The Miles to Zen Podcast with Shannon Miles Halliday

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In this episode of the Miles to Zen Podcast, Shannon welcomes Ann Mortifee, a celebrated Canadian singer, composer, author, and storyteller, who is also a member of the Order of Canada. Ann shares her fascinating journey from South Africa to Canada and talks about her multicultural upbringing, which greatly influenced her spiritual and artistic life. The conversation explores Ann's early experiences in music, her significant role in the play 'The Ecstasy of Rita Jo,' and her collaboration with well-known figures in the arts world. She also reflects on the spiritual experiences and dreams that shaped her life and career. The episode concludes with a teaser for part two, where listeners can look forward to more inspiring insights from Ann's remarkable life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:14 Ann Mortifee's Background and Achievements

03:41 The Start of Ann's Musical Journey

05:02 Spiritual Awakening and Artistic Expression

06:14 Early Career Breakthroughs

07:38 Meeting Josh White 

08:58 The Ecstasy of Rita Jo by George Riga and meeting Chief Dan George

10:21 Cultural Impact and Social Conscience

21:44 Expanding Horizons and Future Projects

24:19 Broadway Dreams and a Tough Decision

28:12 A Life-Changing Phone Call

29:25 Creating a Ballet from the Heart, Royal Winnipeg Ballet

31:46 Shifts in Consciousness and Society

40:09 The Power of Music and Lyrics

43:30 Reflections on Crooked Walking

45:20 A New Chapter in London with The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Abbey Road Studios

47:21 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

Learn more:

https://annmortifee.com/

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this poignant episode of the 'Miles To Zen' podcast, recorded just before the passing of the distinguished primatologist Jane Goodall, the host sits down with conservationist Sarah Tompkins. Sarah, the founder and director of the Samara Karoo Reserve in South Africa, discusses the incredible efforts to transform degraded farmland into thriving wilderness, reintroducing endangered species like cheetahs, lions, and black rhinos. Their conversation delves into Sarah's passion for rewilding, her deep connection with nature, and her inspiring work alongside local communities. The episode highlights personal anecdotes, including Sarah's transplant from Paris to the wild Karoo, and her family's ongoing dedication to conservation. The discussion serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance, commitment to the planet, and the transformative power of restoring nature.

00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Jane Goodall

02:30 Welcoming Sarah Tompkins

03:33 Sarah's Journey from Paris to South Africa

04:48 The Vision for Samara Karoo Reserve

06:25 Rewilding Efforts and Challenges

13:49 Family Involvement and Relocation

16:51  Connection to Conservation

20:05 Reintroducing Apex Predators

24:50 The Story of Ella the Cheetah

27:34 The Incredible Story of Sibella the Cheetah

30:24 Reintroduction and Conservation Efforts

32:50 Personal Reflections on Nature

36:51 Introducing Other Large Species

41:10 Supporting Conservation Efforts

46:55 Restoration and Climate Change

50:43 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

For more information on the Samara Karoo Reserve:

Website:www.samara.co.za

Instagram: @samarakaroo

Facebook: Samara Karoo Reserve

Linkedin - Samara Karoo Reserve

TikTok: @samarakaroo

YouTube: @SamaraKaroo

For anyone who would like to donate either to conservation of cheetah, rhino etc or a community cause.  They can get in touch with me directly at [email protected]

National Geographic Story: Sibella-The Miracle Cheetah https://www.natgeotv.com/za/shows/nationalgeographicwild/sibella-the-miracle-cheetah

For more information on some of the names that Sarah mentioned:

The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre – De Wildt https://dewildt.co.za

The Bateleurs, Volunteers Flying For the Environment https://www.bateleurs.co.za/

Alladale Wilderness Reserve, Scotland https://alladale.com/

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Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this engaging episode of the Miles To Zen podcast, Shannon welcomes leadership coach Matthew Gould, who delves into his journey from a sales job to becoming a popular leadership coach working with teams to enhance unity and success. Matthew shares his experiences with failure, the importance of humility, and his ongoing pursuit of leadership excellence. Through lively discussions on curiosity, creativity, and connection, Matthew offers valuable insights into the role of core values, and the impact of perspectives in both personal and team dynamics. Highlighting the significance of remaining open, curious, and connected, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to improve their leadership and relational skills.

