UN-Faqs

Episode 11 - Terri Kozlowski, is a Native American Athabascan of the Gwich’in Tribe - Raven Clan and now resides in Woodstock, Georgia, discovered her true path in life only by coming to terms with a painful childhood. Today, she is a successful life coach with a certification from the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology and helps many others overcome limiting beliefs and fears. In her podcast, Soul Solutions, launched in August 2020 during the pandemic, Terri delves into the soul to teach us how to take control of our ego and emotions to create the life we desire. Her show recently reached a milestone 1,000 downloads. You can find her on Apple Podcasts.

Among the fascinating feats that Terri has overcome from childhood trauma and abuse, she can now add published author to the list. Her book, Raven Transcending Fear, is part memoir, part self-help guide; Terri's raw and personal story of diving deep into her past, dealing with the terror before ultimately getting comfortable with fear and transcending it.

Episode Notes

There are so many take aways from this conversation that I don't even know where to begin but one thing is certain, the more I sat and listened to Terri's backstory of childhood abuse, abusive parenting and neglect from her mother during her upbringing to the spiritually strong and vibrant women, author, educator, and healer she is today, I was in complete awe. To take in so much hate and deliver so much love is, in itself, a miracle.

This is one episode you mustn't miss. As I stated in the episode, Terri's message of hope, spiritual growth and compassion ate mindset is like a warm blanket wrapped around our bodies giving reassurance and hope that everything will be okay.

Here are just a few key lessons I took from Terri; important rules for life:

We are not confined to limits others put us in either with labels, opinions, neglect, or pain inflicted from our parent's emotional immaturity.

Play fills the soul and can be relearned, rediscovered and rekindled. All it takes is the freedom to find it again and the permission to indulge.

Self-love is the cure-all for pain, trauma, anger, and all the unwanted emotions that our ego hangs onto.

The pandemic was a real wake up call and the healing that is coming is the realization that we all have the opportunity to love one another. When we respond from a place of love, not fear. we change the world but it begins with changing ourselves first.

Learn more about Terri at https://terrikozlowski.com

In this episode, we mention a few books, one of which is Terri's favourite and played a poignant role in her road to self love and healing:

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

And finally, Raven Transcending Fear, now available on Amazon. Terri's book has also been nominated for the "Cover of the Month" contest on AllAuthor. Throughout the month of April you can cast your vote online at allauthor.com

UN-faqs is a podcast original by MGG Communications Inc. If you enjoy these conversations with entrepreneurs sharing their stories of resiliency, authenticity and courage, I would love that you leave a review on Apple Podcast. Share with your friends, and subscribe. You can find me on Instagram at mary_mgg_inc

Episode #10 - My next guest hails from Brooklyn, New York and, like many of us entrepreneurs did and are still doing, has redesigned herself, pivoting from one career to another.

One year ago this month, Christine Terrio was furloughed from her job. She had worked in the hotel industry for 18 years after pursuing her undergrad studies, a BA in Hotel Management. The announcement and shift happened so quickly and with one week's notice that the hotel would be closing it doors temporarily. Around the same time, she had taken interest in learning about autoimmune disease because, at the time, a friend had recently been diagnosed and Chris was eager to find a solution to help her friend avoid thyroid surgery.

The journey led Chris down a path of holistic health and wellness, something she had always been interested in. Chris enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) to earn a certification in health and nutrition coaching. She soon created a business, Simply Living Journey, and began to offer 1:1 wellness programs to help women take a holistic approach to nutrition and health, prioritize themselves, and build healthier and happier lifestyles.

The pandemic was a game changer. Chris reignited a passion, pivoted and pursued her own personal development discovering nutrition coaching and the fascinating connection between foods we eat and the health of our brains. It was her silver lining. COVID gave Chris permission and opportunity to get grounded, reconnect with her purpose, build a wellness tribe, and help others do the same.

Each episode of UN-Faqs comes with a healthy dose of references to great authors and a chat about books. In this episode, we mention:

Don't Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller; and

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.

You can find Christine on her website at www.simplylivingjounrey.com. Her social media is @simplylivingjourney on Instagram and Facebook.

Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc

Introducing Gen X, Millennials, women, men, entrepreneurs, and professionals to a new podcast about COVID crusaders.

Authentic and real. Backstories of the ordinary and the extraordinary who braved each day in 2020 with tenacity and a certain degree of style and grace to redefine themselves or, at the very least, came to the realization that existing wasn’t enough to survive.

The drive to thrive was, in itself, the fuel in their transformation journey of becoming a better version of themselves. Staying focused on passion and purpose while using grit and giving compassion to get through the challenges of an unprecedented time in our history.

UN-Faqs is an original podcast by MGG Communications Inc., a public relations company that focuses on brand strategy to position organizations, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs to be real, relatable and relevant with their clients and customers.

At MGG Inc. our business is telling your business! Visit us at www.mggcommunications.ca

Episode #1 - My first guest once served in the Canadian military police branch and used the value of team work she learned in her early career as her compass. Today, Sharon Farquharson is a successful paralegal in Vancouver, Canada.

