Share

cover art for Ep. 73 Living with Courage and Hope with Christa Cagnon

The Beauty in the Mess

Ep. 73 Living with Courage and Hope with Christa Cagnon

Season 3, Ep. 73

In this episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess,' we sit down with Christa Gagnon, a rare disease advocate and founder of Going with the Gagnons. Christa shares her transformative journey after her daughter, Jordan, was diagnosed with Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN), a terminal illness. She discusses the challenges of living with a terminal genetic condition, the stages of grief, and how she and her family navigate life day by day. We also learn about Jordan's dreams, their joint clothing line, and the importance of community and advocacy.


Christa Gagnon is a woman who wears many hats. Being blessed with a daughter with a terminal illness has shaped the trajectory of her career and passions. Her daughter is her world and she is on a mission to bring awareness and find a cure. She is an advocate and knows the importance of her voice. She has been an entrepreneur and business owner for the past 20 years and just recently stepped into the nonprofit space as a brand manager. It is Christa's goal to create community and bring people together. She shares her experience with the pain and grief that comes with being a caregiver to help others know they are not alone. She is excited that she has reached the portion of her life where she is able to give back and help others.


02:10 Introduction

02:16 Krista's Mission

02:36 Stages of Grief

02:41 Journey to Diagnosis

03:01 Living with GAN

03:41 Raising Jordan

03:52 Daily Life and Acceptance

07:48 Diagnosis Impact on Family

12:31 Jordan's Dreams and Projects

22:08 Support and Advocacy

23:51 Clothing Line and Affirmations

27:53 Words from Jordan

30:22 Contact and Follow


Connect with Christa Gagnon:

 

Let's Connect!

 

 

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 74. Ep. 74 Mastering Fitness and Health with Scott Friedman

    55:31||Season 3, Ep. 74
    In this episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess,' fitness mindset coach Scott Friedman explains the importance of mindset over mechanics in achieving fitness goals. Scott discusses common barriers to maintaining fitness routines, such as fear of public failure, societal pressures, and unrealistic expectations. The episode delves into transforming yo-yo dieting into a sustainable lifestyle by setting specific, realistic goals, and identifying deep-rooted motivations. Key steps like understanding your 'why,' creating actionable steps, and maintaining accountability are emphasized. The discussion covers balancing exercise and diet, especially during vacations, and overcoming food cravings through habit formation and consistency. Scott shares his approach to coaching, aimed at empowering individuals to sustain their own fitness and nutrition plans by educating and removing obstacles. Check out Scott's podcast, 'The Power of Progress,' for more insights on fitness, mindset, and well-being.Scott is a nationally accredited Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Coach, and Behavior Change Specialist, who has been in the fitness industry for a decade. He has worked with hundreds of clients, and specializes in mentoring them on how to build long term sustainable habits using his key principles of mindset, motion and momentum. Turning health from a chore to a lifestyle.Scott is a unique and engaging speaker, coach, and host of the Power of Progress podcast. He prides himself on understanding the needs of those who wish to change their lives. Through storytelling, personal experience, and a refreshingly honest take on the fitness and nutrition industry, Scott empowers and inspires his audiences and clients to take congruent action to achieve their goals. His authentic, and ‘grip it and rip it’ style resonates with people to take practical steps to improve their lives.03:10 Introduction and Guest Welcome03:17 Understanding Mindset in Fitness04:50 Common Roadblocks to Weight Loss07:02 The Fear of Public Judgment09:57 The Yo-Yo Dieting Cycle15:24 Making Fitness a Lifestyle22:11 The Importance of Accountability28:18 Navigating Setbacks and Mental Preparation28:50 Accepting and Planning for Indulgences31:37 The Problem with Restrictive Diets35:03 Combating Food Addictions41:11 Building Consistent Healthy Habits44:36 The Importance of Mindset in Fitness and Nutrition49:32 Overview of the Coaching Program52:31 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More ContentConnect with Scott Friedman:YouTube ChannelApple PodcastsSpotifyWebsite Let's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn
  • 72. Ep. 72 Overcoming Patterns of Trauma & Stress with Krissy Loveman

