Many of us lately, for a few months now,  haven’t been sitting in rush hour traffic and juggling work, errands, carpools and extra curricular activities. Stress levels, aside from the fact we are living through and coming out of a world pandemic, will likely set back in- and maybe we will find we return to the craziness with a new perspective and focus. I know my focus and perspective on life changed a few years ago leaving the world of television behind in search of personal growth and new challenges. My guest today experienced something very similar. Traci Shepheard was enjoying an incredibly successful 20 plus year career in the corporate world. Mingling with celebrities, jetting off to new destinations, traveling, running the show and keeping up with every mover and shaker in her industry. - And then her mission changed, and it really slowed down, down to the point, where breath, a simple breath became her focus. Traci created Meditation Works Mindstream, Canada’s first mobile meditation studio with the mission of sharing the benefits of meditation with Canadians, positively disrupting their day. Traci’s concept gained national exposure when she pulled up to hospital driveways in her iconic Airstream bus during Covid and gave the staff a much needed reprieve from the craziness inside.  You can find more information at https://meditationworks.com/

Living Your Life with Lianne Laing

"Purposeful Pause" & "Positive Disruption" with Traci Shepheard

For many of us- life is still somewhat on pause and for others things only got busier. However, for many professional athletes- life came to an uncomfortable and scary standstill. Such has been the case for RedBlacks running back Brendan Gillanders.   Hand him a hockey stick- and he can shoot, a pair of running shoes and he will spring from the blocks, throw him the football and he’ll run into the endzone- and then celebrate while playing on his guitar- essentially he’s what my friends and I used to call “The Man Of All Seasons”.  But- that’s not the reason why Brendan Gillanders is joining us on the podcast- this homegrown talent and former Ottawa U Gee Gee’s player and Kinesiology major, is a fan favourite with the CFL's RedBlack. With a season on hold, a life on hold, Brendan is going back to his roots and his education helping others stay on track with their health and wellness goals and giving young athletes an added advantage for their own uncertain futures. We are talking nutrition, fitness and recovery, staying top of mind, on top of your game even when the finish line is not quite known. Our chat goes far beyond athletes and can resonate with even the couch potato :)

Life on Hold- The Mental & Physical Toll For Athletes During Covid- Brendan Gillanders Opens Up

We are coming out of a time when those who cared for others became our new heroes- those in the medical profession, from the doctors to the nurses, the long term care home staff, the janitors, chefs, cooks and cleaners. These jobs finally acknowledged and recognized for their real value and putting their own health at risk to care for others.   Prior to COVID, this health care worker also came in the form of a caregiver- the reality is however, not all caregiver are given that title- they are family members and close friends often finding themselves in a new role. It's not always the easiest thing to balance- someone elses well being as well as your own.   Dawn Renee is the founder of Traveling Caregivers, a pioneer holistic caregiver herself, complimenting her work by integrating herbal medicine, ayuerveda, energy work and emotional guidance. She bridges the gap between balance of life while navigating a multitude of caregiving concerns with health, a holistic lifestyle, administration and advocacy.   Over the past decade she has been instrumental in helping individuals reclaim their health and lives on their own terms, in their own way. Dawn joins us from Nashville Tennessee. You can learn more about Dawn and her work at  http://travelingcaregivers.com/  

Caregiving: Finding The Delicate, Healthy Balance w Dawn Renee

So often I hear from woman who are going through transformation- looking to find themselves, be healthier, engage in more meaningful relationships, remove the limiting beliefs and the roadblocks that seem to turn up at every corner - And even If we are strong, powerful woman, why is it that sometimes we feel disconnected, empty and incomplete. Cherie Burton is a pioneering spiritual psychologist whose evolutionary "STAND SPEAK SHINE" method transforms women into authentically embodied and empowered feminine leaders. As a mother of six, author, international speaker and host of "The Women Seeking Wholeness Podcast" she is passionately driven to guide women to heal, express and create, using the “new feminine leadership paradigm.”   I also get, from this intro that it would seem life has been nothing but rainbows and unicorns for this former beauty queen. However, for decades, she battled feelings of shame, insignificance & depression. She comes from a family pedigree riddled with addiction & mental illness. She lost a sister to suicide and lost her own daughter at just 4 days old. Cherie’s journey, life experience, coaching and emotional healing methods is what I hope will inspire you over the course of the podcast. Cheris is based out of Utah.  You can find more information at: https://cherieburton.com/  

