In this special Valentine's ‘Love’ Day and Tales of Triumph's anniversary episode, Host Talia reflects on the importance of self-love and speaks about her own growth since sharing her 'rainbow story’ exactly one year ago today. She revisits the essence of understanding self-worth amidst adversities and highlights the importance of genuinely feeling and honoring one's emotions.

Talia shares a profound personal retreat experience in the forest where she confronted her core wound of feeling worthless, ultimately finding liberation and lightness by letting go. She encourages listeners to celebrate their inner perfection and connect with loved ones from this authentic place.

00:00 Love Day Celebration

00:22 Reflecting on My Rainbow Story

01:03 Understanding Self-Worth and Love Medals

01:45 The Journey of Self-Love

03:11 Embracing and Feeling Emotions

05:02 A Transformative Retreat in the Forest

06:36 Identifying and Releasing Core Wounds

11:40 Books That Guided My Journey

13:04 Conclusion and Looking Forward

Whole Again Book: https://a.co/d/baWhmT3 

Living From A Place Of Surrender (Audiobook): https://a.co/d/6RkScWA 

Letting Go (Audiobook): https://a.co/d/aj3OaUP 

Love Medals Website: ⁠https://www.lovemedals.com/⁠

Love Medals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemedals

Tales of Triumph Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talesoftriumphpodcast

In this episode, Talia interviews Madeleine Shaw, a social entrepreneur and writer, to discuss the nuances of gray area drinking and its impact. They explore Madeleine’s journey from entrepreneurship to writing, her personal struggle with gray area addiction, and how it redefined her life and relationships.

Madeleine shares insights on societal pressures, the health risks associated with alcohol, the importance of self-regulation and how menopause played a role in her recovery.

They discuss breaking the stigma around addiction and creating meaningful conversations about sobriety and mental health. Madeleine’s story is one of liberation, resilience, and the pursuit of authenticity.

01:23 Guest Introduction and Background

04:31 Understanding Gray Area Addiction

08:49 Health Impacts of Alcohol

14:14 Personal Journey and Sobriety

22:20 Support and Societal Perspectives

24:24 Personal Reflections on Sobriety

25:14 Understanding and Meeting Our Needs

26:24 The Importance of Setting Boundaries

27:12 Facing Shame and Seeking Help

27:55 Entrepreneurship and Sobriety

30:19 Impact of Sobriety on Relationships

31:34 The Science Behind Alcohol's Effects

38:17 Support Systems and Resources

40:34 Daily Victories and Personal Triumphs

48:03 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

The Greater Good Book: https://madeleineshaw.ca/the-greater-good/ 

Madeleine’s Blog: https://medium.com/@madeleineshawgreatergood 

The Luckiest Club: https://www.theluckiestclub.com/ 

Recovery Elevator: https://www.recoveryelevator.com/

Love Medals Website: ⁠https://www.lovemedals.com/⁠

Love Medals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemedals

Tales of Triumph Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesoftriumphpodcast

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird

License code: ZOSNVIA5JV1Y6ZWN

In this episode of 'Tales of Triumph, The Love Medals Podcast,' host Talia welcomes Tracy Chalmers, an end-of-life doula and co-founder of The Grief Well. Tracy shares her insights on the importance of love, gratitude, and forgiveness at the end of life.

The episode dives deeply into how Tracy's work supports both the dying and their families, emphasizing the significance of human connections and community.

Tracy also touches on personal anecdotes and practical wisdom surrounding grief, resilience, and the ways to find meaning even in the face of death. Through this conversation, we are inspired to embrace love and courage through life's transitions.

00:45 Meet Tracy Chalmers: End of Life Doula

01:59 Understanding the Role of an End of Life Doula

04:39 Navigating Fear and Pain at the End of Life

07:31 Celebrating Life's Victories

13:10 The Importance of Storytelling in End of Life Care

21:06 Navigating Family Dynamics

26:47 Exploring The Grief Well

28:47 The Power of Grief

29:26 Connecting Through Grief

30:11 Challenging Cultural Narratives

30:35 Triumphs in Saying Goodbye

31:17 The Role of Community in Grief

32:09 The Irony of Happiness and Sadness

34:46 The Phenomenal World and Dying Well

36:04 Signs from Loved Ones

40:22 Daily Victories and Gratitude

41:41 Failures Turned Successes

45:19 The Rainbow Story of Self-Love

46:26 Quick Round of Questions

50:02 Honoring Tracy's Work

52:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

End Well Website: https://www.endwell.ca/

The Grief Well Website: https://www.thegriefwell.ca/

Canadian Virtual Hospice: https://www.virtualhospice.ca/

Victoria Hospice: https://victoriahospice.org/

Bridge C14: https://www.bridgec14.org/

BC Bereavement Helpline: 604-738-9950 or Toll Free 1-877-779-2223

Love Medals Website: ⁠https://www.lovemedals.com/⁠

Love Medals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemedals

Tales of Triumph Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesoftriumphpodcast

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird

License code: 1QHPTNLMYRARY0GS

In this emotional and inspiring episode of Tales of Triumph, the Love Medals podcast, host Talia talks to Coco Jones, a talented artist diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 42.

