“No one needs to be fixed. I just think we need to be remembered. And I also believe that we need to remember ourselves too.”

When we spend our lives taking care of everyone else, it is easy to lose sight of who we are beneath all the doing. In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore what happens when major life disruptions force us to pause, look inward, and finally listen to our bodies and minds. This storytelling podcast features real stories and deeply personal stories about the messy process of self-discovery, moving through grief, and the quiet courage it takes to unlearn old habits. Through these community stories, we examine the difference between constantly doing for others and simply learning how to be.

ABOUT THE GUEST

In this episode, we’re joined by Vicki, a mother, grandmother, podcaster, and coach who spent years functioning as the primary doer for everyone around her. After facing a significant health crisis and the loss of both of her parents, Vicki had to confront a question she had never been asked before: who do you actually want to be?

TIMESTAMPS

00:21 – The weight of being the doer and losing both parents

01:10 – The question that changed everything: Who do you want to be?

02:58 – Navigating grief as an only child and managing an estate

04:26 – Remembering ourselves and moving off the back burner

06:16 – Finding fulfillment by learning to be alone without being lonely

09:13 – Processing a major health diagnosis and learning to listen to the body

11:43 – Navigating trauma, grief, and the absence of a timeline

14:40 – Breaking the cycle of numbing, overworking, and self-judgment

19:18 – Reflecting on parental worth and the generational ripple effect of healing

21:55 – How family dynamics shift when you start prioritizing your own path

“My being was more important than what I was doing, and I lost myself somewhere in the doing.”

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

This episode is for you if…

• You constantly find yourself taking care of everyone else while putting your own needs on the back burner.
• You are navigating the heavy, timeline-free landscape of grief or recovering from a major health scare.
• You struggle to sit quietly with your own thoughts and feel the constant urge to stay busy.
• You are trying to break free from generational expectations and define success on your own terms.
• You want to learn how to trust your own intuition and give yourself grace when you are not at 100%.

CALL TO ACTION

If Vicky’s story brought up any reflections about your own journey or what it means to truly listen to yourself, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear your thoughts. If you want to hear more real, human stories like this one, feel free to subscribe to the channel.

INVITATION TO LIVE EVENT

If you enjoy these conversations, we invite you to join us in person for Tales of the Town. This monthly storytelling night is based in Windsor, Ontario, providing a warm, grounded environment where everyday people share real experiences. Share a story or witness one. It is a space where every voice has a place.

LINKS SECTION

Tales of the Town: http://www.talesofthetown.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofbeingunstoppable/

Vicki's Podcast: The Art of Being Unstoppable

Vicki's Website: VM Beautiful

"On paper, my life looked amazing... but I was just walking through life, not actually enjoying it, like actually desiring to be there."

Welcome to Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast featuring real stories, personal stories, and community stories from everyday people and creatives. In this episode, we explore how hitting rock bottom can lead to unexpected paths of healing, moving from traditional frameworks to holistic practices, and learning to trust your body’s innate capacity to heal.

In this episode, we are joined by Bouchra El Amine, an energy healer, qigong teacher, and medicine woman based in Windsor, Ontario. After years of struggling with severe chronic depression and PTSD, Bouchra shifted from her Cartesian upbringing and corporate life to explore alternative medicine, eventually finding her purpose in supporting others through integrative holistic practices.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction and hitting rock bottom

01:36 – Exploring alternative medicine and a friend’s influence

02:56 – The first Reiki and sound healing experience

05:02 – Stepping into plant medicine and the healer's path

06:31 – Coming out of the closet as a local healer

07:54 – The complex nature of human healing and trauma

11:11 – How the body stores emotions on a cellular level

14:14 – Traditional Chinese Medicine and shifting blockages

15:51 – Practical tools: Silence, intention, and gratitude

21:47 – The power of breath and somatic practices

25:48 – How to work with Bouchra and closing reflections

"The minute that you stop that very hateful inner critic and judgmental nonsense and you move into love, unconditional love... it changes the narrative with the body."

