Happily Ever Understood

For our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation episode, we sit down with Erin June (she/her/they/them), a 2Spirit Coast Salish artist and educator living with MS on Treaty 6 Territory. Erin’s work is deeply rooted in tradition and connection to the land, with many of her crafts featuring natural materials such as feathers, hide, fur, and wood—often harvested by her own hands. In this conversation, Erin reflects on the meaning of reconciliation, sharing both personal insights and cultural wisdom that challenge us to look deeper at our responsibilities in this ongoing journey.

To celebrate Pride Month, we listen to Darren Dyland who shares his powerful journey of self-discovery—from growing up in a small town where he conformed to societal expectations by getting engaged to a woman and becoming a father. After moving to the city and facing challenges with mental health and addiction, Darren found his true path—not just as a gay man, but as a human seeking belonging beyond labels. Today, he empowers others through Healthy Aligned Living (HAL), offering trauma-informed wellness, mentorship, and education programs for youth and underserved communities. Darren’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and purpose.

In honour of National Indigenous History Month, we chat with Natasha Delany—Executive Director of Indigenous Project Events and owner of Delany Enterprises, a business coaching program dedicated to empowering Indigenous women on their path to success. A proud member of Samson Cree Nation, Natasha holds a Bachelor of Business Management from NAIT and an MBA from University Canada West.In this powerful episode, Natasha shares her deeply personal journey—from the traumatic loss of her biological mother and time in foster care, to overcoming addiction and surviving domestic abuse. Her path led her to a place of healing and self-discovery, where she embraced her identity as an Indigenous woman and stepped into her role as a mentor, leader, and advocate. Tune in to hear how Natasha transforms pain into power, and how she’s helping others do the same.https://www.indigenousprojectevents.com/https://thenatashadelany.com/home/

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this episode, we sit down with Ocean Harris as she shares her journey of being diagnosed with a brain injury and becoming chronically ill. She opens up about the impact this has had on her mental health and offers valuable insights on how to support the chronically ill people in your life, helping foster greater understanding and empathy.

In the latest Happily Ever Understood episode, we meet Aarzoo Makhani, an intern with CNIB’s Come to Work Program, who opens up about navigating life with sight loss and building a path toward independence and purpose. Born in India and now starting fresh in Canada, Aarzoo brings a background in psychology and a deep understanding of resilience. She speaks candidly about societal barriers, self-doubt, and the strength it takes to challenge expectations. Through CNIB’s Come To Work program, she found mentorship, belonging, and the confidence to pursue meaningful work. Aarzoo’s story proves that challenges can shape—not define—us. Her journey highlights the impact of empathy, inclusivity, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone has the chance to thrive.

iListen proudly honors Women's History Month by celebrating the strength and resilience of women like Janet Letendre, the heart behind Gramma Bear’s Cakery. Janet’s journey is one of survival, courage, and transformation.Having grown up with significant trauma before making the brave decision to break free and reclaim her life. She discovered her true passion in baking—a craft that not only provided her with healing but also a path to independence.Through Gramma Bear’s Cakery, Janet has turned her love for baking into a thriving business, creating delicious treats that bring joy to others. Her talents have also taken her to national television, where she showcased her skills on The Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship and The Big Bake: Holiday Season 2. Competing on these prestigious platforms not only validated her expertise but also served as an inspiration to others who dream of turning their passions into a new beginning.This Women’s History Month, iListen celebrates Janet and all women who have overcome adversity to create a brighter future.*Note: Portions of this audio version have been edited to respect some of our listeners. Every effort has been made to ensure the speaker’s story remain authentic.

iListen honors Black History Month by sharing Sherol Leslie's powerful journey. Her autoimmune condition didn’t just test her—it transformed her. It deepened her commitment to showing up for others, creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether building community or organizing fashion shows that amplify marginalized voices, Sherol turns adversity into empowerment. Her mission is not just to thrive but to uplift others, ensuring they do too.

Stepping out of the month-long break for a short moment for iListen to support an entrepreneur making a meaningful impact in her community through advocacy for accessibility. Accessibility 4 Every Body, founded by Diana Dimmock and based in Sherwood Park, Alberta, is a size-inclusive consulting firm dedicated to educating, advocating, and fostering inclusivity for individuals of all body sizes and abilities. The firm is committed to challenging the marginalization of people in larger bodies and creating a world where everyone is valued and included.

