In this powerful episode, Jacquie sits down with Michelle—a mother, survivor, and woman in recovery—who shares her incredible story of finding her voice after decades of silence. From childhood trauma and early substance use to surviving sexual assault and navigating a 20-year relationship marked by fear and self-abandonment, Michelle's journey is one of resilience, growth, and radical self-love.
Through therapy, sobriety, and courage, she learned to hold on to her heart—and walk away from what no longer served her. She opens up about the pain of parenting through addiction, the fear of starting over, and the joy of finally feeling safe, free, and authentically herself.

A must-listen for anyone on a path of healing, especially those learning to choose themselves.

In this heartfelt episode, Jacquie sits down with Nicky G—who opens up about the early loss of his father, emigrating from a small Welsh mining town to Canada, and the winding path of healing that followed. From growing up in a tightly-knit community shaped by love and grief, to carving out a new life in a foreign land, Nicky reflects on what it means to hold on to your heart—sometimes tightly, sometimes with surrender.

With raw honesty, he speaks about the silent impact of trauma, the quiet courage of starting over, and how fatherhood, sobriety, and personal growth have shaped who he is today. This is a story of resilience, guilt, gratitude, and ultimately—freedom.

Tune in for a deeply moving conversation that explores how life’s hardest moments can shape us into our strongest selves.

In this powerful episode, Jacquie sits down with Darcy Allen, a well-known local strongman whose story goes far beyond physical strength. Darcy opens up about living with a permanent disability, the emotional toll it took, and how he found healing through self-awareness, vulnerability, and support from his community.

From his days competing in strength sports to the life-altering moment that changed his trajectory, Darcy shares how he’s learned to embrace softness and redefine what it means to be strong. This episode is a raw look at masculinity, identity, and learning to ask for help when you’ve always been the one others turn to. 

Hold on to your heart and listen in!

In this deeply honest and healing conversation, Jacquie sits down with Emily—therapist, mother, and community leader—to explore the silent struggles of postpartum depression, intrusive thoughts, miscarriage, and the impossible expectations placed on mothers. Emily opens up about her own journey through early motherhood, including the emotional aftermath of a traumatic birth, the quiet suffering behind closed doors, and the loneliness that can come even when you're surrounded by love.

Together, they unpack what it really means to “hold on to your heart” through seasons of grief, guilt, and growth. Emily shares how her personal experiences not only shaped her as a parent but also transformed the way she supports others in her private practice. From burnout to breakthroughs, this episode is a reminder that no matter how much you “should” have it all together—even as a professional—you still deserve compassion, connection, and care.

Whether you’re a parent, a helping professional, or someone navigating their own healing, this conversation will meet you where you are and help you feel less alone.

In this deeply moving episode of Hold On To Your Heart, Jacquie sits down with Richard, a retired community counselor and recovery advocate who brings 42 years of sobriety and a lifetime of hard-won wisdom to the conversation.

Born in wartime Chicago to alcoholic parents, Richard opens up about growing up in a home where he felt invisible, rejected, and out of place—experiences that planted the early seeds of addiction. By age five, he was already sneaking alcohol and cigarettes, craving connection and attention in a chaotic world.

He shares the gripping story of how addiction stole nearly everything—home, dignity, and hope—until one fateful moment in a freezing cabin, when the light of recovery quite literally shone down on him. From that spiritual turning point to a life rebuilt through AA and service, Richard’s story is one of heartbreak, transformation, and profound grace.

This is a conversation about the weight of generational trauma, the power of belonging, and the miracle of finding purpose after devastation.

🔸 Key Themes: generational addiction, early childhood trauma, belonging, recovery, AA, spiritual awakening, community healing
🔸 Trigger Warning: discussions of addiction, childhood neglect, and suicidal ideation

Jonte Hurlock, a gay convention refugee from Jamaica, now calls Cranbrook home. In this raw and moving conversation with host Jacquie King, Jonte opens up about the pain of leaving everything he knew behind in search of safety and acceptance. He shares the challenges of navigating a new identity in a foreign place, the weight of rejection, and the quiet power of beginning again.

As Jonte recounts his personal path through fear, faith, and finding community, he reminds us that worth isn’t something we earn—it’s something we’ve always had. This episode is a testament to courage, resilience, and the unshakable truth that every human being holds inherent worth, no matter where they come from or who they love.

In this powerful episode as we delve into Bailey King's  journey through a tumultuous childhood marked by abandonment and uncertainty. Bailey opens up about her own battle with addiction, the dark and chaotic path it led her down, the person she never thought she would become. Along the way, she faced numerous heartbreaking losses that tested her resilience. However, through it all, Bailey found the strength to accept her past and embark on a transformative journey towards a more wholesome and fulfilling life. Now, with over four years of sobriety, she embraces the richness of motherhood, cherishes her role as a caring sister, and strives to do the next best thing in all situations. Tune in to hear Bailey's inspiring story of redemption, growth, and the power of choosing a brighter future.
Oh Ya, & Hold On To Your Heart...

In this episode, Jacquie sits down with Jordan, a brave individual who suffered extreme anxiety that left him feeling trapped in a small, isolated world. Jordan shares his transformative journey of breaking free from the grips of anxiety by reaching out for help and finding the courage to share his experience. 

Through his inspiring story, Jordan reveals how he now shows up for life, cherishing the moments and embracing the beauty of connection with others. Join us as we explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of seeking support, and the profound impact it can have on our ability to truly appreciate the small things that truly matter. 
 
 Oh ya, and Hold on to your heart… 

Join host Jacquie as she sits down with Simone to delve into the complexities of her journey. Simone opens up with raw honesty and a touch of humor about her tumultuous upbringing, struggles with substance abuse, relapses, and hitting rock bottom. She fearlessly shares her experiences, detailing what it was like for her, what led to her turning point, and how her life has transformed since then. Today, Simone dedicates herself to helping the community heal while also embarking on her own journey of healing. Through it all, she remains grateful for the hardships and the invaluable life lessons they have taught her. Brace yourself and prepare to be moved as Simone reminds us all to simply breathe.
Oh ya, and Hold On To Your Heart.

Join Jacquie as she sits down with Keira, a brave individual who opens up about her challenging upbringing on a reserve, growing up with alcoholic family and a constant sense of uncertainty, Keira shares her raw and honest experiences. 

Keira delves into her own battle with alcoholism and addiction, which led her down a dark path where she felt like she was reliving the narratives of her childhood. She opens up about her fear of letting people get close, keeping them at arm's length to protect herself, and hyper independance. 

Through her journey of recovery, Keira discovers the power of community and finds the strength to become the best parent she can be, creating a safe and loving home for her family. Along the way, she also learns to love herself and finds a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

Tune in as we explore the adversity Keira faced and the incredible transformation she underwent to become the beautiful person she is today. This podcast episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-discovery. As she notes, where there is breath there is life. 
 
 Oh ya, and Hold On To Your Heart…