Podcasts about Northern Ontario

How can schools integrate Social-Emotional Learning, Belonging, Global Citizenship and Creative Expression in one beautiful package? By prioritizing a crucial aspect of schooling: The Arts. And yet The Arts are often relegated to “encore” status, underfunded or even dispensed with duiring budget crunches.For this show, we assembled a talented panel of guests who represented years of experience and an array of artistic disciplines: Film, Theater, Art and Music.David Gran has developed and taught film programs for 20 years  in the U.S., Shanghai, and Chile. He was a co-founder of SAS's Innovation Institute and Nido's Changemakers program, the Shanghai Student Film Festival and the InThinking site for IB Film. David is also a former columnist for School Arts Magazine.Tina Casey is the HS Theater Teacher and the Performing Arts Director at ISKL. She has been working overseas for over 30 years, including 15 years in Malaysia. This year marks Tina's final year at ISKL, after which she will return home with her husband to Northern Ontario for a "nap year" before deciding on next steps.Nick Stonehouse is an art and design educator currently working in HCMC, Vietnam. He has taught in multiple curricula at a range of ages, from Early Childhood to Secondary. At present, Nick is thoroughly enjoying teaching grades 2 and 3 art. Nick is also an avid photographer, artist, art enthusiast, and world traveler.Scott Rogal has taught in Canada, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Currently, he teaches Band at the American School of Bahrain and conducts the Jazz Orchestra of Bahrain, a semi-professional ensemble featuring many of Bahrain's top musicians. He is also an active composer who writes and publishes through ApRo Music in Canada. Our guiding question for the show was “What are some characteristics that describe international school arts programs?”Our panelists shared many insights around implementing an arts program while also sharing specifics about their individual domains of music, theater, film and art. Here are a few of the topics covered: What a standard K-12 arts program from a holistic perspective can look likeUnpacking the components of an arts program including mission/vision, infrastructure, curricular outcomes, etc. Painting the picture of what music, theater, film and art look like in ES, MS and HSThis was a rich discussion with each participant chiming in with their takes while sharing experiences from their careers. We has so many questions that plans are already being made for a follow-up recording!This episode was recorded on March 29, 2025.Categories: The Arts | SEL | Life Skills Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal!Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page.Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

The natural world offers powerful reminders of its force as Northern Ontario faces rising floodwaters that threaten roads, homes, and infrastructure. Pierre Gagnon joins Jerry Ouellette for a captivating conversation about rural resilience across Canada, sharing firsthand accounts of a region underwater and the delicate balance between community safety and water management.Pierre paints a vivid picture of his community west of Timmins, where roads normally protected from flooding now sit six inches underwater. With snow still lingering in forest shadows and a sinkhole already claiming a section of highway, locals worry this flood could rival the devastating 1996 event that completely washed out roads. The Ministry of Natural Resources faces tough decisions—open the dams and flood towns, or close them and submerge lakeside properties. The conversation shifts to Pierre's recent month-long journey to British Columbia's Cortez Island, revealing a fascinating glimpse into another face of rural Canadian life. This coastal community presents striking contrasts: million-dollar vacation homes sit near modest trailers, while residents joke about "shoveling fog off docks." Pierre shares experiences helping his half-brother build a house foundation using massive Pacific Coast timber and repurposed construction materials, demonstrating the resourcefulness that defines life in remote communities.Throughout their discussion, Jerry and Pierre explore evolving rural industries—from automated logging operations that have consolidated forestry jobs to community-based initiatives that could revitalize small northern towns. They also touch on drone technology for woodlot management, garden planning despite challenging weather, and the continued importance of mining exploration with gold prices exceeding $3,000 per ounce.Subscribe now to hear more authentic conversations that capture the spirit, challenges, and unexpected joys of life under the canopy. Leave a review to share how these stories of rural resilience have inspired your connection to nature and community.

In this episode, the guys chat with the one and only Muskie Mama, Linda Rice! Linda is the owner of the Moosehorn Lodge on majestic Lac Seul.  Linda is well known in Northern Ontario for her passion for the sport and for the excellent service that her lodge provides.  In this first part of our discussion, we touch on the following topics:Linda's life on lac SeulOpening Moosehorn Lodge Keys to success for the lodge The majesty of Lac Seul wildlife

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to control thousands of tons of steel, stretching nearly three miles behind you? In this captivating conversation, Willie sits down with Matt Oleski, a train engineer whose decade-long railway career provides a fascinating glimpse into one of North America's most essential yet mysterious professions.Matt shares his journey from construction work to becoming a fully qualified engineer, detailing the rigorous training process and career progression from brakeman to conductor to engineer. You'll discover the astonishing physics behind train operations—like how even empty rail cars weigh 30 tons, and a fully loaded train requires more than a mile to stop. Perhaps most surprising is the confirmation of an old railway warning: "rolling cars don't make noise," as steel wheels on steel rails can move massive weight in near silence.Beyond the technical aspects, this episode explores the profound impact railway careers have on family life. With unpredictable on-call schedules and trips lasting up to 30 hours, Matt credits his wife Shelby's understanding and support as crucial to his success. Their story highlights the delicate balance railway families must maintain and the importance of making time count when at home.The conversation takes fascinating turns through Matt's parallel passions for hunting and fishing in Northern Ontario, including his specialty for turning often-maligned Canadian goose into gourmet delicacies like pastrami and "goose poppers." His enthusiasm for musky fishing reveals how these outdoor pursuits provide necessary mental balance to the high-responsibility demands of railway work.Whether you're curious about trains, outdoor life in Northern Canada, or the human story behind essential infrastructure, this episode delivers authentic insights into a world most people never see. Join us for a journey along the tracks of one engineer's remarkable life and career.

Just in time for Jewish Heritage Month, the team behind the iconic Heritage Minutes—60-second short films about notable Canadians throughout history—is spotlighting Bora Laskin, the first Jewish justice appointed to the country's Supreme Court. Laskin became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court soon after. He served from 1970 until his untimely death from pneumonia in 1984 at the age of 71. The son of Jewish immigrants to Fort William (now Thunder Bay) in Northern Ontario, Laskin was a gold-medal law student in Toronto during the 1930s. With widespread antisemitism in the profession in those days, it was challenging for Laskin to find an articling position, which he ultimately did—with a Jewish firm. Laskin then went on to complete multiple degrees, including from Harvard. After nearly two decades teaching law at the newly founded U of T law school–where the library now bears his name-Laskin was appointed to the provincial court in Ontario, where he developed a reputation as a champion of the labour movement. After former prime minister Pierre Trudeau appointed Laskin to the Supreme Court, Laskin's judgments led to patriating the Canadian Constitution, enshrining the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and equalizing women's marital property rights. This new minute-long short film stars veteran Canadian Jewish actor Victor Garber, who was reportedly eager to take on the role due to his own heritage. It will be broadcast on more than 70 television stations and also online beginning May 7. On today's episode of The CJN Daily, we're joined by Sam Rosenthal, one of the creative team members behind the project, who explains the drive and meaning behind the project. Shelley Laskin, his niece and a Toronto school board trustee, also joins. Related links Watch the Bora Laskin new Heritage Minute by Historica Canada on YouTube beginning May 8. Learn more about Bora Laskin, in The CJN. Read more in The Canadian Encyclopedia. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Andrea Varsany (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Marc Weisblott (editorial director) Music: Dov Beck-Levine Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to The CJN Daily (Not sure how? Click here)

Some of life's greatest lessons emerge from weathering unexpected storms. In this deeply reflective episode, I explore how the literal thunderstorms of Northern Ontario and the metaphorical storms of major life decisions have shaped my journey as a lodge owner.The wilderness demands respect. I share the harrowing midnight experience that taught me this truth—slipping off a boat during a violent storm and nearly falling into churning waters, dangling precariously with just my torso on the dock as lightning illuminated the sky. This near-disaster transformed my approach to guest safety and weather management forever.Weather in the North has its own personality. I recount the memorable expedition with a proper English grandmother who, facing a wall cloud and gale-force winds that turned our 24-foot boat sideways, calmly assessed the situation with unexpected profanity: "Steve, this storm is a fucking doozy." Her composure taught me how grace under pressure reveals true character.But our most significant storms are often internal. I bare my soul about the overwhelming buyer's remorse after purchasing Chaudière Lodge—that moment sitting alone in my truck with an internal voice screaming "what have you done?" as I contemplated the enormous financial commitment I'd made. This emotional tempest eventually led to my greatest growth.Perhaps most poignantly, I share how my biggest regret—failing to purchase a lakefront cottage that later increased 6.5 times in value—ultimately provided the courage needed to take the life-changing risk of buying the lodge. Sometimes our apparent failures are preparing us for greater opportunities ahead.These stories remind us that life's storms, whether literal or metaphorical, don't just test us—they reveal our resilience and often guide us toward experiences we might otherwise miss. What storms have shaped you?

"My biggest personal challenge is that I want to do more than I'm capable of ever doing, being just me. I'm open to so many things." - DinesIn this episode, Dahlia Ishak shares her unconventional creative journey from accidentally discovering graphic design during university to running a food and beverage branding studio. Born to Egyptian parents in Northern Ontario, Dahlia initially pursued sciences before stumbling upon design. Her career took her from advertising in Australia to entrepreneurship when she created a pioneering coworking cafe in Brisbane. After building a vibrant community, circumstances forced her return to Canada where she rebuilt her life through new cafes before pivoting to a branding studio following pandemic challenges. Throughout her journey, Dahlia has balanced design work, hospitality businesses, and teaching at Shillington College, consistently finding ways to connect creativity with community.Key TakeawaysDahlia discovered design accidentally despite always being creative – she hadn't made the connection between her passion for collecting designed objects and actual career possibilities.Using her design skills, she created a brochure that established the first student exchange program between her Canadian design school and an Australian university.After experiencing burnout in advertising, Dahlia found new creative fulfillment in Australia's coffee culture, leading her to open a coworking cafe.Rather than abandoning creativity completely when running hospitality businesses, she maintained connections by hosting creative events and building relationships with local designers.When forced to relocate to Canada, Dahlia used her hospitality business to meet people and build a new network in an unfamiliar city.During the pandemic, she pivoted to helping hospitality businesses survive by offering design services, which eventually evolved into her current branding studio.Throughout all her ventures, Dahlia has consistently taught design at night, finding it energizing rather than draining.Her story demonstrates the value of transferable skills across industries – her hospitality experience directly informs her current focus on food and beverage branding.Dahlia's journey shows how creativity can manifest in different ways beyond traditional design roles – as a facilitator, connector, and community builder.Her biggest challenge remains wanting to do more than is possible, highlighting the entrepreneurial drive that has fueled her many successful pivots. Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

On the Saturday April 26, 2025 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we’ll meet JUNO Award-winning Indigenous artist Crystal Shawanda. Born and raised on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario, Crystal began her career in country music, signing with RCA Nashville. After parting ways with the label, she launched New Sun Records and shifted her focus to the blues. Her highly anticipated new album “Sing Pretty Blues,” blends blues and Southern country soul with Stax, Chess and Motown influences, is available now via her very own label, New Sun Records on all streaming platforms. Then we’ll meet actor, comedian, writer and producer Susan Serrao, who started acting at the age of 35 after raising 4 boys. The Calgary based performer always encouraged her kids to go after whatever they wanted in life. Then one day her kids encouraged her to do the same thing, so she finally went after her dream to be an actor. Since then, she’s kept busy, appearing on shows like :”Frago” and “Homeland,” appearing on stages across Western Canada and elsewhere. She has a YouTube channel called Susan Serrao Sketch ‘N Stuff which is home to her sketch series “got milf?,” her podcast “Completely Off Topic, With Susan Serrao.”

Episode 22 - the Water Crisis in Northern Ontario Indigenous Communities with Sol Mamakwa What - In Canada, there is a water crisis on many Indigenous communities. There are 35 Long-Term Boil Water Advisories in Indigenous communities across Canada, as well, as of March 18, 2025, there were 29 short-term drinking water advisories in place in First Nations communities south of 60, excluding those in the British Columbia region. Join Keepers of the Water as we explore the Water Crisis in Northern Ontario Indigenous Communities with Sol Mamakwa, a Member of Provincial Parliament for the Kiiwetinoong riding in Ontario. Who - In episode 22 we hear from Sol Mamakwa, a Member of Provincial Parliament for the Kiiwetinoong riding and is the Official Opposition Critic for Indigenous and Treaty Relations. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2018 and is the first MPP to be elected for this riding. The Kiiwetinoong riding was created prior to the Ontario election in 2017, and the population is 68 percent Indigenous, making it the only riding in Ontario with a majority Indigenous population. Sol is a Kingfisher Lake First Nation member and a resident of Sioux Lookout. His first language is Oji-Cree, and he strongly advocates for Indigenous language protection, equity in healthcare and education, and treaty rights. Music - 'Phase Shift' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

We sit and chat with Wills of Flylords - specifically about his fly fishing life, his time paddling in Temagami, Ontario, and his most recent project, Music and Fly Fishing.  Wills is a super friendly and fishy fellow. We first met him in Colorado at the Fly Fishing Show, and bonded over our shared love for Northern Ontario.  Music & Fly Fishing is an original video series produced by Flylords, a media outlet dedicated to fly fishing culture. The series explores the intersection of music and fly fishing, featuring musicians who are also passionate anglers. Each episode highlights an artist's connection to fly fishing and how it influences their creativity and lifestyle. WATCH FLYLORDS HOW TO HELP SO FLY: Please go leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS. It really helps our show get out there, which means we get to make MORE episodes.  Thank you to our sponsors: Drift Outfitters Redington Chums Costa Muskoka Brewery Hooké   Podcast Intro Theme Song Music: “Favela Beat“ by Birocratic (www.birocratic.com) The song used in our podcast was licensed via Birocratic License v05.2016. For info on how you can use this music in your project, check out ⁠http://www.birocratic.com/license-app.⁠ To download Birocratic's 60+ song discography, visit http:// birocratic.bandcamp.com. Thanks to all our listeners. 

#jimbairdadventurer #bairdcountrypodcast #outdoors Dave Marrone From Lure of the North Talks Traditional Winter Camping AdventuresIt was great to sit down with Dave Marrone for episode 22 of my podcast. Dave and his wife Kie run Lure of the North through which they lead traditional-style winter camping adventures and offer classes and workshops. They also live off-grid in Northern Ontario in a house they built themselves out of lumber they milled. Dave also sheds light on what it was like while his wife was away participating on the show Alone. Subscribe to Lure of the North's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/lureofthenorthFollow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lureofthenorthLearn more about their trips and sign up through their website here: https://www.youtube.com/c/lureofthenorthPlease subscribe to my channel to catch more podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@UC-mLtGdc8YqRwedQGFOeYMg Follow me on my social media channels for podcast reels and other updates: https://www.instagram.com/jbadventurer/ Check out my Facebook page too: https://www.facebook.com/jbadventurer Chapters: 0:00 Dave Marrone's Ill-Fated Canoe Trip 15:48 Dave Talks about What Lure of the North Does & How he Got into it52:37 Psychology of Getting Along on Long Wilderness Trips - Communism is Key1:15:30 Life on the Trapline - Dave Talks about sustainable trapping and the course on traditional trapping life they offer. 1:25:06 Navigating Partially Frozen Lakes With a Canoe on a Sledge! And Learning to Read Ice Conditions1:48:12 Dave on How to Engaged and Sign Up for a LOTN Trip!Check out my social media channels for trip photos, articles I write, video reels and podcast updates.https://www.instagram.com/jbadventurer/https://www.facebook.com/jbadventurerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jbadventurerCheck out all my podcast episodes through the playlist linked here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdWkde9gml__GpO_JouKEWl1UdckeYDeg&si=w9jDkhiQ6Xj7Gzl8

Part Two: Matthew remembers the snow job of “The Sound of Music.” Also: more on Sophie Scholl, introducing the Edelweiss Pirates, the “adult gaze”, what trusting kids means, notes from Emma Goldman and Janusz Korczak, and excerpts from a poem by Aku Päiviö, father of Jules, who traveled from Northern Ontario to Spain in 1937 to volunteer in the International Brigade. ____ When fascism rises, and some young people are drawn into its orbit, because everyone from Jordan Peterson to Andrew Tate has figured out how to exploit resentment at the failures of capitalism, we have an opportunity to give our kids a lot more than moralistic calls for a return to normalcy, compliance, warnings about screen time, striving to be better students, doing more sports, and not making too much of a ruckus.  The kind of parenting that limits itself to restoring the status quo for younger people in an age of fascism is not engaged parenting.  It's not enough to be a good boy or girl. Antifascism takes more than that. Show Notes Op-ed: Try again, President Kumar: Renewing calls for Tufts to adopt March 4 TCU Senate resolutions  Death toll since Israel's aggression on Gaza on October 7 rises to 31,819 (March, 2024)  Austerity Has Always Been a Project to Empower Capital at the Expense of Workers  It's Not Them; It's Us: Thoughts on the Show Adolescence Adolescence is a really well made depiction of misogyny that fails to critique it | by Mallory Moore | Mar, 2025 Netflix's ‘Adolescence' Taps Into the Latest Moral Panic    Jonathan Haidt's Claims On Kids & Tech Crumble Under Scrutiny From Top Expert, Candice Odgers | Techdirt  UK government's own estimate says welfare cuts to push 250,000 into poverty | Reuters Labour's cuts to PIP will drag a quarter of a million people into absolute poverty, DWP figures show – Disability News Service 55: Games Against Humanity (w/ Thi Nguyen) — Conspirituality 207: Gaming Realities (w/Thi Nguyen) — Conspirituality   Reminder to the media: Research video games before reporting on them  Out of the Ruins:The Emergence of Radical Informal Learning Spaces Anarchist Education and the Modern School: A Francisco Ferrer Reader  The People's Republic of Neverland: The Child versus the State   Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work Teaching Resistance: Radicals, Revolutionaries, and Cultural Subversives in the Classroom TRUST KIDS! Stories on Youth Autonomy and Confronting Adult Supremacy Refusing Complicity: The Bravery of Sophie Scholl - Radical Tea Towel Sophie Scholl and the youth resistance against the Nazis – DW – 02/22/2023 The majority of news influencers are conservative men, study finds  An Unclaimed Country: The Austrian Image in American Film and the Sociopolitics of The Sound of Music  The politics of The Sound of Music | Peter Levine  Edelweiss Pirate Walter Mayer The Edelweiss Pirates: A Story of Freedom, Love and Life Walter Meyer describes his 1943 trial for looting, and the impact of his role in the Edelweiss Pirates on the sentence he received | Holocaust Encyclopedia The Edelweiss Pirates The Child and Its Enemies | The Anarchist Library —Emma Goldman DECLARATION OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS—Janusz Korczak  The King of Children: A Biography of Janusz Korczak - Betty Jean Lifton Sophie Scholl – The Final Days Remember the Mac-Paps - rabble.ca  The Canadians In The Spanish Civil War  'Gentleman Jules' lived for just causes | Sudbury Star  Poetry – Friends and Veterans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Saturday April 26, 2025 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we'll  meet JUNO Award-winning Indigenous artist Crystal Shawanda. Born and raised on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario, Crystal began her career in country music, signing with RCA Nashville. After parting ways with the label, she launched New Sun Records and shifted her focus to the blues. Her highly anticipated new album “Sing Pretty Blues,” blends blues and Southern country soul with Stax, Chess and Motown influences, is available now via her very own label, New Sun Records on all streaming platforms. Then we'll meet actor, comedian, writer and producer Susan Serrao, who started acting at the age of 35 after raising 4 boys. The Calgary based performer always encouraged her kids to go after whatever they wanted in life. Then one day her kids encouraged her to do the same thing, so she finally went after her dream to be an actor. Since then, she's kept busy, appearing on shows like ”Fargo” and “Homeland,” appearing on stages across Western Canada and elsewhere. She has a YouTube channel called Susan Serrao Sketch ‘N Stuff which is home to her sketch series “got milf?,” her podcast “Completely Off Topic, With Susan Serrao.”

Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre joins The Agenda to talk about his city's unique position to help protect Canada against U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. Mayor Lefebvre is in studio to discuss critical minerals, tariffs, Canada's defence expenditure and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you market a brand when the product itself is completely out of your control?This week, Kathryn Dobbs, Chief Marketing Officer of the Columbus Blue Jackets, joins me to share her unique perspective on sports marketing, fan loyalty, and how to create an unforgettable game-day experience—regardless of what's happening on the ice.We dive into the challenges of keeping fans engaged during tough seasons, the role of storytelling in sports, and why optimism is the most important trait a sports marketer can have. We also explore how she transitioned from nonprofit leadership into the world of professional sports and what it takes to lead marketing for a major league team.If you've ever wondered what goes into building fan loyalty or how to market something you don't have full control over, this episode is packed with real-world insights, leadership lessons, and fresh perspectives from one of the best in the business.About KathrynKathryn Dobbs is the senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dobbs leads the club's efforts to grow the Blue Jackets brand, broaden the fan base, and integrate the club's collective marketing initiatives, including branding, promotions, event presentation, broadcasting, communications, community and fan development.Dobbs was promoted to the position in December 2018 after serving as the club's vice president of community development and executive director of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation for three years. In 2017, Dobbs was named to the 40 Under 40 list by Columbus Business First and was recognized again in 2020 as a most admired executive. Prior to joining the Blue Jackets, Dobbs spent more than a dozen years as a senior-level executive with the YMCA organization in multiple locations around the United States. The Northern Ontario native is a graduate of the University of North Georgia and currently lives in suburban Columbus with her daughter, Myah.Connect with Kathrynhttps://x.com/KateDobbs99https://www.instagram.com/katedobbs99/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-dobbs-45179710/Connect with VeronicaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vromney/If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

In this episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with one of her long-time friends, Carly Church, about life as a new mom, and how Carly made her decision to have a child.  Keltie and Carly chat about: Carly's journey from single to meeting her partner, Mike; the experience of becoming a step-mom to Mike's two daughters — and how this relationship influenced Carly's own Kids or Childfree choice; and Carly's decision to become a mom. Carly's decision to freeze her eggs in her mid-30s — and why she's so happy she did.  Her experiences as a step-parent and a first-time mom, including the importance of partner support, and the challenges of navigating relationships with stepkids.  How Carly went from ambivalent about motherhood, to deciding to have a child — including the natural unfolding of her family life. The joys and challenges of motherhood and the impact on her identity and independence, thus far in her journey.  About Carly: Carly Church has a habit of choosing to swim against the tide. Trained as a Professional Engineer and then moving on to work across the globe in the mining industry she has often found herself blazing a trail for women in the industry. A love for travel, both recreational and as part of long-term rotations on mining projects from Botswana to the rather more chilly, Northern Ontario, defined Carly's life in her 20s and 30s. Now a mother to James (0) and step-mother to Martha (11) and Edith (9), Carly is navigating how to balance the needs of her new family with the professional and personal pursuits which have always driven her. As mentioned in the show: Find Carly on Instagram: @cjcharlys __ Join the next round of our Kids or Childfree Group Program: www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

Send us a textThe wilderness of Southern Ontario comes alive through the captivating hunting tales of Iain Anderson, a passionate outdoorsman whose journey didn't begin through family tradition but through personal curiosity and friendship. Unlike many who inherit hunting knowledge through generations, Iain found his calling alongside a childhood buddy, starting with pellet guns and squirrels before tackling bigger game.From his first turkey at age 14 to surviving a spur through the hand during a Northern Ontario adventure, Iain's stories resonate with both newcomers and seasoned hunters alike. His account of watching five wild turkeys attack a decoy before one of them literally left its mark on him will have you wincing and laughing simultaneously. The hospital visit that followed—where multiple doctors kept asking "Did you get him?"—perfectly captures the essence of small-town hunting culture.Perhaps most compelling are Ian's reflections on what he calls "hunting karma." After shooting a buck from under an older landowner as a teenager, he experienced a five-year dry spell that only ended when he refined his approach. This theme of ethical hunting affecting future success runs throughout the conversation, including a parallel story about a hunter who poached turkeys and subsequently couldn't harvest anything for years. These aren't just entertaining anecdotes—they're powerful reminders about respecting both the animals and the unwritten rules of the hunting community.Whether you're fascinated by Eastern turkey tactics, curious about shotgun deer hunting challenges, or simply enjoy authentic stories from the Canadian wilderness, Iain's experiences offer both entertainment and education. Subscribe now to hear more real-life hunting adventures from everyday outdoors enthusiasts who, like Iain, have learned their lessons the hard way.

This week we meet the sound of the Northern Ontario moose at the Brier plus an interview with Brier champ Brad Jacobs of Sault Ste Marie. We hear how local citizens are sharing local news, the city of Elliot Lake feels pressure to buy Canadian, an we hear about a northern Ontario company that is getting houses built in remote First Nations.

Shorter ice seasons make transportation and hunting more difficult. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/ 

Note: "Act 2" will be a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics:*Trivia Night last night...EZ the host and the highlights.*Ez only embarrassed himself once at Trivia night.*EZ welcomes back Kevin in Northern Ontario.*Baseball announcer gets brain bashed in when 108 mph foul ball hits him in the head.*Story about baseball announcer leads to EZ pontificating about the disease, ALS.*Darla dosed EZ and Pooh Bear with anal gland juice.*Trump continues to fuck up the countrySponsors:Grand Rapids Gold, TAG Accounting, Green Medicine Shop, Impact Power Sports, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, The Mario Flores Lakeshore Team of VanDyk Mortgage, Shoreliners Striping, Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV, TC PaintballInterested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-eric-zane-show-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever felt like no matter what you did, you couldn't make any progress? Feeling like things aren't going the right direction? Follow these tips to get things turned around fast!Your host: Justin DiGiulio. Futurist, Sales Psychology Coach, Real Estate Broker, Writer, Runner, and Jack of All Trades.CoHost: James Boswell. Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee Bar Trivia:Heidi Bush has a cottage situated on a well treed lot in Northern Ontario. She enjoys keeping her lot in top condition by fertilizing, pruning, and removing deadwood and broken branches. However, Heidi has a rather strange habit regarding her little forest. Every once in a while she'll chop down a perfectly healthy tree and put it in a large pot. She'lll water the tree and fertilize it et. and a short time later when she grows tired of it, she burns it. Could there be a rational explanation for this seemingly strange behaviour?

