In the Season 2 finale of Heard @ The Barre, we’re talking about the realities of aging—and how your face, body, metabolism, and even your reflection can seem to change from one day to the next.

We discuss bad lighting, phone cameras, filters, jowls, necks, menopause, unexpected weight changes, body image, and the pressure to look a certain way as we get older. Courtney shares her experience of growing up as a dancer in a world where weight was constantly scrutinized, while we talk about learning to accept the changes we can’t control—and why sometimes, that is much easier said than done.

Then, because this is Heard @ The Barre, we move on to wildfire smoke, Rock the Park memories, the speed of summer, and Courtney's ongoing role as an international hockey momager trying to manage phone plans, travel, and a teenager who provides very few details.

We finish by admitting that we may be completely over being adults and would happily hand the responsibility over to someone else.

Thanks for being part of our Season 2 community. We’re so glad you’re here!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup

02:16 Self-Image and Lighting Challenges

04:12 Aging and Physical Changes

08:21 Menopause and Weight Fluctuations

12:40 Body Positivity and Realistic Expectations

16:37 Wildfires and Environmental Impact

20:55 Reflections on Aging and Society

27:44 Humour and Future Plans for the Podcast

Join Kristy and Courtney as they share hilarious dating stories, weekend adventures, and candid conversations about life, love, and hockey. This episode is packed with humor, relatable moments, and unexpected twists that will keep you hooked.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap

00:56 Sunfest and the Shade Garden Experience

02:00 Kristy Gets Silly Dancing at Lucy’s

02:52 The Hat and the Dancing Man

03:50 Dancing and the Black Man’s Hat

05:01 The Drinking and the Coke & McDonald's Fries

06:01 Love Island and Reality TV

06:59 Maks’ 18th Birthday and Draft Details

08:00 Maks’ Hockey Journey and Future Plans

09:03 The NHL and College Pathways

10:02 Post-Hockey Careers and Financial Planning

10:56 The Hockey List and Summer Activities

12:02 Summer Sports and the Pickleball League

12:59 The Funny Date Story with Bob

13:54 The Disastrous First Date Experience

14:53 The Conversation About Telling People About the Podcast

16:02 Future Plans and Community Engagement

17:10 Hockey and Summer Hobbies

18:02 The Boredom and New Interests

18:48 The Casual Chat and Oliver’s Distractions

19:47 Wrapping Up and Thank You Notes

Resources

Sunfest London - https://www.london.ca/events

Maks’ Draft Announcement - https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-select-maksim-sokolovskii-with-27th-overall-pick-in-the-2026-nhl-draft

NIL Funding in College Sports - https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/41040485/what-nil-college-sports-how-do-athlete-deals-work

Love Island TV Show - https://www.itv.com/show/love-island

Hockey Pathways and Development - https://www.nhl.com

Pickleball League Info - https://www.pickleball.com

Join Kristy and Courtney as they chat about their week, the quirks of dating apps, reality TV insights, and the impact of AI on daily life. This episode offers a mix of personal stories, industry observations, and humorous banter that keeps listeners engaged and informed.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics

02:07 Courtney's Busy Week and Scheduling Challenges

03:59 Teaching and Class Management Insights

05:59 Personal Reflections on Work-Life Balance

07:59 Love Island Discussion: Reality TV as a Social Experiment

12:02 Analyzing Relationships on Love Island

15:56 Manifestation and Personal Growth Insights

21:35 Navigating Hopes and Disappointments

24:08 The Impact of Social Media on Expectations

25:51 Algorithms and Their Influence

26:53 AI: Friend or Foe?

31:00 The Loss of Traditional Skills

35:00 Nostalgia for Step Classes

Kristy shares candid stories and insights with Courtney about dating apps, personal boundaries, and navigating relationships in middle age. This episode offers a humorous yet honest look at modern dating, safety, and self-awareness.

Chapters00:00

Introduction to the New Era

02:58

Navigating Dating Apps in Middle Age

06:01

Experiences with Inappropriate Advances

08:59

The Challenges of Modern Dating

12:01

Preparing for Intimacy

14:57

The Dynamics of Attraction

18:00

The Risks of Online Interactions

20:59

Humorous Encounters on Dating Apps

23:55

Navigating Online Dating Challenges

29:58

The Reality of Dating Apps

35:47

Expectations vs. Reality in Dating

41:29

The Search for Connection

47:51

Closing Thoughts on Dating Experiences

Join Kristy and Courtney as they share candid insights about their podcasting experience, reality TV, and the quirks of modern dating culture. This episode offers a humorous and honest look at how media shapes perceptions and the importance of authenticity.

