Tales of the Town

di Tina Huynh

79: Grief, Growth, and the Dogs Who Saved Me | Seneca Goodsman

🎧 From Grief to Growth: How Losing Her Mom Led Seneca to a Renewed Purpose with Dogs When Seneca lost her mother unexpectedly in 2023, her world came crashing down. But through the love of dogs, nature, and self-discovery, she found a new path — one filled with growth, purpose, and healing. In this heartfelt interview, Seneca opens up about grief, codependency, dog training, spiritual healing, and how connecting with animals helped her rediscover herself. This is an emotional yet deeply inspiring story of a woman who learned to turn heartbreak into hope — one pack walk at a time. 🐾 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Seneca's Story 05:01 – Grieving, Healing, and Discovering Codependency 08:19 – Finding a Magical New Home and Building Family Balance 11:32 – Pack Dynamics: Understanding Dog Communication 17:05 – Balancing Freedom and Safety for Dogs 21:24 – Virtual Dog Training and the Human-Dog Connection 22:51 – Fostering, Bite Histories, and Tough Decisions 29:27 – How to Connect with Seneca 🌿 Connect with Seneca https://www.instagram.com/seneca_gooddogco/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583926082988# Learn more about training, pack walks, and her story. 🎙️ About the Podcast This podcast shares real stories from real people — powerful, unfiltered conversations about resilience, growth, and what it means to be human. Subscribe to hear more stories that heal, inspire, and connect us all.

E79

4 mar 2026

30:06

78: When Success Feels Empty: A Nigerian Artist on Rediscovering Meaning | Ayola

Nigerian-born artist Ayola shares how walking away from a decade-long career in the pharmaceutical industry allowed him to reconnect with his true self. After years of professional success but growing emptiness, Ayola made the bold choice to leave Canada, return to Nigeria, and rebuild his life as a musician — confronting identity loss, financial fear, and the cultural expectations that equated stability with success. Now, as a touring artist moving between Africa, Canada, and the UK, Ayola unpacks what it means to live a life that actually feels like your own — one that values creativity, purpose, and trust in the unknown. Find Ayola here: https://www.instagram.com/ayolamusic/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/2HhGrOwO1aePIaDgMoGauG https://www.youtube.com/@ayolamusic TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Ayola's Story 06:11 - Building a New Life as a Musician Touring Canada 07:32 - How Culture Shapes Art 10:44 - Chaos as a Catalyst: 14:05 - Letting Go of Overthinking 19:58 - Advice to His Younger Self 22:10 - Ayola's song with Amaka: “Bout You”

E78

25 feb 2026

26:24

77: The Godfather of Salsa Talks Legacy, Leadership, and Love for the Dance Floor | Samer Georges

Samer Georges, co-founder of Ya Salsa and creator of House of Godfather, shares how a simple love for dance grew into a 22-year nonprofit movement rooted in community, inclusivity, and joy. From his early days performing to building a space where dancers from all backgrounds come together, Samer opens up about the lessons he’s learned on leadership, mentorship, and staying true to your purpose. He also talks about the evolution of Latin dance culture in Michigan, the art of connection on the dance floor, and how creating safe, elegant, and welcoming spaces continues to drive his purpose today. Find Samer here: www.yasalsa.org www.houseofgodfather.com https://www.instagram.com/houseofgodfather/ YA Socials are the last Sunday of every month in Troy, Michigan TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Samer's Story 06:54 - Lessons from 22 Years of Salsa 09:51 - Introducing the House of Godfather 11:49 - Coffee, Music, and Fatherhood 19:24 - Dance and Connection 22:50 - Where to Find Ya Salsa and Future Events

