Another bucket list episode! And it’s a special one, becauseit’s with one of my favourite people!
I’m so proud to finally share this conversation with my husband, Jack Waples, co-owner of GOAT Sports Supply in Saugeen Shores. What started as a simple search for a hockey neck guard for our oldest quickly turned into an idea (and a dream) that’s now a full-fledged small-town sports store built on community, passion, and a whole lot of heart.
Jack and I chat about how GOAT began, what it’s really liketo run a business in a small town, and the lessons he’s learned along the way, from late nights at the shop to the incredible support of local families who’ve helped turn this dream into reality. I am so proud of what he is creating, and where he’s going to go.
I am so excited to share this one with you, it’s a great episodeabout family, teamwork, and the courage to chase something you believe in.
Learn more about Goat Sport Supply
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On today’s episode, we chat with Kara, the creator behindFlora & Fae. Kara creates beautiful, intentional jewelry that connects crystals, and botanicals to create beautiful pieces of wearable art.
Our conversation covers her business’s beginnings, how socialmedia can play a key role in your marketing, how you build a family with other vendors, and more.
Our conversation also touches on the realities of entrepreneurship, and how to find success in a small town.
Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, jewelry lover, orsomeone drawn to mindful design, this episode will inspire you to wear your magic.
You can learn more here:
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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tommy, ownerof Cedarvale Wellbeing, to explore her journey of building a wellness business rooted in breathwork, contrast therapy, and holistic practices.From leaving city life behind to creating a healing hub in a small town, Tommy shares the lessons, challenges, and transformations that have shaped her path as both a wellness entrepreneur and community leader.
We dive into the mental and physical benefits ofcontrast therapy, how breathwork can help release trauma and limiting beliefs, and why marketing in small towns depends on genuine relationships and community engagement. Tommy also opens up about the importance of mental resilience, authenticity, and finding your niche in the ever-growing wellness space.
Whether you're a wellness practitioner, small businessowner, or someone seeking more balance in your life, this conversation is packed with practical insights, heartfelt stories, and actionable takeaways.
You can learn more:.
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Katie Franklin is back — and a lot has changed since her last visit! In this episode, we catch up on how her doula business has evolved, what inspired her to go full-time, and how she’s helping parents navigate everything from postpartum recovery to sleepless nights.
Katie shares her experience expanding her services to include sleep consulting, car seat safety education, and postpartum planning — all while emphasizing the importance of emotional support and trusting your instincts as a parent.
This conversation is a reminder that no one should have to face the challenges of early parenthood alone — and that having the right support can make all the difference.
You’ll Hear About:
How Katie made the leap to full-time doula work
Why planning for postpartum is just as important as planning for birth
The value of overnight support and sleep consulting
How parents can ease the pressure and trust their instincts
The emotional side of early motherhood and finding your village
Resources:
KatieFranklinDoulaServices.caPostpartum Planning Guide
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This is the last episode of Season 4 – Thank you forfollowing for four seasons.
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Michele—abeautiful heart-led entrepreneur who now calls Wiarton home. She shares her journey of building a wellness practice rooted in community, connection to nature, and the healing power of movement. We talk about her deep love fordance, yoga, and movement and how those practices are guiding her and the community of Wiarton.
Michele opens up about the loss of her husband, Dennis, andthe way grief has shaped her path with grace and purpose. Her story is deeply moving and reminds us of the strength that can come from allowing ourselves to feel and heal. Before Dennis passed away, he built his dream home for Michele and their children on the Bruce Peninsula.
We also chat about somatic practices, listening to thewisdom of the body, and the beauty of one-on-one healing sessions. Michele's approach is gentle, intuitive, and grounded in care, and this conversation is such a beautiful reflection of that.
When Michele talks of her community, it is wild to me thatshe just moved up here four years ago. She fully embraces small town life, small town entrepreneurship and I am so excited for the Bruce Peninsula that she is there.
