The Lori Clarke Show

Shannon Christensen, founder of the nonprofit charity Mamas for Mamas, talks about how it all began.

What makes an experience traumatic is not the actual event; it's the impact and imprint it leaves on your nervous system. Ilene Smith, author of the book Moving Beyond Trauma: The Roadmap to Healing from Your Past and Living with Ease and Vitality, shares with us her work as a Somatic Therapist and her journey and healing through this modality. Ilene says, 'The issue is in the tissue. When we get stuck in a cycling narrative or emotion, we can't access our ability to feel safe and be engaged and connected with ourselves and others."

Lori explores how the body holds onto emotions to protect and keep us safe.

Having a toxic person in your life is exhausting. It can also be incredibly complex and confusing when the toxic person is your parent or worse when they are a grandparent to your child. From the blog www.toxicties.com, Lana helps us navigate that emotionally abusive person you cannot easily cut out of your life. Join us as we discover how to untie those toxic ties.

Julian graduated from Berkeley and Harvard Law School and recently left corporate law to advocate for mental health and pursue content creation and entrepreneurship. He talks candidly about mental health struggles with anxiety, mild depression, and suicidal ideation. Julian offers us this important reminder, 'recovery is a journey. It is winding, bumpy, and unpredictable, and the key is not to become disheartened. It does get better. Ask for help and know that you aren't alone.'

Another great conversation with the fantastic - Annie Robert. She talks with me about choosing herself and her family and finding clarity over alcohol. She talks honestly about a recent relapse and how she sets social boundaries around drinking. Annie says, "I don't see relapse as a failure; it was another chance to understand and give gratitude for all the days I chose myself over alcohol." We are so happy to have Annie on the show. I am grateful for her willingness to open up about a subject that carries deep shame and loneliness for so many. Thank you, wonderful Annie; it is a privilege.

Three women reflect on the book Untamed by Glennon Doyle and talk about embracing their knowing, finding their voices, and learning to trust themselves.

"It was like my soul was pulling me into space, where I began to crave myself. I had lost my way, lost the essence of who I was." Said my guest, who has chosen to remain anonymous. Her story is of courage and honesty. One that many of us can resonate with. Join in our conversation as we talk about shame, fear and what red flags look like in a relationship.

"One of the most challenging things for me after recovery was the expectation of picking up where I left off as a mother, daughter, sister, friend, and wife," says Julie Kennedy Smith, a brain injury survivor. She joins Lori to talk about recovery, the healing process, and how she spends part of her time inspiring other TBI survivors." At the time, I didn't know how to put what I knew deep down into words; the person I was before the accident was gone. She was dead. Even though she/I was here in body and spirit, had a husband, three kids, and was pregnant with my 4th, nothing about me was the same - and the shame of that was unbearable."

What The Flour came into being when a busy mom of three wanted to use another word that also begins with f. Danielle says, "I was at the end of my rope. My son had a host of food intolerances with symptoms from eczema to itchy skin that kept us all up at night." She says that finding alternatives was time-consuming, complicated, and frustrating. Listen to the full story of how she started from scratch and built a Gluten-free brand that is now on grocery store shelves and online!

Bryce shares how a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis has not stopped him from playing baseball as a division 1 student-athlete at Towson University; he says that consistency helps him achieve his goals. " I believe if you stay true to what you value most, your lifestyle becomes consistent." He goes on to say, "I never want to be defined by one thing. I want to use my life experiences to share what I have learned and use this diagnosis to inspire others."

It is no secret toxic relationships can be a major challenge that one faces in life. Listen in as Lana talks about what she has learned through her own experiences with toxic relationships and how she unlearned helplessness and disempowerment from toxic mindsets such as; guilt, shame and insecurity. Lana is the founder of ToxicTies.com – a blog that offers support, education, and empowerment to people in difficult familial or romantic relationships. She is the author of “The Toxic Grandparent Handbook” and co-author of “Disabled Literature.”

