Founders Case Bakker and Jessie Lyon met and began selling Ecuadorian alpaca blankets out of the back of Case’s car. At the time, they didn’t realize that they were laying down building blocks that would later become a full time job for both them and six others. As time passed, they were increasingly inspired by the international connections and community being created by their efforts, and the potential impact it could have for communities both locally and globally. With the help of a notable c...
May 25, 2020•41 min•Ep. 78
Paul Fishman is a self love coach and You Do You activist. Paul has taken his life experiences and channeled it into a business and lifestyle that brings love, care, compassion and realness to the struggles we all face on our journey to self love. Paul speaks from experience, and his naturally empathetic way of guiding his clients comes right from his heart’s centre. In this episode, Paul shares some personal stories from his road to self love, and about the shifts that have come along with sayi...
May 18, 2020•46 min•Ep. 77
Leisse Wilcox is a transformational mindset + success coach who helps high-potential women courageously become the vision of themselves they can’t stop dreaming about. A passionate speaker, dynamic thought leader, author, NLP practitioner, top podcast host, cancer survivor, mom of three, and taco enthusiast, her entire experience has been about coming home to her truest self and to call herself “beloved,” knowing intimately that changing the world starts by making the changes we want to see with...
May 11, 2020•53 min•Ep. 76
In her experience as a Certified Financial Planning professional, Martha Adams has spent her career helping her clients plan and achieve their financial goals. From as early as grade 6, Martha took her gift of turning inwards to explore personal narratives and narratives from those in her life around money and business to understand the world around her. Throughout this journey, she discovered a common theme that she was determined to change: the negativity around financial conversations. This i...
May 04, 2020•52 min•Ep. 75
Mark Harrison has to be one of the most interesting people I know and follow along with on social media. He has been a source of inspiration and intrigue for years without knowing it, and has kept me entertained with his YouTube videos of his travels and his photography and videography adventures around the globe. A few weeks ago, I saw an update of Mark’s about having COVID-19 and what it was like. I asked him if he was interested in sharing his experience with COVID-19 with me, and he jumped a...
Apr 27, 2020•44 min•Ep. 74
Dana Clark has started the most beautiful social impact movement called Heroic Humans. This incredible project was born from an out or no where journal prompt type question during a workshop at lululemon, that had Dana so full of excitement and vision that she began immediately. Dana and her company Heroic Humans ‘provide a gathering space for inspiration, celebration and empowerment. [They] aim to foster connections among heroic people and groups, helping to establish a broader reach and more p...
Apr 20, 2020•44 min•Ep. 73
On April 1st, Esther de Bruijn and I had a very informative and interesting conversation about her experience with symptoms of COVID-19. April 1st marked day 18 of her experience with this virus. Esther experienced her first symptom March 15th with a burning chest, unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. Having had Malaria and Typhoid in the past, Esther knew very quickly that something was wrong. Part way through the conversation, I work through a variety of listener questions for Esther...
Apr 13, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 72
Last week, Chris Forman eluded to the person who inspires him most – his wife Nicole. After meeting in a bar down in Kingsville, Ontario, Chris and I connected over some engaging conversation that included what/who he was most proud of… his wife Nicole. Nicole has been battling skin cancer and melanomas since her childhood. To date, she’s had various tumours surgically removed, has battled chemo and the loss of her hair, and has had over 500 melanoma moles removed from her body. Doctors say this...
Apr 06, 2020•57 min•Ep. 71
Chris Forman is a bartender at The Banded Goose down in Kingsville, Ontario. He leads with his heart and enjoys real and raw conversations with strangers. He has the ability to connect with his inner child, and encourages others to do the same. He is passionate about public engagement and public speaking, and uses his innate optimism and sunshine personality to lift those around him as often as possible. — LINKS: Erie Shores Toastmasters Club The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: Th...
Mar 30, 2020•38 min•Ep. 70
Kim Palazzi is a Designer/Craftswoman, passionate about creating artistic and wearable pieces with gemstones and crystals. Unsurprisingly, Kim and I met in such a beautiful, organic way, through a mutual friend and crystal lover, Amy! During my last adventure down to the Kingsville/Leamington/Harrow area, Kim welcomed me into her home to share some of her her life stories and the events that have brought her into her purpose. With a backstory in fashion design, her creativity combines with the e...
Mar 23, 2020•58 min•Ep. 69
Melissa is an incredible connector of humans and energy. She’s creative and uses her natural curiosity and lived experiences to design the life she loves. Much of Melissa’s life encompasses what it means to be human, to grow, to connect, to learn, and to love. This chat in her home sheds some light on some personal stories about Melissa, and how she has learned to take setbacks to propel herself forward, always leading with her heart. — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: T...
