Older and Bolder with Debbie McCulloch is a podcast that celebrates life as we age. Debbie interviews guest who are “fearless, fabulous and fifty-plus.” Each guests opens up about their struggles, their triumphs and their passions, while providing insight into strategies for living life with gusto into our fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond. Whether facing tragedies, disappointments, amazing achievements or giving freely of their time and talents for the better good, these guests speak openly about their feelings and experiences. Be inspired, motivated and certainly entertained with their stories.

 

About Debbie McCulloch

Debbie is someone who firmly believes that each day is a gift to be appreciated. Raised on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, she treasured her childhood. However, a series of untimely deaths in her immediate family, including the vicious murder of her adored 24-year-old sister, gave her a profound realization of the fragility of life itself. Now a widow, mother to three grown children, and grandmother to two young boys, Debbie enjoys her time in her small town of Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Canada. Retired from her 40-year career as a community pharmacist, Debbie pursues her passions of volunteering, enjoying the company of family and friends and sharing the stories of fabulous individuals in their older years on her podcast Older and Bolder. She spreads the word that life is to be lived fully and that it is never too late to chase your dreams or to find  strength to carry on when dealing with personal tragedy.

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_First Glimpse of You - Victor Lundberg, ES_Hum with Me - Tape Machines, ES_Saddle Up - Francis Wells, ES_Ty Zh Mene Pidmanula - Traditional, ES_Wherever You're Going (Instrumental Version) - Cody Francis.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

https://www.podpage.com/older-and-bolder/

Older & Bolder with Debbie McCulloch Season One

Get ready for the ultimate celebration of life over 50! 💪🎉 Join host Debbie McCulloch for #OlderAndBolder, the podcast for people who are fearless, fabulous, and 50-plus! 🎙️

Each Tuesday for 10 weeks, starting March 14th, 2023, you'll have the chance to meet some truly inspiring individuals who are making the most of their golden years. From incredible life stories to tips and tricks for living your best life, Debbie has got it all covered.

In this first episode, listen to Debbie share her personal journey and the importance of embracing life over 50. With family tragedies, including cancer, murder, and multiple sclerosis, she realized that life is a gift and is on a mission to celebrate those who inspire us and make a difference in the lives of others.

Join Debbie and discover the beauty of aging gracefully and boldly. 

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign - OTE, Otto Niklasson Elmerås, Daniel Aldenmark
Music selections: ES_A Winter Solitude - Martin Klem

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Art work: Christina Cherneskey

End voice-over by Brent T-Bone Blazieko: https://thesoundlounge.ca/ (Please check him out. He is one of the best audio engineers and V/O specialists I have ever had the pleasure of working with! {Christina Cherneskey})

Older & Bolder Ep 1: A little about me

Welcome to the second episode of Older and Bolder. My guest for this podcast is Shirley Salkeld.

Join us for an inspiring journey with Shirley, a writer of poetry and visual art who has discovered the power of creativity and positivity in the face of tragedy. 💬 In this episode, Shirley shares her story of hosting Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi, and the unexpected turn of events that took place. Listen as she opens up about life as a young widow, her growth in confidence, and the daily practices of gratitude and positivity that bring her great happiness. 💖 With intimate detail, Shirley proves that it's never too late to grow, learn, and love life to the fullest. 

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign 
Music selections for this show: ES_Faded Photos - Ruiqi Zhao, ES_Sweet Thing - Lope, ES_Central Park Summers - Nickolas Jones, ES_I said Forever - Brightarm Orchestra

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 2: Wonder of Words with Shirley Salkeld

Welcome to Episode 3 of Older and Bolder. Shelley Low is my guest.

After her husband receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 48, Shelley describes how this unexpected reality led them both on a new health and wellness journey. Connecting with the Parkinson’s Society, Shelley played a huge role in assisting her son to organize an incredible fundraiser called Lows in Motion, that would end up raising an unprecedented amount of money for this charity. Shelley opens up about the heartaches, the celebrations and the challenges that present itself as she supports her husband in his journey.

As a Juice Plus consultant and health advocate, Shelley finds joy in spreading her message of prioritizing health. With her passion for helping others in need, Shelley shares her experience as a volunteer with Ronald McDonald House. She continues to enrich the lives of those around her as she assists families experiencing the stress of having a child in a hospital far away from home. This episode will evoke both tears of sorrow and tears of joy as Shelley eloquently shares with us her struggles and her triumphs.

