Happy New Year's Eve!

Have you taken time to reflect on the year? Let this be an invitation to see how you met the moments of your life in 2024. Sharing some of my own stories, I hope this episode inspires you to make choices that help you live the life you most want and feel like we're all on this journey together.

Jump to what you're most interested in:

(1:06) A year of alignment and re-alignment in my life

(05:10) My relationship with work this year

(11:44) Learning more about dopamine

(13:07) Self-abandonment and emotional burnout

(15:43) Growing into my own with the support of others

(18:04) The realization that "I don't want to do it on my own"

(23:01) How this has shown up in my work

(24:39) How it impacts my longing for a family of my own

(27:18) Catching myself in moments that felt off - workshops, meditations, selfies, journal entries and inventories

(30:16) What reward is meaningful to you? What are you seeking? What are you choosing?

(31:30) The world is ready for you!

Mentioned in this episode:

Dopamine Nation — Anna Lembke, MD

Unstressable

The Brain Rot Dr: We're ALL Getting More Narcissistic! - The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | Podcast on Spotify

We Can Do Hard Things Ep 304 | Momastery

Watch Find Me Falling | Netflix Official Site

Home - Nisha Moodley, Women's Leadership Coach

What impact do you want to have and how will you get there?

Adam Sayani is an entrepreneur and son who is continuing to build his family business, Lahore Tikka House, in Toronto. We met as he prepared to reopen the restaurant, started by his father in 1996 and then run by his mother.

Check out this episode to hear more about:

(01:03) Where does his curiosity come from?

(02:16) His path so far, from university to banking and now entrepreneurship

(03:52) Lessons from growing up in an entrepreneurial environment

(06:28) The why behind reopening after fire and water damage

(09:34) Legacy and passion through his eyes

(12:09) Standards set in childhood

(15:04) Exploring strengths, weaknesses and questions in different environments

(20:40) Leaving home and then coming back

(22:50) Decision-making: Doubt, moving forward and responsibility

(26:58) Stoicism and habits

(29:24) Decisions, opportunities and appreciation

(33:20) Driving forward and here and now chemicals, and the harmony of both

(35:23) His feelings for his mom

(38:57) If you're unsure about making a decision...

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it too. Reviews are always appreciated so feel free to share what brought you here and what you're taking away.

Rachel Molenda is a DJ and Coach (often referred to as 'diplo and tony robbins' if they had a baby) and the Founder of REUNION (@thereuniondanceparty) – an all women’s alcohol-free dance party –  who is loved for her authenticity, vulnerability and contagious energy. Rachel uses music, dance, mindset strategies and in-person experiences to help people remember their power and catapult them into “doing the damn thing” they were born to do.

Tune in to hear about:

(01:57) The beginnings of REUNION - an all women's alcohol-free dance party

(03:49) Where did REUNION come from? And where has it been so far?

(08:28) Exploring different venues and how they impact each event

(10:04) From masking to creating: Rachel's journey with her own truths

(13:03) Becoming your own best friend through the ups and the downs

(16:32) From one liners on her Instagram feed to intentionally designing REUNION

(23:29) Women and men - the environments, conversations and our evolution

(25:43) Women's bodies, hormones and self-care

(27:55) Going full send with DJ Rae 

(32:28) Deciding what to charge based on the energy you bring

(33:40) Don't discount the unique intersection of your skills, interests, passions, experiences and gifts 

(36:27) Rachel's thoughts on life and death

(37:10) What's standing in your way?

Love this episode? Sharing it helps the podcast grow and is appreciated!

While you’re at it, make sure to leave a rating if you haven't already and let us know what you’re taking away by reaching out @rachelmmolenda and @themelissakelly on Instagram.

Thanks for being here :)

Your inner compass can help you navigate life. But, is it working

This episode invites you to get familiar with your inner compass, how it works in your life, and how it can help you develop a sense of grounding in the everyday and when you look back.

On this solo episode:

(01:51) Why I'm talking about an inner compass & our VUCA world

(04:57) Are your operational settings working for you?

