Gail McDonald sits down with Dayna Haig-Conway, Registered BC Clinical Counsellor, Certified K-12 Educator and founder of CAMP Mental Health, to explore the real stories and lived experiences that shaped her work in resilience, motivation, and belonging.

Dayna shares her nonlinear path, from outdoor education to youth care to school counselling, and the earthquake in New Zealand that changed everything. She talks candidly about postpartum struggles, shame, asking for help, and how the thread tying it all together was one core human need: belonging.

Together, Gail and Dayna unpack:

• Why belonging and connection are the foundation of emotional resilience
• How childhood experiences, expectations, and family narratives shape our reactions
• The difference between fixing, helping, and supporting
• What teens, parents, and leaders really need in order to feel motivated
• How to have hard conversations without judgment
• Why modelling emotional intelligence matters more than lecturing
• What inspired the creation of the CAMP (Calm & Connect, Assess Needs, Meaning & Values, Propose Solutions) framework
• How CAMP is helping families, caregivers, educators, and organizations across Canada

Dayna also shares real-life stories—from messy vans to smelly dogs to the “milk in the wrong spot” moment—that reveal how everyday life becomes an opportunity to practice clarity, compassion, and connection.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by expectations, struggled to ask for help, or wondered how to motivate someone you care about, this conversation offers grounding insight and gentle, practical guidance.

Dayna Haig-Conway, MA:

www.campmentalhealth.com

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

Spotify

In the previous episode, we uncovered how invisible scripts—our assumptions—can quietly derail connection. This week, Gail returns to close the loop.

In Part 2 of Assumptions: The Unseen Saboteurs of Connection, Gail goes deeper into how we can notice and neutralize those knee-jerk reactions that keep us stuck. From the “lizard brain” to the 90-second rule, she explores the neuroscience of emotion and the everyday tools that help us respond rather than react.

You’ll learn how to name your inner saboteur, practice impulse control, and build habits that create space for calm and clarity. Along the way, Gail shares practical reflection questions, grounding exercises, and a bit of humor to remind us—progress is possible, even if it takes practice.

If Episode 7 helped you see your assumptions, this one helps you shift them. Tune in to transform awareness into action—and learn how to quiet your “Gloria” before she runs the show.

Shift from reaction to reflection.

Note: In this episode, Gail references the concept of “Positive Intelligence.” The founder of Positive Intelligence is Shirzad Chamine, whom she wishes to acknowledge here.

Books Mentioned:

• My Stroke of Insight by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
• Speak-Up Culture by Stephen Shedletzky
• Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• An Inside Story: A Children's Book for Grown-ups Too! by Chris Hartstein and Leland Brigham

Others Mentioned:

• Seth Godin
• Dr. Gloria Wilcox (creator of The Feelings Wheel)
• Cy Wakeman

A listener shared: “At my mom’s house, visiting meant nonstop talking. At my husband’s, it meant quiet companionship.”

Same moment. Different meanings.

This episode on Blind Spots, Gail unpacks the invisible scripts we carry into relationships—those default settings shaped by family, culture, and experience. What happens when our assumptions clash with someone else’s? For example, how do we stop interpreting silence as rejection or conversation as overwhelm?

Tune in for a powerful exploration of emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and the 90-second rule—a neuroscience-backed tool for navigating reactive moments with grace. For both personal and professional life, this episode offers practical insights to help you decode your defaults and connect with more intention.

Shift from autopilot to awareness.

Books Mentioned:

• The Four Agreements — Don Miguel Ruiz
• What Happened to You? — Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry
• 17 Lies That Are Holding You Back and the Truth That Will Set You Free — Steve Chandler
• Humankind: A Hopeful History — Rutger Bregman
• The Laws of Human Nature — Robert Greene
• A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence — Jeff Hawkins

Authors Mentioned:

• Malcolm Gladwell
• Stephen Shedletzky
• Jefferson Fisher

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Blind Spots, host Gail McDonald sits down with Colin Smith, known as The Listener, to explore what it truly means to listen — not just with our ears, but with our whole being.

Colin, a specialist in listening skills and psychological safety, shares his insights on why hearing and listening are not the same thing, how being fully present can transform relationships, and why learning to “be with” someone is the key to connection in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Through personal stories, simple practices, and reflections from his work with leaders, teams, and individuals, Colin invites us to slow down, put aside distractions, and rediscover the power of attention. Together, they explore:

• The difference between hearing and listening — and why most of us mistake one for the other.
• How listening builds trust and emotional safety in families, partnerships, and teams.
• What children and adults alike teach us about being heard.
• How leaders can shift from transactional to relational cultures.
• The neuroscience and compassion behind “whole-hearted listening.”
• Practical steps to start becoming a better listener today.

If you’ve ever wished to feel more connected, understood, or seen — or to offer that gift to others — this conversation will change how you think about listening forever.

Colin Smith: Listening Skills Specialist and Founder of Listening Matters

dexteritysolutions.co.uk

[email protected]

LinkedIn – Colin D Smith

Referenced works & mentions:

• Time to Think by Nancy Kline
• The Promise That Changes Everything by Nancy Kline
• Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
• Humankind by Rutger Bregman
• Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman
• Friendship Bench initiative
• Joe Berry’s story of peace and reconciliation
• Simon Sinek’s insights on leadership

In this inspiring conversation, host Gail McDonald sits down with Paul Haury, leadership consultant and founder of Heart-Based Leading, to explore one of our greatest blind spots: belonging. Paul shares why loneliness is less a personal condition and more a symptom of disconnection—and how true belonging is a conscious choice, not just a feeling.