E77

19 feb 2026

26:09

94: The Hard Work of Remembering Who You Are | Vicki M

“No one needs to be fixed. I just think we need to be remembered. And I also believe that we need to remember ourselves too.” When we spend our lives taking care of everyone else, it is easy to lose sight of who we are beneath all the doing. In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore what happens when major life disruptions force us to pause, look inward, and finally listen to our bodies and minds. This storytelling podcast features real stories and deeply personal stories about the messy process of self-discovery, moving through grief, and the quiet courage it takes to unlearn old habits. Through these community stories, we examine the difference between constantly doing for others and simply learning how to be. ABOUT THE GUEST In this episode, we’re joined by Vicki, a mother, grandmother, podcaster, and coach who spent years functioning as the primary doer for everyone around her. After facing a significant health crisis and the loss of both of her parents, Vicki had to confront a question she had never been asked before: who do you actually want to be? TIMESTAMPS 00:21 – The weight of being the doer and losing both parents 01:10 – The question that changed everything: Who do you want to be? 02:58 – Navigating grief as an only child and managing an estate 04:26 – Remembering ourselves and moving off the back burner 06:16 – Finding fulfillment by learning to be alone without being lonely 09:13 – Processing a major health diagnosis and learning to listen to the body 11:43 – Navigating trauma, grief, and the absence of a timeline 14:40 – Breaking the cycle of numbing, overworking, and self-judgment 19:18 – Reflecting on parental worth and the generational ripple effect of healing 21:55 – How family dynamics shift when you start prioritizing your own path “My being was more important than what I was doing, and I lost myself somewhere in the doing.” WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR This episode is for you if… You constantly find yourself taking care of everyone else while putting your own needs on the back burner. You are navigating the heavy, timeline-free landscape of grief or recovering from a major health scare. You struggle to sit quietly with your own thoughts and feel the constant urge to stay busy. You are trying to break free from generational expectations and define success on your own terms. You want to learn how to trust your own intuition and give yourself grace when you are not at 100%. CALL TO ACTION If Vicky’s story brought up any reflections about your own journey or what it means to truly listen to yourself, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear your thoughts. If you want to hear more real, human stories like this one, feel free to subscribe to the channel. INVITATION TO LIVE EVENT If you enjoy these conversations, we invite you to join us in person for Tales of the Town. This monthly storytelling night is based in Windsor, Ontario, providing a warm, grounded environment where everyday people share real experiences. Share a story or witness one. It is a space where every voice has a place. LINKS SECTION Tales of the Town: http://www.talesofthetown.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofbeingunstoppable/ Vicki's Podcast: The Art of Being Unstoppable Vicki's Website: VM Beautiful

9 lug 2026

23:22

93: "I Had Nothing Left to Lose" | Bouchra El Amine

"On paper, my life looked amazing... but I was just walking through life, not actually enjoying it, like actually desiring to be there." Welcome to Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast featuring real stories, personal stories, and community stories from everyday people and creatives. In this episode, we explore how hitting rock bottom can lead to unexpected paths of healing, moving from traditional frameworks to holistic practices, and learning to trust your body’s innate capacity to heal. In this episode, we are joined by Bouchra El Amine, an energy healer, qigong teacher, and medicine woman based in Windsor, Ontario. After years of struggling with severe chronic depression and PTSD, Bouchra shifted from her Cartesian upbringing and corporate life to explore alternative medicine, eventually finding her purpose in supporting others through integrative holistic practices. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction and hitting rock bottom 01:36 – Exploring alternative medicine and a friend’s influence 02:56 – The first Reiki and sound healing experience 05:02 – Stepping into plant medicine and the healer's path 06:31 – Coming out of the closet as a local healer 07:54 – The complex nature of human healing and trauma 11:11 – How the body stores emotions on a cellular level 14:14 – Traditional Chinese Medicine and shifting blockages 15:51 – Practical tools: Silence, intention, and gratitude 21:47 – The power of breath and somatic practices 25:48 – How to work with Bouchra and closing reflections "The minute that you stop that very hateful inner critic and judgmental nonsense and you move into love, unconditional love... it changes the narrative with the body." This Episode Is For You If... You have ever felt numb or stuck while your life looks perfectly fine on paper. You are curious about how the body stores trauma, memories, and emotional charges. You want practical, simple ways to connect with your body through breath, intention, and silence. You are navigating a transition from a highly analytical, corporate background into a heart-centered calling. We invite you to share your reflections or experiences with somatic practices and finding stillness in the comments below. If these community stories resonate with you, please consider subscribing to support the podcast. Join Us LIVE! Tales of the Town is also a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space where every voice has a place. Whether you want to share a story or witness one, we welcome you to join our creative community. Links Live Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Bouchra's Website: https://elamshands.com/ * Bouchra's Instagram: @elamshands #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

9 lug 2026

31:14

92: Trading the Car for a Bicycle: A Lifelong Journey of Cycling and Kindness | Don Martel