Step into the icy realms of Northern Ontario as we share tales of adventure, survival, and reflection in our latest podcast episode. Our journey begins with a heart-pounding story of getting trapped on an ice-covered island, accompanied by children and dogs. As we manoeuvre through thick ice and treacherous conditions, we reveal the lessons learned about ice safety and the thrill of exploration. With extended discussions that weave through personal anecdotes and insights garnered from years of experience, this episode paints a vivid image of life amidst the severe cold.Throughout the conversation, you'll hear lighthearted and serious tales that dive into the community's incredible resilience when facing extreme conditions. We bridge stories about winter's grip on daily routines with the unforgettable moments created when embracing adventure in nature's beauty. Homeowners, adventurers, and anyone who has felt winter's wrath will connect deeply with the stories of mishaps, laughter, and solidarity shared throughout our discussion. As we reflect on the physical and emotional challenges of winter living, we point towards the essence of survival spirit nourished during the cold, urging listeners to cherish every memory made amid the frozen beauty of winter. Embrace the adventure and share a laugh or two with us amidst the tales told—don't forget to tune in for jack-of-all-trades, wisdom from lodge ownership to daring icy escapades, and wonderful lessons along the way. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share it with friends, and let us know your thoughts!Come see us at the Toronto Sportsmen's Show for meet and greets, contests, merch, and an opportunity to be featured in the 40th Anniversary Season of The Fish'n Canada Show!Purchase tickets for the Toronto Sportsmen's Show and get 15% off using our link: https://tickets.mpltd.ca/?event=100069&fishncanada

Pastoring in rural Canada comes with unique challenges and opportunities—navigating leadership transitions, bilingual ministry, and the call to raise up the next generation of leaders. That's why we need pastors who commit to remaining faithful over decades, seeking God's guidance through seasons of change.In this episode we're joined by Claude Lainey, lead pastor of Gospel Mission Church in Winkler, Manitoba, to hear his story of moving from Northern Ontario to Manitoba and the lessons he's learned along the way.In this conversation, Claude shares: How his journey into bilingual ministry shaped his leadership and heart for the Church. The challenges and rewards of pastoring in rural Canada. The role of humility and perseverance in navigating church transitions. Why mentorship and discipleship are more critical than ever for the next generation of pastors.For those leading in small towns or large cities alike, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder to stay faithful to God's calling—no matter where He leads.BiographyClaude Lainey has been the lead pastor of Gospel Mission Church in Winkler, Manitoba, since 2005. Originally from Northern Ontario, he grew up in French Canadian communities before moving to the Pembina Valley, where he quickly grew to love the people and the region. With a passion for discipleship and spiritual renewal, Claude is dedicated to helping others experience God in a real and personal way. His wife, Micheline, serves alongside him as the Pastor of Grow Kids Ministry, and together they are committed to equipping the church and investing in the next generation.We couldn't do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake is happening now!Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guest NotesGospel Mission ChurchShow NotesWebsite⁠⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠Instagram⁠

In this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, Hotels4Truckers.com proprietor Dan Fuller, former driver and independent owner-operator, details completion of a project years in the making. The website and now mobile app as well got its start simply as a cataloging of hotels around the nation where parking a tractor and 53-foot trailer was not only possible but welcomed, provided for by the hotel facilities. Within the last year, users of Hotels4Truckers.com, though, noticed some significant changes, boosting the seamless-experience factor with booking possible now, with discounts, right from the site itself. Functionally, Fuller said, "We're like Hotels.com for the trucking industry now. Tell us where you're looking, you do your dates, and all the hotels come back" with a search, showing the discounted rate available to Hotels4Truckers users and with a built-in parking filter you can use to show only sites where parking's available. The new website soft-launched back last Fall -- legacy users, Fuller added, will need to re-register if they haven't already -- and ever since he's been tweaking the design and adding hotel chains and truck parking-friendly facilities. In total, close to 13,000 rooms are represented within the platform (many with parking) among dozens of hotel brands. In Canada, too, with a very recent update for users up North. That just so happens to be where Dan Fuller lives today -- he came off the road in 2017 after much of his life spent headquartered near Detroit. A second marriage to a Canadian health-industry specialist took up to rural far Northern Ontario, where he's been hard at work building out the new version of his longtime service. I'm willing to bet he's looking forward to warmer climes as he preps for an official launch of the new Hotels4Truckers.com upcoming at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, next month. (You'll find him in the North Lobby near the main registration -- attendees can sign up for the service there for free and with a special gift as part of the bargain. I think it will be worth the visit, I'll say, for now.) In the podcast, Dan Fuller lays out his personal story trucking, likewise the 15 years or so he's spent at work building a network of discounted hotels and with, as noted, verifiable intelligence about whether tractor-trailer parking is available at any site. Find Hotels4Truckers via https://hotels4truckers.com and via iOS and Android app stores. More Overdrive Radio: https://overdriveonline.com/overdrive-radio

Premier Doug Ford cited President Donald Trump's tariff threats as the reason for the early election call. But according to a recent Nanos survey for CTV News, the top concern for Ontarians is health care: 28.1 per cent said that's the issue that will influence how they'll vote. So what kinds of health-care challenges are we facing in the province, and what do the parties propose to do about them? To discuss, we'll be joined by: Dr. Sarah Newbery, a family physician in Marathon and the assistant dean of the Physician Workforce Strategy for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine Erin Ariss, provincial president of the Ontario Nurses'Association Dr. Dominik Nowak, president of the Ontario Medical Association and a family doctor at Women's College Hospital and Dr. Jobin Varughese, president of the Ontario College of Family Physicians and interim assistant dean of primary-care education for the School of Medicine at Toronto Metropolitan University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We took a trip up to Brunswick Lake Lodge in Northern Ontario to chase walleye and pike in some incredible waters. Flying in with Hearst Air, we landed in absolute paradise—crystal-clear water, endless structure, and fish that were more than willing to eat. It was an unreal adventure! We always love hitting up the north of our home province. How can you not? If you haven't explored the NORTH, NORTH of Ontario, you should. There really is nothing like it. Huge thanks to Melanie at Hearst Air for getting us up there safely, David from Very Good Fly Fishing for joining in on the fun, and our good pals Nick Roman and Aidas for making the trip even better. Check out Brunswick Lake Lodge here! And book a flight with Hearst Air here: www.hearstair.com HOW TO HELP SO FLY: Please go leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS. It really helps our show get out there, which means we get to make MORE episodes.  Thank you to our sponsors: Drift Outfitters Redington Chums Costa Muskoka Brewery Hooké   Podcast Intro Theme Song Music: “Favela Beat“ by Birocratic (www.birocratic.com) The song used in our podcast was licensed via Birocratic License v05.2016. For info on how you can use this music in your project, check out ⁠http://www.birocratic.com/license-app.⁠ To download Birocratic's 60+ song discography, visit http:// birocratic.bandcamp.com. Thanks to all our listeners. 

Ontario is rich with untapped mining potential, and PTX Metals Inc. (CSE: PTX | OTCQB: PANXF | Frankfurt: 9PX) is poised to break new ground and unlock its value.In this insightful interview, President, CEO, & Director Greg Ferron highlights the company's recent milestones, solidifying its position as a strong investment opportunity within an all-Ontario portfolio. From securing an additional exploration permit for the W2 project in Northern Ontario to obtaining the Ontario Junior Exploration Program grant, PTX Metals continues to make significant strides.Watch this interview to learn why PTX Metals Inc. is attracting investor attention and how the company plans to drive its success forward!Stay up-to-date on all of PTX Metals' projects by visiting their website: https://ptxmetals.comWatch the full YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/b3XIBiGhsVgAnd follow us to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalOneMedia?sub_confirmation=1

Voters in Ontario will be heading to the polls on February 27. For some, in the north, the trip will certainly be colder - but what else sets their experience apart? What are the ballot issues that could energize people in the region, and are they prepared to send the PCs back to Queen's Park? For insight, we welcome: David Tabachnick, a professor of political science at Nipissing University in North Bay; Wendy Landry, the mayor of Shuniah, a municipality just outside Thunder Bay, and president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association; and Livio Di Matteo, an economist at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us on an unforgettable journey through Northern Ontario's rich tourism heritage as we sit down with David MacLachlan, a key figure in the region's tourism landscape. Discover the fascinating generational tales behind Lodge 88, a legacy of passion and perseverance founded by David's grandfather 88 miles west of Shaplow. Through personal stories and anecdotes, David offers insights into spending summers at the lodge, travelling there by train, and the unforgettable moments that have shaped its storied past.From the adventurous chaos of fishing mishaps at Chaudiere Lodge to the transformative effects of a 19-day water fast, this episode weaves together humour, nostalgia, and personal growth. Hear about the dramatic and often humorous challenges faced at the lodge, including the intricate removal of a muskie hook and a guest's unexpected TV debut. David also shares his personal health journey, exploring the physical and mental trials of fasting, and its impact on type 2 diabetes and hypertension.Explore the seasonal rhythms of managing a lodge and the economic potential of tourism in Northern Ontario. From the tranquillity of fall to strategies for boosting tourism receipts, listen as we discuss the evolving landscape of the region's angling and tourism industry. Learn about the importance of conservation practices amidst climate change and the innovative marketing tactics for Lodge 88. This episode is a celebration of outdoor living, filled with stories and insights into the heart of Ontario's tourism.

We recorded on location in the actual OLD POST at the Old Post Lodge, a fishing lodge in Northern Ontario near Pickle Lake. The lodge is FULL of history and wicked fishing opportunities. It was one of the first inland Hudson's Bay trading posts established in Canada. It sits on an EPIC lake filled with incredible fishing opportunities. It's a very, very cool place, AND was a breeze to get to by charter plane from Southern Ontario. We sat with our host for the week, Michael Del Vecchio, an ex-guide and forever friend of the lodge. Michael took us through the history of the lake and lodge, and we chat all about our fishing during or week up there.    Visit Old Post Lodge yourself. Tell 'em So Fly sent yeah!   HOW TO HELP SO FLY: Please go leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS. It really helps our show get out there, which means we get to make MORE episodes.  Thank you to our sponsors: Drift Outfitters Redington Chums Costa Muskoka Brewery Hooké   Podcast Intro Theme Song Music: “Favela Beat“ by Birocratic (www.birocratic.com) The song used in our podcast was licensed via Birocratic License v05.2016. For info on how you can use this music in your project, check out ⁠http://www.birocratic.com/license-app.⁠ To download Birocratic's 60+ song discography, visit http:// birocratic.bandcamp.com. Thanks to all our listeners. 

Farah Merani Actress known for See, Quantum Leap, Station 19Farah's background and journey to LA @ 0:00Farah shares her background - she is Canadian of East African and Indian origin, grew up in a small town in Northern Ontario, went to university in Toronto, and then moved to London, England for drama school. After being "booted" from the UK, she decided to move to the US, specifically LA, and got a green card just before Trump was elected. Farah discusses the challenges and uncertainties of that decision, but a conversation with a friend encouraged her to stay and invest in her career in the US.Navigating healthcare and social services in the US @ 11:19Farah discusses the significant differences between the healthcare systems in Canada and the US, and how she navigated getting coverage during her pregnancy. She qualified for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, which covered her prenatal care and delivery. Farah emphasizes the importance of being aware of and utilizing available social services and resources, rather than feeling ashamed about needing support.Balancing career, motherhood, and self-care @ 24:47Farah talks about the challenges of balancing her acting career, writing, and other professional pursuits with being a new mom. She emphasizes the importance of carving out time for herself, having a supportive partner, and utilizing childcare help when needed in order to maintain her own well-being and continue developing her career. Farah also discusses the value of not feeling guilty about asking for and accepting help.Parenting philosophy and approach @ 50:01Farah shares her parenting philosophy, which is grounded in curiosity, trust, and observation of her child's needs and cues. She discusses the importance of open communication with her partner, modeling affection, and creating family rituals like regular mealtimes. Farah also emphasizes the value of her child developing relationships with other caregivers and the benefits of multilingualism.Recap and next steps @ 57:04Emily and Farah wrap up the conversation, expressing gratitude for the discussion.

