desirability. The conversation takes a turn towards conspiracy theories, particularly focusing on the Epstein files, and raises concerns about AI and personal safety. They also share humorous anecdotes about home renovations and personal life, including a funny story about sex toys. The episode concludes with a call for listener engagement and questions.   parenting, anxiety, grief, aging, attraction, conspiracy theories, Epstein, AI, home renovations, sex toys   LINKS: Josie Shoots A Gun  Epstein Files: Making Sense Of The Conspiracy Theories

Have you ever heard  of mindfulness in the bedroom?  If your body is having sex your mind should come to the party as well.    Dr. Lori Brotto is a researcher, psychologist and also the author of Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire.  Dr Brotto discusses how mindfulness practices can enhance sexual desire and arousal. Links: BETTER SEX THROUGH MINDFULNESS Mindfulness recordings:RECORDINGS

In this conversation, Cynthia and Josie talk to Dr. Corinne Low and explore the challenges women face in balancing work, family, and personal fulfillment. Dr. Low shares her personal journey of burnout and the systemic issues that contribute to gender inequality in the workplace and home. They discuss the importance of redefining success, the economic implications of traditional family structures, and the need for women to invest in their careers while navigating modern relationships. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of agency and strategic decision-making in achieving personal and professional goals Takeaways Cynthia shares her story of burnout and transformation. Dr. Low discusses the gendered experience of work and home. Women often do more housework and childcare, even as breadwinners. Marriage may not be beneficial for successful women. Women need to be strategic about their careers and workplace contributions. The traditional family structure has not evolved with women's roles. Economic insecurity is a significant concern for women leaning out. Investing in education and career is crucial for financial independence. Redefining success is essential for personal fulfillment. The conversation around men's roles in relationships needs to shift.   "Your job is never gonna love you back." "We need a partner, not just a paycheck." "I want to lie down, not lean in."  

In this episode, Cynthia and Jose explore the chaos of recent snowstorms, the turbulence of American politics, and how we can find hope amid uncertainty. Join us for a candid conversation about current events, societal divisions, and small acts of resistance.   Key Topics:   The impact of the snowstorm in Toronto and the personal stories around commuting and hotel stays The political unrest in the United States, including police violence, protests, and media narratives How social media shapes perceptions of real-world events and their influence on public opinion The importance of psychological resilience and taking breaks from overwhelming news cycles The role of global issues like Iran, Gaza, and conflicts in the Congo in global consciousness and personal coping How economic actions, such as consumer boycotts, could potentially influence political change The significance of supporting Canadian businesses and mindful consumption Reflections on cultural icons like Prince and the power of music in social movements The importance of community gatherings and quiet revolutions in times of crisis   Timestamps:   00:00 - Introduction: coping with Toronto's #Snowmageddon and personal snow stories02:34 - Hotel stays and human connections during winter storms04:36 - Managing city chaos: snow and emotional resilience09:02 - Political unrest: Police violence, media narratives, and public reactions10:37 - The symbolism of George Floyd and ongoing racial tensions13:30 - Global crises: Iran, Gaza, and the challenge of processing worldwide suffering14:57 - The power of consumer activism and boycotts as protest tools16:25 - Music and culture as catalysts for social movements17:12 - Community vigils and hope for change in turbulent times21:00 - Personal fears about immigration policies and staying safe22:28 - The importance of unshakable stance when confronting political bullies23:09 - How media platforms and public discourse influence political power25:13 - Supporting Canadian businesses and mindful shopping strategies26:29 - The idea of quiet revolutions and collective hope26:52 - The upcoming discussion about "Heated Rivalry" and the importance of cultural narratives   Resources & Links:   [Heated Rivalry - Show](https://www.netflix.com/title/801(episode-specific link)) Prince - The Revolution The New York Times Podcast on US Police Violence Canadian Resiliency Network The Daily Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736?i=1000746678634 Nurses Union statement: https://nursesunions.ca/statement-on-the-killing-of-minnesota-nurse-alex-pretti/ Buy Canadian!! https://buycanadiangroup.ca Connect with Cynthia Loyst:   LinkedIn Twitter   Connect with Jose:   Twitter Personal Website Stay informed, stay safe, and remember to take breaks from the chaos with moments of quiet reflection.            