Coco shares her journey of resilience, discussing the deep connection between her illness and the childhood abuse she endured. She opens up about the profound impact of her family, her art, and her community in her healing process.

Coco's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's boundless resilience, and a reminder of the importance of facing our deepest pains in order to truly heal.

Love Medals Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lovemedals⁠

Tales of Triumph Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/talesoftriumphpodcast⁠

Music from #Uppbeat

⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird⁠

License code: 2MFQLZSESDGIOODC

In this celebratory and inspiring conversation, Talia interviews Kim, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma just before her 19th birthday, leading to the amputation of her leg. Kim recounts her initial reactions, the grueling chemotherapy, and the eventual decision to amputate to combat the aggressive bone cancer. She delves into the mental resilience required to overcome such life-altering events, the importance of physical health, and the power of inner dialogue and prayer. Kim's story is one of determination, from becoming an adaptive athlete to motherhood, demonstrating her unwavering spirit and ability to adapt. Her experiences provide valuable insights into handling fear, finding beauty in adversity, and redefining victory in the face of immense challenges with grace.

01:09 The Moment of Diagnosis

04:00 Initial Reactions and Family Support

06:06 Treatment Options and Decisions

11:12 Facing Chemotherapy

12:55 The Amputation Decision

17:05 Post-Surgery Challenges

20:39 Mental Resilience and Coping Strategies

25:59 The Healing Power of Sad Songs

26:29 Embracing Emotions and Being Present

27:28 Support Systems and Prosthetics

31:05 Journey to Becoming an Adaptive Athlete

33:21 Motherhood and Life's Unexpected Gifts

36:35 Body Image and Confidence

39:43 Daily Victories and Resilience

41:34 Reflections on Life's Journey

43:34 Quick Round of Personal Insights

48:12 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Love Medals Website: ⁠https://www.lovemedals.com/⁠

Love Medals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemedals

Tales of Triumph Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesoftriumphpodcast

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird

License code: 2MFQLZSESDGIOODC

In this episode, Simon Keith shares his extraordinary journey from a pro athlete soccer player, to a worldwide advocate for organ transplant recipients. Facing an unexpected diagnosis of a heart virus, Simon had to confront immense physical and emotional challenges, including undergoing two heart transplants.

He recounts his transformation from a high-achieving athlete to a committed advocate, founding the Simon Keith Foundation to support children and families facing similar challenges. Simon's story is one of resilience, realization, and a profound shift towards helping others, underscored by his belief in fate and the importance of love, compassion, and mentorship.

00:15 Simon's Early Life and Soccer Passion

01:12 Rising Soccer Career and Challenges

03:48 Diagnosis and Heart Transplant

05:09 Mental and Emotional Journey

08:45 Post-Transplant Soccer Career

11:11 Epiphany and Life's Purpose

16:47 Reflections on Fate and Destiny

18:50 Family and Support System

19:33 The Role of Loved Ones in Overcoming Adversity

21:28 Insights on Heart Transplants and Personal Changes

23:57 Founding the Simon Keith Foundation

24:58 Heartwarming Stories from the Foundation

26:49 The Importance of Community Support

27:44 Reflections on Legacy and Purpose

29:29 Nurturing Love and Compassion

31:48 Daily Victories and Overcoming Failures

35:58 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

Simon Keith’s Website: www.simonkeith.com

Simon Keith’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simon.keith.9

Simon Keith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skeith1234/ 

Simon Keith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-keith-c-m-89567340/

Love Medals Website: ⁠https://www.lovemedals.com/⁠

Love Medals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemedals

Tales of Triumph Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesoftriumphpodcast

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird

License code: 2QZHBUU6TSRCRMAQ

In this heartfelt episode of Tales of Triumph, host Talia shares her personal journey through grief after losing a dear loved one. She opens up about the profound duality of emotions she has felt, including heartache and gratitude, and how it has deepened her understanding of life.

She highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing the overlap between hardship and beauty, pain and joy. Talia encourages listeners to accept life in its entirety, honoring both the dark and the light, and finding inspiration and growth through adversity.

00:00 Welcome to Tales of Triumph

00:40 A Personal Tribute and Loss

01:20 Embracing Duality in Life

02:39 A Deeper Understanding

03:15 Celebrating Life Through Adversity

03:37 Closing Thoughts

Love Medals Website: ⁠https://www.lovemedals.com/⁠

Love Medals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemedals

Tales of Triumph Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesoftriumphpodcast

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird

License code: VYRYWM6AY1W7Q1CD

Michelle MacLean, The Doula's Path to Healing and Support

In this mini-episode, Talia shares the light of a truly bright soul who has profoundly impacted many people's lives and triumphs over adversity, including her own. This tribute to Richard Condon, to whom we are sending immense love during a life-threatening health crisis, includes a reading of his wonderful book, The Way Out.

In this extraordinary, emotional guest episode, host Talia Tanaka interviews Tania Downey, an energy healer whose journey with spiritual healing began with the tremendous loss of her son, Zack, from cancer at the age of 18 almost a decade ago. Tania’s words on her path as a bereaved mother serve as an incredible exemplar of finding light and the strength to persevere through unimaginable heartbreak.

Find Tania: