The Real Talk

Missy MacKintosh’s journey from makeup artist to entrepreneur was anything but linear. In this episode, she reflects on the risks behind building MisMacK and Sports Colour Cosmetics, the challenges of innovating in Canada’s clean beauty space, and what perseverance and leadership have looked like along the way.

This episode is brought to you by @storyhive

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#mismackcleancosmetics #missymackintosh #cleanbeauty #cleanbeautyrevolution #okanagan #vernon #kelowna #salmonarm #therealtalkpodcast #dragonsden

Celiac disease is often misunderstood, but for Alison, it changed every part of her life. In this episode, Alison opens up about her late diagnosis, navigating chronic illness while working in professional kitchens, and the realities of living gluten free. This is an open conversation about health, resilience, and starting over.

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#celiacawareness #celiaclife #celiacdisease #glutenfree #careerchange #newdirection #startingover #chronicillness #okanagan #vernon #kelowna #therealtalkpodcast

Today’s episode is all about grit and adventure. Teesha shares the story of her solo bike packing trip from Vancouver to her hometown of Vernon, BC. How casual riding turned into everyday transportation, the cycling community that supported her, and how she prepared for the ride of a lifetime.

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#therealtalk #okanagan #vernonbc #womencycling #cycling #longdistancecycling #womensupportingwomen

Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada, addiction to the substance has rarely been part of the conversation. In this episode, our guest Nadia shares her personal journey with cannabis addiction. From the moment she realized she needed help, to navigating the treatment process, and how choosing recovery ultimately changed her life.

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#cannabiseducation #cannabisaddiction #CHS #addictiontreatment #addictionawareness #okanagan #kelowna #vernon #therealtalkpodcast

Today, we’re joined by community advocate Kris Fuller. From classrooms, to community service, and her own empowering business ventures, Kris has dedicated her life to helping others. After the loss of her husband, Kris faced profound grief. Instead of allowing tragedy to define her, she used her experience to fuel purpose. Kris shares her journey through loss, rebuilding a life with intention, and turning grief into growth. Her story is the power of one heart to uplift a community.

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Isabella, a young queer individual from Vernon, BC, shares their struggles living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, an invisible chronic illness. We will explore what EDS is, the diagnosis process, how they manage all aspects of life with a chronic illness, and gender identity in our medical system. Isabella dives into how complex an invisible illness can be and the importance of advocating for oneself in health and identity.

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#chronicillness #chronicpain #EDS #ehlersdanlossyndrome #queerheathcare #genderidentity #vernonbc #okanagan #therealtalkpodcast

How would you feel if you uncovered a huge family secret that kept your true identity from you? In this episode, Lauralee shares her journey of discovering her indigenous identity. Together, we dive into this emotional episode, uncovering her family history, how she reclaims her cultural identity, and her plans to honour and educate others.

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#indigenous #indigenouscultures #vernonbc #okanagan #therealtalkpodcast #realtalkpodcast #womensupportingwomen #podcastforchange #indigenousrights #kamloops #secretidentity

We start our second season with Harwinder Sandhu, the Vernon - Monashee MLA. Harwinder opens up about her life story, her triumphs and struggles. From immigrating to Northern BC from India, having a thriving career in nursing, losing her first husband to cancer, becoming a widow and single mother at age 29, and embracing her life experiences to find the courage to run for MLA. Get to know Harwinder on an everyday human level and understand why she cares so deeply for her community.

This episode is brought to you by Telus STORYHIVE

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In this episode, we sit down with William and Maria, a married couple from Colombia, to hear about their incredible immigration journey. They share why they left Colombia, their experience navigating the immigration process, and what brought them to Vernon, BC. We also dive into their reflections on building a new life, fitting into the community, and their exciting plans for the future.

#immigrationcanada #newbeginnings #therealtalkpodcast

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In this episode, we sit down with Dawn Tucker, an educator and advocate, to discuss their journey growing up queer in a small town, the importance of representation, and their work supporting queer youth. From creating safe spaces and alliances in schools to founding a local pride committee and navigating local politics. Join us for an honest conversation about identity, community, and change.

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