Many of us lately, for a few months now, haven’t been sitting in rush hour traffic and juggling work, errands, carpools and extracurricular activities. Stress levels, aside from the fact we are living through and coming out of a world pandemic, will likely set back in- and maybe we will find we return to the craziness with a new perspective and focus. I know my focus and perspective on life changed a few years ago leaving the world of television behind in search of personal growth and new challenges. My guest today experienced something very similar. Traci Shepheard was enjoying an incredibly successful 20 plus year career in the corporate world. Mingling with celebrities, jetting off to new destinations, travelling, running the show and keeping up with every mover and shaker in her industry. - And then her mission changed, and it really slowed down, down to the point, where breath, a simple breath became her focus. Traci created Meditation Works Mindstream, Canada’s first mobile meditation studio with the mission of sharing the benefits of meditation with Canadians, positively disrupting their day. Traci’s concept gained national exposure when she pulled up to hospital driveways in her iconic Airstream bus during Covid and gave the staff a much-needed reprieve from the craziness inside. You can find more information at https://meditationworks.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For many of us- life is still somewhat on pause and for others things only got busier. However, for many professional athletes- life came to an uncomfortable and scary standstill. Such has been the case for RedBlacks running back Brendan Gillanders. Hand him a hockey stick- and he can shoot, a pair of running shoes and he will spring from the blocks, throw him the football and he’ll run into the endzone- and then celebrate while playing on his guitar- essentially he’s what my friends and I used to call “The Man Of All Seasons”. But- that’s not the reason why Brendan Gillanders is joining us on the podcast- this homegrown talent and former Ottawa U Gee Gee’s player and Kinesiology major, is a fan favourite with the CFL's RedBlack. With a season on hold, a life on hold, Brendan is going back to his roots and his education helping others stay on track with their health and wellness goals and giving young athletes an added advantage for their own uncertain futures. We are talking nutrition, fitness and recovery, staying top of mind, on top of your game even when the finish line is not quite known. Our chat goes far beyond athletes and can resonate with even the couch potato :) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are coming out of a time when those who cared for others became our new heroes- those in the medical profession, from the doctors to the nurses, the long term care home staff, the janitors, chefs, cooks and cleaners. These jobs finally acknowledged and recognized for their real value and putting their own health at risk to care for others.Prior to COVID, this health care worker also came in the form of a caregiver- the reality is however, not all caregiver are given that title- they are family members and close friends often finding themselves in a new role. It's not always the easiest thing to balance- someone elses well being as well as your own.Dawn Renee is the founder of Traveling Caregivers, a pioneer holistic caregiver herself, complimenting her work by integrating herbal medicine, ayuerveda, energy work and emotional guidance. She bridges the gap between balance of life while navigating a multitude of caregiving concerns with health, a holistic lifestyle, administration and advocacy.Over the past decade she has been instrumental in helping individuals reclaim their health and lives on their own terms, in their own way. Dawn joins us from Nashville Tennessee.You can learn more about Dawn and her work at http://travelingcaregivers.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So often I hear from woman who are going through transformation- looking to find themselves, be healthier, engage in more meaningful relationships, remove the limiting beliefs and the roadblocks that seem to turn up at every corner - And even If we are strong, powerful woman, why is it that sometimes we feel disconnected, empty and incomplete.Cherie Burton is a pioneering spiritual psychologist whose evolutionary "STAND SPEAK SHINE" method transforms women into authentically embodied and empowered feminine leaders. As a mother of six, author, international speaker and host of "The Women Seeking Wholeness Podcast" she is passionately driven to guide women to heal, express and create, using the “new feminine leadership paradigm.”I also get, from this intro that it would seem life has been nothing but rainbows and unicorns for this former beauty queen. However, for decades, she battled feelings of shame, insignificance & depression. She comes from a family pedigree riddled with addiction & mental illness. She lost a sister to suicide and lost her own daughter at just 4 days old. Cherie’s journey, life experience, coaching and emotional healing methods is what I hope will inspire you over the course of the podcast. Cheris is based out of Utah. l healing methods is what I hope will inspire you over the course of the podcast. Cheris is based out of Utah.You can find more information at: https://cherieburton.