Rooted in Purpose with Jess + Tamara

What if the exhaustion, disconnection, or anger of midlife isn’t proof you’re doing life wrong, but an invitation to listen differently?

In this episode, Laura Cardwell, author, speaker, and creator of the Initiation CodesTM, shares how her experience of early menopause, burnout, and upheaval led her to support women navigating change. She sees midlife not as a blank stretch between youth and old age, but as a journey of questioning who you’ve been and making room for who you’re becoming.

The conversation gets especially honest about rage, how it can surface after years of swallowing needs, and why pausing to understand its message may make speaking up clearer and more grounded. Laura also challenges the pressure to fight aging, offering a different possibility: becoming an elder with wisdom, purpose, and a voice.

This is a thoughtful conversation about sitting with discomfort instead of rushing to fix it, and finding joy by paying attention to what feels true.

Learn more about Laura:

www.lauracardwell.com

Explore Laura’s resources:

Take the Initiation Code Quiz: https://initiationcodes.lauracardwell.com/

Access the free Embodied Leadership Guide: https://www.embodiedleadershipbydesign.com/free-leadership-guide

Get Unstuck Yourself at www.unstuckyourselfbook.net and wherever books are sold.

Connect with Laura:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracardwell.midlife/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraCardwellQIW/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-cardwell-qiw/

Substack: https://substack.com/@schoolofreclamation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lauracardwellqiw2010

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In this episode, Grandmother Redhawk, a ceremonial healer and diviner trained under Malidoma Somé and Eliot Cowan, shares how cultivating a relationship with your ancestors can bring profound guidance and healing. Drawing from over twenty years of experience, she explains that our ancestors are living allies who walk beside us, offering strength and wisdom when we remember to call upon them. Through stories and teachings rooted in Indigenous and elemental traditions, Grandmother Redhawk invites us to reconnect with our lineage through simple acts of remembrance, ceremony, and gratitude—reminding us that our ancestors are always ready to help us find our way home. 

Schedule a divination with Grandmother Redhawk by visiting: earthandelementalceremonies.com

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For Rachelle Hansen, animals have always been more than companions—they were her source of unconditional love during a childhood marked by trauma. In this inspiring episode, she shares how those early bonds became the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of her dreams. From volunteering with orphaned infant chimps in Africa to her nearly two decades of dedication at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, Rachelle has devoted herself to giving primates the voice they deserve.

She speaks about resilience in advocacy, the wisdom she’s gained from Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey’s legacy, and why problems aren’t “too big”—they simply need focused attention. With moving stories of the primates she’s met, including the infamous Ikea monkey, Rachelle reminds us that one small act, multiplied by many, creates real change. This is a heartfelt conversation about courage, compassion, and walking forward in faith, even when the path is uncertain.

Learn more about the sanctuary’s mission and support their important work here:

• Story Book Farm Website
• Story Book Farm on Facebook
• Story Book Farm on Instagram
• Story Book Farm on X

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Award-winning singer-songwriter Angela Saini joins us for a powerful conversation about identity, courage, and choosing yourself—even when it’s hard. Known for her uplifting blend of folk-pop and empowering lyrics, Angela shares how second chances, inner fire, and radical responsibility have shaped her journey as an artist.

We explore how who we believe we are becomes who we become, and why fear, doubt, and the illusion of “perfect timing” often hold us back. Angela opens up about the stories we tell ourselves, the alchemy of turning pain into purpose, and the freedom that comes from owning every part of our story—the light and the dark.

From starting a rock band at 15 to touring internationally and building a solo career on her own terms, Angela reminds us: you don’t have to wait for the perfect moment—you just have to start.

Stay tuned until the end for a special treat—Angela shares a live performance of one of her original songs!

Connect with Angela through the following links: 

Website:  angelasaini.com

Facebook: facebook.com/angelasainimusic

IG: instagram.com/angelasainimusic?igsh=YmJiZGFyNGdjdTB3

YouTube: youtube.com/user/AngelaSaini

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@angela.saini

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In this episode, we sit down with Jill Haynie — stone artist, storyteller, and coach — for a raw and resonant conversation about truth, compassion, and the quiet power of the inner world.

Jill invites us to ask: What would happen if we told the truth about ourselves — the real, messy, muck-deep truth? Through her own story and the work she does with others, Jill shares how naming our truth and hearing it reflected back can illuminate the loops we keep repeating, offering the insight we need to shift them.

She speaks to the sacredness of our personal tapestry — how every thread, even the painful ones, has shaped who we are. We explore forgiveness, self-compassion, and the courage to release what no longer fits. Jill reminds us that our inner world holds more wisdom than the noise around us — and that listening to its nudges is how we find our way home.

This is a conversation about being bold, letting go, and trusting what’s already inside.