    48:13||Season 3, Ep. 72
    In this episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess', host Michele interviews Krissy Loveman, a trauma-informed life coach. Krissy shares her journey from growing up in a conservative, fundamentalist environment to dealing with chronic pain and burnout. She discusses the pivotal moments and transformative practices, such as Jungian psychology and feminine movement pole dancing, that led her to become a life coach.  Krissy helps people build confidence and reclaim their power over anxiety, self-doubt, and people-pleasing. She coaches the conscious and unconscious mind to rewire neural pathways that create deep, lasting change. A self-described "psych nerd," Krissy loves to teach people how the brain and nervous system drive our behavioral patterns. She places a special emphasis on deprogramming notions that poor self-discipline or lack of willpower are the reasons we fail to change ourselves.  01:37 Introduction and Welcome01:45 Chrissy's Journey to Becoming a Trauma-Informed Life Coach03:27 The Role of Jungian Psychology and Feminine Movement05:07 Overcoming Physical and Emotional Challenges06:27 Understanding Trauma-Informed Coaching08:19 Listening to Your Body and Movement Practices12:08 Interrupting Negative Patterns and Stress Responses14:36 Tools for Real-Time Pattern Interruption19:31 The Power of Hypnosis and Visualization23:57 Maintaining Long-Term Change26:41 Understanding Self-Sabotage27:50 Interrupting Patterns with Tools28:26 The Science Behind Rewiring the Brain29:41 Childhood Roots of Self-Sabotage32:06 Workshops on Anxiety and People Pleasing34:57 Exploring Shadow Work and Archetypes41:20 S Factor Feminine Movement43:40 Coaching Programs and Contact Information46:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Krissy Loveman:WebsiteInstagram Let's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn
  • 71. Ep. 71 From Having MS to Becoming A Weightlifting Champion with Kim Rahir

    50:04||Season 3, Ep. 71
    In this episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess,' host Michele welcomes Kim, a health coach for middle-aged women, who shares her compelling backstory. Kim, a former journalist, opens up about her global travels, her battle with a severe autoimmune disease leading to multiple sclerosis (MS), and her transformative journey to reclaim her life through strength training. She discusses the physical and mental benefits of weightlifting, the challenges of living with MS, and how she became a European weightlifting champion. Kim also offers insightful advice on small daily habits, the importance of proper nutrition, and the empowering nature of physical strength for women, encouraging everyone to take the first step towards a healthier life today. Kim is a 60-year-old mother of three who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and decided to ignore her doctor's advice and muscle her way back to a happy life. Last year she became European Champion in Masters Weightlifting in her age and weight category. Her journey inspired her to leave her career in journalism in her 50s and become a health coach for middle aged women - with a big focus on reactivating and rebuilding muscle. Today, she helps women tap into an abundant source of vitality. It works by reactivating and maintaining muscle and eating to nourish and flourish.02:07 Kim's Journey to Becoming a Health Coach03:10 The First Autoimmune Episode04:38 The MS Diagnosis and Struggles07:35 Embracing Physical Strength11:11 Maintaining Motivation and Small Habits20:25 Diet and Autoimmune Diseases23:14 From MS Patient to Weightlifting Champion25:57 Joining the Gym at 5526:29 The Thrill of Competing28:45 Gratitude and Living in the Moment30:03 Discovering Meditation32:14 Coaching Midlife Women33:43 Strength Training Approach35:32 Nutrition and Support37:29 Encouragement to Start Today43:18 The Challenge of Change47:33 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Connect with Kim Rahir:LinkedInWebsiteFacebookEmail Let's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn  
  • 70. Ep. 70 Rediscovering Your Creative Vision with Celia Barsby

