S3.E10: MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURES

Found around the world in the most obscure corners, they may be lands with higher vibrations. They may also be ancient locations where phantoms lurk to tell their tales. Maria, with Fidgal, invite Maria Schmidt, Chief Experience Organizer and Tour Curator of Mysterious Adventures Tours, to guide us through travel experiences of a supernatural dimension. Are we ready to explore?

Visit: mysteriousadventurestours.com/home/

Visit: facebook.com/MysteriousAdventuresTours

THE NEW NORMAL PODCAST – Maria Iuliano with Fidgal

Maria guides a successful business called Fidgal, named after Maria’s guardian angel. They met when Maria was 5 years old.

Maria is a Peace Therapist, graduated with Honours in Peace and Conflict Studies from Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. With this knowledge, along with her expertise in the afterlife and her ability to see auras, Maria helps others find and create peace in their lives.

Visit: fidgal.com

“I am free to tour around the world.”

Date:25 November 2025 .

Imagine starting your day just like you do every day, expecting to see the same old things. But what if one day everything changed? What strange and unusual things do you think you would see?
Let your imagination take over as Max discovers more than just leaves and birds in the trees. On this day he will introduce you to many different fish of all different colours, doing different things, all while sitting in the trees. This is the story of 15 Fishes sitting in a tree.

Stacey Davidson was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, growing up in the “P” Patch. She has called Amherstburg, Ontario, home since 1996, where she and her husband Michael have raised their two beautiful children, Rachelle and Katie. Amherstburg is one of the most beautiful places to live, so she is incredibly proud to say that she is from there and to be a part of such an awesome community. Spending time with her family and friends is what makes Stacey happy. Her parents and siblings all reside in the Sault, so much of her vacation time is spent there with her mom and dad, Wayne and Cathie Bishop, and her extended family, including her siblings, Mark, Susan and Richard. Rhyming and riddles have always come easily to Stacey, so she has used this talent to write and to create stories, poems and even road-rally scavenger hunts.

Don’t tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, where they know the fish.

Date:25 November 2025 .

S3.E9: ARLENTA

Each of us have angels always at work for our well being. Connecting with them is up to us, it’s a choice we have to make. Arlenta is the runner angel that guides Maria’s spirit beings, organizing and coordinating and making plans come to fruition. Arlenta is about getting results for Maria. With Fidgal, Maria’s guardian angel, Arlenta are on a mission for Maria’s best interests. Arlenta lets us in on a relationship we can all develop if we put our trust in our angels. Are there questions for Arlenta?

THE NEW NORMAL PODCAST – Maria Iuliano with Fidgal

Maria guides a successful business called Fidgal, named after Maria’s guardian angel. They met when Maria was 5 years old.

Maria is a Peace Therapist, graduated with Honours in Peace and Conflict Studies from Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. With this knowledge, along with her expertise in the afterlife and her ability to see auras, Maria helps others find and create peace in their lives.

Visit: fidgal.com

“I hear my valley of angels and I listen to them.”

Date:18 November 2025 .

Shelly Nelson Bond has long been a writer as part of her academic career as a Professor in the Child and Youth Care Program at Sault College. And now she is a published author (Tagona Press) of her first children’s book, Daisy’s Journey, a compilation of three short stories that explore some of the mental health issues children and youth face that are now so prevalent in contemporary society. The illustrations that populate the book were first sketched by Shelly and with the help of her friend, painter and musician, Raymond Gassi, enhanced and then animated through the work of the Tagona Press graphics team.

Shelly has also written Grandparents’ Day, a journaling book, and is currently working on a non-fiction book, Beyond The Behaviour: Living With OCD.

Shelly studied Psychology at Algoma University, graduated 2010, and gained her Masters in Adult Education. Shelly calls Sault Ste. Marie her home but is originally from Hilton Beach on the shores of north Lake Superior.

Date:18 November 2025 .

The Speak Easy Podcast evokes the spirit of fearless conversation and honest debate. Like the hidden bars of the Prohibition era, this podcast creates a space for unfiltered political discourse – where ideas flow freely, perspectives clash respectfully, and nothing is off the table. With co-hosts Robert Peace and Josh Vierimaa offering both seasoned insight and fresh perspective, The Speak Easy invites listeners into a conversation that is as bold as it is accessible.

Episode 10 11/25 – “Canada Strong” Budget 2025

Robert and Josh break down the 2025 “Canada Strong” federal budget, outlining the major highlights while locking horns over what qualifies as wise investments versus outright foolish spending.  No floor crossings – just a fast, funny look at how this budget will shape Canada’s next year.

Robert Peace is a longtime political strategist, media producer, and community advocate based in Sault Ste. Marie. With decades of experience advising leaders, running campaigns, and building grassroots initiatives, he brings sharp insights and a deep understanding of politics at every level.

