Sara sits down with trauma counselor Raquel Nicolau (RTC) about her work and her breast cancer journey. Raquel describes becoming a counselor after years supporting women in Downtown Eastside shelters, and how holding clients’ vulnerability deepened her humility, empathy, and sense of purpose.

She shares her story of finding a lump during a self-check, waiting months for a diagnosis, and responding with a grounded, step-by-step “warrior” mindset.

Raquel chose a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, describing surgery as a positive step to remove the cancer, while still grieving the loss of her breasts.

She describes chemotherapy as “cumulative” and debilitating with severe side effects, loneliness, and the long recovery, ultimately stopping after three of four preventive treatments to protect quality of life and care for her daughter. 

This episode highlights mind-body connection, community support, motherhood, dark humor as a coping mechanism, vulnerability, and grief centered around identity loss and a “Before/After” cancer diagnosis. 

Connect With Raquel:

Website: https://raquelnicolau.com/

Booking Link: https://raquelnicolau.janeapp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquel.counselling/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquelnicolaucounselling/ 

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

Sara welcomes trauma-informed counsellor, coach, and writer Sonia Dhillon (MPCC-P), founder of Free Life Integrative Counseling, for a wide-ranging conversation. 

Sonia shares how feeling like she didn’t belong as a second-born girl in the Punjabi community, being compared to her sister, and being bullied shaped her early self-worth, coping through dissociation and people-pleasing, and later post-traumatic growth. 

They discuss mental health as whole-person wellness; mind, body, emotions, presence, and community and why people avoid turning inward. 

Sonia outlines her self-care practices (movement, whole foods, nature, prayer, meditation, art, and asking for needs) and reframes meditation as presence. 

She explores grief beyond death, including divorce-related losses, identity shifts, relationship and friendship grief, and healing through naming grief and being held in community. 

Sonia describes her nomadic travels, misconceptions and challenges, and how travel and a pivotal self-mapping exercise in Bali led her into counselling, where she practices integrative, body-based, attachment-informed work and emphasizes therapy as support even when nothing is “wrong.”

Connect With Sonia:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelifecounselling/

Psychology Today Profile:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/sonia-dhillon-surrey-bc/1682875

Booking Link: https://freelifeintegrativecounselling.janeapp.com/

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

Sara returns for a solo episode marking the one-year anniversary of The Story Hour Podcast (launched June 22, 2025).

In this reflective episode, she looks back on why the show began in the first place: to share unscripted, honest stories that reduce loneliness, normalize hardship, and help people feel less alone in what they’re carrying.

She explores what a year of storytelling has revealed, not just about others, but about connection itself, and why being witnessed can be more powerful than being fixed.

To mark the occasion, Sara also turns the microphone on herself. Stepping out of her usual role as host, she answers a series of thoughtful and personal questions, giving listeners an opportunity to get to know the person behind the podcast, her values, reflections, lessons learned, and the experiences that have shaped her journey.

Sara also shares key milestones from the podcast’s first year, including a growing global audience across multiple countries and cities, and what those numbers actually represent: real people tuning in to feel seen, heard, and understood.

Drawing on her work as a Registered Counsellor, Certified Grief Educator, and Life Coach, she reflects on what people truly need when they share their stories: safety, validation, presence, and connection, especially in a time marked by rising loneliness and a mental health epidemic.

She revisits her own turning point, including vision loss that forced an unexpected life shift, and reframes it through post-traumatic growth, not as an ending, but as an invitation to stop staying stuck and begin life again differently.

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes, as well as to raise awareness on this topic, and should not be considered medical advice. Jasmine speaks from her personal experience living with endometriosis and adenomyosis, and her experiences may not reflect those of others. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own physician, healthcare provider, or qualified medical professional regarding any medical concerns, diagnosis, treatment options, or healthcare decisions specific to their individual needs.

Sara sits down with Jasmine Gandham and talks about living with chronic pain from Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, emphasizing awareness, women’s health conversations, and self-advocacy. 

Jasmine explains both conditions and describes severe symptoms starting at age 12, the mental and emotional toll (including self-gaslighting), and years of medical dismissal focused on masking symptoms rather than investigating root causes.

She shares how support from her husband and connecting with others led her to the BC Women’s Pelvic Pain Clinic, where she finally felt heard and received multidisciplinary care.

Jasmine discusses how symptoms worsened after pregnancy, leading to a stage four endometriosis diagnosis, multiple surgeries (including removal of both fallopian tubes), and later adenomyosis diagnosis, affecting fertility. 

She outlines coping strategies, lifestyle changes (anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, stress reduction), and practical advocacy tips like tracking symptoms and preparing questions for appointments.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:09 Weather Warmup Chat

01:36 Episode Premise and Disclaimer

03:05 Endo and Adeno Explained

04:27 First Symptoms at 12

06:01 Mental Toll and Self Doubt

08:28 Dismissed by Doctors

10:36 Finding the Pelvic Pain Clinic

14:11 Daily Life Impact

16:57 Coping Routines and Support

19:56 Holistic Health and Advocacy

24:24 Motherhood and Fertility Realities

28:11 IVF Grief and Social Pressure

30:06 Social Media Triggers and Boundaries

37:13 Self Advocacy Essentials

38:46 When You Don’t Speak Up

39:48 Postpartum Flare and Diagnosis

41:44 Clinic Care and Surgeries

43:40 Living Well With Endo

45:48 Strict Seasons and Habits

49:56 Why Patients Hold Back

52:34 Prepared for Appointments

54:44 Alternative Medicine Debate

59:09 Fill Your Cup First

01:02:46 Build Habits That Stick

01:05:11 Wrap Up and Quickfire

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

Sara returns for a solo episode prompted by her upcoming 39th birthday and nearly one year since the shows launch (June 22).

