This episode is with Ania Wysocka. She is the founder of Rootd, an award-winning anxiety and panic attack app that has been downloaded more than 3 million times. Ania started Rootd after she experienced a panic attack and did not find sufficient support. Rootd app is a culmination of everything Ania has learned about overcoming and coping with anxiety and panic attacks.
Ania talks about her work ethic and how that contributed to her experience with anxiety and panic attacks. We also discuss the concept of growth and transformation being multi-dimensional.
Quote:
“You've survived every panic attack to date and these do end. “This isn't going to last forever.” Things like that are extremely comforting to hear when you're in those moments.” - Ania Wysocka
Rootd App on Instagram
Join our chat with Mary-Lyn Kieffer, Director of Made of Millions and the Senior Manager for Togetherall. She shares her struggle with OCD and how she learned to cope with it, plus the power of community.
Trigger warning: In this episode, we will be discussing thoughts of suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with these feelings, please seek help from a mental health professional or a crisis helpline. Listener discretion is advised.
This episode is with Mary-Lyn Kieffer. Mary-Lyn Director of Made of Millions Canada, a mental health charity, she’s also the Senior Manager for Togetherall, a peer-to-peer mental health platform.
In this episode, we discuss Mary-Lyn’s personal experience with OCD, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. We also chat about her coping strategies and what really worked for her.
Quote:
“We can change what we believe in about anything in life and that's including ourselves.” - Mary-Lyn Kieffer
Follow:
Mary-Lyn Kieffer on LinkedIn
In this episode with Rob and Danica Nelson, a dynamic entrepreneur, marketer, financial educator, and international nomad, Dani shares the raw and unfiltered story of her burnout in what she once thought was her dream job. Following a necessary stress leave, she found herself in a mass layoff when she returned. Despite these setbacks, Dani unfolds a story of resilience and reinvention, transitioning from her corporate role to emerge as a content creator, initially in the realm of travel and later in the dynamic landscape of personal finance.
As a second-generation Jamaican-Canadian, Dani unveils the profound sense of responsibility she carries—a commitment not only to her individual success but also to the well-being of her family. Her narrative transcends conventional boundaries, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her path. Prepare to be inspired with Dani Nelson, and don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to the podcast.
"I called it a liberty leave because it's like stepping away from what doesn't bring you liberty for what does."
Follow Dani:
In this episode of Actualize, Rob catches up with Margaret, the founder of Nuts for Cheese. They discuss Margaret's journey from starting at a farmer's market to becoming a manufacturer of dairy-free and organic cashew-based products. Margaret shares about her flagship line of cashew-based cheese wedges, cream cheese spreads, and the recently launched Nuts for Butter. Tune in for an insightful conversation about Margaret's business and the growth of Nuts for Cheese.
"The more folks can lead by example, be brave, and put themselves out there, the better." - Margaret Coons @NutsforCheese
[00:02:09] Becoming a vegetarian.
[00:03:37] Eating less meat and animal products.
[00:09:24] Challenges of scaling a business.
[00:10:31] Hunger for growth.
[00:14:07] Hiring and relinquishing responsibility.
[00:17:58] Perfectionism and finding balance.
[00:21:02] A rare mentorship experience.
[00:24:06] A giant marketing war.
[00:28:00] Inclusivity and prejudice.
[00:31:17] Supporting employees with challenges.
[00:36:17] Wellness routine.
[00:39:07] Pursuit of feeling better.
[00:43:23] Coaching vs. therapy distinction.
[00:46:29] Innovation and new product launch.
Follow Margaret:https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcoons/https://www.instagram.com/margaretecoons/
Follow Nuts for Cheese:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutsforcheese/, https://www.instagram.com/nutsforcheese/
www.nutsforcheese.com
On this episode of Actualize, host Rob interviews Tessa McLoughlin, the creator of Club Kwench, a culture club and co-working space in Victoria, B.C. Tessa shares her perspective on the importance of creating a sense of belonging and good culture in co-working spaces. She explains why she chose to start Kwench in Victoria and the challenging journey as a freshly divorced single mom of two, to launch this new business. Tune in to learn more about Tessa’s incredible journey and the impact she has made in her community.
“It’s spelled K-W-E-N-C-H and it stands for Knowledge, Wellness, Experiences, Novelty, Curious and Connection, Bring Health and Happiness.”
“…hitting that rock bottom that makes you go, oh, this could be so much better.”
00:01:07 Creating a healthy workplace culture.
00:06:39 Building a new life after divorce.
00:13:38 Resilience in the face of adversity.
00:23:37 Believe in yourself, take risks.
00:28:02 Entrepreneurship as art and impact.
00:32:07 Authenticity drives a purposeful coworking community.
00:38:29 Creating a sense of belonging.
00:45:33 Building a community-driven co-working space.
Visit clubkwench.com
Follow Tessa on Instagram and Club Kwench
In this episode of Actualize featuring Tina Luu, co-founder of Fable, we talked about the multifaceted life of being a tech leader, mother, partner, daughter, and sister. Tina's remarkable work ethic, independence, and vulnerability shine through as she kindly discusses her recent encounter with stage five of burnout, a profound state of physical and mental overwhelm. Tina's resilience and resourcefulness, reveal how she navigated and emerged from burnout, along with the proactive measures she's adopting to prevent its recurrence. Enjoy a compelling and relatable exploration of balancing professional success with personal well-being in this episode with Tina Luu.
“Don't be precious about an idea. Sharing it and iterating to make small tests can result in better outcomes.” - Tina Luu, co-founder of Fable.com
00:02:18 Balancing multiple roles is challenging. 00:08:03 Overcoming imposter syndrome through growth. 00:19:37 Burnout is a real challenge. 00:21:06 Recognize and address burnout symptoms. 00:26:18 Set boundaries to avoid burnout. 00:33:31 Be independent and self-reliant. 00:39:17 Iterate and share your work.
Visit fable.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-luu/
Join us for an insightful episode featuring Braden Handley, co-founder of Inkbox, the innovative temporary tattoo company. Braden shares the story behind Inkbox's success, from its inception in 2015 to its acquisition in 2022, taking it from $10,000 to $80 Million.
In our conversation, we explore Braden's entrepreneurial drive, the challenges of hiring and firing friends, and the significance of humility in leadership. Discover how Braden leaned into his superpowers to navigate the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
Whether you're a business enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers a glimpse into the highs, lows, and valuable lessons of building and selling a company. Don't miss out on the wisdom and experiences shared by Braden Hanley in this engaging discussion.
"You do not need to work 18 hour days. If you do, then you're probably building the business wrong.” - Braden Handley
00:04:25 Entrepreneurship is a lifelong passion.
00:11:22 Humility is key in partnerships.
00:11:52 Confidence and consistency are key.
00:19:46 Hiring friends can be challenging.
00:23:32 Culture-driven hiring leads to success.
00:29:25 Develop confidence through experience and self-reflection.
00:34:25 Embrace vulnerability and bury emotions.
00:40:22 Balance and rest are essential.
You can follow Braden on Instagram and LinkedIn
In this episode, we feature Jill Van Gyn, CEO of Fatso Peanut Butter. Beyond her business success, Jill shares her deeply personal journey, including her battle with addiction, pregnancy loss, and infertility. We delve into the concept of feeling deserving, shedding light on her struggles and vulnerabilities. This open and candid conversation aims to inspire those dealing with substance abuse, infertility, and the challenges of balancing business and family. Listen for insight and inspiration from Jill's story.
"Not everybody has to know about your impact for it to be meaningful."
You can follow Jill on Instagram and her website
[00:01:20] Finding professional footing and sobriety.
[00:08:10] Impact work and community support.
[00:10:05] Taboo subjects and social impact.
[00:15:31] Addiction and moment of clarity.
[00:21:07] Repairing childhood through success.
[00:27:42] Shifting expectations and entitlement.
[00:30:07] Trying to get pregnant.
[00:35:20] The pain of infertility.
[00:43:19] Racing against time and COVID.
[00:45:04] Growing up with an identical twin sister.
[00:50:22] Letting go and finding peace.
[00:55:07] Redefining Success and Fulfillment.
This episode is with Annie MacIntosh. Annie is a content creator, marketer, and master of counseling student living in Vancouver BC. In the episode we start off by discussing Annie’s role as a content creator and influencer and her love for nature, before diving deeper into her experience living with depression, how she takes care of her mental health, and more about her desire to help others as she completes her master's program. I hope you enjoy this episode with Annie MacIntosh.
Quote:
"...it's so deeply important to learn to release the shame and just practice radical acceptance of who we are and who others are and move away from the black and white thinking that one way of perceiving the world and emoting is the right way." - Annie MacIntosh
You can follow Annie on Instagram and Tiktok
00:00:22 Balancing ambition and mental health.
00:06:46 Importance of authenticity online.
00:14:30 Language shift in mental health.
00:22:28 Recognize stages and take proactive steps.
00:28:37 Importance of self-compassion and acceptance.
00:32:38 Importance of self-advocacy in mental health.
00:37:18 Embrace your deep feelings.
00:42:35 Practice radical acceptance of yourself.
In this episode, we had a conversation with Jason Silver, an entrepreneur, father of two, and early influencer in Airbnb's growth. After the profound loss of his sister in 2019, Jason embarked on a transformative journey, immersing himself in productivity, mindfulness, neuroscience, and behavioral psychology.
Through this exploration, he devised strategies to harmonize personal well-being with professional impact. Jason is currently penning "Quietly Crushing It," and in our chat, he unveils insights on ambition, the juxtaposition of working hard versus smart, and parenting, and offers practical tools for those grappling with burnout or seeking deeper career fulfillment.
Dive into this enriching discussion with Jason, and discover how to bring balance and purpose to your work life.
Meet Christopher Brown, a former US Marine who found a new career path as a licensed therapist. Chris opens up about his entry into the Marine Corps, the traumatic experiences he endured, and the challenges he faced reintegrating into society after his deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.
