Forged Youth | Legacy Within

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In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring story of Brett, a visually impaired entrepreneur, philanthropist, skateboarder, and musician. Brett shares his journey of losing his vision at the age of 16 due to Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and how he found joy, fulfillment, and purpose in the face of adversity.

Join us as Brett recounts his experiences of overcoming challenges in a small hometown where he faced skepticism and struggled with acceptance. He discusses the transformative power of technology in his life, the passion he found in skateboarding, and his plans to launch a clothing line that embodies his playful and expressive spirit.

Throughout the conversation, Brett emphasizes the importance of self-expression, community, and resilience in navigating life's obstacles. He reflects on the significance of sharing personal stories to create connections and inspire others, even in the digital age.

This episode also features thoughtful insights from Josh and Mariel, who engage in a lively discussion about mental health, the role of counseling, and the beauty of finding hope in life's challenges. Tune in to hear Brett's story of growth, positivity, and the power of embracing one's journey.

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In this episode, Mariel, Josh, and Molly dive into their personal journeys toward mental and physical well-being, focusing on self-acceptance, therapy, and learning from past mistakes. They explore the complexities and rewards of multi-generational living, the impact of addiction on personal relationships, and the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in building meaningful connections.

Molly opens up about her experiences with substance abuse, moving back in with her parents, and the positive impact of family support on her mental health. The discussion touches on cultural norms surrounding multi-generational living, with Mariel and Josh weighing in on the importance of these arrangements in fostering close-knit communities.

Mariel shares her enjoyment of cold water plunges and regular river visits for mental and physical well-being. The group also discusses their plans for upcoming boat trips, sharing light-hearted stories about their dogs, which adds a personal touch to the conversation.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Molly and Josh discuss their journeys to self-acceptance and therapy. Molly reflects on her struggles with substance abuse and the significance of therapy in her path to self-awareness. Josh shares his own experiences with shame and the importance of learning from mistakes and taking responsibility for personal growth.

The group highlights the benefits of journaling as a strategy for managing negative thoughts and enhancing mental health. Molly and Mariel share their personal experiences with journaling, emphasizing its effectiveness when practiced in the morning before daily distractions. They also discuss the role of routine and a healthy sleep schedule in maintaining mental well-being.

Molly shares her efforts to help family members struggling with alcohol addiction and the impact of past events on her relationships. The group appreciates her vulnerability and the positive influence of her self-care practices, including attending Alcoholics Anonymous, therapy, fitness activities, and the support of her puppy.

Join Mariel, Josh, and Molly for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about mental health, addiction, personal growth, and the power of vulnerability and authenticity in building connections.

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In this episode, Mariel and Josh welcome Coco, a passionate advocate for men's mental health, business decolonization, and personal growth. The conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion about Coco's clowning experiences and the healing power of play. As the discussion deepens, Coco shares her journey of rediscovering play as a form of healing and the challenges she faces due to Autism-related sensitivities.

The team dives into the concept of decolonization in business, exploring how oppressive systems like patriarchy, white supremacy, and industrialism impact decision-making. Coco introduces her new workshop aimed at helping business owners scale while confronting and releasing internalized colonization, which often results in burnout and loneliness. She emphasizes the importance of making decisions based on one's truth rather than external pressures.

Coco, Josh, and Mariel discuss the authenticity required in non-profit work and the potential outcomes of a decolonized approach to business and finance. Coco highlights the need for individuals, especially people of color and women, to shift their relationship with money to one that is more empowering and mutually beneficial. She stresses the importance of creating a capacity to hold wealth and reducing unnecessary expenses.

The conversation also touches on the significance of certification in the coaching industry, the role of therapy and coaching in personal journeys, and the potential impact of decolonization on the bottom line. Coco shares inspiring examples of how decolonization can lead to increased productivity and decision-making by allowing for periods of rest and bursts of activity.

Coco expresses her desire to lead with courage, empathy, and integrity, criticizing traditional notions of leadership based on fear, power, and dominance. She emphasizes the importance of people skills and the need to connect with others authentically. The discussion highlights the evolution of leadership culture and the importance of empowering people to achieve different and more desirable results.

Mariel, Josh, and Coco explore the role of vulnerability, authenticity, and community in personal and professional growth. Coco shares her experiences with emotional abuse and how it led her to prioritize her well-being and pursue her passions. She underscores the importance of showing up as one's authentic self, shedding layers of oppression and self-doubt, and building a supportive community.

Coco's passion for electronic dance music and her presence on various social media platforms are also discussed. She invites listeners to follow her personal and creative journey, emphasizing self-acceptance, curiosity, and continuous learning. Mariel and Josh praise Coco for her self-awareness and her ability to engage, monetize, and support others through her expression.