Josh Vierimaa is an 18-year-old political consultant and rising voice in Canadian conservatism. As a strategist for both provincial and federal Conservative campaigns in Sault Ste. Marie, founder of the Conservative Youth at Algoma University and President of the Students’ Union, Josh brings sharp political instincts, a deep love of history, and a fresh generational perspective to The Speak Easy podcast.

Date:15 November 2025 .

(Editor’s Note: This conversation happened in May 2024. Raymond passed away in October 2025.)

Raymond Gassi has spent a life expressing his ideas by creating music with voice and guitars, and painting with the brush on canvas. The visual artist has taken up more of Raymond’s energy in his latter years, for a myriad of reasons, but music always remains dear to his soul.

Raymond paints subjects in a variety of styles, always challenging himself to discover what lies in his creative being. The painter finds parallels to singing and songwriting, areas that inform the process and that find expression in the brush strokes. The results are part of his journey that seeks a spiritual higher ground.

 “Ideas shape our lives. As a story teller, they are the seeds from which it all begins. As words give shape to breath, art gives shape to ideas.”

Date:15 November 2025 .

In Johnny Barban’s own words:

“Out With The Old” is my first EP album, in-fact my first ever professional recording, and I decided to call it “Out With The Old”. It is a compilation of some of my favourite originals I have written over the last 20 years and each song has a significant story and meaning. I wanted to just get these songs out there, and share what I can with those who want to hear. So here you go, I hope you enjoy!

Musicians on the album are all friends and people I have played with. Awesome people and talented musicians. Special thanks to Dustin Jones who helped me out big time with the direction that I took these songs, super talented guy with a great ear for music and just an all-around awesome dude! Made this recording thing a blast!

Marshall Jaaskelainen – bass, mandolin
Greg Simpson – drums
Byron Jaaskelainen – fiddle, vocals
Jason Gasparetto – vocals
Angela Duncan – vocals

I grew up in a small town called Sault Ste Marie in Northern ON. I have always had a love for music, my first instrument was a ukulele. In my earlier memories of childhood, I remember my parents’ friend who was boarding with us, and he was a great guitar player. He and my dad would always play and sing for me. My grandfather was a great musician and played in the Big Bands when he was younger. I used to love listening to his stories and even more listening to him play his saxophone.

In elementary school, once I was big enough to push down the strings, I picked up my dad’s guitar and started playing and singing along. I remember Dad had a Gordon Lightfoot chord book and I picked it up and learned every song in it. As a kid who loved music, I was always singing and making up my own songs. I started taking piano lessons at a young age, which really helped me learn the theory behind music.

Once I got to high school I really enjoyed music classes, my guitar teacher was great and developed in us an interest in the good classic tunes; stuff by guys like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Clapton, and Stevie Ray. I started writing my own songs and performing them for family and friends. My interest in music continued to grow and develop over time.

I started jamming with guys on a fairly regular basis in high school and in college, and played with many talented musicians over the years, all the while writing more and more of my own songs along the way. I have also been involved for many years playing music and leading a team at the church I grew up in, at different coffee houses, and of course numerous campfires and parties. I love playing and always bring a guitar with me everywhere I go.

Bringing us up to the present; I have been playing with the same group (mostly) for quite a few years now, sometimes ‘Ange’ then ‘Johnny and the Revelators.’ My wife asked me what I wanted to do as a new year’s resolution this year and my answer was “the same as usual, exercise more, eat healthier” and her reply was “ no, something for you!” I thought of my music right away. I have had many of my music friends who have recently recorded and I figured why shouldn’t I? I decided I was going to record my own EP album. I am a husband, a father of two awesome beautiful girls and a small business owner – so my time was limited. It has been a journey… but we are here!

Website: www.johnnybarban.com
Instagram: @johnny.barban

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Date:13 November 2025 .

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The Sault Blues Society has finalized the musical lineup for our 15th Annual Blues for Food local fundraiser, Friday and Saturday Dec. 12 and 13 from 7 to 10pm at Soo Blaster!!

“This project is proudly supported by the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Arts and Culture Assistance Program.”

Blues for Food was started by Rusty McCarthy in 2010, which was one night with multiple musicians playing in the Pub at the Watertower Inn. Over the years it has grown into 2 nights, starting in 2018.

Our host venue has been Soo Blaster for the past 3 years. Many thanks to all those involved, including, Soo Blaster, Mike Blair 705Live Sound Co., the City of Sault Ste. Marie, our volunteers and all of the fine local musicians performing which are listed below and on the attached poster.
Over the past 15 years with local support we have collected and delivered over $50,000 in cash and non perishable food items to The Soup Kitchen and St. Vincent Place. 100% of donations are donated!!

Since its inception, Blues for Food has brought the community together to support local food banks while celebrating the rich tradition of live blues music. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make a cash donation at the door, all of which will go directly to assist those in need during the holiday season. The event continues to embody the spirit of generosity and community involvement that has been its hallmark since the beginning.

