The Stumbling Spirit

Clinical psychologist and mindfulness advocate Chris Germer once said, “A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.” All season long, I am exploring the connection between compassion and resilience. Someone who knows a lot about this topic is Markus Bohlmann. Markus is a practitioner and certified teacher of the renowned research-based Mindful Self-Compassion program created by Chris Germer and his esteemed colleague Kristin Neff. Markus is also an energy worker in the heart-based Brazilian shamanic tradition called Fogo Sagrado. In this episode, Markus Bohlmann shares his insights on the essence of compassion and he explains its relationship to resilience.Guest information:Website: https://markusbohlmann.comInstagram: @markusbohlmannEmail: markuspjbohlmann@gmail.com

Antonio Lennert has surfed many waves whether off the coast of his native Brazil or in the frigid Great Lakes of Canada. Antonio channeled his passion for riding waves into a successful surf school with his husband, Lucas. Sadly, tragedy struck just before Antonio’s 40th birthday when his partner passed away to cancer. Antonio's profound loss took him on an odyssey of deep healing, self-discovery and transformation that inspired a new purpose. With an interdisciplinary background ranging from business to neuroscience, Antonio combines his academic training with his lived experiences as a professional leadership coach. In this touching interview, Antonio opens up about his journey through grief and the ebb and flow of life.Guest information:Instagram: @antoniolennertWebsite: https://www.theridein.com/

After a long career in the tech industry, Carla Affe left her prominent position as a sales account manager during the pandemic to start her own wellness practice that focuses on Reiki, mindfulness and complementary modalities such as reflexology and aromatherapy. In this episode, Carla talks about what inspired her to shift from software sales to holistic wellness and she explains why energy care and raising our vibration are essential now more than ever.Guest information:Instagram: @purelifehealingWebsite: https://www.purelifehealing.ca/

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (or ALS) affects more than 200,000 people globally. In Canada alone, approximately 4000 people live with this disease. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s or motor neuron disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that disrupts the transmission of brain signals to muscles throughout the body, rendering them inactive over time. While there is no cure for ALS, there is promising research and emerging treatments to unlock this disease and improve the quality of life for people with this terminal condition. With the help of voice cloning technology, Allen Braude opens up about his life with ALS and shares his message of hope.Resources:International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations (https://www.als-mnd.org)The ALS Society of Canada (https://als.ca)ALS Action Canada (https://www.alsactioncanada.org)

Autism affects roughly 62 million people in the world. That is approximately 1 in 100 people. In the United States, just over 2% of the adult population is on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, data shows that many autistic people are unemployed and underemployed even among those with other disabilities. Helping to reverse this trend and improve the lives of neurodivergent people is Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech. This groundbreaking tech company's mission is to hire neurodivergent thinkers and build on their strengths to deliver high quality digital services and solutions. Put another way, more than 90% of Aspiritech’s workforce has autism. In this episode, Tara May demystifies neurodiversity and explains why DEI and accommodation are the keys to corporate success.Guest information:LinkedInWebsite: https://aspiritech.org/

Renée Sferrazza is a celebrated sommelier, wine critic and TV personality with a thriving following on social media. Based in Toronto, Renée has channeled her expertise into a successful venture called, Wine by Renée. Even so, her quest of fermenting her passion into a full-bodied business did not come easy. Ten years ago, Renée was unhoused and with only $500 to her name, she enrolled in a course to start her sommelier certification. That investment paid off. Renée opens up about the spicy, lively and complex notes of her transformation to become the go-to wine expert in Canada.Guest information:Instagram: @wine.by.reneeWebsite: https://reneesferrazza.com/

Shawn Clearsky Davies is the subject of award-winning documentary, Clear Sky. Still on the festival circuit, this unfiltered portrait has garnered international attention and praise for its real-time examination of the road to recovery of an addict in search of himself and his Indigenous culture. This inspirational account tackles childhood trauma, identity, spirituality and rehab with the help of long distance running, psychedelic-assisted therapy and sacred sweat-lodge ceremonies. Anishinaabe of the Ojibwe Nation, Shawn Clearsky Davies, opens up about his acclaimed film and transformative healing journey.Guest information:Instagram: @mizhakwad

According to Pia Mailhot-Leichter, life is the ultimate canvas. In her soul-nourishing book, "Welcome to The Creative Club - Make Life Your Biggest Art Project," Pia reflects on her past struggles, salutes her former self as a globetrotting nomad and totally re-writes her script in the name of creativity and manifesting her dreams. Today, Pia applies her expertise as a creative director, certified coach and entrepreneur to help others harness their creativity and paint their one-of-a-kind masterpiece called life. In this episode, Pia talks about her best-selling book and shares her insights on the power of creative rebellion.Guest informationEmail: pia@kollectiv.studioWebsite: https://kollectiv.studioBook available on Amazon and Bookshop.org

In January, 2026, Minneapolis dominated news headlines with US federal officers taking over city streets, making arrests at gunpoint and executing innocent civilians. While Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claimed to be cracking down on criminal aliens, it targeted undocumented workers and immigrant families, many of whom are people of colour without criminal records. At the same time, anti-ICE protesters were pepper sprayed and shot at with rubber bullets. Julia is a Minneapolis resident and community organizer who is part of the resistance movement. In our conversation, Julia opens up about her advocacy and what really happened on the ground in her home state of Minnesota.Note: This interview was recorded on 6 February 2026.