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What do you think of when you think self-care? Therapy? Exercising? A spa day? Or maybe something as simple as making yourself a meal or drinking a glass of water?The concept of self-care is incredibly intricate, nuanced, and subjective to each individual but often self-care product marketing is limited to bubble baths and face masks. While these activities can be important forms of self-care for some, they are not indicative of the broad spectrum of what self-care actually can be. Enter today's guest, the wonderful Ashely Sondergaard. Ashley is a mother, yoga teacher, self-care coach and host of the Yoga Magic Podcast. She has a very refreshing view of self-care as a whole and how important it is to individualize your self-care actions. Tying together her passion for this work and her own self-care story, Ashley has developed a unique offering in which she integrates her clients' astrology charts with self-care, producing actionable activities that are very specific to them. I'm so excited for you to hear her perspectives. On today's episode, we covered: - The levels of self-care - Integrating self-care with your astrology chart - Social media and self-care - Setting energetic boundaries - Manifestation and self-care  I loved this interview and I absolutely love Ashley. Give her a follow and be sure to send us your feedback once you've had a chance to tune in! 

Human Design (HD) is truly a life-changer. I have never come across a system that has resonated more with me, so I am always incredibly grateful to be able to share conversations with HD Readers like today’s awesome guest, Travis Day.  Travis has held many titles throughout his adult life including Waiter, Surf Instructor, Founder, Entrepreneur, and Human Design advocate. Built upon learnings garnered from more than a decade of running two self-started businesses Redondo Surf Club and Bingin Dog, and inspired by his own personal growth journey, Travis spent the better part of quarantine 2020 developing his own unique offerings in the realms of surf therapy, spiritual guidance, and Human Design; together combined into his latest client-facing experience- Surfer’s Guide To Spirit- launching Summer 2021.  As a 1/3 Splenic Projector, he is an avid and curious learner. Travis holds a degree in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University and a certificate of education from the International Human Design School (IHDS). He is a practising thought leader and host of the Stupid Beautiful podcast and lives in Manhattan Beach, CA with his Jack Russell, Russell.  Travis’ purpose for his work was so palpable during our interview and it was very inspiring for me to hear how much joy and abundance can come to you when you are living in alignment, according to your design. We chatted about: The origins of HD How HD can help us shed our conditioning   HD and self-love and acceptance  Integrating HD into your life How HD can help you to be more compassionate in relationships Big thank you to this beautiful soul for sharing his light and insight on the podcast today!

Death. It’s an inevitable part of each of our lives, one of two assurances that unite all of humanity…so why do so many of us have such a hard time talking about it? I personally feel very comfortable exploring the many possibilities of what happens to us after we die; reincarnation, the afterlife, the soul’s journey, but - I’ll be honest - I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the actual dying process here on earth. It is high time to have this important conversation on the podcast and I'm so excited to welcome today's guest, Niagara-based Palliative Care Nurse, Mahoganie Hines who is an expert on the topic. Mahoganie has an enlightening message for all of us; ‘talking about death won’t kill us’, and in today’s episode, she outlines how we can empower ourselves to take action today towards co-creating a ‘good death’ experience for ourselves and our loved ones. I’m so grateful for the advocacy work Mahoganie does for those who are dying and truly value the insights she shared in this episode.  We chatted about: -       What a ‘good death’ actually means -       How to approach a conversation about death with loved ones -       What palliative care advocacy looks like -       Different viewpoints on medical assistance in dying  About Mahoganie:Mahoganie is an active and ardent member of the community. She volunteers her time to act as the policy and political action executive network officer (PPAN ENO) for both the Niagara chapter and Palliative Care Nursing interest group (PCNIG) of the registered nurses association of Ontario, she sits on the inaugural board as secretary/treasurer for the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association (CPCNA), on numerous committees of the Overdose prevention education network of Niagara (OPENN), also volunteering her time at the consumption and treatment site in St. Catharines and referees for Niagara Roller Derby. She currently works as a RN in a casual capacity at Both of the hospices in Niagara and full time as a palliative pain and symptom management consultant (PPSMC) throughout the Niagara Region. When she is not working or volunteering she likes to spend her time with her husband and two dogs.Links: ·      Mahoganie’s blog: https://dyingdreads.wordpress.com/ ·      Mahoganie’s Instagram Accounts: @Nurse_staxx  &  @cascades_of_kindness ·      Find your local Palliative pain and symptom management consultant (PPSMC): http://www.pccnetwork.ca/where-we-are/ ·      Speak up Ontario: https://www.speakupontario.ca/ ·      Medical Assistance in Dying: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-maid-bill-third-reaading-pass-1.5917798   

