If you've been following along, you know that we are closing out Domestic Abuse Awareness month for October and November opens a new mini series for the Unhoused Awareness Month.
In todays episode we chat about a few of the moments that stuck out for us around Domestic Abuse and fill you in on whats to come for the Unhoused Awareness Month.
We're so grateful for each and every one of our guests from Domestic Abuse and from The Unhoused Awareness Group.
Please tell us in the comments, what you've learned from each episode!
With love,
Sammi and Melissa
Have you heard of Gems for Gems?
Gems is an organization that is committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse by focusing on the economic recovery and empowerment of survivors.
To learn more about Gems please visit their website:
https://www.gemsforgems.com/
In todays episode with Jordan Guildford, the founder of Gems for Gems, Melissa dives into how this organization started, the staggering statistics behind domestic abuse, what types of programs the organization has AND, how close this cause is to Jordan's heart.
This episode is full of shocking details about the survivors of domestic abuse, and those that have been lost to it.
Thank you Jordan for taking the time to share more about Gems for us to spread the word.
With love,
Melissa and Sammi
***the information in this episode is not meant to replace professional advice.***
Have you heard of Gems for Gems?
Gems is an organization that is committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse by focusing on the economic recovery and empowerment of survivors.
To learn more about Gems please visit their website:
In todays episode with Jordan Guildford, the founder of Gems for Gems, Melissa dives into how this organization started, the staggering statistics behind domestic abuse, what types of programs the organization has AND, how close this cause is to Jordan's heart.
This episode is full of shocking details about the survivors of domestic abuse, and those that have been lost to it.
Thank you Jordan for taking the time to share more about Gems for us to spread the word.
With love,
Melissa and Sammi
***the information in this episode is not meant to replace professional advice.***
Mona is an inspiration.
Her desire to break free and overcome the struggles she has gone through is powerful.
We don't think we have better words than Mona's about WHY she wants to share on this podcast.
Please read Mona's why:
"I want to share my story because I know what it feels like to be in a relationship that slowly chips away at your sense of self.
I've experienced mental and emotional abuse, and I was dangerously close to enduring physical abuse too. It's a tough, painful place to be, especially when you don't recognize the red flags until you're deep into it.
My goal in speaking up is to spread awareness...
Especially for those who are new to relationships, unsure of what love should look and feel like, or even those thinking about giving love another chance after heartbreak. I want to be a voice for people who might be feeling stuck,
confused, or ashamed.
I am not a professional at this, and I am speaking from experience through my first real relationship.
By sharing my experience, I hope to empower others to recognize the early warning signs of unhealthy dynamics, understand their worth, and prioritize their emotional safety.
Abuse doesn't always start with bruises, it often starts with subtle patterns that can be easy to overlook. If my story can help even one person spot those signs early, then it will be worth it.
No one deserves to feel trapped, small, or unworthy in a relationship. I am still working through my healing journey but, my hope is to inspire strength, self-awareness, and hope for a healthier, more fulfilling future;
For anyone who needs it."
Well said Mona.
With love,
Melissa and Sammi
Rebekah's story is chilling.
And the thing is, we didn't even go into in depth details about some of the worst case scenarios.
6 months into the relationship, Rebekah KNEW she needed to get out. She knew she wasn't safe and it still took 3 years for her to finally be able to leave.
Why? Because of the mental and physical trap she found herself stuck in.
Living in a home with her abuser, isolated from everyone, on an acreage outside of town, he physically had her vehicle stuck there and the first few times she tried to leave, he stopped her.
Rebekah's drive now is to help educate and empower other women who could be stuck in these dangerous situations, to figure out how to get help.
Tune in as Rebekah shares with us how she finally managed to escape and what she did to heal, grow and ultimately find a loving spouse.
With Love,
Melissa and Sammi
**These episodes are not intended to replace professional advice. If you are in an unsafe situation, please contact local authorities and/or a local shelter to help find a safe way out.**
**Trigger Warning on sexual abuse**
There are no words to properly explain someone's, beyond what they say themselves.
And even the words spoken by someone who truly experienced something incredibly traumatic are not enough to convey the fear, loss, grief, heartbreak and anger they have felt.
Today, we are holding space for Rachel.
Rachel embraces immense bravery as she recalls the horrific actions that were done to her as a child. Starting at the young age of 3. Not only was Rachel sexually assaulted multiple times in her childhood by her grandfather, and step father, but those that should have been the ones protecting her, are also the ones who failed her and told her to be grateful.
And then, to top it off, when she did take it to court; she was not taken seriously as someone with resounding evidence that the abuse happened.
Our hearts are absolutely full of love for Rachel and we have a deep desire to watch her grow, and impact thousands of people in her life. Her bravery, hard work and desire to overcome all that she has been through is incredible.
Thank you again Rachel for sharing this with us.
We wish you so much prosperity in your future.
With immense love,
Sammi and Melissa
Victoria Ellen has quite the story.
We don't think we can even come close to giving it a proper introduction in the write up.
Victoria got married at a young age after finding out she was pregnant, only to quickly realize that the person she had married has been lying about everything. The lying grew to controlling, the controlling turned to physical abuse on her and eventually, sexual abuse to her two beautiful children, which became her final straw to get out of there.
This story is full of jaw dropping moments, heart break and incredible overcoming.
Thank you for joining us Victoria and helping us raise more awareness around Domestic Abuse.
To dive deeper into this story (which I know we plan to) - check out Victoria's book, Painting in the Rain here:
Or, watch her episode with Scam Goddess, on Disney+ in Canada or Hulu in the USA.
We stand with all those who have fought so hard to overcome all they have,
With love,
Sammi and Melissa
Join us Today as we finish off our episode with Lauren Woodley.
Back in March, Lauren bravely shared her story about a abusive relationship that she was in with her wife. (We have re-released this episode, so if you missed, just jumped back to the episode released before this one, and it's right there for you). In todays episode, we chat with Lauren about what it was like to get out.
When she decided, how long it took, where she stayed and how she has been rediscovering herself ever since.
One of the most beautiful things to see in this episode is how Lauren lights up when she speaks about the one thing she does now that she never could have done if she had stayed in that relationship.
Thank you Lauren for bravely sharing your story with us.
With Love,
Sammi and Melissa
**p.s. - We had some technical difficulties with the sound and so the quality is not as great as our usual recordings, but the content is incredible!**
This episode with Lauren was one of the catalysts that drove us to deep dive and rally behind domestic violence awareness month.
A repost from march this year:
Did you know that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men, experience domestic violence?
34% of people in Canada who have experienced domestic violence have never even spoken to someone else about it, let alone reported it to the police.
This episode with Lauren starts the opening up of our topic on Domestic Violence. We are highlighting this topic for the month of October, but let todays episode be just one example of how domestic violence can show up in a relationship.
Part 1 of Lauren's story puts the spot light on how her relationship with her ex started, how and when the abuse began and what was the final turning point for Lauren to escape.
If you ever experienced domestic violence; do not sit in silence. If you see it happening, report it.
Thank you Lauren for so bravely sharing your story with us.
With love,
Melissa and Sammi
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.The facts about domestic violence and sexual abuse are staggering.They threw us right off.*1 in 4 girls are sexually abused, 1 in 20 boys are abused.*Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.*44% of women over 15 will report some kind of domestic violence*there are MULTIPLE different ways that people can experience domestic abuse, it's not just physical and emotional.In today's episode we are diving into why we wanted to highlight this month, what episodes are to come for this mini series as well as, some details about stories of abuse that Melissa and Sammi experienced in their younger years.This series is heavy, but we encourage you to listen, become aware and learn tips for how to help others who could be experiencing abuse or how to point out if you, yourself are experiencing it.With love,Melissa and Sammi
We needed to release this episode as soon as possible!
Did you know that less than 3% of e-mails that you send to your politician are actually read?
There is so much going on in the world right now, climate change, famine, physical wars, wars on human rights, illness, domestic violence, book bans, gun control, over-stepping governments - you name it, it's happening in the world and it's heavy.
We feel it too!
In this episode with Sam Daley-Harris, we talk about his book Reclaiming Our Democracy and just HOW we, as the people, can take a deep breath, find out what causes are really important to us and find a way to really start to make some shifts happen.
There is TANGIBLE information said here that we believe can help empower each and every one of you, no mater what cause you are fighting for or want to fight for, to take steps and learn what Transformational Advocacy is and how you can apply it.
If you've listened and still aren't sure what to do, or where to turn to. Sam has set up a sign up sheet, where he can help direct you to an organization that teaches transformational advocacy, that can help you get on the right foot to start fighting for the causes you believe in and start to makes some real changes.
