The Connectors Podcast

This week on The Connectors Podcast, we’re joined by Chris McAuley—speaking coach, business storyteller, and seasoned actor. With over 35 years in business and more than 40 stage and film productions, Chris brings a rare blend of performance and leadership to his work at MCAVOY Inc., helping professionals master the art of speaking, connect authentically, and strengthen workplace culture.

As part of our Redefining Leadership series, Chris shares insights on:

• Overcoming public speaking fears by turning anxiety into excitement

• Why business is ultimately about connection

• How leaders can create time and space to connect with their teams

• The power of storytelling to build trust and engage audiences

• Why failures and mistakes are not setbacks, but powerful gifts for leaders

• Shifting from traditional leadership models to intentional, servant-oriented leadership

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to step into their voice, build stronger connections, and lead with authenticity

Where to get a hold of our guest - www.chrismcauley.co  linkedin.com/in/chrismcauley2 

[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.

This week on The Connectors Podcast, we’re joined by Gail Grant-Park—author of the Gallagher Girls Mystery Series. With a BA in History from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Library Science from Syracuse, Gail spent her career as a librarian before retiring to Boise, Idaho, where she now writes, paints, gardens, and traces her family history.

As part of our Redefining Leadership series, Gail shares:

• Leading through reinvention: how she transitioned from librarian to novelist and what it takes to begin a new creative chapter later in life

• The role of heritage in leadership storytelling: how her Irish roots and cultural research shaped her mysteries

• Community as leadership fuel: why surrounding yourself with support and accountability helps creative projects thrive

• The discipline of publishing: what writing teaches us about persistence, patience, and resilience

• Storytelling as a leadership tool: how preserving family history and personal truths fosters connection and understanding

• Vision for the future: how her upcoming memoir and children’s book extend her leadership into new genres

Through her journey, Gail shows that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about creativity, courage, and the willingness to share stories that matter.

Where to get a hold of our guest - Tiktok: @Gailpark12; Facebook: /parkcreativewriting; Insta: gailgrantpark; website: http://gailgrantpark.com

[email protected]

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Books - Gallagher Girls Mystery Series

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 week on The Connectors Podcast, we’re joined by Chris McAuley—speaking coach, business storyteller, and seasoned actor. With over 35 years in business and more than 40 stage and film productions, Chris brings a rare blend of performance and leadership to his work at MCAVOY Inc., helping professionals master the art of speaking, connect authentically, and strengthen workplace culture.

As part of our Redefining Leadership series, Chris shares insights on:

• Overcoming public speaking fears by turning anxiety into excitement
• Why business is ultimately about connection
• How leaders can create time and space to connect with their teams
• The power of storytelling to build trust and engage audiences
• Why failures and mistakes are not setbacks, but powerful gifts for leaders
• Shifting from traditional leadership models to intentional, servant-oriented leadership

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to step into their voice, build stronger connections, and lead with authenticity

Where to get a hold of our guest - www.chrismcauley.co  linkedin.com/in/chrismcauley2 

[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.

Welcome to The Connectors Podcast, where we dive into the art of building meaningful connections to empower your personal and professional life. We’re Jolyn and Quinten, and together we explore how connections can transform your journey toward happiness, growth, and fulfillment.

This fall, we’re launching a special series called Redefining Leadership—a conversation for anyone bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or stepping into a new chapter, leadership and entrepreneurship come with challenges, lessons, and growth moments. Our guests—entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers—will share how their experiences shaped them, the connections and support that helped them, the hard truths they faced, and the insights they’ve gained about themselves and others. You’ll hear stories, strategies, and inspiration to help you lead and grow with authenticity, resilience, and impact.