Today's guest is the one and only Atarah Valentine! He's a Neural Manifestation Coach with To Be Magnetic*, an Artist, a Songwriter and self-described  'Shadow-Wrangler, Wellness Big Mouth and Belief System Enhancer'. Is he ever! He does all of the above with an unmatched level of authenticity that is so refreshing. I first came across Atarah almost a year ago when he appeared on The Expanded Podcast to talk about his experience with manifestation and rock bottoms. His story spoke to my soul. In the episode, Atarah shared his life journey, his experiences navigating shadow work, and his transformation once he began living in his worth. It was so inspiring and expansive for me to hear and I immediately wrote him down on my 'dream podcast guests' list! I'm so grateful he was able to be a guest as this was such an impactful conversation. On today's episode we chatted about: Atarah's story and how he navigated his rock bottoms How the manifestation process really works (hint: it's not always easy breezy)  Partnership and manifestation How Atarah's artistry has evolved with this work What it really means to 'be in your worth' Mindset shifts and responding to challenges in a healthy way The concept of 'Expanders' and how they can help you manifest *To Be Magnetic:To Be Magnetic (TBM) is a manifestation brand founded by Lacy Phillips. Under their umbrella, they have a manifestation school (The Pathway) with membership and a la carte packages. They also have a podcast called 'The Expanded Podcast'. The teachings within TBM are based on epigenetics, neuroscience and energetics. Atarah has been a student of TBM for years and has recently become one of a few TBM coaches. I love this work and have been a member of The Pathway for about a year and have experienced some very major shifts.Links: Atarah Valentine on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hbjqhUp1vrybHxlf8kg1IAtarah Valentine Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/atarahvalentine/?hl=enTo Be Magnetic:https://tobemagnetic.com/

About this episode:[Trigger Warning: Indigenous Genocide, Canadian Residential Schools]I was introduced to April and her work last year and it's been a true honour to get to know more about her and her art over the past few months. April is a Turtle clan Mohawk with roots at Six Nations. She is a designer and entrepreneur and founded her jewellery company, Lofttan, with a strong ethos of slow fashion and honouring  Mother Earth. I'm so grateful to have shared this conversation with April; she truly has the most beautiful perspectives on life and the healing process.On today's episode, we chatted about:  April's background and her 'why' for creating her slow fashion jewellery brand How important art and creativity are in the healing process  The ways in which living your most purposeful path can pave the way for others to do the same. How the support of her partner has helped to propel her April's creation of The Lydia Ruth Project in honour of her Great Grandmother who was her last family member in  Residential School  April's aim for the project; to educate on the effects of colonialism and Residential schools on our Indigenous communities About April Mitchell-Boudreau & Lofttan: Lofttan is an Indigenous-owned, female-led handmade convertible jewellery business with a unique opportunity for job creation. Our beautifully handmade pieces revitalize and revolutionize the jewellery industry through the creation of a multi-wear, slow-fashion, sustainable jewellery collection.At the heart of the Lofttan brand is a celebration of diversity, accessibility and the Medicine of Creativity. Lofttan’s Convertible jewellery system offers an invitation to play and create using traditional materials like sustainably sourced wood, shell and semi-precious stone to beautifully frame the masterpiece that is you.Originally distributed through independent boutiques across Ontario, Lofttan is successfully navigating a massive Covid-inspired pivot to online retail. Lofttan jewellery is the brainchild of Mohawk designer April Mitchell-Boudreau. Situated on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe people, every piece is lovingly made in the Niagara studio.In 2017 April was nominated for The Entrepreneurial Award given by the Women in Business Awards of Niagara, and most recently Lofttan has been nominated for the Excellence in Manufacturing Award 2020-2021 in the Niagara Business Awards by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.One of Lofttan’s goals is to create enough demand to employ other Indigenous people in our community, as piece-workers, able to work from home.Lofttan celebrates the Medicine of Creativity further in The Makers Circle PLAYshops, delivered through the lens of traditional Indigenous teachings, such as the Medicine Wheel bracelet making. Each participant makes their own wearable work of art, that also concretely anchors them to the teachings delivered in the PLAYshop. Links:Lofttan website: https://lofttan.myshopify.com/The Lydia Ruth Project: https://lofttan.myshopify.com/pages/the-lydia-ruth-projectLofftan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lofttan/?hl=enApril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/april_mitchellb/?hl=en\