Spiritual Psychologist Cherie Burton On Woman Seeking Wholeness

For months I didn’t spend a cent on gas. I had a tank that seriously lasted me almost four months and my credit card saw very few purchases. I wore the same outfit days at a time, the shampoo and conditioner lasted longer-(I mean I never did my hair)  and I rarely ate a meal that wasn’t cooked and prepared in my home. Which brings me to the totally absurd amount I spent on groceries- never had I seen the bills look that way- or the food in the fridge disappear as fast as it came in. All meals were eaten at home, all snacks, late night snacks, bored eating snacks emotional eating snacks, everything…was part of our new normal.  I have a family of four- two daughters- I can’t imagine what the grocery bill was like for my friends with teenage sons.  So, while much of the stranded at home is behind us- we are still struggling with food- snacks, eating, budgeting, healthy foods, healthy snacks and meal planning through the summer. I've brought in some help to give you some additional resources, tips, tricks and inspiration and she’s even handing over her top 15 healthy Costco snack list.   Melanis Reid-Woodcock is a mom of 4, a registered Holistic Nutritionist and the founder of Balanced Plate Nutrition and The Balance Mama Method. Melanie had four kids in 8 years, struggled  to bounce back, struggled to find her new sexy, and in time managed to find her ways to optimize her time and the families schedule and routine. It’s possible to achieve your optimal health in a way that fits your current lifestyle and have Simplicity, Vitality & Balance. For more information: https://balancedplatenutrition.com/

Balanced Plate Nutritionist Melanie Reid-Woodcock On Feeding Your Family

I had heard the name Jana Webb circulating in my cirlces for quite some time- either through the athletic world or the TV world, but we had never actually met or crossed paths. Then in the span of two weeks Jana was a guest on two different virtual events I was hosting and the timing was perfect for have her on as a guest. Some of you may be familiar with her name if you are a fan of The Real Housewives of Toronto or maybe you have heard of JOGA or JOGA House. Jana created JOGA which is yoga for athletes, a popular training tool for professional sports teams and you may have seen her on youtube, entertainment tonight, TEDTalks, on the cover of fitness magazines….and the list goes on. Her success training professional athletes all around the world is amazing and the concept behind JOGA is something I was eager to learn more about- movement and breath. But that's just a sliver of the story- it's her miraculous recovery from a horrible car accident a few years ago that really puts into perspective the power of the body to heal itself, and the power of the mind to be the greatest asset. Jana is still recovering from a broken back in three places and serious concussion symptoms but is living in the present moment and using our authentic voice to do so. There is plenty to learn from her story and inspiring tools and outlooks to bring into your own life.  You can find more about Jana on Instagram and twitter under @jogajana

One Breath, One Step At A Time; JOGA's Jana Webb On Survival & Triumph

We are three months down of dealing with COVID. Some of you have taken advantage of the isolation and invested in your physical and mental health, using the extra time to get in a workout, a walk or something active. Some of you have had more difficult things to deal with and this just wasn't the time to add more to stress, or something new to the day- either way- you did what was right for you. My mission however, is to keep you inspired to chose a journey towards physical and mental health and its never too late to start. I have brought in a powerhouse to kickstart the conversation- and he’s seen and heard it all working with thousands of clients to overcome their personal hurdles.  Selected twice as one of Canada's Top Fitness Trainers, and a National Champion for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, Tommy Europe is one of Canada’s most recognized fitness personalities. He is an "Award Winning Fitness Coach, Grey Cup Champion, Best Selling Author and known as the tough love television host of the “The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp” and “Bulging Brides". Tommy Europe Fitness has grown from one-on-one personal fitness training to include a suite of services, including corporate wellness programs, online training sessions, personal appearances, lead actor training, professional speaking and more.  In our conversation we talk about his SHRED philosophy that has nothing to do with "shredding" your body. It brings in all components to our physical and mental well being. You can find more about Tommy at https://www.tommyeurope.tv/

Celebrity Trainer Tommy Europe On Physical & Mental Transformations

" Adrenal Fatigue" It's a buzz word we seem to hear often enough and yet it's actually not an accepted medical diagnosis. It is a lay term applied to a collection or a cluster of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, brain fog, nervousness, stress, sleep disturbances, cold hands and feet, digestive problems and the list goes on.   Marek Doyle, a British Functional Nutrition Therapist has spent the last 13 years looking through data, patient outcomes and the disconnect between scientific literature, medical standard of care and real life outcomes. This was a personal mission for Marek having to face his own metabolic issues as well. Featured in a number of media publications like Men's Health and the Daily Mail, this Londoner, prior to covid, was a popular attraction at numerous conferences including the Health Optimization Summit in which he spoke about the Adrenal Immune Cycle. We talk about his personalized approach to each individual and how their body thrives or misfires,  the mechanisms that link stress, inflammation and energy metabolism, organic acid tests and so much more. For more information about Marek check out  http://www.marekdoyle.com