Kyle Zachary shares his remarkable journey of entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario, balancing multiple ventures in bait trapping, guiding, and barbering. His commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction in each area reflects his passion for the outdoors and dedication to his community.• Introduction of Kyle Zachary and his ventures • Growing up in Dryden and starting in guiding • Success stories from the spring bear hunts • Overview of the bait business dynamics • Challenges of trapping and the fishing industry • Transition to barbering and its impact on his life • Importance of customer relationships across businesses • Unique experiences encountered while trapping • Collaboration with lodges and successful hunt management • Community engagement through his barber shop and outdoor services

With the provincial championships in full swing, Sean catches up with Northern Ontario Curling Association Executive Director Laura Forget. They discuss the role of executive directors for member associations, how provincial championships are put together, and the challenges of streaming provincials. They also chat about some of the financial challenges facing member associations, how the associations work together, and the challenges facing recreational curling in Northern Ontario.You can stream the Northern Ontario provincials here.Sean and Scott are doing play-by-play on Saturday January 26 for the qualifying games at the 2025 Over the Rainbow bonspiel at the Ottawa Curling Club. Streaming starts at noon ET on Saturday and the guys are doing the games at 2:00 and 4:30. Check our socials for links to the stream.For more, visit us at GameofStonesPod.com

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/707  Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, FishHound Expeditions, Four Wheel Campers Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors  In this episode, we are thrilled to have Mitch and Aldo, the dynamic duo behind the renowned So Fly Fishing podcast, one of Canada's top fly fishing shows. Join us as Mitch and Aldo take us on a journey through Southern Ontario's stunning waters and beyond. They'll share captivating stories from their podcast, offering insights into their favorite trips and the incredible guests they've hosted. Whether you're planning your next big adventure or simply dreaming of the perfect fly fishing escape, Mitch and Aldo are here to provide inspiration and expert advice. Episode Chapters with Mitch Duesling and Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli on the So Fly Fishing Podcast 1:28 - I had the pleasure to guest on their podcast in April last year about starting and sustaining a fly fishing podcast. 3:44 - We started our chat by getting into their creative journey in the podcasting space. Mitch reflects on the origins of their project, which began as an idea in 2015 and launched its first episode in January 2016. Mitch notes the rise of the creator culture, observing that even young family members aspire to be creators now. Aldo recalls joining the podcast as a guest on an episode and later becoming a co-host. The team experienced a shift in their production schedule during the Covid lockdown, initially increasing their output to one episode per week due to having more free time. Eventually, they settled into a rhythm of releasing two episodes per month, which they find to be a balanced and sustainable approach. 6:52 - We talk about fishing in Ontario. Mitch and Aldo discuss how Ontario offers a wide range of fishing opportunities due to its large size and diverse ecosystems, from Southern Ontario to the far north. They note that while they have traveled globally, Ontario remains a prime fishing destination for them. Aldo mentions the multi-species fishing opportunities, including smallmouth bass, pike, and musky, particularly in Ottawa. He also remarks on the less populated areas of the province, which offer remote fishing experiences. 9:51 - Aldo shares that time when a listener's invitation led them to Texas for redfishing, highlighting the exciting and memorable experiences that result from this kind of trips. Both Mitch and Aldo emphasize the importance of being open to opportunities and seizing them when they arise. 13:29 - Mitch discusses the shift from audio-only content to video podcasts on YouTube. He notes that more people are engaging with their content on YouTube, likely due to the visual component that video offers. Despite this shift, creating video content presents challenges, such as ensuring guests have the necessary technology to participate visually. 16:00 - We discuss the excitement of having well-known guests on the show, particularly those outside the fly fishing community. They recount a near-success in booking actor Liam Neeson, who declined their invitation but showed interest initially. They dream of featuring other famous personalities, focusing solely on their fishing experiences rather than their celebrity status. 18:39 - I mention our episodes with Yvon Chouinard and Henry Winkler. 19:13 - The hosts discuss their experiences with receiving negative comments or "hate mail" after podcast episodes. Mitch and Aldo acknowledge that early on, they received criticism for swearing too much, which they have since reduced. 21:19 - Aldo and Mitch reveal how they plan and produce their episodes. They rely on a network of sponsors, fly shops, guides, and local connections to secure guests, aiming to maintain a balance between international content and local stories from Ontario. 24:25 - We ask them about their plans for this year. One of the highlights is a trip to Belize in February, where they'll be exploring Ambergris Caye and San Pedro with a mix of DIY adventures and guided tours. Another major milestone for the team is the upcoming 200th episode of their podcast, which they are thrilled about. 26:28 - They share about an annual event called the Southern Ontario Trout Opener Social in April. It serves as a fundraiser aiming to support local river conservation efforts. The event features a cocktail party setup with around 150 attendees, including tying competitions where participants can win a day with a guide. The event has been running for four years and was designed to attract both fishing enthusiasts and non-fishers. 30:25 - Our conversation discusses potential guests and episodes for this year. Aldo expresses a strong interest in having Andy Mill on the show. He admires Andy's work and has been an avid listener of the Mill House podcast, which captures the allure of saltwater fishing. 35:33 - We dig into Aldo's first time travelling to Belize. Mitch also shares his favorite fishing trip so far which was in a river in Northern Ontario because of the available fish species and wild life there. 45:14 - Aldo raises a concern about the potential apprehension of having earlier episodes of their podcast accessible to listeners, particularly if they might not reflect the current quality or style. 46:34 - They share their favorite podcasts. Mitch highlights "Design Matters" with Debbie Millman as his favorite podcast. He praised Debbie's interviewing style, noting her ability to keep conversations engaging and forward-moving. Aldo recommends "Pivot" with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. He explains that the podcast explores the intersection of business, technology, and everyday life. Aldo appreciates the hosts' approach, as they avoid talking down to listeners. 49:22 - Mitch shares the inspiration behind starting a podcast, highlighting his love for radio and conversation. His interest sparked from listening to "The Ricky Gervais Show," which he considers one of the best podcasts due to its humor and engaging content. 51:40 - We ask for the story about the title of their podcast, So Fly. 52:48 - We share a story about our family's recent trip to Anchorage, Alaska with the team of Fishhound Expeditions. We travelled in our amazing pop up camper from Four Wheel Campers. 56:17 - We ask some random questions like their go-to YouTube channel and podcast platform. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/707  

This episode, we are lucky to have Colleen, Margaret, Kirsten and Denise, who are all a part of the Community Rehab Program in Northern Ontario, Canada, share their experiences on the program. Community rehabilitation workers in this program are local Indigenous community members trained in providing rehabilitation to support Elders in their community. We talk … Continue reading "Learning from a Community Rehabilitation Worker Program in Northern Ontario"

The Donoghue Girl (Latitude 46, 2024) is heart-wrenching historical fiction from beloved Canadian author, Kim Fahner. .With her incomparable ability to create immersive worlds, Fahner tells the story of an Irish Catholic family in a Northern Ontario mining town almost a hundred years ago. Willful, headstrong Lizzie is our relatable protagonist and we follow her through an uncertain courtship, a difficult pregnancy, an absent husband, and family expectations that threaten to undo her. The result is a riveting tale that transports us back in time, while also encouraging us to examine patriarchal systems and expectations that continue to shape and subjugate the lives of women today. With an unforgettable cast of characters and a gripping take on Canadian history, Fahner has gifted us a complex and moving tale in The Donoghue Girl. More About The Donoghue Girl: Longing for a life bigger than the one she inhabits, Lizzie Donoghue thinks she's found a simple escape route in Michael Power, but soon discovers that she might have been mistaken… The Donoghue Girl is the story of Lizzie Donoghue, the spirited daughter of Irish immigrants who desperately wants to not only escape Creighton—the Northern Ontario mining town where her family runs a general store—but also the oppressive confines of twentieth-century patriarchy. About Kim Fahner: Kim Fahner lives and writes in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. She has published two chapbooks, You Must Imagine the Cold Here (Scrivener, 1997) and Fault Lines and Shatter Cones (Emergency Flash Mob Press, 2023), as well as five full books of poetry, including: braille on water (Penumbra Press, 2001), The Narcoleptic Madonna (Penumbra Press, 2012), Some Other Sky (Black Moss Press, 2017), These Wings (Pedlar Press, 2019), and Emptying the Ocean (Frontenac House, 2022). Kim is the First Vice-Chair of The Writers' Union of Canada (2023-25), a full member of the League of Canadian Poets, and a supporting member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. She was Poet Laureate for the City of Greater Sudbury from 2016-18. About Hollay Ghadery: Hollay Ghadery is an Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, is due out with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is the host of the 105.5 FM Bookclub, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Regional Chair of the League of Canadian Poets and a co-chair of the League's BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The Donoghue Girl (Latitude 46, 2024) is heart-wrenching historical fiction from beloved Canadian author, Kim Fahner. .With her incomparable ability to create immersive worlds, Fahner tells the story of an Irish Catholic family in a Northern Ontario mining town almost a hundred years ago. Willful, headstrong Lizzie is our relatable protagonist and we follow her through an uncertain courtship, a difficult pregnancy, an absent husband, and family expectations that threaten to undo her. The result is a riveting tale that transports us back in time, while also encouraging us to examine patriarchal systems and expectations that continue to shape and subjugate the lives of women today. With an unforgettable cast of characters and a gripping take on Canadian history, Fahner has gifted us a complex and moving tale in The Donoghue Girl. More About The Donoghue Girl: Longing for a life bigger than the one she inhabits, Lizzie Donoghue thinks she's found a simple escape route in Michael Power, but soon discovers that she might have been mistaken… The Donoghue Girl is the story of Lizzie Donoghue, the spirited daughter of Irish immigrants who desperately wants to not only escape Creighton—the Northern Ontario mining town where her family runs a general store—but also the oppressive confines of twentieth-century patriarchy. About Kim Fahner: Kim Fahner lives and writes in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. She has published two chapbooks, You Must Imagine the Cold Here (Scrivener, 1997) and Fault Lines and Shatter Cones (Emergency Flash Mob Press, 2023), as well as five full books of poetry, including: braille on water (Penumbra Press, 2001), The Narcoleptic Madonna (Penumbra Press, 2012), Some Other Sky (Black Moss Press, 2017), These Wings (Pedlar Press, 2019), and Emptying the Ocean (Frontenac House, 2022). Kim is the First Vice-Chair of The Writers' Union of Canada (2023-25), a full member of the League of Canadian Poets, and a supporting member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. She was Poet Laureate for the City of Greater Sudbury from 2016-18. About Hollay Ghadery: Hollay Ghadery is an Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, is due out with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is the host of the 105.5 FM Bookclub, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Regional Chair of the League of Canadian Poets and a co-chair of the League's BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

The Donoghue Girl (Latitude 46, 2024) is heart-wrenching historical fiction from beloved Canadian author, Kim Fahner. .With her incomparable ability to create immersive worlds, Fahner tells the story of an Irish Catholic family in a Northern Ontario mining town almost a hundred years ago. Willful, headstrong Lizzie is our relatable protagonist and we follow her through an uncertain courtship, a difficult pregnancy, an absent husband, and family expectations that threaten to undo her. The result is a riveting tale that transports us back in time, while also encouraging us to examine patriarchal systems and expectations that continue to shape and subjugate the lives of women today. With an unforgettable cast of characters and a gripping take on Canadian history, Fahner has gifted us a complex and moving tale in The Donoghue Girl. More About The Donoghue Girl: Longing for a life bigger than the one she inhabits, Lizzie Donoghue thinks she's found a simple escape route in Michael Power, but soon discovers that she might have been mistaken… The Donoghue Girl is the story of Lizzie Donoghue, the spirited daughter of Irish immigrants who desperately wants to not only escape Creighton—the Northern Ontario mining town where her family runs a general store—but also the oppressive confines of twentieth-century patriarchy. About Kim Fahner: Kim Fahner lives and writes in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. She has published two chapbooks, You Must Imagine the Cold Here (Scrivener, 1997) and Fault Lines and Shatter Cones (Emergency Flash Mob Press, 2023), as well as five full books of poetry, including: braille on water (Penumbra Press, 2001), The Narcoleptic Madonna (Penumbra Press, 2012), Some Other Sky (Black Moss Press, 2017), These Wings (Pedlar Press, 2019), and Emptying the Ocean (Frontenac House, 2022). Kim is the First Vice-Chair of The Writers' Union of Canada (2023-25), a full member of the League of Canadian Poets, and a supporting member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. She was Poet Laureate for the City of Greater Sudbury from 2016-18. About Hollay Ghadery: Hollay Ghadery is an Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, is due out with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is the host of the 105.5 FM Bookclub, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Regional Chair of the League of Canadian Poets and a co-chair of the League's BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/historical-fiction

Research, especially at a high level, can feel like a deeply thankless job. You work alone, face endless struggles, and rarely get recognition. But over the years, I've learned to push through by reflecting on how fortunate I truly am.I come from an immigrant family. My parents didn't finish high school. My grandmother, an orphan, raised her family in the harsh conditions of Northern Ontario just to survive. When I think about this—about the sacrifices that led to where I am—I feel a deep sense of privilege and responsibility to change the world for the better.What keeps me going is knowing that the work I do has meaning. I'm building something—through the R3ciprocity Project—that helps others push forward with their own research. Knowing that I can improve people's lives and support their journey has changed who I am. It's no longer about impressing anyone; it's about leaving something behind that matters.Remembering where I came from gives me pride, purpose, and the drive to keep building. The struggles of research are real, but so is the impact we can make. For me, that's enough to keep going.