I'm honoured to welcome Toronto-based GP, Dr. Steph Godard, MD to the podcast today! I've known Dr. Steph for over 20 years and have been fortunate to witness her hard work and perseverance on the road to realizing her childhood dream of becoming a doctor. We have had many beautiful conversations throughout the years, especially after my diagnosis with MS, that have exemplified the type of doctor she is; open-minded,  understanding and empathetic. Our conversation on today's episode only magnified those observations especially around her approaches to creating a collaborative relationship with her patients. One of my biggest goals for 2021 is to expand the guests I invite to be on this podcast beyond those who think exactly as I do. I want to hold space for an open-hearted discussion in which people from different belief systems and backgrounds can find common ground.And we did just that! Me, a 'woo-woo', spiritual, hippie soul who errs on the side of natural healing, and Dr. Steph, a medical professional with a more structured scientific approach to health - found common ground on so many things. I can honestly say I learned so much and Dr. Steph opened my mind to new ways of thinking - and that's what it's all about, baby!We chatted about: How the doctor-patient relationship has evolved over the years Ways to be more collaborative - from both the patient & doctor's perspective Dr. Google vs. being an informed advocate for our own health Practising medicine during a pandemic How the privatization of Pharma in Canada weakens trust The vaccine - facts and founded fears (and especially  not allowing our opinions it to divide us) BMI as an indicator for health (hint: it's not)  DISCLAIMER: This episode is a candid conversation between myself and Dr. Steph Godard. Nothing shared by Dr. Steph in this interview is intended to act as medical recommendations. Please seek information specific to your individual health situation from your health care professional. 

The greatest gift of starting this podcast has been connecting with like-minded souls from all around the world.  I met Ali and Jessica,  founders of  The Aligned Podcast, through Almost 30's Podcast Pro course, and I was immediately drawn to their energy and their beautiful dynamic as a duo. Coming from different spiritual backgrounds, Ali, an Astrologer and Intuitive Healer and Jess, a Medium and Intuitive Healer,  combined their unique gifts to birth their podcast in 2020. In its first year, The Aligned Podcast has covered everything from spiritual awakenings to astrology to Human Design and much more. It's a must-listen for anyone getting in touch with their higher self.What an honour it was to interview these two beautiful souls on today's episode of the pod! I always love the flow of interviewing multiple guests- such an energetic conversation was had.We discussed: Ali and Jess' backgrounds and their co-creation of The Aligned Podcast Awakening our spirituality  Learning about spiritual practices and modalities while honouring our innate gifts  Breaking out of our conditioning, labels and containers  The energy of 2020  Tune in! And if you love it, be sure to rate, review, subscribe and share with a pal.About The Aligned Podcast:A conversation between friends, Jessica Meils, spiritual medium and intuitive healer, and Ali Ofstedal, astrologer and intuitive healer. Sharing their experiences as they navigate a life aligned. Discussing what it’s like to be in flow with the universe, sharing the tools they’ve used to access their intuition, clear fear and limiting beliefs, trust the pings, and bring forth healing into their daily lives. This podcast is for anyone curious about their own spiritual path, regardless of where they’re at in their journey.Links: The Aligned Podcast- Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aligned-podcast/id1515972840Instagram- The Aligned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thealignedpodcast/?hl=enInstagram - Ali Ofstedal: https://www.instagram.com/aliofstedal/?hl=enInstagram- Jessica Meils:  https://www.instagram.com/peoplecallmejess/?hl=en

2020 will not be a year that is soon forgotten.  Humanity as a whole has collectively experienced something incredibly life-altering; challenging in so many ways, but also transformative. Reconciling my personal emotions about this year as well as connecting with others to understand their feelings has been a very powerful and healing exercise for me, which is why I'm very excited to be sharing this episode in which my sister, Nicole, and her sister-in-law, Lauren, reflect on experiences and lessons in 2020 and our hopes for 2021.What we chatted about: - Roses & thorns from the year- Our biggest lessons of 2020- The ways we've been coping with the pandemic- Our dreams for the future; for ourselves and the collectiveWant to get in touch with today's guests?Nicole's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolehops11/ Lauren's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ellehopp/