    44:49||Season 3, Ep. 70
    In this episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess,' I am joined by creative visionary Celia, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming childhood trauma and depression to become an empowering force for women seeking self-discovery and transformation. Celia explains the concept of a creative visionary and details her path, marked by personal loss and inner work, leading to a powerful breakthrough in her 40s. She emphasizes the importance of embracing life's messiness, using gardening analogies, and finding beauty and lessons in the mud. Celia also discusses resilience, the role of fear, and practical tools like creativity and color to help navigate and reshape life’s challenges. Listeners are encouraged to explore their own sources of joy and purpose, listen to their inner wisdom, and permit themselves to be authentically unique. Celia shares valuable insights from her book 'The Garden Party' and introduces her new membership program aimed at further supporting personal growth and creative exploration.Celia is an Amazon #1 best-selling author with her book, The Garden Party – Reawakening to Your Soul’s Purpose. She truly believes that your deepest wound holds your greatest medicine. For Celia she wanted to find meaning and purpose again, and now she wants to help other women do the same.01:30 Introduction and Welcome01:39 Understanding Creative Visionary02:48 Personal Journey and Childhood Wounds03:56 Navigating Through Messy Adolescence05:37 Breakdown to Breakthrough06:22 Tools for Reshaping Mindset20:16 Embracing Fear and Speaking Your Truth17:56 Connecting with Inner Wisdom23:254 Exploring Purpose and Creativity42:14 Resilience and Final ThoughtsConnect with Celia Barsby:LinkedInWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeFree Gift Let's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn
  • 69. Ep. 69 Creating Healthier Relationships with John Kenny

    56:52||Season 3, Ep. 69
    In this episode, Michele welcomes John Kenny, an award-winning relationship coach and founder of Interpersonal Relationship Coaching. John shares his journey from an early role as a confidant among peers to a firefighter, and ultimately pivoting to coaching after discovering a passion for psychotherapy. They discuss the critical impact of early relationships on adult relational dynamics, the role of self-belief in attracting healthy relationships, and techniques for overcoming self-sabotage. John also highlights his book 'The People Program,' his documentary 'Forget Me Not: The Child You Left Behind,' and his approach to therapeutic coaching.In this episode, we chat about:His early influences and career shiftsThe importance of understanding your patterns in relationshipsSelf-sabotage and how to overcome itWhy the relationship with yourself is the most crucial onePractical steps to attract and create positive relationshipsJohn Kenny is an award-winning Relationship Coach to People Who Want to Attract or Create Healthy Loving Relationships. Author, Speaker, Documentarian and host of The Relationship Guy Podcast.02:00 Introduction and Welcome02:09 John's Journey to Becoming a Relationship Coach05:59 The Importance of Relationships08:38 Understanding Relationship Patterns16:19 Mindset and Attracting Healthy Relationships20:01 Overcoming Negative Self-Beliefs28:27 Dealing with Past Relationships31:24 Understanding Self-Sabotage32:00 Imposter Syndrome in Relationships35:32 Settling in Relationships38:06 Finding Personal Fulfillment41:49 Purpose and Success46:22 Coaching Philosophy and Approach54:01 Resources and Contact InformationConnect with John Kenny:LinkedInWebsiteFacebook Let's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn
  • 68. Ep. 68 Travel Mania with Karen Gershowitz

    01:01:55||Season 3, Ep. 68
    In this episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess,' Karen Gershowitz shares her incredible journey of becoming a world traveler. Having visited over 95 countries and authored two books, Karen dives into the inspirations behind her travels, her passion for connecting with locals, and her experiences traveling solo. She recounts memorable encounters from all over the globe, discusses the unique foods she’s tried, and gives practical advice on overcoming travel fears. Karen also touches on the impacts of her travels on her personal growth, spirituality, and perspectives on different cultures and religions. She provides listeners with tips for safe and enriching travels, whether exploring nearby places or venturing overseas. 01:45 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:59 Inspiration Behind World Travels04:02 Traveling Solo: Tips and Experiences06:06 Overcoming Fear While Traveling12:42 Memorable Encounters and Friendships18:04 Cultural Insights and Personal Growth22:00 Journaling and Documenting Travels26:08 Challenging Travel Experiences32:46 Helping Tourists in Manhattan33:45 Traveling Across the United States and Canada34:14 Exploring Indiana's Hidden Gems36:42 Overcoming Fear of Travel37:22 Dream Destinations and Bucket Lists39:23 The Beauty of the United States42:31 The Translator Experience in Singapore46:15 Writing and Publishing Travel Books56:58 Travel Tips and Final Thoughts Connect with Karen Gershowitz:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebook Let's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn 
  • 67. Ep. 67 Kari Schwear's Journey Out Of The Gray Area

