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.

Meet Brian Sawyer, Board of Directors for Men's Sheds Edmonton and Program Manager of Men's Sheds Canada. With over 22 years' facilitation experience in men's peer support circles, Men's Sheds was a great fit for Brian.Men's Sheds started in Australia and is now operating in 12 countries. The organization offers relaxed and inclusive spaces where men can learn new skills, revive old hobbies, share stories, and build friendships. Their aim is to create positive environments for men to connect, create, and socialize, enhancing overall well-being and combating loneliness and depression. The group fosters connected individuals, leading to happier families and healthier communities.

Rahil's culinary journey began in renowned hotels in India and Hospitality Management education in Edinburgh, Scotland. His international journey continued with a prestigious position at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai, UAE.In 2019 he began his career in Canada by working with esteemed establishments like Ritz Carlton and Delta Hotels. However, it was during the challenging times of the pandemic that Rahil lent his expertise as a restaurant consultant.Participation in global competitions has been a significant part of Rahil's journey, where he proudly represented both the UAE and Canada. An impressive collection of over 50 medals and trophies, and competing in the culinary Olympics in 2020 and 2024 further solidifies Rahil's role as a culinary ambassador for the country.Beyond his culinary achievements, Rahil's story sheds light on the importance of mental health in the culinary industry. His openness serves as an inspiration for aspiring chefs, emphasizing the significance of well-being in a demanding and dynamic profession.In Rahil's own words, "It's all about the journey and not the destination," encapsulates the spirit of his culinary exploration and growth. His story is an inspiration for aspiring chefs and a celebration of the global and diverse nature of the culinary world.

iListen reflects on 2023 with great momentum. It's always significant to acknowledge the journey, including the challenges and triumphs that come with building a business unlike any other.We want to express gratitude to the supporters who have been a part of this journey. Your continued support is a testament to the impact and value that iListen brings to the community. As we look forward to the coming year, may it bring even more growth, opportunities, and meaningful connections. Happy New Year to the entire iListen community!

Happily Ever Understood's last Christmas gift guide podcast is with Brittany of Serenity Respite Inc. which was founded in 2021. Serenity Respite Inc.'s goal is to make quality child care accessible by removing barriers to care. As a disabled person herself, Brittany knows how important it is for kids to see people like themselves succeeding and doing what they love while having a positive impact on others. Being a caregiver Brittany knows the importance of a strong support system. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Caregivers give their heart and soul supporting others. Ensuring their cups are filled is the best way to avoid burnout. With Serenity Respite Inc’s Gift of Support Brittany's hope is to help other caregivers find ways to fill their cups this holiday season and in the years to come. Check out the special Christmas gift offer at the end of the podcast to Happily Ever Understood podcast listeners and viewers and give the give of support for the holidays! Serenity Respite's website: https://serenityrespite.com/

iListen showcases another business for more great Christmas gift ideas in this latest episode. Gabriela, along with her friend, Alex, created Xolo Petccessories. Gabriela talks about her pet collar business with a meaningful mission that goes beyond just providing products. Supporting indigenous communities in Mexico through employment and educational opportunities, using sustainable materials, and contributing to animal welfare are social passions that translate into the products of Xolo Petccessories. With this compelling narrative Gabriela is able to connect her birth country of Mexico and her home country of Canada.Enter Xolo's special Christmas Giveway! You can win a genuine vegetable-tanned leather cat collar for cats with neck thickness of up to 21 cm. The textile part of the collar is hand knitted by indigenous women from Mexico.How to enter:Use the hashtag #ilistentoxolopetsFollow iListen (@ilistencanada) and Xolo Petccessories (@xolo.petccessories)on Instagram and FacebookComment on with a review for Xolo Petccessories OR post a picture with your cat that would win the prize!Share and tag your friends for extra entryWe will contact winner via Private Message (PM). This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram or Facebook.

iListen showcases another great business for Christmas gift ideas with Kim’s Cree-ations. Kim Yellowknee is an Indigenous entrepreneur who offers amazing catered products for special events. Her specialty cinnabannock is a delight to everyone who first experiences the taste of this twist on the traditional Bannock recipe. In this latest episode, we discuss the importance of loving yourself and your journey of growth. Kim chooses to live her life positively by acknowledging her worth, and taking action to prioritize her own happiness. Embracing all facets of oneself, including strengths and weaknesses, is essential.