About this Episode:On today's special HOBIB (Honouring Ontario Black & Indigenous Owned Businesses) edition of the Mind Your Own Life podcast, my guest co-host, Ally Payetta, and I welcomed  the incredible Asha E of Soul You & Co. Asha is a Toronto-based yoga teacher, speaker, educator, and consultant in the field of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism.  It was a true honour to sit with Asha for this conversation and to learn more the motivation behind the authentic content she puts out into the world and the space she holds for her community in the various spaces she occupies. Asha wears many hats and has described herself as a 'student of life' which is so evident in all of her offerings. I personally have learned so much from her Instagram platforms over the  past few months where she covers a wide range of topics, from movement and yoga,  to self-love, to anti-racism and personal development. Asha is a must follow and this episode is a must listen!  Here's what we chatted about: Asha's why behind creating her platforms; Soul You &  Co and Soul You for Black Girls Asha's journey to becoming a yoga teacher and how important it is that the spaces Asha practices in are inclusive   The importance of observing and understanding the culture and history behind our wellness practices Self-transformation in 2020 and optimism for the future  Being in our worth and how we can all show up more authentically in our various spaces  About Asha:She/Her. Multifaceted, dynamic, and passionate, Asha has a passion for people and community and directs her efforts to exploring and encouraging avenues of change. As a consultant, certified yoga teacher, educator, speaker and wellness enthusiast, Asha's mission is to bring unity, healing, awareness, and lasting positive change to our community.  Asha invites individuals and organizations to promote and effect change through interdisciplinary, holistic approaches. She fosters dynamic and meaningful conversations, encourages engagement and strategizes solutions that prioritize access, inclusivity and development.  Asha brings her multi-disciplinary capabilities to her work in equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism consulting for those willing to be a part of an equitable future for all.Links:Soul You & Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulyouandco/Soul You for Black Girls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulyouforblackgirls/Asha's website: https://www.ashare.ca/Did Y'all Plan That Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/did-yall-plan-that/id1534270481HOBIB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hobib_/HOBIB website: https://hobib.ca/

About today's episode:One of the greatest privileges of this journey on social media has been connecting with like-minded souls from all different corners of the world. Maddie Ace has been someone who I have learned so much from about healing, mental health, resilience and courage, so I was truly honoured to welcome her as a guest on the podcast.  You may recognize Maddie from a few episodes ago when I interviewed her and her partner, Martina, about their experiences as an interracial gay couple living in America in the lead up to the presidential election.  Maddie has been a source of calm for me on Instagram; whether she is sharing her vulnerabilities in an authentic way or taking the time to really ask how her followers are doing with her daily mental health check-ins, her page and her general presence are truly a breath of fresh air. On today’s episode, we talk about: ·      Maddie’s mental health journey and her first mental illness diagnosis in her teens ·      How Maddie began to advocate against the stigma of mental illness and for the importance of mental health  ·      Maddie’s coming out story and how she describes it as an internal journey  ·      What to expect on Maddie’s brand new podcast, titled ‘She Be Red’  Tune in now & be sure to rate, review, subscribe and share with a friend if you like what you hear!  About Maddie Ace: Maddie Ace is the founder/CEO of two businesses; Nella Marketing, a content marketing firm where she serves clients around the world as an artist/writer, and She Be Red, an advocacy brand and podcast with the purpose of helping others on their journey to holistic mental health.  At her core, Maddie is a mental health activist. For the last 12 years, she has walked alongside multiple mental health diagnoses and after a difficult marriage and the onset of severe somatic symptoms, she decided to start making huge changes to her life. This is where she discovered that mental wellbeing isn’t just in the mind, it’s in the body, soul and spirit as well.  Though She Be Red, Maddie shares her journey to show others who are struggling that there is always hope, and she believes it lies within 3 main concepts; healing, feeling and taking leaps of faith. In her new podcast, she encourages her listeners to get curious so they can find a path to a life that truly feels good because, as she says, we are all worthy of that.   Where to find Maddie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddie_shebered/ The She Be Red Podcast:  https://www.shebered.com/sbrpodcast

