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First off, I want to say, THANK YOU to everyone who has supported the Life Out Loud Podcast over the year. We have made it to the season finale, with some special guests, my family, the SMITH Family! In this episode, we chat about our recent episode on Family Feud Canada (Season 4, Episode 55) and share some "behind the scenes" funny moments during our adventures on Family Feud. Tune in to listen (and laugh) more! 

Caitlyn Hamblin is back in the studio for our follow-up conversation to discuss the launch of her new passion project, Cait Collabs, a project of hers to connect brands and generate collaborations between big-picture creative women. Tune into our discussion to hear more about the exciting projects she has lined up and what she has planned for a collab with me! If you're interested in learning more about Cait Collabs or potential collaboration, connect with Caitlyn on Instagram at cait_collabs.

This week’s life lesson is so much about vulnerability. I’ve been thinking a lot about the stages of change and growth that I’ve been living out loud. Growing when people are watching has been one of the most ambitious yet beautiful ways to experience the fullness of growth through intimate connection with others and, more profoundly, with myself. Tune in to hear more.

Our wounds are a part of who we are, and from my experiences, they can teach us a lot about ourselves and how to nurture ourselves in ways that guide our lives in purposeful and meaningful ways. It’s been a journey peeling back the layers of my wounds, but it’s unlocked a realization that healing happens when we can love all of the painful, shameful and ugly parts of ourselves. Are you willing to make a choice to find wisdom from your wounds? Tune in to hear more! 

I am falling in love. You heard right - I am falling deeply in love with myself. Despite some of life's complexities and my current personal situation, I am uncovering a kind of self-love that enhances resilience and perseverance. In this episode, I’ve provided some helpful guiding questions around self-love and discovery — which I hope will also benefit you on your journey.

I am joined in the studio this week by Nicholas Hickens-Morrison — a healthcare professional, author and advocate of Afro-Caribbean descent, originally from Guyana. Nicholas has undertaken various healthcare and research-related initiatives locally and internationally, centring on supporting the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Tune in as our conversation highlights the value of vulnerability in research and the importance of utilizing qualitative methods in research. To learn more about the Racial Stress Study: brainwaves@msvu.ca or connect with Nicholas directly at Nicholas.hickens@msvu.ca.

I am joined in the studio this week by Nicholas Hickens-Morrison — a healthcare professional, author and advocate of Afro-Caribbean descent, originally from Guyana. Nicholas has undertaken various healthcare and research-related initiatives locally and internationally, centring on supporting the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Tune in as our conversation highlights the value of vulnerability in research and the importance of utilizing qualitative methods in research. To learn more about the Racial Stress Study: brainwaves@msvu.ca or connect with Nicholas directly at Nicholas.hickens@msvu.ca.

Many people spend years or a lifetime not understanding the depth of their emotions, but getting curious about them is a way for us to be mindful of our feelings so that when we reveal them, we can consciously heal them — which is fundamental in shaping our lives and experiences. Tune in to hear more about how I’m processing the waves of emotions and using them on my journey of personal growth.

This week’s life lesson is brought to you by, my emotional life. It’s been a week of stretching and leaning into my faith — which nurtures my spirit of gratitude. What are the seeds that have been planted in your life that have help you cultivate a spirit of gratitude? Tune in to hear more. 

This week on the show, I am joined by Lucinda Underwood - Managing Director of Kickstart Coaching & Consulting, a boutique consulting firm based in Halifax specializing in marketing strategy and sales management. Lucinda shares her experience and expertise around leadership, burnout and the trending topic of “Quiet Quitting." We discuss some interesting ideas around corporate culture and the need to shake up how we work. Tune in to hear more.

I’m back from a much-needed break over the summer. And now that summer has ended, I’m feeling the seasonal shift of Fall and the spiralling in of energy. What are the shifts in your life teaching you? Tune in as I share how I’m learning to cultivate the courage to facilitate growth during some of life’s difficult transitions.

Have you ever thought about the process of growth? In this episode, I talk about the growing pains or sometimes psychological pain we experience during seasons change and being stretched. This summer break is about going into the cocoon and being present for my next growing season. 

Caitlyn Hamblin joins me in the studio this week to talk about the value of self-care within service to others, and how our engagement with others help strengthen ourselves. Caitlyn is an Executive Assistant in Business Development and Marketing — and through her passion for community connection and personal growth, Caitlyn shares with us ways of managing self-care while at the same time, taking care of others. Connect with Caitlyn at @cait_collabs

I’m trying to be something I’ve never seen before — and to grow up for this season in my life, I have to be stretched. I need to be uncomfortable, disciplined and committed to the process of change I’m facing. What are your actions and presence saying about who you want to become? And what is being exposed in your life that might reveal the vision of who you want to be? Tune in to hear more.

I'm learning a lot about the ebbs and flows in my life — navigating some really complex emotions. It’s been a hard couple of months for me, and the word, “Ebb and Flow” keep cycling in my mind. Despite the significant changes I’m experiencing in my life, I know that the waves will not overtake me but are there to teach me some important lessons. Tune in to hear more. 

Multiple awards winner and the self-taught, passionate designer and Creative Director of MichNat Fashion House, Funmi Odeniyi, graced us with her presence in the studio to share her journey from being an Accountant to a successful and afro-centric fashion designer. Her story of "following your passion" reminds us that the path to success is not always linear but a beautiful journey of self-discovery and living life with purpose. Connect with Funmi through their website at MichNat Fashion House or on Instagram at @michnatfashion

Mental health and housing advocate, Aaron Goodwin, joins us in the studio this week to talk about his experiences living with Bipolar Disorder and the value of support networks. This conversation was a reminder of how far I’ve come on my own journey with mental illness, and my gratitude for those who have helped me along the way. To connect with Aaron on Instagram @omg_fine

My voice coach, Elise Besler joins us in the studio this week. Elise is a veteran Voice and Authenticity Coach, ECMA Nominated Singer-Songwriter, Ocean Lover and Dog Mama to a sweet senior Lab Mix rescue pooch named Ellie. In this episode, Elise teaches us about our voice-body connection and how we can show up safely in authentic expression. Connect with Elise at www.thevocalwarrior.com, elise@thevocalwarrior.com or on Instagram @thevocalwarrior

This week on the show, we are joined by a special guest and successful career strategist, Jen Warrington. Jen shares with us some incredible insight on how to use your skills and experiences to create a career you love. Connect with Jen at www.jenwarrington.com and www.thefusiongroup.ca , and email at jen@thefusiongroup.ca Or follow Jen on the following platforms: Instagram at @jen_warrington LinkedIn @jenwarrington Facebook: @jenwarringtoncareerstrategist 

The top-of-mind topic this week is one of our "misunderstood emotion" — Regret, and I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately. I learned a lot about my feelings about regret and the power to use those experiences of regret to learn and grow. Thanks to Brene Brown and Dan Pink’s interview on The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward, I’m shifting my mindset around what regret means in my life.