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Friends for Life - Indigo Days, ES_Over Again - Josef Falkenskold, ES_For Some Time - Daniel Gunnarsson, ES_Map Compass - Hara Noda

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 3: Wake-up call with Shelley Low

This is Episode 4 of Older and Bolder and my guest is Lisa Chance

The Fasting Method coach, Lisa Chance, has a candid conversation about the struggles she faced while working as an ICU registered nurse. She was morbidly obese and dealing with multiple health issues that made simple tasks difficult.  Lisa shares her story of transformation, shedding 160 lbs and improving her health and her life in more ways than she could have ever imagined. Crediting her Fasting Method coaches and intermittent fasting in saving her life, Lisa opens up about how truly grateful and in awe she is of the active life she is now able to lead.

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selection for this show: ES_Teardrop Window - Ecobel, ES_ 4 Malcolm - Sarah, the Illstrumentalist, ES_SEGLA - Jerry McHoy, ES_Dimman - Jakob Ahlbom.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 4: Shrink & Shine with Lisa Chance

What is it like to own the title of the fastest 80-year-old in the world? 

Find out as World Master Female Athlete for 2022, Carol Lafayette-Boyd talks about her training, competitions and challenges along the path to earning this designation. 

Carol also speaks about her volunteer work with the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum and how her keen interest in genealogy uncovered some interesting truths about her own family heritage. 

Hear how despite experiencing great loss, Carol’s faith has assisted her in moving forward with passion and purpose and inspires others along the way.  


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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selection for this show: ES_Your Gain - Swif7, ES_Infinite Rings - Lama House, ES_Quiet - Jakob Ahlbom, ES_Wherever You're Going (Instrumental Version) - Cody Francis

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 5: Fast & Fearless with Carol Lafayette-Boyd

Be injected with a dose of enthusiasm, zest for life and an urge to experience new adventures as you listen to Linda Meyers!  

Linda recounts her journey of quitting her teaching job, moving to another continent and opening a cooking school in Tuscany, Italy.  Since then, she and her husband George have created great food and lots of laughter as they now have guests attending their cooking classes in Tuscany, Mexico, Cuba, France and Sicily.  

They love to cook, eat, play and travel!  Catch Linda’s contagious exuberance as she explains how focusing on fun and creating new and fascinating experiences for her guests have brought so much joy to this stage of her life! 

Find out more about Linda here:   https://cookintuscany.com/
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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Italian Song - Traditional, ES_Lunch Break in Milan - Trabant 33, ES_Rain Over Portofino - Brightarm Orchestra, ES_Tutto Bene - Trabant 33, ES_Waltz for Little Italy - Bireli Snow.



Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 6: Cook, Eat, Play...Every Day with Linda Meyers

Shelly’s love of learning and people were the sparks that ignited a fire within her to pursue higher education in her mid-fifties. This episode takes you through Shelly’s journey of becoming a certified yoga instructor and then going to University to obtain her degree in nursing. Listen to the challenges and rewards of her nursing student life including travelling to Malawi, Africa to participate in the “Days for Girls“ program. As Shelly embraces fitness, yoga and nursing, she has bundled them together by teaching yoga for cancer patients at a Wellness Clinic in Saskatoon. You won’t want to miss this conversation with Shelly, the nurturing NAMASTE NURSE!

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selection for this show: ES_A Dance in the Sun - Erik Fernholm, ES_A Sweet Dream - Victor Lundberg, ES_Cosme Velho - El Equipo Del Norte, ES_First Glimpse of You - Victor Lundberg, ES_Reaching the Sky - Epsilon Wave.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 7: Namaste Nurse With Shelly McGrath

Earning the titles of both Zoomer and Grandma, Kathy brilliantly meshes both roles as she is creator and host of the popular podcast and radio show Go-To-Grandma that airs on the Zoomer Radio Network. Learn how her career as a humorous, parenting book author was the catalyst to transition into appealing to this older demographic. Kathy shares her process for writing books and how she is able to combine humour with serious subjects like parenting.  Hear an excerpt from her book, I Am So the Boss of You and learn about the parenting styles that Kathy embraces. She will also share some of her own tips and advice and how those of us with grandchildren can become Go-To-Grandmas ourselves!

