Cynthia and Josie's Unmentionables

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

You know him from The Kids In The Hall, or his work on SNL, or from his adorably weird live shows. He is gloriously unhinged and quietly profound… and completely Canadian. We chat with Bruce McCulloch about his career, the challenges of working in comedy today, cancel culture and so much more.Links: For more info on Bruce and his upcoming shows visit:https://bruciomcculloch.comIf you want to revisit some Kids In The Hall: The Daves I Know https://youtu.be/8nvzEqsZIGo?si=Ymyn67mAFf4ZcVU-   Running F****t https://youtu.be/b-TtfMLGnok?si=949d9h5ASnfgghvG   My pen https://youtu.be/yQ1pO-tZbYA?si=nfJ1RqySh3J42Dkd Love & Sausages:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ChvxsVgT8cEach day we work:Kids In The Hall - Each Day We Workyoutu.beKathy the secretary:Kids in the Hall - Secretaries - Is he?youtu.beStalking - a film by Bruce on SNLhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEEqjnl3Z1I Bulges is on Crave:   ST BULGES DAY | Full Episode | Streaming Now on Craveyoutu.beLisa Gilroy :Most Liked Scenes From Fans - Jury Dutyyoutu.be

We’re not sure if it’s because we are getting older or because the world feels really off its kilter right now but we’ve been thinking a lot about our belief systems and what happens…after this all ends. The interesting thing is that more and more science is supporting ideas that were once considered the realm of weird. From telepathy to past lives to visions of Buddha, we can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one!   In notes: Sailing Around The World With His Cat:  @Sailing_with_phoenix The Telepathy Tapes: Telepathy Tapes

Toronto's own Cynthia and Josie dive deep into the pain, chaos and unexpected gifts of breakups, the kind that leave you crying in your car, texting your ex, or googling soulmate signs at 3am.  In this raw and honest episode, we talk: Why breakups feel like grief Should you wallow in the saddness How to move on Breakup rules we live by How to come out ahead Whether you're in ti, over it, or bakc in bed with them again, this one is for you.  

Shannon lost her entire adolescence after enduring years of sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather. In this deeply moving episode, Shannon opens up about her painful past, her path to recovery, and how she turned her experiences into a driving force for advocacy and empowerment. All parents need to listen to this episode.   To follow Shannon Burns on social media @itsshannonburns.   A guide for sexual assault survivors - Canada.ca   Resources for survivors | Define the Line - McGill University

f you're raising a tween or teen right now, chances are someone in your orbit has mentioned Adolescence — the British four-part drama that follows the fictional story of a 13-year-old boy accused of stabbing a teenage girl. At its core, the series asks a chilling question: could any boy be pulled into the world of online radicalization and incel culture? This episode, we unpack the show’s provocative themes and the cultural conversations it’s sparked — from fears about the manosphere to whether we’re in the middle of a new teen panic, or just the latest iteration of one. We also talk honestly about what it’s like raising boys in a world that feels increasingly angry and confusing. And we really want to hear your thoughts, too.   For more information about “Adolescence”: https://time.com/7267884/adolescence-netflix-explained/   Send us your thoughts and feelings on Instagram @cynthiaandjosie or email us at hello@cynthiaandjosie.com