Five ways to explore your inner compass:

(08:49) Books

(12:02) Experiences and travel

(18:58) Conversations with others

(20:45) Moving your body

(23:03) Reflection practices, like journaling

(26:22) Where external guidance fits in (or doesn't)

(31:22) When the inner striving shifts

(33:18) The dance of a lifetime

Share your thoughts about the episode below. If you enjoyed listening, subscribe and leave a rating to help share this message with more people. Thanks for being here :)

This season wraps up with Melissa’s reflections on the idea of community along with some behind the scenes details while making connections between guests, and sharing reminders about what has been talked about on the topic of community. All episodes are mentioned, so go check them out if you haven’t already!

If you are wanting to hear some actionable suggestions about living the principles of the Intentionally Out of Office podcast, you might enjoy episode 10 that featured questions from listeners like you.

(02:29) Community, capacity, and your nervous system (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn)

(08:03) Exploring the idea of presence and expanding your own capacity

(12:47) What Ahmer wished he shared on episode 21

(13:42) What we can learn in community with others

(16:32) On friendship in adulthood, my thoughts after recording, and the friendship continuum

(20:16) There is no perfect timing while honouring your

(21:06) When Sigute blew Melissa’s mind about living a

(23:48) The complexity of our inner lives

(24:35) On the importance of knowing yourself

(25:56) What can we learn from listening?

(27:26) Progress over perfection

(28:09) Some resources I have leaned on, particularly

(29:30) “We are the culture”

(33:04) What’s coming next season

Here are the groups and individuals mentioned: Nisha Moodley, Dr. Nicole LePera, Adrienne Maree Brown, and Dr. Shefali. Also check out Sarah Baldwin Coaching, Kimberly Ann Johnson, and Valarie Kaur for similar

Thanks for listening! Remember to share a favourite episode – whether from this podcast or another – with someone to build connection and community one interaction at a time. You are appreciated!

We’ll be back in late January for Season 4. Until then, take good care 😊

“Am I enough?”

Alexis Normand shares insights and stories from her artistic journey embracing the dualities of her identity, which she explores in her songwriting, documentary filmmaking, and life itself. From confusing feelings of shame around identity to exploring discomfort during the pandemic, Alexis shines light on letting go of tension and heaviness, and what's on the other side of trusting yourself.

Tune in to hear about:

(03:20) Building musical and artistic foundations

(06:52) Feeling the pull between English and French music industries

(08:06) Feeling like a traitor on behalf of the Francophone community

(09:27) Taking time during the pandemic to identify and

(12:06) Versions of Francophone life, from a binary to greater multilingualism and multiculturalism

(14:58) Francophone families, communities and identity

(20:59) Hierarchy in community, understanding tensions, and then undoing, untraining and facing resistance

(24:51) How authenticity and vulnerability helped Alexis

(27:30) Uncovering unexpected treasures: personal satisfaction and connection with people

(29:44) Building, connecting and exploring ourselves and

(33:37) On everyday choices and the effort it takes

(36:09) TRUST YOURSELF

Loved this episode? Sharing it with someone helps the podcast reach others and would be very much

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like episode 25 with Ryan Letada, which explores similar themes about identity, connection and belonging.

Thanks for being here :)

What lessons are you learning along the way?

Roland Coutinho shares insights on what it’s like to hike mountains around the world, fueled by his passion for challenge, the outdoors, and physical activity. He sets the course for what we can look for and appreciate along the way - on and off the trails.

On this episode:

(01:57) The desire to hike and trek, from Mont Blanc to Kilimanjaro

(04:08) Experiencing culture, people, and love on your

(05:11) Who’s on your team? Porters, fellow travelers, and the power of community

(07:37) What to do when people might need help

(11:30) The acceptance, devastation, and lessons when you can’t climb past basecamp

(15:54) The challenge of starting off with excitement,

(18:08) Practices in presence, from meditation and journaling to focused conversation and paying attention to your surroundings

(19:45) How to be in community and connection with others

(22:03) Exploring the seven summits and beyond

(24:33) The link between physical activity, the outdoors,

(26:42) Roland’s advice: start with passion and then just do it

(28:41) Melissa’s regret not climbing Kilimanjaro and checking in with yours fears

Connect with Roland on LinkedIn and Instagram! Tag Roland and Melissa in a post or photo to let us know a lesson you’re learning right now.