You can find out more here:
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In this episode, I sit down with Kat Tepylo Murphy, thebrilliant mind behind Social Kat Media. Kat shares her journey from launching childhood businesses to leaving the corporate advertising world to follow her passion for helping small businesses grow online. We dive into the ups anddowns of entrepreneurship, the power of community support, and the ever-changing landscape of social media.
Kat gets real about the importance of experimenting withcontent, embracing your story, and not waiting for the "perfect time" to post. She also reminds us that TikTok can work—if you enjoy being there! Plus, we chat about her favourite quote ("F the patriarchy"), her love for wood-fired pizza (yes, it would be her last meal), and why she's always had that entrepreneurial spark.
If you're a small business owner struggling with a social media strategy – you cannot miss this!
You can learn more about Kat here:
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This is my last mini episode recorded at the Homegrown Gathering.
In this episode, I sit down with Gemma, an inspiringimmigration consultant who shares her personal journey into the field and the meaningful impact she makes helping clients navigate the complex Canadian immigration system. We talk about what it really takes to be successful in this regulated profession—like ongoing learning, clear communication, and the importance of building strong, trusting relationships.
She opens up about the joy of witnessing her clients achievetheir dreams and offers practical advice for those looking to start their own business, including the power of a supportive network and staying motivated through challenges. Whether you're curious about immigration, entrepreneurship, or just love hearing stories of people making a difference, this one is for you.
You can find more here:
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This is the third of the four mini episodes I recorded atthe Homegrown Gathering event.
In this episode, I sit down with Melissa, the heart and mindbehind Mindful Kids, to talk about the power of mindfulness in childhood—and why emotional intelligence should be a core part of growing up.Melissa shares her beautiful philosophy on what childhood should look like: full of joy, curiosity, and healthy coping strategies for those inevitable big feelings.
Whether it's a child navigating anxiety or a parent lookingfor calm, Melissa believes everyone can benefit from a little more mindfulness. You’ll hear her take on entrepreneurship, how she’s built community through connection and collaboration in Stratford, and the legacy she hopes to leavebehind. If you’ve ever wondered how mindfulness can fit into your family’s everyday life—or how to take a chance on yourself in business—this one’s for you.
Melissa is also building a larger community with licensing.Reach out to her if this is something you’d be interested in!
You can find more here:
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This is the second of four mini episodes that I recordedlive at the Homegrown Gathering event in Lucknow on June 12th.
In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Berg, Certified DogTrainer and founder of Forever Pawsitive K9 Academy based in Red Bay. Jessica shares how her journey into dog training began all the way back in high school, and how that passion grew into a business that’s as much about community as it is about canines.
Jessica walks me through the philosophy behind her daycarepractices, where structured play and intentional rest are just as important as socialization. She’s created a beautiful outdoor space for dogs to learn, play, and thrive — a forest school for your canine friends.
Jessica emphasizes how building trust and rapport with bothdogs and their owners is key to creating lasting results. And I love how she highlights the importance of people skills for anyone considering a career in dog training.
This conversation is full of heart, practical advice, and areminder of the unique opportunities that come from working in and with your local community. If you're a dog owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who just loves hearing about people doing meaningful work in small towns — you're going to love this episode.
You can learn more here:
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This is the first of four mini episodes that I recorded liveat the Homegrown Gathering event in Lucknow on June 12th.
In this heartwarming episode, I sit down with Hannah Wheeler, the passionate founder behind The Aaniin Collective, not only a Montessori-inspired daycare and summer camp, but also a community that provides resources and digital products to help children and families thrive and is rooted in purpose and connection.
Hannah shares the story behind the name Aaniin, meaning “I see your light” in Ojibwe, and how this beautiful philosophy shapes the way she nurtures independence and confidence in the children she cares for.
We dive into her journey from creative Instagram outlet tofull-fledged business, what it’s like being a young entrepreneur in the world of early childhood education, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of running a childcare business.
You will no doubt be inspired by this young entrepreneur.
You can find more information here:
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This week on the podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Melissa Alexander — a former gym owner turned hypnotherapist with a heart for healing.
