Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

This is a heartfelt conversation about family, culture, and the ways our environment shapes who we become.Social worker Olayinka Madimadola brings her global perspective—born in Nigeria, now supporting people navigating trauma, crisis, and mental health challenges—to every conversation. We talk about the unique joy of raising children and grandchildren, the lessons learned from different parenting cultures, and how empathy, accountability, and community support can help us all grow.Olayinka shares how childhood, culture, and circumstance shape our choices; why personal responsibility matters alongside compassion; and how connection to family, community, and ourselves can create lasting change and ridiculous happiness.Olayinka’s Websitehttps://www.familymattersplus.com/I’m Sophia Lemon, and I photograph oddballs, underdogs, and rebels in Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Muskoka. I help my clients create visual triggers that literally make them more Ridiculously Happy Ppl.Book a Photo Sessionhttps://sophialemon.com/Follow Me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappyppl/Be a Guest on the Pplcasthttps://sophialemon.com/podcast/be-my-guest/

This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation about rewriting expectations, trusting your instincts, and working for your own version of happiness.Firefighter and entrepreneur Mike Teeple doesn’t do things by the book. In fact, he burnt the book when he chose firefighting over policing. Then he did it again when he started a business with his family—despite everyone saying he shouldn’t.In this episode, we dive into why social rules around relationships don’t always make sense; how he learned to stop lying to himself and trust his gut; and why honesty, connection, and a little rebellion can build confidence stronger than any blueprint.Urban Carpentry’s Websitehttps://urbancarpentry.ca/Urban Carpentry’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/urbancarpentry.ca/Mike’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/michaelteeple/Collingwood Entrepreneurs Group Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/collingwoodentrepreneursgroup/Lying by Sam Harrishttps://a.co/d/hCE2F9nI’m Sophia Lemon, and I photograph oddballs, underdogs, and rebels in Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Muskoka. I help my clients create visual triggers that literally make them more Ridiculously Happy Ppl.Book a Photo Sessionhttps://sophialemon.com/Follow Me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappyppl/Be a Guest on the Pplcasthttps://sophialemon.com/podcast/be-my-guest/

This is a comically honest and down-to-earth conversation about creative flow, hormonal health, and connection in a world beyond our screens.Holistic nutritionist Hannah Greig brings her whole-person perspective to everything from perimenopause to purpose. We talk about the unreasonable expectations on parents; the happiness that comes from meaningful work; and why community, play, and presence matter more than ever.Hannah shares how creativity and health are deeply intertwined and how tuning into both your body and your passions can make life feel a whole lot more balanced, energized, and ridiculously happy.Hannah’s Instagramhttp://www.instagram.com/naturally_well_by_hannah/Hannah’s Bookshttps://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B0DPR5JH23The Holistic Goddess Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/0BlGy2wzStfBeKzLwlOxbPI’m Sophia Lemon, and I photograph oddballs, underdogs, and rebels in Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Muskoka. I help my clients create visual triggers that literally make them more Ridiculously Happy Ppl.Book a Photo Sessionhttps://sophialemon.com/Follow Me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappyppl/Be a Guest on the Pplcasthttps://sophialemon.com/podcast/be-my-guest/

We share some stories, life lessons, and laughs about creativity, identity, and being big-time introverts. I’m talking with ghostwriter Fran Kruse about growing up in a strict household, her commitment to growth and self-discovery throughout life, and how we’ve made our mutual fascination with people our careers.Fran’s websitehttps://www.sidekickcreative.ca/I’m Sophia Lemon, and I photograph oddballs, underdogs, and rebels in Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Muskoka. I help my clients create visual triggers that literally make them more Ridiculously Happy Ppl.Book a Photo Session⁠https://sophialemon.com/⁠Follow me on Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappyppl/⁠Be a Guest on the Pplcast⁠https://sophialemon.com/podcast/be-my-guest/

We’re talking about how fear fuels anger, how empathy can defuse both, and how planting seeds of gratitude on good days can carry us through the bad ones. It’s a funny, deep, and refreshingly real chat about growth, healing, and being human.In this episode, leadership expert and bestselling author Drew Dudley joins me for a wildly honest conversation about what it really means to be happy. We dig into self-forgiveness, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and the messy business of learning to give ourselves grace. Drew shares how slowing down his mind helped him see people—and himself—more clearly, and why happiness isn’t the goal, but strength is.Drew’s Websitehttps://www.drewdudley.com/Drew’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dayonedrewNeil Pasricha’s The Happiness Equationhttps://www.amazon.ca/Happiness-Equation-Nothing-Anything-Everything/dp/0425277984I’m Sophia Lemon, and I photograph oddballs, underdogs, and rebels in Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Muskoka. I help my clients create visual triggers that literally make them more Ridiculously Happy Ppl.Book a Photo Sessionhttps://sophialemon.com/Follow Me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappyppl/Be a Guest on the Pplcasthttps://sophialemon.com/podcast/be-my-guest/

