Shows
The Human ChallengeRebulding The House: Canada's Justice SystemSince childhood, Sara developed maladaptive behaviours growing up in a tiny shack with no electricity and an abusive father who sold her to the sex trade at the age of three. In and out of foster care for much of her life, it was finding herself in prison where Sara finally decided it was time to seek support and services for her mental health. Initially denied, she fought for access to services, and for what she couldn’t receive, she taught herself. Since her release, nothing has stopped her from fighting for justice. In her role at Northpine Foundation, Sa...
2026-02-1947 minThe Human ChallengeDear God: Is Anyone There?Cheri Chafin Norris was 16 years old when she became addicted to methamphetamine — and her father’s drug dealer. She wrote to God through her journals for 20 years, recently digging through them to put together her new book, The Purpose of Abundance, re-discovering her own connection to God, the miracles that were always in front of her, and religion's reflection in modern society. She sifts through experiences dealing with addiction, recovery, and relationships, dismantling shame along the way. Now, a speaker, entrepreneur, and investor, Cheri helps incarcerated people find jobs, reminding us the wisdom of God is always available, even when it fee...
2026-02-0536 minThe Human ChallengeSPECIAL: The Making Of... Transform The NightIn this episode, I talk about headlining Transform The Night and how it all came to be with opening act, DJ Seith, and speaker, Karen Bird, Founder of Nakehndan.Transform The Night was a benefit concert held on Sunday, September 28th, 2025. With a contribution from Northern Credit Union, we were able to contribute $3,000 CAD to our community spotlight partner, Nakehndan, supporting Indigenous survivors of abuse across Northern Ontario.Headliner: Vanessa Ferlaino Opening Artist: DJ SeithCommunity Spotlight: Nakehndan Speaker: Vanessa FerlainoSpeaker: Karen Bird...
2026-01-0111 minThe Human ChallengeSPECIAL: Transform The NightOn Sunday, September 28th, award-winning artist, Vanessa Ferlaino, headlined Transform The Night. With a contribution from Northern Credit Union, we were able to contribute $3,000 CAD to our community spotlight partner, Nakehndan, supporting Indigenous survivors of abuse across Northern Ontario.00:00 - Headliner Speaker: Vanessa Ferlaino26:21 - Community Spotlight Speaker: Karen Bird, Founder of Nakehndan33:44 - Headliner Performance: Vanessa Ferlaino1:21:55 - Closing & CreditsHeadliner: Vanessa FerlainoCommunity Spotlight: NakehndanSpeaker: Vanessa FerlainoSpeaker: Karen Bird / NakehndanVenue: The Speakeasy
2026-01-011h 23The Human ChallengeThe Road To LiberationInjustice comes in many forms in Hebron, the largest city in The West Bank, and the epicentre of The Arab-Israeli Conflict. Jehad has not forgotten the survival mechanisms, the suffocating permits, or the violence that fuel his social justice work in Canada, where he has led some of Ontario’s largest organizations and supported various minoritized communities since his arrival in 1988.But Hebron is home for Jehad, who also has memories of family, culture, bustling city streets, fresh bread, and Enab Dibs. His Palestinian culture is something he has been able to explore deeper in Canada wh...
2025-12-1833 minThe Human ChallengeMother Of A SurvivorIn 2012, Karen Bird’s life took a turn; her teenage daughter disclosed she had been sexually abused. "Mother Of A Survivor" shows the eleven-year healing journey of a mother and her family, leading to the creation of Nakehndan, a non-profit weaving Indigenous and modern healing modalities for sexual abuse survivors to heal as a family unit. Filmed at the beautiful Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG), an Indigenous higher learning institute in Baawaating, Vanessa sits down with Karen Bird about how it all came to be — and how landing the CEO role at Batchewana First Nations brought her back home.
2025-11-2037 minThe Human ChallengeEmpathy in Storytelling: Behind the Scenes with Vanessa FerlainoIn this episode of The Human Challenge, host @vanessaferlaino reflects on her conversation with Bayan Khatib, co-founder of The Syrian Canadian Foundation. Vanessa shares insights into the art of storytelling, creating safe spaces for discussing traumatic experiences, and the importance of empathy in narrative. In this behind-the-scenes episode, discover how storytelling can build a more cohesive society.--The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel. Don't forget to subscribe! Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!...
2025-11-0607 minThe Human ChallengeFrom Silence to Activism: A Journey of Syrian ResilienceJoin Vanessa Ferlaino on "The Human Challenge" as she sits down with Bayan Khatib, co-founder of The Syrian Canadian Foundation. Bayan recounts her journey from Aleppo, Syria to Canada, highlighting her pivotal role in activism and the fight for a free Syria. From translating a powerful memoir of human rights violations to leading community efforts, Bayan's story is one of resilience and hope. Tune in to hear about her experiences, the challenges faced, and her hopes for Syria's future. The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her channel. D...
2025-10-3017 min
The Book CoverVANESSA FERLAINO - human: EXPANSIVE EDITIONVanessa Ferlaino is a two-time award-winning author, host of The Human Challenge, and founder of The Being Human Foundation. As a Certified 200-hr Mindfulness Teacher — Professional Level (CMT-P), she specializes in trauma-informed offerings and social justice. She holds numerous board positions and offers free mentorship to returning citizens with a history of incarceration. Vanessa is humbled by the recognition from national and international news outlets, including CTV, CityNews, and more.In this, human: Expansive Edition, Vanessa revisits core themes of her award-winning book, human, five years later. With ripened wisdom and raw vulnerability, she challenges her own in...
2025-10-1634 minThe Human ChallengeEp 50 Connecting Inner and Outer Worlds: 50th Episode CelebrationWe made it! There's so much to celebrate in this 50th milestone episode of The Human Challenge! Join host, Vanessa Ferlaino, who confirms our recent announcement that we are officially on Rogers TV! Vanessa also shares insights from her new book, recaps the launch party, and tells us some new things we can expect from the podcast, including community spotlights, new themes, and solo episodes! Vanessa also reflects on her journey, the connection between healing and liberation, and bringing our inner and outer worlds together for real change."Thanks so much for staying with me! I...
2025-10-1610 minThe Human ChallengeEp 49 Small Town, Big Dreams ft. NCAA Champion Abigail FoggIn this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of professional basketball player, Abigail Fogg, who rose from the humble roots of smalltown Sault Ste Marie in Northern Ontario, and made her mark as a 5-year NCAA champion and 8-year international professional basketball player. Discover the challenges she faced, the triumphs she celebrated, and the lessons she learned along the way. We also discuss the evolution of women's sports, and what she thinks needs to happen for women's sports to sustain its peak. Tune in for an inspiring story that will motivate and captivate you from the start.
2025-10-0630 minThe Human ChallengeEp 48 Healing Together: Chip's Path from Prison to PurposeIn this heartfelt episode, we hear from Chip Skowron, MD/PhD and former CEO of Prison Entrepreneurship Program, who takes us through the double life he lived since childhood and how he found peace with himself following the four years he spent in prison for insider trading. Emerging with a renewed sense of purpose, Chip shares how Vanessa's new book served as a poignant reminder of the power of community and healing that he experienced while in prison. While touching on the foreword he wrote for Vanessa's book, he also shares the soul...