To kick off the holiday shopping season iListen will showcase small businesses that offer some great gift ideas!Sawsen is a Biologist and owner of ABD Naturals. Her entrepreneur journey is a testament to the power of motivation and resilience. It began with her son's struggle with eczema, a condition that led Sawsen to seek a natural alternative for healing. Fueled by her background in biology and the desire to find a solution for her son's health, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. The challenges along the way were numerous, as is often the case in the world of business. However one factor that played a crucial role in her perseverance was the support from fellow entrepreneurs through networking.Sawsen's success is not just measured in the growth of her business but in the positive impact it has on the lives of those who benefit from the natural alternatives she provides. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of passion, resilience, and a supportive community in the face of adversity.Owner’s Disclaimer: My discussions about natural remedies are not intended to imply opposition to medical professionals or their expertise. It is essential to recognize the value of medical advice and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on health-related matters. The information shared is for general knowledge and should not be construed as discouraging the importance of seeking professional medical care when needed.

iListen commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. Raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with visible and non-visible disabilities is crucial for fostering inclusivity and understanding.Nicholas Anstey plays a vital role in providing support for brain-injured individuals at Skills Society. Advocates like Nicholas contribute significantly to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities.Education is key and by sharing stories, insights, and perspectives from advocates like Nicholas, this podcast can help bridge the gap between communities and enhance understanding. This knowledge is essential for fostering empathy, breaking down stereotypes, and ultimately creating a society where everyone feels valued and included.

Episode 3 of Season 2's Happily Ever Understood Podcast where iListen has the ongoing conversation about mental health with Karen Romero of Krome Mental Health Consulting. Mental health impacts not only our work lives but our well-being. Promoting mental health in the workplace is crucial as it can enhance employee well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction. When individuals are mentally healthy, it positively influences not only their professional lives but their relationships and overall quality of life.Karen Romero's background is in youth work where she developed a passion for mental health workshop facilitation. She now offers custom workshops for corporate teams, university students, or members of an afterschool program. The workshops are designed to help build resilience, spread mental awareness and reduce stigma.

As Canadian Thanksgiving approaches iListen explores the importance of gratitude in the workplace as an essential aspect of fostering a positive and productive work environment. Nelson Scott's newest book, "Thanks Again, More Simple, Inexpensive Ways for Busy Leaders to Recognize Staff," provides valuable insights on how leaders can show appreciation to their employees. For more than 20 years, Nelson Scott has been researching, writing and speaking at conventions and conferences about the value of staff recognition and ways to express appreciation in the workplace. He is a member of Recognition Professionals International and a former president of the Edmonton chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. He has penned two previous books: Thanks! GREAT Job! Improve Retention, Boost Morale and Increase Engagement with High-Value, Low-Cost Staff Recognition (2011), and 13 Reasons Managers are “Unlucky” When Making Hiring Decisions (2012). Nelson is often found in a coffee shop near his home in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where the energy of strangers fuels his writing.

iListen kicks off Season 2 of the Happily Ever Understood Podcast with an important conversation on Truth & Reconciliation. Thank you to Myra GoodEagle for the idea of addressing this topic from both non-indigenous and indigenous perspectives. As an indigenous knowledge keeper, Myra believes it is crucial to foster understanding and by providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, iListen hopes to contribute to the broader conversation on Truth and reconciliation and inspire positive change.Engaging in open and respectful dialogue can help bridge gaps and lead to meaningful progress. Guests Sheri Easterbrook and Allan Koski agree that the vital steps to truth and reconciliation are to strengthen connections between communities and encourage learning about the history and culture of Indigenous people.Allan Koski is a treaty band member of Sucker Creek First Nation near Enilda, Alberta. Allan has embraced the traditional and ceremonial path and lives with expressed traditional values of respect, generosity and kindness.Sheri Easterbrook is a child development specialist with expertise in trauma, dedicated to crafting child-centred disaster management plans. Her extensive experience working with vulnerable families over the years serves as a valuable foundation for her professional practice.Both guests' detailed biographies can be found at the end of the video podcast on The iListen Experience YouTube channel (@ilistencanada)

Kat Mooney was able to transform a negative experience with bullying in the workplace and turn it into a source of inspiration and motivation. It helped shape her entrepreneurial journey to create a business that helps others.