I’m talking with professional dominatrix Dana Pharant. We’re getting into the importance of pleasure on our physical and mental health, how Christianity has influenced how we speak about sex in our culture, and, of course, surrendering.Obviously, we’re talking about sex. So if you’re not into it or you happen to my mother, maybe skip this one!Dana’s Websitehttps://danapharant.com/Dana's on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danapharant/Dana’s Substackhttps://substack.com/@danapharantMy Orgasmic Life Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/46giTEeGFbyG4TwLMFSKaBI’m Sophia Lemon, and I photograph oddballs, underdogs, and rebels in Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Muskoka. I help my clients create visual triggers that literally make them more Ridiculously Happy Ppl.Talk to me about photography at my websitehttps://sophialemon.com/Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappyppl/Be my guesthttps://sophialemon.com/podcast/be-my-guest/

Wildlife artist Angela Boucher joins me to discuss her family, her Druidic roots, and her love of animals. We go deep into body language and communication, being neurodivergent, nature-based religion, and emotion.Angela’s Websitehttps://abartstudioonline.com/Angela’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/studioabart/The Telepathy Tapeshttps://thetelepathytapes.com/I’m Sophia Lemon and I photograph oddballs, underdogs, and rebels in Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Muskoka. I help my clients create visual triggers that literally make them more Ridiculously Happy Ppl.https://sophialemon.com/My Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappyppl/Be a guest on Ridiculously Happy Pplcasthttps://sophialemon.com/podcast/be-my-guest/

Bill Simpson joins me to share how the pandemic and chronic illness changed the way he sees his work, how a pilgrimage to his ancestral town put his career in law in perspective, and how he’s come to learn that friendships and fatherhood are the true beacons of happiness in his life.We sat on the shores of Georgian Bay at the Meaford Harbour for this one and watched the water while the sun set behind us. The views are worth watching the video version of this episode. https://sophialemon.com/pplcast/with-bill-simpson/Bill's Instagramhttps://instagram.com/wagsimpsonSoph's Instagramhttps://instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappyppl Talk to Sophhttps://sophialemon.com

My friend and fellow photographer Brandyn Hollands joins me to talk about the things we're told we shouldn’t say out loud, but absolutely do, anyway! We’re getting into the juicy stuff: reality TV dynamics (hello, red flags and rosé), coming out to family and the internet, the absolute circus that is dating on the apps, and how we’re both learning to show up in our businesses as our whole selves rather than watered down versions.More open, unfiltered, and unrushed conversations like this one are coming this fall. Subscribe in your podcast app of choice.Brandyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandynhphotoSavage Lovecast: https://savage.loveTodd Rose video: https://youtu.be/BD_Euf_CBbs?si=V6AanF3gQ5ECDsyoSoph's Instagram: https://instagram.com/ridiculouslyhappypplTalk to Soph: https://sophialemon.com

After a brief hiatus, the pod is back! And it's better than ever thanks to Victoria from Vectoria Creative, the design genius and creative problem solver behind the new Ridiculously Happy Ppl visual identity.In this episode, we get into what inspired Victoria to pursue graphic design, leave her career, and launch her freelance design company. And if you grew up in the 1990's and early 2000's, this episode is filled with all sorts of nostalgia!What sets Victoria apart is her intentional decision to keep her business small. It allows her to manage costs effectively and offer competitive pricing tailored to small businesses and start-ups. her clients prefer hiring her over an agency because she provides high-quality work at a lower cost, bridging the gap between Fiverr and expensive agencies. Additionally, she can deliver logos and websites to market faster, a crucial advantage for smaller businesses that can't afford to wait.Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Pinterest / LinkedInGet the full show notes for this episode here:https://happyp.pl/30Get the Go Brand Yo'self Workbookhttps://happyp.pl/brandpodHelp build this diverse community offering relief for listeners struggling with mental health in our current cultural climate. Subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening.What makes you ridiculously happy? Be my guest! Nominate yourself here:https://happyp.pl/guestShare your ridiculous or happy story and we’ll play it on a future episode:https://happyp.pl/recordTalk to Soph photography for your proposal, wedding, family, or business:https://happyp.pl/talktosophConnect with Soph on social media:Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / LinkedInBruce Grey Simcoe Podcast Network:Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

