The Morning Ish Podcast

Whoppsie doodle! We took a bit of a break there - unintentionally - but life got busy and we had things on our plate that needed navigating.Welcome to a chat about mental health in a marriage where we talk openly about advocating for yourself, why therapy within your relationship doesn't necessarily mean that something is wrong or falling apart, and why it's really important to work on yourself while simultaneously working on your relationship.As it did for many families, the pandemic magnified the need for mental health support and showing up for oneself. It also magnified the importance of owning your own energy (aka: shit) and being aware of the impact you have on others. Remember...impact over intent!Have a listen, lean in and know that you're not alone!

The world seems to be filled with Good Vibes Only stickers and t-shirts with smiley faces on them. What would happen if we made space for emotions? What would be impact be if we leaned into optimism instead of toxic positivity?In this episode, we talk with Diana Fuller-Dupont from Watered Grass. Diana is a Self Care Strategies Coach and an elementary school Psychologist who embraces emotions openly and helps people create self care plans that work. We talk about how choosing the next best thought isn't always effective, why it's important to make space for all of the emotions not just positivity, and how harmful it is to strive for unrealistic emotional goals. To connect with Diana, find here here:https://www.instagram.com/wateredgrass/https://linktr.ee/wateredgrasshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RVDXR8N/?tag=wateredgrassl-20

This is a topic we have been wanting to talk about for a long time, but finding the right person to talk to was difficult.There is a lot of stigma surrounding Cannabis use, and an incredible amount of discomfort that we dive in to as we open up this chat with Joanna from Budz&Co.As a recreational user of cannabis, Joanna started to see the holistic medicinal benefits of it when her husband began to experience arthritis from his job. She started dabbling in other products to help her family, which opened up doors into sustainable living and developing a brand that is focused on bringing you the best in all natural, full spectrum, every day wellness. Shannon shares about her discomfort with cannabis having grown up with a sibling who used habituality, and the changes she made to adopt the therapeutic use of topicals following a running injury. She also talks about how she transitioned from drinking alcohol to incorporating edibles for recreational use.Rachel shares about the mental health side of things, using it as an aid for symptoms like nausea, safe consumption and purchasing and how cannabis has given her another tool in her toolbox to be able to cope with anxiety. We also talk about the duality around alcohol and cannabis, the stigma surrounding using cannabis (whether for recreational or therapeutic uses) , the dangers of Mommy Wine Culture, how to find the right dispensary and so, SO much more!To connect with Joanna, please find her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/budzandco/And shop her website for your wellness needs:https://www.budzandco.com/

Buckle up friends, we are entering the Spirit Realm today on the podcast!Come along for a chat with Emily Jackson, an incredible human being who has been able to see, feel and hear spirit since she was a young child. Emily talks with us about her experiences, how it all began, and the deep connection she feels when she taps in to this incredible gift. We debunk some myths about what Mediums do, how she receives information, and gives Rachel a wee surprise! Emily also talks about setting boundaries with spirit, and her experience with people who don't believe in spirit connection.To reach out to Emily, find her on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/not.your.average.medium/

Well then, that was quite the break!In our FIRST official episode of 2022, we talk about our long 4 month hiatus, what's coming up for the Morning Ish, how often to expect new content and all of that jazz.We won't sugar coat it (and you wouldn't expect us to) - life has been chaotic for the past several months. We've both dealt with COVID in our homes, there's been some travel, a new puppy. It's been a lot and we needed to press the pause button.But we are back and things are going to get uncomfortable again!!If you have a topic that you'd like us to discuss or want to come on the podcast to talk about, let us know!

Today, we gather to celebrate you.We love you, Rachel! And we hope you have the very best birthday!The Morning Ish will be back with regular episodes this spring, so please stay tuned (and thank you for sticking with us during our hiatus as we've been sitting in burnout land!)xoxoShannon

In this episode, Michelle continues her story about domestic abuse from where we left off on Episode 61. She discusses what it felt like to find a womens shelter in the middle of the night with her daughter, the process of intake with the police when domestic abuse is concerned, and navigating the family law system in Canada. She also talks about the impact on her daughter, visitation rights, CAS (Children's Aid Society) and how important it is for kids to speak up when they're caught in the middle of these situations. If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic abuse, Michelle highly recommends seeking out support through the many emotional support groups for domestic abuse on Facebook (or in person via a women's shelter). She also recommends these two books, because until you see yourself in the story...it might be too hard to leave. There is help, and there is hope.Why Does He Do That - https://www.amazon.ca/Does-Inside-Minds-Angry-Controlling/dp/0425191656/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=why+does+he+do+that&qid=1635183518&sr=8-1Out Of The Fog - https://www.amazon.ca/Out-Fog-Confusion-Clarity-Narcissistic/dp/099959351X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=out+of+the+fog&qid=1635183564&sr=8-1MAID on Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81166770

