Angela and Trevor are back for a check in episode, and there is so much ground to cover! We start with exciting updates from Trevor’s entrepreneurship journey and book readings, and Angela begins holding her breath for a “Polar Bear and Walrus” sequel. Then it’s time to delve into big themes that came up this season as 20 wonderful neighbours shared their varied, interesting, and truly inspiring stories. We learned about people overcoming self-doubt and pursuing their dreams, lessons of remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy and challenging circumstances, and totally refreshing perspectives on gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, and confidence. We even try to apply these lessons as “life happens” during our recording :D. After that brief interruption, we return to appreciate the guests who are actively putting love and support into their communities in their own signature ways. As always, we are beyond grateful to get to hear and share these powerful stories, and look forward to more after our upcoming summer break!

To show your support for our show please visit us here!

https://inspire.captivate.fm/support

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

At the age of five, Matthew Jensen had already begun displaying signs of the powerful confidence, dedication, and intuition with which he would obsessively pursue a multitude of dreams and careers. From a performing magician to a recording rap artist, graphic designer, marketing innovator, and social media creator…a common thread is his tendency to inject humor and joy into everything he does. It’s no wonder why we have too much fun in this episode, hearing stories from Matt’s life and delving into watershed moments that forever changed things for him. Along the way, he reflects on making the decision to move on from a dream, the challenge of managing ego, and the moment he realized the real meaning of “all you need is love”. Just like after every other epiphany, Matt just had to spring into action. He’s actively encoded love into the foundation of his company Maxogram Media Inc, and now spreads his (maybe too) concentrated love of coffee to others through lighthearted “Daily Sips of Joy” videos.

Seriously, you’ve got to check these out:

https://www.instagram.com/matthewjensenca/

Find more information on Matthew and how to connect with him here:

http://matthewjensen.ca

And, for more of the cool new things happening at Maxogram, click here:

https://maxogram.com/go/

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Steve Foran speaks on the importance of gratitude to help us lead happier, more energetic lives and organizations. After completing research on the topic during his MBA, the potential benefits struck Steve as so compelling that he decided to leave electrical engineering behind and make it his literal business to coach leaders on the skill of gratitude. In the 15 years since he’s engineered practical tools and processes that help people show up as the best version of themselves, improving engagement and resilience. We are so grateful for Steve’s openness as we discuss the early days of building his business, challenges of shifting mindset and culture, and a wealth of tips for an effective and healthy gratitude practice.

Visit Steve’s wonderful world of gratitude online:

https://www.gratitudeatwork.ca/

https://one-billion-happier-people.gratitudeatwork.ca/

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Robbie Song has a history of pursuing business opportunities that bring him and others joy, but he never expected this would lead him to transition from a career in engineering to become the owner and lead instructor of a pole dance studio. In this lively chat, Robbie shares why he decided to “run away to join the circus”, stories from intense training all over the world, and the resulting growth of a deep passion and a mission to spread joy. The impact is clear. In just a few years, he’s built a large and growing community that empowers people from all genders and walks of life to develop confidence, strength, mind-body connection, and even friendships through movement. It’s amazing to see what’s possible when we step outside our comfort zone!

Find out more about R.Song Studios here: http://rsongstudios.com/

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Gayathri Shukla & Anshu Stephen are making the world a better place by practicing and teaching empathy. In this special conversation, we get to learn about Empathy Week - a unique Calgary-wide (and online!) event that cannot be missed, how Gayathri and Anshu came to be part of it, and the most challenging and rewarding parts of empathy work.

As a certified trauma-informed coach, Anshu helps individuals better understand their own stories to become whole, empowered, connected, and healthy. Gayathri has guided thousands of leaders in the use of storytelling, empowering individuals to discover their strengths while building empathy across differences. Together they make up half of the powerful quartet behind unLikely Friends, a video storytelling initiative that helps diverse strangers to connect through genuine conversations.