Sharon shares her insights on how to persevere through a job change find balance in her home life being a supportive mom of three adult kids snd a loving wife of 26 years, all while navigating life in the midst of a pandemic. Her pure, raw, funny intellect will keep you listening, laughing and perhaps jotting down notes.

Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc

Episode #2 - In conversation with Mia Jerritt, an accredited life coach residing on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Mia brings 30 years of experience in health and fitness and entrepreneurship to her coaching skills. Mia is an author, a long time Medical Exercise Specialist and Personal Trainer, an Adaptive Holistic Nutritionist, a philanthropist, and a much sought-after public speaker.

I’ve known Mia many years dating back to the early to mid-90s. Mia in fact was my teacher trainer training me to be a personal fitness trainer. I owe a lot of my spunk and vitality in leading my fitness and yoga classes to the enthusiasm that Mia is well known for in her profession. As she says, she hands out a hefty dose of humour and play. Now, don’t get me wrong, this gal demonstrates and stands for integrity, flexibility, consistency, and, above all else, fearlessness.

In this episode the following awesome books are noted. Pick up your copy today:

Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners, Jack Hawley

Leading with Soul, Lee G. Bohman & Terrence E. Deal;

Reawakening The Spirits in Work: The Power of Dharmic Management, Jack Hawley;

Conversations with God – Neal Donald Walsch;

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin Sharma; and

Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relic.

Visit Mary Lee, your host at MGG Communications Inc.

Episode #3 - A conversation with Kelsey Lee a paramedic based in Calgary, AB, Canada.

Throughout 2020, Kelsey encountered all kinds of call outs from horrific and gruesome to simple less invasive treatment. She endured through the heartache and frustration on the front lines in the service of others. Mental wellness is a big concern as is the need to find ways to build resilience. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are regularly called to deal with COVID positive or COVID suspected patients, which places them in harm’s way, continually at-risk. Yet, every day EMS workers must show up in the face of these dangers ready to perform.

Kelsey is also a #millennial (age 25 to 40 as of this year) who has concerns outside of her profession – the current state of affairs, more specifically sustainability and climate change as well as finding and maintaining an affordable living against the ever rising costs of living exacerbated by the pandemic. A Deloitte research study concludes, however, that her generation and the one following, #GenZ are the resilient generation.

In this episode, We also talk books and apps for do-it-at-home fitness and wellness, including #alomoves and #sadhguruTV

Looking for some great books on environmental optimism:

Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think Is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis, by Dr. Elin Kelsey #oceanoptimism

Superman’s not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do about It, by Erin Brockovich

We also mentioned:

Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens

This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor, by Adam Kay

American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental and emotional health, reach out and help. No matter where you live in Canada, support is never ever far away. Visit crisisservicescanada.ca. Call 1.833.456.4566 or Text 45645.

Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc

Episode #4 - An encouraging and emotional conversation with a business owner of a newly established pilates and yoga studio who learned first hand how three elements of entrepreneurial spirit - passion, expertise and values - kept her steadfast in her determination to excel - even when obstacles kept popping up unexpectedly along her path.

Rachel Bood was in pursuit of excellence in her field of study of dance when, in 1998, she was diagnosed with a rare type of arthritis affecting the Her misfortune led to a deeper dive into her studies in anatomy to better understand her own body and manage pain. Rachel came to the Comox Valley. in 2006, and was introduced to Pilates for rehabilitation by Lynn Brandon of Bodyworx Physiotherapy. Using her knowledge of anatomy and movement with Pilates ignited a new passion for sharing the benefits to help people find trust and safety in their own bodies. Rachel became a STOTT Pilates practitioner certified in mat and reformer and continues to seek more special knowledge including a recent qualification as a TRE® Provider - Trauma or Tension Releasing Exercises - a series of innovative exercises to aid the body in releasing deep muscular tension and stress.

But it doesn’t stop there. The dream of one day opening her own studio came true in early 2020. She had finally achieved one of her many pursuits. Eight weeks later, the first government imposed COVID -19 restrictions came into effect. What happens next for Rachel is a vivid reminder of the power of your why.

As with all my guests, we talk about books, cite great authors and reference r leading research of the topic of conversation. Here's this episodes line-up:

The Four Agreement, don Miguel Riuz. If there could be only one book to guide you through life's lessons, this little gem just might be the one!

Mastery, Robert Greene. My personal favourite and that one book to convince anyone to understand about themselves, you are a master!

Start With Why, Simon Sinek. Great leaders truly do inspire us and do many entrepreneurs in our community if we stop, listen and learn about their why.

You can find these great reads on Amazon, Goodreads or listen for free with a 30-day trial on Audible.

Learn more about Rachel's studio, classes and workshops at www.alignedmovementstudios.com And finally, an Acknowledgement to the Margaret Klaric's of the world who spoke impeccable words thus inspiring the life of one young woman to stay true to her passion, keep building her expertise and honor her values.

Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc

Episode #5 - Ah, we did it. We made it through January. Now, here we are in February - a month of love and romance. For me it is a month of nostalgia. My mother would be celebrating her 84th birthday on the 15th. Early this month, a dear childhood friend of mine will celebrate her something- ith birthday!

February doesn't have to be all about couples! This is a wonderful time to celebrate the many relationships we have or have had with people - past and present. In this episode, I rekindle a wonderful connection with a friend from my childhood and what a conversation we share. I can't wait for you to dive in too.

Ellen Lee is a rare find. Tenacious, bold, beautiful, and ridiculously funny, there isn't a situation - good or bad - she doesn't welcome with a zestful curiosity and humble appreciation. Ellen is a creative thinker able to ingeniously weave together ideas and principles of interior design with all the senses. It’s called sensory input or sensory design. The sensory designer’s task is to render a space vivid enough for the individual to actually be who they truly ought to be. Ultimately, that is to be happy. A single room can yield enough power to change how we feel and what we experience. Our senses move us through space, according to an article on the subject, Why Sensory Design (Lupen, Lipps. 2018), that space entwined with the senses can evoke memory and emotion, time and place, which you will learn in Ellen's recounts of her life's journey.

Ellen's capacity for appreciation both in her profession and every day life is a sweet reminder that enduring through life's hardships only serves to show us what beauty lies with each of us, and what mastery we are capable of achieving. So, take the time this month to connect with someone, something or some place and savor the delicious sensation of the here and now!

In this episode, Ellen reveals her three favourite books:

Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton The Complete Far Side by Gary Larson

Mãn by Kim Thúy

You can find Ellen Lee online ellenleedesign.ca. To learn more about sensory design, take a read of this interesting article www.cooperhewitt.org/2018/04/03/why-sensory-design/

“It is perhaps when our lives are at their most problematic that we are likely to be most receptive to beautiful things.” ― Alain de Botton, The Architecture of Happiness

Episode #6 - I travel across the pond virtually all the way from British Columbia, Canada to Great Britain to have a conversation with Deasha Waddup.

Deasha is a social media business coach in the service-based wellness industry, an award-winning social media marketer and a lead trainer for Facebook. Deasha has helped entrepreneurs scale and reach 6 and 7 figures since the start of her company Social Treats in 2016. She currently resides in Manchester, UK and as soon as restrictions are lifted, she will be back traveling world-wide while earning herself a 6 figure salary simply by working from home, wherever that might be next, because she has created a lifestyle that affords her the opportunity to follow her dreams. Deasha shares her secret formula for self-love and self-care The best gift we can give ourselves is the gift of kindness - random acts of kindness and being true to whatever serves you in the moment whether that's buying a complete stranger a coffee, paying a casual compliment or kicking up on the couch in our jammies to binge watch movies all weekend. Deasha's passion and purpose is all about creating space for connection and she teaches this to entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their authentic brand reach organically. Engagement is about being visible in those communities where people are connecting - online - and be at your very best for others. will create a ripple affect. But that's not always attainable on those days when we aren't always on top of our game, at that is perfectly okay. The pandemic year was tough enough, so allowing ourselves space to reconnect with our core values is critical if we are going to be meaningful for others. A better you is better for all those you lead, coach and influence.

Here are some great books for entrepreneurs we discussed in this episode: The Conversion Code, Chris Smith Profit First, Mike Michalowicz The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill.

If you are interested in learning about Hello Fresh, Canada's #1 meal delivery service, as mentioned this episode, visit https://www.hellofresh.ca. Send me a message at mary@mggcommunications with " Episode 6" in the subject line and I will invite you to receive a discount on your first meal plan.

Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc

Episode 7 - The joy, happiness and wisdom we gain from Intergenerational relationships.

In this episode I sit down with a film maker, director and educator of photography and film to learn about what resilience means to her. Sky Bergman found strength to endure through a pandemic in lessons she learned five years ago while directing her debut documentary Lives Well Lived. For her film, she interviewed 40 seniors between the ages of 75 and 100 to learn how to live life well. The underlying secret, happiness, a sense of purpose and a great sense of humour. Stories of our elders’ generation can teach us so much while giving opportunity to tap into the hidden wisdom of some of our most senior citizens and glean from their experiences to face challenges of today.

Sky is a champion of intergenerational relationships that help nourish the spirit while, at the same time, preserving the legacy of our elders’ wisdom, customs, traditions and good old-fashion wise advice for younger generations to benefit from. Social science research reveals that social engagement is a significant component to healthy aging and great medicine for combatting the loneliness encountered by senior populations, more so now with increasing isolation imposed by the pandemic. So, why not end age segregation, close the gap while serving the needs of the younger and the older generations.

To learn more about the award-winning film or to order the DVD, visit www.lives-well-lived.com.

In this episode, Sky shared her favourite read Happiness is a Choice You Make By John Leland. Similar to the her work on the film, Leland weaves together stories of New Yorker ages 85 and up to share wisdom and advice on what it takes to live well by those who have mastered it.

Thank you for tuning in! I am your host, Mary Lee of MGG Communication Inc. Support the show with a small donation. Visit https://www.patreon.com/MGGInc