This Episode Is For You If...

You have ever felt numb or stuck while your life looks perfectly fine on paper.

You are curious about how the body stores trauma, memories, and emotional charges.

You want practical, simple ways to connect with your body through breath, intention, and silence.

You are navigating a transition from a highly analytical, corporate background into a heart-centered calling.

We invite you to share your reflections or experiences with somatic practices and finding stillness in the comments below. If these community stories resonate with you, please consider subscribing to support the podcast.

Join Us LIVE! Tales of the Town is also a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space where every voice has a place. Whether you want to share a story or witness one, we welcome you to join our creative community.

Links

Live Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223

Bouchra's Website: https://elamshands.com/ *

Bouchra's Instagram: @elamshands

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

What happens when you trade your car for a bicycle and commit to navigating the world entirely on your own terms? In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from our community, we look at the unpredictable nature of long-distance cycling and the unexpected kindness of strangers. This conversation explores how stepping into vulnerability can open the door to profound human connection and why the most memorable journeys are the ones where we have no fixed plan.

In this episode, we’re joined by Don Martell, a Windsor-based photographer and long-distance cyclist who has spent months traveling across Canada and around the world on his bike. After a career working in the newspaper industry, Don transitioned to a life of open-road adventure, mapping his days around local workshops and the simple pursuit of new perspectives.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction and cycling from north to south Canada

01:13 – Running out of water on a Saskatchewan highway

02:45 – The reality of small-town hospitality and the Purple Submarine

05:00 – Cycling through the mountains of the Dempster Highway

06:48 – Documenting the Northern Lights far south in Tecumseh, Ontario

09:03 – Buying a first camera from Kmart and starting a photography journey

10:09 – Photographing a Namib Desert storm and capturing 18 lightning strikes

13:30 – Selling the car and committing to a life of cycling

15:17 – Plans to cycle around the Mediterranean and Europe 2

1:22 – The story of Miracle, the stolen bike that returned on a special birthday

29:19 – Preparing for a 24-hour fundraising ride in Essex County

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

This episode is for you if:

• You are drawn to the freedom of solo travel and exploring the world without a rigid plan.
• You want to hear a grounded perspective on how vulnerability can build deep community stories with strangers.
• You are interested in photography, storm chasing, and capturing the raw elements of nature.
• You need a reminder that physical endurance and a life of adventure are possible at any stage of life.

CALL TO ACTION

The open road has a way of showing us exactly what we need when we least expect it. If Don’s stories brought up any reflections about your own journeys or moments of unexpected kindness, please feel free to leave a comment below. Consider subscribing to the channel to join us for more personal stories from everyday people.

INVITATION TO LIVE EVENT

Tales of the Town is more than a podcast; it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a dedicated, grounded space where people gather to share a story or simply witness one. Whether you are ready to step up to the microphone or prefer to just listen, you are welcome here. A space where every voice has a place.

Tales of the Town Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/

Guest Socials: Don Martell Photography on Facebook and Instagram

https://donmartel.com/

https://www.facebook.com/donmartelphototgraphy

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #BicycleTouring #AdventurePhotography #StormChaser

"Everyone's life is like a storybook, is like a notebook. And you write your story about yourself. Make sure you register in a way that in the future... you're going to be proud of yourself."

What does it take to leave behind everything you have built and start over from the foundation? In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from our community, we explore the reality of immigration, the power of persistence, and what happens when you commit to a completely new path. This conversation dives into the quiet resilience required to move across the world alone and the mindset it takes to build a new life from scratch.

