The Connectors Podcast

What happens to curiosity when children have more freedom to decide what, how and why they learn?

Marc-Alexandre Prud’homme, a part-time professor in education at l’UQAC and educator at Mont-Libre, introduces us to democratic education and self-directed learning — environments where young people have meaningful agency, make decisions and are encouraged to question the adults around them.

The conversation goes beyond education into emotional safety, play, boundaries, perfectionism and independence — and what becomes possible when children have space to ask: What do I like? What do I feel? What do I need? What do I want?

The Connectors explores the people, patterns, and perspectives that shape how we lead, live, connect, and reinvent ourselves. This season, we’re asking: What happens when people stop performing and start getting real with themselves?

ABOUT MARC-ALEXANDRE PRUD’HOMME

Marc-Alexandre Prud’homme is a part-time professor in education at l’UQAC and an educator at Mont-Libre, a self-directed learning centre in Montreal. His work explores democratic education, self-directed learning and how connection can help young people develop curiosity, agency and independence.

He is the author of the French-language book L’école peut-elle apprendre? Le potentiel de la diversité éducative, exploring educational diversity and what alternative approaches can offer children, parents, teachers and education systems.

Mont-Libre: mont-libre.orgMarc also shares educational ideas through Mont-Libre’s Facebook and Instagram channels.

Website: theconnectorshub.comInstagram: @theconnectorspodcastSubstack: @theconnectorspodcastYouTube: @theconnectorspodcastLinkedIn: The Connectors Podcast

We want to hear from you!

As The Connectors evolves, we'd genuinely love your feedback. And if you have a story or perspective you think our growing audience needs to hear, email us at [email protected]. 

The Connectors podcast is hosted and produced by Jolyn and Quinten.

Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to The Design Coop, and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst.

This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

THE CONNECTORSPODCAST DISCLAIMER

What if belonging isn't something we find — but something we practice?

Montreal-based visual and context artist Anna J. McIntyre joins us for a conversation about art, belonging, community, play, curiosity and microactivism — the small, everyday actions that connect us to the people and places around us.

Growing up between cultures and often feeling like an outsider shaped how Anna thinks about belonging. Rather than asking only what a community can offer us, she asks: How can we participate in creating it?

The Connectors explores the people, patterns, and perspectives that shape how we lead, live, connect, and reinvent ourselves. This season, we're asking: What happens when people stop performing and start getting real with themselves?

One idea kept showing up: participation matters.

Anna describes belonging as a practice, and microactivism brings that same thinking into our communities.

Talk to your neighbour. Plant something. Put up a lending library. Make art even if you're terrible at it. Be curious. Participate.

When global problems feel too enormous for our actions to matter, Anna reminds us that communities are often held together by exactly these small, repeated acts.

Maybe connection isn't something we wait to feel. Maybe it's something we help create.

Anna J. McIntyre (she/her/elle) is a visual artist, parent, homeschooler, freelancer and self-described context artist based in Montreal.

Born in England to British and British-Caribbean parents, Anna has lived across several places in Canada. Her work spans visual art, community projects, music, archives, publishing and experimentation, with a focus on belonging, aliveness, curiosity and engagement.

Instagram: @annajanemcintyre

Book Project — George Padmore InstituteA book inspired by the Institute's archives and Black British history, expected November 2026.

Rave Talk — MontrealA September 2026 project with David Dacks and Sydney Dacks exploring archives, music, community radio and culture.

Somatic Alphabet — NorwayAn experimental alphabet using movement and the body to explore nonverbal expression, presented in Norway in August 2026.

Website: theconnectorshub.comInstagram: @theconnectorspodcastSubstack: @theconnectorspodcastYouTube: @theconnectorspodcastLinkedIn: The Connectors Podcast

The Connectors podcast is hosted and produced by Jolyn and Quinten.

Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to The Design Coop, and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst.

This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

We're back, but The Connectors is evolving.

After taking some space to focus on our own businesses, projects and lives, we both came back to the same realization: we weren't finished with these conversations.

This season, we're going beyond people's stories to explore the patterns underneath them. How we change, why we repeat what we do, what shapes our identities, how we connect, what we're creating, and what it looks like to lead ourselves through all of it.

And we're starting with one central question:

What happens when people stop performing and start getting real with themselves?

This season explores: Reinvention & Identity • Human Patterns & Connection • Leadership, Impact & Technology • Voice, Creativity & Expression • Wellness & Human Performance

00:00 Welcome back to The Connectors

02:07 Why we decided to keep going

04:08 What happens when we stop performing?

06:16 Reinvention, identity & self-leadership

07:19 Human patterns & connection

08:46 Leadership, impact, technology & AI

11:42 Creativity, expression & wellness

14:13 Why The Connectors isn't niching down

16:05 Finding the threads between our conversations

17:59 Join us for the new season

The Connectors explores the people, patterns and perspectives that shape how we lead, live, connect and reinvent ourselves.