If you've ever wondered why ethically-made clothing is 'so expensive', this week's episode of the Mind Your Own Life podcast is for you! Today's guest, an expert on sustainable fashion, will help you to understand how slow fashion works, why it's worth the price tag, and what you're really buying into when you purchase that $8 shirt from H&M. I am so excited to have Kristi Soomer, founder of Encircled, an eco-friendly, sweatshop-free, Made in Canada clothing brand, on the podcast today.  Kristi launched Encircled eight years ago in Toronto, with a single product and a big mission and has since grown the brand to be a big name in sustainable fashion offering 40+ products.Kristi's caring, conscious and collaborative nature is so evident in every product she launches at Encircled, and those qualities also lend themselves well to her side-venture as Coach and Consultant to other entrepreneurs who are at the beginning of their journeys.  We chatted about:  Fast fashion;  Kristi explains how the fashion industry has evolved in Canada and why fast fashion is so damaging  to our planet and our people Conscious consumerism; Kristi  shares ways we can all be more mindful of our purchases  Entrepreneurship; Kristi shares transparently about her experiences as an entrepreneur and why it's all worth it, despite the many challenges.  Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in 2020; how Kristi strives to ensure these standards are met within Encircled and beyond.   Being B Corp Certified:  what this certification means for our earth and ethics   About Kristi Soomer:Kristi is the Founder/CEO of Encircled Inc., an ethical-fashion brand on a mission to change the way women travel and live. Encircled creates modern, versatile essentials for women from earth-friendly materials that are beautifully soft, high quality and good for the planet. Encircled embraces the notion of transparency in its entire business, in an industry notorious for secrecy. We're proudly 100% sweatshop-free and make all of our clothing locally in Toronto, Canada using fairly paid labour.Kristi is also the Founder of Retail Bliss Consulting which helps start-up eCommerce Shopify retailers clarify their vision, and develop a focused brand strategy that's aligned with their values. She has 14+ years of retail, consulting, and consumer packaged goods industry experience and a diverse background in fashion, strategy, digital, e-commerce, brand management, store operations, merchandising, category management, supply chain, change management and customer experience.Kristi’s holistic approach to project design and implementation, and focus on actionable results for small businesses. In addition, Kristi is a licensed Desire Map Facilitator and skilled at empowering entrepreneurs to create goals that are soul-aligned.---------Want to know more about Encircled? Start by taking the Capsule Wardrobe quiz: https://www.encircled.ca/pages/capsule-wardrobe-quiz&  be sure to use my code, MINDYOUROWNLIFE for FREE shipping & delivery if you make a purchase.

About this Episode: With the USA Election only one day away, I am honoured to be sharing this very raw conversation I had with two incredible women, Maddie Ace & Martina Westmoreland, a gay couple living in Wisconsin. Maddie, an Immigrant from England, and Martina, a Black Women born and raised in the USA, met five years ago, but their relationship has really blossomed over the past year since they decided to quarantine together during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Maddie & Martina share intimate details of their lives together and their perspectives on how critical this election is for securing basic human rights and equality for all Americans. I urge you to tune in to today's episode for an important perspective on being a minority in a country divided. We talk about:  What it's like to be  Black in the USA How unsafe people of colour, immigrants and gay people feel in the current state of polarization Maddie & Martina's hopes about fears about the future of the country  About Maddie & Martina: Maddie and Marty live in Milwaukee, WI having met at an event a few years ago and reconnecting back in 2019. They decided to speak openly about their experience because: “Between us, we have so many labels… gay, female, white, BIPOC, interracial couple, mental health warrior, immigrant and while we know they don’t fully define us, we’ve been trying to understand what it meant for us to exist within today’s political climate, and we wanted others to know that they’re not alone in trying to come to terms with what’s happening in the world. We figured, maybe we’d have something to say that would help. Regardless, it’s helped us to begin to process what we’re feeling living in today’s America… complete with our concerns, confusions and hope for the future.”

About this Episode:Once in a blue moon you stumble across someone on Instagram who speaks to your soul  and it reminds you how connective this app really is! Connection is exactly what today's guest, Sara Koonar, has cultivated with me and many others on social media. I started following her after I saw one of her stories in which she was talking about the importance of diversity, inclusion and representation in influencer marketing and on social media in general, and I haven't looked back since! It wasn't until a few weeks later that I found out she is an incredibly successful entrepreneur and an advocate for small, local businesses. She has literally built an entire brand and company centred around ensuring creators are seen, heard and paid for their content - which is pretty amazing! She's also downright one of the nicest humans and is so easy to talk to! It was wonderful to interview her. Here's what we covered on today's episode: Sara’s entrepreneurial journey and the creation of Platform Media The evolution of Influencer Marketing Tips for people/businesses trying to grow their followings and monetize their social media accounts through partnerships and collaborations.  The catalyst that led to brands finally becoming more inclusive in their campaigns The impacts of COVID restrictions on small businesses and how we can help  About Sara Koonar (in her own words):I own Platform Media & Management, a company that represents social media influencers—people who have large social media followings. But I like to call them digital storytellers because they share their lives via beautiful photography and well-written and thoughtful blogs. It’s then our job to build their business by connecting them with brands for paid partnerships that are authentic, and best suit the story they are telling, so they can keep sharing their unique lives with their followers.Links: Sara Koonar- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarakoonar/?hl=en Platform Media- Website: http://www.platformmedia.ca/Platform Media- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platform_media/?hl=en