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For months I didn’t spend a cent on gas. I had a tank that seriously lasted me almost four months and my credit card saw very few purchases. I wore the same outfit days at a time, the shampoo and conditioner lasted longer-(I mean I never did my hair) and I rarely ate a meal that wasn’t cooked and prepared in my home. Which brings me to the totally absurd amount I spent on groceries- never had I seen the bills look that way- or the food in the fridge disappear as fast as it came in. All meals were eaten at home, all snacks, late night snacks, bored eating snacks emotional eating snacks, everything…was part of our new normal. I have a family of four- two daughters- I can’t imagine what the grocery bill was like for my friends with teenage sons. So, while much of the stranded at home is behind us- we are still struggling with food- snacks, eating, budgeting, healthy foods, healthy snacks and meal planning through the summer. I've brought in some help to give you some additional resources, tips, tricks and inspiration and she’s even handing over her top 15 healthy Costco snack list.Melanis Reid-Woodcock is a mom of 4, a registered Holistic Nutritionist and the founder of Balanced Plate Nutrition and The Balance Mama Method. Melanie had four kids in 8 years, struggled to bounce back, struggled to find her new sexy, and in time managed to find her ways to optimize her time and the families schedule and routine.It’s possible to achieve your optimal health in a way that fits your current lifestyle and have Simplicity, Vitality & Balance.For more information: https://balancedplatenutrition.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I had heard the name Jana Webb circulating in my cirlces for quite some time- either through the athletic world or the TV world, but we had never actually met or crossed paths. Then in the span of two weeks Jana was a guest on two different virtual events I was hosting and the timing was perfect for have her on as a guest.Some of you may be familiar with her name if you are a fan of The Real Housewives of Toronto or maybe you have heard of JOGA or JOGA House. Jana created JOGA which is yoga for athletes, a popular training tool for professional sports teams and you may have seen her on youtube, entertainment tonight, TEDTalks, on the cover of fitness magazines….and the list goes on.Her success training professional athletes all around the world is amazing and the concept behind JOGA is something I was eager to learn more about- movement and breath. But that's just a sliver of the story- it's her miraculous recovery from a horrible car accident a few years ago that really puts into perspective the power of the body to heal itself, and the power of the mind to be the greatest asset. Jana is still recovering from a broken back in three places and serious concussion symptoms but is living in the present moment and using our authentic voice to do so. There is plenty to learn from her story and inspiring tools and outlooks to bring into your own life. You can find more about Jana on Instagram and twitter under @jogajanaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are three months down of dealing with COVID. Some of you have taken advantage of the isolation and invested in your physical and mental health, using the extra time to get in a workout, a walk or something active. Some of you have had more difficult things to deal with and this just wasn't the time to add more to stress, or something new to the day- either way- you did what was right for you. My mission however, is to keep you inspired to chose a journey towards physical and mental health and its never too late to start. I have brought in a powerhouse to kickstart the conversation- and he’s seen and heard it all working with thousands of clients to overcome their personal hurdles. Selected twice as one of Canada's Top Fitness Trainers, and a National Champion for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, Tommy Europe is one of Canada’s most recognized fitness personalities. He is an "Award Winning Fitness Coach, Grey Cup Champion, Best Selling Author and known as the tough love television host of the “The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp” and “Bulging Brides". Tommy Europe Fitness has grown from one-on-one personal fitness training to include a suite of services, including corporate wellness programs, online training sessions, personal appearances, lead actor training, professional speaking and more. In our conversation we talk about his SHRED philosophy that has nothing to do with "shredding" your body. It brings in all components to our physical and mental well being. You can find more about Tommy at https://www.tommyeurope.tv/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a buzz word we seem to hear often enough and yet it's actually not an accepted medical diagnosis. It is a lay term applied to a collection or a cluster of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, brain fog, nervousness, stress, sleep disturbances, cold hands and feet, digestive problems and the list goes on. Marek Doyle, a British Functional Nutrition Therapist has spent the last 13 years looking through data, patient outcomes and the disconnect between scientific literature, medical standard of care and real life outcomes. This was a personal mission for Marek having to face his own metabolic issues as well. Featured in a number of media publications like Men's Health and the Daily Mail, this Londoner, prior to covid, was a popular attraction at numerous conferences including the Health Optimization Summit in which he spoke about the Adrenal Immune Cycle. We talk about his personalized approach to each individual and how their body thrives or misfires, the mechanisms that link stress, inflammation and energy metabolism, organic acid tests and so much more. For more information about Marek check out http://www.marekdoyle.