Andrea Dalzell is the first registered nurse in a wheelchair to get through nursing school in New York City while also being a pioneering activist for people with disabilities. She is a force to be reckoned with, and has emerged victorious against all the obstacles in her path. Transverse Myelitis left her paralyzed at the age of 12, but she did not allow her disability to define her. ⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Andrea Shares: ✅ How COVID19 finally opened the door for her to get hired as a nurse after 76 interviews⁣ ✅ Finding inner resilience and breaking the stigma for people with disabilities ⁣ ✅ How support from others and wanting to empower the next generation kept her from giving up⁣ ✅ Building her voice unapologetically despite having "three strikes" ⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's a nurse - she can save your life and is innovative in finding fun things to do!⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She's working during a global pandemic! ⁣ Fave Quote: "Tough days don't last but tough people do" ⁣ Pump-Up Song: "Pump It" by @bep⁣ At-Home Workout: @rollettes_la - adaptive fitness with @mariarabaino⁣ Snack: Oreos & charcuterie boards ⁣ Book: "Becoming" by @michelleobama and "Intersexuality of Disabilities"⁣ TV Reco: "Lenox Hill" @netflix ⁣ Skill/Hobby: Working on her green thumb 🌱⁣ Connect: @theseatednurse 

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded June 17th on Instagram Live*

Arielle Estoria is a Spoken Word Poet, Author, Dance Party Enthusiast, Emcee and Event Host Speaker, Model and Actress. The heartbeat behind her work, is a diligent pursuit of instilling and reminding individuals of their value through words.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In This Episode Arielle Shares: ✅ Giving herself the grace to feel present and acknowledge the waves of emotions that come during challenging times⁣⁣ ✅ Having a quarantine wedding and her unique experience of constantly holding celebration with loss, lamenting, trauma⁣⁣ ✅ How her faith has helped her "press in" to the stillness and welcome the invitation to be a part of the history we're living⁣⁣ ✅ The power of "the collective" - it was never about "them over there", it's always been about all of us and we are now coming together. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She makes amazing breakfast⁣⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She wants to redecorate every room in the house ⁣⁣ Fave Quote: "Grace upon grace, upon grace" ⁣⁣ Pump-Up Song: "Daisies" by @KatyPerry / "Savage Remix" by @sheistheestallion ft @beyonce ⁣⁣ At-Home Workout: @TheFitnessMarshall (most fun dance videos!)⁣⁣ Snack: Cereal, Cheese & crackers (charcuterie), Welches' fruit snacks ⁣⁣ Book: "Wonder over Worry" by @heyambereae // "Untamed" by @glennondoyle // "The Artist Way" by Julia Cameron // "The Dream of You" by Jo Saxton⁣⁣ TV Reco: @BreakingBad, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel @maisletv, @nbcthisisus⁣⁣ Skill/Hobby: She's been buying plants and trying to keep them alive! ⁣⁣ Connect: @arielleestoria - www.arielleestoria.com⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Arielle's Poetry Books (available on Amazon): Vagabonds & Zealots⁣⁣ Write Bloody, Spill Pretty⁣⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded June 11th on Instagram Live*

Sarah Nicole Landry aka The Birdspapaya is a writer, creator, speaker, and activist who has taken social media by storm through her powerful journaling of life and love after massive change. As a proud mother of three who has navigated through many challenging obstacles including divorce, single motherhood, a dramatic weight loss, and more, Sarah uses her platform to share her highs and lows with women across the globe, creating a community of self-love, acceptance, and belonging for all. Sarah is also the host of @thepapayapodcast ⁣⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Sarah Shares: ✅ How she's processing past pain of being stuck at home resurfaced by COVID-19⁣⁣ ✅ The power of pushing through our fears and connecting with others in order to heal ⁣⁣ ✅ Loving our bodies in this time of adaptation and instability through action vs. an expectation of feeling⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She likes to have fun in everyday moments⁣⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She's a very gassy person and hates doing the dishes⁣⁣ Fave Quote: "I do enough, I have enough, I am enough" ⁣⁣ Pump-up Song: "Stronger" by @britneyspears ⁣⁣ At-Home Workout: Spin bike & body weight exercises ⁣⁣ Snack: @mynakedsnacks Aloha Kauai: banana chips, macadamia nuts, dried pineapple, toasted coconut⁣⁣ Book: "Untamed" by @GlennonDoyle (even just the first 3 pages will change your life!)⁣⁣ Netflix Show: "Friends", "The Office" - old comforts!⁣⁣ Skill/Hobby: Making video and editing 🎥⁣⁣ Connect: @thebirdspapaya // @thepapayapodcast ⁣⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded May 6th on Instagram Live*