Mar 16, 2020•49 min•Ep. 68
Tiffany Nicholson Smith is an International Teacher, an Ayurvedic Practitioner, and a Lover of Life. Tiffany shares the gifts of Meditation, Yoga & Ayurveda globally, both in person and online, around the world. Her perspectives were framed by her extensive time spent in India. She dedicates her life to serving those around her for the greater good. Her learnings from her time abroad, her teachers, mentors, readings and her experiences have shaped her life in such a beautiful and meaningful ...
Mar 09, 2020•59 min•Ep. 67
Danielle is a lifelong friend of mine. Among many titles, she is a wife, a Mom and a very talented photographer… (she won the top 30 under 30 photographers in Canada… that talented.) Danielle begins this episode with a full disclosure and warning, that this episode is her story, with her opinions and her perspectives. She shares her two incredibly different birth stories, with virtually no similarities. Her first birth story ended up with her family in Sick Kids, her son having a brain bleed aft...
Mar 02, 2020•43 min•Ep. 66
Colin Matthew is the Union President for District 15. He’s both knowledgable and passionate about public education, what that currently looks like in Ontario, and why we as educators and parents are so concerned. Listen along as he and I discuss the importance of public education and why cuts to education harm kids. This episode is intended to be informational and educational, and is delivered as such. Subjects discussed include safety, e-learning, classroom sizes, individual needs and accommoda...
Feb 24, 2020•51 min•Ep. 65
Carolyn and I met in university as Frosh Leaders at Nipissing University, and she and her husband Josh welcomed me into their home to record one of their most life-altering stories. After teaching and traveling abroad, Carolyn and Josh returned to Canada, and got jobs teaching in Churchill. After they got married, and Carolyn’s near-perfect pregnancy, they welcomed Malcolm into their lives in September 2018. Shortly thereafter, they debated moving closer to family, but were forced to leave Churc...
Feb 17, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 64
So the cool bartender I mentioned in the last TGIT from The Banded Goose in Kingsville is going to be on the podcast! So is his incredibly resilient wife, whom he mentioned he was so proud of! Amy helped make connections in Kingsville that exploded in the best way possible, and I’m going to a super interesting and uplifting Soul School event on the 22nd! Future release updates, some new affiliate codes, and curiosity about… what the heck is actually going on on the Bachelor?! Like does Peter eve...
Feb 13, 2020•20 min•Ep. 63
*TRIGGER WARNING – Content relates to sexual abuse and related traumas* Jenna Morton is a health coach, a speaker and an entrepreneur. She has overcome and is still healing from some significant traumas in her life, but leads a life of grace and gratitude. She works hard at bettering herself, so she can positively influence the world around her. From being adopted to not fitting it, dabbling in drugs, alcohol, and troubles with the law, this episode weaves through trauma, healing, rebellion and ...
Feb 10, 2020•35 min•Ep. 62
Sammi and I met in the middle of Australia, and walked around Uluru together. We’ve had a unique and undeniable connection ever since! We met up in Calgary while I was driving back to Ontario, and I lured her into my hotel room to visit and record! We talk about how we met, the power and importance of communication, and how simply re-phrasing your words can completely change your intended message. We talk about honouring emotions, and the importance of identifying them as we experience them, wit...
Feb 03, 2020•40 min•Ep. 61
I’ve made it back from #Nakusp, BC! (Hashtag isn’t a typo… it’s for Riley and Jay! Ha!) Road trip last week: Nakusp – Calgary – Regina – Winnipeg – Thunder Bay – Sault Ste Marie – Kingsville (via Michigan!) – Minden! Family visits are feeling really good! So you wanna be a guest on The Safe Haven Podcast? Perhaps you know someone with a story to share? Please reach out! This is how the podcast continues to grow! It’s been growing super organically so far, and it’s when guests know someone I shou...
Jan 30, 2020•25 min•Ep. 60
Taylor Aeichele is a 22 year old gal, very close to acquiring her certification as a Red Seal Electrician! (Get it girl!) In this episode, she shares about the encounters and experiences in her life that helped direct her towards this career path – something very different from the vet she wanted to be as a little girl. Enjoy her lighthearted “sasshole” (hey! – that’s what she calls herself!) nature and sense of humour! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Become a Patron – Patreon: The Safe Haven P...