Buck Miller is a Canadian cyclist and adventurer known for his extensive experience in road racing and his contributions to fat biking expeditions in Northern Ontario. Professional Cycling Career: Miller began racing in 1995 and advanced to the elite level when he joined Canada's sole professional cycling team, competing across North America, Europe, and Asia. Post-Racing Endeavours: After retiring from professional racing, Miller developed an interest in fat biking on winter roads along James and Hudson Bay. This passion led to organizing expeditions that combined adventure with fundraising for northern communities. Community Involvement: In 2018, Miller co-founded the Huntsville Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) in Huntsville, Ontario. The association manages the trail system at Echo Valley and promotes mountain biking in the region. Recent Activities: In 2024, Miller collaborated with Steve Evans on a unique project to ride rail bikes to James Bay. They designed a rail bike attachment to traverse unused railways through the wilderness, culminating in a 200 km journey from Fraserdale to James Bay. Miller continues to inspire through his adventurous spirit and dedication to promoting cycling and outdoor exploration in Canada. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adventureaudio/support

S24E1 of Live At 605! This week: It the historic 24th season of Live At 605! We're talking about our trip to the Dominican Republic, road trips through Northern Ontario and we make our classic ice cream cake for the SuperBowl. We discuss what went into planning our bathroom renovations, how we felt on NYE and we celebrate our wedding anniversary. Finally, we breakdown the Kendrick Lamar/Drake feud and we ask GPT what it really thinks about Live At 605! Plus, or band of the week will take you to scHool!! All this and more on Live At 605!Follow us on instagram @liveat605 Follow John on twitter & instagram @malloncamp Follow Val on twitter & instagram @valgomez23 Follow us on Tik Tok @liveat605podcastiTunes: http://apple.co/2ztTfQx Spotify: spoti.fi/2t3mKUG Podomatic: http://www.liveat605.podomatic.com Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53123&refid=stpr E-mail: liveat605@gmail.com

On this fashionably late episode of our Spooktober Celebration, we're packing up and moving out to a zombie apocalypse...localized entirely in a small rural Northern Ontario municipality. Rotting Hills is a cast away from the time Nelvana Animation tried to participate in the animated anthology craze that gave us the 2000s television animation boom with it's FunPak. It's a coming-of-age comedy about living among the living dead that is, if we are being generous, not that well thought out. Rotting Hills is created and directed by Glen Wyand. Original airdate Februrary 2005. If you liked what you heard and wish to support the show, please consider subscribing and leaving a nice review on your podcatcher of choice. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CartoonNightPod?s=20 Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cinemacreep Sylvie's Twitter: https://twitter.com/sylvieskeletons Theme song by https://soundcloud.com/hvsyn Logo designed by https://www.rachelsumlin.com

In this episode, Stephanie is talking with Brittany from Holistic Nutrition Britt, in a Part 2 episode about her newly-formed kombucha company Bloom Kombucha Co.   Brittany shares all of the steps she took to go from product idea, to kombucha production, and selling her product locally in stores in Northern Ontario. She also shares all the steps she is currently taking to market her product, including making local community connections, selling at a local market, and approaching local businesses to grow their business and brand.   In today's episode, you'll learn: Marketing strategies Bloom Kombucha Co. are using to grow locally How community connections are helping to grow the business Overcoming obstacles in the first stages of building a product-based business   Links and resources mentioned:   Listen to Part 1 Episode 181   Follow Bloom Kombucha Co. on Instagram   Follow Holistic Britt Nutrition on Instagram

Erdene Resource Development  Reports Strong Drill Results for the Bayan Khundii Gold Project in Mongolia. Seabridge Gold announced today that British Columbian'. government renewed the License of Occupation for the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels at Seabridge's KSM Project until September 27, 2044. Renegade Gold reports results from the second phase of drilling at its Newman Todd Deposit in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. Radius Gold announced that it has signed an option agreement to acquire the Tierra Roja project, an exploration-stage copper target located in Peru's southern coastal porphyry belt. Koryx Copper announced that it has received commitments for CAD$10,000,000 from a a non-brokered private placement for the sale of up to 9.09 million common shares of the Company  at a price of $1.10 per Share.

The Godfathers Of Podcasting are back with another super fun episode!  This week Donnie and Tid are joined by stand up comedian Kyle Lucey.  Kyle is a Canadian who's been making a splash on the scene and is currently on a long European tour.  He's got a very dark brand of humor, and doesn't shy away from sharing difficult even shares a true story about the time his mother wanted to sleep with him! This is a great tale of a kid who made his way out of the trailer parks of Northern Ontario, and is now touring the world.  Check it out!  Send us your feedback by texting 437 375 2000.Please check out our sponsor Black BorkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-godfathers-of-podcasting--4303576/support.

My guest today is Katy Speziale. Katy is from a small town in Northern Ontario and it is her mission to empower people to improve their mindset, creative flow, and environment to reflect who they truly are; so that they can make the impact in the world that they're meant to create. Katy is a self-taught artist and has been painting with acrylics on canvas for over 15 years! Her styles of artwork are abstract/surrealism and some nature-based landscapes! She believes that we are all here for a reason, and when we take the time to discover who we truly are, and what we're here to create, we can genuinely make the world a better place overall. Katy expresses this belief through her award-winning book, The Empowered Creator. Katy also believes that imagination is everything! You deserve to become aware of the beautiful imagination that you have and to know how to utilize it to it's fullest potential, to create your world intentionally! You have the power to create what you desire on your canvas, and in your life! In this episode we discuss art, painting, creativity, mindset, healing and writing.Website - https://www.katyspeziale.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/katyspezialeart/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/katyspezialeart The Book - https://empoweredcreatorbook.com/ In this episode you will learn:1. Ways to deal with creative blocks when they come up.2. What we can learn and experience through creativity.3. How art can serve as a tool for empowerment and social change. "We are all creative, just in different ways, people don't necessarily realize that but think if you think about it There's several different creative outlets.There's like dancing, gardening, baking, cooking, like singing, all sorts of different creative outlets" - 00:05:29"Everyone has this beautiful imagination and really helping people through on how to utilize their imagination in a beneficial way and utilize it to create these beautiful ideas."- 00:38:58"I have so much passion and drive. And even the moments of doubt where it's like, why am I even doing this? This is really hard. It's of course, it's really hard being an entrepreneur." - 00:50:54Are you an author speaker coach or entrepreneur building a brand in today's very crowded marketplace? How do you stand out? Join me on Sept 27th and learn how to empower your message and shine as a guest on podcasts for just $97. Imagine stepping into that interview with clarity and conviction, connecting deeply with listeners who are eager to hear what you have to say. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing you've nailed it, leaving your audience inspired and wanting more. This would position you as an authority to thousands of people in your industry. Let's turn those nerves into excitement and make sure you shine on your podcast appearance. Together, we'll boost your confidence, polish your messaging for impact, and get you ready to deliver an interview that makes people fall in love with your from the first words. Ready to shine on podcasts? Let's do this! Click the link below to register.https://empowerographypodcast.com/empower-your-messageContact Brad:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYouTubeX (Twitter)TikTok#empowerographypodcast #women #womensempowerment #empowherment #entrepreneurship #womeninentrepreneurship #empoweredwomen #embodiment #empowerelevateeducate #findingyourpurpose #podcast #womensupportingwomen #heartcentered #healing #writer #author #writing #selfexpression #creative #art #artist #impact #inspiration #creativity #storytelling #painter #painting #mindset #transformation #creativeblocks #business #socialchange #empowered #beauty #creation #imagination #comfortzones