Website: theconnectorshub.com Instagram: @theconnectorspodcast Substack: @theconnectorspodcast YouTube: @theconnectorspodcast LinkedIn: The Connectors Podcast

Have a perspective or story you'd like to bring to the conversation? Email: [email protected] Guest intake form: LINK

Hosted and produced by Jolyn & Quinten. Marketing, sound & technical support: The Design Coop Theme music: The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst

And as always, stay connected.

The Connectors is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. Views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and are not professional advice.

#TheConnectorsPodcast #Reinvention #HumanConnection #SelfLeadership #Authenticity

After 75 episodes of The Connectors podcast, Jolyn Showalter and Quinten Sheriff reconnect to share reflections on their journey and announce a temporary pause. They discuss the importance of growth, the future plans for the podcast, and how the community can stay engaged during their break to focus on new projects.

Keywords: podcast, leadership, community, growth, updates, future plans, reconnect, gratitude

key topics

• Podcast journey and milestones

• Reflections on leadership and communication

• Future plans and community engagement

Takeaways

• Podcasting expands your reach and learning.

• Taking a break allows us to focus on new projects.

• Gratitude for community support over three years.

Sound Bites

• "We've done 75 episodes in total."

• "This isn't a stop, just a pause."

• "Stay connected and reach out."

Resources

• Connectors Podcast Website

• LinkedIn - Quinten Sheriff

• LinkedIn - Jolyn Showalter

• Email - [email protected]

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this conversation, we’re joined by Taylor Hui, a philanthropist and entrepreneur who founded the BeaYOUtiful Foundation at just seventeen, creating free confidence and wellness programs for girls and non binary youth across Canada. Her work has reached over 5,500 young people, rooted in the belief that leadership begins by showing up with heart, not having all the answers.

Taylor shared what it has been like to lead while still growing herself, how rejection became redirection, and why vulnerability and safe spaces are essential if the next generation is going to thrive.

• Taylor’s journey founding the BeaYOUtiful Foundation at seventeen (00:00)
• The birth of the foundation and why free access matters (03:43)
• Empowerment through mentorship and being taken seriously (09:37)
• Understanding the younger generation and their lived realities (13:42)
• Building community and connection in youth spaces (17:34)
• Navigating conflict, agency, and autonomy for young people (22:00)
• Redefining childhood, confidence, and experiential learning (26:45)
• Resilience in the face of rejection and failure (31:40)
• Self worth, perfectionism, and separating value from outcome (36:09)
• Empowering the next generation through confidence and belonging (40:58)
• The impact of social media on self esteem (50:20)
• Creating safe spaces (56:27)
• Building a legacy (01:06:20)

Where to get a hold of our guest

Taylor Hui
Email [email protected]
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-lin-hui/
BeaYOUtiful Foundation https://thebeayoutifulfoundation.com/
The Roster https://betheroster.com

If this conversation stirred something familiar in you, especially around mentorship, confidence, or the young people in your life, share it with someone who believes in building the next generation with care. And if your story belongs in this circle or you want to sit with us in a future episode, reach us anytime at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

This conversation felt like a remembering. Not a how-to on collaboration, not a leadership checklist, but a return to something deeply human. We sat down with Kelly Dowd to explore collaboration as a way of being, not a business strategy. What unfolded was a layered conversation about existence, philosophy, belief systems, and why leadership that ignores connection eventually collapses.

Kelly brings a rare and grounded perspective as a designer, systems architect, and author. Drawing from Buddhism,and timeless philosophical reflections, this episode centers on one undeniable truth. Humans are not meant to exist, lead, or build alone. Collaboration is not optional. It is foundational.

We talked about how meaning is created through relationship, how systems either support or fracture human connection, and what happens when leaders design for control instead of contribution. This conversation invites a rethinking of leadership, integrity, and collaboration as something lived and practiced, not performed.

Chapters and themes
00:00 Introduction to connection and collaboration
00:32 Self leadership and leading others
08:10 Why humans are not meant to exist alone
14:45 Philosophical perspectives on existence and relationship
22:30 Collaboration as a leadership responsibility
30:05 Designing systems for people, planet, and purpose
38:20 Belief systems, Buddhism, Christianity, and shared human values
46:10 Moving from individual effort to collective intelligence
54:40 What collaboration really asks of leaders

Where to get a hold of our guest

Kelly Dowd
Email [email protected]
Website https://kellydowd.ai
FIDA Design https://fidadesign.com
Why These Matter https://whythesematter.com
Instagram @thekellydowd
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekellydowd

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs

This conversation leaned into the emotional reality of leadership when it stops being theoretical and starts living in the body. We spoke with Dr Kaitlyn Rios about toxic workplace dynamics, confidence erosion, and the quiet moments where people realize something is no longer sustainable. We explored what healthy leadership actually feels like, how self advocacy gets rebuilt after being worn down, and how grace and grit can coexist when you are choosing yourself without burning everything down.