Chapters00:00

Introduction and Podcast Insights

03:01

Music Streaming Journeys

06:00

Podcast Setup and Personal Anecdotes

09:03

Generational Differences in Work Ethic

11:59

Reality TV and Personal Experiences

14:57

The Age of Attraction Application

17:57

Love Island: A New Perspective on Reality TV

22:51

Reality TV Dynamics and Emotional Impact

25:51

The Shift from Influencers to Regular Contestants

28:41

Navigating Modern Dating Culture

30:58

The Challenges of In-Person Connections

33:35

The Sweetness and Performative Aspects of Romance

36:15

Behind the Scenes of Reality TV Production

39:28

Cultural Differences in Love Island Versions

42:18

Viewer Engagement and Community Feedback

After some time away, Courtney and Kristy are back and catching up on vacations, hockey, and life before diving into a candid conversation about the realities of running a small Pilates studio. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the changing fitness industry, and the importance of building a strong community. Honest, heartfelt, and relatable, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of business, friendship, and finding resilience when life gets tough. 💜🎧

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Summer Reflections

02:55 Childhood Sun Safety and Skincare

05:55 NHL Combine Insights and Personal Stories

08:59 Navigating Visas and Future Plans

12:05 Kristy's Journey as a Business Owner

16:14 The Unexpected Journey to Pilates Ownership

19:14 Building a Community Through Pilates

22:20 Navigating Business Challenges and Personal Struggles

27:19 The Impact of Economic Changes on Wellness

32:41 Balancing Personal Life and Business Responsibilities

35:22 Navigating Emotional Exhaustion in Teaching

38:04 The Importance of Taking Breaks

41:13 The Challenge of Sharing Personal Struggles

43:31 Adapting to Changes in the Pilates Industry

47:41 Understanding the Roots of Pilates

49:39 The Magic of Pilates and Its Impact on Lives

Key Topics

* Journey of owning a Pilates studio

* Impact of COVID on fitness businesses

* Evolution and future trends in Pilates

Courtney and Kristy go from casually chatting about what they’re watching to fully spiraling through The Handmaid’s Tale, Euphoria, reality TV chaos, and whether the world is slowly turning into a dystopian series. Naturally.

Along the way, Courtney shares her kidney stone saga, the struggle of eating properly in midlife, and why Pilates bruises are basically battle wounds. The girls also debate vacation prep, YouTube censorship, and how one simple topic somehow leads to seventeen others.

It’s funny, chaotic, slightly unhinged, and exactly what happens when two Gen X women hit record and let the conversation go wherever it wants.

What happens when life shifts and your built-in social circle no longer looks the same? In this episode, we dive into the real (and sometimes awkward!) journey of making friends after 50—and why it’s not only possible, but powerful.

From post-divorce loneliness to packed weekends of dancing, concerts, and spontaneous plans, we share how stepping into a “say yes” era can completely transform your social life. It’s about rebuilding community on purpose, putting yourself out there (even when it feels uncomfortable), and discovering that new friendships can come from the most unexpected places.

We talk about the challenges of being the single friend in a married crowd, how COVID shifted our social habits, and why connection is actually a key ingredient to a longer, healthier life. Plus—why dancing, play, and a little courage might just be the secret to joy at any age.

If you’ve ever felt like it’s “too late” to make new friends… this episode proves it’s not.

✨ New mindset, new community—are you ready to say yes?

From IVF journeys and surprise pregnancies to raising kids, billets, and everyone in between, this episode is all about the many ways motherhood finds us. Kristy and Courtney share their deeply personal paths to becoming moms—filled with heartbreak, resilience, laughter, and a whole lot of love. Whether you gave birth, chose your family, or became "Mom" somewhere along the way, this one's for you. Grab the tissues... and maybe call your mom after. 💕

Need a mom, got a mom, or are the mom? You're going to want to hear this one.

*episode contains personal stories of miscarriage, infertility, and assisted reproduction technologies

In this special episode, Courtney and Kristy are joined by their daughters for a candid, multi-generational conversation. The girls share what it’s really like growing up today — from navigating friendships and social pressures to finding their own identities.

They reflect on how COVID shaped their teenage years, social lives, and comfort with being alone, offering an honest look at how different growing up feels now compared to previous generations. The conversation dives into friendships, jealousy, and the challenges of being young women — including learning who your real friends are and letting go of those who don’t support you.

With openness, humour, and some surprising honesty, this episode gives a fresh perspective straight from the next generation — and a glimpse into the realities of growing up in today’s world.