Jacqueline's symptoms of FSHD muscular dystrophy began at 16 years old. She shares with us today how she manages chronic pain and what that looked like throughout her pregnancy and birth journeys. Jacqueline is also a sexual violence trauma survivor and went through three pregnancy losses. Through her nonprofit organization and as a birth doula, she is a strong advocate for trauma-informed care for all women. Jacqueline shares inspiration and advice throughout the episode for women who also have a history of trauma as well as those who are trying to navigate birth with a neuromuscular condition. Her proactive approach to caring for her body and heart allowed Jacqueline to have a beautiful, empowering, and healing VBAC, especially after enduring so much.  Anesthetic Management for Dystrophy ArticleNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello, Women of Strength. Today's episode is a VBAC episode, but it has an extra topic that is a first for the entire podcast life. In 320-something episodes, we have never talked about this specific topic. The other day on social media, I had a couple of spots so I reached out and I am so grateful for Jacqueline. Are you in Canada? Jacqueline: Yes. Meagan: Yes. She's from Canada and she reached out and was like, “Hey, this is something about my story.” And I was like, “Yes, let's do that because this would be amazing.” One of the things that we are going to be talking about today is FSHD muscular dystrophy. Jacqueline: Dystrophy. Dystrophy. Meagan: Okay, yes. We are going to be talking about that a little bit more and the challenges that you have had to go through with all of this. If you wouldn't mind before we get to the review, will you tell us a little bit more about FSHD and one, what is it? Two, what are the things that we are told because you have it and how you had to birth if you were told?Jacqueline: Yeah, absolutely. FSHD is a form of muscular dystrophy. It's quite rare and it essentially affects the muscles in my shoulders and in my facial muscles as well. For everyone with FSHD, your symptoms present quite differently. Of all of the types of muscular dystrophy, it is one of the more common forms, but in the big scheme of conditions that you can live with, it definitely is still considered to be rare. I was diagnosed in 2018 officially though I had symptoms starting from the age of 16 and I gave birth to my first child when I was 21 years old. I didn't have too many symptoms at that time. Going into my twenties, I started to have more atrophy in my shoulders, my lower back, and sometimes in my feet. My second and third processes were a little bit different, but overall, in terms of pregnancy and birth, my specialist always shared that you're able to carry a baby and you're able to give birth. The atrophy that we experience doesn't necessarily affect that process thankfully, but I've always been someone who is very proactive in terms of minimizing my pain and trying to do different types of therapies to minimize the chronic pain that I live with so I'm very focused on that during pregnancy especially. In my most recent birth which happened 5 weeks ago now, I really focused on making sure that my body was very strong and at its optimal comfort level that I possibly could be while pregnant in order to achieve a successful VBAC. Meagan: Oh my gosh, thank you for sharing and we're definitely going to go in through your journies and I'm sure it's going to come up. We're going to learn more about how you did that, how you made sure your body was at its most comfortable spot that it could be while growing a baby and how it's impacted your life. Thank you for sharing. I do want to share a Review of the Week before we get too far into today's episodes. This is by Rachel Thornton and it says, “Thanks for giving me the confidence to have a VBAC.” It says, “I am so glad I found this amazing podcast when I was newly pregnant with baby number two. After a long and traumatic first birth experience that ended in a C-section, I cautiously hoped that I could have a VBAC. Using this information that I learned from hearing other people's stories on The VBAC Link, I felt confident and prepared for the birth of my son. On October 9, 2020, I had a beautiful, redemptive VBAC and welcomed our boy into the world. Thank you so much for helping me achieve this dream.” Girl, Rachel, you are amazing. Congratulations and thank you for sharing the story of your dream. I am so happy for you that you got your VBAC and as always, if you have opinions about The VBAC Link, please share them. Rate us. Give us a review and let us know what you think and maybe how we're changing your dream as well. Meagan: Okay, Jacqueline. Okay, so you have three babies. Jacqueline: Yes. Meagan: One is 5 weeks old. 5 weeks? Jacqueline: Yes. Meagan: Itty bitty, bitty. Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time 5 weeks postpartum and you could be taking a nap right now and you are here with us sharing your story. I'm going to turn the time over to you and let you share away. Jacqueline: Great. As mentioned, I have three kids but this was actually my 8th pregnancy so I am quite well versed on pregnancy and birth and I am actually a doula myself. I went through the training process after I experienced three consecutive losses when I was trying to get pregnant with my husband. This was back in 2020. With that, I sort of had a new sense of knowledge coming into pregnancy and birth. That was following the birth of my daughter. I had her when I was 21 years old and that process was very different than my other two pregnancies and birth stories. Unfortunately, when I was pregnant with her I was in an abusive relationship. It's a very unique story I guess you can say. I was living abroad at the time so most of my pregnancy care actually took place in Kenya where I was doing work with my nonprofit organization and then I moved back to Canada when I was 6 months pregnant and lived with my family at the time. They really supported me and just came to a level of peace before giving birth and mentally preparing for becoming a parent at a very young age and as a single mom. But going into that birth process, I really did no preparation at all. I found myself during this pregnancy and as I was preparing for the birth of my second son which happened just 5 weeks ago, I really found myself reflecting on my pregnancy and birth experience with my daughter. With her birth, I had no foundational knowledge aside from what I had seen in movies really and because of that, at 39 weeks, I ended up getting induced. It was a very long birth process. I was already in a very traumatized state because of what I was going through at the time and I had my mother and my grandmother there with me when I gave birth but my mother had also gone through inductions because my brother and I stayed locked in there until well over 42 weeks actually for both of my mom's pregnancies. She had never experienced anything different. I didn't think twice about experiencing an induction and to summarize that birth story really, I ended up giving birth vaginally after over 24 hours of laboring. I had a failed epidural which I got just before she was born about an hour and a half prior to her being born and I had no movement throughout the entire process. I quite literally just moved from one side of the bed to the other. I was watching Ugly Betty throughout my entire labor and delivery. That I do remember. It was my comfort show at the time. I largely just wanted the process to be over so that I could be with my baby and there were a lot of things that happened throughout that labor process that I didn't even reflect on as unnecessary interventions again until this pregnancy. Jacqueline: 7 years later, when my husband and I decided that we wanted to start the process of expanding our family, we were really conscious about making sure that I didn't have that same experience. I really opened up to him about how I was just in a state of survival with my daughter's birth and how I didn't want to go through that again. Again, at this time, I also was a doula as well. After we had experienced our losses, it was really important to me to just expand my knowledge and I felt really called to get that training because of the insensitivity that I experienced when I was navigating loss. Coming into the process of now having a rainbow baby and wanting for it to be a really redeeming birth as well, I tried to make sure again that my body was very strong coming into labor. One thing that I think stands out as a person living with a disability with FSHD muscular dystrophy is that often with conditions that are rare, you have providers who when they hear that you have a rare condition, they immediately want to turn you away. Meagan: Yeah, they get scared. Jacqueline: Exactly. I reached out to the midwives' team in my community. At the time we were living in Northern Ontario in Canada which is more rural and remote so we only had one midwife team in our area. When I put in my form stating that I had a form of muscular dystrophy, I was immediately turned away and that was a little bit deterring so I reached out to a friend of mine who was a midwifery student. She encouraged me to just call the practice and explain what my condition actually was and how it did not affect my ability to give birth at all. I was not high risk. In doing that, they changed my status in their system and put me on the waitlist. Within our community, you essentially have to call the midwives at 5-6 weeks pregnant if you want to get in. It's very unfortunate because they provide such incredible trauma-informed care and support, but it's something that is very heavily regulated and they are only allowed a certain amount of clients each month.Because of that, a lot of women who are giving birth don't get to access those services. Fortunately, I received a call about 2 months into my pregnancy that I was now able to be accepted as a patient. I was paired up with an incredible team. I'll give a shoutout to them, Meredith and Sara from Sudbury Community Midwives. They really helped change the way I viewed being pregnant. During my first pregnancy, I absolutely hated the process. I am the first to admit that. I was going through so many hardships on a personal level and I just really felt that I didn't have any sense of control or agency over my body at that time. That really translated into my birth experience as well. They really helped me to navigate through that and really connect with my body and feel empowered through the process. I really loved as well just in general with midwifery care that they allowed me to have the space to ask questions. I never felt rushed and I never felt that because I had a disability that I had to have a certain type of birth where I wasn't in control. I think sometimes for folks who have disabilities, that's often what you are made to feel like has to be the process. Obviously, everyone has a different background, but often that isn't the case. Often, you can still decide what outcomes you will encounter both in your pregnancy and in your birthing experience. Jacqueline: With that, I decided that I wanted to have a home birth. We did everything humanly possible to prepare for that process. I was going to a chiropractor quite regularly. I was seeing a naturopathic doctor. I had gone to my specialist to make sure that my body was ready for birthing and everyone was getting me into the best possible shape I could be in to give birth. The midwives' team were very aligned with what we wanted for our home birth as well.I really wanted my daughter to be a part of that process and again, being my birth following three consecutive losses and the first birth after a baby after having my daughter and not really getting to fully even embrace that first year of her life largely because I was navigating through so much trauma myself after leaving my abuser, I really just thought that would be a meaningful experience for us as well. But my son had other plans. At 39 weeks, I remember it so vividly. I was in the bath and I quite literally watched him flip from head down which he had been for weeks to transverse breech. I thankfully had a midwife appointment the next day and said to them, “I'm fairly certain that my son has turned.”They said, “There is no way. Statistically, this is so unlikely. You are so far along in your pregnancy. Don't stress. I'm sure you are mistaken.” Of course, very quickly, we learned that he had flipped. I think that too really speaks to as someone with a disability you are so in tune with your body. You feel every little change. You are so used to having discomfort and pain on a daily basis. I knew the minute that he had flipped so I advocated for myself in those moments and said, “Can we have an ultrasound to confirm it?” We did. Even in that process, I really made sure that I stayed a part of my birth. I had a strong feeling that I would probably be having a C-section. It wasn't what I planned for, but going into everything, I think my doula training did help in this regard. I was ready for whatever may happen. I had sort of a plan A and a plan B. Plan A obviously was that I would be able to have my home birth if by some miracle he flipped back, but plan B was that I would be involved in the decision-making process for a C-section. I spoke with my midwife team and we found one OB/GYN in my community who was willing to try and do an inversion, so to try and manually move him back into the head-down position. We did a consult at our hospital. This OB/GYN and I actually had a history. He had supported me through two of my losses and was actually part of helping us successfully get pregnant with my son. It was actually very full circle that he would then be a part of my birth. I felt comfortable in his care as well. He knew my history. Part of my story as well is that I am a survivor of sexual violence. That's actually what I do professionally with my work. He knew that a lot of elements of birth are very triggering for me as well so he really wanted to ensure that we would be as minimally invasive and as trauma-informed as possible. Unfortunately, our ultrasound showed that I had a limited amount of fluid. He was still willing to try and do the inversion, but he said, “To be totally transparent with you Jacqueline, this is going to be incredibly traumatic for you. I refuse to do it unless you get an epidural because it's going to hurt and you've gone through so many losses. This is the baby that you've been waiting for. Make an informed decision of what you think would be best for you, but I just want you to know everything going in.” I really appreciated that as well that he spoke to me from a very personable standpoint knowing my background and our history and ultimately, we decided that a C-section would be what was best for us. Jacqueline: Everything went smoothly with the C-section, thank goodness and I welcomed my son in a very powerful way. I still think because I was very involved in the decision-making process, I felt very at peace with the fact that I had to have a C-section. My midwives were still in the OR with us when we were going through that process and they were still with us for the continuation of care and I also had the connection with my OB. He made sure that he really congratulated us in welcoming our son and highlighted that it was really special that he was here now after he had seen our journey. It felt very good, but the recovery was just so incredibly difficult as someone who lives with a neuromuscular condition. I think no one at the hospital was really aware of the fact that I needed a different timeline in terms of when to get up and get moving in comparison to other moms who don't have the condition that I live with. Everything was very rushed. I literally left the hospital 24 hours after having a C-section which is the standard of care where we live. Meagan: 24 hours? I didn't know that. Jacqueline: 24 hours. It's appalling in my opinion. Meagan: Very quickly. Jacqueline: It's something that I don't think should be encouraged, but I returned home and really just wasn't prepared for what was to come. I didn't feel like I had even a full range of mobility for probably 6-8 months. It was just traumatic in that sense that I hear so many people around me sharing that after a few months, they felt that sense of normalcy again and reconnection with their body to some extent. For me, my timeline was just very different. For anyone who is going through the process of giving birth and lives with a condition like a neuromuscular condition or something similar, I think it's important to have in the back of your mind that your timeline will be different and that is okay. If it is possible for you to give birth vaginally or to try and go for a VBAC or try and avoid a C-section if not medically necessary, do everything in your power to try and make that possible because often even the care instructions that I was provided with in postpartum were not aligned with the realities of what I face as a person with a neuromuscular condition.Because it's so underresearched, my OB/GYN for example did not know what kind of recommendations to give me in terms of what to expect and how to prepare myself so I think that's just something to keep in the back of your mind if you are trying to make informed decisions about what to expect if you are someone who lives with a neuromuscular disease. Jacqueline: That being said, when my son was 2, or I guess we actually got pregnant 18 months postpartum so exactly at the time you are recommended to start trying again. This was not something that we necessarily planned for and we did not think it was possible to have another child without planning so we just took that as an unexpected blessing and my pregnancy with my second son went very smoothly. I did notice though with my pregnancy with my first son, I didn't seek chiropractic care and other services like massage as much as I probably should have. I also wasn't as active prior to giving birth as I probably should have been in order to help myself with mobility and also with my postpartum healing. So I was very proactive during this pregnancy. We had just moved from northern Ontario to southern Ontario for my husband's work so we were now about a 5 ½-hour drive from the majority of our family and support system. One of the first things that I did when we moved to the community was find a sort of new care team to help with FSHD– just the regular symptoms, not even pregnancy-connected. I found The Wellness Hub which is located in Hamilton, Ontario for anyone who is in the area. They are a practice that primarily specializes in women's health and so I just felt very at home immediately when I entered their clinic and I found an amazing chiropractor there who supported me from the very beginning of my pregnancy and then when I reached 20 weeks, I decided that I wanted to start going more frequently so I was going for weekly chiro visits. I made sure that I also did massage at least once a month up until 30 weeks and then I was going bi-weekly from 30 weeks onward. I think that's also very important for anyone who is living with a neuromuscular condition or something similar. Prioritize your care and don't put yourself in the back corner preparing for your baby to arrive. Really make sure that you focus on your care and healing as well. So to fast forward a little bit, everything went well with my midwife care team in this community as well and as we neared our 35-week mark, I said, “Hey, we should probably start talking about labor and delivery.” so they were actually quite slow to start having that conversation. I don't even think it came up until 36 weeks for us because I had always gone past 39 weeks. They thought I would have time. They didn't think I would go into labor early. I didn't, but I still thought we should be having those conversations. My husband is a pilot so he's actually gone every 2 weeks and so because I didn't have family close by and because I knew I may potentially not have my husband at home either, I hired a doula team. I also did this during my second pregnancy, well my second birth as well, but unfortunately at that time, it was COVID so we couldn't have doulas in the hospital. But she did support me mostly in preparing my husband for what to expect, but she had a background in kinesiology as well so she also helped prepare my body physically for the birthing process. She had studied with a training called the Body Ready Method. I really wanted to find a doula who had the same training background because I found it very beneficial. I did some research and found a doula team, Leanne and Roseanne, who are in the Hamilton area with Hamilton family doulas and they worked with me from around the 35-week mark as well to get ready for my birth. Largely because I had the knowledge background as a doula myself, they didn't have to go through too much about what to expect in your birth. We largely just discussed the different types of movement I would want to be doing in early labor and also really helped me to prepare for what I had hoped going in would be an unmedicated birth but also talked about the different options that we may have with a really strong focus on having a VBAC. That was my number-one priority even in selecting gmy provider. I really made sure that I called around and fortunately, in my area, every midwife practice I spoke to is very aligned with me having a VBAC. Meagan: Awesome. Jacqueline: Ultimately, the providers I chose, my team, Sara and Emily, were really aligned with making sure that I was very comfortable, that I wouldn't be moved around too much after giving birth. I really emphasized as well that I wanted to try and avoid giving birth on my back because I knew that any additional pressure on my hips and lower back would probably lead to a longer postpartum healing for myself just because of my condition. Everyone seemed very aligned. As we neared closer to 39 weeks, that's when we started to have discussions about induction and things of that nature. One thing that is standard practice where I live is that you would have a consult with an OB and an anesthesiologist from 20 weeks which I thought was crazy. At the time, I said, “I don't want to have an epidural. I don't want to have an OB involved in my birth process at all. I don't want a C-section. I'm not even meeting with these folks because I want to manifest the birth that I want.” So they were a little caught off guard by this. They did try and schedule me again. I believe it was around 30 weeks and I just declined again so being informed about what my options actually were in terms of what I can accept or say, “No thank you” to was very important and for anyone who is going through the process as someone who is living with a disability, I think you really need to make sure you do educate yourself on what you can say no to because you have that extra layer that people can always fall back on to say that you are kind of treading the high-risk zone. You can push back on that politely and say that you are not high-risk. That's why you are here and that you prefer to just stay with your current providers and your current care plan. Meagan: I was going to say too that Julie mentioned this on a previous episode that I loved and is sticking with me too. You can say, “How will my care change if I do this? If I meet with these people or if I have these extra visits?” You can say, “How is this going to change?” If they say, “Oh, it's just to let you know who they are,” then you're like, “I don't care.” Jacqueline: That's essentially what I did in person was saying, “Why do I need to meet with an OB?” They said, “It's standard practice here.” I said, “I really would prefer not to. I am working on a huge project right now with my professional career. I have two other kids. I just don't have the time or capacity to be having meetings with someone who probably won't even be on shift when I give birth anyway. So respectfully, no thank you.” At the 39-week mark, we discussed what would be our next steps if I did go over 41 weeks which in my province is sort of your cutoff time from when you can give birth without induction for a VBAC. So within my community, VBAC anywhere other than a hospital was just not even discussed. Because of my condition, I did agree that I would do a hospital birth. Now, if I ever had another child, I would probably actually want to try for a home birth. But yeah, I went into the process trying to keep an open mind, trying not to be too judgmental going into a hospital environment. I spoke about this a lot with my doula team. I got to hear a little bit about their experiences within this hospital because they had supported clients there to give birth. I had a friend who is a nurse there in the labor and delivery department as well. Ultimately, everyone gave me very positive reviews which put me at ease. I think it's important as well to do a little bit of research about the care team that you select and the hospital that they have privileges in. If the hospital where they have privileges isn't necessarily VBAC friendly, then maybe it's a good idea to get a different care team. That may be something that is very Canadian-specific, but our midwife teams only have privileges in certain hospitals, so you have to make sure that you do that extra little step of research. I also spoke to a lot of moms in a community called Mamaraderie here in Hamilton, Ontario. I hope I'm pronouncing that correctly. A lot of the moms shared very positive VBAC stories. I was actually referred to the podcast several times by moms who I spoke to which was great to hear as well. Yeah, basically from that time forward, the talk was really just how do we ensure that I have a successful VBAC with my midwives? They didn't really speak to me too much from their end about induction. They recommended that I have a consult with an OB at the hospital. I went in and I spoke with a resident. I believe she was a fourth-year resident. To be quite frank, the experience was terrible. She essentially told me that if I needed to be induced, my care with the midwives would end until my baby was born and that they would not be there with me when I was laboring because their care was redundant which I found to be incredibly insulting. Meagan: Yeah. Jacqueline: I was just floored that she would state that. She did emphasize that the decision if I wanted to be induced or I wanted to wait out labor was my decision. She spoke to me about C-section even though I expressed that I did not want it. She said, “Let me just cover my bases and tell you what your options are.” I respect that. It's probably what she was trained to to but it definitely put my guards up because I explained in detail why as a person with FSHD, it is not in my best interest to have a C-section, then when she provided all of my different options, and I was also big on hearing the statistical options if I waited to go into labor naturally or if I was induced in a more controlled environment type of situation what the best outcome would be, I had heard all of these statistics through the podcast but I didn't listen to one specific episode talking about induction yet so after I had a major breakdown after leaving the hospital, I spoke to another friend of mine who is also a doula and she recommended listening to the episodes specifically on induction. That helped a lot more than speaking with the resident to bring some clarity in terms of what the best outcomes will likely be if I were to wait versus if I were to go down the induction route