2025-08-2822 minThe Human ChallengeEp 47 Feed U With Trees ft Author Elspeth HayIn this episode of The Human Challenge, Elspeth Hay, author of ""Feed Us With Trees" and host of the Local Food Report on Cape Cod's NPR station, joins us. We explore the fascinating world of acorns and their potential as a superfood, delving into the historical and ecological significance of nut trees. Elspeth shares her journey of discovering the interconnectedness of humans and ecosystems, challenging the dominant narratives of food production and colonial legacies, including Elspeth's ancestral and healing work. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on rethinking our relationship with the natural world and embracing sustainable practices. #Sustainability...
2025-07-2020 minThe Human ChallengeEp 46 Emily O'Brien Makes A Comeback With Comeback Snacks!It's been 10 years since Emily O'Brien found herself in prison. "A lot of people think in prison that you have nothing," she says, "but if you reframe it as a place where you have everything, you can kind of create anything you want." Following that mindset, Emily created the idea for Comeback Snacks, Popcorn so good, it’s criminal, while incarcerated. In this episode of The Human Challenge, Emily shares her journey of incarceration, how she built Comeback Snacks to see 60% growth in 2024, and how she continues to find new opportunities for people with a history of incarceration. This in...
2025-04-1717 minThe Human ChallengeEp 45 Sparrow in the Razor Wire ft Defy Ventures' Quan HuynhQuan Huynh has been described as a mighty warrior, a magician, and a mountain of goodness. He spent 22 years of his life behind bars for murder. In the midst of a life sentence, he found his freedom from within and wishes to share that freedom with others. He is the bestselling author of Sparrow in the Razor Wire: Finding Freedom from Within While Serving a Life Sentence and is also the Executive Director, Southern California at Defy Ventures.Quan wrote his book to share after being pushed by 4X NYT-bestselling author, Tucker Max. He shares how...
2025-02-2724 minThe Human ChallengeEp 44 Rewriting the History of The Americas: Decolonizing Archaeology25 years after finding herself divorced, a single mom of three kids with a truck, 26 cents, and a grade education, Dr. Paulette Steeves, Cree Métis author of "The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere", walked across the stage receiving her PhD with honours. She had already been told of her legacy that would shed truth on Indigenous history by an Elder at the time of her divorce, but it was in that moment, she finally understood what it was: to rewrite the history of The Americas.Through her PhD, Dr. Steeves had the opportunity to conduct r...
2025-01-2319 minThe Human ChallengeEp 43 Returning Citizens ft Robert Gil Jr From Prison Entrepreneurship ProgramIn this episode of "The Human Challenge", an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier, Vanessa sits down with Robert Gil Jr, Re-entry Manager at Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Houston, in this inspiring and vulnerable conversation to breakdown barriers for returning citizens. From drug dealer to case manager, Robert showcases his journey through incarceration, including personal revelations, post-release anxieties, and his continued support for returning citizens."You cannot spell community without unity," he says, highlighting the power of brotherhood he discovered while going through Prison Entrepreneurship Program as a returning citizen himself. Now, he supports these...
2024-11-2818 minThe Human ChallengeEp 42 Repair Movement & Displacement ft Mathew Lubari "Refugee is a title, given to someone who is a displaced person, but it does not change the right to [their] data", says Mathew Lubari, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Community Creativity for Development (CC4D). Mathew joined the show from Rhino Refugee Camp in Uganda. Mathew's passion for technology repair, and what is know as the "Repair Movement", a movement that increases awareness of repair of everyday items, started as a young boy watching his father tinker with repairing technology in his own home. After his own experiences, including the locking of...
2024-11-0727 minThe Human ChallengeEp 41 Real Talk with Moroccan-Yemeni Singer AŸAMoroccan-Yemeni artist, AŸA, is back on The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier", with new music, new live tracks on vinyl, and new stories! This music is deeply personal to AŸA, as she navigates grief from the loss of a dear friend of hers and the ongoing horrors the world is witnessing in Palestine, where she has family and friends. She shares how music has helped her through this journey and how she believes music is the way to capture time and stories in history.Listen to he...
2024-10-2423 minThe Human ChallengeEp 40 Pretty Boys ft Star Trek Actor Doug Jones & Actor/Producer/Writer Matt EdwardsYou might know Matt Edwards as your jack-of-all-trades actor/producer/writer and Doug Jones from one of your favourite franchises like Hocus Pocus, Hellboy 1 & 2, Star Trek, and Fantastic Four -- but get to know them in a more human light in this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023.This budding Hollywood friendship will warm your hearts as they come together in their next project, Pretty Boys, a comedy short film about a washed up Hollywood Star, his estranged son, and the disastrous road trip that just might bring them b...
2024-10-1726 minThe Human ChallengeEp 39 Feminism & Intersectionality At The Border: Judith Cabrera From Borderline Crisis Center** Please be welcome to note sensitive content is discussed, including sexual violence in relation to corrective punishments experienced by trans peoples. **"Solidarity is power," says activist, Judith Cabrera, Co-Director of Borderline Crisis Center, a shelter for migrant women and kids on the border of US/Mexico.Borderline Crisis Center started as a call-center for migrants to connect with their family as soon as they crossed the border. But after Judith's partner and founder of the center, Daniel Ruiz, was targeted by organized crime who burned down their location, they were forced to move...
2024-10-1034 minThe Human ChallengeEp 38 Decriminalizing Poverty ft Jason Wang CEO / FreeWorldIn our new segment, New Beginnings, supported by The Being Human Foundation, Vanessa speaks to CEO/Founder of FreeWorld, Jason Wang, a tech non-profit that trains and places people with criminal histories into the trucking industry.At the age of 15, Jason was incarcerated for a 1st degree felony (Aggravated Robbery) and given a 12-year sentence at a maximum security prison in Texas. Even though he was released early due to prison reform work he did with Texas senators and went on to obtain 2 masters degrees in four years, no one would hire him. When he started...
2024-09-1931 minThe Human ChallengeEp 37 Summoned by Earth With Honourary Lama Cynthia JursLama Cynthia Jurs' commitment to healing Mother Earth began in the 1990s in the Himalayas, visiting a a 106 year-old Tibetan Buddhist in the Himalayas where she was told to bury Earth Treasure Vases. Since then, Cynthia has buried almost 100 vases across the world, including Libya, Congo, Australia, New Mexico, and more! The journey is meticulously documented in her new book, "Summoned by Earth", released in March 2024. Her commitment to this mission resulted in her being officially ordained as an honourary lama. In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023...
2024-09-0538 minThe Human ChallengeEp 36 Cycling Across Canada in 30 Days ft Wings Of Survival Co-FoundersThey're baaaaack! On this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023", Leanna Carriere and Timm Döbert are back to talk about their recent cycling trip across Canada to support the 30x30 initiative, a United Nations goal of protecting 30% of land and water by 2030.You might remember them (how could you forget this dynamic duo, Canada's First Woman Decathlete and a Global Change Ecologist?) from previous episodes where they spoke about their Wings of Survival expedition to support restoration efforts of the Pacific Americas Flyway. The Cross-Canada trek served as a...