Join Mariel, Josh, and Coco for a thought-provoking discussion on decolonization in business, personal growth, and leadership, and discover the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and community in achieving fulfillment.

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In this episode, Mariel and Josh welcome Zan Gallant, a coach specializing in men's mental health and recovery, to discuss the profound transformation and challenges of addiction recovery. Zan shares his personal experiences with running as a tool for mental and physical well-being, emphasizing the discipline, focus, and connection with nature it provides. The conversation explores the significance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and authenticity in the recovery journey.

Zan opens up about his struggle with substance abuse, highlighting the disconnection he felt while under the influence and the emergence of his true self after he stopped using. The group delves into the journey of self-discovery and identity change that occurs in recovery, discussing the discomfort and extreme challenges one faces during personal transformation. They emphasize that embracing these challenges offers growth and fulfillment, and that individuals must navigate hardships with determination and resilience.

Mariel and Zan discuss the concept of being 'anti-fragile'—growing stronger through life's struggles—and the importance of resilience and personal accountability. They stress the power of choice in shaping one's life and the significance of shifting focus from external circumstances to what individuals can control. Zan shares his own experiences, highlighting the value of mentors and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous in navigating recovery.

The episode also touches on the transformative effects of working through structured recovery programs, such as the 12 steps in AA, and the importance of self-awareness and faith in a higher power. Zan discusses his transition from a party lifestyle to one focused on recovery, the impact on his social relationships, and the importance of building a life that one doesn't want to escape from.

Zan and Josh emphasize the individuality of each person's recovery journey, the role of coaches or counselors in guiding individuals, and the prevalence of addiction in society. The conversation highlights the need for non-judgmental spaces for individuals to share their struggles, the transformative power of building relationships, and fostering deep conversations among men. The group agrees on the need for open dialogue to improve mental health and well-being and discusses the universality of human change and the potential for anyone to overcome challenges such as addiction.

Join Mariel, Josh, and Zan Gallant as they explore the profound journey of addiction recovery, the importance of self-awareness, and the transformative power of resilience and personal responsibility.

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Join Mariel, Josh, and their guest Shirley A. Tease in an inspiring episode that dives deep into the realms of personal and professional growth, authenticity, and emotional expression. Shirley, a single mother, business consultant, and burlesque performer, shares her remarkable journey of balancing work, family, and self-discovery. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health, being true to oneself, and the transformative power of creativity.

The conversation kicks off with Shirley discussing the challenges she faces in her busy life and the impact of burlesque that have helped her embrace her authentic self, leading to a profound change in how she approaches life and work. The group explores the metaphorical "outfits" we wear in life and the significance of feeling safe in our own skin, drawing parallels to the art of burlesque.

Shirley opens up about her therapeutic journey, overcoming struggles through self-discovery, and the importance of finding the right guide or facilitator. She reflects on her intentional path forward, moving from a place of survival to thriving with confidence and unapologetic self-expression. Mariel and Josh resonate with her story, underscoring the shared nature of life's hardships and the collective evolution they drive.

Delving into more personal territory, Shirley recounts her experience with self-imposed isolation during recovery from emotional abuse. She highlights the necessity of prioritizing her own needs and the guilt she initially felt. Through this journey, she has learned to embrace her growth and authenticity, no longer apologizing for being herself. This message of self-acceptance and truth is a recurring theme throughout the episode.

Exploring the balance between emotional expression and authenticity, Shirley describes her journey from suppressing to fully expressing her emotions, finding a comfortable middle ground. She stresses the importance of guiding children to find their own truth and path, sharing how her pursuit of burlesque has been a form of self-expression and personal transformation.

Throughout the episode, Shirley emphasizes the integral role of creativity in her life, debunking her previous belief that she lacked creative talent. Her engagement with burlesque, writing, and art has become a therapeutic outlet, helping her navigate challenging moments. Mariel and Josh agree, highlighting the unique nature of creativity and expression for each individual.

The conversation touches on maintaining emotional balance and teaching children to embrace all emotions. Shirley shares her experiences with asserting personal boundaries and managing guilt when prioritizing her own needs. She advocates for the recognition that one's needs are as important as others', while still considering the importance of meeting others' needs.

In a powerful closing discussion, Shirley encourages a collaborative and inclusive mindset, using the metaphor of shared light to illustrate the beauty of multiple perspectives. She talks about finding her purpose through burlesque, using her platform to create space for others to express themselves and share their stories. Mariel and Josh admire her resilience and storytelling, culminating in an anticipation for an upcoming event that aims to showcase talents and give back to the community.

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In this powerful episode, Mariel and Josh are joined by Celestine Aleck, a renowned author and storyteller, to explore her incredible personal and professional journey. Celestine, who has authored eight books, shares how a chance encounter with Holly Bright at a book launch led to their collaboration on a contemporary dance project that brings her stories to life.