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keeping our children in mind, I figured this was a great time to bring in Lindsay Sealey. Lindsay is an educator, consultant, mentor and facilitator. She is the author of Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient and Ready and she’s the CEO and founder of Bold New Girls and Brave New Boys. Bold New Girls is a unique teaching and coaching company, merging academic, social and emotional support, while emphasizing empowerment. Right now we are having difficult conversations, cancellations of plans and opportunities, online schooling, endless screen time, limited social interaction, or worse- sexting, the challenges of healthy eating, daily movement and the list goes. Not only are we as parents exhausted- I can only imagine the educators are as well- juggling their own families while being online with ours. We have gone through periods of focus and attention with school work to more recently total agitation and frustration of it as well. Socially we are all adapting- although not necessarily for the better. Lindsay helps us understand what might be happening with their maturing brains. For any of you past these growing pains, well past puberty, or childhood and into your adult years- you might recognize how maybe - had topics or events been handled or discussed differently with your parents – the way you see things or the experiences you had may have been different. Lindsay, considers herself a difference-maker, a social activist intentional about promoting local and global social change joined us from Vancouver. For more: https://www.lindsaysealey.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It started with the acceptance of the grey hairs, then the COVID haircuts became a trend moving to the " At Home" grooming kits, the "Do It Yourself" lash and nail removals and the list goes on. Many of you out there have been pleading for the beauty industry to be considered an essential services- this podcast – I hope – will give you a new sense of beauty from within! Throughout the years, Melody Iafelice and I have spent a lot of time talking on TV about beauty, products, techniques and the ever elusive "Fountain Of Youth". If she wasn’t talking to me, she was on other Canadian broadcast channels chatting about similar topics, working on national campaigns and lending her expertise on The Shopping Channel. She is an incredible makeup artist with her work in a number of high-profile publications, but its what lies underneath the foundation, mascara and eye liner that has clients and companies lining up. Melody explains it best " I am a master at coaxing the confidence out of women, a nerd when it comes to age-defying skincare, and have a passion for teaching women how to feel their best without buying into the latest beauty craze". After 25 years in the makeup and beauty industry Melody shares her daily tips and tricks for both men and women and how we can best care for ourselves during this surreal time in life without the amenities and professional services- and also for many, with limited financial resources. Self care is not selfish- its essential! Enjoy this fun and light-hearted conversation that will have you tossing items from your makeup bag and making different decisions at the drugstore.For more on Melody: http://www.melodyiafelice.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does living longer while feeling better sound to you?Ever heard of "Mammal Longevity Research, Carbon Nano-Materials and Nano Antioxidants? Don't worry- neither had I. I've brought in the mad scientist himself, Chris Burress, the Founder of SES Research and "My Vital C" to help us understand some ground breaking research that is having a huge impact on the health and wellness scene.In 1991 Chris’s company became the first company to deliver carbon nanomaterials, much of it was based on Nobel Prize-winning chemistry and research by NASA, proven to significantly increase the lifespan of mammals. With that being said- The supplement ESS60 was born.We dig deeper into the research, understand the impact of free radicals and learn how the olive oil based C60 is proving to help with sleep, pain, the nervous system, the ageing process and so much more. With his incredible background in sport, engineering, oils and gases and even comedy- Chris is quite the guest. He is also the co-host of The SEO Podcast, the most popular internet marketing podcast on iTunes since 2009.Chris also mentions in the podcast a few free audiobooks- the link is attached to listen with no email required.https://www.myvitalc.com/livingyourlife/Also, a coupon code has been set-up,and you can receive a $15 discount on your first order by using the code: livingyourlifeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the forefront- is Unconditional love- if you’ve ever questioned it, or wondered how deep it goes, you will hear it unfold in it's truest form from my guest Amanda Jette Knox.Some of you may be familiar with her writing from her popular blog "The Maven of Mayhem", an award winning writer she has been featured in "O" The Oprah Magazine, The Globe And Mail, Buzzfeed, US Weekly, The Today Show and many others, but its her best selling book "Love Lives Here; A Story of Thriving In a Transgender Family" that tops all of it.Had you met Amanda out with her family 8 years ago you may have simply recognized a family of five, mother, father and three sons. Fast forward to the present day, living a much happier, authentic life, is Amanda, her wife Zoe, their eldest son Aerik, their daughter Alexis and their youngest son Jackson. Throughtout the podcast I hope to cover the journey from point A to point B- the courage it took to maneuvere the obstacles and come out the other side as LGBQT advocates/ slash activists and proof that loves conquers all.For more information about Amanda https://www.amandajetteknox.