Happily Ever Understood

Happily Ever Understood

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Stagione 4

The Orange Book of La Dawn - Season 4 Episode 4

To honour Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we talk to La Dawn Redcrow and her story of loss of cultural identity and finding her way. A Cree-Métis, La Dawn grew up in foster care and struggled to understand where she belonged. La Dawn felt disconnected from so much around her, yet, somewhere within her, she knew there was a connection to her ancestors. This connection drew her to find who she truly was. Her journey eventually led her back to her roots—to her own family, culture, language, and the ceremonies that helped reconnect her. Most importantly, La Dawn has worked hard to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and is now carrying that legacy of culture, language, and ceremony forward to her children. Her story reminds us that reconciliation can also be deeply personal—a journey of reclaiming identity, reconnecting with culture, healing what was broken, and ensuring the next generation knows where they come from.

When Culture Meets Mental Health - Season 4 Episode 3

In this Suicide Prevention Month episode, Czarina courageously shares her personal journey with mental health and suicidal ideation—and the cultural barriers that can make it difficult to talk openly about mental health and ask for help. Through her experiences, Czarina discovered the importance of being kind to yourself and learning to be there for yourself during the moments when life feels overwhelming. She reminds us that healing is not linear, and that struggling does not mean you have failed. Her journey has also inspired her to pursue psychology, with the hope of better understanding the brain and mental health and, one day, becoming the person she needed for someone else. By sharing her story, Czarina hopes to create space for conversations that are often difficult to have and remind others that they are not alone, their lives have meaning, they are loved, and it is okay to reach out for help. Sometimes, breaking through the barriers starts with simply being willing to listen and understand.

When Loss Leads to Purpose with Nikk Leavitt - Season 4 Episode 2

For Suicide Prevention Month, iListen chats with Nikk Leavitt, Project Coordinator of the Ed(men)ton Project at Terra Centre, about men’s mental health and the barriers that can make these conversations difficult. With a background in public health, health promotion, and men’s mental health research, Nikk shares how losing his grandfather to suicide shaped his own journey and led him to work in the mental health field. Outside of work, Nikk practices what he preaches—staying active through running, basketball, the gym, and hiking, with Waterton being his happy place. His work has taught him that caring for your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Ed(men)ton Project at Terra Centre is an initiative that brings organizations and people together to support men’s mental health: https://terracentre.ca/edmenton-project/ Listen to the "Off the Couch with Nikk & Shereen" Podcast: https://terracentre.ca/edmenton-proje... Listen to the Happily Ever Understood Podcast on YouTube:

Breaking the Silence with Kristopher Marks: Season 4 Episode 1

We recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and uplift those living with mental health challenges. As Mental Health Awareness Week begins, we chat with Kristopher Marks, founder of VĪV Mental Health, for a powerful and honest conversation. Kristopher shares his personal journey, from childhood trauma and the breakdown of his family, to navigating his young adult years without support. He opens up about what it took to finally seek help and how those experiences now shape the work he does to support others. Behind every story is a deeper truth—and that healing often begins when we choose to speak about it.

Stagione 3

Crafting Truth and Reconciliation - Season 3 Episode 10

For our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation episode, we sit down with Erin June (she/her/they/them), a 2Spirit Coast Salish artist and educator living with MS on Treaty 6 Territory. Erin’s work is deeply rooted in tradition and connection to the land, with many of her crafts featuring natural materials such as feathers, hide, fur, and wood—often harvested by her own hands. In this conversation, Erin reflects on the meaning of reconciliation, sharing both personal insights and cultural wisdom that challenge us to look deeper at our responsibilities in this ongoing journey.

Darrendipitous - Season 3 Episode 9

To celebrate Pride Month, we listen to Darren Dyland who shares his powerful journey of self-discovery—from growing up in a small town where he conformed to societal expectations by getting engaged to a woman and becoming a father. After moving to the city and facing challenges with mental health and addiction, Darren found his true path—not just as a gay man, but as a human seeking belonging beyond labels. Today, he empowers others through Healthy Aligned Living (HAL), offering trauma-informed wellness, mentorship, and education programs for youth and underserved communities. Darren’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and purpose.

She Rises - Empowering Indigenous Women: Season 3, Episode 8

In honour of National Indigenous History Month, we chat with Natasha Delany—Executive Director of Indigenous Project Events and owner of Delany Enterprises, a business coaching program dedicated to empowering Indigenous women on their path to success. A proud member of Samson Cree Nation, Natasha holds a Bachelor of Business Management from NAIT and an MBA from University Canada West. In this powerful episode, Natasha shares her deeply personal journey—from the traumatic loss of her biological mother and time in foster care, to overcoming addiction and surviving domestic abuse. Her path led her to a place of healing and self-discovery, where she embraced her identity as an Indigenous woman and stepped into her role as a mentor, leader, and advocate. Tune in to hear how Natasha transforms pain into power, and how she’s helping others do the same. https://www.indigenousprojectevents.com/ https://thenatashadelany.com/home/

Living Loud - Mental Health with Chronic Illness: Season 3 Episode 7

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this episode, we sit down with Ocean Harris as she shares her journey of being diagnosed with a brain injury and becoming chronically ill. She opens up about the impact this has had on her mental health and offers valuable insights on how to support the chronically ill people in your life, helping foster greater understanding and empathy.

When Sight Fades Purpose Shines - Season 3 Episode 6

In the latest Happily Ever Understood episode, we meet Aarzoo Makhani, an intern with CNIB’s Come to Work Program, who opens up about navigating life with sight loss and building a path toward independence and purpose. Born in India and now starting fresh in Canada, Aarzoo brings a background in psychology and a deep understanding of resilience. She speaks candidly about societal barriers, self-doubt, and the strength it takes to challenge expectations. Through CNIB’s Come To Work program, she found mentorship, belonging, and the confidence to pursue meaningful work. Aarzoo’s story proves that challenges can shape—not define—us. Her journey highlights the impact of empathy, inclusivity, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone has the chance to thrive.

From Survival to Sweet Success - Season 3 Episode 5

iListen proudly honors Women's History Month by celebrating the strength and resilience of women like Janet Letendre, the heart behind Gramma Bear’s Cakery. Janet’s journey is one of survival, courage, and transformation. Having grown up with significant trauma before making the brave decision to break free and reclaim her life. She discovered her true passion in baking—a craft that not only provided her with healing but also a path to independence. Through Gramma Bear’s Cakery, Janet has turned her love for baking into a thriving business, creating delicious treats that bring joy to others. Her talents have also taken her to national television, where she showcased her skills on The Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship and The Big Bake: Holiday Season 2. Competing on these prestigious platforms not only validated her expertise but also served as an inspiration to others who dream of turning their passions into a new beginning. This Women’s History Month, iListen celebrates Janet and all women who have overcome adversity to create a brighter future. *Note: Portions of this audio version have been edited to respect some of our listeners. Every effort has been made to ensure the speaker’s story remain authentic.

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