Sign up sheet:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCQuqj-4O2eh4Sfy_E-dfVntbPlqg1A4T4oQ8E2J0nuZbD-w/viewform
Sam's website:
https://reclaimingourdemocracy.com/
Thank you Sam!
With Love,
Sammi and Melissa
Have you ever wanted to leave everything you own and travel the world?
Are you afraid of something that you couldn't even imagine surrounding yourself with?
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live on a boat?
Elsine and her family did ALL of these.
Elsine and her family are from the Netherlands. Her husband Ronald, always wanted to sail around the world but Elsine was desperately afraid of the water.
But one day, she said "Why not?!"
They bought a sailboat, and left their life in the Netherlands behind. Even though Elsine was filled with doubt.
Doubt about how she could overcome this fear of the water and LIVE on it.
Doubt about how she would feel spending 24hrs a day with her family.
Doubt about how she would do with homeschooling.
Doubt about her abilities to sail a boat.
Doubt that it was the right thing to do.
And you know what her response was to all this doubt?
"Doubt is part of the adventure"
If you need some inspiration to overcome some doubts you have about the choices your making or thinking of making, this episode is for you!
We hope you love it as much as we do.
With love,
Sammi & Melissa
Christine Blosdale is THE Expert Authority Coach.
What does that mean? She specializes in helping entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and business owners develop and amplify their Expert Authority and hone in on their craft so that they can become the go-to leaders in their industry.
In today's episode with Christine we chat all things overcoming when it comes to believing in yourself and starting your own business, project or life calling.
Christine shares with us how broadcasting found her, and completely changed her life forever. The best part of the story?! Is how she sees the small things her Mom did for her growing up, that really taught her and helped her believe that her opinion MATTERS. That she IS an expert and that she can make a difference and now she takes that to empower others.
Perhaps one of our favourite questions and answers is: does Christine still deal with imposter syndrome ever? (after she speaks about how she helps others overcome this) Tune in to hear her answer!
Thank you Christine!
Find Christine (and check out all her incredible tips and tricks):
https://www.christineblosdale.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@christineblosdale
With love,
Sammi and Melissa
Have you ever met someone who's had a lung transplant? How about a double lung transplant? How about a double lung transplant and was told as a baby that she likely wouldn't make it to grade school?
Meet Deanna.
Deanna was diagnosed around one year old with Cystic Fibrosis all because her Mom accidentally tasted her tears and the locum doctor she was seeing in their small town, happened to know a lot about Cystic Fibrosis.
What are the chances?
Back in the 80's, babies were not commonly tested for Cystic Fibrosis but now, every baby is tested at birth in Alberta.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in these organs, leading to breathing difficulties, frequent lung infections, and problems with digesting food. (Google definition)
Deanna shares with us her story about being diagnosed, how it impacted her growing up and what it was like to go through a double lung transplant. And, of course, how she never actually TOLD her husband that she had Cystic Fibrosis.
Tune in to hear more!
With love,
Melissa & Sammi
We're back!
As you know, we always take our summer break in July and come back to bring some fun and stories sometime in August.
Today Melissa and Sammi are just having a banter about some Taboo topics that really, most people don't like to deep dive into!
Join us as we talk about these and have a few laughs
With love,
Sammi and Melissa
First and foremost: This episode is being released on the DAY Peter Samuelson's book is released.
Stop what you're doing now, and go find his book.
Here's a quick link:https://www.samuelson.la/
Peter Samuelson is a Producer and Executive Producer of 25 motion pictures, a Philanthropist and Founder of 7 different charities and an author. He has made a massive difference in the lives of extremely sick children, foster children, those experiencing homelessness and many others over his years.
And now, Peter Samuelson has written an incredible book called Finding Happy. Intended to help give guidance to those who don't have someone else to turn to, and give insights on "things I wish I knew then, that I know now."
In our episode with Peter today, we chat about all things related to Finding Happy. How it came to be, what inspired it, and what his hopes are for the book.
Amongst many other things, we get the opportunity to ask Mr. Samuelson what kind of advice he would give to someone starting their own charity, and, if he himself is truly happy and just what it is in his life that brings him that happiness.
Tune in, and stick around ALL the way to the end (even after the credits) to make sure you get every last little piece of advice.