The episode delves into various aspects of sex and relationships, including discussions on intimacy, dating trends like "Shrekking," and personal anecdotes about maintaining a healthy sex life.  We share candid stories about intimacy, dating, while also exploring new dating terms and trends.   Keywords perimenopause, relationships, intimacy, social media trends, dating, sex life, Shrekking, modern love, personal stories, intimacy tips

In this podcast episode, Josie and Cynthia discuss the importance of 'shooting your shot' in various aspects of life, including personal relationships and career opportunities. They reflect on their own experiences with taking risks, the role of confidence, and the balance between luck and skill in achieving success. The conversation also touches on the significance of encouragement and belief from others, as well as the importance of aligning one's life with personal values. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast.   Link To Values Article: Click Here   Inconsistency in podcasting can be challenging but is part of life. Shooting your shot means taking risks in relationships and career. Confidence can lead to opportunities, but it can also be misplaced. Luck plays a significant role in success, often more than skill. Reese Witherspoon's career choices highlight the importance of believing in oneself. Encouragement from others can propel you forward in your career. Understanding your core values is essential for authentic living. You can't rely on others for your future; take charge of your path. Aligning your life with your values leads to greater satisfaction. Engaging with your audience can enhance the podcast experience.  

If you have a closet full of clothes, but “nothing” you ever want to wear, you’re going to want to listen to this episode. Stylist Suzanne Colmer (owner of Your Shop Girl, teaches us how to uncover our personal style profile, how to build a wardrobe that actually works for us, why we should resist falling for all the sales right now, and so much more. Let’s help you get rid the (fashion) skeletons in your closet to kick off the new year.    Where To Find Suzanne Colmer: Website Instagram

This week on Cynthia and Josie’s Unmentionables, we get real. Cynthia shares what it’s been like carrying grief through the holidays and how loss has a way of showing up when you least expect it. We talk honestly about grief, what helps, what doesn’t, and how you keep going when things feel heavy. And because this is our show, it’s not all serious. Somehow the conversation drifts into relationships, intimacy, and yes, even lesbian sex, proving that humor and connection can exist right alongside hard moments. It’s thoughtful, heartfelt, a little unexpected, and very us. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that laughter and healing can coexist, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Cynthia and Josie’s Unmentionables, we speak with award winning journalist and TSN reporter Rick Westhead about Canadian hockey culture and the systems that shape young boys in sport. Rick Westhead is the journalist who broke the 2022 Hockey Canada World Junior sexual assault allegations story. His book, We Breed Lions Confronting Canada’s Troubled Hockey Culture, examines junior hockey in Canada, locker room dynamics, hazing rituals, and the lack of accountability that has allowed harmful behaviour to persist. We discuss how hockey has become deeply tied to Canadian identity, particularly in Ontario, Toronto, and communities across Canada, and why questioning hockey culture can provoke such intense backlash. Rick also reflects on social media harassment, power, masculinity, and the personal cost of investigating sport at the highest levels. The conversation explores how minor hockey and elite junior leagues operate, how secrecy and humiliation are normalized, and why real change has been so difficult. At the same time, Rick highlights programs in Hamilton Ontario and across Canada that are teaching consent, healthy masculinity, and leadership through sport. Proceeds from We Breed Lions support organizations including the London Abused Women’s Centre, the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre, and Canadian Tire Jumpstart, helping combat gender based violence and improve access to sport. This episode is essential listening for parents, coaches, athletes, and anyone invested in the future of hockey in Canada.

Cynthia and Josie sit down for an honest, feel-good conversation about parenting, growth, and figuring it all out as they go. They share stories about big kid emotions, favourite mantras, and lessons from the past year; plus why empathy, reflection, and soaking up time with loved ones matter more than ever. It’s real, relatable, and full of heart.   Takeaways Cynthia's son expressed a profound realization about time and relationships. Listening to children during moments of distress can lead to meaningful conversations. Mantras can serve as guiding principles in life. Confusion does not equate to being lost or behind in life. Reflecting on the past year can reveal unexpected accomplishments. Teaching children about empathy and giving is crucial. Conversations about difficult topics can strengthen parent-child relationships. Personal growth often comes from navigating grief and loss. Finding joy in everyday moments is essential for happiness. The importance of self-awareness in managing ambitions and expectations. Questions To Ask Yourself: 1. If this past year was a movie, what was the genre and what was the basic synopsis? 2. What moments in 2025 made me feel most alive? 3. Where did I grow the most? 4. How did I really spend my time and energy? 5. Who shaped this year with me? 6. If I had to name the one thing I’m most proud of this year, what would it be and why? 7. On a scale of 1-10...how would I honestly rate my happiness or sense of contentment this year and what influenced that number most? 8. What surprised me the most this year? 9. As I look toward the year ahead, what would be the highest, wisest use of my talents and attention?