Last year, this little corner of the internet was so new that we didn't do a Year in Review at the end of the year.This year is a whole different ball game!Some of the topics we cover in our Year if Review are....LGBTQ2+IA voices and how they have gotten louder this yearThe Muslim family in London, Ontario who was murdered in an act of racismIndian Residential Schools in Canada and genocidePersonal grief and lossThe 1st Woman of Colour elected to Vice Presidential Office in the USA!Astroworld and concert tragediesThis has been an eventful year, to say the least!Going in to 2022, we hope you continue to push your boundaries and sit in the discomfort. We hope you grow, take a hard look at how you want to show up in the world, and lean in to your community.

A topic that has been burning for a while - imposter syndrome.Feeling like a burden. Like your worries, concerns, situations aren't quite bad enough and therefore you are a fraud. We talk about Rachel's story with cancer and how she felt like she was a fraud because it was caught so early. We talk about managing kids who are trying to manage all of the expectations at school but are being compared to one another in the classroom and feeling like they don't measure up.We talk about it all and break it down. Can you be confident and have imposter syndrome? You betcha!

We get deep into the waters of family estrangement as Shannon clears the air and talks openly about how toxic family has impacted her mental and emotional wellbeing.Over the years, really since Shannon's dad passed away, her family has become incredibly fragmented. On the maternal side, she has been demonized and made out to be a monster because of the boundaries that she has imposed - which has broken her down more than a few times. This episode serves two purposes. 1) to clear the air. There are certain family members who do not like this narrative, and the emotional labour of rehashing the decision to be cut off from the nuclear family. 2) to give permission. Your mental and emotional wellbeing is incredibly important, and you deserve to hold yourself with compassion. If you need to cut people off, you're allowed to.This is a difficult one, with an incredible amount of emotion and fire to it!

TRIGGER WARNING: Domestic violence, abuseBeing critical of every move a person makes, an insinuation that things weren't enough. Gaslighting and psychological abuse. Name calling and public humiliation.Then the physical violence.In this episode, we discuss the cycle of abuse with Michelle, a beautiful human being who survived an abusive relationship and escaped from an incredibly violent situation. This is part one - we had some connection and conversion issues so stay tuned to hear the rest of her story. 

Helping your kids navigate grief and the death of a grandparent (or someone they have a close relationship with) is something you can't really prepare for as a parent. You're sitting with your own loss, while also dealing with (potentially) temper tantrums, isolation, and mood swings. You're navigating your own grief, while also trying to be a pillar of strength to your family. In this episode, Shannon talks about losing her Mother-in-law during the summer and what the grieving process has been like for her boys. She also discusses how different this loss is compared to them losing her Dad before they were born, how the boys have grown in their compassion, and have been able to hold space for the parents as they navigate their loss as well. Kids process grief differently, and it's our job as the adults to give them space to express themselves and hold them with kindness and compassion. It's also our job to show our vulnerability in spaces of grief so our kids feel safe to express themselves and embrace their emotions.Resources:Bereaved Families of Ontario - https://bereavedfamilies.net/LightHouse for Grieving Children - https://www.grievingchildrenlighthouse.org/index.php7 Books to Help Kids understand Death and Grief - https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/7-touching-books-to-help-kids-understand-death-and-grief.html

In a jawdropping chat, Jessica opens up about her experience with Parental Alienation.We learned things that are ugly and dark - about the psychological manipulation of children, and how sometimes the alienation is so bad that it leads to suicide. We also learned about the warning signs, how important it is to stay present as the alienated parent and that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.Jessica shares some of the stories she has collected in collaborating with other parents who have been through this, as she is currently working on a book to bring light to this very hushed piece of co-parenting. We also discuss the importance of working with specialized therapists, how children have to split themselves to please the alienating parent for fear of the consequences, and some of the lessons that have been learned in Jessica's experience. To connect with Jessica, you can reach out to her at livingwith.pas@gmail.comYou're not crazy. It is real, and there is a way out.