Can you tell that this is way too much goodness to pack into one episode? It definitely is! Let this be a warm introduction to two amazingly inspiring women, with just a teaser of the great work they do, and a promise that we’ll do our best to have them back for more. Luckily, there are many ways to engage with them in the meantime:

More info on these two, as well as their initiatives, can be found at the following links:

Empathy Week website - http://www.humainologie.com/empathyweek/

Unlikely Friends website - https://www.unlikelyfriends.ca/

Campfire Kinship with Gayathri Shukla - https://campfirekinship.com/

Fill Your Jar with Anshu Stephen - https://fillyourjarcoaching.com/

Landed - Landed: Transformative Stories of Canadian Immigrant Women

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Jacqueline Conway has loved to explore her many passions as a dancer/fashion enthusiast/music festival promoter/branding strategist and more, but she‘s also struggled with spreading herself too thin. In this episode, she shares how shifting to a goal-oriented mindset has empowered her to focus on what matters most and truly thrive. At the center of this conversation is the challenge of letting go of activities and ideas that no longer serve us - in Jacq’s case, this meant leaving behind everything from dance and the fashion association she’d founded to some limiting ideas around money and the myth of perfection. Definitely easier said than done, she reflects on how increasing awareness and decision making strategies have helped her to master essentialism for continued growth. Now on the other side, she’s crafting the most impactful expression of her passions yet as a mom, founder of TrendBlazer Studio, and business partner with her husband at Conway Consulting.

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Danielle Gaucher has felt the powerful impact that processing repressed emotions can have on well-being. From her full life as a married mother of five, experienced counsellor, and certified fitness trainer, it was possible for her to think she’d left all the trauma of her past behind… yet her body kept finding ways to tell her otherwise. In this insightful chat, Danielle opens up about her journey into emotional work and the many tools she’s found to process intense feelings in a healthy, authentic, and graceful way. We discuss how she’s applying this knowledge to support others, the harm caused by traditional norms around emotion, the power of vulnerability, and her gentle appreciation that we are all a work in progress.

Find lots more wisdom shared in Danielle’s new book “THE GRAND FACADE: How your emotions shape you and how releasing them allows you to reshape yourself!”.

Learn more about Danielle here: http://yourconnectioncoach.ca

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Merritt Minnemeyer coaches purpose-driven leaders to build full lives of meaning and positive impact. In this episode, we explore the winding journey that helped her gain a deep understanding of her own soul purpose, from an early start in acting and founding a theatre company through starting to settle into family life, all before the tragic passing of her husband left her a single mom of three at 35. Merritt speaks candidly about the transformational day when she finally found herself back in her body, and how she has been charting her own course ever since. A refreshing conversation ensues, as she indulges our questions about purpose, overcoming loss, and conscious leadership with her unique mix of eclectic wisdom and joyful energy. This may be just the tip of the iceberg of what Merritt has to offer, and yet her impact already resonates deeply.

To learn more or to connect with Merritt, visit https://www.masterofonecoaching.com/

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

As founder and director of the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, Georgina De Caigny has made it her life mission to protect wolfdogs- both rescuing them and educating visitors about these majestic and often misunderstood animals. In this episode we follow the totally uncharted path that led her to start a non-profit and shape her life around this wild calling. Georgina’s story is definitely unique, but there are universal lessons in her instinct to follow her heart, her unrelenting courage and faith, and the grounding power of her connection to nature. Whether you are looking to better understand your canine friends or yourself, we highly recommend giving this one a listen - and then, visiting the sanctuary! To quote Tommy, “Let’s goooo!”

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Alex Lang has an extraordinary ability to get the most out of life. This was already evident when he worked as a mining engineer, disregarding comfort and convenience for the sake of adventure, and seizing every opportunity to travel the world. It has become even more obvious in his current life, as he’s overcome severe health challenges to become a brain cancer survivor, family man, and Masters student. How does he do it!? Alex’s charming Aussie wit permeates the conversation as he shares insights about the power of practiced resilience, importance of support networks, and the study of positive psychology. His To-Do List is definitely cooler than the average, as are the friendly jabs he throws at Trevor.

Follow Inspiring Neighbours Podcast for more and let us know what you think!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

The following are links to content referenced in this episode:

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology: https://theflourishingcenter.com/capp/ Life saving and life changing.

Neuro plasticity: (inspiration to move to London become cab driver) https://youtu.be/2c5aTlq3nYI CBC.

The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science https://a.co/d/fZF3D48

Positive Psychology: Dr Martin Seligman https://youtu.be/9FBxfd7DL3E TED talk https://psychology.sas.upenn.edu/people/martin-seligman

Resilience: Keen Reivich: https://youtu.be/ukd5rIkAxjU

Books: 

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being https://a.co/d/jkHRboM

Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life https://a.co/d/fTcyjXZ

The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life's Hurdles https://a.co/d/j3hmqR6

100 things bucket list friend (Seb Terry) https://youtu.be/flFsEaFiHdk Ted talk. http://100things.com.au/seb/the-100-things-list

Andrew Huberman Podcast https://hubermanlab.com/