It is no secret toxic relationships can be a major challenge that one faces in life. Listen in as Lana talks about what she has learned through her own experiences with toxic relationships and how she unlearned helplessness and disempowerment from toxic mindsets such as; guilt, shame and insecurity. Lana is the founder of ToxicTies.com – a blog that offers support, education, and empowerment to people in difficult familial or romantic relationships. She is the author of “The Toxic Grandparent Handbook” and co-author of “Disabled Literature.”

Jacqueline talks about the adoption process, saying,"I was clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that I wanted to be a mother.There was no doubt in the core of my being that I wanted to be a parent, and I was willing to do anything and have my heart as wide open as could be!" Listen in, as she shares the deep and personal journey;she and her husband David went through as they adopted their 3 sons.

If you struggle with self-worth; then this conversation with Dr. Adia Gooden is one that you don't want to miss! If you're feeling exhausted, overextend, and stuck. Or maybe you have tried everything you can think of to feel worthy. Dr. Adia is a clinical psychologist, and shared the concept of unconditional self-worth in a TEDx talk. She offers transformative practices to help you connect to your worth. She says, “You are worthy, unconditionally. When you know this for yourself, you will be unstoppable.” 

Jo Beckwith talks about religious trauma, within the Purity Culture. She created a YouTube channel for exploring and discussing life in the aftermath of trauma. Jo says, “Just in case you are thinking that you're weird; you are not. And more importantly, you are not alone.” She speaks from her own experience as someone who has lived through these things herself. Join us as we wind our way through, and contemplate our mutual journeys of growing up within the purity culture.

In this conversation with Daksha; we cover everything from her personal experience with anxiety, periods, and feminism. To her most recent endeavour as the co-founder of Venus Inspire. An organization that empowers young women. Daksha continues to focus on advocacy, and spreading the message of love, inclusiveness, and health.

Jacquline Way talks about 365give.ca; a foundation she started to inspire people to create a better, happier you and a happier world by developing a daily giving habit. One person, one give, one day at a time. Jacquline says, “Making happiness a daily habit can change your mood, how you see the world, and impact the lives of others, with just a smile, holding the door for someone, or even picking up a piece of garbage on the sidewalk. Happiness is so easy even a 3 year old can do it!”

Ilene smith is a somatic experiencing practitioner; the author of her new book ‘Moving Beyond Trauma.' She holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counselling and a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology. She is a trauma healer, speaker, and coach. Teaching others how to live a life of vitality and ease. Ilene joins me to discuss an article she wrote for MindBodyGreen.com; “Do You Set Boundaries or Barriers: Here's Why The Difference Matters.” If you were confused on whether you have put up boundaries, or have created barriers; this conversation will help you realize the difference, and give you the tools needed to maintain a great relationship with yourself and others.

Kirsten talks with Lori about her personal experience with PCOS. She created a platform to help those who are dealing with PCOS; to reconnect with their bodies and food through intuitive eating. Kristen says, “ Everyday is a day to build trust with your body.” Although those who experience symptoms of PCOS often feel as though the body has betrayed them; she offers an alternative perspective and encouragement through body positivity. 

Join us as Jeffrey shares his life experiences and valuable lessons from his Indigenous history, culture, the role and impact his mother had on his development: particularly with intergenerational trauma. As well as, connecting with the outdoors and ecology of the Pacific Northwest. For Jeffrey's MA degree he spent 3 months living in the eastern lowland jungles of Guatemala and has a PhD in Anthropology and Education. All these learning perspectives have influenced his powerful leadership skills today. He now serves as the Executive Director at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

Maria is a mother of 2 and is on a mission to raise awareness about anxiety in young kids. Reminding us that anxiety is treatable, saying “not many parents talk about anxiety and many times we confuse the signs with “just a stage” that will go away or maybe will simply disappear over time.” Maria works with both parents and teachers to encourage open dialogue about mental health disorders, feelings and emotions in kids. The more we normalize the conversation, it helps to break the stigma.