2024-08-2931 minThe Human ChallengeEp 35 Research Corner: From Incarceration To Entrepreneurship ft Kylie Hwang / Kellogg School of BusinessWith over 2.11 million people incarcerated as of 2018, almost 600,000 people per year reenter society from incarceration with little re-integration support, leading to over 66% of formerly incarcerated people rearrested within three years of reentry. Kylie Hwang saw this firsthand while working at a background check company, and noticed that most solutions focused on supporting formerly incarcerated individuals with employment, but ignored those who turned to entrepreneurship due to labour market discrimination. Intrigued, Kylie pursued her Doctoral Studies.Now, an Assistant Professor at Kellogg School of Business, she recently co-published "Entrepreneurship as a Response to Labor...
2024-08-1428 minThe Human ChallengeEp 34 The Walls Have Eyes: Border and Surveillance Technology ft Petra MolnarIt took 6 years for Petra Molnar to write "The Walls Have Eyes", a book showcasing the use of technology in immigration and migrant affairs. As a lawyer and anthropology specializing in human rights, the book documents both research and true stories of people on the move that she herself has supported in their own journeys to freedom. Petra joins Vanessa on The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023" to talk about the use of technology along US-Mexico and in Greece to facilitate pushback operations;in refugee camps used as digital prisons...
2024-08-0131 minThe Human ChallengeEp 33 Earth & Soul ft Award-Winning Author Leah RampyOn this episode of The Human Challenge, Leah Rampy, award-winning author of "Earth & Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos", talks about the story of separation and "otherness" we have a society have been living in a predominant Western culture. To her, the biggest human challenge is that "being human is not about being separate... being human is about being part of that incredibly family tree... we are a leaf on it, but we are not the tree." Leah offers wise words about attention and intention to invite us to be more human to ourselves navigating a separated...
2024-07-2324 minThe Human ChallengeEp 32 Building A "Reuse" Empire ft Jessica Gonzalez / Happen VenturesJessica Gonzalez is one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in New Jersey. Jessica was EY Entrepreneur of the year award runner up 2019 + 2021, 50 Best Women in Business NJ, Women, Minority, & Small Business Enterprise Certified, NGLCC® LGBTBE® Certified, and has been published over 100 times in Forbes, Huffington Post, and INC. Magazine. Jessica is the CEO of Happen Ventures, a latina-owned social enterprise that supports organizations in adopting "reuse" principles by finding expired or damaged goods/products a new home with people in-need through local community and non-profit partnerships. Did you know that "reuse" is ac...
2024-07-0917 min
Into the UnknownEP51: Living Authentically: A Journey Through Identity, Art, and Transformation with Vanessa FerlainoOn this episode of "Into the Unknown" Join us for a captivating conversation with Vanessa Ferlaino, a trailblazer in both innovation and social impact investing. With a decade of experience as an award-winning corporate innovator and entrepreneur, Vanessa has successfully raised substantial funds, including $775K in just 36 hours and $100K over three months for impact investments. Her impressive educational background and mindful approach to leadership, honed through certifications and degrees from prestigious institutions, underpin her unique perspective. In this episode, Vanessa delves into the challenges and rewards of living authentically in a world that often pressures us to conform...
2024-06-1330 minThe Human ChallengeEp 31 Research Corner: The Truth About Immigration ft Wharton Professor Zeke HernandezThere are two main narratives we are told about welcoming immigrants into our countries: that they harm society by taking jobs or that it is our "moral responsibility" to support immigrants. But are these truly representative of the value immigrants offer our society?Is there a third narrative that tells us otherwise?Zeke Hernandez, Professor at Wharton School of Business and author of "The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers", joins Vanessa on The Human Challenge to share more about this third narrative, the data behind it, and his own personal...
2024-06-1115 minThe Human ChallengeEp 30 Impact In Media ft Waterbear's Chief Impact Officer Poppy Mason-WattsHave you ever felt so passionate about a cause that it made you swim the English channel?Well, Poppy Mason-Watts, Chief Growth and Impact Officer of WaterBear, has! What is WaterBear? It is more than a streaming platform; it is a community! WaterBear is the home of captivating films and thought-provoking series that empower you to lead a meaningful life. You can watch this powerful social good content for free (always!) and without ads.Poppy joins The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" and shares all...
2024-05-0332 minThe Human ChallengeEp 29 Free Palestine ft Activists Frank Barat, Yara Jamal, Paula SahyounOn this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, Vanessa speaks with producer, author, activist, Frank Barat; Yara Jamal, co-founder of Free Palestine Halifax; and Paula Sahyoun, founder of the Palestine Impact Collective to learn about how we can move toward collective liberation. Touching on their own endeavours to support the Palestinian cause, they also discuss the lack of accountability of the media, human rights vs political agenda, how fear has played a huge role in suppressing the voices of Gaza, and most importantly, how it is shifting -- and...
2024-04-2525 minThe Human ChallengeEp 28 - From Olympian To EDTECH Company: Julia Rivard's StoryAfter witnessing her son's challenges with reading, Canadian Olympian-turned-entrepreneur, Julia Rivard, started Shoelace Learning to create engaging applications to improve reading. Julia shares about her upbringing from Northern Ontario, her journey to the Australian Olympics, and how she approached her "athlete retirement" as an opportunity to reinvent herself -- which led to Shoelace Learning. Julia is particularly passionate about inclusive learning in schools for educators and students; she shares Shoelace's JEDI content review process to maintain their commitment to DEI in education. Recorded during International Women's Month, Julia and Vanessa get incredibly vulnerable...
2024-04-1145 minThe Human ChallengeEp 27 Period Equity In Remote Communities ft Nicole White / Moontime ConnectionsNicole White, founder of Moontime Connections, joined Vanessa on "The Human Challenge", an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023" to talk about period inequities in the remote communities. Moontime Connections, along with their partner True North Aid, collects and distributes period products for women in remote communities across Canada.Nicole also talks about their new research, completed in partnership with the Department of Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan, a first-of-its-kind study offers vital and much-needed insights into menstrual-related needs in remote northern communities as well as the experiences of Indigenous menstruators. Moon Time Connections (MTC...
2024-04-0434 minThe Human ChallengeEp 26 JUNO Nominee Jah'Mila's Reggae Roots From Jamaica to Canada This week on The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023", Vanessa Ferlaino sits down with JUNO nominee for "Reggae Recording of the Year 2024", Jah'Mila.In this episode, Jah'Mila shares her journey from Kingston, Jamaica to Halifax, Nova Scotia, touching on her religious and cultural influences in all aspects of her life, from her music to her own personal philosophies. She also talks about balance between her artist world and corporate world, offering a unique perspective on how the two spheres are more blended than we realize.Jah'Mila is a re...
2024-03-2139 min
Stories of Northern LifeThe Power of Healing to Shape Reality: Vanessa FerlainoVanessa Ferlaino has vast experiences spanning tech, MedTech, impact investment, and activism to audiences of all sizes and intentions. She is a multi-award-winning author, speaker, mindfulness meditation guide, podcast host/producer, and philanthropist offering insights and wisdom on topics including wellbeing, personal growth, society and community activism, women empowerment and much more.Through her upbringing in Sault Ste. Marie, we get to hear Vanessa’s story, as she’s grown into the inspiring woman she is today.8 Billion Voices: https://www.8bv.org/The Human Challenge Podcast: https://vanessaferlaino.com/theh...
2024-03-191h 24The Human ChallengeEp 25 Society & Economics For Justice ft Victor Beausoleil / SETSIVanessa co-hosts episode 25 of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, with Victor Beausoleil, Executive Director of SETSI, in their first co-branded episode.Vanessa and Victor talk about shining light cross-sectionally in society from capital flow, equitable communities, the relationship between values and what is considered valuable, and framing what prosperity and abundances from looks like from a colonial, capitalistic, and imperialistic lens.They talk about historical context around money, economy, settler colonialism, and gratitude, compassion, mercy, etc, -- topics that are often not talked about together. Moving into...
2024-03-0542 minThe Human ChallengeEp 25 Purposeful Chocolate ft Kristyn Carriere / Seven Summit SnacksIn this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023", Vanessa speaks to Co-founder and Chocolate Scientist of Seven Summit Snacks, Kristyn Carriere.Getting ready for International Women's Month, Kristyn shares the 4 year journey of Seven Summit Snacks and their NEW FLAVOURS; what it's like to start a business with your sister and partner; and navigating starting a business, while starting a family.Learn about the science of chocolate for both endurance athletes (like Kristyn, who is heading off to Japan for business and to "squeeze in" the...
2024-02-2727 minThe Human ChallengeEp 24 Light Beams ft 3X Grammy Nominee Valerie June"When you can live in the outer world, but also marry that with the inner world, than you're a new space, a new world."These are the wise words of Grammy-nominated artist, Valerie June, hailed by the New York Times as one of America's "most intriguing, fully formed new talents". Hailing from Tennessee, Valerie is a musician, songwriter, poet, illustrator, and author, who honourably served as a "Turnaround Artist" working with students for the President's Committee for the Arts and Humanities, and continues serving through The Kennedy Center. She has recorded three critically...
2024-02-2022 minThe Human ChallengeEp 23 90MIN SPECIAL FEATURE ft Moroccan/Yemeni singer AŸAAŸA's story is one unlike any other.As a Moroccan/Yemeni "Arab&B" artist growing up in Israel-Palestine, AŸA, who describes her childhood like "being a nomad", faced family trauma, abuse, mandatory military service, and assault, all before the age of 20, when finally, she found herself the runner-up of a music competition.In a true moment of synchronicity, after headlining a show for a shelter who once supported her, she was offered an opportunity in Berlin -- and has not look backed since!She shares how she found in...
2024-02-081h 29The Human ChallengeEp 22 Worldviews & Climate Justice ft Author/Activist Osprey Orielle LakeIn this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023", Vanessa speaks to author, speaker, and activist, Osprey Orielle Lake.Osprey Orielle Lake is the Founder and executive director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN). She sits on the executive committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and on the steering committee for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Osprey writes about climate justice, relationships with nature, women in leadership, and other topics as featured in The Guardian, Earth Island Journal, The Ecologist, Ms. Magazine an...
2024-02-0244 minThe Human ChallengeEp 21 Human Nature ft Northern Ontario author J.L. FizzellJ.L. Fizzell grew up in smalltown Timmins in Northern Ontario, and now currently resides in Sault Ste Marie.J.L. wrote her fourth book, Human. Nature., after three other books that were written with the intentionality of honouring her trauma. But now, Human. Nature. examines the interconnectedness between human beings and nature, through poetry. Touching on her experience growing up as a second generation Canadian and her husband's Anishinaabe culture, J.L. speaks to Vanessa about our human connection to nature, how we can dismantle our own beliefs about humanity, and ultimately...
2024-01-2919 minThe Human ChallengeEp 20 Wings of Survival ft Canadian Decathlete Leanna Carriere and ecologist Timm DobertIn June 2024, ecologist Dr. Timm Döbert and endurance athlete Leanna Carriere (Canada's first female Decathlete and co-founder of 7 Summits Snacks) will embark on a pioneering 30,000km self-powered expedition across the Americas. Following the westernmost migratory bird flyway, their journey aims to highlight the biodiversity crisis and inspire environmental conservation efforts.We celebrate the 20th episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, with both Leanna and Timm, who share their fascinating journeys that crossover between extreme athletics and ecology. We will learn about migratory birds, flyways, and "citizen science", and h...
2023-12-1824 minThe Human ChallengeEp 19 A Panel Discussion: What Are We Missing In Accessibility?We are locked and loaded in this big episode of The Human Challenge, an AmazonMusic x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, featuring four major players in the accessibility space:Lee Anne Reuber - CEO/Founder of Sekond Skin Society (accessible health and fitness app)Jolene MacDonald - Founder of Accessibrand (digital accessibility) and Accessibrand Academy course, "Best Practices for Accessibility in Marketing" hereErica Cole - Founder/CEO of Nolimbits (US-based adaptive apparel brand)Julie Sawchuk - Accessibility Strategist of Sawchuck Accessible Solutions (physical accessibility spaces)We are...
2023-12-1845 minThe Human ChallengeEp 18 Injustices in the Newsroom ft journalist Zahraa Al-Akhrass"What happens in the newsrooms is only a reflection of how institutions work." - Zahraa Al-Akhrass, former journalist for Canadian national broadcaster, Global NewsCanadian immigrant from Jordan/fourth generation Palestinian, Zahraaa Al-Akhrass, who just received Canadian citizenship, shares her story of being terminated from Canadian national broadcaster, Global News, after being accused of making "unbalanced claims" on social media about the recent aggression against Palestine -- all while on maternity leave. In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier feature, Zahraa shares the realities of...
2023-12-1242 minThe Human ChallengeEp 17 Being Vulnerable Is Being Human ft CEO Batuo Inc."The only way we can truly connect with each other is if we're vulnerable with each other," - Robert, multidisciplinary artist, aspiring art therapist, and CEO of Batuo Inc.From Cameroon to Montreal, QC to Halifax, Nova Scotia, multidisciplinary artist, aspiring art therapist, and CEO of Batuo Inc, takes us through a journey of what it means to live our soul path or soul mission. Montreal was part of the journey, and Halifax was his destiny.. he shares how Batuo started, how it aims to empower people through culture, and how it has led him to...
2023-12-0441 minThe Human ChallengeEp 16 Accessible Mental Health Services ft Jackie Lamoureux CEO of Summits for SerotoninA deep and honest discussion with Jackie Lamoureux, CEO/Founder of Summits for Serotonin, founded after her own peace-making journey with the help of nature -- specifically the mountains. Realizing nature isn't always accessible with all of the equipment and gear needed, Jackie sought to change that through her non-profit.We discuss how nature supports us in times of emotional turmoil, the persistence of acceptance, the challenges of society with mental health, and ofc, Jackie's ambitious undertaking of the Explorers Grand Slam -- an adventurers challenge to reach the North Pole, the South Pole and all o...