Rachel Lindsay is an attorney, media personality, speaker, and podcaster. She currently hosts @mtvghosted,  @ringer "Higher Learning" podcast,@bachelorhappyhour podcast, and a special correspondent for @extratv. She is best known for her role as the first African-American lead in @bachelorabc franchise history on the thirteenth season of @bacheloretteabc. ⁣⁣⁣ In This Episode Rachel Shares: ✅ Tips for structured journaling and visualization to get through hard times⁣⁣⁣ ✅ Her thoughts on @bachelorabc casting @mattjames919 and reflections on her role as @bacheloretteabc⁣⁣⁣ ✅ The hard work, honesty & confidence that led to her successful career ⁣⁣⁣ ✅ Using her voice to call to action for important causes & igniting change⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: Never a dull moment, always talking and a good drinking buddy!⁣⁣⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She's type A and brutally honest⁣⁣⁣ Fave Quote: "Demanding change without necessary action is wishful thinking"⁣⁣⁣ Pump-Up Song: 90s dance music - "Mmm Bop" by @hanson & "Show Me Love" by Robyn⁣⁣⁣ At-Home Workout: @onepeloton (Shout out to her fave instructors: Alex, Cody, Alli)⁣⁣⁣ Snack: She doesn't snack - she eats to survive. Maybe a glass of wine 🍷⁣⁣⁣ Book: "Vox" by @cvdalcher and "The Holdout" by Graham Moore⁣⁣⁣ TV Reco: @ozark @13thfilm @WhenTheySeeUs and @disclosure⁣⁣⁣ Skill/Hobby: Cooking (something new she's doing but don't get your hopes up @thebryanabasolo she doesn't enjoy it 😂)⁣⁣⁣ Connect: @therachlindsay | Honestly Rach Blog: https://www.rachellindsayofficial.com/ ⁣⁣⁣ Rachel's Podcasts: Higher Learning Podcast (twice a week) & @bachelorhappyhour every Tuesday 🎙🌹⁣⁣⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded June 25th on Instagram Live*

Taylor Nolan is a psychotherapist, mental health advocate and reality TV star. The Seattle native appeared on Season 21 of @bachelorabc, where she popularized emotional intelligence, and on Season 4 of @bachelorinparadise. Since appearing on The Bachelor franchise, Taylor launched the @letstalkaboutit_podcast. ⁣ In This Episode Taylor Shares: ✅ Her racial identity journey and specific experience as a bi-racial woman⁣ ✅ How understanding colourism is an important part of the racism discussion⁣ ✅ Her thoughts on The Bachelor Franchise selecting the first male black lead @mattjames919⁣ ✅ Normalizing and creating safe space for mental health especially for the underrepresented and underserved black community⁣

⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's fun, listens to music, dances and sings!⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She has a lot of feels and talks a lot!⁣ Fave Quote: "It doesn't feel okay right now but it's going to be okay."⁣ Pump-Up Song: "Blessed" by @Tyga & @Shenseea // "Ruth" and "Ankles" by @JessieReyez⁣ At-Home Workout: Going for walks up the hill and paddle boarding. She likes to play!⁣ Snack: Cherries, Apples, Peanut Butter Cookies⁣ Book: "White Fragility" by Robin Diangelo / "Sex At Dawn" by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha / "Mating in Captivity" by @EstherPerelOfficial & anything by @BreneBrown⁣ TV Reco: "Dating Around" @netflix - diverse and in-depth convos!⁣ Skill/Hobby: She's been learning the ukulele!⁣ Connect: @taymocha @letstalkaboutit_podcast