About this episode:The American election is only 25 days away and, like many other Canadians, I have formulated a very strong opinion about what the outcome of this election should be. Hint: it’s not Trump winning! I often ask myself, though, if my superficial understanding of 2020 American politics – as told by (mostly) the mainstream media – could ever really reveal the true impact that Trump has had on the American people. I feel it’s incredibly important to hear the perspectives Americans, particularly POC, and what this election means to them and so I put out a call a few weeks back to any Americans who would feel comfortable coming on the podcast to talk Trump.  Enter today’s guest, Rommel Casey; a friend and American POC living in Austin Texas. Today, Rommel is courageously sharing his experiences and insights about the past four years and his hopes for the impending election. Rommel’s powerful words have had a huge impact on me and have helped me to understand the layered ways in which Trump has divided and polarized America and I think everyone, not only Americans, can benefit from hearing his perspectives as we will all be impacted in one way or another by this important election.   We talk about:  Growing up American  Racism & Police brutality  Political polarization  Voting for the future  About Rommel:Rommel Casey is a 33-year-old American man living in Austin, Texas with his wife, Victoria. Rommel is speaking out on America under the Trump presidency and the impending election.

About this episode:What an honour it was to interview Ashley Scream on her personal healing journey and the steps that led to the creation of Hatua Therapy; a space designed to support others in connecting with their own inner healer. I am in awe of this woman’s energy and her important mission to equip people with their own unique healing tools. Ashley selected the name ‘Hatua’ for her brand because it means ‘action’ in Swahili as she believes that taking individual action towards healing is an essential part of the process. Though Hatua, Ashley presents many offerings including healing circles (especially for BIPOC), guided meditations and daily insights. Ashley often expresses herself through meditative dance.   On today’s episode we talk about: Ashley’s personal healing journey and why she created Hatua Therapy How Ashely has held space for BIPOC in 2020 by offering Healing Circles   Ashley’s 8 Powers of Healing and how they have become a part of Ashley’s process What’s next for Ashley and Hatua   This episode is the first of a series of podcast episodes that are a part of an initiative to Honour Black and/or Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, entrepreneurs + in Ontario, Canada. To learn more about this initiative, and for information on how to apply to participate or nominate an individual or business, visit www.hobib.caAbout Ashley:Ashley Scream is a Healing Strategist and Therapy Advocate. In 2018, she founded Hatua Therapy, as a way to help others connect to their inner healer. Ashley helps individuals curate their healing tools through her 8 powers of healing; she believes we heal through what has been created for us to experience. 

Guests:Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik Co-Hosts + Co-Founders of Almost 30 About this episode:Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik were on my vision board under 'wish list guests' for this podcast long before it ever existed, so having the opportunity to interview them within my first year of podcasting was a literal dream realized. Not only are these two podcast legends (Top 50 Podcast in the world), but they're all around rad humans who are committed to  giving back to the community they have cultivated over the past four years since Almost 30 was born. Talk about expanders! I have truly learned so much from Krista and Lindsey as well as their insanely inspiring guests over the years. It was through their podcast that I was introduced to many of the thought leaders who I honour, trust and talk about all the time  (think Peta Kelly, Lacy Phillips, Jenna Zoe) - as well as many of the spiritual theories I hang my hat on. So, if you're woo-curious and want to explore a wide range of spiritual and personal development conversations under one beautiful 'roof', with two hilarious and incredibly vibey hosts, Almost 30 is for YOU!To say I'm grateful for this interview would be an understatement. Pinch me. Here's what we chatted about on today's episode: Trusting in the universe as it may be cooking up an even more aligned reality for you than the one you're trying to manifest How Krista and Lindsey look to their intuitions, rather than trends, when determining what spiritual practices and lessons to take on Navigating the 2020 landscape and the importance of  honouring and validatingeach person's individual 2020 experience  #1 tips for new podcasters from both Krista and Lindsey -  and an especially hot tip for those who have been thinking of starting a pod (hint: just start!) Krista & Lindsey's podcast accelerator program (beginning in mid-October) About Almost 30: Almost 30 is an Apple Podcasts "Top 50" podcast and a global brand and community brought to life by LA-based best friends Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik. Hailed as "The Best Wellness Podcast to Listen to Right Now" by Coveteur and nominated for “Best Health Podcast” by iHeart Radio, Almost 30 is supported and inspired by an online and offline community centered around personal growth and empowerment. Think of Krista and Lindsey as your virtual best friends who are there to listen, share, laugh, and learn right along with you. Known for their relatable conversations about wellness, entrepreneurship, spirituality, and self-development, Krista and Lindsey take pride in creating inspiring, raw, and hilarious moments during their weekly interviews with fascinating guests. The Chalkboard Mag raves that the content  "isn’t preachy or contrived — it's 100% relatable with a pinch of sass.” Each episode provides listeners with actionable “aha!” moments and inspirational stories. With over 12 million downloads, the podcast has reached people in more than 161 countries. The #Almost30Nation community is made up of curious, conscious, and loyal listeners who gather at events all over the world. After many requests from their community, Krista and Lindsey recently launched the Almost 30 Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program is a natural extension of their mission, supporting and empowering more than 100 ambassadors around the world to create community where they are.  As they reach three years in the podcast space, Krista and Lindsey are inspired to redefine podcasting and help others 'dream it, and then do it'.’  In January 2020, they launched the PodcastPro Program, a comprehensive guide to creating, launching, marketing, and monetizing a successful podcast. 