Find his charities here:
https://www.starlightcanada.org/
https://www.edar.org/
https://www.firststar.org/about/
With Love,
Sammi and Melissa
Have you ever wondered how the newest of owners of Local Love Co ended up taking over? Have you been curious about the inner workings of a small business?
Perhaps you are wondering what it would be like to work side by side with your best friend and neighbour?
Tune in as we chat with Nicole and Amanda from Local Love Co in the Okotoks Area about how and why they decided to jump when Local Love first went up for sale, some of the inner workings of how the navigate (and embrace) the fact that they are neighbours, best friends and now business partners.
From their first argument to needing to learn boundaries around their business and family lives, we had such a blast getting to know these amazing woman and where their hearts are coming from.
To learn more about Local Love Co:
https://localloveco.ca/
With Love,
Sammi & Melissa
Have you heard of the transformative power of love? Have you heard of Dr. Bernard Bail? Have you ever heard someone speak about the imprinting of our dreams?
Listening to Cynthia Marks speak about how falling in love with the most unexpected person, at the most unexpected time, in the most unexpected way; taught her all about the transformative power of love.
She shares with us how this kind of love completely changed the way she viewed herself and all the relationships she had around her. The most incredible piece is how she had to overcome her own perceptions of what is acceptable, her own limiting beliefs AND how hearing her own fathers voice in her head was impacting the way she made choices.
Cynthia made a commitment when her husband Dr. Bernard Bail passed away, that she would continue to share his message and his learnings about how transformative real love can be.
If you don't get enough of Cynthia and Dr. Bernard Bails' work here, go check out more at:
Her Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andnowlove.podcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
The And Now Love Podcast:
https://linktr.ee/andnowlovepodcast?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacWkdLWu6fwWfAYJvy3GpDF93vppssBM4fsvtV-FhYSMTVcYQ0hHkYmrLqhtw_aem_MixRr84mLonSgdVf9p1dWQ
With Love,
Sammi and Melissa
Rebekah is the creator of DIY Mom.
Renovating, Redecorating and Restoring homes and teaching you how.
Rebekah was told 'no' more times than she can count when she first started to pursue the idea of DIY Mom. But she knew this was going to make an impact. She knew this was going to add a huge amount of value to the world. And boy was she right.
Coming from a music background, an abusive relationship (more on that in October), and a single Mom in her 30's, Rebekah shows up for herself and builds her life in a way that many people can only imagine.
Showing up on film sets, without confirmation she would be paid, taking charge and showing her value before anyone else ever realized it, Rebekah is a force to be reckoned with.
Just before recording this episode in March 2025, Rebekah has been on a trip to South Africa to help with an event called Hope Of Africa. This incredible cause helps to empower at-risk youth through sustainable agriculture.
You can help support DIY Mom and Hope of Africa by purchasing one of their DIY Vegetable Garden Starter Box.
Check out more about these boxes here:
Find Rebekah:
https://www.instagram.com/diymom.ca?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
or
https://diymom.ca/diy-who
To learn more, tune into todays episode.
With Love,
Melissa & Sammi
Join us today as we dive into Kijuan Amey's mindset, that he speaks about in his book. Teaching others the difference between forgiving, forgetting and letting it go.
There are so many incredible little pieces of advice that Kijuan gives in our conversation today that can have a really big impact in someone's life that is struggling to move forward into the next chapter.
Life if FULL of setbacks and, as Kijuan reinforces; it's all about how we handle those setbacks.
Working with the air force, building companies of his own when suddenly, a horrible motorcycle accident left him in the hospital for over a month. Kijuan is grateful to be alive and walking and has found incredible ways to embrace living life blind and now mentors others who have gone blind or are in the process of losing their sight.
Two pieces we want you to hear:
1.) Kijuan's advice near the end about how he coaches someone to still be able to deeply engage with their kids and future kids, even if they can't see them.
2.) The song Kijuan recommends. Good Day by Forest Frank. If you haven't heard it. You need to go listen. It will help you have a good day.
Find Kijuan at:
https://www.instagram.com/kijuanamey?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
or
https://ameymotivation.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeF2SxsFlYjMAjUQzNBmAgOPLL5BcRe-LH5xgyb78lh462I4U9KtTrj9R_lFg_aem_hOdr45Dze42RBERceWh_0Q
With love,
Sammi & Melissa