"Adrenal Fatigue": How Britain's Marek Doyle Is Changing The Conversation

Keeping our children in mind, I figured this was a great time to bring in Lindsay Sealey.  Lindsay is an educator, consultant, mentor and facilitator. She is the author of Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient and Ready and she’s the CEO and founder of Bold New Girls and Brave New Boys.  Bold New Girls is a unique teaching and coaching company, merging academic, social and emotional support, while emphasizing empowerment. Right now we are having difficult conversations, cancelations of plans and opportunities, online schooling, endless screen time, limited social interaction, or worse- sexting, the challenges of healthy eating, daily movement and the list goes. Not only are we as parents exhausted- I can only imagine the educators are as well- juggling their own families while being on line with ours. We have gone through periods of focus and attention with school work to  more recently total agitation and frustration of it as well. Socially we are all adapting- although not necessarily for the better. Lindsay helps us understand what might be happening with their maturing brains.  For any of you past these growing pains, well past puberty, or childhood and into your adult years- you might recognize how maybe - had topics or events been handled or discussed differently with your parents – the way you see things or the experiences you had may have been different.  Lindsay, considers herself a difference maker, a social activist intentional about promoting local and global social change joined us from Vancouver. For more: https://www.lindsaysealey.com/  

Raising Our Children In Unusual Times w Author & Educator Lindsay Sealey

It started with the acceptance of the grey hairs, then the COVID  haircuts became a trend moving to the " At Home" grooming kits, the "Do It Yourself" lash and nail removals and the list goes on. Many of you out there have been pleading for the beauty industry to be considered an essential services- this podcast – I hope – will give you a new sense of beauty from within!  Throughout the years, Melody Iafelice and I have spent a lot of time talking on TV about beauty, products, techniques and the ever elusive "Fountain Of Youth". If she wasn’t talking to me, she was on other Canadian broadcast channels chatting about similar topics, working on national campaigns and lending her expertice on The Shopping Channel.  She is an incredible makeup artist with her work in a number of high profile publications, but its what lies underneath the foundation, mascara and eye liner that has clients and companies lining up.  Melody explains it best  " I am a master at coaxing the confidence out of women, a nerd when it comes to age-defying skincare, and have a passion for teaching women how to feel their best without buying into the latest beauty craze".  After 25 years in the makeup and beauty industry Melody shares her daily tips and tricks for both men and woman and how we can best care for ourselves during this surreal time in life without the amenities and professional services- and also for many, with limited financial resources. Self care is not selfish- its essential! Enjoy this fun and light hearted conversation that will have you tossing items from your makeup bag and making differenc decisions at the drugstore. For more on Melody: http://www.melodyiafelice.com

Self-Care In A Global Pandemic w Beauty Expert Meloday Iafelice

How does living longer while feeling better sound to you? Ever heard of "Mammal Longevity Research, Carbon Nano-Materials and Nano Antioxidants? Don't worry- neither had I.    I've brought in the mad scientist himself, Chris Burress, the Founder of SES Research and "My Vital C" to help us understand some ground breaking research that is having a huge impact on the health and wellness scene.   In 1991 Chris’s company became the first company to deliver carbon nanomaterials, much of it was based on Nobel Prize-winning chemistry and research by NASA, proven to significantly increase the lifespan of mammals. With that being said-  The supplement ESS60 was born. We dig deeper into the research, understand the impact of free radicals and learn how the olive oil based C60  is proving to help with sleep, pain, the nervous system, the ageing process and so much more.  With his incredible background in sport, engineering, oils and gases and even comedy- Chris is quite the guest. He is also  the co-host of The SEO Podcast, the most popular internet marketing podcast on iTunes since 2009. Chris also mentions in the podcast a few free audiobooks- the link is attached to listen with no email required. https://www.myvitalc.com/livingyourlife/  Also, a coupon code has been set-up,and you can receive a  $15 discount on your first order by using the code: livingyourlife

Longevity, Ageing And The Science Behind "C60"- Chris Burress Explains

LOVE, LIVES, HERE; A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family At the forefront- is Unconditional love- if you’ve ever questioned it, or wondered how deep it goes, you will hear it unfold in it's truest form from my guest Amanda Jette Knox. Some of you may be familiar with her writing from her popular blog "The Maven of Mayhem", an award winning writer she has been featured in "O" The Oprah Magazine, The Globe And Mail, Buzzfeed, US Weekly,  The Today Show and many others, but its her best selling book "Love Lives Here; A Story of Thriving In a Transgender Family" that tops all of it. Had you met Amanda out with her family 8 years ago you may have simply recognized a family of five, mother, father and three sons. Fast forward to the present day, living a much happier, authentic life, is Amanda, her wife Zoe, their eldest son Aerik, their daughter Alexis and their youngest son Jackson. Throughtout the podcast I hope to cover the journey from point A to point B- the courage it took to maneuvere the obstacles and come out the other side as LGBQT advocates/ slash activists and proof that loves conquers all.   For more information about Amanda https://www.amandajetteknox.com/

