In this episode, we sit down with Ellie Mae Waters, the founder and creative director of Ellie Mae Studios. She takes us through her journey, from how she came to start her own clothing line, to her experiences working in the cut-throat fashion industry of Los Angeles. Ellie Mae shares her story of starting her career in styling at just 19 years old and how her experiences in a 'dog eat dog' environment helped shape her work ethic and determination. She also touches on the issue of Canadian icons not being fully appreciated until they've made it big elsewhere, and we talk about the importance of recognizing and celebrating local talent.

Ellie Mae goes into the importance and power of people who help you without expecting anything in return, and how supporting one another and networking can help everyone succeed. She also discusses the misconception around affluence and opportunity, sharing her own experiences of how hard work and perseverance can lead to honest success.

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

In this episode, Michelle Surtees (https://www.instagram.com/tough.cookie.communications/) sits down to talk about her latest book, "Crummy Conversations," and her beliefs on the importance of communication in all types of relationships – especially with our kids. Michelle dives in with her inspiration for writing "Crummy Conversations," a book about talking with kids about death, divorce, diagnosis, departure, and disaster. She emphasizes the importance of kids understanding the whole picture and why it's crucial for parents to be honest with their children about difficult topics.

As someone who has worked with children and families for over 18 years, Michelle believes that courageous communication is for everyone. She shares how she transformed her communication style and in turn, transformed her relationships and brought her closer to herself. She explains the goal of intentional and empathetic communication and introduces the Courage to Communicate model.
Michelle also gives us tips for navigating situations that don't have a positive outcome and differentiating between real danger and fight, flight, or freeze. 

As you’ll hear in their conversation, Michelle's insights remind us of the importance of intentional and empathetic communication in all aspects of our lives. 

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE  https://toughcookiecommunications.com/

In this episode, we'll dive deep into the impact our words can have on others, both online and offline. From talking about why people feel emboldened to say whatever they want on social media, to exploring why it’s okay to share controversial content, we'll unpack the underlying reasons behind our communication habits. We'll also examine how social media apps can better protect against hate speech and cyberbullying, and discuss the role we all play in fostering a more respectful online space.

This thought-provoking conversation will allow us to explore the power of owning our mistakes and taking responsibility for our words, rather than playing the victim. Join us as we dive into the important topic of mindfulness in communication, and learn how your words can either inspire or cause emotional damage.

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

How do we become women that empower women? 

What does it mean to transform our mindsets and lives from the inside out? 

We’re answering these questions as we dive into the world of self-discovery and empowerment with international best-selling author, Emotional Age and Communication Expert, and women's advocate, Crystal Andrus Morissette. Crystal is an international best-selling author, Emotional Age and Communication expert, and women's advocate who is teaching women all over the globe to take charge of their stories, love ALL their parts and redefine themselves as whole, healthy, and empowered. She is the author of several books. Crystal is the founder of the S.W.A.T. Institute (Simply Woman Accredited Trainer), an empowerment coach certification exclusively for women in over 45 countries. 

With her expertise, Crystal will guide us through finding our inner truth and inner light, as well as learning how to move through feelings without labeling them.

In this episode, we'll experience a live visualization with Crystal to help us break free from negative emotion loops and release our attachment to desired outcomes. We'll delve into the evolution of women's rights and freedom, uncover the truth behind male fragility, and navigate the challenges of relationships with a desire for rich and fulfilling connections. We'll also explore the art of owning our greatest fears, and how to break free from limiting beliefs. 

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

CONNECT WITH CRYSTAL www.instagram.com/crystal_andrus_morissette

Despite being a significant issue, and one that is talked about more openly today than ever before, men's mental health is still a topic that is largely buried in stigma and taboo. For decades, our society has given in to the stereotype that men are supposed to be tough, unemotional, and self-reliant, making it difficult for them to open up about their mental health struggles. Because of this, many men suffer in silence, and struggle with their mental health without any support. In this episode, we’re contributing to the conversation in a significant way with Mike Purewal, as this conversation is centered around breaking through societal stigmas, in an effort to have provide support to those who need it.

Mike had a 20-year corporate career that led him to become a Vice President of Sales. But at the age of 41, he burnt out, crashing and hitting rock bottom. After leaving his corporate career, he found solace in writing. What started as a therapeutic release turned into kids' books that manifested in the most unexpected way. Stepping out of his comfort zone, he is now pursuing his passions and following his heart. He's taking acting classes and has signed with three agencies - the sky's the limit. Join us as we delve into Mike's journey and discover how he transformed from a burnt-out corporate executive to a published author and an aspiring actor.

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

CONNECT WITH MIKE www.instagram.com/mike.purewal

In this episode with best selling poet/author Donna Ashworth, we delve into the tricky relationships we can have with our parents, and how those experiences can shape our writing. We discuss Donna's journey to writing deep and profound poetry, and the space from which she writes. Donna shares about her newest trilogy of books, and how she has navigated the challenges of being seen as too emotional or sensitive over the years and the importance of making peace with who we are and using it as our superpower.