To celebrate Pride Month we talk with Kelly Wheadon who is a transgender man with a story that is unique and personal. He shares his journey of transitioning later in life and how he now inspires others.By becoming the best version of himself, Kelly found his passion to help others along their road to financial freedom.

We celebrate Indigenous History Month & Indigenous Peoples Day by honouring the resilience of the Peoples who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving North American landscape. We listen to Myra GoodEagle's story of creating a remarkable initiative that is Buffalo Lodge. The positive impact that Buffalo Lodge creates is centred around healing and reconnection to community and culture. By providing programs that incorporate land-based teachings the Lodge aims to support Indigenous males in their journey towards healing and well-being. Listen to the full audio on Google Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/happilyeverunderstood/ Watch more episodes of the Happily Ever Understood Podcast on YouTube's The iListen Experience. #indigenous #indigenouspeoples #indigenoushealing #indigenoushistory #indigenoushistorymonth #indigenouspeoplesday #healing #connectiontonature #yegbusiness #indigenousbusiness

iListen starts off June with our first commemoration, Filipino Heritage Month. Filipina guest Giselle shows us how powerful and liberating it can be to be open to talking about mental health.We want to break the barriers to mental health within the Filipino community, from prejudice to acceptance and understanding. In Filipino culture, there is a strong lack of sensitivity in referencing mental health issues and it is believed that resilience is a defense mechanism with one's ability to solve their own problems and downplay mental health issues.

Khrystyna and Svitlana's journey from Ukraine to Canada showcases the power of trusting one's instincts and taking bold steps towards personal fulfillment. By taking the risk to venture into the unknown meant leaving behind their familiar surroundings and facing uncertainties. But their intuition guided them toward making choices that felt right and ultimately leading them to life in Canada. By following their hearts they were able to create initiatives that still connected them to Ukraine.Trusting one's instincts can often lead to remarkable experiences and personal growth. It allows individuals to break free from societal norms or expectations and pursue paths that align with their true passions and dreams. While it may involve challenges and obstacles along the way, listening to the heart can provide a sense of purpose, authenticity, and contentment.Khrystyna and Svitlana's story serves as an inspiration for others to embrace their own intuition and have faith in their inner guidance when making important decisions. It reminds us that following our hearts can lead to incredible opportunities and the fulfillment of our deepest desires.

Antonio's story is more than a story — it's a memoir. It captures the difficulties of leaving the political and economic unrest of Venezuela in order to start a new life.With a mixture of hope and uncertainty, Antonio made the bold decision to leave everything behind and embark on a new chapter.

This Mother's Day we honour mothers with episode 21 about how motherhood can be a transformative experience for many women. The process of becoming a mother and raising a child can lead to profound changes in a woman's identity, values, and priorities.Cynthia Priest (nee Chiew) is a motherhood and wedding photographer based in Edmonton, Alberta. Growing up, she noticed how her late dad was being a pioneer with parenting, being more compassionate while being firm -- and her dad always had a lifestyle approach with his film camera. Life-inspired moments can be larger than life itself. Remembering things as they are -- unscripted. Finding art in everyday life; everyday life is art. Memories in artwork format (canvas, metal prints and albums) are a true gift to hand down from generation to generation to tell our stories.

Continuing with Mental Health Week, iListen speaks to Robert a mental health chamption who

iListen is launching two podcasts during Mental Health Week. In an effort to raise awareness about mental health among first responders, this podcast no. 19 features Gary Benoit, a current police officer in Edmonton, and author of "A Call for Service: Overcoming Adversity through Resilience." Gary shares his own experience with mental health concerns and PTSD, and offers insights into how first responders can build resilience to combat the challenges they face on the job. With mental health concerns on the rise and the most recent deaths of police officers in Canada in the last few months, this podcast is a timely and important contribution to the conversation about mental health and the importance of addressing mental health concerns in our communities. Listen on Google Podcast or on YouTube's iListen Experience: https://youtu.be/Ml3yY82flsQBuy Gary's book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1778225802Benoit Wellness Consulting information: www.benoitwellnessconsulting.comInstagram/Facebook/LinkedIn: @benoitwellnessconsulting@frontlineresiliencyproject

Meet Shari and Remi, both originally from Europe who operate Wild Forest Adventures in Alberta. They are passionate about caring for dogs and this planet so we thought it fitting to showcase this incredible business to comemmorate Earth Day.