Jolyn and Quinten are kicking off this new chapter with the theme Redefining Leadership—a series exploring how leadership and entrepreneurship evolve through connection, resilience, and reinvention. This season, you’ll hear from leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who share the lessons, challenges, and truths that shaped their journeys.We’re so grateful to our listeners for tuning back in, and we’re excited to launch into a fresh season of meaningful conversations. In this kickoff episode, we share:- Reflections and lessons from our summer break 🌞- Updates about the podcast, including a new website (theconnectorshub.com), rejoining YouTube, and moving away from Spotify- A preview of Season 3’s focus on Redefining Leadership- Insights on reinvention, creative projects, and what’s next for the communityThank you for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to explore this season with you.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 final episode of the season, hosts Jolyn Showalter and Quinten Sheriff reflect on their journey with The Connectors Podcast—celebrating the diverse voices, impactful conversations, and meaningful connections they've explored. From leadership and sustainability to emotional intimacy, AI, and community building, the duo shares what they've learned and how it's shaped their personal and professional growth. As they take a well-earned summer break to recharge and refocus, they invite listeners to revisit over 65 inspiring episodes already published. The Connectors will return in the fall with fresh voices, new topics, and deeper conversations about what it means to truly connect.

🌟 Key Takeaways:

• Connection is essential to both personal and professional growth.

• Leadership is evolving to prioritize humanity, learning, and collaboration.

• Sustainability goes beyond the environment—it's also about lasting relationships.

• Networking is shifting from transactional to transformational.

• Taking a break is a courageous act of self-renewal.

• Personal projects can unlock unexpected opportunities.

• Emotional intimacy and vulnerability are leadership strengths.

• The Connectors community continues to grow through shared curiosity and care.
  

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.

What if one simple conversation could change the course of your life?

In this episode of The Connectors, Jolyn and Quinten sit down with connection specialist Tony Esteves, who shares his inspiring journey of meeting a new person every day for a year. Through personal stories, practical tips, and a heartfelt reflection on overcoming depression, Tony reveals how small moments of human interaction can lead to massive transformation.

We explore:

• How intentional connection supports mental health and personal growth

• What Tony learned about communication and cultural insight while traveling

• Why younger generations need help developing real-world social skills

• How gamifying conversations and offering compliments can lower barriers

• The role curiosity plays in opening meaningful dialogue

Tony’s story is a powerful reminder that connection is a skill—one that can be learned, practiced, and used to enrich every area of life.

Tony Esteves is a coach, keynote speaker, and creator of the Talk2MorePeople project. His work helps leaders and individuals deepen human connection and improve communication through practical, face-to-face interactions. He’s the author of Talk2MorePeople: Change Your Life by Meeting People and will soon be delivering his first TEDx talk.

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk2morepeople YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Talk2morepeople LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estevestony Talk2MorePeople Tips Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/T2MPnews/ Website:
https://Talk2MorePeople.com/

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Book - Talk2MorePeople: Change Your Life by Meeting People 

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 rich and reflective conversation, Jo and Quinten sit down with conscious leadership author and facilitator Seema Dhanoa to explore her transformative framework, The Path to Conscious Leadership. Together, they unpack what it means to lead from a space of presence, intention, and emotional awareness, rather than autopilot, pressure, and performative culture.

Seema shares her personal reinvention journey back to creativity, connection, and clarity through music, nature, and the hard-won lessons of burnout. They dive deep into how leaders can create healthier, more human-centered environments by shifting internal narratives, slowing down, and tuning into both the heart and the moment.

This episode is a call to anyone—leader or not—ready to break the cycle of rushing, reaction, and assumption… and instead choose a path of reflection, intention, and aligned action.

🌀 Key Takeaways:

• Leadership begins with consciousness. We cannot lead others effectively if we are disconnected from our own inner world.

• Presence is power. Multitasking, forcing outcomes, or rushing erode our ability to make clear, heart-centered decisions. Slowing down is a strength, not a weakness.

• Culture starts within. The way we think, speak, and show up creates the energetic blueprint for the environments we lead. Leadership is never neutral.

• Move from intention, not assumption. When we lead with curiosity instead of control, we foster more trust, clarity, and collaboration.