In this episode, we’re joined by Reza, a 24-year-old fitness professional and assistant manager living in Windsor, Ontario. Originally from Iran, Reza was a competitive athlete and student who moved to Canada four years ago to pursue his dreams of growth and freedom.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction and leaving Iran as a student

02:44 – Landing in Toronto and facing strict border security

06:01 – Arriving in Windsor

06:46 – Working graveyard factory shifts to pay for international tuition

07:21 – A chance conversation that pushed Reza back into fitness

09:07 – Landing a personal training job at age 21

10:16 – Balancing full-time work and school to become an assistant manager

14:51 – Future goals of entering medical school and rehabilitation medicine

16:05 – Experiencing freedom and attending a Canadian music festival alone

20:24 – The importance of spending time alone to know yourself

We adjust our paths, but our core drive stays the same. If Reza's story resonated with you, please feel free to leave a comment with your own reflections. Consider subscribing to the channel to hear more community stories from everyday people.

INVITATION TO LIVE EVENT Tales of the Town is also a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a warm, intentional space where everyday people gather to share a story or witness one. Whether you want to step up to the microphone or simply listen, this is a space where every voice has a place.

Event tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223

Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Reza_sadeghi_22

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

"Our purpose doesn't have to be something big. We don't have to save a life or do something grandiose. Our purpose can be just to hold space for someone."

In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories from everyday people, we explore the profound shift from living on autopilot to stepping into true authenticity. This conversation digs into the heavy burdens of people-pleasing, the wake-up calls delivered by sudden life disruptions, and how shifting toward gratitude can completely reshape how we view our personal stories. Christa’s mission is clear: to inspire and give hope to others so they can live the life they love. It is a reflective look at resilience, community stories, and what it truly means to reclaim your joy.

In this episode, we’re joined by Christa Rose, an Amazon #1 Bestselling author, International Speaker, Certified Coach, and Nutritionist. Christa helps people who lack direction find clarity so they can live a life with purpose and passion. Christa empowers others to rewrite their story, step out of autopilot mode, and confidently embrace who they are.

"If I'm a mistake, that means I have to fix everything. I have to be perfect. So from that moment on, I turned into someone who would people-please."

This episode is for you if you find yourself constantly seeking outside validation or trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing. It is also for you if you feel like you lack direction, are moving through your routine on autopilot, and want to reclaim your passion. It will resonate deeply if you are navigating major life transitions, grief, or the daily challenges of chronic illness. Finally, this conversation is perfect for anyone looking for a practical balance between grounded conventional knowledge and deep spiritual wisdom.

If Christa's story brought up any reflections about your own journey or what authenticity means to you, please feel free to leave a comment below. We value your presence here and invite you to subscribe to the channel to hear more personal stories from our community.

Tales of the Town is more than a podcast; it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a dedicated, grounded space where everyday people gather to connect through real human experiences. Whether you want to step up to the microphone to share a story or simply witness one, you are welcome here. This is a space where every voice has a place.

Links: Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Guest Website: christarose.com Guest Socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristaRose-1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4christa_rose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@4christarose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christa.rose.967?mibextid=LQQJ4d LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/christa-rose-48b8342b3 Guest Books: Skip the Pain, Experience the Pleasure & Shattering Truths I Wish My Younger Self Knew

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

"Business brings me joy because you have the flexibility of doing something unique and novel and not following a cookie-cutter approach."

How do you find the courage to innovate when traditional "best practices" feel like a box? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the intersection of business, creativity, and the resilience required to navigate both success and failure. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories about finding joy in the creation process and learning to look at the world through a different lens.

About the Guest

In this episode, we’re joined by Thanos Zikantas, a serial entrepreneur and creative thinker based in the Windsor-Essex area. Drawing from decades of experience in industries ranging from restaurants to manufacturing, Thanos shares how a perspective rooted in "cause and effect" has allowed him to build community-driven businesses and navigate life's unexpected transitions.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Thano's Story

08:53 Current Business Projects

11:53 Knowing your value

13:08 Reframing ADHD as a unique lens for navigating life

16:09 The future of education in the age of AI

23:46 Advice to a younger self

This episode is for you if...