again. I already knew from my birth with my daughter that induction using oxytocin doesn't even really necessarily work very quickly for my body. I wasn't really convinced that it would speed up the process. If anything, I remembered it being a 10 pain from the beginning with very minimal dilation and an incredibly long process. I knew that in my area as well, if I'm birthing in the hospital environment and I'm induced, I need to be monitored 24/7 and that meant that I wouldn't be able to move around. It meant my plan to have early labor in the bath would no longer be an option. It also meant that if I went over the 24-hour mark, I wouldn't even have a choice. They would just tell me that I would need to have a C-section per their policies. I said, “Okay. I'm going to give myself more time.” From 38 weeks, I had been going to chiro again weekly. I'd been doing massage weekly. I started doing acupuncture once a week and I also started doing things like the Miles Circuit and things of that nature to try and induce labor. One thing around the 39-week that started was that I was having contractions that would stop after a certain number of hours. Even if I did movement, I would take baths trying to check if they were Braxton Hicks. I'm still not entirely sure what they were because they felt a little bit stronger than when I had Braxton Hicks but they would just stop. Meagan: Like prodromal labor. Jacqueline: Yes, starting from pretty well the 39-week mark. Then there would be days at a time where I would have nothing. In week 40 I knew, Okay. my deadline is next week. I need to amp this up a bit. My entire care team at The Wellness Hub were all fixated like I was on my having a VBAC. Now at this point, when I would come into my appointments, everyone would be waiting at the door because that would mean I'm going into labor. I felt like I had a very supportive team around me and we started to do acupuncture twice a week during my 40th week. I also was going to chiro twice a week and doing massage as well. I think even in my 40th week, I did massage twice in that week. I took one of their cancellations. Meagan: Yay, good for you. Jacqueline: We did everything humanly possible to try and induce labor naturally. Because I had never experienced a sensation of natural labor, I didn't know what to expect in terms of the sensations. My doulas didn't necessarily describe it or know how to describe it either in terms of what was not labor and what was. We were all just waiting around. Every time I would have contractions start and stop, they would be like, “Okay, maybe it's going to happen but it's probably not because it's been many days of it starting and stopping.” Jacqueline: On March 7th around 1:00 AM, I started to feeling contractions again but much like my doulas, I said, “Oh, I'll sleep through it.” They started to intensity and get more close together, but my first son was a terrible sleeper and so he used to wake up about every half hour to an hour so from a sleep perspective, I'm very used to waking up often. So when my contractions started getting closer together, I didn't really think too much of it. My son came into my room around 2:30 that morning and I realized, “Oh my goodness. My contractions are 5-7 minutes apart at this point for the last hour.” He came into bed with my husband and I tried to stay in bed, but they were just too strong so I went into the bath. I realized I had lost my mucus plug.I got in. I was trying to remain comfortable in the bath. This time, they were just intensifying so I had a feeling that this was early labor. Meagan: Yep. Jacqueline: I remember my daughter came into the room. Initially, I asked her to be my mini doula before I called in my doulas and she saw me in pain and I could tell by the look on her face that she was not going to be my mini doula because she was terrified. She said, “Are you okay?” She stayed with me for some time and eventually, she went back to bed. I stayed in the bath for about an hour just breathing through contractions. I think it was 45 minutes in when I started to time them using an app just to know if I should contact my doulas and say, “Things are starting to happen.” The week prior, I did my first cervical check. I was less than 1 centimeter dilated. I knew my body. I knew that I don't dilate easily. I remembered that from my first birth so I just mentally prepared myself for what could be a long labor. My contractions around 5:00 AM were about 5 minutes apart. I live about a half hour away from my hospital so I knew that I should probably contact my midwives to just let them know that contractions were 5 minutes apart. When I gave them a call, they said to come in around 6:30-7:00 AM unless things really intensified then come in immediately. I woke up my husband. My dad had actually driven down from northern Ontario to come and stay at our home just because I had a feeling. I gave birth on a Friday and on the Wednesday I told him that he should probably come. I just knew that I probably wouldn't even last until the weekend when he anticipated to come. So he came and took my son. Yeah, things just got more and more intense. By the time we got to the hospital, I was breathing through contractions about every 4 minutes. Sometimes they were a little bit closer together so we went up to labor and delivery. We saw our midwife and she told me that I was still 1 centimeter dilated and that it would probably be a long process. She recommended that we come back home which we did. I didn't feel too disappointed at that time because she recommended I return home because she knew that I wanted to have more ability for movement. She knew that would help with my condition and she also knew that I wanted to be able to be in the water. I really appreciated that she had that recommendation. I let my doulas know that that was what was going on. Initially, when we went in, we called one of our doulas to give them a heads-up that we were headed into the hospital. We ended up staying at home for about 2-3 hours where I really tried to move around. I would recommend to anyone who has this type of condition as well that movement really is your best friend.Even though it feels like it won't be comfortable, in your postpartum recovery, you will be grateful that you moved around and didn't stay stagnant in one position. We were only there for about 2.5 hours. My mom had driven down that morning as well and she just watched me trying to get some rest in bed. My contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart at that point. I said, “I don't feel like he's descending so I'm not worried about that,” but she said, “Your contractions are so close together. I'm worried you are going to give birth in this bed at any minute.” I knew that we were not there because I could feel that we weren't there. They were very close together and they were intensifying so we did go back in. From there, things went pretty quickly. Well, it felt pretty quickly but it was not pretty quickly. We got in and I had a replacement midwife so she wasn't someone from my initial care team. My midwife actually was feeling unwell between when I saw her in the morning and when I got into the hospital. But oddly enough, this midwife, Elizabeth, reminded me so much of my mother's best friend. She looked like her physically. She sounded like her so I felt like it was someone close to me even though I had never met her before. She surprisingly recommended the internal monitoring to me several times which I declined and I will say for anyone who has a midwife, often we don't anticipate that anything will be recommended by a midwife that maybe we are not comfortable with, but if that happens and even if you have the best relationship with your provider and you fully trust them, you are still allowed to decline an intervention if it's not medically necessary. Meagan: Yes. Jacqueline: So I did do that very respectfully as well. I was monitored 24/7 throughout my process of being in the hospital. When I initially came in, my son's heart rate was not accelerating at the rate that my midwife thought we should be seeing so with that, she admitted us. Initially, she had just started out with the monitoring and was going to send us back home because I was only 2 centimeters dilated but she decided to keep us there. The OBs that she consulted with when she saw the heart rate acceleration was not where they typically like it to be, they weren't concerned which also put me at ease because they obviously were not providers who were trying to rush me into a C-section. She had explained to them what my background was and how I really wanted to avoid it and they already seemed to be aligned with that. That brought me a lot of ease too. We went through that labor process of again lots of movement. My doula came in. She had me doing as much as she could to help me ease my pain. Around 9:00 PM, I decided that I wanted to get an epidural. Largely to be honest and transparent, it was because I found that cervical checks which are often aligned with a VBAC in our province anyway. You have to have that monitoring. I found it to be very triggering and I felt my body tensing up and becoming less and less open and comfortable every time I had to have one done. I did try and delay them as much as I possibly could, but I also understood why they needed to happen to see how I was progressing because I had been in labor for several days at that point. I had essentially started having the prodromal labor 3 days prior. I knew that my baby was going through that. I was also a little bit more accepting to going outside of what I originally thought my birth plan would be. I was exhausted at this point too so I wanted to try and have a little bit of rest. When the anesthesiologist came in– and this is where I would actually recommend for any folks who have a neuromuscular disease or anyone with a similar condition to do that initial anesthesiologist visit which I initially declined. I regret doing that now because when I did need to get an epidural done, the anesthesiologist had done a lot of research so it took her about an hour just to come and give me my epidural. She explained it was because she was actually researching my condition to make sure that she wouldn't do it incorrectly and make sure that I would actually have a successful epidural. Meagan: If you had done the consult, would someone have already done the research and put that in the notes? Jacqueline: Yes. Yes. She also told me something that I had never heard before as well that within labor and delivery specifically, there is one drug that can be sometimes given for pain management that a person with muscular dystrophy is not supposed to have so she said she wrote in my chart that I was allergic to that type of medication just to ensure I'm never given it. She said that she doesn't anticipate that it would affect someone with my type of muscular dystrophy because my lungs aren't necessarily affected but for some folks who have other forms of muscular dystrophy, it can be fatal. She said just for the future if I ever needed to have any type of sedation that I should try and do a consult earlier. That is a good recommendation that I would have for any folks even if you're thinking you're not going to have an epidural in your birth plan, I would say to still go for that specific appointment just so they can get your health history and have it in your chart, in your notes, get to know you, and make sure that they are advocating for you when you are in the hospital. Part of my recommendation as well would just be to put your pride aside sometimes. I myself thought that I was protecting myself in not going to those appointments and doing the best form of advocacy that I could but I was actually hindering myself to an extent. Meagan: Yeah, but at the same time, they didn't say anything like that. “This is the reason why we would like to meet with you.” Jacqueline: Yeah. I did explain that to my midwife team afterward as well and said, “Please share widely throughout the community because I think for anyone with a neuromuscular condition, we can give birth successfully. We are not high risk, but this element should be noted and you should explain that in this way so that even if a mom is not wanting to have an epidural, in the case of an emergency, she is not given a drug that can be fatal for her.” Meagan: Right, yeah. Jacqueline: So it was that piece of advocacy. After I had the epidural, we had the OB come in for a consultation because I had been laboring near the 24-hour mark at this point. We started talking about the potential of having oxytocin. I wasn't explicitly against any forms of induction because again, I had been laboring for 3 days off and on but I just wanted to try and hold off as long as possible. It was an OB resident who I spoke to. Her name was Dr. Tam. She's fantastic. She just explained why this process would be beneficial to start now. She said she would need to do a cervical check just to see where I was at from my previous check about an hour prior. They said they typically like to see dilation by 1 centimeter each hour when you are a VBAC patient who's admitted. So at one hour prior, I was 4 centimeters and when she checked me, this would be close to 10:30ish, I was a 6. There was progress and I said if I've gone more than 1 centimeter within the last hour, do I even need the oxytocin now? She spoke with her attending who said, “They could hold off,” but if I wanted to prevent myself from having a C-section, it might be a good idea just because I had been in labor for several days. At that point, I understood and we had also seen some heart dips a few times which were easily resolved through movement, but they said, “We really want to support you in not having an emergency C-section and have the VBAC that you're wanting. You decide, but we'll have the conversation again in an hour if you don't want it.” I decided that I was okay with it just to see if things would progress with having one dose of oxytocin. I did express that if after one hour that we didn't see any change that I wanted to be off the drip essentially and just let things progress naturally. They were comfortable with that. We tried it and at that time as well, my doula put me into a certain positioning which I felt to be very beneficial for my progression. That was the flying cowgirl position. Meagan: Yeah, with the peanut ball. Jacqueline: Yes. One of the nurses had recommended a different position, but Leanne stepped in and said, “I think we should put her in this position.” At the time, my midwife was still there. She said, “Yep. I agree. Let's do it.” They got me into that position. I was in that position for about 15 minutes and then I felt an insane urge that I needed to poop. This is kind of a funny story that moms will relate to and probably laugh at but I just kept saying to the nurses and at this time, my midwife said, “It's going to take you a few hours. I'm going to take a rest and come back.” I said bye to her but then I was talking to the nurse and said, “Look. I haven't pooped in a few days. I'm realizing now I need to do that. I have an epidural so I can't go to the bathroom. What do I do?” The nurse just told me, “You don't actually have to go. It'll happen probably when you're pushing. It happens to everyone. Don't worry about it.” I was trying to articulate that no, I have to do it. Meagan: I actually have to. Jacqueline: I'm going to do it on this bed if you don't get something to put under me. She wasn't listening to me and I was just going back and forth with her. My husband later told me that he thought I was loopy from whatever drugs they gave me, but long story short, I cleared space for the baby. My doula supported me in cleaning myself up and the nurses cleared everything away. They were actually surprised because they did not think that I actually had to go but I said, “I know my body even though I don't have 100% of my feeling. I know that I had to do this.” Then from that point, I kid you not. It was maybe 15 minutes later. I was told that I was 10 centimeters. They had gotten me back ito the flying cowgirl position after I cleared out everything and I just felt like I needed to go again. I said, “I feel a lot of pressure.” At this point, actually my epidural had stopped working. I started out feeling some contractions on the left side of my leg which spread and I could feel everything pretty well. I wasn't mad at it because I wanted to be able to feel my contractions when I was pushing anyway so it was kind of the best of both worlds. I had gotten about an hour and a half to rest and let my body regain some energy then I could feel everything again. It ended up being what I wanted. I was telling my doula, feeling this pressure again, feeling like I had to poop, and the nurses got this look on her face like, “Is she crazy and does she have to go again or is this the real deal?”One of them looked and I declined a cervical check again. I said, “I'm sure if it's happening, you'll see a head.” They said, “Okay, we need Dr. Tam to come back in.” She came and she said, “I need to do a cervical check again.” I said, “No. I don't want one.” I was feeling contractions fully at this point. I said, “I'm feeling too much pain. I don't want a cervical exam. I'm not doing it.” She stood there and waited for about 15 minutes and she was like, “I really need to check you because I can see that things are progressing and I think you're in transition.” I just huffed, “Okay, fine.” I let her do a cervical check and she said, “You're 10 centimeters and it's time to start pushing.” I said, “I'm not ready to start pushing.” I did not feel like he was in the position to start pushing yet. They all just sat there. They called my midwife back in. She fortunately was just at her car about to leave. She ran back inside. By the time I felt ready, she was on one side and my doula was on the other side of me. They asked me what position I wanted to be in. I tried with side-lying. My OB was also very supportive of that and I think if you're a person with a disability advocating for the position that you're most comfortable with is very important. The only piece of advice I would have for anyone who planned for an unmedicated birth is to have your plan B if your plan does change in the moment and you decide you want an epidural. That was the one thing and as a doula, I should have known better, that I did not do was prepare other positions that would be aligned with an epidural. I really only in the moment could think of side-lying. When it wasn't as effective as they wanted to see after a few pushes, they recommended, “Okay, let's try on your back.” Because I was just in the zone, I agreed. I had my doula on one side and my midwife on the other side then Dr. Tam was in front of me and my husband came and joined me on the side. I really just focused on my breathing. I initially started out holding his hand. At some point, I let go and hung on to the sides of the bed which gave me some momentum. I found it gave me also that sense of control as well which I found very beneficial as a survivor and also as someone who wanted to feel in control of their birth. I didn't really listen to what anyone was saying in terms of, “Okay, keep pushing. Push, push, push,” or timing things out. I just pushed when I felt like I had the sensation to push and stopped when I felt like I need to take a break. My midwife was telling me when I needed to soften my legs and my doula was on the other side. She was going through deep breathing and I was following her in those deep breaths. I had my eyes closed the entire time and Dr. Tam and her attending came in at some point and was another voice I had never heard before but my eyes were shut. I was just focused. They were all being very encouraging and they shared with me when his head came out. He was much bigger than anyone had told me. I did a scan at 37 weeks and was told that he would be around 6 pounds. He ended up being 8 pounds, 11 ounces so they were a little off, but everyone in those final moments helped really guide me through that process in a very empowering environment and we had very minimal interventions to get him out. He came out all on his own and it was just a beautiful experience getting through that last chapter of my birth. Yeah. We had him placed right on my chest and it was just a very, very empowering, beautiful VBAC which was exactly what I was hoping for. Meagan: Aw, thank you so much for sharing that. Huge congrats. Jacqueline: Thank you. Meagan: Oh my gosh. I'm so glad that you were able to advocate for yourself through that journey too. Through every journey, you were advocating for yourself and even in some moments when you were like, “Okay, I'll do that.” I think that really speaks to sometimes how labor is. You don't have to ever say, “Okay” if you don't want to, but getting the education, feeling comfortable, and sometimes saying no a few times, then maybe later you are okay with it. It's really important to know that your opinion can change as long as it's your opinion that is changing. Jacqueline: Exactly. As long as you come into it from an informed perspective and not being afraid of asking your providers why something needs to be done is very key as well. For someone who is living with a disability, I'd say that when it comes to your birth, envision what you want for your postpartum experience as well and allow your birth to inform that next chapter. In my birth process, I wasn't necessarily thinking, Healthy mom, healthy baby throughout the entire experience. Of course, that's obviously what you want, but I was also thinking, How will this next step influence what my postpartum experience will be like? I think that's very important. Meagan: Yeah, very, very important. How will this answer or next step impact me moving forward? I love that you talked about postpartum specifically too because you have a prolonged postpartum. How was this postpartum? Did you bounce back a little faster? How did it differ? Jacqueline: It was so different. Even far better than I could have imagined for myself. Largely, I think that was due to the chiropractic care that I was receiving, going for the acupuncture, and going for the massage. My body was just so ready to not only give birth but also to support me in my postpartum journey. I did feel the effects of pushing on my back. My pelvis locked up very intensely after but I didn't freak out or panic. I just called my team at The Wellness Hub and explained that I would need a very gentle assessment and they had me in within the first few days of returning home so I would have more mobility and that really helped with my postpartum experience as well was having that mobility back. Build your care team that will not only support you in your pregnancy but also in your postpartum as well. That goes for everyone and not only moms with a disability. Meagan: Yes, absolutely. I really think that when it comes to birth, investing in ourselves and our birth and our postpartum experience can be hard naturally sometimes as moms. We put ourselves last because we are taking care of kids and partners and all of the things, but doing those things like chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, pelvic floor therapy, and all of these things– hiring a doula, hiring a birth team– these are things that may have a cost but really, you deserve it. You deserve it. In the end, are you regretting anything that you did? Jacqueline: No. I was doing all of the things to try and induce my labor which afterward, I thought, I spent all of this money. It took so long. Then I stopped myself from those negative, intrusive thoughts and thought, Do you know what? You got your natural labor that you wanted. You had your VBAC. Your body has quite literally- it took me about one week to start feeling like myself. I had no tearing either. I just felt like all that preparation was not for nothing. I think if you invest in your knowledge and your physical being, it's never a waste. You can't take care of anyone unless you take care of yourself. Meagan: 100%. It always comes back to the airplane analogy for me where they are like, “Hey, you have to put your own oxygen mask on before you take care of other people if the plane is crashing. You really do. You have to invest in yourself and take care of yourself.” Really quickly, I just want everyone to know that I have a PDF that we‘re going to include in the show notes. It's called “Practical Notes for Anesthetic Management for a Dystrophy Patient”. I'm going to put that pdf here in the show notes. If you do have a muscular dystrophy– oh my gosh. Jacqueline: Dystrophy. Meagan: I feel like I'm saying it funny. Dystrophy condition whether it's more severe or less severe or whatever, it might be something that helps you and take that note. If you're going to need an epidural, make sure they know so you can talk over what's okay and what's not okay. I'll have that in the show notes for you. It's a PDF easily readable and it's got all of the stats and studies noted along the way. Okay, thank you so much again for sharing your story. I'm so grateful for you and for reaching out. Congrats again. Jacqueline: Thank you so much for having me. ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Send us a Text Message.Hello, and welcome to our podcast today. We will delve into the intriguing world of grief recovery and human connection. In today's episodes, we will explore a fictional book called Making Up the Gods, which is our guest Marion Agnew's latest book. I believe it was released later last year.Making Up the Gods is a book about three grieving strangers: a widow, a young boy, and a middle-aged alcoholic. The book is set as a novel in Northern Ontario, and it will be interesting to see how the author has woven into the guest's journey as each navigates their grief.This is the first time we're delving into grief in a fictional way, and it'll be interesting to see how the author has navigated it. The novel examines the past that can keep us from living in the future, which we know only too well for many of those on our own grief journeys, and how it's so easy to get caught up in the past.I'm interested to see how the twists and turns of this unfold as they release their fears and hopefully teach us how we can release our own and move forward. So, I'm delighted to speak to our guest, Marion Agnew, from Northern Ontario. I'm quite envious that she has Lake Superior in her backyard.This is Marion's second book. Her first one was Reverberations, A Daughter's Meditation on Alzheimer's. Here's what we talk about:Marion's original intentions for the novel and how it evolved to focus on grief.The journeys of a widow, a young boy, and a middle-aged alcoholic as they navigate grief and find connection.The writing process and inspirations.How did writing the novel help Marion gain a deeper understanding of her own grief?And much more! Connect with Marion Agnew!Website: https://www.marionagnew.com/Reverberations: A Daughter's Meditations on Alzheimer's: https://www.amazon.com/Reverberations-Meditations-Alzheimers-Marion-Agnew-ebook/dp/B07ZWJ2WKDMaking Up the Gods: https://amzn.to/45YjawOYou don't have to grieve alone, as a coach I can help support you. To discover how grief coaching can help you please book a FREE call with me To access your FREE resource 12 Ways to Heal https://www.understandinggrief.comConnect with me: Website: https://www.understandinggrief.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annedebutteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reconnectfromgrief

