Optimistically Depressed

I’ve been privileged to know Meaghan Smith for about six years now. She has taught me many valuable lessons involving how to interpret, understand and manage my emotions. Her unique perspective on life is what every storybook dreams of. Each conversation we share leaves me feeling brighter and more optimistic about the future. I’m honoured to be able to share with you one of those conversations.

Meaghan Smith is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, and visual artist. In 2011 she won the Juno Award for Best New Artist. She's currently working on Our Song, a custom songwriting project where people tell her their stories and she writes a personalized song for them. You can listen to one of those songs at the end of this podcast episode.

http://oursongmusic.com

You know how they say you need to surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth? Veronica Gutierrez is one of those people, and that is probably how she attracts the same kinds of people as friends. This strong and fiery woman joined me last week for an open conversation about culture, honesty, and mental health.

We all know that getting outside helps with mental health, so why don’t we do it more? Perhaps we need some inspiration! Brett Hartlin joins Optimistically Depressed to talk about the benefits of getting outside and helps reignite the desire to be a part of nature.

Lindsay Umlah, co-host of the popular podcast Momgasm, joins Optimistically Depressed for a juicy episode on her rebellious attitude coupled with her experience being born with a congenital heart defect and her mental health.

She is a firm believer that we are all meant to shine and have the beautiful lives that we long for. Only good comes from recognizing that we aren’t meant to fit in, but we are in fact born to stand out.

Being in any kind of spotlight brings along more responsibility than you could imagine. There is a constant balancing act between different opinions and how you represent yourself. Corrections and criticisms pour in while you try to stay true to who you are while making thoughtful adjustments and grow. You thicken your skin while trying to remain soft. 

Welcome to the thoughtfulness of Todd Veinotte, radio show host of The Todd Veinotte Show on News 95.7 and an experienced podcaster. Todd shares his thoughts and advice on how to function in an industry that either builds you up or tears you apart. It all depends on how you look at it.

It's no secret that I have anxiety, so I would love for you to meet my wonderful coach & friend Joel Muise. You've heard from him before on this show, but this time we dove deeper into what Tranquility Online does, the company he co-founded. Prepare for the inside scoop on how some of his and my conversations go!

You know that good ol' saying "life is what you make it?" Tom is living proof of that. This guy is such a kind human being whose nature involves creating safety. Tom and I sit down for the second time and discuss many aspects of life, and part of it involves resilience. I am becoming more and more fascinated with what that word means so it was great to hear what it means to Tom and how he practiced it in his own life.