While you’re reflecting and if you enjoyed this episode,

Thank you for being here!

Have you ever felt like you’re living the same year, over and over? Stuck in a linear career or a linear life? Questions pop up like, “how did I get here?” and “what else is out there?"

Sigute Zitikyte joins the podcast to discuss how knowing yourself, personal branding and being present to your own evolution will set you up for a life of authenticity and growth.

Melissa and Sigute talk about:

(03:24) Building from a multi-passionate foundation

(05:08) On work-lifestyle fit beyond the status quo

(06:30) Why you should build a personal brand, whether based on your interests or out of necessity

(08:07) Being the portfolio manager and CEO of your career

(10:58) Ways to connect with yourself through self-awareness and self-reflection

(12:31) The role of environment in our world today, finding others, and building community in person and online

(15:51) Are you at the mercy of your structures and routines?

(17:30) Looking at your masks, your reactions, and building greater connection with your emotions

(21:34) Putting on your authenticity training wheels

(22:51) From workplace secrets and shame to an experience of greater connection

(27:14) Exploring the roadmap inside of you and how the linear path can take many forms

(32:18) Re-framing your thoughts and the narrative of your story

Connect with Sigute on LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for The Friday Newsletter.

Order “Multi-Passionate: How to Claim Your Identity & Radiate as a Multi-Passionate in a Linear World" by Sigute Zitikyte. Check out Melody Beattie’s “Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul” and Sarah Ban Breathnach’s “Simple Abundance: A

Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating, share it with others, and tag us on social. Thanks for being here 😊

What could a coach add to your life?

On this solo episode, Melissa reflects on being in a coaching program, being coached, and shares stories from along the way. If you have wondered about

Here’s what the episode includes:

(04:07) What’s the link between coaching and sports coaching?

(05:43) Alignment with the wellness wheel (check out episode 8)

(06:24) Is coaching for personal or professional transformation?

(09:38) Coaching moments can happen any time, informally and formally

(12:50) Do you actually want to make a change?

(14:13) On knowing what you want from a coaching program

(17:34) What do you already know about yourself?

(19:52) Coaching for transition points in life

(20:55) Finding moments to celebrate!

(22:43) The connection with mindfulness, the mind-body, and getting into your body

(24:47) Other ways of support that are not coaching and an example to make those distinctions (28:21)

(32:19) On paving the path to a life that feels fulfilling

You can also now book a 20-minute coaching discovery call to see if working with Melissa might be the right fit… or ask for an introduction to another coach! Email

Share this episode, save it for later, or send in your reflections by email. Thanks for being here and take good care.

What are the stories and story lines that shape our lives - yesterday, today, and for generations to come?

Ryan Letada joins the podcast to share how he is making the invisible visible in his work as CEO and Co-Founder of NextDayBetter and more broadly in his life, which includes being a proud husband and a proud father to a two-year who loves cookies.

Melissa and Ryan talk about:

(03:51) "Are we truly listening to each other?" and the link with mental health

(06:23) In a world of content creation, "what is the story we tell ourselves and to the world?"

(08:34) Hustle culture, introspection and facing mortality

(11:17) Doing versus being, and how travel fits in

(15:02) Culture shock moving from the East to West Coast

(17:30) Re-defining the American Dream and re-framing wealth building

(21:58) Connectedness, friendships, and the skill of friendship building including Ryan's framework (25:14)

(28:23) Community, safety, and the belonging crisis

(29:12) Ryan's life mission and the need for community

(34:12) Ryan's advice: live your truth

You can find Ryan on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Share your thoughts about the episode, whether starting conversations in your own communities or emailing [email protected] with your reflections. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating if you haven't already and subscribe too. Thanks for being here :)