They get talk about Wayne Dyer and a personal story, how both of them listened to the whole podcast on Diary of a CEO with Evy Pompouras and how they disagreed with her to start with and even the Telepathy Tapes comes up in that “being a true skeptic requires an open mind.” 

00:00 Welcome to the Miles To Zen Podcast

00:44 Introduction to Matthew and His Journey

04:13 Early Career Challenges and Lessons

07:01 The Importance of Curiosity and Connection

08:31 Current Observations in Team Dynamics

16:10 The Role of Authenticity in Professional Settings

22:19 Core Values and Team Success

27:24 Navigating Team Friction and Perspective

30:12 Exploring Perspectives and Meta Performance

31:26 The Influence of Wayne Dyer

34:51 Judgment and Open-Mindedness

43:14 The Role of a CEO

47:57 Hope and Despair in Leadership

53:33 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

Contact Matthew:

Matthew Gould
(604) 328 8500
@moreco.ca instagram

schedule time: calendly.com/matthewgouldcollab

Ruth Andermatt podcast sessions are dated March 31st and August 18th.

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode of the Miles Zen Podcast, we dive into Libra season which emphasizes balance and harmony. Shannon, discusses the significance of balancing masculine (yang) and feminine (yin) energies, especially after the dynamic challenges of September. Reflecting on her corporate career and current creative sabbatical, she explores the necessity of both structure and flow in our lives. The podcast touches on the effects of the pandemic on work-life balance, the rise of burnout, and the increasing trend of women starting new businesses in search of flexibility and autonomy. Throughout, the discussion underscores the importance of personal alignment and intentional living, offering insights and encouragement for finding equilibrium in daily life.

 00:08 Entering Libra Season: Balance and Harmony

01:45 The Yin and Yang of Creative Energy

02:34 Corporate Life vs. Creative Flow

04:09 The Pandemic's Impact on Work-Life Balance

05:43 The Rise of Female Entrepreneurs

06:13 Finding Balance in Everyday Life

08:34 The Magic of Light and Dark

10:00 Practical Tips for Achieving Balance

10:47 Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Balance

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Join Shannon on The Miles to Zen Podcast as she explores 'Enthusiasm as a Divine Spark'—the fifth episode in the Creative Soul Series. Shannon delves into the importance of trusting your creative energy and enthusiasm, addressing the self-doubt and self-sabotage that often follow moments of courage and excitement. She shares a simple yet powerful exercise to help listeners visualize their brilliant ideas and highlights the positive ripple effects of following your dreams. Tune in for an inspiring episode that invites you to embrace enthusiasm and live a more fulfilled life.

00:00 Intro

01:14 Exploring Enthusiasm and Self-Sabotage

02:48 Visualizing Success and Overcoming Doubt

06:25 The Power of Enthusiasm and Divine Inspiration

08:42 Living Your Dream Day

12:02 Conclusion and Call to Action

 The Creative Soul series is an inspiring exploration of what it means to live creatively in everyday life. Rather than treating creativity as something reserved for artists, the series positions it as a universal human capacity that fuels curiosity, courage, and authentic living. Across the five episodes, Shannon invites listeners to reclaim creativity as a safe space for self-trust, to embrace curiosity as a catalyst for growth, and to courageously “do it scared” and follow your enthusiasm when creating a life that truly aligns with who they are.

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Welcome back to the Miles to Zen podcast! This episode part of the creativity series dives deep into the essential link between creativity and self-discovery. Building on the previous creative installment, The Queen of Curiosity and the Courage to Create we explore how embracing fear, imperfection, and cosmic perspective can unlock the creation of a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Through honest reflection and practical insights, this episode is a call to action: stop waiting for permission, and start creating the life that’s been calling you all along.

 00:00 Introduction to the Creative Series
 01:06 Discovering Your True Self
 06:08 Overcoming Insecurities and Judgments
 07:08 Living a Life Without Regrets
 08:04 Advice from My 70-Year-Old Self
 11:13 An Exercise in Perspective – the Cosmos
 12:24 No One Cares About Our Significance
 15:00 Taking the First Step: Start Scared
 17:32 The Journey to Becoming an Artist
 19:24 Creating Space for Your Epic Life
 20:38 Final Thoughts 

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Welcome to the Miles Zen Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Alanna Hnatiw, Mayor of Sturgeon County, Alberta, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. I think this should be required listening for all mayors on how to lead and be the best human you can be. 