Be yourself. That’s the first piece of advice I want to give you. And the second is not to judge a book by its cover. When I first came across Vanessa’s Instagram, I laughed. She has a flare for the ridiculous, and I love that. And when I reached out to her to ask her if she would be a guest on this show, she was so warm and open. I’ll admit I didn’t expect that, which is only proof that I don’t always follow my own advice. Vanessa Stubbs has transformed her creativity and flare for the ridiculous into a cheeky, sometimes vulgar business. Subversive Sisters makes her clients laugh and challenges everyone who meets her and her work to open their minds. Subversive SistersFacebook / Instagram Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

When you're listening to this, Nikki and her family have added a 3rd bundle of joy to their family. And it's got me thinking about raising kids... Lots of them. And no one knows how to raise a bunch of kids better than Nikki's mother, Nancy Lee. So here she is! The top pieces of advice that I'm taking from chatting with Nancy is that it's important to set clear ground rules and boundaries and to make sure that your kids feel comfortable talking to you about everything. But first, you're going to need to accept that your kids are different and so they need to be parented differently. And that's not all she had to say. Listen to this jam-packed episode with this fascinating woman! Negro Creek was once the site of a vibrant Black settlement, but its history has been unwritten and buried. This digital archive was compiled by direct descendants and community friends, and is a project near and dear to Nancy's heart. https://negrocreek.community Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

How do you feel about change? Sometimes change is great. But sometimes, despite how much we may be ready to welcome that change with open arms, change can cause some unexpected detours. In this episode, I'm talking to Rebecca Ogilvie from The Detour Co about how her baby brought an unexpected detour in her life that brought her North to Muskoka and to a whole different way of living. If you've ever felt lost or stuck or empty... this is the episode for you. The Detour Co is a truly natural skincare brand created out of a desire for something different. After making her own skincare products for over a decade, Rebecca moved to Muskoka and went looking for skincare that met her standards. She couldn't find anything locally and decided to start selling her own creations. To her surprise and excitement, there was a great deal of interest in the mission of this brand: to create great skin products with earth-grown ingredients from the land, not the lab. The Detour CoFacebook / Instagram Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

Want to be Mr. T when you grow up? This is not the episode for advice on how to become Mr. T, but what Julia has for us is so much more important: how to be your own Mr. T. After job hopping for years, Julia has finally found a career that helps her feel creative and fulfilled while allowing her the flexibility she needs to be a wife, a mom, and a whole human being. We talk about imposter syndrome, learning curves, and the reticular activating system. Julia Walsh is the creative genius behind J Walsh Social Co., a boutique digital marketing agency, who most commonly answers to “Jules” or “Mum”—she’s got many names and talents! For the past five years, Julia has been honing her skills at amplifying the intersection of branding and social media. With her supercharged communication skills and passion for building relationships (and new friendships), she’s busy connecting clients with their ideal audiences. Armed with proven strategies and artistic creativity, she has a solid record of helping brands stand out online. J Walsh Social Co.Facebook / Instagram Get the book One Decision Away: https://a.co/d/8hCgxUW Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

What theme should our wedding be? Do we need to think about being eco-friendly? What if we can't get everything we want for our budget? These are the questions that Melissa Twist and I are tackling in this episode. Forget the but-you-have-to's from your family! In this episode, Melissa and I decode some questions you might have about planning your dream wedding. We talk about venues, themes, and entertainment, the vows, the environment, and all the tech you might need. Melissa Twist is an expert in events and wedding styling, boasting over 20 years of combined work and educational experience. Her extensive background has honed her creativity, allowing her to infuse each event she organizes with a unique flair. When not immersed in work, Melissa can be found meticulously planning her next adventure. With travels spanning six continents, she has cultivated a deep passion for exploration that remains an integral part of her life, promising to never cease her globetrotting pursuits. Melissa Twist EventsFacebook / Instagram / Pinterest Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