She thanks listeners worldwide and shares how a family member’s feedback reassured her that the podcast’s vulnerability and community connection help people feel less alone.

Reflecting on how society celebrates marriage, kids, and corporate milestones more than personal growth, Sara recommits to celebrating herself and decides to go “all out” with a full day of birthday celebrations. 

Using a deathbed-regret exercise, Sara identifies four themes to work on: fear, control, scarcity, and disconnection from joy, and urges stopping the habit of waiting for “special” moments to live life to the fullest.

She creates a “39” word vision list (e.g., laughter, ease, health, freedom, wealth, travel, thriving) to help lead our lives with more intention and purpose.

00:00 Birthday Reflection Mode

01:58 Gratitude for Listeners

03:17 Validation Story

06:02 Why Connection Matters

08:53 Celebrating Small Wins

14:24 Birthday Blues to Shift

16:14 Stop Waiting to Live

20:29 Mortality and Regrets

23:57 Fear and Control Patterns

28:17 Scarcity and Comparison

29:26 Finding Joy Again

31:16 Healing Got Too Serious

32:43 Finding Balance Again

34:56 Stop Waiting Start Living

36:25 Turning Regret Into Fuel

37:28 Designing My 39th Year

40:06 My 39 Words List

44:20 Authenticity And Connection

48:48 Entering Your 40s Mindset

50:17 Reciprocal Friendships Only

54:01 Birthday Plans And Thanks

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

Host Sara Jaswal returns to her podcast after months away due to technology issues, travel, and a difficult period. She shares a life update: January felt restorative, but February brought restlessness, and March became overwhelming after she got severely ill, which intensified loneliness, depression, intrusive thoughts, and fears about losing her parents. 

She reflects on grief, family enmeshment, her ongoing vision deterioration and limitations, and sadness about being single and nearing 40 without a partner or children, while emphasizing that even as a therapist and coach she still struggles.

 She describes a rejuvenating trip to Japan while noting grief still surfaced in dark environments. She closes by encouraging listeners to find daily glimmers of joy and gratitude.

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

DISCLAIMER: This episode includes a brief mention of sexual trauma as part of the guest’s personal healing journey. While we do not go into detail, we recognize that this topic can be sensitive. This conversation reflects one individual’s lived experience and is shared in the spirit of openness and awareness. Please use your own discernment when listening and take care of yourself. This podcast is not a substitute for therapy or professional medical or mental health support. If this episode brings up anything for you, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified professional or trusted support resource.

Sara welcomes Margaret Pineda, a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and Certified Breathwork Facilitator, to discuss body-centered healing, nervous system regulation, and shifting from “fixing” to grounded presence. 

Margaret shares how desk-job pain led her into massage therapy, later expanding into craniosacral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. She describes postpartum anxiety, eczema flare-ups linked to stress, and insights from bioenergy training in Costa Rica that connected her symptoms to early heart surgery, generational trauma, and childhood sexual trauma; after disclosing her secret to her mother, her eczema disappeared.

Margaret explains conscious connected breathwork (continuous open-mouth breathing) as a transformational tool that can surface emotions and patterns, emphasizes the need for integration and support, and offers simple breathing practices. She also explores “be a lighthouse, not a lifeguard,” boundaries, and letting others follow their own timelines.

Connect With Magaret:

Website: https://thespaciousbreath.com/

Substack: https://thespaciousbreath.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaciousbreath/

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this insightful and empowering conversation, Sara sits down with her dear friend and fellow therapist, Harjeet (Harj) Thiara (Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling-Provisional). 

Harj shares her journey from a traditional Punjabi upbringing to becoming a counselor and private practice owner. 

They discuss the profound impact of Harj's mother's stage four cancer diagnosis, her transition from public relations to counseling, and her deepening spiritual journey. 

The conversation delves into themes of grief, identity, and the importance of following one's calling. 

Harj emphasizes the significance of community support, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of facing life's challenges head-on. 

This episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for anyone navigating difficult times and seeking deeper personal growth.

Connect With Harjeet: 

Website:  https://onetruthwellnesscounselling.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onetruthwellness/

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this episode, your host Sara welcomes Corinna Killeen, a Registered Therapeutic Counselor (RTC) and Certified Life Coach, who shares her profound journey through grief and loss. Corinna recounts the heartbreaking experiences of losing her younger brother, father, and stepfather, discussing the differences between anticipatory and sudden grief.

She delves into the complexities of medical trauma, the impact on family dynamics, and the isolating nature of grief. Corinna also shares coping mechanisms for anxiety and the importance of acknowledging our grief. 

The discussion transitions into Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), emphasizing resilience, self-awareness, and the continuous journey of healing. Corinna’s insights, both personal and professional, provide listeners with a deeper understanding of grief and a hopeful perspective on finding joy amidst loss.

Connect with Corinna:

Website:  https://www.corinnakilleen.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/counsellorcorinna/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/counsellorcorinna/about

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@counsellorcorinna

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/

In this solo episode, Sara reflects on the holiday season and the emotional impact it can have, acknowledging that this time of year is not joyful for everyone. She speaks openly about her own experience of being single and the longing for partnership, family, and children, and explores a lesser-talked-about form of grief: grieving the future, milestones, and hopes that have not yet come to pass, and how this kind of grief can feel especially present during the holidays.

Sara also commemorates six months of podcasting by sharing six insights from starting something new, offering honest reflections on growth, uncertainty, and what it means to keep showing up even when the path isn’t clear. She concludes the episode with journal prompts to support listeners as they transition from 2025 into 2026 with greater awareness, intention, and self-reflection.

Connect With Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.s.jaswal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryHourPodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoryhourpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryhour.podcast

Website: https://www.sarajaswal.com/