2023-12-0335 minThe Human ChallengeEp 15 Showing Up & Intentionality ft 3X Olympian Miranda Ayim The big question for Miranda Ayim, 3X Olympian for Team Canada, was, "How do I want to show up in the world?'The answer?Cultivate CoIn this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST's Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023 feature, Miranda, recently inducted into London's Sports Hall of Fame, offers a frank discussion about her transition from life after sports. She candidly shares how her own journey inspired her to support other athletes, and even all of us in general, navigate the many parts of who we a...
2023-12-0327 minThe Human ChallengeEp 14 Adulting: Friendship BreakUps ft author/comedian Lane Moore and author Annie CathrynIs it really that much harder to make friends as we age?Why?And why is this something we don't talk about?Award-winning author, artist, and activist, Vanessa Ferlaino, gets the answers -- and some much needed feedback -- in her discussion with Lane Moore, comedian, musician and author of "You Will Find Your People" and good friend, Annie Cathryn, author of bestselling book, "The Friendship BreakUp".Offering both a prescriptive and fictional perspective, we will hear the story of the often ignored breakup --and sometimes the...
2023-11-1927 minThe Human ChallengeEp 13 Patterns and Parallels ft. Dr. Roberta BondarIn this episode, award-winning author, Vanessa Ferlaino, speaks with Dr. Roberta Bondar, the first Canada female in space, and principal investigator at NASA, researching habitat destruction in endangered birds.Dr. Bondar, on her way to the Gulf of Mexico, shares more about her research, The Roberta Bondar Foundation, the Patterns and Parallels Exhibit and its migration across Canada. They even touching on mental health, the connection between nature and humanity, and the intersection of arts and STEM.Both from Sault Ste Marie, ON, nestled between the Great Lakes in Ontario, they bond over...
2023-11-1932 minThe Human ChallengeEp 12 The Anthropocene: Human Intervention on the Planet ft Dr. Francine McCarthy & Bryan DaviesHuman intervention has impacted our planet so much that we have created an entirely new era: The Anthropocene! Join us this week on The Human Challenge LIVE with Dr. Francine McCarthy from Brock University and Bryan Davies, CEO/Founder of Tagona Press to learn more about how the beautiful lake in Southern Ontario, Crawford Lake, is so naturally constructed to help us define each human era — and how we know we have created a new one! HINT HINT plutonium might be involved…The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her...
2023-08-2533 minThe Human ChallengeEp 11 Social Media Ad Discrimination ft Jackie Rotman & Dr. Lyndsey HarperDid you know that women’s health and wellness companies face discrimination and ad rejection from social media companies for advertising sexual wellness, unlike their competitors in the male sexual wellness space? We get to the bottom of this injustice with CEO & Founder of The Centre for Intimacy Justice, Jackie Rotman, who’s research has been cited in US Congress, and Dr. Lyndsey Harper, CEO & Founder of Rosy Wellness, who battles with social media companies regularly to get her ads approved. SIGN THE PETITION: https://www.intimacyjustice.org/petition Be part of the next show https://f.chat/az2e
2023-08-1139 min
5 Minutes of PeaceStress Relief Meditation, with Vanessa FerlainoPlease welcome our guest, Vanessa Ferlaino.Vanessa is humbled to be the multi-award-winning author of “Human”, host/producer of “The Human Challenge - LIVE” on the Fireside app (co-founded by Mark Cuban and Falon Fatemi), and certified 200-HR mindfulness meditation instructor on the free Insight Timer app. Vanessa founded The Being Human Foundation to elevate humanity through meditation and mindfulness, arts and culture, and community activism. Tap into mindfulness to improve your well-being and make a difference in our world. Learn more about her at https://vanessaferlaino.comThank you for listenin...
2023-08-1005 minThe Human ChallengeEp 10 416am thoughts ft up-and-coming author Ava NoriWe celebrate the tenth episode of the show with up-and-coming author, Ava Nori. We explore the most human phenomenon— those late night 4am thoughts that keep us awake as described in Ava’s new book, 4:16am. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/hQDBThe Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier".Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Chec...
2023-07-1429 minThe Human ChallengeEp 09 Elevating your brand for a diverse work culture ft former journalist Cher JonesContinuing our diverse work culture discussions, we speak with CEO of Socially Active Training, Cher Jones, who works with organizations and brands to empower employees through harnessing the power of their personal brands at work. She tells us how this not only helps in promotions and opening new doors, it also helps build work culture. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/VZKjThe Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast...
2023-06-3022 minThe Human ChallengeEp 08 Breaking Cycles of Abuse Through Global Humanitarianism ft CEO of Unsilenced VoicesIn this episode, Vanessa welcomes CEO of Unsilenced Voices, Michelle Jewsbury, who tells us how her personal story inspired the start of her non-profit. Touching on the bridge between tech and humanitarian work, we’ll be educated on the global impact of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking — and how we can make a difference. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/94jNThe Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!The Human Challenge is an award-winning podc...
2023-06-1527 minThe Human ChallengeEp 07 Diversity in Arts and Culture ft renowned art curator Devyani SaltzmanDevyani Saltzman is the daughter of two filmmakers—one Jewish, one Indian. She is the founding curator at Toronto’s Luminato festival and work at numerous arts institutions, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, where she was the director of public programming from 2018 to 2021. Having traversed the arts and culture world since her youth, she is determined to shakeup the structure of this still largely traditionally run industry so all people of color have the opportunity to thrive in their own authentic nature. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/cPfDThe Human Challenge is host...
2023-05-1921 minThe Human ChallengeEp 06 The World to Color ft BAFTA nominee Dr. James FoxIn this episode, we’ll be chatting with Dr. James Fox, art historian, BAFTA-nominated broadcaster and author of The World According to Color. We’ll learn how perceptions of color changed throughout civilization, time, and culture to influence our own perceptions of reality. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/RqU8The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier".Gu...
2023-05-0517 minThe Human ChallengeEp 05 The Art of Timelessness ft Saqib RizviIn a world where we are bound by time, Meditation guru Saqib Rizvi shares how we can experience timelessness to truthfully manifest the life we want. He reminds us manifestation comes from within. You can listen to Saqib Rizvi on Insight Timer. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/7tDdThe Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier"....
2023-04-2722 minThe Human ChallengeEp 04 The Human Network ft Stanford Professor Dr. Matthew O. JacksonIn this episode we are joined by Stanford University’s Professor Emiritus of Economics, Dr. Matthew Jackson, about how our networks influence our own behaviours and this impact on society and social positioning. He will draw information from his book, The Human Network, available on Amazon. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/YDhUThe Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Po...
2023-04-1321 minThe Human ChallengeEp 03 The Human Opportunity and Heartfelt Living ft mindfulness guru Tom EvansIn this episode we explore the human opportunity we have in our next phase of evolution with author and meditation instructor, Tom Evans. Tom has graciously offered a 50% discount through this link to anyone interested in engaging in his heartful living practice. https://mysoundwise.com/soundcasts/1664802844250s?c=fireside Promo code fireside The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier"....