Setting boundaries is one of the most loving things that you can do to protect your own inner peace, but what happens when those boundaries are constantly disrespected?You enforce them. You find your voice and you stand up for yourself.In this episode, we talk about the importance of healthy boundaries, how you don't owe anyone an explanation in saying no or declining an invitation, and why it's important to assess your priorities from time to time. We also talk about boundaries from the lens of social media, the news, family and friends, and why it's important to teach setting boundaries to our children.

He's always been the wild one. The one who works with giant horses with no fear, who starts conversations with stranger.The one who repeats facts about NASCAR, horses, and the Blue Jays. The one who has never consistently slept through the night, and seems as though he's driven by a motor.We've always known that Graeme is different, and we started pushing for answers, only to be told that he's defiant and difficult, and that our parenting was to blame.In this episode, Shannon talks openly about the process of searching for a diagnosis for their son, how it feels to be dismissed within the medical community, and how one practitioner can change everything.

The pressure to get your pre-baby body back after pregnancy is intense. As a first time mom, you're transforming into a new version of yourself - one that you can't imagine until you're even there. We spend so much time wrapped up in the magazine covers and less time listening to our bodies. Dr. Jess talks about the most common things she sees in her practice, the 6 week clearance, and puts postpartum health into perspective. If we had torn a hamstring or blown an ACL, we would take the time off after those injuries to heal properly and then ease our way back into athleticism.She also talks about the guidance that birthing people get from the medical system after having a baby, and how it's built on a system of survival and not thriving. And gives a few tips on what to do after having a baby if you want to return to your sport of choice.To connect with Dr. Jess:https://linktr.ee/yourchirojesshttps://www.instagram.com/yourchirojess/

In today's episode, we talk about Dallas - founder of Reya Health, a Canadian company that is committed to helping you find the best birth control option for your needs be they contraceptive or health related. Long gone are the days where we hush talk of birth control, as if it is something used exclusively in situations of sex to prevent pregnancy. We talk about our own stories of when we started The Pill, and how ill-informed we were as teenagers. If only there were conversations like this one happening back in the 90's! From the pill to IUD's, positive and negative experiences alike - we open up this can of worms because birth control is health care.Resources:https://www.reyahealth.ca/This Is Your Brain on Birth Control - https://www.amazon.ca/This-Your-Brain-Birth-Control/dp/0525536035/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=this+is+your+brain+on+birth+control&qid=1631725587&sr=8-1In The Flo - https://www.amazon.ca/FLO-Unlock-Hormonal-Advantage-Revolutionize/dp/0062870491/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=In+the+Flo&qid=1631725617&sr=8-1

October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, and today we have the honour of talking with Robyn - a woman (and friend) who is currently navigating the world of fertility treatments.Lean in and listen as she talks about her experience with fertility clinics, IUI (intrauterine insemination), hormones and supplements, micromanaging her care, egg retrieval and, eventually, IVF.If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, please know that you have options and we encourage you to be an active participant in your care, and an advocate for yourself. Here are some resources that Robyn shared with us:Miss Conception Coach - www.instagram.com/missconceptioncoachFertility For You - www.instagram.com/fertilityforyouFertility Canada - www.instagram.com/fertility_canadaI Had A Miscarriage - www.instagram.com/ihadamiscarriageMainstream Miscarriage - www.instagram.com/mainstreammiscarriageCarried With Love - www.instragram.com/carried.with.love

For some, Halloween is full of matching family costumes, displays on the lawn and front porch, and gatherings of friends.For others, events like Halloween bring an intense amount of anxiety. And for a few, maybe some memories of grief and hardship. In this episode, we talk about our experiences and memories with Halloween, why some have been easier than others and why it's important to carve out your own traditions around these types of holidays.

We get a bit fired up in this episode after an experience with a group of entitled teenagers in Blue Mountain Village, which was actually really perfectly timed since we were going to be recording about preteens and the struggles with changing hormones (and attitudes).There seems to be an incredible amount of entitlement and attitude that comes along with the hormones or preteens and teens. And we've been advised that the aliens have come to take our children, and that we will get them back in a few years.In this episode, we talk about what it's like to parent one. The sassy attitude, humphing and hoeing, rolling out of bed when they darn well feel like, emotional roller coasters, body odor. It's a lot but at the end of the day, it's conversations like these that keep us going. 