What happens when you trade your car for a bicycle and commit to navigating the world entirely on your own terms? In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from our community, we look at the unpredictable nature of long-distance cycling and the unexpected kindness of strangers. This conversation explores how stepping into vulnerability can open the door to profound human connection and why the most memorable journeys are the ones where we have no fixed plan. In this episode, we’re joined by Don Martell, a Windsor-based photographer and long-distance cyclist who has spent months traveling across Canada and around the world on his bike. After a career working in the newspaper industry, Don transitioned to a life of open-road adventure, mapping his days around local workshops and the simple pursuit of new perspectives. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction and cycling from north to south Canada 01:13 – Running out of water on a Saskatchewan highway 02:45 – The reality of small-town hospitality and the Purple Submarine 05:00 – Cycling through the mountains of the Dempster Highway 06:48 – Documenting the Northern Lights far south in Tecumseh, Ontario 09:03 – Buying a first camera from Kmart and starting a photography journey 10:09 – Photographing a Namib Desert storm and capturing 18 lightning strikes 13:30 – Selling the car and committing to a life of cycling 15:17 – Plans to cycle around the Mediterranean and Europe 2 1:22 – The story of Miracle, the stolen bike that returned on a special birthday 29:19 – Preparing for a 24-hour fundraising ride in Essex County WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR This episode is for you if: You are drawn to the freedom of solo travel and exploring the world without a rigid plan. You want to hear a grounded perspective on how vulnerability can build deep community stories with strangers. You are interested in photography, storm chasing, and capturing the raw elements of nature. You need a reminder that physical endurance and a life of adventure are possible at any stage of life. CALL TO ACTION The open road has a way of showing us exactly what we need when we least expect it. If Don’s stories brought up any reflections about your own journeys or moments of unexpected kindness, please feel free to leave a comment below. Consider subscribing to the channel to join us for more personal stories from everyday people. 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 dedicated, grounded space where people gather to share a story or simply witness one. Whether you are ready to step up to the microphone or prefer to just listen, you are welcome here. A space where every voice has a place. Tales of the Town Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/ Guest Socials: Don Martell Photography on Facebook and Instagram https://donmartel.com/ https://www.facebook.com/donmartelphototgraphy #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #BicycleTouring #AdventurePhotography #StormChaser

4 giu 2026

32:10

91: Starting Over in A New Country and Achieving my Dreams | Reza

"Everyone's life is like a storybook, is like a notebook. And you write your story about yourself. Make sure you register in a way that in the future... you're going to be proud of yourself." What does it take to leave behind everything you have built and start over from the foundation? In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from our community, we explore the reality of immigration, the power of persistence, and what happens when you commit to a completely new path. This conversation dives into the quiet resilience required to move across the world alone and the mindset it takes to build a new life from scratch. In this episode, we’re joined by Reza, a 24-year-old fitness professional and assistant manager living in Windsor, Ontario. Originally from Iran, Reza was a competitive athlete and student who moved to Canada four years ago to pursue his dreams of growth and freedom. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction and leaving Iran as a student 02:44 – Landing in Toronto and facing strict border security 06:01 – Arriving in Windsor 06:46 – Working graveyard factory shifts to pay for international tuition 07:21 – A chance conversation that pushed Reza back into fitness 09:07 – Landing a personal training job at age 21 10:16 – Balancing full-time work and school to become an assistant manager 14:51 – Future goals of entering medical school and rehabilitation medicine 16:05 – Experiencing freedom and attending a Canadian music festival alone 20:24 – The importance of spending time alone to know yourself We adjust our paths, but our core drive stays the same. If Reza's story resonated with you, please feel free to leave a comment with your own reflections. Consider subscribing to the channel to hear more community stories from everyday people. INVITATION TO LIVE EVENT Tales of the Town is also a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a warm, intentional space where everyday people gather to share a story or witness one. Whether you want to step up to the microphone or simply listen, this is a space where every voice has a place. Event tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Reza_sadeghi_22 #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