2023-03-2331 minThe Human ChallengeEp 02 Storytelling vs storykeeping ft former national newsanchor Priya SamHow do we create space for authentic conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion? How does our system impact this? We explore some of these questions with former CTV newsanchor, Priya Sam, who also hosts her own podcast and YouTube show, The Turning Point podcast. We talk about the importance of storytelling in overcoming challenges, in particular as a person of color. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/p8GpThe Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!...
2023-03-1031 minThe Human ChallengeEp 01 Unconditional Love vs Self-Love ft hiro Demichelis from The Lab of MeditationIn this episode we are joined by the lovely hiro Demichelis, consultant to the Peace on Purpose initiative at the United Nations Foundation, and the founder of The Lab of Meditation, Canada’s first accredited meditation teaching training. Our discussion offers a definition of self-love that includes a discussion of acceptance and a commitment to ourselves, touching on how this is different from society’s condition of the self-love journey. Don’t miss our “mindful moment” or Vanessa’s “mic-drop” ;) Be part of the next show https://f.chat/gdRfThe Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferla...
2023-02-2335 min
Soulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 5 - Tao Calligraphy - Dr and Master Zhi Gang ShaTao Calligraphy is a revolutionary healing art based on an ancient form of one-stroke calligraphy (Yi Bi Zi) that Master Sha learned from sole lineage holder, Professor Li Qiu Yun. In this episode, we hear from Dr and Master Zhi Gang Sha about the extraordinary healing art of Tao Calligraphy that radiates out a heavenly frequency and vibration that can be harnessed by those connecting with this vibrational field to help them heal, rejuvenate, transform, and enlighten their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies.We will hear about Master Sha’s background as a m...
2022-10-1329 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 4 - Heart Medicine - Radhule WeiningerIn this episode, learn how to stop painful patterns and find peace and freedom with Annie and her guest, renowned clinical psychologist and teacher of Buddhist meditation and Buddhist psychology, Radhule Weininger. Radhule calls in from Ireland to talk about discovering her passion as a "wounded healer" after a serious physical illness forced her to take a break from medical school. She went to Sri Lanka where she studied Buddhist meditation. After graduation from medical school, she began integrating Buddhist with western psychology, as she felt it worked well for 20th/21st-century suffering. Her book "Heart Medicine" will help you...
2022-10-0336 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 3 - Stop Living on Autopilot - Antonio NevesAnnie hosts popular speaker and success coach, Antonio Neves, in episode 3 to talk about his book, "Stop Living on Autopilot", a raw and inspiring how-to guide that will help you recommit to your life, find your drive, and take action to stay bold, honest, and accountable for lasting happiness.Take stock of your life: Based on your last 30 days of work (or marriage, or parenting), would your company rehire you? Would your partner immediately recommit to you? Would your children want you to continue to be their parent?The easy answer is, “Absolutely!” But it...
2022-10-0321 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 2 - Roar Like A Goddess - Acharya ShunyaIf you're looking to embody your inner goddess, then you don't want to miss this interview with the amazing Acharya Shunya, author of Roar Like a Goddess.The first female head of her 2,000-year-old Indian spiritual lineage, Shunya reinterprets and recontextualizes ancient teachings for modern times, empowering people everywhere to lead fearless, fulfilled and enlightened lives.A revolutionary revisioning of ancient India’s primary goddess archetypes, Roar Like a Goddess is a rallying cry for women everywhere to awaken their true nature. Throughout the book, Shunya honors her progressive Vedic/Hindu roots while breaking the...
2022-10-0340 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 1 - Decode your Darkness with EK RichardsE.K. Richards chats with host, Annie Cathryn, about her book "Decode Your Darkness".It is the inevitable human experience that we will encounter pain and trauma throughout our lives, but that doesn’t mean we must suffer an existence devoid of passion, joy, and healing. You deserve to feel genuinely alive, even when life seems overwhelming and hopeless.After spending more than half her life slumped under the heavy weight of depression, and anxiety—numbing herself just to get through each day— E.K. Richards knew something was terribly wrong, but just couldn...
2022-10-0312 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynThe Story Behind Soulful SeriesSoulful Series was inspired by a personal message from former senior advisor to Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director for UN Women, Elizabeth Nyamayaro. Since then, Soulful has gone onto host two seasons with amazing and notable award-winning authors and people, including: Zibby Owens, CEO of Zibby Books and Zibby Owens MediaJess Ekstrom, author, speaker, and founder of Headbands of Hope, Mic Drop Workshop, and Prompted.ioJen Mann, New York Times Best selling author of People I Want to Punch in the ThroatMelissa Gould, international bestselling author of Widowish and award-winning screenwriter who has worked on shows...
2022-10-0300 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 14 - The Glow Plan - Abigail JamesAbigail James is a well-known celebrity facialist, yoga teacher and YouTuber. Her book, The Glow Plan, is a practical skincare handbook that offers a holistic toolkit for inner wellbeing and outer radiance.Abigail James wants you to use The Glow Plan to feel beautiful, inside and out. Beauty is not about perfection, but about feeling happy in your skin and the inner glow that comes from cultivating self-care. This book shows you how, presenting a 4-week programme to uncover your inner and outer radiance. Week by week, it offers simple but incredibly effective facial massage exercises...
2022-10-0334 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 13 - Bookends - Zibby OwensIn this chat, Zibby talks about her memoir and candidly shares some of her memorable experiences and how they’ve influenced her writing journey, how books have played a prominent role in her life, and her thoughts on what makes great writing.Zibby Owens is an author, podcaster, publisher, CEO, and mother of four. Zibby founded Zibby Owens Media, a privately-held media company designed to help busy people live their best lives by connecting to books and each other. One division is Moms Don’t Have Time To, the home for Zibby’s podcasts, publications (including two an...
2022-10-0325 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 12 - Love's Journey Home - Gabi CoatsworthGabi’s strength is inspirational! She made some bold choices for her career and her family as a single mom. Later she marries the love of her life and in our chat she gives us great marriage advice. 💕Gabi Coatsworth was born in Britain, but has spent most of her life trying to figure out how America works by living here. So, if you find a British flavor in her books, don’t be surprised. She’s an award-winning writer, who’s had short stories and essays published in journals and anthologies, and her memoir, Love’s Journey Hom...
2022-10-0330 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 11 - Ashes to Ink - Lisa LuccaAcceptance struggles to emerge from a cocoon of family secrets . . .After her parents' divorce in 1974, Lisa Lucca's idyllic Midwestern childhood is shattered when she learns her father is gay. Sworn to secrecy, she begins carrying the emotions of her family like a cracked bucket, making a mess as she embarks on a life of rebellious choices.Decades later, faced with the aftermath of her father’s death, Lisa revisits the complicated relationship she had with him, delving deeper into the stories she’s held about love, sexuality, and the family she comes from with...