All behaviour is communication. But when a member of the family struggles to communicate directly, it can be difficult for all members of the family to live in harmony. That's where Ariela Koldorf comes in. In this episode, Ariela and I discuss how everyone is their own normal, the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, and how a child's needs will change as they age. Everyone can learn an important lesson in communication by listening to this episode. So throw on your headphones and hit play. Founder of Spectrum of Light Support Services, Ariela has spent the past 20 years working in social services. Most of that time, she has been supporting high-needs kids with developmental disabilities and complex behaviour. A mom of a neurodiverse kiddo herself, she is passionate about giving parents and caregivers the perspective and tools they desperately need to confidently support their children and to bring harmony back to their home. Spectrum of Light Support ServicesFacebook / Instagram Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

Do we need permits? A liquor license? Insurance? Why would I need insurance for a wedding?? In this episode, Melissa Twist and I discuss the things you need to consider when planning a private property wedding. For example, where is the power coming from for the DJ? It might be cold, so you should consider getting blankets. Depending on where you’re getting married, you should probably rent a tent. Consider family dynamics and how alcohol should be handled. Book your shuttle service early. Make sure you have lights so your guests can see in the dark. And, have you thought about security? Yes! Having your wedding at home might seem easier… but in reality, it isn’t. So, be sure you know what you want, and if you’re not sure, listen to this! Melissa Twist is an expert in events and wedding styling, boasting over 20 years of combined work and educational experience. Her extensive background has honed her creativity, allowing her to infuse each event she organizes with a unique flair. When not immersed in work, Melissa can be found meticulously planning her next adventure. With travels spanning six continents, she has cultivated a deep passion for exploration that remains an integral part of her life, promising to never cease her globetrotting pursuits. Melissa Twist EventsFacebook / Instagram / Pinterest Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

When you have big ideas, you need big confidence to make them reality. Especially when social media is ready and waiting to rip you apart. No one knows this better than Nikki Gal, who started her career at just 15. In this episode of the pod, we talk about balancing modelling, entrepreneurship, and the challenges and judgement she’s faced in her career. We talk about how the fashion industry has influenced her artistic expression, how she has overcome nervousness in front of the camera, and how she advocates for others in her industry. And finally, we discuss embracing creativity, finding empowerment and identity, and overcoming adversity. Nikki Gal hails from Massachusetts, where she acquired the foundational elements of her life. A devoted animal enthusiast, she has been surrounded by animals since childhood. At present, she shares her home with a Siberian Husky named Rex, affectionately known as "Moogie," who illuminates her life with joy. Beyond her furry companions, Nikki indulges in personal hobbies such as painting, reading books, and collecting vintage fashion magazines. She also cherishes moments spent with her loved ones, finding fulfillment in their company. Nikki Gal / The Model MemoInstagram Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

Communication is key in any relationship. Romantic, familial, friendly, and professional. And that goes for coordinating with your wedding vendors as well. In this episode, Melissa Twist and I take our wedding planning series to the next level by discussing what you need from your vendors! And ultimately it boils down to communication. Your vendors should be able to communicate what will happen while you work together, from start to finish. You should also be signing contracts with each of your wedding vendors. Those contracts should clearly outline additional costs that you might incur and why. Melissa Twist is an expert in events and wedding styling, boasting over 20 years of combined work and educational experience. Her extensive background has honed her creativity, allowing her to infuse each event she organizes with a unique flair. When not immersed in work, Melissa can be found meticulously planning her next adventure. With travels spanning six continents, she has cultivated a deep passion for exploration that remains an integral part of her life, promising to never cease her globetrotting pursuits. Melissa Twist EventsFacebook / Instagram / Pinterest Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast

How do you have hope through the catastrophic? I have no idea, but Robyn has seen it over and over again in her line of work. Robyn is a Registered Physiotherapist and co-owner of The Physio Hub in Collingwood. Robyn has a special interest in neuro rehab and complex care and is a strong advocate for this population. With overwhelm in the healthcare system and the challenges at-home challenges of working with traumatic injuries, Robyn believes that her role goes beyond her treatment table. She works hard to ensure that the people she works with feel seen and to offer hope. She lives, works, and plays, with her husband, two sons, and their doggo named Nigel in Collingwood, Ontario. Facebook / Instagram Get the full episode notes here. Please subscribe, like, rate, review, and share the show wherever you're listening. --- Have a story that will inspire the Pplcast listeners? Nominate yourself as a guest here. Tell us something big or small that has made you ridiculously happy here for a future episode. Talk to Soph about proposal, wedding, family, and branding photography. Connect with Soph on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / LinkedIn Bruce Grey Simcoe Podcast NetworkSmall Towns, Big Dreams Podcast / Lauren's Best / Clean It Club Podcast