28 mag 2026

20:17

85: Don’t Dim Your Light: A Story of Recovery and Expression | Lauren Neuberger

"At some point your curiosity is going to be bigger than your fear." What happens when a high-pressure career in accounting meets a life-altering health crisis? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore a journey of radical transformation—from the rigid world of corporate finance to the liberating floor of ecstatic dance. We sit down for a deep conversation about healing, the intersection of physical and spiritual health, and the courage it takes to stop dimming your own light. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from the heart of our creative community. About the Guest In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Neuberger, a holistic nutritionist and DJ based in Windsor, Ontario. After navigating a breast cancer diagnosis at age 26, Lauren left her accounting career to study the energetic and physical components of chronic illness, eventually finding a new calling in conscious movement and somatic practice. TIMESTAMPS 00:09 – Lauren's Story 08:49 – What is Ecstatic Dance? A guide to dancing with intention. 16:00 – Overcoming the fear of being "weird" on the dance floor. 20:43 – Reconnecting with the divine feminine. 31:00 – Why you should never dim your light. This episode is for you if... You are navigating a major health journey and looking for a holistic perspective on healing. You feel stuck in a professional "box" and want to embrace a more creative or spiritual path. You struggle with self-judgment or the fear of looking "weird" when expressing yourself. You are curious about sober raves, ecstatic dance, or using movement as a meditation. Call to Action If Lauren’s story resonated with you, we invite you to leave a reflection in the comments. Have you ever had a moment where your curiosity finally outweighed your fear? 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 simply witness one. Whether you are stepping onto a growth edge or looking for a grounded evening of human connection, there is a seat for you. Tales of the Town is a space where every voice has a place. Links Event Tickets: www.talesofthetown.ca Ecstatic Dance Windsor (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/528478629167830 Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslaurenneuburger/ #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #HolisticHealing #EcstaticDance

16 apr 2026

35:24

76: The Real Story of Wolf & Rebel: Creativity, Community & Comebacks | Annie Vanrivong

Annie shares the real story behind Wolf & Rebel — a business that began with hand‑stamped keychains and a converted school bus, and grew into one of Windsor’s most creative community hubs. She opens up about the early days of traveling across Canada, the surprising ease of leasing her first storefront, and the emotional highs and lows of navigating competitiveness, burnout, and the pandemic. Annie talks about evolving her business through vintage vinyl, a matcha bar, local partnerships, and her constant search for products that feel authentic to her vision. She also reflects on rediscovering creativity, teaching Pilates, and learning to reconnect with herself after years of pouring everything into her shop. It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to what lights you up. Where to find Annie:https://www.instagram.com/shopwolfandrebelhttps://www.instagram.com/moonimatcha/https://www.wolfandrebel.com/ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Annie's Story04:40 – The Matcha Bar & New Additions 07:58 – Products That Didn’t Sell 09:49 – Partnerships, Local Makers & Blind Date Books 12:52 – Creativity, Work & Finding Herself Again 14:59 – How Pilates Changed Her Body After Kids 17:04 – Where to Find Wolf & Rebel #SmallBusiness#EntrepreneurStory#BusinessPodcast#WomenEntrepreneurs#CanadianBusiness#StartupJourney#CreativeBusiness#PodcastClips#WolfAndRebel#MatchaBar#PilatesJourney#VintageVinyl#LocalShops#BusinessGrowth#InspiringStories

4 feb 2026

18:04

75: What Getting Kicked Off the Air Taught Me | Robert Tymec

What starts as a petty attempt to annoy an ex-girlfriend turns into an unexpected creative awakening. In this episode, Rob shares the true story of how volunteering for high school morning announcements spiraled into a full-blown show—complete with writers’ rooms, recurring characters, and a student-led petition to put him back on the air after he was kicked off. Along the way, Rob reflects on discipline, creative risk-taking, finding your voice early, and why sometimes the most meaningful work comes from simply following what feels fun. This is a story about creativity, momentum, and discovering that your voice can reach further than you ever imagined. Find Rob here:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566118422354 TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Rob's Story11:29 – How to Build a Creative Career (Without Quitting Too Soon) 16:35 – The Power of Open Mics and Live Performance 19:04 – A Creative Brain That Never Turns Off 21:26 – The Role of Creative Role Models 24:15 – Ghost Stories, One-Person Shows, and Creative Sustainability #StorytellingPodcast#RealStories#CreativeJourney#OriginStory#PodcastInterview#CreativeCareer#FindingYourVoice#LivePerformance#ArtistsOnYouTube#StorytimePodcast#PodcastEpisode#LongFormContent#CreativeInspiration#BehindTheStory#PersonalStories

8 gen 2026

28:54

2 di 9