Please continue your generous support!!
Soo Blaster is offering a 10% discount on food items only for paid Sault Blues Society members. SBS membership does have its privileges and supports your Society’s ongoing efforts to present fundraisers, local community events and award-winning featured presentations!! 

LINEUP:

Friday Dec. 12th 2025 7 to 10pm > “Mudfoot Mike and the Muckrakers” with Mike McDonald, Paul Dell, Pierre Anthony and Mike Severin. Special guests with Mudfoot Mike are Jay Scali, Al Davis, Val Powley and Keith Conway.

Saturday Dec. 13th 2025 7 to 10pm > “Smokehouse” with Mike Yurich, Jeff Pennette, Keith Conway, and Tim LePlante. Special guests with Smokehouse are Jay Scali, Sheila Dollimont, Stuart Bolduc, Pierre Anthony, Rick Wysynski and George Alkhoury.

*******

*EDITOR’S NOTE : This interview took place in 2020

The Sault Blues Society was created in May of 2010, devoted to the followers of live blues music. Under the guidance of current president, Johnnie Tibbles and his administration, they have built upon the vision of the founders that came before them.

The Sault Blues Society assists local musicians in a variety of ways, promotes shows from touring acts, conducts workshops, and is tireless in its support of blues music in all its forms.

For more information, visit their website and facebook page.

“Blues is a tonic for whatever ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore.”

Date:13 November 2025 .

Episode 13: INDIGO SERIES CHILDREN

What is an Indigo child – or a Crystal child, or a Rainbow child? And now, the Aquarius children are being born. Maria is an Indigo child, and with Fidgal by her side, they take us through recent history to teach us what is going on in today’s topsy-turvy world, a place in the throes of massive change. Can it be these children are the future’s saving grace?

THE NEW NORMAL PODCAST w. Maria & Fidgal

Maria guides a successful business called Fidgal, named after Maria’s guardian angel. They met when Maria was 5 years old.

Maria is a Peace Therapist, graduated with Honours in Peace and Conflict Studies from Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. With this knowledge, along with her expertise in the afterlife and her ability to see auras, Maria helps others find and create peace in their lives.

Visit: fidgal.com

“Well, Indigo means a unique blend of colours so how about a unique blend of gifts I will give them.”

Date:11 November 2025 .

Angela Davey is an Author & Self-Help Blogger.
“I am an author dedicated to promoting my books and sharing my expertise through a self-help blog. As a passionate writer, I offer valuable insights and practical advice to help others on their personal growth journeys.”

Angela Davey is a self-help author. She is the author of F*ck You PTSD: 30 Things YOU Can Try to Help You Feel Better and the e-book Understanding Self-Care: Seven Important Things to Consider.

Angela Davey is a self-help author, certified master life coach, trauma-sensitive yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and Chartered Accountant, and has published articles on employee wellness in the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police HQ Magazine.

Angela currently supports clients through her business, Superior Coaching and Wellness Solutions, and works as an accountant for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. She lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with her husband and splits her time between a house in the city and a cottage on Lake Superior.

F*ck You PTSD: 30 Things YOU Can Try to Help You Feel Better – Tired of suffering in silence? Yearning to take charge of your life? Ready to say “f*ck you” to PTSD-or whatever it is you’re struggling with-and try something radically different?

In F*ck You PTSD, trauma-informed wellness expert Angela Davey takes the “woo-woo” out of alternative healing practices to help readers move through mental health challenges, heal invisible wounds, and achieve a greater state of well-being. With remarkable candor and refreshing pragmatism, Davey details her own mental health struggles, as well as the wellness journey of her husband, a police officer with PTSD.

Clarity, accessibility, and reader autonomy are top priorities in the presentation of these thirty recommended healing practices, which include reiki, grounding, breathwork, sleep, mindfulness, and more. Davey refuses to sugarcoat: “Some of this stuff is going to sound strange or hokey. Some of it you will scoff at. Some of it you will decide to try because ‘why not’? ALL of it has the potential to help you get better. You’re in charge.”

And with that first acknowledgement, you’ve already begun. Read on for some necessary real-talk, entertaining profanity, and the tools and encouragement you need to reclaim your power and kick PTSD to the curb.

Understanding Self-Care: Seven Important Things to Consider – This book looks at the foundations of self-care. Many people think self-care is making time for massages, hot tubs, bubble baths, or other “luxury” uses of time. Self-care starts with the decisions we make every single day and isn’t a luxury. Every day we have the opportunity to make choices to take care of ourselves. This book looks at managing stress, mindfulness, nourishing our bodies, staying hydrated, moving more often, getting good sleep, and staying social. These are the foundational aspects of taking care of ourselves.

“You have to understand that PTSD has to be an event that you experience, a very traumatic event. And actually, there is evidence that brain chemistry changes during this event in certain individuals where it’s imprinted indelibly forever and there’s an emotion associated with this which triggers the condition.”

Date:11 November 2025 .