2022-10-0324 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 10 - Human - Vanessa FerlainoVanessa Ferlaino, author and activist, shares what it means to be human, the importance of self-compassion and self-love, creating change, and a call to humanity. Vanessa Ferlaino is an author, artist, and activist changing the world one day at a time. She believes that only when we hear ourselves, can we make a difference in our lives and the world around us. At the age of 27, she has many accolades. She spent 10 years in medtech and tech as an award-winning corporate innovator, investor, executive, and advisor. The headlining speaker for Google x Women Techmakers April 2022 and...
2022-10-0318 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 9 - Chill Out and Cheer Up - Grace GrossmanAs a writer, yoga instructor, wellness coach, Grace has a passion for helping people find peace within. She finds sense through writing and strength through God. She believes people are too pressurised to find happiness when it all comes down to loving themselves and others.Her mission is to show people it is OK to feel anxiety and stress; it can help you grow when handled with care and compassion. Her non-fiction books include humorous and humble accounts of Grace's spiritual journey to show that reality is always going to hit, but you can get through...
2022-10-0322 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 8 - Drive Your Own Darn Bus - Julia KristinaJulia Kristina is the author of Drive Your Own Darn Bus, a therapist, a master mind-management coach, a researcher, a speaker, and the creator of the Breakthrough Coaching Program.In this fantastic chat, Julia shares guidance on how to handle life’s challenges. This chat is eye opening and life-changing!Manage the thoughts that are holding you back, gain perspective, and be the director of your own life in order to live more fully and freely. Julia focuses on how to make being human a little easier and a little better.
2022-10-0333 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 7 - Threads of Yoga - Pamela SeeligPamela joins me to talk about her book Threads of Yoga and ways to deepen one's mindfulness. Pamela Seelig is a yoga teacher based in New Jersey. She began her yoga and meditation journey in 1991 when an illness interrupted her Wall Street career. Along with helping recovery, the impact of her meditation led to a lifelong pursuit of perceiving and sharing yogic wisdom through practice, teaching, and writing. She completed her teacher training in 2006 at Integral Yoga Institute in New York. Pamela considers Swami Satchidananda, the founder of Integral, as her primary teacher (root guru), but...
2022-10-0324 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 6 - Run for the Love of Life - Erica TerblancheErica Terblanche, author of Run for the Love of Life, has won some of the world’s most iconic multi-day endurance runs including Racing the Planet’s 7-day race in the Sahara Desert. She is the founder of Teach a Girl to Fish, Thrive Guru, and Thrive Run Club. Erica has 20 years of business strategy experience and holds degrees in Engineering and Psychology and Master’s degrees in business and positive psychology.In this chat, Erica shares how running changed her life and gives great advice for anyone who wants to feel alive, inspired, and filled with a...
2022-10-0324 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 5 - The Space In Between - Signe Myers HovemSigne Myers Hovem, spiritual counselor, talks about her book The Space In Between: An Empath's Field Guide and shares what it means to live as an empath. Signe Myers Hovem has created homes on five continents over twenty years, raised four uniquely sensitive children, pursued a special education lawsuit appealed to the US Supreme Court, volunteered in a hospice in Texas and an orphanage in Azerbaijan, worked as a spiritual counselor in Houston Texas, and taught workshops and trainings in the art of being an empath and the power of language in many countries around the...
2022-10-0339 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 4 - When The Shoe Fits - Mary WagnerMary Wagner shares her story about breaking her back and changing careers midlife. We had a fun chat about online dating, power tools, shoes, chocolate, and Mary leaves us with some profound advice. Her book When the Shoe Fits is inspirational and empowering. When a hard fall from a tall horse landed Mary T. Wagner—then a freelance writer and a soccer mom with four young children—in a body cast for three months with a broken back, she didn’t take it as a sign to ease back on the throttle. Instead, she changed careers, went t...
2022-10-0340 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 3 - Midlife Bites - Jen Mann“Jen Mann had what appeared to be the perfect life: a successful career as a bestselling author and award-winning blogger, a devoted husband, teenage kids who weren’t total jerks, and a badass minivan. So imagine her surprise when, at forty-seven years old, a midlife crisis kicked her straight in the ladybits.”In this fun chat, bestselling author Jen Mann shares her thoughts on women in midlife and her amazing new book Midlife Bites: Anyone Else Falling Apart, Or Is It Just Me?Jen Mann is best known for her wildly popular and hyster...
2022-10-0327 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 2 - Chasing The Bright Side - Jess EkstromJess Ekstrom, bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side, shares incredible advice on embracing optimism and finding your purpose. Jess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope, a company that donates headbands to kids with illnesses with every headband sold. Headbands of Hope has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, QVC, The View and worn by celebrities like Kelsea Ballerini and Khloe Kardashian. More importantly, Headbands of Hope has donated over 1 million headbands, reaching every single children's hospital in America and 22 countries.After starting her company, she wanted to...
2022-10-0321 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 1 - At Heaven's Door - William J. PetersAuthor William J. Peters talks about his book At Heaven’s Door: What Shared Journeys to the After Life Teach About Dying Well and Living Better, his shared death and near death experiences as well as the Shared Crossing Project.William Peters is the author of At Heaven's Door: What Shared Journeys to the Afterlife Teach About Dying Well and Living Better. He is the founder of the Shared Crossing Project and director of its Research Initiative. Recognized as a global leader in the field of shared death studies, he has spent decades studying end-of-life experiences. Pr...
2022-10-0325 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 11 - Sandwiched - Laurie JamesIn this chat, Laurie James talks about her memoir Sandwiched. When Laurie was in her mid-forties, her mother had a heart attack and her husband's lawyer delivered some shocking news--and she suddenly found herself sandwiched between caring for her parents, managing unruly caregivers, raising four teenage daughters, and trying to understand the choices of her husband she thought she knew. Laurie James is mother, caregiver, divorcée, turned author and transformative coach. She has successfully launched her four daughters into adulthood and has been the primary caretaker for her elderly parents. Laurie has learned through therapy a...
2022-10-0322 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 10 - You Did WHAT? - Tova LeighTova Leigh talks about her exciting new book, You Did WHAT?: Secrets, Confessions and Outrageous Stories from Real Life.Tova Leigh began her successful blog "My Thoughts About Stuff" in 2016 as a way to talk about parenting, body image and being free of boundaries. Tova’s up-front, humorous and honest message has earned her a loyal fanbase of over a million followers around the world. A former attorney, she is now an actor, film producer and digital creator, as well as the author of the international bestseller F*cked at 40. Find out more at:to...
2022-10-0318 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 9 - No Rules - Sharon DukettIn this chat, Sharon talks about her fascinating, award-winning coming-of-age memoir, No Rules, and what it was like running away from home at the age of 16 in 1971 to live in the hippie community and a commune.Sharon Dukett is an award-winning author who has been a computer programmer, project manager, and deputy director in state government. Sharon lives in central Connecticut with her husband, within driving distance of her three children and four grandchildren. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-10-0316 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 8 - Mom's Don't Have Time To - Zibby OwensZibby Owens talks about the award-winning anthology Moms Don’t Have Time To, the upcoming anthology Moms Don’t Have Time to Have Kids, and her new publishing company, Zibby Books. Zibby Owens is the creator and host of award-winning podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, one of Oprah.com’s favorite book podcasts two years in a row. The CEO and founder of Moms Don’t Have Time To, Zibby has formed a media company that includes multiple podcasts, publications like Moms Don’t Have Time to Write, and other communities designed to help moms...