He shares his personal counseling journey, shedding light on how it not only helped him overcome PTSD but also inspired him to become a therapist. We also explore on EMDR, a therapeutic technique for trauma healing, and the potential of psychedelic therapy, focusing on the preparation, integration, and the promising outcomes it offers.
While Chris is a seasoned therapist, it's vital to note that this episode isn't a therapy session. Also, be aware that the use of psychedelic substances is illegal in many parts of North America. Join us for this insightful discussion with Chris Brown.
This episode features Kelly Hrudey. From the world of professional hockey, Kelly comes a 15-year NHL career, wrapping up in 1998. Post-retirement, he transitioned into broadcasting and now shines as an analyst for Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet and a commentator for the Calgary Flames.
In this chat, Kelly shares his personal battles with mental health while he was playing and even now. He also touches on how his daughter Kaitlin also has to fight every day against intrusive thoughts and how they support her as a family. We discuss the feelings of anxiety, panic, and self-boycott thinking. During the conversation, we’ll talk about the importance of seeking professional help as early as possible and the evolving needed mental health narrative in hockey. With his openness and vulnerability, Kelly is an inspiration for those seeking to shatter mental health stigmas. Dive into this enlightening conversation with Kelly Hrudey!
This episode is with Alicia Mccarvel. Alicia hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is an absolute force of a person, content creator, and entrepreneur. She is dedicated to making the lives of others better by encouraging them to be comfortable and confident in their own bodies. As of now, Alicia has over 1 million Instagram followers and 6 million TikTok followers.
During our conversation, Alicia opens up about the grief she holds for not living fully for 8 years when she was ashamed of her body. She talks about what it means to be and feel worthy as a whole person. I ask Alicia about the compassion fatigue that comes with inspiring others by being vulnerable and open about her relationship with her body. Alicia talks a lot about setting boundaries, and taking care of her mental health as an influencers, and someone who faces a lot of judgment through her platform.
Today, we explore the intricacies of identity, mental health, and the transformative power of personal narratives with our guest Bryce Seto.
For individuals seeking understanding, especially those navigating the intersections of cultural backgrounds and emotional well-being. We also discuss how the support of a loving partner and the joy of fatherhood can transform the emotional landscape, challenging societal norms of masculinity and strength.
Together, we embrace vulnerability, cultivate self-awareness, and find balance in our life's journey.
When we meet an entrepreneur, we often wonder: How did they fund their startup? How do they foster its growth? And, how do they manage it all? In this episode, we sit down with Mallory Greene to delve into the challenges of fundraising as a woman, varying leadership styles, and the mental health aspects of entrepreneurship. If you're keen to uncover both the triumphs and trials faced by entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with insights and tools. Dive in to understand why the entrepreneurial journey is one of grit and resilience. Stay with us to discover the nuances of securing funding as a woman, supporting female-led businesses, and gleaning tips on effective business management.
Taylor Loren is a creator and social media educator who shares about the intersection of marketing and mental health. She is passionate about helping small businesses and creators grow their audiences without burning out, which she does through her courses and Instagram account.
Dive deep with Alessia Scauzillo (aka Alessia Sculpt @alessiasculpt) as she uncovers the hidden facets of shifting from a full-time corporate role to the influencer field. Alessia candidly speaks on the pivotal role her mother's passing played in reshaping her life, teaching her to follow her heart and illuminating both her life and others.
Daniel is the Founder and CEO of Koho, a Canadian fintech company founded in 2015. Koho recently passed 1 million customers, and the company employs over 350 people. Daniel is a very thoughtful leader, who combines emotional intelligence, high intellect, and the ability to zoom in and out when need. He’s extremely humble, and values humility and warmth in the workplace.In this episode we talk about creating a psychologically safe culture, how Koho employs coaches for their entire team to utilize, and how Daniel thinks about hiring. We also discuss Daniel’s personal experience with therapy and coaching, his desire to be useful in society, and his views on parenting and the importance he places on being a dad.
Brianne is a renowned athlete and three-time Olympian, having represented the Canadian Women's Hockey Team on the world stage. Her accomplishments include two Olympic Gold medals and a silver, and she holds the distinguished title of being named the MVP of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Tournament, where she tied the record for the most goals scored in an Olympic tournament. In addition to her illustrious sporting career, Brianne has recently embraced another profound role in her life: motherhood. Balancing the demands of being an elite athlete with the joys and challenges of raising a child, Brianne exemplifies the true meaning of resilience and determination.
On paper, Andy Johns has had a remarkable career in Silicon Valley. He worked at nine companies worth over 1 billion each. He was an early employee of Facebook, Twitter, and Quora, and was President of Wealth Front. When Andy was a few years into his tech career, he discovered deep psychological pain stemming from childhood trauma. After years in therapy, while still being a top performer in the tech world, Andy now dedicates his life to healing and growth. Andy has a new venture and passion, Clues.life, which is all about empowering others with the tools (clues) to the life they want.