This is the story of a young woman in her early 20's and her journey with PTSD. She recalls, “I didn't want to go into that dark place…I wanted to stay living… I wasn't doing well, but there was still such a disconnect between the actual event, what I was feeling and how I presenting, that I couldn't identify I was in denial of what I had experienced.”

Trish joins me via Zoom call to discuss how we as children, teenagers and adults can nurture emotional courage. This conversation is full of information! Including talking points from great influencers, Dr. Kristin Neff, whose work is on Self-Compassion, and Mindfulness. Marc Brackett and the creation of the Mood Meter App. Lastly, Brene Browns message of vulnerability. Trish encourages us to learn and recognize our emotions. She explains what it takes to gather courage, to "wade into the middle of powerful emotions". To recognize, label, and lean in to the messages our emotions are telling us. It takes courage to lean in. We are here to give the tools and support needed for you to be your best self. In all aspects of how you live, love, and parent.

In this episode, Kjersti talks about Diastasis Recti, a seperation of the ‘six-pack' abdominal muscles that can occur in both men and women. The conversation is loaded with info from what to do if you think you have DRA, exercises to help repair and even walks us through a self-assessment. She says, “While DRA is something that happens normally in pregnancy, there is nothing wrong with it. In fact, it is our body's way of adapting to the stretch and load that naturally occurs while pregnant.” She goes on to say, “DRA can affect anyone, including men, and can gradually develop over time. It is often misdiagnosed in men as a beer belly or weight gain.”

Our guest for this episode is Julia - who shares her life experience as she lives with anxiety and depression. It all started for her in the first year of high school. This is when feelings of; being different, not belonging, and isolation began. By the time she hit grade 10, the depression was full-blown. A year ago Julia was suicidal. Looking back, she is able to see where joy saved her; she says, " I began to look for sparks of joy in my own habits and in my own life."

In this discussion on Conflict in the Workplace, Sue encourages us to view conflict as a messenger that can serve as an opening for growth and change.

Join us as Jana continues to share her story. She shares how she decided to leave an Abusive Relationship she was in for 10 years. While there were many moments that led to her leaving, the one thing that she identified was incongruence within herself. Jana says, “I would present as normal to the outside world, while internally I was nothing but confused and scared.” She goes on to say, “I learned to never ask what I did wrong…I never wanted to do anything that would cause the ‘switch to flip'…when times were good, and he was kind to me, our relationship was amazing. And when times were bad, well…it was just so bad.”

Join Lori as Amber-Jane talks about her son Grady; who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 18 months old. While talking candidly about daily life, she says "It is no longer a carefree lifestyle, there is a lot of planning, we always have to be on top of everything. Not only do I need to be 5 steps ahead, I also don't sleep. Grady's levels have to be checked multiple times throughout the night, so I set alarms for 10pm, 12am and 2am. When you make life altering decisions for an individual you don't sleep." She goes on to say; "Overnight you become a doctor, nutritionist, a nurse, as well as a caregiver." While life with Type 1 has had its challenges, Amber-Jane has chosen to offer her experience to newly diagnosed families by serving as an ambassador for JDRF. To encourage people that it is perfectly normal to "Mourn the loss of the life you thought your child was going to have and change the expectations of what it should be."

In this episode Meaghan shares her story and encourages us as women to be empowered in taking charge of our own health, to ask questions and to not allow anyone to dismiss symptoms or say, your just tired, or you just had a baby or you just had 2 babies, that's why you are feeling these symptoms. She said, "We as women know our bodies best and can be empowered and encouraged to take control of our health." Recently, she posted her story on Mother.ly a lifestyle brand that informs and inspires women through the journey of motherhood. She wrote about her postpartum experience and becoming her own advocate for health concerns that led her to discover she had celiac disease just after having her 2nd child. There were many things I loved about our interview, the greatest take-away is a fabulous quote from Meaghan, "If your intuition is that something is not okay, then it is not okay!"