In our conversation, Melissa opened up about her journey from the fitness world to diving deep into the subconscious mind. We talked about body dysmorphia, self-love, and how so many of our struggles stem from unhealed parts of ourselves — often going all the way back to childhood.
Melissa shared how hypnotherapy can help uncover the root causes of things like anxiety, low confidence, and even the stories we tell ourselves as entrepreneurs. She’s passionate about making mental health support more accessible and is currently working on a book (I can’t wait to read it!) and affordable programs for those looking to begin their own healing journey.
Some of my favourite takeaways from our chat:
Melissa’s warmth, wisdom, and lived experience made this such a beautiful conversation — and I know it’ll resonate with so many of you.
Learn more about Align BMC Energy here:
YouTube - Free Hypnosis Videos
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I was very excited to interview Sara (finally!) because Sara loves everything I love -- supporting local businesses, promoting small towns, visiting local bookshops, and reading creepy murder thrillers!
Sara is a Saugeen Shores native, and a passionate small-townentrepreneur, who is also chair of the Southampton BIA (and on the board of the Ontario BIA!) Together, we dive into her journey of building her apothecary business from the ground up, what it’s like to run a business in a tight-knit community, and why supporting local really matters. Sara opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind Remind Wellness, and how collaboration is at the heart of everything she does. From mental health tocommunity events, this conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and a reminder of the power of showing up for, and supporting your small town, your local businesses, and your friends.
Sara is a powerhouse in Saugeen Shores, and I am so excitedthat we were able to connect. I am excited to see what our future collaboration holds!
Learn more about Re:mind Wellness here:
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Melissa and I first connected through our kids’ sports—herson Connor and my oldest, Ollie, are little athletes who keep us both busy on the sidelines. I knew she ran a successful business, and I was eager to hear more about it. What I didn’t expect was just how passionate, knowledgeable, and articulate she is about dog training, enrichment, and the deeper purpose behind her work.
In this interview, we chat about the ins and outs of runninga doggy daycare, why socialization is crucial (especially for puppies), and the real-life challenges of entrepreneurship. Melissa shares why not every dog is a daycare dog, the importance of outsourcing, and how “putting on your big girl panties” sometimes comes with the territory.
Whether you're a dog lover, small business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with relatable moments, honest reflections, and valuable advice on growing something meaningful—one paw print at a time.
You can find Unleash the Pawsitive here:
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On June 12th, I’ll be joining an incredible event called theHomegrown Gathering — a celebration of rural women in business. I’ll be there doing mini, on-the-spot interviews with attendees, and I couldn’t be more excited!
To kick things off, I sat down with Heather, the powerhousebehind both Homegrown Gathering and her business Creative Worth.
In this episode, we chat about the real-life challenges and surprising advantages of running a small business in a small town, the value of community, and the inspiration behind this event.
Hometown Gathering is described as part pep rally, part summer camp, and part business conference, and I hope you are inspired thru this episode to come on out on June 12 (get on that wait list!), and spend the day with Heather, me, and many more inspiring speakers!
To learn more:
https://www.homegrowngathering.ca/
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I had the privilege to experience a hot and cold contrast therapy session with Carly this week, and afterwards we were able to sit down in this special outdoor episode – yep, you’ll hear the birds!
Carly is passionate about bringing like-minded peopletogether, showcasing local talent, and creating healing experiences thru contrast therapy and breathwork. After suffering from a concussion, Carly discovered cold plunging and saunas healed her headaches and she knew she had to share that with others.
In this interview, we dive into the benefits of breathwork,blood flow, and how cold plunging can help us reconnect with our bodies. Carly shares her personal journey, her love for collaboration, and the simple but powerful truth that we have the ability to heal ourselves.
I highly recommend that you reach out to Carly and book acontrast therapy session, or even better – book a group session (invite me!) and experience the healing powers with friends.
This episode is a beautiful blend of wellness wisdom, smalltown connection, and grounding energy. Tune in and take a breath - you'll feel better for both reasons.