Thriving In A Transgender Family-Amanda Jette Knox Opens Up About "Love Lives Here"

Kent MacLeod's “Biology Of The Brain- How Your Gut Microbiome Affects Your Brain” is officially on the market. Kent, the founder and CEO of Nutrichem Compounding Pharmacy and Clinic is an international thought leader and award-winning pharmacist. He has over 35 years of clinical experience delivering patient-centered health care and is globally recognized as a hormone health and nutrition expert. He lectures on the guts microbiome, hormones, mental health, Down Syndrome, pediatrics, pain management, as well as pharmacology.  In The Biology of the Brain, Kent breaks down why modern medicine is killing people instead of healing them. Instead of leaving the problem as it stands, he provides clear, actionable steps to not only heal your microbiome, but to restore your brain health and get your life back. And we aren’t talking about a bloated stomach or stomach pains, the microbiome affects every single aspect of our health (from disease, to chronic inflammation and obesity)  and especially our mental health (from depression to anxiety, stress management, and sleep disorders. For more information on the book click here.  All Disease Starts In The Gut- that’s quote from Hippocrates-the father of medicine…and this is where we are going today…

Biology Of The Brain- Your "Gut" Controls Your Health- Kent MacLeod Explains

"If It Doesn't Challenge You , It Won't Change You" The one opportunity many of us have right now is to get outside and go for a walk or a run, even a bike ride and feel the wind, the sun and the fresh air. It really becomes a sense of freedom from the forced qurantine and life within our four walls. Let's Get You Moving: Ian Fraser-  President of Run Ottawa and Race Director of Tamarack Race Weekend- the weekend has now gone virtual- but with some amazing new opportunities... We’ve got some great stories about Ian’s athletic journey but also some great insight into how many of you can take the opportunity over the next few months to get out and run- or walk- maybe even run further than you thought, faster than you thought. I love his tips and insight into the activity as well as how to get started- especially if your starting point is the couch. He talks about runnings influence on mental health- despression, anxiety and so much more. This is about becoming a participant, not a competitor and probably what inspired me to head out for my run this past weekend. Its a great story with lots of takeaways- even if you don't plan on lacing up the shoes. Ian Fraser is a former Canadian elite ironman competitor, cyclist, runner, restauranteur, and entrepreneur. Last fall Ian took over as President of Run Ottawa as well as Race Director for the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. For those in the Ottawa area and cylcing community you may be familiar with Cyclelogic-that’s Ian’s baby- although he happily closed the doors this past fall. For more on getting involved: http://www.runottawa.ca

One Step At A Time- Run Ottawa's Ian Fraser Offers Up Insight & Inspiration

Mindfulness, Meditation, Mindfulness Meditation How does one even approach the subject of mindfulness- is there an actual beginning , middle and end? Is everyone’s path or experience the same? What is the outcome we should be expecting?    We’re going through an unprecedented time that's impacting, our life, our health, freedoms, work, finances etc. It’s a profound time of uncertainty, anxiety and a collective fear. It's been a year since I started meditating and I trully believe it is what's helping me stay so grounded during the world pandemic. I am able to come back to the present moment and enjoy its gifts and teachings - something I would have missed a year ago.  I really hope you listen with an open mind to this podcast and realize how it can benefit your life, even if just a little. Joining us is Jennifer Innes, The founder of Ottawa Meditation & Wellness- Jennifer is a UMass and UCSD trained mindfulness, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self-Compassion teacher.   Jenn, who is actual a former spy (no joke) shares some incredible insight into how our brains really work, the benefits of the practice, the myths, tricks, tips she helps uncover and so much more. We dive into the process of sitting and being with our pain or suffering rather than skimming over it, as well as the more uplifting and joyful side of being more present in our daily lives. There is lots to take from our chat including a meditation at the end.  Jenn mentions a number of resources, books, teachers , courses and meditations in our chat which see says can be found on her "resources" page of her website: http://www.omwellness.ca

Mindfulness, Meditation & Everything In Between w Jennifer Innes

Leaving behind a 20 year career as a television host, under time constraints and commercial breaks, Lianne is taking her passion of health and wellness to a different platform. Always a storyteller and with an incredible network of experts she is excited to share their stories, information and guidance with the listeners. When it comes to living a better and healthier life the topics are limitless as is the guest list. Living Your Life, looks to inspire and entertain through laughter, tears and everything in between.

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Living Your Life with Lianne Laing

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