ilisten commemorates World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 with guest Brytani McLeod who is the Inclusion and Accessibility Consultant at Autism CanTech!Many people from the autistic community prefer the term "Autism Acceptance Day" as an alternative. Regardless of what term is used, creating awareness and showing support for anyone on the autistic spectrum is key.iListen participates in the Autism CanTech! program, which helps remove barriers for an underrepresented and underemployed population in Canada.Listen to the full audio on Google Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/happilyeverunderstood/Autism CanTech! website: https://autismcantech.ca/

iListen's next Women's History Month guest, Sonia De Fazio takes us on her journey of authenticity. Sonia learned to acknowledge her strengths and weaknesses, embrace her imperfections, and not pretend to be someone else. Sonia is author of the "Glow Your Worth" Book series, which guides you through a self-worth healing journey. She is also a Public Relations Consultant with bSocial Communications and enjoys creatively and consciously building brands that promote conversation and connection. Glow Your Worth Website: www.glowyourworth.com Glow Your Worth Instagram: @glowyourworth

Continuing with Women's History Month, iListen's youngest guest is nine-year-old Grace. This little entrepreneur is making a difference by giving back to the community.Grace started her business, The Strawberry Slime Shop, with sensory products that help improve children's and adults' mental well-being. Sensory slime can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, hypersensitivity and much more. She donates her profits to help those she is very passionate about - the homeless, seniors and autism.When asked why she wanted to help these three groups specifically, Grace mentioned her late grandmother who always gave back, and her autistic siblings, whom is is very close to. We could certainly learn a lesson from this young lady!Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ilistencanadaThe Strawberry Slime Shop: IG - https://www.instagram.com/the_strawberry_slime_shop/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088184352068 TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@thestrawberryslimeshop?_t=8YA9mY3pReH&_r=1Email: [email protected]

iListen starts Women's History Month with its first guest, Janet Brazil. We mark Brain Injury Awareness Day on March 4 as Janet educates us on the effects of brain injury and how it can be managed. Janet is the author of "Heal Your Brain Faster - Empower Your Mind Through Yoga" and a certified yoga instructor. She is a survivor of a traumatic brain injury for more than three decades. Her mission is to help other brain injury and stroke survivors heal through yoga and breathing practice.Janet's book can be purchased at: https://janetbrazil.ca/buy-the-book/

iListen's last guest for Black History Month is Oyebola Famuyiwa, who talks about confidence by approaching our mental strength with curiosity and persistence. Oyebola's story comes from humble beginnings with a great story on handling a camera as a child.Oyebola ventured into photography while studying Electrical/Electronics Engineering at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He is very passionate about creating experiential services that elevate people through his art and photography businesses. He currently lives in Edmonton and is blessed with his wife and two children.

Continuing with our third guest for Black History Month, Kirsha Campbell discusses starting over. Arriving from Jamaica, she tells her story of overcoming culture shock and managing a busy life with her twin boys.Kirsha is President of CashLab, where she mentors business owners and CEO's to advance from profits to multiple cashflow through strategic financial systems. Also a trainer and speaker, Kirsha is passionate about all things financial.Listen to the full audio on Google Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/happilyeverunderstood/Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/@ilistencanadaKirsha Campbell Information: https://www.thecashlab.ca/https://www.facebook.com/kirsha.campbellhttps://www.instagram.com/thecashlab/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekirshacampbell

iListen continues to honour Black History Month with this special episode. And to coincide with Valentine's Day we talk with Oliver Marcelle on relationship boundaries when it comes to being friendly.Oliver is an author, speaker and marriage strategist. His book "Overcoming the Man Laws" is a must-read for any man wanting to change his path in life.

To start off Black History Month our first guest, Louisa Valentin discusses her journey to helping others choose happiness.Louisa is an Empowerment Wellness Coach. She empowers professional women to find their strength to achieve their optimal state of mental, physical and spiritual health, by prioritizing themselves, creating real lifestyle changes to have lasting transformations and change the world's perception of who they are.

We commemorate the victims of the Holocaust on January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with guest Abraham Silverman who tells of his experience growing up in the Jewish ghettos of Iași, Romania under nazi occupation. He was one of only 11,000 Jews that survived out of the 35,000 Jews in that ghetto.We also discuss the rise of anti-semitism and what's necessary to ensure events like the holocaust don't repeat history.Thank you to Tatiana Kastner of Jewish Family Services - Edmonton (https://www.facebook.com/jfs.edmonton/) for introducing me to this amazing human.