You can find Cold Calm Co at:
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I first met Veronica at a Christmas Market where she wasselling her custom Christmas ornaments that you built yourself (to make them extra custom!) And fell in love with her custom woodworking immediately. After following her on social media for several years, I knew it was finally time to have her on the podcast! And I’m so glad I did.
Listening back to this episode, we sound like lifelong friends, and you can hear us thrive off each other’s energies, and ideas.
This episode we discuss V’s journey to owning her own business, her favourite projects, how supportive the community is, being apart of the market community + more.
I hope you are inspired to start something you love after listening to this episode!
You can find Morning Star Home Décor:
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A new episode is here! In this episode, I sat down withJenny Lee Learn, the creative force behind Amabel Books—a series of engaging children's books designed to make learning to read less stressful and a lot more fun. Jenny shares how her own daughters' struggles with traditional reading methods sparked the idea for Amabel Books, and how her unique approach—alternating simple and complex text—helps young readers gain confidence and enjoy the process.
This was such a fun episode - we dove into the journey ofself-publishing, from bringing an idea to life, to seeing your books used in classrooms, to using her experience to helping other authors create their books.
Jenny can also be found at the Owen Sound Market selling her books, and her family farm’s maple syrup. She is passionate about entrepreneurship and supporting local, and I am excited for my listeners to enjoy her books!
Whether you're an aspiring author, a parent, or just someonewho loves a good small-town success story, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and heart.
You can find Amabel Books:
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So many people have been trying to connect Virginia and Isince the beginning of the podcast that I am so excited to finally be able to post our episode!
I love what Virginia is doing. Actually - I am obsessed withwhat Acre75 is doing. Acre75 is a subscription box service that supports small town businesses in Canada. Not only spreading awareness but creating physical sales for the companies she supports. Her impact on small town business has spread over 24 seasonal boxes.
In this conversation, Virginia discusses her journey as asmall business owner, emphasizing the importance of building a supportive team, nurturing community connections, and creating unique customer experiences.
I cannot wait to see what collaborations the two of us get up to!
Purchase your box here:
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Acre 75, subscription box, small town businesses,entrepreneurship, community support, makers, local products, online store, marketing, impact, small business, marketing, community, subscription box, entrepreneurship, small town, customer experience, email list, awards, business growth,
This episode is one of those conversations that just flows—itfelt more like a deep, honest therapy session than an interview. But Jenn’s insights go far beyond business. We talk about life, love, and the kind of growth that comes from truly stepping into who you are.
I first came across Jenn after listening to her podcastepisode with Jackie Serviss, and I knew right away—I had to have her on the show. If I didn’t reach out, someone else would, and I wasn’t about to miss the chance to interview one of Saugeen Shores’ real estate powerhouses.
Jenn is a true entrepreneur at heart. She started with asuccessful spa, owned a fitness store, and eventually found her passion in real estate. Her journey is all about embracing challenges, pushing past comfort zones, and stepping up as a leader. In this episode, we dive into what it’s like to grow a business while raising a family, navigating career shifts, and figuring out who you really are—even when that means standing apart from the crowd.
Plus, we talk about her podcast, Uncomfortable Growth, and what it really means to lean into change.
This conversation is packed with wisdom, inspiration, andreal talk about ambition, leadership, and personal growth. I can’t wait for you to hear it.
To learn more about Jennifer, or to work with her, find herhere:
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Olivia is actually my neighbor! I just met her this year,and she became fast friends, with both me and my boys.
Olivia is a massage therapist who works with people at boththe beginning and the end of life, and she recently became certified as an End-of-Life Doula.
In this episode, we dive into the incredible work she does,from end-of-life care to the workshops she offers, and how she helps people navigate some of the most meaningful transitions in life. We also talk about where she started, what led her to this path, and where she hopes to take it next.
And as if her kindness wasn’t already overflowing, Oliviashowed up to our conversation with homemade meatballs, noodles, and sauce—proof that she truly leads with love in all she does. I’m so grateful that we connected.
This conversation is full of wisdom, heart, and good vibes.I hope you love listening to Olivia as much as I loved chatting with her!
Brendon Burchard Death Interview Questions
You can find Anada Massage here:
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