The Stumbling Spirit

It's a wrap! Season 3 is now complete and host, Fabio da Silva Fernandes, goes down memory lane as he reflects on two major themes from this year's show:The importance of connection in our lives;And, the similarities and differences between resilience and survival.Special thanks to all of my amazing guests for sharing their compelling stories and expertise, and to all of my listeners for their ongoing support. Season 4 will commence in March, 2026!Guest information:Ep 01: Gary van der Meer (https://www.stjohnsottawa.com/)Ep 02: Anthony Patrick Manieri (https://anthonypatrickmanieri.com/) Ep 03: Heidi Bornstein (https://mindfulnesseveryday.org/)Ep 04: Anthony Smith (Instagram: @anthonynsmith)Ep 05: Niiamah Ashong (https://niiamahashong.com/)Ep 06: Jonathan Barichivich (https://jbarichivich.github.io/)Ep 07: Himla Soodyall (Email: himla@assaf.org.za)Ep 08: Edit B. Kiss (https://editbkiss.com/)Ep 09: Nicole Manes (https://nicolemanes.com)Ep 10: Alysa Reese (https://www.northstarmystic.com)Ep 11: Emily Gong (https://www.aact.community/)Ep 12: Leigh Whiting (https://www.sunstonecentre.com/)Ep 13: Jade Pichette (https://prideatwork.ca/)Ep 14: Michael Saver (https://www.michaelsaver.com/)Ep 15: Andy Campbell (https://www.askandycampbell.com/)Ep 16: Lauren Walker (https://www.athomeandabroadpodcast.com/)Ep 17: Jeyda Deyna (https://www.torontobreathwork.com/)

You might have recently come across various social media ads showing people on mats rhythmically panting followed by scenes of them sobbing and receiving emotional support with a gentle hand. Celebrity appeal has popularized this practice, which is part of a mindfulness industry worth billions of dollars. I’m talking about Breath Work - one of the top wellness trends at the moment. This body-based approach is said to release and transform emotional trauma, relieve mental stress and enhance general well-being. Jeyda Deyna is a Breath Work practitioner based in Toronto, and in this extensive interview, she shares her expertise and explains why this popular somatic practice is both healing and transformative.Guest information:Website: https://www.torontobreathwork.com/Email: jeyda@torontobreathwork.comInstagram: @torontobreathwork

Arguably the greatest scientific mind who ever lived, Albert Einstein once said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” And, iconic musician, David Bowie, once linked his drive to write songs to his “malevolent curiosity.” This inquisitive quality seems to not only spark new ideas and insights but also inspire creativity and growth. But what is curiosity? Why is it central to the human experience? And, why do we sometimes fear it and even block it? These are some of the questions I explore with Lauren Walker, co-author of "The Curiosity Reset - Embrace the Child Within and Discover Your True Path." In this illuminating conversation, Lauren gives us a framework for mapping our own curiosity.Guest information:Website: https://www.athomeandabroadpodcast.com/Instagram: @harrisandwalkerBook (Amazon): The Curiosity Reset - Embrace the Child Within and Discover Your True Path

When it comes to genetics, some might say that Andy Campbell drew the short end of the stick. Born predisposed to cancer-causing mutations to the BRCA1 gene, Andy has seen his mother and all three of his aunts die of breast cancer, and in 2018, he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. As if life wasn’t challenging enough, a few years into his chemo treatment Andy’s youngest son tragically ended his life. Despite his heartbreak, Andy’s faith in God has helped him persevere with his wife and children by his side. Andy has also authored a book called, "Overcoming Life’s Toughest Setbacks - 15 Core Beliefs to Transform Challenge into Opportunities." In this heart-rending and inspirational interview, Andy bravely talks about the impact of losing his son to suicide, shares his personal story through cancer, and he explains how he was able to see the world in colour again.Guest Information:Website: https://www.askandycampbell.com/Suicide Crisis and Prevention Resources:Suicide Crisis Hotline (Canada/USA): 9-8-8National Suicide Prevention Hotline (UK): 0800 587 0800International Suicide Crisis Lines

Set in the spring of 1973, "Lost Village" is a riveting story of what happens when a displaced Canadian town, robbed of its identity, is confronted with its fakeness and deadly secrets. It’s about the inhabitants who struggle to be themselves and tell the truth, and those who are determined to ruin and silence them - including blackmail and murder. Inspired by true events of his upbringing in rural Ontario, Michael Saver reimagines the past in his debut murder mystery novel about three teenaged boys who are on a journey of discovering their uniqueness through music and self-exploration, while trying to outsmart a vicious killer. In this exclusive interview, Michael tells us why sexual identity is a central theme in his groundbreaking story of fiction.Guest information:Website: https://www.michaelsaver.com/

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (or DEI) policies were originally devised to ensure equal opportunities and protections for everyone in the workplace and in higher education. However, such programs are under attack by the current US administration and many multinational corporations and prominent universities have followed suit by ending or rolling back their DEI initiatives. In Canada, there are efforts to protect and improve DEI programs across the board. Jade Pichette is a Trans advocate and DEI professional with Pride At Work Canada - an organization dedicated to creating more inclusive work environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. In our conversation, Jade talks about the DEI landscape in Canada and explains the significance of having safe and inclusive spaces for all equity deserving groups.Guest information:Website: https://prideatwork.ca/Email: jade.pichette@prideatwork.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadepichette/

Qi is the universal life force. It is the cosmic energy that flows through all things. This concept is present in several Asian holistic modalities including Feng Shui. With origins in China, this ancient divination practice dates as far back as 4000 BCE and is still in use today. Drawing upon elements of the natural and celestial realms, Feng Shui is said to influence the flow of energy in our physical world to clear out blockages, restore harmony and balance, and, enhance wellbeing and good fortune. As a Professional Feng Shui Master and Teacher, Leigh Whiting is an expert in this complex art of energy flow and in our fascinating discussion, she talks about how we can use it to our advantage.Guest information:Website: https://www.sunstonecentre.com/Instagram: @sunstone_centreEmail: sunstonecentre@gmail.com

The Asian diaspora has made countless contributions to the growth, success and tapestry of nations around the world. For example, in Canada, Chinese immigrants helped to build the railway which has since become a symbol of Canadian unity. Asians make up 20% of the Canadian population, yet racism persists and anti-Asian hate crime is on the rise. Helping to raise awareness of these issues is Emily Gong, co-founder of Asian Arts and Culture Trust - a Toronto-based organization whose mission is to provide a platform for Asian newcomers and immigrants to tell their stories through art. In our conversation, Emily explains how creative expression brings people together and helps break down systemic barriers.Guest information:Website: https://www.aact.community/Email: aact.canada@gmail.com ; emilygong1@gmail.comInstagram: @aact.community

Since ancient times, astrologers have studied the stars and planetary cycles to offer celestial explanations for earthly events, energy shifts and life circumstances of the past, present, and future. Tarot card reading is another form of divination which came into prominence in the 18th century. And today, if you scroll through your social media feeds, chances are you have seen a multitude of content creators who have combined both of these esoteric practices to guide you through life’s ups and downs based on your zodiac sign. Alysa Reese is an expert on both of these systems of divination with three decades of experience as a Western Astrologer and Master Tarot Reader and Teacher. Also known as the North Star Mystic, Alysa demystifies the art of divination and gives us a tutorial on the stars and cards.Guest information:Website: https://www.northstarmystic.comEmail: hello@northstarmystic.comInstagram: @north_star_mystic