About this Episode: Imagine being a 12-year-old girl, having your first ever period and, instead of your parent handing you a bulky pad or trying to explain how to use a tampon, they give you a pair of leakproof underwear that look exactly like your normal underwear and hold as much liquid as EIGHT regular tampons. It would have changed the entire experience. The focus of the conversation would be about your changing body, rather than the confusion of having to 'manage' it! The fact that a product like this will exist for my daughter, Olive, when her time comes, is literally a dream come true for me and I have today's podcast guest to thank for disrupting the intimates market and producing products that are redefining the whole experience, period. Today on the pod, we welcome Joanna Griffiths, founder of Knix and Knixteen. I am a total Knix-evangelist, so I was very honoured to interview Joanna about how she created a company that's innovative, high-quality, inclusive (in sizing and in marketing campaigns) as well as being eco friendly! As a consumer, I feel really good about supporting this company- I trust their ethos and their products. On today episode, we discuss:  Joanna's 'why' for creating Knix Leakproof underwear and SUPER leakproof underwear Campaigns that connect (Life After Birth, International Women's Day, Knixteen)  Navigating COVID and becoming a temporary Zoom CEO  Toddler motherhood  I'm grateful for what Joanna and her team have created and I am so excited for you to hear her stories and perspectives. About Joanna Griffiths: Joanna Griffiths is the Founder and CEO of Knix and Knixteen the direct-to-consumer intimate apparel brands that are reinventing intimates for real life. Since launching the company in 2013, Joanna has built Knix into one of the fastest growing intimate apparel brands globally. Through a focus on product innovation and the brand’s mission to empower women to be unapologetically free, a Knix item is now sold every 7 seconds, and the company has shipped over half a million orders in the last twelve months alone. Knix was recently named the 6th fastest growing company in Canada with over 3800% 3-year growth.A marketing disruptor, under Joanna’s leadership, knix was the first intimate apparel brand to showcase real women in their campaigns. Over the past six years the brand has photographed over 1000 of their customers, ranging in age from 21 to 81, and sizes 0 to 22. In October of 2018, Joanna pioneered the brand’s Faces of Fertility campaign. The campaign was inspired by Joanna’s own experience having had a miscarriage on Mother’s Day. The campaign to-date has received over 1600 uses of the hashtag #FacesOfFertility and expanded to include a weekly podcast that Joanna co-hosts. More recently, Joanna created the Life After Birth Project, a multimedia exhibit that features the images of over 750 women, including Amy Shumer, Christy Turlington, Jillian Harris and more. Within the first ten days of launch, the project received over 220 million media impressions.Joanna holds multiple patents and has been cited in hundreds of media publications including Forbes, Fast Company, The New York times and more. Joanna has been recognized on both the national and international stage for her work as a marketing disruptor championing the topics of body inclusivity, fertility, mental health and postpartum. Joanna has won the Women Of Influence Start Up Entrepreneur of the Year award, the Shopify Build a Bigger Business competition, The Retail Council of Canada Marketing Innovation Achievement Award and was a finalist in the prestigious E&Y Entrepreneur Of The Year.

