Unscripted Curiosity

In the Season 2 opener of Unscripted Curiosity, Jenn and Scott are joined by the thoughtful, funny, and deeply reflective Theodore Ambie‑Barango for a conversation about courage, curiosity, and the long road of questioning what we were taught to believe.

Theodore shares his journey from growing up in a deeply religious home in Nigeria to moving to Canada for university, building a career in tech, and eventually writing his book Lost in Scripture—a vulnerable exploration of faith, doubt, and deconstruction. He speaks openly about the tension between honoring where we come from and having the courage to think for ourselves, especially when education, lived experience, and curiosity start asking new questions.

Together, they talk about how doubt often begins quietly, how learning to hold multiple perspectives can deepen empathy, and why understanding the “why” behind our beliefs (and each other) matters so much—whether in families, relationships, or across cultures. Along the way, they touch on music, writing as a healing practice, therapy, and the teachers and mentors who shape us in lasting ways.

This conversation is an invitation to stay curious, stay compassionate, and be brave enough to grow—even when it’s uncomfortable.

You can buy Theo's book Lost In Scripture on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hqADnor

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In this final episode of 2025, Jenn and Scott cozy up for a reflective (and squirrel-adjacent) conversation to close out Season One of Unscripted Curiosity. They look back on a year of podcasting—16 episodes filled with real talk, remarkable guests, and a growing comfort with doing things imperfectly. Jenn shares how the podcast helped her loosen the grip of perfectionism, while Scott reflects on finding freedom in unscripted dialogue and the joy of connecting with curious minds.

They talk about what it’s meant to prioritize rest, set boundaries, and let authenticity lead the way—even when it means canceling an episode or mixing up the start time due to time zone differences. From wellness ruts to retirement pacing, journaling goals to gym routines, the conversation moves through work, identity, and what it means to choose a life that feels like your own.

Also mentioned: red squirrels, paper calendars, and starting a journaling group in 2026—email us if your curious about joining the group (or want to know more about squirrels or how things were scheduled before Google calendar).

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

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We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Unscripted Curiosity, Jenn and Scott are joined by friend of the pod Chelsea Elmquist for a grounded, thoughtful, and often funny conversation about career pivots, parenting, and the power of presence. Chelsea shares her journey from policing and crisis negotiation to pursuing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology—while raising two kids and rethinking what self-care actually looks like.

Together, the trio explore the transferable skills that come from high-stress jobs, including active listening, empathy, and learning how to set boundaries without burning out. They touch on the evolving nature of self-care, how strength training supports mental and physical health, and why walking mindfully (sometimes with snacks) might be more healing than sprinting through the hard stuff.

This conversation is a mix of wisdom, humour, and real talk about navigating transitions with intention, whether you’re in a negotiation room or making dinner for toddlers.

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

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We'd love to hear from you!

In this catch-up episode of Unscripted Curiosity, Jenn and Scott reconnect over everything from pasta dough to nervous system lows. Scott shares stories from his recent trip to Italy—including yoga, food tears, unplanned adventures, and a surprise brush with the Pope—while also reflecting on a challenging experience with hypoarousal and how he found his way back through rest, movement, and gelato (among other things).

Together, they explore how stress shows up in the body, why self-talk matters, and the surprising ways travel can reset the system. As always, the conversation weaves personal reflection with playful banter, curiosity, and care.

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

https://twistedoakyogaandwellness.offeringtree.com

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We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Unscripted Curiosity, Jenn and Scott are joined by friend and collaborator Kim Grykuliak for a wide-ranging conversation on work, wellness, and long walks—both literal and metaphorical.

Together, they explore Kim’s journey from HR and event planning into nonprofit leadership, where she found meaning and purpose at the Zebra Centre and later, in addiction recovery work.  Along the way, Kim reflects on learning to care for her well-being in new ways, tuning into the signals of her body, and making space for rest and recovery. She also reflects on becoming a parent, returning to work, and finding healing through service and movement.

From 12-hour silent walks to mountain summits and long-distance training, the trio talk about the physical and mental practices that have shaped their capacity to show up—for others and themselves. They explore what it means to plan for growth, to rest with intention, and to stay connected across seasons of change.

This episode is both grounded and expansive, offering a glimpse into the quiet courage it takes to keep evolving—one step at a time.

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

https://twistedoakyogaandwellness.offeringtree.com

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1262404

Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

In this expansive and energizing conversation, Jenn and Scott sit down with David Bidler, co-founder of Physiology First, an organization on a mission to bring physiology-based education into the mainstream to support mental and physical health across the lifespan.

David shares his powerful personal journey—from early struggles with substance use to discovering purpose through Brazilian jiu-jitsu and ultramarathon running. His story weaves together themes of resilience, curiosity, and the role of movement in transforming lives. What began as a training center for endurance athletes has since grown into a global initiative to reimagine how we understand and support youth mental health.

Together, the trio explore the limits of the current mental health model, the value of building physical and social infrastructure, and why foundational habits—like sleep, hydration, sunlight, and movement—are more radical than they seem. David introduces the idea of focusing on one’s personal "hammer" (your zone of genius), and how developing that single tool deeply may be more impactful than chasing versatility.