We live in a society that rides the wave of Good Vibes Only, but what happens when a family is hit with the emotional turmoil of a cancer diagnosis?In his book Cycle of Lives, David Richman details his 5000 journey to meet caregivers, doctors, patients, and loved ones as he collects and holds space for their stories and experiences. We talk openly about the importance of sharing your vulnerability and emotion within these spaces of hardship. We discuss the why's - not wanting to be a burden, not wanting others to feel uncomfortable, feeling guilty.David shares some of the emotional stories from his book, what it was like to hold space for families in their grief, and how beautiful the journey of 5000 miles can be.To connect with David:https://david-richman.com/Cycle of Lives -https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/163299299X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i1Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/davidrichman_cycleoflives/

When dietary restrictions give way to businesses, and businesses give way to educating communities on evidence based information with regards to Celiac Disease. Gluten issues are something that so many humans experience - both intolerances and allergies. We also talk about dairy issues and intolerances, navigating parenting and noticing the same things popping up in our children, and how careful both Sarah and Michelle have had to be with what and how they eat.Michelle also talks about environmental triggers, inflammation, breathing issues, and other complications leading to a rare diagnosis for her son, and how they've dealt with it all since. Spiderwebs into all of the conditions, complications and navigating it all with the goal of just keeping your child alive.Cross contamination, being limited as to where one can eat out, bringing food with you...it's a tough road! Sarah and Michelle also talk about the signs and symptoms of what to look for, and the need for better, larger gluten free bread for toast!Resources:Phil Hates Gluten - https://www.instagram.com/philhatesgluten/Canadian Celiac Association - https://www.celiac.ca/Bkngldn - https://www.instagram.com/bkngldn/MEE Photography - https://www.instagram.com/meephotographylondon/

At what age did we start looking in the mirror and judging the reflection? In this episode, we get really real with you all. We talk about our insecurities - from body hair to the beloved Fupa...we talk about it all. And more than just talk about it, we discuss our emotional connection to these areas of our bodies and why we haven't loved them for our whole lives.It's ok if you're insecure, because we are too. But love yourself, too, eh?

Well...we talked about tattoos and now we are talking about piercings.Not-quite horror stories of piercing guns going through ear cartilage and noses, how our parents reacted and when we had roommates almost pass out after getting rather sensitive areas pierced. Our word of advice? Always go to a professional piercer, not a shop at the mall or a hair salon! Make sure the place is clean and has an auto-clave, and if you don't like it....you can take it out!

When we put an open call for topic suggestions out there on Instagram, we were overwhelmed by the interest in our tattoos. So this, our friends on IG...this is for you!From memorial tattoos for family members who have passed away to special pieces for our children, we break down each piece that we have (21 pieces between the two of us!). We talk about the where, who and why behind them, pieces that we maybe regret and ones that we want to get. We talk about the optics of being adult women with lots of tattoos. We also talk about the artistry of tattoo work, pain tolerance and why it is important to research your artist and make sure that their style aligns with your story. And yes, we cry when we talk about the most impactful ones.Our favourite tattoo shops are....Common Ground, London, ON - https://www.commongroundtattoo.com/Collingwood Tattoo Company, Collingwood, ON - https://www.collingwoodtattoocompany.com/Adrenaline Tattoo, Toronto, ON - https://adrenalinestudios.com/KLC Tattoos, London, ON - https://missescline.wixsite.com/klctattoosTattoo People Toronto, Toronto, ON - https://www.instagram.com/tattoopeopletoronto/Dan Kirk (HandsomeDan Tattoos) - https://www.instagram.com/handsomedantattoo/Heather Autumn Tattoos - https://www.instagram.com/heatherautumntattoo/Connor Yearwood Tattoos - https://www.instagram.com/con____artist/

Why is it that when we become adults, we lose our fun factor?We get into our careers, build families and households, But why do we stand in our own way of having fun? Why are we waiting until we are 30, 40, 50+ to have bucket lists? Why is it only summer that gets a list of things to do before the school year starts?In this episode, we encourage you to listen to your inner child, let your freak flag fly and get the tattoo. Do the things that feel silly and dance in the rain. We also talk about the trickle down effect and what happens to us when we take time away to fulfill those inner needs, leaving us more well rounded human beings.