From her early days as a small business owner in the oil and gas sector to her current role in public service, Mayor Hnatiw shares how personal growth, yoga, horses and a deep connection to community have shaped her leadership journey.

We explore the challenges of public office, the importance of staying grounded, and how she navigates criticism, fear, and imposter syndrome with grace. Whether you're curious about the human side of politics or simply looking for inspiration on living with intention, this episode offers some gems to apply in our own lives.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 01:05 Mayor Hnatiw’s Background and Achievements
• 03:48 Life Wisdom and Personal Growth
• 06:13 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
• 09:25 Journey to Becoming Mayor
• 18:07 Yoga and Personal Fulfillment
• 24:10 Challenges in Public Office
• 26:47 Understanding Anger and Fear
• 27:27 Questioning Societal Norms
• 30:37 The Power of Perspective
• 35:05 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
• 38:47 The Journey into Hydrogen
• 44:59 Adapting and Evolving in Leadership
• 52:11 Final Reflections

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode of the Miles to Zen Podcast, we delve into the profound connection between creativity and curiosity. Exploring how curiosity is at the core of creative expression, the host shares personal anecdotes and real-life examples from children to scientists. Discussing societal constraints, the significance of independent thought, and the impact of shaming on creativity, the episode encourages listeners to remain curious and unafraid of judgment. We also touch upon revolutionary ideas that faced resistance and the role of belief in manifesting outcomes. Featuring a motivational piece by Marianne Williamson, the podcast inspires us to let our inner light shine and encourages actionable steps to stay curious and creative.

00:00 Welcome to the Miles End Podcast

00:52 The Essence of Curiosity

01:54 Curiosity in Science and Society

04:55 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Creativity

07:30 The Power of Vision and Belief

09:34 Inspiration to Shine Your Light

10:54 Closing Thoughts 

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode, host Shannon welcomes self leadership coach Ruth E. Andermatt back to the podcast to explore deeper themes of connection, curiosity, and coaching evolution. Ruth shares her perspectives on the importance of being a connector in both personal and professional realms, and highlights how connection brings magic into life. They discuss the changes Ruth has noticed in her coaching clients over time, emphasizing the need for deep, sustainable conversations to bring desired changes to life. The discussion also delves into the challenges and rewards of cultivating self-trust, breaking free from entrenched patterns, and navigating personal and professional growth with intentionality. Through personal anecdotes and insightful reflections, they encourage listeners to engage in self-discovery and explore the enchantments in their lives.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:39 The Power of Connection

01:05 Insights from Coaching Clients

02:53 Navigating Life's Demands

04:31 Shifting Focus in Coaching

08:44 The Impact of COVID on Social Connections

15:02 Challenging Preconceived Beliefs

22:27 Exploring Spirituality and Connection

27:16 Breaking Free from Old Patterns

29:19 Breaking Free from Victim Mode

31:25 The Power of Writing Things Down

33:00 Understanding Personal Responsibility

35:56 Navigating Relationships and Judgments

39:54 Embracing Self-Trust and Kindness

45:32 Facing Fears and Finding Enchantment

54:05 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Contact Ruth:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachruth

https://andermattconsulting.com

Link to our previous podcast:
https://youtu.be/0lFn8EqBkfo?si=c1DT0nHsl-BMfVoo

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Welcome to the Miles to Zen podcast and episode 2 of our new Creative Soul Series! In this new series, I explore the deeper layers of creativity—not as a skill or performance, but as a way of reconnecting with joy, intuition, and your most authentic self.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or simply curious about your creative side, this episode invites you to reflect on what it means to create from a place of freedom, curiosity, and inner trust.

00:00 – Welcome back to Miles to Zen
 02:15 – Creativity as connection, not performance
04:40 – You don’t need talent—you need space
07:10 – What is a “safe space” for creativity?
10:30 – The link to self-trust
12:45 – Flow state and creative freedom
16:20 – Where do creative sparks come from?
19:05 – Joy as a compass for creativity
22:30 – Frida Kahlo, Steve Jobs & intuitive creation
26:10 – Reclaiming creativity from approval-seeking
29:00 – My personal creative rituals
32:40 – Conscious creation & the joy of making
35:15 – Your invitation this week
37:00 – Closing thoughts & what’s next

Let’s Connect

What creative act makes your heart sing? I’d love to hear from you!
 Share your reflections in the comments 

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week!