Gregg Henriques is a professor at James Madison University, author of "A New Unified Theory of Psychology," and a leader in the Unified Psychotherapy Movement, with over 20 years of experience in psychology and psychotherapy, specializing in adult psychopathology.    Pascal Layman is a philosopher based in Northern Ontario, known for his groundbreaking work on the metaphysics of adjacency, the coaxial stages model, and metaprogressive politics.   Bruce Alderman is an accomplished musician, visual artist, and deep meditation practitioner. He is the producer of The Integral Stage podcast and the organizer of the Blue Sky Leadership Program at the California Institute for Integral Studies.    Does the universe hold inherent mystery, or is our scientific understanding merely inadequate?  In this episode of The Cognitive Science Show, John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques are joined by Layman Pascal and Bruce Alderman to reflect on the Transcendent Naturalism series and explore its potential for fostering collective transcendence. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the importance of ethical and relational dimensions in our understanding of the world, the role of art and meaning-making in a meta-modern context, and the layered ontology of nature. Join us to explore this fascinating approach to understanding how transcendent naturalism can shed light on our world and guide us toward a deeper sense of purpose. Gain exclusive access to live Q&A sessions, early video releases, and more by supporting John's innovative work on Patreon.   —   “IPS (Integral Post-Metaphysical Spirituality) wants to leave room for the interplay of transcendence and immanence, but without needing to posit an unthinkable outside to reality. It's in strong accord with transcendent naturalism in this regard." - Bruce Alderman  [08:37]   "John's proposed simple move to arrive at an extended naturalism, getting science to more explicitly accept what it already presupposes, is genius. There's much more that could be said about that, but my simple response is bravo." - Bruce Alderman [08:49]   —   0:00 - Introduction: Series Finale and Overview of Transcendent Naturalism Series 4:00 - Integral Post-Metaphysical Spirituality and its Flexible Nature 14:10 - Influential Theories and Thinkers: Integrating Cognitive Science, Philosophy, and Transcendence 24:20 - Flexible Metaphysics and the Layered Ontology of Transcendent Naturalism 32:50 -  Theology, Art, and Literature: Navigating the AGI and Meaning Crisis 39:20 - Participatory Spiritual Practices and Metaphysical Rituals 45:20 - Strong Transcendence with Preeminent Imminence 53:40 - The Role of Art and Narrative in Transcendent Naturalism 57:00 - Cultivating a Transformative Curriculum: Reimagining Institutional Roles in Spiritual Growth 1:10:20 - Conclusion: Culminating Thoughts and Future Pathways    —   Help advance the pursuit of scientifically rigorous wisdom and make a meaningful impact by joining the Vervaeke Foundation. Learn more at The Vervaeke Foundation   Deepen your virtues and foster authentic connections in life by joining Awaken to Meaning. Start your journey today at Awaken to Meaning   —   If you're interested in learning more about transcendent naturalism, be sure to check out the Cognitive Science Show. Towards a Metapsychology that is true to Transformation w/ Gregg Henriques and Zachary Stein   —   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | X/Twitter  | YouTube | Patreon   Follow Gregg Henriques: Website | X/Twitter | UTOK   Follow Layman Pascal: Substack | X/Twitter | YouTube   Follow Bruce Alderman: LinkedIn | Facebook   —   Thank you for Listening!  

In this episode of the Third Eye Awakening podcast, I'm so excited to welcome Matthew Assiniwe on the show! Matthew is from Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation located on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario, Canada. In this episode, Matthew and I chat about some amazing, spontaneous, and intentional spiritual development experiences he's had over the years. We also chat about: -Matthew's spiritual awakening, healing journey & spiritual growth -facing dark energies -Matthew's relationship with spirituality and higher Self -healing through energy work and Akashic Readings -Anishinaabe culture and traditions to deepen spiritual practices and healing journey … and so much more! GET IN THE COSMIC ORACLE WORLD FREE Weekly Tarot & Akashic Guidance⁠ - Private Podcast