Celestine delves into the challenges she faced while setting up the dance project, "Sun and Moon," amidst juggling two jobs and full-time schooling. Despite facing verbal and mental abuse at her job, she persevered with the support of Holly and secured the necessary grants for her project. The joy and happiness of the dancers reignited her passion for teaching and inspired her dream of working behind the desk.

The trio explores the significance of cultural practices in healing, with Celestine sharing her family's traditional medicine practices. They acknowledge the impact of residential schools on First Nations people and discuss the role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage. Celestine offers insights into her culture's healing rituals, such as crying and bathing, and the broader process of healing through self-discovery and alignment with one's true worth.

Celestine shares a haunting vision shown to her by her grandfather, Ronald Alec, depicting the pain her family would suffer if she committed suicide. This profound experience shaped her life and storytelling journey, which began at the age of four. Mariel and Josh express their admiration for the wisdom and care demonstrated by Ronald Alec and recognize the significant influence this vision had on Celestine.

Throughout the episode, Celestine emphasizes the importance of self-love, seeking help, and practicing forgiveness as continuous processes. The discussion highlights the need for individualized self-care strategies and the potential negative impact of misaligned values on one's authentic self. Celestine's journey of overcoming depression and suicidal ideation serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

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In this episode, Mariel and Josh are joined by Michael Ravenwood, the visionary founder of Skyfire Arts, an innovative organization that merges art and science to promote ecological awareness and renewable energy. The episode opens with Mariel introducing Michael and diving into his fascinating work, including his captivating performances where he becomes electrified by a Tesla coil, throwing 10-foot bolts of lightning, all while conveying critical messages about climate change and mental health.

Michael passionately discusses how storytelling can create and transform reality, explaining the distinction between physical or objective reality and creative or subjective reality. He emphasizes that the stories we tell ourselves and the values we uphold shape our world, urging listeners to be mindful of the dominant narratives, especially those around economic growth and industrialism, and their environmental impacts.

The conversation shifts to the importance of curiosity in personal and societal growth. Mariel shares her background of growing up in a conservative household where curiosity was often discouraged, while Michael highlights the role of curiosity in understanding oneself and navigating professional environments. They discuss the neurological underpinnings of curiosity and its profound impact on emotional well-being.

Michael opens up about his childhood emotional and mental struggles, detailing how adaptive mechanisms like emotional detachment and marijuana use helped him cope. He recounts a transformative backpacking trip that marked a turning point in his life, leading to a deeper understanding of holistic mental health practices such as meditation, visualization, and exercise. Michael shares a profound experience on a bus ride to school that instilled a sense of oneness with the universe and redefined his concept of "God."

Further, Michael elaborates on how his college education, particularly courses in environmental science, ethics, and physics, reshaped his worldview. He underscores the interconnectedness of all things and criticizes the superficial proclamations of unity that lack actionable follow-through. This educational journey feuled his mission through Skyfire Arts to foster universal compassion and love.

Michael stresses the power of the mind in creating desired effects without external aids, advocating for the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza and the concept of ikigai—finding one's reason for being—as keys to mental health and well-being. He also shares his approach to monetizing art and encourages listeners to identify and pursue their passions.

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In this episode, Mariel and Josh dive into the multifaceted journey of parenting, exploring the challenges and transformations that come with the role. They emphasize the critical importance of allowing children to face challenges and hardships to develop resilience and anti-fragility. By sharing personal experiences and insights, they highlight how overprotection can hinder a child's ability to navigate the world, stressing that some adversity is necessary for growth.

The discussion also touches on the impact of emotional disregulation, particularly in individuals who have faced grief at a young age. Mariel and Josh explore the balance parents must strike between caring for their children and granting them autonomy, especially during adolescence. They delve into the significance of understanding and adapting to children’s developmental stages to foster healthy, connected relationships.

A major theme in the conversation is the necessity for parents to maintain their own identities and interests outside of their parenting roles. Mariel shares her experiences balancing work with the Mental Health Foundation and being a mother, discussing the value of being fully present with her child while pursuing her career. Josh and Mariel agree on the importance of demonstrating to children that they are not the sole focus of a parent's life, which in turn helps children develop independence.

The pair also discuss the importance of allowing children to take risks and learn through experiences, referencing the book "The Anxious Generation," which explores the shift from play-based to screen-based childhood and its impact on mental health. They debate the need for children to engage in unsupervised play to develop social and emotional skills, while balancing the potential dangers of the modern digital world.

Mariel and Josh emphasize the significance of learning through trial and error in parenting. They encourage parents to seek support from other parents and professionals, highlighting the value of community and shared experiences. They also introduce a future initiative to create a video reel of parents sharing their struggles and learnings anonymously, fostering a supportive and understanding community.