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kent MacLeod's “Biology Of The Brain- How Your Gut Microbiome Affects Your Brain” is officially on the market.Kent, the founder and CEO of Nutrichem Compounding Pharmacy and Clinic is an international thought leader and award-winning pharmacist. He has over 35 years of clinical experience delivering patient-centered health care and is globally recognized as a hormone health and nutrition expert. He lectures on the guts microbiome, hormones, mental health, Down Syndrome, pediatrics, pain management, as well as pharmacology. In The Biology of the Brain, Kent breaks down why modern medicine is killing people instead of healing them. Instead of leaving the problem as it stands, he provides clear, actionable steps to not only heal your microbiome, but to restore your brain health and get your life back. And we aren’t talking about a bloated stomach or stomach pains, the microbiome affects every single aspect of our health (from disease, to chronic inflammation and obesity) and especially our mental health (from depression to anxiety, stress management, and sleep disorders.For more information on the book click here. All Disease Starts In The Gut- that’s quote from Hippocrates-the father of medicine…and this is where we are going today…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"If It Doesn't Challenge You , It Won't Change You"The one opportunity many of us have right now is to get outside and go for a walk or a run, even a bike ride and feel the wind, the sun and the fresh air. It really becomes a sense of freedom from the forced qurantine and life within our four walls.Let's Get You Moving: Ian Fraser- President of Run Ottawa and Race Director of Tamarack Race Weekend- the weekend has now gone virtual- but with some amazing new opportunities...We’ve got some great stories about Ian’s athletic journey but also some great insight into how many of you can take the opportunity over the next few months to get out and run- or walk- maybe even run further than you thought, faster than you thought. I love his tips and insight into the activity as well as how to get started- especially if your starting point is the couch. He talks about runnings influence on mental health- despression, anxiety and so much more. This is about becoming a participant, not a competitor and probably what inspired me to head out for my run this past weekend. Its a great story with lots of takeaways- even if you don't plan on lacing up the shoes.Ian Fraser is a former Canadian elite ironman competitor, cyclist, runner, restauranteur, and entrepreneur. Last fall Ian took over as President of Run Ottawa as well as Race Director for the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. For those in the Ottawa area and cylcing community you may be familiar with Cyclelogic-that’s Ian’s baby- although he happily closed the doors this past fall.For more on getting involved: http://www.runottawa.caSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mindfulness, Meditation, Mindfulness Meditation How does one even approach the subject of mindfulness- is there an actual beginning , middle and end? Is everyone’s path or experience the same? What is the outcome we should be expecting?  We’re going through an unprecedented time that's impacting, our life, our health, freedoms, work, finances etc. It’s a profound time of uncertainty, anxiety and a collective fear. It's been a year since I started meditating and I trully believe it is what's helping me stay so grounded during the world pandemic. I am able to come back to the present moment and enjoy its gifts and teachings - something I would have missed a year ago. I really hope you listen with an open mind to this podcast and realize how it can benefit your life, even if just a little. Joining us is Jennifer Innes, The founder of Ottawa Meditation & Wellness- Jennifer is a UMass and UCSD trained mindfulness, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self-Compassion teacher. Jenn, who is actual a former spy (no joke) shares some incredible insight into how our brains really work, the benefits of the practice, the myths, tricks, tips she helps uncover and so much more. We dive into the process of sitting and being with our pain or suffering rather than skimming over it, as well as the more uplifting and joyful side of being more present in our daily lives. There is lots to take from our chat including a meditation at the end. Jenn mentions a number of resources, books, teachers, courses and meditations in our chat which see says can be found on her "resources" page of her website: http://www.omwellness.caSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you trust your intuition? How connected are you with your mind, body, soul?We focus on the subject of energy today- released just in time for the New Moon this Wednesday night. Trust me, I really did need to figure out the timing and release of this one.Energy healing is a holistic practice that activates the body's subtle energy systems to remove blocks. By breaking these energetic blocks, the body's inherent ability to heal itself is stimulated. There are many ways people approach energy healing; acupuncture, reiki, even massage have the energy component to it.The New Moon, is a time for new beginnings and for those tapped into and ready to accept the energy of a new moon; which bring fresh perspectives, improved clarity, a sense of renewal and rebirth. We are going through a major shift in the world right now, pivoting, changing evolving in so many aspects of our life.Jessica Keats is an International energy healer, specializing in awakening who a person trully is and helping remove what's in their way from becoming their true self. Jessica is renowned for healing limiting beliefs, fears and past traumas so her clients improve physically and emotionally while reaching new heights professionally.Its a fun conversation, be open minded and maybe take what you need from this, or simply reflect on the possibility of being in tune with one's every flow- the good and the bad. Jessica by the way is also the President of the Women's Business Network here in Ottawa.For more on Jessica : www.jessicakeats.