• You are an entrepreneur looking for unconventional ways to build community trust.
• You have ever felt restricted by "best practices" and want to embrace a more creative approach to your work.
• You are navigating a period of failure and need a reminder that "playing" is part of the lifelong journey.
• You want to hear a grounded perspective on the future of AI, education, and human resilience.

Call to Action

If Thanos’s reflections on creativity and resilience sparked a thought, we invite you to share your reflections in the comments. How do you find joy in the "creation process" of your own life? Please subscribe to stay connected with more community stories.

Invitation to Live Event

Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or simply witness one. A space where every voice has a place.

Links

• Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/
• Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thanos.zikantas

Hashtags

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #Entrepreneurship #CreativeResilience

"Instead of trying harder, I did something different. I tried softer."

In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the transition from external validation to self-acceptance. This conversation follows a journey of "trying softer"—moving away from forcing connections in spaces where one doesn't fit and instead flowing toward authentic community and passion projects. It is a reflective look at how isolation can lead to self-discovery and how that personal growth eventually enriches the community around us.

About the Guest

We are joined by Donia El-Haddad, a creative and community organizer who has spent years as a yoga teacher and has recently expanded into music and event production. Based in Windsor, Donia is the force behind Crossfade, a live music series that brings together jazz musicians and DJs for improvised performances.

TIMESTAMPS

00;00 Donia's Story

03:39 Crossfade519

09:55 Protecting your energy

16:03 Regulating the nervous system

19:42 Managing Chronic pain

24:32 Advice to a younger self

"When you isolate yourself in the pursuit of learning about yourself, you have more to offer community."

This episode is for you if...

• You have ever felt like you were "tolerated" rather than truly loved in social circles.
• You are interested in the intersection of live instrumentation and electronic music.
• You are navigating a journey with chronic pain or nervous system regulation.
• You are a creative looking to turn a personal passion into a community project.

Call to Action

We invite you to reflect on your own journey of "trying softer." If this story resonated with you, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. To hear more real, personal stories from our community, consider subscribing to the show.

Invitation to the Live Event

Tales of the Town is more than a podcast; it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a dedicated space where every voice has a place. We invite you to join us at our next event to share a story of your own or simply witness the stories of others.

Links

• Event Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223
• Tales of the Town Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/
• Crossfade Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfade519/

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

"The most important part of living is knowing who you are."

How do we distinguish between the life we are "supposed" to live and the one that actually belongs to us? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the heavy cost of people-pleasing and the relief of finally telling the truth. We follow a journey from a marriage built on external validation to a life centered on authentic joy and human connection. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories about finding the courage to listen to your own voice when the world expects you to stay quiet.

About the Guest

In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Poredos, a coach and community builder who founded The Joy Tribe and Date on Purpose. After navigating a short-lived marriage and a deep sense of self-loss, Erin shifted her focus to helping others rediscover their personal values and build meaningful connections outside of digital apps.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Erin's Story

06:34 The problem with modern dating

09:36 Date on Purpose

13:11 When your body knows before your mind does

19:39 Joy as a practice

27:06 Finding your Inner Child

31:01 Life as a video game

"At some point, your curiosity is going to be bigger than your fear."

This episode is for you if...

• You have ever felt like you were living your life to satisfy someone else's opinion.
• You are navigating the burnout of modern dating and looking for deeper, more intentional connection.
• You feel a "gap" between what you are currently doing and what you feel called to do.
• You want practical ways to reconnect with play and joy in your daily routine.

Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or simply witness one. Whether you are ready to speak or just want to listen, there is a seat for you. Share a story or witness one. A space where every voice has a place.