Drawing from personal stories, his years as a teacher, and his work with organizations, Paul unpacks how creating cultures of belonging transforms classrooms, workplaces, and even communities. Together, Gail and Paul discuss the neurobiology of connection, why belonging is relational (not transactional), and how leaders can move teams from “fear of” to “fear for.”

Along the way, they highlight examples like San Francisco’s Delancey Street community, Brené Brown’s insights on fitting in vs. belonging, and Rutger Bregman’s Humankind and Moral Ambition.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build stronger teams, healthier organizations, or simply feel more connected in your own life, this episode will leave you with both practical tools and a renewed sense of possibility.

⁠Heart Based Leading⁠ with Paul Haury

Mentions & References

• Rutger Bregman – Humankind & Moral Ambition
• ⁠Delancey Street Foundation⁠ (San Francisco)
• Brené Brown on belonging vs. fitting in

In this episode of Blind Spots, host Gail McDonald welcomes Andy Vargo—professional speaker, author, life-change coach, podcast host, comedian, and the creator of the “Own Your Awkward” movement. Once described as “Red Bull for your heart,” Andy shares his journey of embracing authenticity after navigating divorce, coming out, and starting over at 40.

Together, they explore why owning your quirks builds trust, how vulnerability strengthens relationships, and the power of reframing self-talk. Andy opens up about creating his book Own Your Awkward Thoughts: Master the Art of Reframing the Way You Think, and his concept of being a “lone-preneur.”

With humor and heart, Andy and Gail dive into blind spots around comparison, borrowed dreams, unrealistic expectations, and the relentless inner critic—and why embracing your awkward may be the key to resilience, connection, and growth.

Own Your Awkward

References mentioned:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Fire Your Narrator by Valerie Gordon
• Work by Paul Hari on belonging
• Susan Smith (The Change Zone podcast)

In this deeply moving episode of Blind Spots, host Gail McDonald sits down with her longtime friend, award-winning actress, and career coach Susan Smith for a raw, heartfelt conversation on navigating the “unfathomable” territory of grief after the loss of a child. Both women share their personal journeys—just months apart—of losing their sons, exploring what it means to grieve with resilience, find meaning in absence, and embrace moments of joy without guilt.

Through honest reflection, they discuss the unique and personal nature of grief, the difference between ruminating and reflecting, and the importance of small daily steps toward healing. Together, they offer insights, tools, and resources—from using a “feelings wheel” to noticing daily “glimmers”—that can help others find their own way forward. With tenderness, humor, and deep mutual respect, Gail and Susan show that while there may be no “getting over” grief, there is a way to carry love and loss side by side.

Whether you’re grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is an openhearted reminder: you are not alone, and connection can be a powerful balm.

⁠Susan Sneath - Blue Wind Coaching⁠

References & Resources:

Books:

• Who Dies? by Stephen Jenkinson
• Understanding Your Grief by Alan Wolfelt
• The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor

Episodes:

• ⁠The Change Zone⁠ – ⁠Episode 66: Chris Hartstein⁠ on using toys as tools for nonverbal communication

Organizations:

• ⁠Canadian Mental Health Association⁠

Tools:

• ⁠Feelings Wheel⁠ for grief check-ins

In this powerful Blind Spots episode, host Gail McDonald speaks with Dr. Amy Kirkham, an exercise and cardiovascular health expert, and Dr. Carla Prado, a leading nutrition researcher, about their groundbreaking collaboration at the intersection of cancer recovery, heart health, and lifestyle medicine.

Together, they share why women’s cardiovascular health remains under-researched, how cancer treatments can have long-term impacts on the heart, and why nutrition and exercise must work hand in hand for prevention, recovery, and resilience. They break down the science in accessible, motivating ways—covering everything from the metabolic power of muscle, to the role of protein in recovery, to how small, consistent actions can have life-changing results.

The conversation also highlights their Resilience Study, a national clinical trial combining exercise, nutrition, and mental wellness support for women recovering from endometrial cancer. They discuss the promise of digital health tools, the importance of mentorship in research, and how their collaborative approach is shaping the next generation of healthcare.

This episode is a must-listen for cancer survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone looking to take charge of their health with evidence-based strategies.

About the RESILIENCE Study

(Improving health behaviours for Life after Endometrial Cancer Trial)

• Learn more about in the study website www.resiliencetrial.com
• Interested in joining? Check your eligibility clicking here
• Follow us on social media at @resilience.trial.uofa

Additional Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the research conducted at Dr. Carla Prado’s lab at the University of Alberta by visiting www.drcarlaprado.com.
• Download a free digital version of the High-Protein Cookbook for Cancer. Printed copies are available for the cost of printing only, available on Amazon.
• Watch the educational animated video highlighting The Importance of Nutrition in Prevent and Treat Low Muscle Mass.
• Wondering how much protein you need? Click here to learn how to calculate your needs and get practical tips to increase your protein intake.

Disclaimer

The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your healthcare or nutrition plan.

In this introductory episode of Blind Spots, host Gail McDonald shares the heart behind the podcast and why uncovering our blind spots is so important for personal growth, relationships, and decision-making. Drawing on over 20 years of coaching experience, Gail explains what blind spots are, how they quietly shape our thoughts and behaviors, and why building self-awareness and emotional intelligence matters.

She also shares her own story of becoming a coach, lessons learned from clients, and the challenges of facing the unknown. From perfectionism to fear of failure, the Dunning-Kruger effect to the power of feedback, this episode sets the stage for honest conversations and practical tools to help you see what’s been holding you back.

Whether you’re here to strengthen your relationships, gain clarity in your decisions, or simply learn how to spot the narratives that no longer serve you, this podcast is for you.

blindspotscoaching.ca