Join Mariel and Josh as they navigate the complexities of parenting in a rapidly changing world, offering valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for fostering resilience, maintaining balance, and promoting healthy emotional development in children.

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In this episode, Mariel, Josh, and Alex delve into the crucial topic of men's mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional expression and management. They discuss the unique challenges men face in accessing and articulating their emotions, as well as the difficulties women encounter in supporting their male partners' emotional well-being. The trio explores the necessity of open communication and emotional understanding within relationships, highlighting the significance of creating safe spaces for vulnerable discussions.

Alex, a passionate advocate for men's mental health, shares his personal journey towards emotional well-being and the transformative impact of embracing a wider range of emotions. He recounts how societal expectations initially led him to suppress his feelings, but through practices such as private emotional release and mindful vulnerability, he found greater joy and a stronger sense of self. Alex introduces his retreat program, "The Alchemy of Men," which aims to help men connect with their emotions and build a supportive community.

The conversation covers practical strategies for managing emotions healthily and constructively. Alex talks about the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions when feeling angry and the benefits of expressing anger in controlled ways. Josh emphasizes the power of accurately labeling sensations to cope with cravings and addictions, sharing insights from therapy and the book "It's Not Always Depression."

Mariel steers the discussion towards the challenges women face in supporting their male partners, particularly in creating safe spaces for emotional vulnerability. Alex and Josh underscore the importance of both partners doing their own emotional work and practicing empathy, even when emotions are uncomfortable. They discuss how cultural awareness plays a role in this dynamic and the necessity of continuous effort and learning in relationships.

Alex shares a poignant account of his and his wife's emotional journey following a miscarriage, emphasizing the importance of processing grief and its impact on their relationship. He also highlights the challenges men face in being vulnerable within their peer groups and the need for safe, accepting communities.

Tune in to hear more about Alex's transformative retreat program, "The Alchemy of Men," and join Mariel, Josh, and Alex in exploring the path towards better mental health for men through meaningful conversations, emotional expression, and community support.

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In this episode, Mariel welcomes guest speaker Serra Moanie, a talented burlesque performer, who opens up about her transformative journey into the world of burlesque and drag. Sarah shares how she discovered these art forms as powerful tools for self-care and healing after enduring a difficult relationship. She details how performing has not only aided her physical and mental recovery but also empowered her to reclaim her confidence and sense of self. Sarah's story includes her successful performances in Victoria and Vancouver, and her involvement in the upcoming IGNITE show to support at-risk youth in Nanaimo, showcasing how her passion has evolved into a force for positive change.

Joining the conversation, Serra brings her unique perspective, recounting her own experiences of leaving challenging situations to pursue a better and more fulfilling life. Serra emphasizes the importance of self-realization, course correction, and the creation of a holistic community. She discusses the crucial role of identifying one's needs and triggers, and how nourishing oneself through creative processes and supportive relationships can lead to profound personal growth. Serra's journey highlights the necessity of setting boundaries and seeking environments that respect and uphold one's sense of safety and dignity.

The discussion delves into the broader themes of curiosity, self-reflection, and the building of strong, intentional relationships. Serra introduces the concept of the imaginal awakening process, a metaphor for human transformation inspired by the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. This process, she explains, involves struggle but also provides opportunities for self-protection and evolution through the formation of nurturing communities.

Mariel and Serra explore the evolution of Serra's interest in burlesque, from her early experiences in Vancouver to her rediscovery of the art form later in life. Serra speaks passionately about the welcoming and diverse community she found, particularly in Victoria's strong BIPOC burlesque scene. She emphasizes the ceremonial aspects of her performances, which serve as transformative and transactional experiences that foster deep connections between performers and audiences.

Serra also shares her personal experiences with trauma and her journey towards healing, which includes reconnecting with her ancestral lines and founding a supportive community. She stresses the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals facing similar struggles, highlighting the role of community, love, and connection in achieving a fulfilling life. Josh expands on this idea, discussing the significance of ceremonies in addressing human needs for connection, intentionality, awe, and significance, often overlooked in contemporary Western culture.

The episode also covers practical mental health strategies. Serra discusses using sensory grounding techniques to manage dissociative episodes and help her children focus on the present moment. Mariel and Josh emphasize the importance of these techniques for joint regulation and their potential benefits for children and adults alike.

Throughout the conversation, Mariel, Josh, and Serra underscore the importance of introspection, setting boundaries, and creating intentional communities for personal growth and well-being. They encourage listeners to take responsibility for their own well-being, strive for deeper connections, and share their own tips and tools for mental health. Mariel concludes by reflecting on the idea that individuals often become what they need, a concept that resonates deeply with Serra's experiences and insights.

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