This episode features the third guest in the Sitting Volleyball Mini-Series, Nadine Plett. Throughout this series, I’ll be chatting with members of the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, sharing their stories, experiences, and journeys in the sport.

Much of Nadine’s life has revolved around volleyball and she has played many roles within the sport, from player, to referee, to assistant coach, and is now currently the data analyst and assistant coach for the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team. She discusses in the episode what it is like in this new role and the journey she took to get where she is today.

In this episode, Nadine talks a lot about finding herself in her mid twenties and the importance of living out her values in her everyday life. She talks about how these values help her not just in coaching but in the way she shows up and connects with other people. This resolve in her values has helped her worry less about what other people think about her and allows her focus on what type of person she wants to be.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:40:00) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(00:55:36) How would you define success in life?

(01:10:00) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:20:26) Ending

This episode features the second guest in the Sitting Volleyball Mini-Series, Jayme Lepp. Throughout this series, I’ll be chatting with members of the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, sharing their stories, experiences, and journeys in the sport.

Jayme initially learned volleyball with a friend in their backyard and progressed to compete at the highest levels, playing NCAA and professionally overseas. Unfortunately, due to a rare knee infection and a ruptured Achilles tendon, she was unable to continue playing the sport she was passionate about. Determined to stay involved in the community, she joined the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team and also began coaching, which allowed her to continue fostering her love for volleyball in a different capacity.

In this episode, Jayme explores various themes, including the importance of embracing nuance and the value of meaningful relationships. She emphasizes that, in the broader context, people are more likely to remember how you made them feel rather than specific actions.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(01:03:55) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(01:13:40) How would you define success in life?

(01:24:42) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:38:09) Ending

This episode features the first guest in our Sitting Volleyball Mini-Series, Felicia Voss-Shafiq. Throughout this series, I’ll be chatting with members of the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball team, sharing their stories, experiences, and journeys in the sport.

Fe is a retired three-time Paralympian and Paralympic bronze medalist. After losing her leg below the knee due to a sudden illness, she discovered sitting volleyball, which she quickly fell in love with. In this episode, she shares her journey, the challenges she has overcome, and how the sport helped her rebuild her confidence, purpose, and community.

One of Fe’s core beliefs is that happiness is a choice. She acknowledges that grief is a necessary part of healing, but also believes there comes a time to begin moving forward and intentionally choose happiness. Throughout our conversation, she reflects on the difficult moments she has faced, what helped her emerge from those dark times, and how she cultivates gratitude to appreciate each day. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, perspective, and the strength we can find through community and sport.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(01:00:52) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(01:16:22) How would you define success in life?

(01:22:36) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:29:20) Ending

This episode, I sat down with Annika who’s a friend from elementary school and high school. After high school she moved to NYC to pursue her dreams of performing on Broadway. Throughout the episode she describes what that journey was like and how she has started to find herself and self-align.

Annika believes that it’s helpful to remember to “just be cool” and by that she means to take the time to self-align and trust the universe and the process. For her, staying cool allows her not worry as much and instead focus on the things that truly fill her cup.

This week, I sat down with Sean, one of my friends from first-year university and a returning guest from Season 1. Sean shares an update on his health since his first appearance, when he had recently suffered a heart attack. He also reflects on the unexpected career pivots he's made since completing his undergraduate degree in biology.

We also talk about the importance of slowing down and appreciating the journey. As cliché as it may sound, Sean shares how learning to "stop and smell the roses" has changed his perspective. It has led him to prioritize quality time with the people he cares about most and to seek out meaningful experiences that leave him feeling genuinely grateful.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:41:10) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(00:55:09) How would you define success in life?

(01:10:40) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:20:10) Ending

This week's episode features Elaine, one of my high school friends who moved to California to work in tech. It had been a long time since we last caught up, so we reminisced about our dragon boat days in high school and reflected on her journey of moving to California.

Throughout the episode, Elaine shares why it's so important to bet on yourself and advocate for yourself, because no one will care about your goals and future as much as you do. She also explains how this mindset has helped her overcome social anxiety by reminding herself that most people are focused on their own lives, not judging hers. It's a simple perspective shift that has given her the confidence to take bigger risks and embrace new opportunities.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:39:32) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(00:56:10) How would you define success in life?

(01:12:52) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:17:42) Ending

This episode continues the dance mini-series, where I sit down with friends who’ve had dance as a focus in their lives. In this conversation, Bella shares her journey as a speech therapist and dancer. 

Throughout the episode Bella explains how she really strengthened her sense of self and realized that everything you need is within yourself. She feels like as she’s gotten to know herself better, she’s come to love the journey she’s been on and has become more grateful for the community around her.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:44:06) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(00:55:24) How would you define success in life?

(01:09:12) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:16:42) Ending

This episode continues the dance mini-series, where I sit down with friends who’ve had dance as a focus in their lives. In this conversation, Jeana shares her journey as a dancer and content creator, and reflects on how media has played a role in helping her embrace and take pride in her Korean identity.

Jeana also talks about a mindset shift toward slowing down and practicing gratitude. Despite balancing many different interests and activities, she makes time to reflect on what matters most and appreciate what she already has. That perspective has made her more open to saying yes to new experiences, opportunities, and connections, allowing her to approach life with greater curiosity and intention.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:46:10) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(01:02:28) How would you define success in life?

(01:13:28) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:20:12) Ending

This episode continues the dance mini-series, where I sit down with friends who’ve had dance as a focus in their lives. In this conversation, Angus shares what it was like to start dancing in university and develop a new skill as an adult. He reflects on learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, competing on a dance team, and the role dance plays in his life today.

Angus also explores the powerful idea of sonder—the realization that every person is living a life as rich, complex, and nuanced as our own. We discuss how embracing this perspective has shaped the way he relates to others, helping him lead with greater empathy and compassion for both those around him and himself. Along the way, we touch on navigating the opinions of others, self-criticism, and the challenge of extending ourselves the same grace we so often offer to others.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:42:19) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(00:59:00) How would you define success in life?

(01:17:21) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:25:30) Ending

This episode continues the dance mini-series, where I sit down with friends who’ve had dance as a focus in their lives. In this episode, Alex talks about how dance has always been a big part of his life and how it really came to fruition in university.

Alex reflects on all the opportunities that he’s been granted that he never could’ve imagined, especially coming from a smaller city. He explains how he’s now trying to actively honour his intentions more and how that all starts with focusing on the foundations of life. 

I hope you enjoy this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @LifeLeesonsPodcast

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:35:13) What’s something you’ve learnt about yourself/the world in the last 5 years?

(00:42:52) How would you define success in life?

(00:50:44) What’s a piece of advice you think anyone can take?

(01:01:44) Ending