    54:57||Season 3, Ep. 67
    In this heartfelt episode of 'The Beauty In The Mess,' host Michele welcomes Kari Schwear, a coach and author. Kari delves into the concept of gray area drinking, where individuals are neither social drinkers nor alcoholics but struggle with moderate alcohol use. Kari emphasizes the importance of individuals regulating their emotions and to make lasting changes. She also shares insights on the transformative power of breathwork and the integral role of faith in her journey.Kari is an Executive Lifestyle Gray Area Coach specializing in the many gray areas we have in our lives, particularly with gray area drinking. Her zone of genius is in habit creation, communication, leadership development and intentional living by design.As a former gray area drinker, Kari founded GrayTonic & the Question the Drink movement in 2018 after her own experience of “living in the gray” led her to the service of others. She offers individual and group coaching for business leaders seeking wellness, performance, and better relationships without alcohol. Kari has also co-authored two books, The Successful Mind, Tools for Living a Purposeful, Productive, and Happy Life, along with her second book, Limitless, a Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller!02:10 Introduction and Welcome02:18 Kari's Personal Journey05:08 Discovering Gray Area Drinking05:47 Understanding Gray Areas in Life14:10 The Decide Model of Change23:55 The Saber Method for Emotional Regulation27:50 Radical Honesty and Inner Guidance28:47 The Power of Choice29:19 Planting Seeds of Change29:49 The Journey to Sobriety31:27 Finding Support and Guidance32:01 The Birth of a Coaching Career34:52 Embracing Breathwork37:27 The Importance of Self-Relationship39:03 Overcoming Trauma and Identity44:16 The Role of Gratitude46:15 Building a Coaching Business49:21 Sharing Stories and Wisdom52:38 Final Thoughts and EncouragementConnect with Kari Schwear:LinkedInWebsiteInstagram Let's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn
  • 66. Ep. 66 School Safety: The First Five Minutes Could Save Your Child's Life with Daniel Dluzneski

    50:39||Season 3, Ep. 66
    Join me on The Beauty In The Mess for an enlightening conversation on "School Safety: The First Five Minutes Can Save Your Child’s Life" with Daniel Dluzneski! With the school year just beginning, school safety and what to do when there is an active shooter are very important and relevant topics! 🌟👩‍⚕️In this episode, Dan shares his journey from being in the Secret Service to becoming the Coordinator of Emergency Management, Safety and Security for one of the largest school districts in Florida. There, he was responsible for the safety of over 100,000 students in 140 schools! 💡❤️Dan stresses that you should talk to your kids about their school's emergency drills! It might be difficult, but understanding how schools handle crises is crucial. As a parent or guardian, you need to know how your school plans to handle such an emergency. There are less than optimum plans being implemented at some schools. 🏫🔒Ask your children:Are they locking down the classrooms?Having the kids literally run out of classrooms?Throwing objects at the gunman during drills?What are the kids being told to do?You need to know the statistically best way that things should be handled, and you need to know how your school is handling it. If you have concerns, attend school board meetings & make your voice heard. A united group of parents can drive change. If that doesn’t work, seek out your legislators. 📣02:00 Introduction: Engaging with Your Kids40:37 Understanding School Emergency Drills40:55 Parental Involvement and School Safety41:35 Taking Action: School Board and Legislation42:25 Resources for Proper Emergency Drills42:40 Conclusion: Leveraging Available InformationConnect with Dan Dluzneski:LinkedInThe First Five Minutes: School Shooting Survival Guide for Administrators and Teachers Let's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn