Tales of the Town

di Tina Huynh

90: Surviving a Head-On Collision and Finding My Authentic Voice | Christa Rose

"Our purpose doesn't have to be something big. We don't have to save a life or do something grandiose. Our purpose can be just to hold space for someone." In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories from everyday people, we explore the profound shift from living on autopilot to stepping into true authenticity. This conversation digs into the heavy burdens of people-pleasing, the wake-up calls delivered by sudden life disruptions, and how shifting toward gratitude can completely reshape how we view our personal stories. Christa’s mission is clear: to inspire and give hope to others so they can live the life they love. It is a reflective look at resilience, community stories, and what it truly means to reclaim your joy. In this episode, we’re joined by Christa Rose, an Amazon #1 Bestselling author, International Speaker, Certified Coach, and Nutritionist. Christa helps people who lack direction find clarity so they can live a life with purpose and passion. Christa empowers others to rewrite their story, step out of autopilot mode, and confidently embrace who they are. "If I'm a mistake, that means I have to fix everything. I have to be perfect. So from that moment on, I turned into someone who would people-please." This episode is for you if you find yourself constantly seeking outside validation or trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing. It is also for you if you feel like you lack direction, are moving through your routine on autopilot, and want to reclaim your passion. It will resonate deeply if you are navigating major life transitions, grief, or the daily challenges of chronic illness. Finally, this conversation is perfect for anyone looking for a practical balance between grounded conventional knowledge and deep spiritual wisdom. If Christa's story brought up any reflections about your own journey or what authenticity means to you, please feel free to leave a comment below. We value your presence here and invite you to subscribe to the channel to hear more personal stories from our community. Tales of the Town is more than a podcast; it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a dedicated, grounded space where everyday people gather to connect through real human experiences. Whether you want to step up to the microphone to share a story or simply witness one, you are welcome here. This is a space where every voice has a place. Links: Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Guest Website: christarose.com Guest Socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristaRose-1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4christa_rose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@4christarose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christa.rose.967?mibextid=LQQJ4d LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/christa-rose-48b8342b3 Guest Books: Skip the Pain, Experience the Pleasure & Shattering Truths I Wish My Younger Self Knew #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

E90

21 mag 2026

35:23

89: Cause, Effect, and Curiosity: Finding Creativity Beyond the Box | Thanos Zikantas

"Business brings me joy because you have the flexibility of doing something unique and novel and not following a cookie-cutter approach." How do you find the courage to innovate when traditional "best practices" feel like a box? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the intersection of business, creativity, and the resilience required to navigate both success and failure. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories about finding joy in the creation process and learning to look at the world through a different lens. About the Guest In this episode, we’re joined by Thanos Zikantas, a serial entrepreneur and creative thinker based in the Windsor-Essex area. Drawing from decades of experience in industries ranging from restaurants to manufacturing, Thanos shares how a perspective rooted in "cause and effect" has allowed him to build community-driven businesses and navigate life's unexpected transitions. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Thano's Story 08:53 Current Business Projects 11:53 Knowing your value 13:08 Reframing ADHD as a unique lens for navigating life 16:09 The future of education in the age of AI 23:46 Advice to a younger self This episode is for you if... You are an entrepreneur looking for unconventional ways to build community trust. You have ever felt restricted by "best practices" and want to embrace a more creative approach to your work. You are navigating a period of failure and need a reminder that "playing" is part of the lifelong journey. You want to hear a grounded perspective on the future of AI, education, and human resilience. Call to Action If Thanos’s reflections on creativity and resilience sparked a thought, we invite you to share your reflections in the comments. How do you find joy in the "creation process" of your own life? Please subscribe to stay connected with more community stories. Invitation to Live Event Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or simply witness one. A space where every voice has a place. Links Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/ Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thanos.zikantas Hashtags #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #Entrepreneurship #CreativeResilience

E89

13 mag 2026

23:55

88: The Rhythm of Soft Self-Love | Donia El-Haddad

"Instead of trying harder, I did something different. I tried softer." In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the transition from external validation to self-acceptance. This conversation follows a journey of "trying softer"—moving away from forcing connections in spaces where one doesn't fit and instead flowing toward authentic community and passion projects. It is a reflective look at how isolation can lead to self-discovery and how that personal growth eventually enriches the community around us. About the Guest We are joined by Donia El-Haddad, a creative and community organizer who has spent years as a yoga teacher and has recently expanded into music and event production. Based in Windsor, Donia is the force behind Crossfade, a live music series that brings together jazz musicians and DJs for improvised performances. TIMESTAMPS 00;00 Donia's Story 03:39 Crossfade519 09:55 Protecting your energy 16:03 Regulating the nervous system 19:42 Managing Chronic pain 24:32 Advice to a younger self "When you isolate yourself in the pursuit of learning about yourself, you have more to offer community." This episode is for you if... You have ever felt like you were "tolerated" rather than truly loved in social circles. You are interested in the intersection of live instrumentation and electronic music. You are navigating a journey with chronic pain or nervous system regulation. You are a creative looking to turn a personal passion into a community project. Call to Action We invite you to reflect on your own journey of "trying softer." If this story resonated with you, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. To hear more real, personal stories from our community, consider subscribing to the show. Invitation to the Live Event Tales of the Town is more than a podcast; it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a dedicated space where every voice has a place. We invite you to join us at our next event to share a story of your own or simply witness the stories of others. Links Event Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Tales of the Town Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/ Crossfade Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfade519/ #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

E88

6 mag 2026

26:16

87: Inner Dragons and Mirror Moments | Erin’s Story of Authentic Joy

"The most important part of living is knowing who you are." How do we distinguish between the life we are "supposed" to live and the one that actually belongs to us? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the heavy cost of people-pleasing and the relief of finally telling the truth. We follow a journey from a marriage built on external validation to a life centered on authentic joy and human connection. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories about finding the courage to listen to your own voice when the world expects you to stay quiet. About the Guest In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Poredos, a coach and community builder who founded The Joy Tribe and Date on Purpose. After navigating a short-lived marriage and a deep sense of self-loss, Erin shifted her focus to helping others rediscover their personal values and build meaningful connections outside of digital apps. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Erin's Story 06:34 The problem with modern dating 09:36 Date on Purpose 13:11 When your body knows before your mind does 19:39 Joy as a practice 27:06 Finding your Inner Child 31:01 Life as a video game "At some point, your curiosity is going to be bigger than your fear." This episode is for you if... You have ever felt like you were living your life to satisfy someone else's opinion. You are navigating the burnout of modern dating and looking for deeper, more intentional connection. You feel a "gap" between what you are currently doing and what you feel called to do. You want practical ways to reconnect with play and joy in your daily routine. Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or simply witness one. Whether you are ready to speak or just want to listen, there is a seat for you. Share a story or witness one. A space where every voice has a place. Links Event Tickets: Tales of the Town (https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/ Erin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imperfectlyhumanwitherin https://www.instagram.com/dateonpurpose.co/ UPCOMING EVENT! Date on Purpose (Ages 45 - 60)| Walkerville Brewery | May 8th 2026 Date on Purpose (Events & Tickets) - https://linktr.ee/dateonpurpose.co Website: https://www.thejoytribeco.ca/ #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #TheJoyTribe #DatingOnPurpose #SelfDiscovery

E87

29 apr 2026

34:01

86: From Doula to Patient: When the Birth Plan Fails | Deborah the Doula | Tales of the Town

How does a challenging birth experience transform the way a professional supports others in their most vulnerable moments?. In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the intersection of professional expertise and personal trauma, following a journey from a planned unmedicated birth to an unexpected hospital induction. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories that highlight the importance of informed consent and advocacy within the birthing community. We discuss the "BRAIN" acronym for decision-making and how building trust between partners can protect the physiological process of labor. About the Guest In this episode, we’re joined by Deborah, a registered massage therapist and certified doula with over 20 years of experience. Based in the Windsor-Essex community, Deborah specializes in pregnancy massage and doula care, focusing on helping women feel empowered through informed choice and advocacy. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Deborah's Story 11:27 The best part of the job: Witnessing a woman’s empowerment after birth. 14:16 Using your "BRAIN": An acronym for informed consent 20:18 The statistics of induction and the role of doulas in reducing C-section rates. 25:24 Protecting the Oxytocin: How birth partners can support the "love hormone" 34:05 Tend to be Friend: Deborah’s podcast and community resources. This episode is for you if... You are navigating your own pregnancy and want to understand how to advocate for your birth choices. You are a birth partner looking for practical ways to support and protect the labor environment. You have experienced a birth that didn't go as planned and are looking for a grounded perspective on healing and trauma. You are curious about the clinical and physiological roles of hormones like oxytocin during labor. Call to Action If Deborah’s story resonated with you, we invite you to leave a reflection in the comments below. Have you ever had to pivot from a plan in a high-stakes moment? Subscribe to stay connected with more community stories. Invitation to Live Event Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or witness one. A space where every voice has a place. Links Event Tickets: talesofthetown.caGuest Website: pelviclove.comGuest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahthedoula/ #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #DoulaCare #BirthStories #InformedConsent

E86

22 apr 2026

35:07

84: Finding Clarity in Chaos: Alex Millerman's Story of ADHD, Yoga and Mindfulness

In this heart-led conversation, Alex shares his journey of discovering and understanding his ADHD — from the early days of confusion and emotional struggles to finding peace through mindfulness, medication, and yoga. He opens up about learning to regulate emotions, build healthy habits, and rebuild self-trust while navigating life during and after the pandemic. Through stories of self-awareness, gentle humour, and personal growth, Alex reflects on how yoga and mindfulness became tools to balance his neurodivergent mind, transform daily routines, and embrace imperfection. This episode invites listeners into an honest dialogue about self-acceptance, resilience, and the lifelong process of learning how to slow down. Find Alex here: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialproject/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Alex's Story 03:50 – Emotional regulation, forgetfulness, and self‑trust 08:01 – Yoga: from skepticism to self‑discovery 14:23 – Social media, overstimulation, and boredom with ADHD 21:00 – Embarrassment and self‑expression 25:20 – Learning balance between awareness and joy 29:40 – Closing reflections and gratitude #ADHD #ADHDStory #Mindfulness #Yoga #Meditation #SelfAwareness #MentalHealth #PodcastInterview #LifeWithADHD #Neurodivergent #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalRegulation #ADHDandMindfulness #YogaTeacher #ADHDCommunity

E84

8 apr 2026

29:55

83: Awakening Intuition: Kelly Spinarsky on Building Spiritual Community in Windsor | Tales of the Town

Kelly Spinarsky shares her journey from discovering her psychic and intuitive gifts to co-creating Bloom Windsor Essex — a Facebook community dedicated to intuition and wellness. Kelly opens up about her awakening in 2016, the challenges of managing spiritual sensitivity while staying grounded, and the importance of creating safe spaces for like-minded healers, creatives, and seekers. From her experiences with Reiki, energy healing, and music to her message about self-trust and balance between spirituality and the physical world, this episode offers a raw, compassionate look into what it means to live intuitively in today’s world. Find Kelly here: msha.ke/kellyspinarsky https://www.facebook.com/groups/1623362608552861 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Meet Kelly Spinarsky 00:03:50 - Creating Safe Spaces for Healers and Seekers 00:10:49 - Inside the Bloom Facebook Group and Local Events 00:12:40 - Singing, Vibration, and the Healing Power of Sound 00:21:45 - Kelly the Makeup Artist and Creative Entrepreneur 00:23:03 - Trust Yourself

E83

1 apr 2026

23:52

82: Building a Life That Feels Right — Not Just Looks Right | Gio Petrucci

Gio, creative entrepreneur and host of Giografik, shares his journey from chasing success in Toronto’s fast-paced marketing world to rediscovering meaning, balance, and artistry in his hometown of Windsor. He opens up about trusting intuition, pivoting from fear, reconnecting with creativity, and learning to slow down and truly appreciate what he’s built. Gio reflects on honouring his inner child, building a mindful business, and helping others step into their greatness—all while proving that fulfillment isn't about where you live, but how aligned you are with what you love. Find Gio here: Website https://www.giografik.com/ Podcast https://www.giografik.com/podcast YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@giografik Instagram https://www.instagram.com/giografik/ Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/grafikcontentpod/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@grafikcontentpod TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Gio's Story 06:30 - Rediscovering creativity and art after years of digital work 10:45 - Rediscovering friendships, roots, and balance in Windsor 15:10 - Self-doubt, gratitude, and remembering how far you’ve come 19:30 - Finding peace in Windsor’s slower pace and smaller community 24:00 - Honouring your inner child and doing what truly fulfills you 27:00 - The joy of elevating others and authentic storytelling 29:15 - Final reflections: gratitude, purpose, and creative leadership #PodcastInterview #StorytellingPodcast #CreativeEntrepreneur #BrandStrategy #LifeInWindsor #PurposeDrivenLife #FollowYourCalling #CreativeJourney #SelfGrowth #Authenticity #SlowingDown #MindfulLiving #LifeStories #PodcastClips

E82

25 mar 2026

29:24

81: Finding Confidence Through Style: Mena’s Story of Fashion, Passion, and Purpose

Stylist and creative entrepreneur Mena shares her journey from childhood dress-up sessions to creating Style Me Mena, a personal styling business built on confidence, creativity, and authenticity. She opens up about discovering her calling, how she helps clients fall in love with their wardrobes again, and why true style isn’t about trends—it’s about self-expression. From the challenges of shopping in small cities to the importance of fit, fabric, and mindset, Meena offers honest insights and practical tips for anyone looking to feel good in their clothes and in their skin. Find Mena Here: https://www.instagram.com/style_me_mena TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Mena's Story 09:50 - The role of family and creativity growing up 15:10 - The joy and energy of doing purpose-driven creative work 19:10 - Mena’s top tips for purging your closet 20:45 - Natural fabrics, sustainability, and what’s realistic 22:00 - Statement pieces: how to wear them again and again 23:30 - Jewelry, footwear, and wardrobe tricks 26:15 - Color palettes: neutrals, statements, and personality 27:30 - Final advice: stay true to your style #StyleMeMena #PodcastInterview #FashionInspiration #PersonalStylist #ClothingConfidence #FashionJourney #RealStoriesPodcast #FashionTips #WardrobeMakeover #ConfidenceBoost #EmpowermentPodcast #SustainableStyle #HowToDressWell #SelfExpression #MoodThroughStyle

E81

20 mar 2026

28:01

80: The Self-Experimenter’s Life: From Vegan to Carnivore and the Ongoing Health Experiment | David R

In this episode of Tales of the Town, David joins us to share his unconventional journey toward better health, self-awareness, and balance. From washing his hair with eggs to experimenting with carnivore diets, turning off Wi-Fi at night, and even moving his life off the cloud, David opens up about his passion for personal experimentation and intentional living. We explore mental wellness, the challenges of over-optimization, DJing, and how he found connection and community through kizomba. Find David here: https://artofdance.ca/ https://artofdance.ca/classes/ols/products/winkizx TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – David's Story 08:04 – Overcoming Burnout and Over-Optimization 12:12 – Organizing Music, Quality, and DJing Challenges 13:42 – Why DJing Is About Connection 16:58 – How David Fell into Dance 21:18 – Kizomba: The Art of Connection 22:05 – Promoting the Windsor Kizomba Festival (WinKizX)

E80

13 mar 2026

23:22

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