• Creativity is not optional—it’s essential. Reconnecting to creative expression revives not only our spirit, but our ability to lead with innovation and joy.

• Nature is a teacher. The natural world invites us to reconnect, recalibrate, and remember who we are beyond titles and tasks.

• A new kind of leadership is emerging. Conscious leadership is not a trend—it's the shift we need to build regenerative, meaningful futures.

📚 Resources & Mentions:

Seema Dhanoa’s book: The Path to Conscious Leadership

Amazon Canada:

Amazon USA: 

Indigo: 

Barnes & Noble: 

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

→ Follow Seema Dhanoa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemadhanoa/

[email protected]

 www.seemadhanoa.com

→ Join The Connectors Community: @theconnectorspodcast

→ Work with Jo & Quinten: [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 powerful episode of The Connectors Podcast, we sit down with Aspen Peggs, founder of Northern Primrose, a systems expert and chaos wrangler helping entrepreneurs transform operational mess into business mastery. From her early days as a classical musician to building systems that run while she’s out of office, Aspen shares how life’s curveballs shaped her approach to business.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Why “winging it” isn’t sustainable—and what to do instead

• How operational clarity and documentation are essential for growth

• The real value of delegation: Protect your time and mental bandwidth

• How to build systems that continue working when you can’t

• The impact of personal health challenges on leadership—and how to lead with resilience

• Trusting people over processes: Aspen’s team-first mindset

• What remote team connection really requires in today’s hybrid world

🎯 Who this episode is for:

• Founders who feel stuck in the chaos

• Leaders seeking operational peace of mind

• Coaches, consultants, and creatives scaling with intention

• Anyone who’s faced burnout or health setbacks while growing a business

📌 Bonus Tips:

• Start documenting now—before your systems break

• Use automation wisely—but don’t forget the human connection

• Your business needs a heartbeat, not just a checklist

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

[email protected]

IG - aspen_peggs, aspenpeggs.com, northernprimrose.com, Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aspen-peggs-512906166/

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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, Jolyn and Quinten dive into the world of psilocybin-assisted therapy with John Gilchrist and Alix Koloff from Therasil, a Canadian nonprofit organization advocating for legal access to this treatment for patients in medical need. John and Alix share insights into the Special Access Program (SAP) in Canada, the challenges and complexities of navigating it, and the groundbreaking work Therasil is doing to support patients and train healthcare professionals. They also discuss the personal and transformative potential of psilocybin, both therapeutically and for personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The Special Access Program (SAP): This program allows access to drugs not yet legal in Canada but with significant clinical research behind them. Psilocybin and MDMA can be accessed through this program, but the application process is complex and lengthy (sometimes up to 200 days).

• Challenges and Barriers: There are many challenges, including strict eligibility criteria, lengthy wait times, and the requirement to have tried other treatments (like electroconvulsive therapy) first. There's also a need for more trained healthcare professionals to support patients through the process.

• Therapeutic Potential: Psilocybin has shown promise in treating end-of-life distress, treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and other conditions. Research indicates it can significantly improve mental states and overall well-being.

• The Importance of Set and Setting: The context in which psilocybin is used (the "set" and "setting") is crucial for a positive experience. This includes having a safe environment, supportive individuals, and trained therapists for integration.

• Microdosing vs. Higher Doses: While microdosing is becoming popular for personal improvement and creativity, the bulk of clinical studies shows that higher doses often have better therapeutic effects.

• The Role of Integration: Integration therapy after a psilocybin experience is essential for processing insights and making lasting changes. Therasil offers integration support groups and resources.

• Community and Education: Building community and educating healthcare professionals and the public are vital to destigmatizing psilocybin and making it more accessible.

Resources:

• Therasil Email: [email protected]

• Documentary: Dose 2

• Documentary: How to Change Your Mind

• Book: This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan

• Book: A Really Good Day by Ayelet Waldman

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

Psilocybin Therapy Training - TheraPsil

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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.