Jan 20, 2020•41 min•Ep. 59
Ever heard of “I AM” affirmations? Do you believe in the power of the spoken word and the ability to retrain and rewire your brain? It is doable! I share my love for Love Powered Co.’s FEMME “I AM” affirmation cards, and how I’ve turned them into a pre-recording ritual. Check them out! I share my love of teas, more recently, New Moon Tea Co.’s teas! I am officially going to two gigantic events this year, one in April and one in October, and I am so excited about them both! They’re both going to ...
Jan 16, 2020•29 min•Ep. 58
*TRIGGER WARNING – Content relates to physical abuse, drug and alcohol addiction and pregnancy* Served her first shot of alcohol by her parents at 9 years old and her first pot brownie at 11 years old. This was her normal. This episode presents some very confronting topics and personal experiences for Claudine, some of which could be considered very controversial and challenging. Claudine demonstrates bravery and courage in this episode. I know Claudine personally, and know who she is, and I app...
Jan 16, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 57
*TRIGGER WARNING – Content relates to sexual abuse and exploitation* Mary Pichette is a survivor of sexual abuse and exploitation – but she will be the first to tell you that these aspects of her life do not define who she is. In this powerful episode, Mary sheds light on the lack of power she had in her childhood and certain events in her life growing up in the 50s and 60s, as well as various injustices she’s faced throughout her life. Mary elaborates on why she’s been so silent about the horri...
Jan 06, 2020•51 min•Ep. 56
HAPPY NEW YEAR! A day late for this TGIT! I’d say no excuses, but I was stuck in the mountains because of road closures and avalanches… can’t even make that stuff up! I hope your holidays were awesome. This episode gives some updates on the holidays here in the mountains and how fun our New Years was, including 2 x 1000 piece puzzles, Mandalorian binge sessions, GT races, game nights, 8 ft snow buddy named Billy Beaton and what being stuck in the mountains can be like! … New Years resolutions an...
Jan 03, 2020•31 min•Ep. 55
Tim Ting worked as a musician and a musical director on a cruise ship for eight years! He sheds light on what living on a ship is like, and what his work life balance was like during this time. Tim has recently changed his career path, and is now working as a Real Estate agent in the lower mainland. Listen along as he shares a few stories about his early years and some unique perspectives he’s acquired during his life, laced with his quirky sense of humour! — LINKS: The Safe Haven Podcast: Becom...
Dec 30, 2019•48 min•Ep. 54
Trying something new heading into the holidays! A phone call with one of my closest friends, Katie Sobil! She’s been one of my partners in the photography world, and is always a source of inspiration when it comes to trying something new. A Mom of two busy kids, Katie shares some challenges she’s faced with going back to work as a nurse, and how that has had her questioning her next moves in photography and videography while giving as much of her time to her kids as she possibly can. She shares ...
Dec 23, 2019•57 min•Ep. 53
Settling into Vancouver after a big move from Toronto, EA is figuring out how to find balance in our busy world while managing her mental health and wellness. In this episode, she opens up about some really low times she’s experienced that landed her in the hospital, and how writing, photography and art help her look after her mental wellbeing. EA demonstrates some incredible vulnerability on her social media platforms, and opens up about some personal stories from her past with us during this c...
Dec 16, 2019•54 min•Ep. 52
Happy “12-12” Full Moon my friends! Do you set intentions with the moon? The full moon is a perfect time to reflect on where you’ve come in the last two weeks, working towards goals or reflecting on the intentions you’ve set! It’s an excellent time to release or purge things that no longer serve you… that could mean food, toxins, drugs, anything in excess, tension, stress, negative or hurtful relationships, etc! In this episode, I share some fun updates about a giveaway that I won, and share the...
Dec 12, 2019•30 min•Ep. 51
Juan (J.D.) Leaño has the most infectious positive energy I’ve come across in a while. He’s vibrant and kind, ambitious and humble. Has anyone ever told you that an indoor cycling class could change your life? It’s true. I’ve experienced it myself. Recently back from an intensive training in New York City, JD has officially crossed off a life goal of becoming a SoulCycle instructor – but it didn’t come easily! Four applications and three auditions later, JD has navigated deep self-discovery, div...
Dec 09, 2019•47 min•Ep. 50
Kelly Lamb is a highly educated, well-travelled, motivated, kind and compassionate woman, and I feel extremely grateful for having made her acquaintance. In this episode, Kelly openly shares the challenges she’s faced stating her faith in Vancouver. She delves into her opinions and perspectives she’s gained after asking questions loudly about the where women fit into the narrative of the gospel and into society and into church life, with both passion and grace. Exploring such topics has created ...
Dec 02, 2019•56 min•Ep. 49