It was such a privilege to talk with Tim. In this show we were co-creators, each taking our turn to unspool our thoughts on creativity (I might have talked a little more than he but hey! no one is keeping track :)while talking about the flow of ideas, angels of inspiration and the power of not holding on too tightly to what it is you are being asked to make. Tim said something that I loved. He said, “Be unattached from the outcome so it does not steal from the moment of the creation which comes from deep inside your soul. No one creates art because it is going to make a lot of money. Most create for the pure joy and satisfaction.” I know right?! What a nugget of wisdom. Trust me, he has a lot more gems that are scattered throughout this episode. Being able to connect with him on this topic of creative flow was a highlight for me. I hope you will enjoy as much as I did, and if you are a creative – this one's for you!

Do you feel energized throughout the day? Can you think clearly? Do you feel rested when you wake up? These are some of the questions Naturopathic doctor Allison Patton asks as she takes us through a hormone symptom inventory. She goes on to talk about the ebb and flow of a women's monthly cycle. The natural power of hormones in both women and men, and brings the conversation to my most favourite part – the gift within hormonal imbalance! Allison says, “Perhaps women are meant to cocoon, to introspect and pull away and sleep more. The problem is, many of us are out of touch with that way of life and fight against it or want to fix it so it goes away…perhaps it is not hormones that is the problem, perhaps it is lack of connection to what those hormones mean and the power within those hormones.”

How it works in the body, and what someone can do if they notice signs or symptoms

Challenges, crisis and personal trauma are a part of everyone's life in varying degrees. The outcome or how we make it through really depends on how we respond in the moment. Join Jennifer and Lori as they talk about what to do if you find yourself broken. Jennifer, offers questions to help you pinpoint what's driving the crisis and how to make a way forward with what has been dealt

"The fact of the matter is that everyone's body is so unique." Says Kjersti, a Physiotherapist at Diane Lee and Associates clinic in South Surrey, B.C. who joins Lori to continue conversation around women's health and wellness. "I find it is not always a concept of just being strong or weak, sometimes it is the strategy of how we do the movement. Sometimes it is our posture. Sometimes its muscle imbalances. Taking care of your pelvis doesn't have to be after one has birthed, it doesn't matter that you had a child 10 year ago, or even 20 years ago. What matters is that you are exploring and doing something about it now!"

Monty's antics uncover a mystery and draw the attention of a Bulldog femme fatale. Suddenly he has a real client and a case to solve. Follow Monty's journey as he moves from the animal shelter to life in the big city with his new human-who knows nothing about dogs! Join Lori as Tim talks not only about this amazing book made for adults to read to children, but also about the creative process and how this book came to be!

In this episode, Luci and I discuss the painful recovery that neither one of us was ready for when we had our third babies. We talk about other things like; loosing yourself and feeling sad about how the woman we were before having babies, stepped back into the shadows. It was easy to identify with her. And painful for me to remember those years. Today, I know something I didn't know then, not many things work well if you forget who you are. This is why this conversation with Luci is so important. For those of you who are in the throws of motherhood, we know how you feel.

Listen in as Julie talks with Lori about her journey with Breast Implant Illness.

Listen in as Jana discusses her journals and moves deeper into the story of how she left an abusive relationship that was fuelled by alcohol. She says, “Every relationship is different. In my relationship there was an incredible partnership and teamwork. We had a love. A love where we both felt safe and secure. It was very much reciprocal, but the alcohol brought out the worst in him. That was our downfall.” Listen to the second half of her incredible journey and how she has allowed herself to heal at 52 years old, find the courage to explore who she is, and discover her value.

Wine Buddy ice bag is an eco-friendly, recyclable and reusable carry bag that allows you to quickly chill your favorite beverage. It's strong, sturdy, durable and folds effortlessly for easy storage and packing. Consider theWine Buddy as your take anywhere, portable ice bucket!