Join us as we sit down with Cora Gladue, founder of Gladue Collections, to discuss her journey of rediscovering her Indigenous roots and how it has shaped her path as an entrepreneur.In honor of Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, Cora shares her powerful story of reconnecting with her culture and how it inspired the creation of her fashion brand, Gladue Collections. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about identity, resilience, and the importance of honoring Truth and Reconciliation in both life and business.

We kick off Season 3 of the Happily Ever Understood Podcast with Cheryl Wang, a community engagement specialist and cultural lover, is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture. Recently, she received funding from the Edmonton Arts Council to further her studies in Chinese storytelling drumsong. She shares this love for ancient art with her five-year-old son, Hanson Yi, and together, they perform at community events. Through these performances, Cheryl invites us to explore the rich emotions and stories within traditional Chinese music, where every note resonates with the harmony of nature and the earth. Cheryl's five-year-old son, Hanson Yi, is a little culture lover who has embraced traditional Chinese art forms. Hanson performed two pieces that showcase his growing talents. In addition to Chinese folk art, Hanson is also passionate about learning the language through calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy, with its various styles like 楷书 (Standard Script) and 行书 (Running Script), is an art that blends beauty, discipline, and expression, and through these kinds of expressive art forms, our little culture lover Hanson is taking his first steps in expressing his love of art & culture, to share with our listeners.

To celebrate Pride Month, we proudly present the Dragging Youth Shows—monthly, all-ages drag performances that create a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Thanks to the dedication of Kim Pizzey, Dragging Youth Shows have flourished since their inception in 2016. Kim established a space where individuals of all races, genders, ages, and sexual orientations can showcase their talents and be their true selves.Dragging Youth Shows aim to provide a supportive environment where youth can explore, gain confidence, and express themselves through the art of performance. Support these shows by attending and encouraging the talented performers, especially the younger individuals discovering their voices. Your presence and encouragement make a significant impact! Funds raised support non-profit organizations focused on LGBTQ2S+ youth initiatives, such as St. Albert Outloud and Queer Youth Prom.

iListen was thrilled to have Joan Jack join us for our Indigenous History Month podcast. Joan is a Lawyer and Activist from the Berens River First Nation who earned her law degree from the University of British Columbia. Her practice includes aboriginal law, treaty rights, court involvement in the Indian Residential School and day school. She also has an impressive resume that also includes education, health and politics. Joan's activism includes participating in the Treaty Freedom Rides and The Medicine Wheel Ride to bring awareness to legalized racism and misogynistic genocide.With her husband, Watsait Bryan Jack, she founded Nakina CALL (Centre for Aboriginal Living and Learning), offering programs that teach survival skills, teamwork, and traditional food preparation.Last but not least Joan hosts the Brave Indigenous Conversations podcast that provides a platform to talk about indigenous issues. Joan resides in Atlin, B.C., in Tlingit Country, with her husband and family. She remains active in her community and with Nakina CALL.

iListen is celebrating Filipino Heritage Month with a special feature on Flipside BBQ, a beloved food truck run by Rez and Zahra. This dynamic duo shares their compelling story, delving into their roots in the Philippines and the inspiring journey that led them to start their successful food truck business.Their path to launching Flipside BBQ was filled with challenges and triumphs. Rez and Zahra discuss the initial spark that ignited their dream, the hard work and dedication required to bring it to life, and the joy they find in sharing their authentic Filipino cuisine with the community. Their story is a testament to the power of preserving cultural heritage through food and the importance of following one’s dreams.

When you hear Bryan's story, you might reconsider what constitutes a bad day. Imagine arriving in a foreign country, alone, with all your belongings in a suitcase. This was Bryan's reality when he landed in Canada from Uganda shortly before the COVID pandemic began. The temperature was -40 degrees, a level of cold he had never encountered before. To make matters more challenging, he no place to call home. With nowhere else to turn, he found refuge in a shelter, where he spent the next few months navigating an uncertain and difficult chapter of his life.Bryan's journey is a testament to the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Despite the numerous obstacles he faced, Bryan's determination never wavered. Today, Bryan channels his experiences into supporting and advocating for those experiencing homelessness. His story illustrates that even in the darkest times, finding a sense of purpose can lead to extraordinary personal growth and a profound impact on the lives of others.

This Asian Heritage Month, we explore the journey of William Chow, the owner of Le Special Malaysian cuisine. William immigrated to Canada from Malaysia and initially worked as a mechanical engineer. However, his passion for food eventually led him to start his own food business during the COVID pandemic—a significant risk at the time. Thanks to the popularity of his food offerings, he remained in demand and has since expanded his product line. William's story is a great inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs willing to take a leap of faith.

This Mother's Day we have a conversation with Parent Coach Genie Albina, where delved into the multifaceted nature of motherhood and the significance of diverse maternal figures in our lives. Genie, known for her insights into parenting dynamics, offered profound perspectives on how various individuals can fulfill maternal roles and the evolving nature of listening in the context of upbringing. Parents do all the things–nurse the wounds, soothe the big feelings, make the snacks, organize the play dates, email the teachers and so much more. To keep parenting at their best, or to help parents get back on track, they deserve the space and time to recharge their own parenting batteries. This is where coaching comes in. Parents bring their family’s challenges and strengths to the table and Genie will bring her expertise in child development, education and parenting to engage in conversations that will draw out inner resources and help parents plan a path toward the future they want for their family. Learn more at https://geniealbina.com/

Our last Women’s History Month guest is Dawn Richardson Wilson, a remarkable young woman of many hats. Hailing from Ghana and immigrating to Edmonton, Alberta, Dawn’s journey took a monumental turn that ultimately led her to compete at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. As part of the first Black Canadian women's bobsleigh crew, Dawn made history and captured the hearts of many with her determination and an impressive top eight finish.With her foundation rooted in a love for sport and fueled by the encouragement of her community, Dawn took a leap of faith into the unknown. She embraced the challenge, knowing that even in the face of rejection, there's value in taking risks and pursuing one's dreams.Dawn's journey continues to evolve as she sets her current pursuits to track and field, embarking on another chapter in her athletic career. For Dawn, taking chances has been integral to her success. Taking chances means stepping outside of your comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and being open to new opportunities and experiences.

For Women's History Month, we are privileged to have Nicole Konkin of Nicole Louise Couture Events. She shares her inspiring story of pursuing her dream of becoming a wedding planner. Reflecting on her journey and evolution of her brand has been a testament to dedication, resilience, and passion. From her childhood dreams to her current reality, Nicole showcases her growth and adaptation in the face of challenges.Step into the enchanting world of wedding planning with Nicole as she shares her most memorable experiences from over 16 years in the industry. From unexpected mishaps to unforgettable encounters, her story offers a glimpse into the joy, laughter, and life lessons that come with orchestrating dream weddings.

Meet Taz, a multilingual marketing professional with a remarkable life story. Overcoming intergenerational trauma has been a significant part of her journey, as she currently focuses her energy on supporting newcomers in Ontario.With proficiency in four languages and having already lived on four continents, Taz experienced a transformative breakthrough while living in Edmonton, Alberta. She has triumphed over mental health challenges, navigating them with the aid of meditation and the unwavering support of her loved ones.But her journey doesn't stop there. Taz has a dream to ignite change through the power of narratives. A mind brimming with ideas, Taz plans to create a podcast community that transcends boundaries, connecting people through the universal language of shared experiences. Stay tuned for this future initiative!

Celebrating Black History Month we talk with Bert (Dirt Gritie) Richards. Bert is an Edmonton, Alberta born entrepreneur and activist of Jamaican/Vincentian heritage. Currently Bert is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of “Joyful Noise Ink”, a company that provides family friendly programming using games, storytelling, music and dance from West African/Caribbean Heritage.  A graduate of NAIT’s Special Event Management Program, Bert continues to make meaningful contributions volunteering on boards and working with groups such as Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (District H Rep), the Ghana Cultural Heritage Program (Youth Program Facilitator), 124st Grand Markets (Community Coordinator), Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival (Site Manager) as well as other professional and non-for-profit ventures.An accomplished hip hop and spoken word artist, Bert co-found music for Mavericks Entertainment and The Breath in Poetry Collective (BIP). Both organizations have played a major role to elevate their respected genres locally. Fun fact - Bert is also a two-time game show contestant, finishing fourth overall with his wife on season five of The Amazing Race Canada and competing with his family on Family Feud Canada.