What is the true healing power of words? 

If you’re like Shantelle, maybe you scroll on social media and are often stopped in your tracks by a powerful quote or piece of writing that pulls on your heart strings. Maybe those words take you back to a moment in time and you smile at the memories, or maybe it’s something you need to hear right now as you navigate a hard and painful moment. In either case, words have the potential to shape and transform our lives in meaningful, beautiful and powerful ways, and give us perspective in both our happy and dark times.

We also explore aging gracefully and Donna's unique take on today's beauty standards, coming from an eating disorder background. There is so much beauty and power in this episode, you do not want to miss it!

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

CONNECT WITH DONNA 

https://www.instagram.com/donnaashworthwords/

https://donnaashworth.com/

If you've been in a long-term relationship, a relationship with a parent, a sibling, or a friend, every relationship gets to that point where you have to ask yourself, “is it worth it anymore?” 

It can be so hard to think about and question if your relationship is worth fighting for, or injecting more energy into? 

And is there really any more you can get out of it? 

We meet people for a reason, a season or a lifetime, and yet somehow, when it comes to making that decision, it’s the most difficult one to answer. As you know if you’ve been around for a while, Yannick and Shantelle are closing in on 37 years together. And she would be lying if she said they’ve never had the talk about ‘if this is still worth it’. 

In this episode we talk about how to dig deep and ask each other the really hard questions. When it feels like a failed ending, there can be a tremendous amount of guilt. You may know exactly what you want, and yet can’t seem to make the very hard choices you know you need to.  

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

This week’s guest, dancer, turned actress, and producer/director, Courtney Deelen has struggled with all these mixed up emotions.  Dance fed into a long battle with an eating disorder.  And her marriage to her now husband, helped her step into her true self, that of a bisexual woman.  

Have you ever felt like you were living outside your own body?  

No matter what you did you still didn’t feel comfortable?  

Or, have you ever loved somebody so much, but even still you were unable to connect with them on that deep, deep soul level that you desired? 

This episode is about how we become brave enough to step outside of the boxes we’ve constructed for ourselves so that we can live our life fully, and out loud! Life is filled with challenges and hard moments, all of which are what shape us and help us grow both personally and professionally. Courtney opens up about her journey of becoming the woman she is today, and how years of believing that she’s only been letting her loved ones down led her to completely shut down.  She struggled with feeling like she was only ever quitting things. So much of her internal battle stemmed from the constant changes and challenges in the industry for women; to her personal struggles with eating disorders and coming out to her partner. We'll also be discussing her new film, and the importance of setting aside ego when creating it. 

This heartfelt, raw episode is one that everybody can grow from.

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

CONNECT WITH COURTNEY 

www.instagram.com/courtney_deelen

www.courtneydeelen.com 

Joining Shantelle for this episode is Dax Dasilva, who has committed himself to making a real change when it comes to raising awareness around our climate crisis as well as conserving our oceans. He is investing his time, energy and money to our planet.

Dax started software company Lightspeed in 2005 out of a Montreal triplex and grew it into a business valued at billions of dollars. After stepping down as CEO earlier in 2022, he’s been doubling down on his efforts to combat the climate crisis with his non-profit, Age of Union (https://ageofunion.com/).

It can feel like an overwhelming task to combat the climate crisis and conserve our oceans. A lot of the time we may think ‘but how can I make a lasting impact and difference on my own?’ 

But the truth is, all it takes is a bit of intention and commitment on our part, for us to make a collective difference together. Really, when we make one conscious choice, we will make another, and will impact the people around us to do the same. If you’re ever doubtful of the impact you can make, remember how much power and influence you have in your own circle and community. This is a definite not to be missed episode on how small changes can create huge impact!

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

CONNECT WITH DAX www.instagram.com/daxdasilva

What is life really like post-olympics? 

Tessa Virtue is a former Canadian ice dancer who has won two Olympic championships (2010 and 2018), three ‘World Championship’ titles (2010, 2012, and 2017), eight ‘National Championship’ titles (2008–2010, 2012–2014, and 2017–2018), and three 'Four Continents' championships (2008, 2012, and 2017) along with her dancing partner, Scott Moir. After years of training, being in the spotlight, and working hard to represent Canada at the Olympics in skating, how does life evolve once your career is complete? 

In this episode, Tessa joins Shantelle and she gets candid and honest about where she is today.

Apart from ice skating, Tessa is associated with two collaborative entrepreneurial ventures. She has also released a book with Scott, chronicling their journey so far. She has co-produced many skating events since the duo’s retirement in 2019. And she shares what's next in her personal life, which was the best kept secret, until this latest episode of WLYC!

As always, support this independent podcast by making sure you:

FOLLOW - LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE!

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/?hl=en

WEBSITE: https://shantellebisson.com/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@withoutlosingyourcool

NEWSLETTER: https://shantellebisson.com/pages/boo...

BUNDLES: https://shantellebisson.com/collections

CONNECT WITH TESSA https://www.instagram.com/tessavirtue17