They also discuss the promises and perils of artificial intelligence, including the emotional ties people—especially youth—are forming with AI companions. David invites deeper inquiry into how we can build purpose in an increasingly digital world and announces an upcoming 200-mile run to raise awareness and funding for Physiology First’s youth programs.

From frozen feet and lost toenails to existential purpose and the future of AI, this conversation offers both practical insights and philosophical reflection on what it means to be a human in training—for life.

Connect with David:

Website: https://physiologyfirst.org/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bidler-765aa745/

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

https://twistedoakyogaandwellness.offeringtree.com

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1262404

Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Unscripted Curiosity, Jenn and Scott return to their roots with an unscripted conversation that moves through themes of trauma, nervous system regulation, and the evolving nature of boundaries. They begin with a reflection on the Netflix film Night Always Comes, touching on housing insecurity, personal privilege, and the complexity of the language we use to describe lived experiences.

The conversation opens into a wider exploration of somatic therapy, mindfulness, and the ongoing work of self-regulation. Jenn shares insights from her clinical practice, including how she tailors her approach to each client’s needs, while Scott reflects on the importance of boundaries in high-stress work environments, drawing from his background in law enforcement.

Together, they consider the practices that keep them grounded—meditation, movement, time in nature—and the ways they’ve each learned to hold space for others without losing themselves in the process. What emerges is an honest and thoughtful dialogue about aging, capacity, and staying connected to what matters most.

You can access the Waking Up Meditation App: https://www.wakingup.com/

My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Reesma Menakem: https://a.co/d/iXWM1Cd

Night Always Comes | Official Trailer | Netflix: https://youtu.be/Gd44vTsTUhs?si=WE50LoDPKzujIoql

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

https://twistedoakyogaandwellness.offeringtree.com

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Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

On this episode of Unscripted Curiosity, we sit down with Clare Gallant for a brave and deeply personal conversation that leans into the messiness of parenting, identity, and letting go—proof that curiosity paired with courage can open doors to healing we didn’t know we needed.

Clare shares her powerful story of adopting a child with reactive attachment disorder and the unspoken toll it took on her family, her sense of self, and her nervous system. With honesty and heart, she reflects on the grief of making the impossible decision to let go—and the long journey of self-forgiveness and healing that followed. We talk about parenting through trauma, the complex emotions of retirement, and the unexpected sense of purpose Clare discovered in her new job at Costco.

The conversation opens up questions about legacy, aging, and how we find meaning when the roles we’ve lived in begin to shift. We explore what it means to be “adventure ready” at any age, the surprising comfort of physical work, and why creativity and curiosity remain essential companions in later chapters of life.

This one is rich with hard-won insight, laughter, and gentle reminders that personal transformation often begins with telling the truth—first to ourselves, and then to others.

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

https://twistedoakyogaandwellness.offeringtree.com

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1262404

Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Unscripted Curiosity, Jenn and Scott are joined by Cecily Milne, founder of Yoga Detour, for a wide-ranging and beautifully human conversation about growth, movement, motherhood, and redefining ambition.

Cecily shares how discomfort has been a catalyst for both personal and professional evolution—from launching Yoga Detour after her own injuries, to navigating a major life move from Toronto to Squamish, BC. She opens up about postpartum anxiety, the hidden challenges of parenting, and the surprising shifts in identity that come with living in a slower-paced, mountain-town culture.

Together, the trio explores the messiness of “enoughness,” the unlearning required to embrace interdependence, and how authenticity—not perfection—is the most magnetic force in both business and relationships. Cecily also speaks candidly about balancing online teaching with real-life connection, and how movement remains a powerful tool for her mental health.

Expect honest reflections, a few laughs, and a reminder that growth doesn’t always look graceful—but it’s worth it.

You can learn more about Yoga Detour here - www.followthedetour.com or on IG @yogadetour.

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

https://twistedoakyogaandwellness.offeringtree.com

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1262404

Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Unscripted Curiosity, Jenn and Scott settle into a conversation that makes space—for pause, for presence, for not having it all figured out. They touch on the discomfort of asking for help, and the subtle ways we override our nervous systems in the name of getting things done.

They share personal reflections on people-pleasing, growing up fast, and learning (still) how to receive. Jenn opens up about her early tendencies to fill space in therapy sessions — and the transformative impact of learning to wait, be quiet, and trust the process. Scott shares insights from his time as a crisis negotiator and police officer, and how those experiences shaped his comfort with silence and presence under pressure.

This one’s for anyone who:

• Struggles to slow down, ask for help, or sit in silence without squirming
• Feels the pull to perform, please, or be productive — even when nobody’s asking
• Wants to better understand the link between nervous system health and emotional capacity
• Is curious (or frustrated) about journaling and other creative practices that just won’t stick
• Has ever wondered what it really means to be with someone, rather than fix or guide them

Also covered: phones in bedrooms, wine after 40, the challenge of teaching online, and why prompts might be the key to unlocking Scott’s secret dream of writing.

Connect with Jenn & Scott:

https://twistedoakyogaandwellness.offeringtree.com

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1262404

Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!