In this episode, we sit down with W5’s Avery Haines to talk about her powerful investigation into a global online network of men who secretly drug, assault, and film their own partners and then share that abuse with others. Avery walks us through how she infiltrated this hidden world, what she uncovered, and the shocking truth about predators operating in plain sight.   Links: W5 CTV NEWS

TIFF season means red carpets, champagne, and… high school flashbacks? We spill on the not-so-glam side of “exclusive” parties, social awkwardness among celebs, and why we’re fine never being the cool kids, because you can always sit with us.SEO keywords: celebrity events, TIFF, influencer life, red carpet stories, social anxiety


Recently, The New York Times profiled a woman who fell in love with her ChatGPT persona - a charming digital guy named Leo. Which got us thinking: are frictionless AI relationships the future?Meanwhile, we’re over here navigating very real relationship friction. So we’re sharing our best (and weirdest) strategies to smooth things out - including why treating your partner like a tiny child might actually… work? We can’t wait to hear what you think. Link to NYT article: NYTIMES ARTICLE 

According to Self magazine, work should only take up 25% of our time. Cute idea… but how does that actually work for ambitious people like us? Is it possible to hustle with intention? Or do we all just need a full-on ambition detox given the state of… well, everything?In this season four kickoff, we explain why it’s taken us so freaking long to come back, how you can reclaim your 5–9, and yes - we’re also talking about the Blue Jays (because balance).

Recently actress Jamie Lee Curtis shared some pretty strong feelings she has regarding cosmetic interventions that have become increasingly prevalent among women of (practically) all ages. So we decided to share our thoughts on what we will or won’t do, and whether these advancements are progressive or regressive. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this!

  As many of you know, we had a hard time putting this podcast out…first Josie got hit by a rogue baseball and ended up with a concussion. When she was finally feeling okay, we sat down together and somehow ended up in a conversation about the state of the world. If you’re feeling heavy and unsure about how to help in these complicated times, we are right there with you.   Here are some places we are donating to:   Save The Children: https://donate.savethechildren.ca/site/Donation2?3580.donation=form1&df_id=3580&mfc_pref=T&s_src=google_pmax&s_subsrc=gaza_pmax_ad&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21020103255&utm_term=&utm_content=gaza_googlepmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22665097113&gbraid=0AAAAADyLAB-QbBmjmVP6-Ho3j9sg-nxmu&gclid=CjwKCAjwqKzEBhANEiwAeQaPVf7LGP-y4_MW2cFKvit2iqAn-vdM0CJf3kvBLVXTYLR_TrwwHtWkmBoCNdMQAvD_BwE   The Palestine Children’s Relief fund: https://www.pcrf.net/about-us   World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/news/gaza-update-7-25?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL4QRlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp-8FpzIaa-FzEP7h0B2qZ8M9reMuEyZkmaeZQLFCh-xJkAM9I3mviSiagyae_aem_XUQVnX44lCxu7RXW8lTbqQ   Beyond Borders: https://beyondborders.ie/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL4Qe5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp3EgF8whYRkFQwNphR2d7Ga8SJlNQSX31EKTrKl69SG5OodPPlSPwGvhFqmY_aem_d7M6UXWe7Bp6UTaBs6-jCg.   Donate To Plan International

If you’re like us, you’re probably thinking about time in a big way these days. If you are juggling midlife and aging children/parents - rest assured you are not alone. In this episode we discuss how our attempts at trying to make everyone else happy leaves us feeling deeply unsatisfied, whether or not marital crushes are a deal breaker, and why it’s not too late to figure out what you want the rest of your year (and life) to feel like.  

Yes the world is on fire and on top of that we are in the heat of perimenopause. In the episode, we talk about premenstrual mood swings, random weight gain and that feeling that you are becoming invisible (until someone randomly hits on you). We also analyze Josie’s claim that she’s “face blind” (is that a thing?). It’s a rambling/meandering episode that we hope feels like we are sitting in your living room with you.    Link to Trevor Noah talking about the village  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKbuxcBIze1/?igsh=YjB4bTNyd2NwdWht     Sit Test https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ghuq5AMt7vc