Bubbles, rainbows of colour, stories and laughter are what Salwa brings to a podcast dedicated to her story of navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder with both of her children. We laugh, we cry and we feel big things as we lean in and learn about neurodivergence and the beautiful world of Autism. Salwa is the mom of two incredible human beings, and her goal is to create one moment of joy for them each day. Not every day is perfect, and some are incredibly hard. She talks openly about the process of seeking diagnosis for her children, their approach to school, the various therapies and how they've helped, and how they've created connection with other families who are navigating the same thing. Welcome to Holland - it may not be where you thought you were going, but it's pretty beautiful here.To connect with Salwa, you can read more on her blog! https://puzzlesandrainbows.wordpress.com/

In a very raw and vulnerable chat, Ashley Seeley talks about how a loved ones alcoholism impacted her and her family. From red flags to gaslighting, from fear to entering in legal proceedings to ensure firm boundaries from a place of love. It was not an easy road whatsoever and Ashley talks about how she dealt with it, processed it and where she went to for support. By leaning on supports, Ashley was able to learn what the disease was doing to her loved one, let go of some of the anger she was holding, and is finally feeling like she is on the other side of her court battle. To read more about Ashley and her journey:https://sheisfound.net/If you have a family member struggling with alcoholism, there is help out there.Al-Anon - https://al-anon.org/A Safe Place For Recovery - http://asafeplaceforrecovery.org/Keystone Family Services - https://www.keystonebrucegrey.org/Peggy Birr - https://www.instagram.com/peggybirr/Kelly Thorne - https://www.instagram.com/kellyjanecoaching/Marsha Vanwynsberghe - https://www.marshavanw.com/

After not so much as having a cavity growing up, Lisa was diagnosed with Stage 3 B Hodgkin's Lymphoma  at the age of 16. She underwent a journey that included not having a normal childhood, the optics of being a teenager in a ward of younger children, undergoing biopsies and chemotherapy.Lisa talks openly about her experience at sixteen years old, not being able to process what was happening, the compounded trauma of her cancer experience and how that presents itself now, the rigorous amount of medications, the trauma of finding a vein that would cooperate with receiving chemotherapy. As Lisa says, it was too much for too long a period of time.She also discusses the beautiful moments of healing, the communities of support, and what she's doing now to advocate and support those who are recovering from trauma.Lisa is a Registered Massage Therapist in London, Ontario, a proud advocate for LGBTQ2+ rights and inclusivity, body positive and a trauma informed practitioner who holds space with care and compassion.Resources:Young Adult Cancer Canada - https://www.youngadultcancer.ca/The Body Positive RMT - https://www.lisalanthierrmt.com/First Decents - https://firstdescents.org/On The Tip of the Toes - https://pointedespieds.com/

In a beautiful and funny conversation, Sara Westbrook  (Emotional Resilience Strategist) teaches us that emotions are information and carries home the message that there are no bad emotions (a statement that Shannon lives and breathes by!)It all comes down to modelling, and Sara teaches us in a very beautiful way why it's so important to get connected and listen to one another without seeking first to redirect each other.ValidateSeeRecognizePeople want to know that it's ok to feel how we are feeling without judgment and without being dismissed.To connect with Sara....https://sarawestbrook.com/https://www.instagram.com/iamsarawestbrook/

After pushing for a diagnosis for 6 years and finally being diagnosed with Endo, Katie talks about her experience with chronic pain, pushback in the medical community, her symptoms and what lead her down the road to explore what was happening inside of her body.1 in 10 people with a uterus is diagnosed with Endometriosis - a condition where tissue grows on the outside of the uterus and can potentially attach to other organs. Many people just live with it, and many doctors dismiss it as a bad period, prescribing the birth control pill as a fix-all-option.Lean in to this conversation, learn from Katie's experience and if you're feeling similar symptoms...push the envelope. You are the one living in your body, and you know what your experience is.You can connect with Katie on Instagram:www.instagram.com/spectrumdoulaand her website:www.spectrumdoula.com

From fueling a feeling of emptiness with food via binge eating to raising a daughter without a mother to lean on, we have a very open and emotional conversation with Emilie. What does it look like to raise a daughter after an eating disorder? How do you navigate parenting without traditional support? How does one even go about finding a sperm donor after a series of abusive relationships?A single mom by choiceAn incredibly strong womanA beautiful human being raising a strong and empowered childA voice to listen to and perspective to learn from

What happened when the pandemic started? Mothers and primary caretakers of the world donned their capes and said We'll Just Figure Something Out.We put ourselves last to become chefs, teacher assistants, playmates, problem solvers, emotional therapists, boo-boo doctors, working our regular jobs, getting all of the snacks . Things that we've all done before, but this time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without a break whatsoever. Moms and primary caretakers are burnt out. The easy answer it to take a break - book the time off, speak up for our needs, and stop putting ourselves on the back burner. But, it's complicated. Who's going to get the kids to the bus stop? What if hockey starts up again? What about swimming lessons, karate and trips to the barn? Who's remembering their dentist and doctors appointments, forms for school and extra curriculars?Mom or the primary caretaker.It's a lot and we are tired.