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded June 18th on Instagram Live*

Meredith Shaw first made her mark in Canada as an award-winning singer/songwriter and is now a host on CHUM 104.5 and iHeartRadio Canada. She can be seen regularly as a style expert on CTV's The Social, The Marilyn Denis Show, Your Morning, & Etalk. Meredith is also a recognized model and body positive activist. 💁‍♀️

In This Episode Meredith Shares: ✅ Ways to find immediate joy in the little things in life and not over committing while self isolated ✅ The importance of staying away from negative self-talk and body shaming commentary during COVID19. (This pandemic shouldn't be about our bodies!) ✅ How to inject a little sparkle to your quarantine wardrobe  #SparkleSweats  ✅ Advice on viewing your "failures" as teachers and following your bliss in life

⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's super neat/not messy What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She's super neat and requires you to also be neat!  Fave Quote: "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good." - "Good is good enough!" Pump-up Song: The whole @CHUM1045 Pump-Up Playlist @ 7 PM 🎶 At-home Workout:⁣ Walks outside; might try some online yoga 🧘‍♀️ Snack: Her partner @rodneybowers has been baking fresh bread! Toasted Rye with Nut Butter, Banana, Cinnamon  Book: "Howard Stern Comes Again" by Howard Stern  TV Show: "The Outsider" on @cravecanada Skill/Hobby: Wants to garden & get her green thumb going - wants to be an in the earth, planting person 😂🌱 Connect: @meredithshaw and listen to @chum1045 from 4-7pm Bonus 🎙: Check out Meredith Shaw on @jannarden's podcast

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded April 3rd on Instagram Live*

Lily Yange is a digital creator, model and lifestyle expert who is changing the game in media. After noticing a lack of diversity and inclusion within the social media culture, Lily knew she had to switch things up. Lily hopes to use her platform as grounds for setting a new beauty standard. In just a short few years, Lily has worked with brands such as @sephoracanada, @hm—who she assists with creating seasonal looks, @mercedesbenzcanada, @mazdacanada and more. Lily can also be found gracing the cover of @zhurimag and is featured in @vogueitalia, @flaredotcom and @ellecanada. She spent the last half of 2019 on a media tour, where she demonstrated her parenting expertise on various morning shows around Canada.⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Lily Shares:

✅ The power of resilience and family to get you through hard times⁣ ✅ The special moment she shared with a mom and daughter in front of her @sephora billboard at @ydsquare⁣ ✅ The importance of gratitude and not taking anything for granted⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's very chill, positive & homebody ⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She's a cancer ♋ & can be an emotional wreck! ⁣ Fave Quote: "Life is short. Be grateful for what you have" ⁣ Pump-Up Song: Loves @MrJacobBanks voice 🎙⁣ At-Home Workout: Running⁣ Snack: Recently discovered rice cake chips and LOVES them⁣ Book: "Influencer: Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of Social Media " by @mrsbrittanyhennessy ⁣ TV Show: @deadtome ⁣ Skill/Hobby: Wants to get into TikTok, get back on YouTube & running (a marathon may be in her future)⁣ Connect: @lilyyange // Project with @kiehls coming soon! ⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: @katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded May 14th on Instagram Live*