Angela McNair, mother and autism activist and contributor to The Mighty, opens up about her sons autism. We laughed. We cried. We discussed funding, family, Rowan's school experience and how she handles the judgments of others. “I want people to know that I am just like any other parent. You do the best with what you are given. She goes on to say, “I wish that people were more accepting and able to open their minds and were less judging.” For Angela and her family, they just want to be seen and included. “Just because a person has autism, doesn't mean they can't be included in everyday life. And just because someone has autism doesn't mean that they don't want connection - I can tell you. They absolutely do. Rowan wants to be needed and have friends - we all want to be needed and have friends.” Angela offers her life experience and vulnerability as a platform for possibility because every story has the potential to bring greater awareness.

Lori and Melissa talk about a day-in-the-life her 2 boys and shares her story of the struggles and joy of life with Autism.

Listen in as Lori and Dr. Patton, ND discuss the role of adrenal glands in the body and how to deal with brain fog, fatigue and crazy afternoon exhaustion! In this episode, Dr. Patton walks Lori through how to get a diagnosis, vitamins and supplements and how to get your energy back!

Jini Patel Thompson is an internationally recognized expert on natural healing for digestive diseases. She healed herself from widespread Crohn's Disease and has remained drug and surgery-free for over 20 years. Jini has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows throughout the U.S., giving people hope and vision for how they can heal their Colitis, Crohn's, Diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), using entirely natural methods. Her books on natural healing for digestive diseases have sold worldwide in over 60 countries

Join in and listen to Trish talk with Lori about technology and how it effects our youth. She is answers questions about how we can balance the overwhelming amount of technology options for developing kids, teenager and ourselves. How do we respect the privacy of teenagers? And is an iPhone a privilege, safety measure or a deterrent from human connection? Throughout this conversation Trish points us in the direction of the many resources she uses in her classroom, in her relationships and herself.

I am pleased to introduce you to the first in our new series Broken Open, with our Spiritual Mentor Jennifer Shepherd. She has an amazing perspective on what happens when life breaks you open. For many of us, we have felt the pain of life experience. Whether it's being a child of divorce, observing unhealthy relationships, financial loss or the pain of being bullied - it is inevitable, at some point it's going to happen. Jen says, “We often take for granted that something is going to continue as it did yesterday - that no pain is coming our way. Then, all of a sudden, life happens.” She then offers us, four ways life can break us open. “When you understand you are broken, ask this question of yourself, What is it that I have taken for granted?” Together, Jenn and I want to prepare us all for that moment.

“For the first time since leaving him 25 years ago I feel like I am actually able to see it for not what it is -as a part of me, but to see it as something that is now my past,” says Janna. “I am no longer defined by the pain of this relationship. Today I have allowed myself to be proud of the fact that at 52 I am wanting to get to the root of ‘the why.' In this chat, she and Lori talk about an emotionally abusive relationship she was in from the age of 18 to 28 years. “It's not important about all the things he said to me nor the number of times it went on. What's important is it happened.”Today Janna has found the courage to own the pain of her struggle with unhealthy relational patterns, emotional abuse and a lifetime of unworthiness, shame and lack of self esteem. It is raw. It is vulnerable. This is story of becoming.

In this episode on why feed your dog raw food; Narod asks us all to think about what we are feeding our companions. "If you are what you eat, then lets try feeding our pets unprocessed raw or dry food!" After all she says, “most of us are mindful of what we are feeding our families or ourselves. So how about feeding our pets the same because food is medicine. Wether raw or dry food, it is important to think about what we are offering our companions as a daily diet.”

Listen in as Julie talks candidly about her sons elementary years as they struggled through diagnosis for behaviours, moving schools and a diagnosis of autism at the age of 18 years old.

In this episode Lori is introduced to urban Foraging. Listen in a she learns what dumpster diving is, and why is an important part of social responsibility! From guy who knows a thing or two about Urban Foraging, Nathaniel offers a fresh perspective on grocery shopping!