Guests:  Lindy Sood, Co-founder Love Powered Co. Anna Lozano,  Co-founder Love Powered Co.   About this episode: It’s Podcast Day – and let me tell you, this one is going to light you up!  Episode 24 with Lindy Sood and Anna Lozano, founders of Love Powered Co., is now live!  These two mom entrepreneurs are on a mission to ‘empower the next generation of mindful leaders, through the POWER of I AM’. And they’re doing just that. They have created the most beautiful affirmation card sets for wherever stage you AND your children are in; including cards for littles,  teens and femmes.  Listen in to today’s episode to learn more about: The power of affirmations and re-writing subconscious beliefs The incredible impact of starting the self-love journey early (with affirmations for littles) How teachers are using Love Powered Co. cards in their classrooms Anna & Lindy’s ‘why’ for starting creating these products and starting this business together Navigating COVID as a small business    About Love Powered Co., in Anna & Lindy’s words: We are Anna Lozano & Lindy Sood, and we would like to welcome you into our Love Powered Family. We are friends, soul sisters and mom entrepreneurs on a mission to spread love and teach mindfulness through the POWER of I AM ~ without the woo. Separately but simultaneously, we have been on self-discovery and personal development journeys centred around self-love. In making small and subtle changes in our day-to-day experiences, and in becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions, our lives literally transformed.  Practicing positive I AM affirmations became a daily ritual in our households. Stating them changed how we felt in an instant. But more than this, we both noticed that the positive effects these statements were having on us ~ feeling empowered, confident, energized, inspired, motivated, and at the same time peaceful, calm, open ~ these feelings persisted well after we were done speaking the words. So we started to wonder, if these mindful practices were so good for us, think of the effects they would have on our children!  With paralleled journeys, shared values, and an insatiable drive to create something beautiful, meaningful, and impactful, we joined forces. We searched high and low for the perfect affirmations we could start using in our homes, and when we couldn't find what we were looking for, we got to work. With an electric spark of energy, and a creative, intuitive nudge, Love Powered Co. was born. We are so grateful to be on this journey with you!  

About this episode: Have you ever thought to yourself, ‘wow – does that influencer life ever look easy, breezy’? The brand deals, the travel, the freedom, the flexibility, having a platform to share thoughts and ideas… it sounds ideal, right? When you really dive into this topic with actual influencers, there’s often more to the story. In fact, there’s a dark side to social media that not very many influencers openly discuss. And the underbelly of these social platforms can take an immense toll on the mental health of their users, which is only intensified with the more followers you have. That’s why I am so grateful for today’s guest, Nicole Zajac. She lays it all out on the line, every day – the good, the bad and the ugly. She promotes body neutrality and acceptance, self-love and mental health, while also sharing her struggles with each of these topics. In her words, she ‘took the wall down’, stopped editing her photos and just started showing up as herself, which has helped her to connect in a very real way to her ~65,000 followers on Instagram. On today’s episode, we talk about what life is really like as a self-love influencer, how Nicole had to re-navigate her presence on social media after the very public Brendan Leipsic NHL scandal, and her commitment to ensuring her personal values are at the forefront of everything she shares. I’m honoured and grateful to have been able to interview this beautiful soul and can’t wait to see all the magic she is bound to create in her career.   About Nicole Zajac:Nicole is a Social Media Influencer who promotes self-love, body-neutrality and mental health, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.    Key Takeaways: Social media influencing isn’t all fun and games; staying true to who you are and your core values is essential  Your hurtful comments can have a hugely negative impact on someone else’s mental health, think twice before you post Bringing down your walls and showing up as your authentic self is far more impactful and connective than creating a social media ‘persona’ 

Guest:  Raffela Mancuso   Mental Illness Activist, Diet Culture DisrupterAbout the episode: Get ready to get real about Fatphobia, Diet Culture, Mental Health, Social Media Influencing, and the 'Body Positive' movement with Raffela Mancuso on this episode of the Mind Your Own Life Podcast. Raffela aptly describes herself as a 'Disruptor' and it was through her actions as such that I - and so many others -  came across her and her big mission! In May 2020, Raffela decided to call in a handful of Self-Love Influencers on an Instagram Post for their thin privilege. Specifically,  she was concerned about these Influencers not sharing the stage or 'passing the mic' to those who are in marginalized bodies, namely fat black women (who were the originators of the "Body Positive" movement).  The post went viral. There were scores of negative comments and defensive responses to her post, but even more positive ones cheering her on for her transparency, allyship and courage. Since that point, Raffela's platform has grown and she continues to fight the good fight, educating and advocating for body equality. She recently started an initiative called #PassTheMic which calls on Influencers of any size to share their platform with those who need to be amplified. Listen in for a transparent conversation about a very important and relevant topic that applies to so many of us on social media.About Raffela Mancuso:Raffela Mancuso is a Diet Culture Disruptor, Mental Illness Activist and Body Equality Advocate based in Alberta.Key Takeaways: Fatphobia often happens behind closed doors:  Thin influencers with a fraction of the # of followers as fat influencers are reportedly offered more collaborations and opportunities with brands on Instagram  The 'Body Positivity' movement was started by and for fat black women. 'Self-love' is for everyone. Regardless of how large or small your platform is, it's important to start to #PassTheMic to others who are in marginalized bodies Links:Jameela Jamil's iWeigh Podcast Episode with Monroe Bergdorf: https://omny.fm/shows/i-weigh-with-jameela-jamil/munroe-bergdorf