Nadia George is an Award Winning Mi'kmaq—Canadian Actor, Public Speaker, and Indigenous Rights & Youth Advocate. Nadia is best known for her role as Jolene in the compelling Short Film @herwaterdrumfilm; which is now being used as a tool to educate Youth and Communities on the topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She also stars as Lily on the YouTube series @campcowabungatv.⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Nadia Shares: ✅ Changing her perspective around COVID-19 once her mom was diagnosed. (She's healthy now!)⁣ ✅ The importance of advocating for Indigenous people and Mental Health ⁣ ✅ Looking to the history of her ancestors and nature as a guide for how we should interact and treat each other⁣ ✅ Why it's important for her to shine a light on social causes and why we need to take the time to dig deeper, question and learn more⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's patient and tries to keep people active, playing games and positive⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She can get antsy⁣ Fave Quote: "Your future self is excited to meet you" ⁣ Pump-Up Song: "Hallucinate" by @dualipa⁣ At-Home Workout: Body weight exercises, stretching and going for walks⁣ Snack: Blueberries and donuts (or blueberry fritters) ⁣ Book: "Midnight in Chernobyl" by Adam Higginbotham #ChernobylHBO⁣ Netflix Show: @ozark @netflix ⁣ Skill/Hobby: Wants to learn how to play the ukulele (her son plays lots of instruments!)⁣ Connect: @nadiageorgeofficial ⁣ ⁣ Her Work: Short film "Along the Water's Edge"  Check her out as Jolene in @herwaterdrumfilm - short film about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women⁣ Check her out as Lily on "@campcowabungatv" (great for kids) @youtube⁣ ⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded May 25th on Instagram Live*

Lesley Hampton is the founder and designer of the LESLEY HAMPTON brand. Lesley defines herself through the amalgamation of the indigeneity, to her Anishinaabe and Mohawk heritage, as well as, her early nomadic upbringing. Diversity is at the core of every piece created by LESLEY HAMPTON; with a focus on evening-wear and occasion-wear. The brand draws inspiration from notations that embody inclusivity, and broader perceptions of beauty that leads to mental health awareness and body-positive advocacy.⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Lesley Shares: ✅ Using her creativity as a means to discovering more about who she is as an Indigenous woman⁣ ✅ Her commitment to highlighting Mental Health and Body Positivity causes within the fashion industry ⁣ ✅ Being intentional about inclusivity and representation in each phase of the creative process⁣ ✅ The importance of #MentalHealth and sometimes putting yourself before your business⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's calm and easy-going ⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She can be messy⁣ Fave Quote: "You're the equal of the 5 people you spend the most time with" ⁣ At-Home Workout: Going for walks and stretching⁣ Snack: Popcorn 🍿⁣ Book: "Alexander McQueen:Savage Beauty" by Andrew Bolton 📸⁣ Netflix Show: "Never Have I Ever" // "Working Moms" // "The American Meme" ⁣ Skill/Hobby: Cooking - made her first casserole and experimenting with spices⁣ Connect: @lesley_hampton // 🐦@lesleyhampton // https://www.lesleyhampton.com⁣ 

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded on April 29 on Instagram Live*

Nneka Elliott is an award winning TV news personality turned actor & beauty influencer. Most notably, Nneka was a Reporter/Anchor/Host at CP24 news. She is now a beauty expert on @themarilyndenisshow & writes for @cbclife & @refinery29canada to name a few. You may also recognize her from her TV/Film roles in Shazam, Self Made: Inspired by the life of Madam C.J Walker, Designated Survivor, V wars, Conviction, Remember etc. She is represented by @ambitiontalent & has trained at @armstrongacting & @secondcityto.⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Nneka Shares:

✅ The importance of listening to your mind and body during #COVID19 ⁣ ✅ How self-reflection and getting to know herself again led her to "answer the call" to acting 📞⁣ ✅ Her tips for not getting caught up in "Scorpio brain" and the "What If" thoughts⁣ ✅ The power of "mute" on social media and the need for compassionate content (Hint: the real work is done offline!) ⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's been cooking up a storm and cracks jokes!⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: Being gloomy or if you have gas, it might be difficult 😂⁣ Fave Quote: "The blue sky is always there" ⁣ Pump-Up Song: She's an Island girl and loves Soca music. "Mr. Fete" by Machel Montano ⁣ At-Home Workout: Yoga, but really any type of movement for 30 minutes, dancing, jumping. ⁣ Snack: Cranberries and nuts⁣ Podcasts: 🎙"That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse", "SuperSoul Sunday with Oprah"⁣ TV Reco: "Self Made: Inspired by The Life of Madam C.J. Walker" (Keep an eye out for her in part 4 😉) and "Ozark" Skill/Hobby:Wants to get into gardening 🥕🌿⁣ Connect: @nnekaelliott on Instagram // https://nnekaelliott.com/ ⁣ ⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded on April 6 on Instagram Live*