 • The origin story behind Faced with Grace and why it exists (02:36)
• When an unhealthy workplace crosses into dangerous territory (05:46)
• What toxicity actually looks like, microaggressions, unclear expectations, and leadership silence (13:18)
• What to do when you cannot leave, including allyship, boundaries, and leading from within (17:43)
• How culture really shifts through small human moments, emotional intelligence, and patience (21:15)
• What great leadership feels like in practice, presence, time, and being heard (25:39)
• Rebuilding confidence and self advocacy through reflection, reframing, and rebuilding (31:39)
• Separating facts from feelings, intuition, and the open eyes, open minds, open hearts approach (38:13)
• The role of stillness, boredom, and creativity in reinvention (44:32)
• Why women focused empowerment creates ripple effects (47:21)
• How to work with Kaitlyn, mentorship offerings, and the upcoming book Grit to Grace (56:02)

Where to get a hold of our guest
Website www.facedwithgrace.org
Email [email protected]
Book Grit to Grace releasing February
Nonprofit Faced with Grace

Mentorship and leadership development programs

If this conversation stirred something familiar in your own becoming, share it with someone who lives in the same quiet growth, and if you feel called to sit with us in a future episode or if your story belongs in this circle, reach us anytime at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of the Connectors Podcast, we sit down with Janic Gorayeb for our Redefining Leadership series. Janic shares her journey from the corporate world into entrepreneurship and talks about why self leadership is one of the most important skills for solo business owners. She opens up about navigating decision fatigue, imposter syndrome, and the comparison mindset, and how values can anchor you during tough seasons of growth.

She also highlights the importance of community and mentorship, building relationships based on clarity and communication, setting expectations, and celebrating small wins along the way. This episode is an honest look at the mindset work behind business growth and a reminder that progress matters more than perfection.

• Takeaways
  Self leadership is a foundational skill for solo entrepreneurs
  Values help guide clear and aligned decision making
  Community and mentorship create support that keeps you moving forward
  Comparison pulls you out of your own lane and slows down growth
  Celebrating small wins builds confidence and momentum
  Trial and error is part of the process
  Setting expectations prevents confusion and frustration
  Reflection helps you grow as a leader
  Courage is required to put yourself out there
  Progress matters more than perfection

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

https://www.rippleeffectleadership.ca  https://www.instagram.com/rippleeffectleadership/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicgorayeb/  https://www.youtube.com/@RippleEffectLeadership

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of The Connectors Podcast, Jolyn and Quinten sit down with Ashley Cox, founder and leadership coach at SproutHR, to explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape the way we lead, and how rewriting them can unlock a more human, heart-centered form of leadership.

Ashley brings over 17 years of experience helping women leaders and entrepreneurs build inclusive, people-first workplaces that thrive on empathy, trust, and authenticity. She shares how her own journey from self-doubt and burnout to alignment and confidence taught her that the traits we often try to hide are the very ones that make us powerful leaders.

You’ll hear about:
• How to transform your inner dialogue into a tool for confidence and connection
• Why emotional intelligence and compassion are the new leadership superpowers
• The Triangle of Trust framework and how it builds stronger teams
• Why assuming positive intent can turn conflict into clarity
• What to do when leadership feels lonely and how to stay grounded in purpose

Ashley reminds us that leadership is not about perfection or control. It is about courage, vulnerability, and creating space for others to shine.

And the moment that changed everything came when she realized that the stories holding her back were not true, they were simply unedited.

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

Website: www.ashleycox.co | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyncox | Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleycox.co | Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleycox.co

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of _The Connectors Podcast_, Jolyn and Quinten sit down with *Susan Reid*.  The award-winning expert on vision, former marketing professor, and co-founder of Domain Pinnacle. Susan shares her decades of insight on how “vision” is more than a plan, it’s the passionate, cinematic reel of the life or business you want to create.We explore:• The difference between goal setting and _true visioning• The four essential components of any vision• How clarity and passion fuel reinvention at every stage of life• The role of connection, community, and “heartset” in leadership• Why slowing down and reflecting may be the most powerful leadership move of allSusan also opens up about her own transition from academia to entrepreneurship and how a panic attack in a French cheese aisle sparked a new chapter of purpose.Listen to hear how redefining vision might just change how you lead, live, and create your future.Where to get a hold of our guest -mailto: [email protected] http://susanreid.com  / susan-reid-19ba5b108  We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at*mailto:[email protected]."The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.