We all know that there are limits on screen time suggested by incredible professionals, but what happens when you're in a pandemic, your kids are in virtual learning and you're on conference calls all day?Tech happens. iPads, air pods, laptops. It's a part of their education, and also a part of their socialization right now as they've been more online than not. Right now, during the pandemic, it's about survival. Whether your kids are in synchronous/asynchronous learning, doing a hybrid of worksheets, or are fully offline - you know what is best for you and your family.

In this mini episode, we wanted to talk about the state of hatred and racism in Canada.215 Indigenous children, buried in a mass grave at a Residential School Site in Kamloops, British Columbia.A beautiful Muslim family of 5, intentionally run down by a white male with his pickup truck in London, Ontario.Shootings at MosquesBeatings on the streetBullying in schoolsDiscrimination and oppression at every turnWhere does it end? How do we raise our children in a world that functions this way with so much hate? How do we walk with our neighbours and friends to ensure they are safe? This isn't a racism problem; this is a white problem.

With this episode, we wanted to do a mental health checkin with you all. The world is heavy out there and communities are suffering incredible losses. Mental health, addictions, isolation, suicide...all casualties of the current situation with the pandemic.With this episode, we want to normalize the stress. The anxiety. The darker thoughts. The sadness. Because we feel it too.If you need help or someone to talk to, here are some mental health crisis resources. You can always reach out to us on the podcast via Instagram or email to ohhey@themorningish.comCanadian Mental Health Association - https://cmha.ca/Kids Help Phone - https://kidshelpphone.ca/Crisis Services Canada - https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/Suicide Prevention Lifeline - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/National Institute for Mental Health - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/

Today we welcome Victoria to the podcast, the beauty and brains behind Fly For a Ginger, and wade into the waters of body positivity and acceptance, the modelling industry, health and wellness. Victoria is a coach for creators, with a view that our quirks make us incredible human beings and we all deserve to have access to options that embrace who we are at the core of our being. We talk about issues related to plus sized modeling, psoriasis, PCOS, affiliate marketing, and how she has cultivated a community based on real, authentic interactions and support. To connect with Victoria, you can find her here!https://www.instagram.com/flyforaginger/https://www.instagram.com/flyforacoach/https://flyforaginger.com/https://flyforacoach.com/

Continuing our conversation about sex and sexuality, we turn to expert Dr. Carlen Costa to discuss orgasms, pleasure, body autonomy, partners and sensuality. We discuss the Orgasm Gap, what it means to look in the mirror and love yourself, and how to embrace your sexuality no matter what stage of life you are in.Carlen is a Clinical Sexologist, Psychotherapist, creator of the Everyday Goddess brand and 1 Million Orgasms Movement. She uses her platform to empower and educate humans about their bodies and sexuality, working with both male and female identifying humans.https://www.carlencosta.com/https://www.instagram.com/carlen.costa/https://www.carlencosta.com/shoptheeverydaygoddess

From chaotic vaginal births to twin cesarean, Rachel and Shannon share openly about the birth stories that made them moms. From complications to hospital stays, healing experiences and compassionate health care professionals - we dig into it all!

Why would someone run, if not from zombies or bears? Well, there's something really amazing that happens when you start doing something you were conditioned to believe that you weren't capable of doing. You start believing in yourself. You change your mindset. You start to see yourself in a different way. So, after doing Insanity...Shannon started running. Then she became mildly obsessed with finish lines and running medals, committing to herself that she would always run her own race, pushing through injuries and listening to her own inner rhythm.

When a messy home puts you in fits of anxiety and the flip side is perfectionism...which can be a trauma response. Where do we learn these habits, or are they even things that are learned? Are the ingrained in us as human beings? How do we slow the cycle of a constant want and need to be perfect?