Hammered:  A Story of an Insatiable Spirit Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1VlcFtNlRxXfZ3KvIpdkSR

Hammered:  The Raw Truth Ted Talk -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiwjLPXYVEM

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with communication expert Sheila Pride to explore how the way we speak—and truly listen—can transform our relationships, shift power dynamics, and foster deep understanding. Drawing on neuroscience and decades of experience in social work, trauma recovery and transformative coaching, Sheila breaks down why so many of us default to unhelpful patterns, how our brains respond in moments of tension, and what we can do to rewire those patterns toward connection rather than conflict.

This conversation goes beyond communication tips—it’s an invitation to examine the wish beneath the words, to step away from the need to “win,” and instead approach every conversation with curiosity, empathy, and intention. Whether you’re navigating a difficult parenting moment, trying to connect more deeply with your partner, or simply want to show up better in your workplace, Sheila offers practical strategies and profound insights to help you do just that.

Tune in to discover how better communication isn’t just possible—it’s a daily practice that can reshape every part of your life.

Discover more about Sheila and The Moksha Group by visiting: www.themokshagroup.com

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Join us as we welcome Black Crow, also known as Sharon Oxendine, a Lumbee Tribe member and founder of Medicine Wheel Way, a nonprofit empowering BIPOC and underserved communities through nature-based healing. Discover how connecting with the land fosters resilience, healing, and community, especially for youth. Through cultural wisdom and personal stories, Black Crow reveals the restorative power of nature, the role of elders in bridging generations, and lessons on rebuilding from events like Hurricane Helene. This episode invites you to reconnect, embrace simplicity, and redefine wealth through self-discovery and community.

Support Black Crow's mission by visiting:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-medicine-wheel-way-a-sanctuary-for-bipoc-youth

Join the newsletter and register to the Spiritual Revolution Summit happening 12/15/24 3-6 p.m. by visiting:
https://medicinewheelway.com/spiritual-revolution-1

Facebook: @medicinewheelway

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This season, we had the honor of speaking with extraordinary women who have boldly pursued purpose through their passions. Each shared their unique journey, and we asked them one compelling question: What does success mean to you? Their answers were not only diverse, but deeply inspiring. In this episode, we reflect on their stories, uncovering powerful lessons and fresh perspectives. Join us for an insightful and uplifting conversation that will empower you to redefine success on your own terms!

• Support Ishani and Peter’s mission work in the Philippines: paoc.org/mission-global/donate/peterishanislocombe
• Emily's website: emilyrezkalla.com
• Daphne's website: shopboa.ca
• Ofra's website: coachmybusiness.ca
• Christine's website: coachingwithchristine.com

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In this episode, Daphne and Ofra reveal the raw truths behind their entrepreneurial journeys, from battling imposter syndrome to diving headfirst into business with both feet in. They share how embracing vulnerability, building strong networks, and taking bold risks have been game-changers for their success. With powerful insights on overcoming self-doubt and staying accountable, they inspire you to take the leap—no matter how big or small. Young entrepreneurs, this one’s for you! Tune in for actionable advice on disrupting your industry, being scrappy, and turning your passion into profit.

Socials & Websites:

• Daphne's website and Instagram: SHOPBOA.CA and @boaboutique
• Ofra's website and Instagram: COACHMYBUSINESS.CA and @coachmybusiness

Offerings:

• Sign up for Daphne's eblast at SHOPBOA.CA
• Sign up to download Ofra's Free Marketing Bible

Media Features: 

• Style and substance
• Double shot of ambition

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Join us as we chat with Career and Confidence Coach Emily Rezkalla, who shares powerful insights on overcoming ego, silencing self-doubt, and navigating life’s wins and losses with grace. Emily breaks down common misconceptions about confidence, explains how small actions lead to big growth, and reveals how staying curious and stepping outside your comfort zone can transform your mindset. Whether you’re facing career challenges or personal hurdles, this episode is packed with tips to help you show up more boldly. 

Socials & Website:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emrezkalla
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emrezkalla/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRm6mq5pWfhP8iUz6Be-8Q
• Website: www.emilyrezkalla.com

Offerings:

• 1:1 Interview Prep Coaching: https://stan.store/emrezkalla/p/book-a-11-interview-prep-call-with-me
• Away from Desk Newsletter: https://emily rezkalla.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8650a7f0629617ca7c702abae&id=28e014d978 
• Free Interview Prep Checklist: https://stan.store/emrezkalla/emfreeintervieprepchecklist

Media Features:

• Welcome to the Jungle: How to bounce back after making a mistake at work (2024)
• Welcome to the Jungle: The juggling game: How to show your balance of priorities in an interview (2023)
• Elle Canada: Ambition, Side Hustles and the Perils of Overworking (2023)
• Business Insider: Gen Zers are saying 'no thanks' to promotions for reasons that go beyond money (Dec, 2023)
• Business Insider: Gen Z lacks the communication and networking skills needed for the workforce. Companies need to train them. (Dec, 2022)
• Yahoo: How to Ask for A Raise - 3 Things To Help Your Chances (May, 2023)
• Toronto Star/The Kit: How to Find a Job You'll Actually, Truly Love (Nov, 2022)
• The Financial Post: Quiet Quitting an Opportunity for Employers to Help Reshape the Workplace (Aug, 2022)

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