2022-10-0313 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 7 - Since I Lost My Baby - Selimah NemoySelimah Nemoy is a storyteller, journalist, and author. Born in Los Angeles, her coming-of-age journey was shaped in the 1960s by soul music, then by the turbulent, multicultural 1970s in the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area. The daughter of Maury Nemoy, a renown calligrapher, Selimah learned the art from her father and worked with him at Columbia Pictures where he designed movie titles. Selimah will tell you that the story of her life and career has been as unexpected as Forrest Gump’s. After serving as the English editor for a Japanese newspaper, she was hired by an...
2022-10-0328 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 6 - Life's Not Yoga - Jacqui BurnettJacqui Burnett opens up about her life and her memoir Life's Not Yoga, sharing the wisdom of a life with more than nine near-death experiences. Jacqui wrote her memoir to make spiritual sense of her experience with traumatic life events and has a challenge for us all--Dare to Be Love. Jacqui Burnett is an adventurer – both in journeys of the Spirit and in the world of financial strategy. Raised in South Africa, she is qualified in business studies, which has enabled her to help numerous businesses achieve their strategic and financial goals. However, Jacqui has always pu...
2022-10-0323 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 5 - HER(oics) - Joanell SerraJoanell Serra talks about the anthology (Her)oics: Women’s Lived Experiences During the Coronavirus Pandemic, including the publishing process and what makes this book special. Readers couldn’t put it down. 52 diverse essays written by women from every area of the country recounting their experiences during the pandemic. Many readers related to these stories and felt seen. It has positive insights with a lot of happy endings.Joanell Serra is an author, freelance writer, and Marriage and Family Therapist in Sonoma, CA. She’s the author of "The Vines We Planted," a finali...
2022-10-0322 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 4 - Widowish - Melissa GouldMelissa Gould’s essays have been published in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, The Hollywood Reporter, Buzzfeed and more. She is an award-winning screenwriter who has worked on shows such as Bill Nye the Science Guy, Beverly Hills 90210, Party of Five, and Lizzie McGuire. Her memoir, Widowish, debuted at #1 on Amazon in several categories including grief, memoir, and Jewish biographies. It is an Amazon Editors Pick & @goodreads Top 48 Book of 2021. Widowish is available wherever books are sold. Find Melissa at www.widowish.com and on instagram at @MelissaGould_Author. Hosted on Acast. Se...
2022-10-0325 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 3 - Slay Like a Mother - Katherine WintschKatherine Wintsch is the author of Slay Like a Mother and the founder and CEO of The Mom Complex. Katherine helps the largest companies in the world such as Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, and Airbnb better support their mom customers and employees. In this video chat, Katherine shares insights about slaying the dragon of self-doubt, so you can confidently become your best self. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-10-0316 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 2 - Stretch Marks - Amber TruebloodAmber Trueblood, licensed therapist, mother to four sons, and author, talks about her book Stretch Marks, A Self-Development Tool for Mothers Who are Being Stretched in Every Direction. In this conversation, she shares some simple self-care tips you can include in your day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-10-0313 minSoulful Series with Annie CathrynEpisode 1 - I Am A Girl From Africa - Elizabeth NyamayaroElizabeth Nyamayaro, award-winning humanitarian and bestselling author, speaks about her inspiring memoir, I AM A GIRL FROM AFRICA. This conversation sparked the idea for Soulful Series Video Chats featuring authors who have written a memoir, non-fiction motivational book, or an anthology. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-10-0318 min
The VOWVanessa FerlainoVanessa Ferlaino is an author, artist, and activist changing the world one day at a time. She believes that only when we hear ourselves, can we make a difference in our lives and the world around us. At the age of 27, she has many accolades. She spent 10 years in medtech and tech as an award-winning corporate innovator, investor, executive, and advisor. The headlining speaker for Google x Women Techmakers April 2022 and Authority Magazine's "Social Impact Author" creates impact by challenging what it means to be human. Her book debut, "Human", a read that will inspire you to be your...
2022-05-1140 min
Soulful Series ChatSoulful Series Chat 21: Vanessa FerlainoVanessa Ferlaino, author and activist, shares what it means to be human, the importance of self-compassion and self-love, creating change, and a call to humanity.
Vanessa Ferlaino is an author, artist, and activist changing the world one day at a time. She believes that only when we hear ourselves, can we make a difference in our lives and the world around us. At the age of 27, she has many accolades. She spent 10 years in medtech and tech as an award-winning corporate innovator, investor, executive, and advisor. The headlining speaker for Google x Women Techmakers April 2022 and Authority M...
2022-05-0518 min
Unleash Your Voice with Priya SamAuthor Vanessa Ferlaino on healing through acting, journaling, and gratitudeVanessa Ferlaino was 23 years old when her father died from brain cancer. It was around the same time that she left an abusive relationship and decided to move across the country. The move to Calgary marked a major turning point in her life. One of the most impactful decisions she made after her move was to take acting classes, which is where she says she was finally able to start processing her emotions.In this episode you'll hear about how acting, journaling, and gratitude helped Vanessa through her darkest moments and why she decided to w...
2022-03-3045 min
My Independence ReportMIR- Vanessa Ferlaino- Author- ”Human”Five Star review on Amazon!
Human is a small book with a big mission: challenging what it means to be human.
If you’re seeking to reconnect with yourself, Human will remind you that behind the blindness lies your truth.
Written by award-winning corporate innovator, trained actress, and self-taught pianist and vocalist, Vanessa Ferlaino’s debut book, Human, takes you on a much-needed, humbling journey.
In rhythmic-like prose, Vanessa lets you in on her experiences with loss, trauma, and abusive relationships, with reflections and observations of the human condition.
It shin...
2022-02-1147 min
Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast — by SpeakerMatchWhat Does it Mean to be Human? With Vanessa FerlainoThis week Burke speaks with Vanessa Ferlaino, the jack-of-all-trades author behind the 5-star book, Human. Vanessa has spent her life in a variety of different fields: music, acting, corporate innovation, and now writing! She pulled from the significant events from her life to write Human, her first book which covers commentary and observations of the human condition. Throughout her life, Vanessa has experienced great loss but with that she found inspiration in writing Human. Learn more about Vanessa by visiting her site: vanessaferlaino.com/ Human is now available where books are sold! The Big Time Talker is sponsored by Speakermatch.c...
2022-02-1139 min
Your World of CreativityVanessa Ferlaino, Author of HUMANVanessa Ferlaino, Author of HUMAN. Small book, big mission: challenging what it means to be human.Vanessa has done many things, and has been many people; she has been an award-winning corporate innovator at a national telecommunications company; she has been an executive at a gene therapy company, and she has also done investment and portfolio strategy for medtech companies. She has also watched her father lose his battle to brain cancer at the age of 49; took too long to realize how a man had taken her voice away, and has made many other questionable choices that...
2021-12-1323 min