Links

• Event Tickets: Tales of the Town (https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/
• Erin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imperfectlyhumanwitherin https://www.instagram.com/dateonpurpose.co/

UPCOMING EVENT! Date on Purpose (Ages 45 - 60)| Walkerville Brewery | May 8th 2026

Date on Purpose (Events & Tickets) - https://linktr.ee/dateonpurpose.co

Website: https://www.thejoytribeco.ca/

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #TheJoyTribe #DatingOnPurpose #SelfDiscovery

How does a challenging birth experience transform the way a professional supports others in their most vulnerable moments?. In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the intersection of professional expertise and personal trauma, following a journey from a planned unmedicated birth to an unexpected hospital induction. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories that highlight the importance of informed consent and advocacy within the birthing community. We discuss the "BRAIN" acronym for decision-making and how building trust between partners can protect the physiological process of labor.

About the Guest

In this episode, we’re joined by Deborah, a registered massage therapist and certified doula with over 20 years of experience. Based in the Windsor-Essex community, Deborah specializes in pregnancy massage and doula care, focusing on helping women feel empowered through informed choice and advocacy.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Deborah's Story

11:27 The best part of the job: Witnessing a woman’s empowerment after birth.

14:16 Using your "BRAIN": An acronym for informed consent

20:18 The statistics of induction and the role of doulas in reducing C-section rates.

25:24 Protecting the Oxytocin: How birth partners can support the "love hormone"

34:05 Tend to be Friend: Deborah’s podcast and community resources.

This episode is for you if...

• You are navigating your own pregnancy and want to understand how to advocate for your birth choices.
• You are a birth partner looking for practical ways to support and protect the labor environment.
• You have experienced a birth that didn't go as planned and are looking for a grounded perspective on healing and trauma.
• You are curious about the clinical and physiological roles of hormones like oxytocin during labor.

Call to Action

If Deborah’s story resonated with you, we invite you to leave a reflection in the comments below. Have you ever had to pivot from a plan in a high-stakes moment? Subscribe to stay connected with more community stories.

Invitation to Live Event

Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or witness one. A space where every voice has a place.

Links

• Event Tickets: talesofthetown.caGuest Website: pelviclove.comGuest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahthedoula/

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #DoulaCare #BirthStories #InformedConsent

"At some point your curiosity is going to be bigger than your fear."

What happens when a high-pressure career in accounting meets a life-altering health crisis? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore a journey of radical transformation—from the rigid world of corporate finance to the liberating floor of ecstatic dance. We sit down for a deep conversation about healing, the intersection of physical and spiritual health, and the courage it takes to stop dimming your own light. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from the heart of our creative community.

About the Guest

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Neuberger, a holistic nutritionist and DJ based in Windsor, Ontario. After navigating a breast cancer diagnosis at age 26, Lauren left her accounting career to study the energetic and physical components of chronic illness, eventually finding a new calling in conscious movement and somatic practice.

TIMESTAMPS

00:09 – Lauren's Story

08:49 – What is Ecstatic Dance? A guide to dancing with intention.

16:00 – Overcoming the fear of being "weird" on the dance floor.

20:43 – Reconnecting with the divine feminine.

31:00 – Why you should never dim your light.

This episode is for you if...

You are navigating a major health journey and looking for a holistic perspective on healing.

You feel stuck in a professional "box" and want to embrace a more creative or spiritual path.

You struggle with self-judgment or the fear of looking "weird" when expressing yourself.

You are curious about sober raves, ecstatic dance, or using movement as a meditation.

Call to Action

If Lauren’s story resonated with you, we invite you to leave a reflection in the comments. Have you ever had a moment where your curiosity finally outweighed your fear?

Subscribe to stay connected with more community stories.

Invitation to Live Event

Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or simply witness one. Whether you are stepping onto a growth edge or looking for a grounded evening of human connection, there is a seat for you. Tales of the Town is a space where every voice has a place.

Links

Event Tickets: www.talesofthetown.ca

Ecstatic Dance Windsor (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/528478629167830

Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslaurenneuburger/

#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #HolisticHealing #EcstaticDance