In this episode, we welcome special guest Daniel Ortega (founder of Pardon My Kindness) and we have a really open chat about emotional support, awareness of self, personal missions of kindness, mental health and how to ask for help. Daniel is a single dad who is on a mission to make his mark on the world by spreading kindness daily and being a real, emotional, human being.Check out Pardon My Kindness at www.pardonmykindness.com and www.instagram.com/pardonmykindness

In this episode, we take a deep (and fired up) dive into the waters of privilege and influencer culture. We discuss how the past year has shone a light on people who are using their seat of privilege for their own personal gain and not for good and how they are hurting their communities more than helping. We also call out the influencer culture and those who have large captivated audiences, who aren't using their platforms to squash systems of oppression or talk about the bigger topics because, let's face it - that skin care collab is only going to go so far with your community.If you have a seat of privilege and a captivated audience, now is the time to stand up, speak up about the things that matter and use your privilege for good instead of gain.

Sexual assault doesn't necessarily mean rape, and there is a lot of misconception to believe that sexual assault is the drunk girl at the party who gets taken advantage of. Society has conditioned us to think very narrowly about sexual assault, but what is often not considered are the so-called-innocent times where our bodies are touched without consent, the times where we are cat-called, the times where lines are crossed, the dress codes that are implemented.It doesn't matter what the intention is, it matters how the act is received by the person being touched. End of story. And if someone comes to you and talks to you about how they have been assaulted, your one job is to believe them.Resources mentioned in this episode:Why I Didn't Report - https://www.instagram.com/whyididntreport/Chase N Duck Customization - https://www.instagram.com/chase_n_duckscustomization/Check out our Instagram Highlights for more sexual assault resources, hotlines and support.

As a sufferer of gut issues, Rachel has become very well versed in doing her research, finding resources and talking openly about her struggles with IBS. In trusting her gut, her second brain, she also knew when something was really off and to investigate it with her health care team....leading to her cancer diagnosis. Whether you struggle with bloating, constipation, indigestion, acid reflux, pain or discomfort...we encourage you to trust your gut!Gut Health resources:Excuse My IBS - https://excusemyibs.com/Love Your Gut - http://loveyourgut.com/help-and-resources/

Today, we welcome special guest Brittney Harrison of the Healing Mom Project. Brittney shares openly about how she have navigated a life of trauma while tackling motherhood and marriage. She also talks about being the daughter of an alcoholic, how that has impacted her life and how she navigates things now in adulthood.The Healing Mom Project - https://thehealingmomproject.com/

A firm believer that emotions give us a lot of information about the stories we carry, Shannon talks openly about emotional awareness and healing. What happens when you have emotions in a society that has conditioned you to push them away, put them in a jar, and tuck them on a shelf? You face emotional exhaustion, you dissociate, you become a version of yourself that you likely have never met before. We discuss the importance of approaching your emotions with curiosity, putting the weight down by journaling, and how to reclaim yourself from emotional suppression. We also talk about how our emotions give us information, and maybe have a few a-ha moments in this very vulnerable conversation.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - defined as a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Today, we dig deep into our own experiences with PTSD and C-PTSD (complex) - the reasons that landed us with those diagnoses, treatment options and plans, CBT group therapy, acupuncture, the understanding that PTSD is an injury to the brain and so much more. There is life on the other side of your trauma, and you deserve to heal from it.

Using her background in financial services, Rachel talks about all things money related, while Shannon sits in the discomfort of the narratives taught to her about relationships to money. We talk about debt, budgeting, the housing market, credit cards, line of credits...all of the things related to money because it's not how much you make, it's how much you save.

In our guest episode this month, we interview Natasha Cote-Khan - a mom of 6 who reclaimed her life on her own terms. She tells her story of being a child of a child (her mother gave birth to her when she was 14 years old), the experience of not being allowed contact with her father, and what adult relationships looked like with partners and spouses. After years of living on unstable grounds and in a search for stability, she's reached the other side and has shaped her life into something more than she ever expected.

On March 13, 2020 our world's changed here in Ontario - our kids didn't go back to school until September (and November). The Global Pandemic hit, we were super naïve about it and how long the initial lockdown would last, stress put us into overdrive. Doctors appointments were delayed, kids were doing emergency distance learning, haircuts happened at home, contact tracing in all the places and parenting....learning a new way to show up for our kids. We also discuss what it's like to work from home with all the people up in your grill, the stress for parents who need to arrange childcare if they work out of the home. We talk about it all.