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the midst of these incredibly challenging times there is a wonderful opportunity for you to return to your own personal health and well being. To reset, adjust and optimize your health- despite certain roadblocks you might think are in front of you- there are solutions. ( Also, no judgement whatsoever, if just getting through the days is an accomplishent- that takes courage too). Peak performance and mindset coach Ben Pakulski is the founder of Ben Pakulski Fitness International, a former Mr. Canada,former Mr. Olympia competitor, professional body builder and Host of The Muscle Intelligence Podcast and it's brands. He has helped a 100 thousand men and woman change their body and their life with his transformation methods. I met Ben when I was hosting CTV Morning Live. He is solid rock, a mountain of a man made of nothing but muscle, with a heart of gold and a mind that will intrigue you. This married father of 3 is not here to “Pump You Up” but rather help you bio hack your life with focus on nutrition, sleep, hormones, mindfuleness, strength and the list goes on. I'm excited for him to give you his perspective on the 6 pillars of health. He is a deep thinker, a spiritual person and you appreciate the work and time he has put into understanding the human mind body connection. He also has some great stories from his own podcast with his world reknown guests and health experts.For more on Ben, his podcast, products and programs check out: www.benpakulski.com or www.muscleintelligencepodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are due for a laugh- a chance to see things a little differently, maybe add a little humour to help us feel alive again. Laughter is great medicine.Canadian talent Gerry Dee is at the mic.This award winning stand up comedian was the star and co-creator of the CBC sitcom Mr. Dee for 8 successful seasons. He is an accomplished writer with a national bestselling book called “Teaching- It's Harder Than It Looks” and the host of family fued Canada. His accolades run deep, from Just For Laughs festivals to the Comedy Network and so much more. This former high school teacher and married father of 3 was on a very successful stand up tour when COVID hit bringing him back home and into isolation. Its really tough to be put on the spot and told to "be funny" ( trust me- its happened to me on so many occasions when I host event- and it takes talent- one that I dont have). Gerry talks about his path into the entertainment industry, parenting, goal setting, courage, roadblocks, teaching, schoolwork, sports, kids and sports and the list goes on. He was so much fun to talk with and I hope you can simply sit back and relax with this one. For more on Gerry's work and his tour: https://gerrydee.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all deal or cope with stress in very different ways…There will be a massive learning curve for the world as we shift our habits and behaviours and create a new normal for the time being. At the beginning of the year, Eliza Kingsford, the author of Brain Powered Weight Loss, joined me on the podcast hitting on peoples relationship with food, nutrition and the psychology of eating…Currently with COVID -19 and the world in quarantine or isolation our obsessions with food and consumption has been at the forefront. The memes, gifs and jokes about how we are overeating, over consuming and binging on food and alcohol. Joking aside, when food is an issue, when food is a trigger, when we stress eat- the underlying issues also come out.So what exactly is happening in our brains and how can we protect our nervous systems right now? For more on Eliza: https://www.elizakingsford.com/ https://www.elizakingsford.com/freebies/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Within hours of it's release Tuesday morning, Rob Imbault's book " Before I Leave You: A Memoir on Suicide, Addiction and Healing" hit #1 on Amazon in a number of categories. Simply amazing...We sat down for the podcast taping a number of weeks ago, before COVID was even on the radar for Rob's first interview EVER about his story. I wanted to time this podcast with the book release. What started as a suicide note- originally meant as a goodbye letter by Rob turned into a book, an apology, therapy and a healing tool to turn things around.This book is a redemption story, an introduction into repressed memory and childhood trauma, a harsh reality of the darker side of Las Vegas- and a reality check of how addicts manage to hide their struggle, their troubles and their illness from colleagues, family and friends.Some of you may be familiar with Rob’s name as he was one of the founding partners for Assent Compliance, helping build a multi, multi million dollar company involved in revolutionizing supply chain data collection and risk management - all while struggling with substance abuse issues.We talk about his healing, his early practices of meditation, a clean lifestyle and diet, yoga, writing and books. Now a married father of two- this story gives you hope, knowledge and an understanding of the internal battle people face and how they find the courage to push through.I also worked with Rob to help prepare him for his media launch and book tour. I am grateful for the new friendship which grew from that. For more on Rob's book: https://geni.us/beforeileaveyouSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.