Check out Kathy's podcast here: www.zoomerrdio.ca/programs/go-to-grandma

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Go Off - FLYIN, ES_Indie Garden - OTE, ES_Rare Love (Instrumental Version) - Cody Francis, ES_So Long Yesterday - Coma Svensson, ES_Why Not_ - Victor Lundberg.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 8: Grateful Grandma With Kathy Buckworth

Catriona LeMay Doan was catapulted into the spotlight after winning the gold medal in 500m long track speedskating and the bronze medal in the 1000 m at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.  She went on to defend her title, winning the gold medal again at the Salt Lake City winter Olympics in 2002. Since then, her career has pivoted to broadcasting, working as a sports commentator for five Olympic Games and later as the CEO and president of Sport Calgary.  Catriona shares with Debbie her love of motherhood and the joy of cheering on her teenage children in their sporting endeavors. Catriona memorializes the moments at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic opening ceremony when the arm of the cauldron that she was supposed to light, failed to rise as all the world was watching! Listen to her share the thrill of being Chef de Mission at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Always a believer in being vulnerable and trying new things, Catriona recounts the fun she has playing ringette and hockey on women’s teams in Calgary. You won’t want to miss this in-depth interview where Catriona promotes the benefits and rewards of sport and staying active at every age. What does life look like after Olympic Gold?  Get the scoop from someone who tells it all!

Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Go Off - FLYIN, ES_Indie Garden - OTE, ES_Rare Love (Instrumental Version) - Cody Francis, ES_So Long Yesterday - Coma Svensson, ES_Why Not_ - Victor Lundberg.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Music selections for this show: ES_Melting Glass - Eden Avery, ES_Palma - Andre Aguado, ES_Paradigm Shift - Gavin Luke, ES_Everything Is Love - Station Story, ES_Progressive Progress - Howard Harper-Barnes, ES_Don't Waste My Time (Instrumental Version) - Victor Lundberg

Older & Bolder Ep 9: Life After Olympic Gold With Catriona LeMay Doan

In this episode, Debbie’s guest, Jonle Sedar reveals how her passion for experiencing different cultures and learning new languages led her to her exciting career. Originally from Pennsylvania, Jonle now works at a Spanish Immersion School in Costa Rica and has a deep appreciation for the country and its people. Jonle organizes groups from the USA and Canada to come and experience life in Costa Rica while learning the beautiful Spanish language. Jonle shares how her love of learning, travel and people, and her keen interest in advocating for women has woven into the fabric of  her career and her life in this unique and interesting country. Learn some unique facts about Costa Rica and how promotion of peace and protecting nature are at the heart of the culture in this country.
www.cpi-edu-com

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Amorcito - El Equipo Del Norte, ES_Besame Un Poco - Son Habana, ES_Cloudlands - Molife, ES_Corazon Esperando - Nylonwings, ES_Golden Forest - Toby Tranter, ES_La Habitacion - Flooaw, ES_Solitario (Instrumental Version) - Lawd Ito.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 10: Pura Vida Costa Rica With Jonle Sedar

My conversation with Kelly Gasper is sure to create numerous and varied emotions. Kelly’s life was full and rich as she spent  so much time laughing, playing and cuddling each of her three grandchildren.  She was such a proud mother to her two grown sons, Mark and Troy and had welcomed with open arms Troy’s wife and mother of his children into their family. A horrific traffic collision in June of 2018, turned Kelly’s life upside down. She had to face the horrible reality that Troy, his wife and all three of their children ages 6, 4 & 2 were pronounced dead at the scene. Kelly recounts the shock and grief of processing this loss and how the support of family, friends and community allowed her to navigate through the days, weeks and years following.  

Listen to the incredible story of overwhelming support for the Gasper Family Foundation whose mission is to bring families and communities together through play. Hear accounts of unprecedented fundraising while partnering with Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign. Listen to Kelly talk about the impressive tributes honouring the Gasper family. Kelly speaks with pride about Troy, Carissa, Kael, Shea and Maks, who despite having their lives taken far, far too soon, have left a lasting legacy in their communities and beyond. In spirit, they are all promoting the value of play, family time, laughter and embracing what’s really important.  Kelly shares this message loud and clear in our heartwarming, heartbreaking and soul-baring conversation.
https://www.timhortons.ca/smile-cookie
https://www.gasperfamilyfoundation.com/

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Go Off - FLYIN, ES_Indie Garden - OTE, ES_Rare Love (Instrumental Version) - Cody Francis, ES_So Long Yesterday - Coma Svensson, ES_Why Not_ - Victor Lundberg.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Music for this show: ES_For Want of Means - Alfie-Jay Winters, ES_She Is Everywhere - Clarence Reed, ES_Call Me Out (Instrumental Version) - Loving Caliber, ES_Forever Apart - Million Eyes, ES_Inspiration - Megan Wofford, ES_The Long Walk Home 1 - Magnus Ringblom

Older & Bolder Ep 11: Family Of Angels with Kelly Gasper

Mary Klauda is a guest you won’t soon forget. She is using her retirement years to improve her skills and create wonderful experiences in numerous ways. After two trips to Cuba - including participating in the Witness for Peace program - Mary was inspired to become proficient in the Spanish language. After enrolling in University classes to improve her use of the language, Mary was hooked and used the time when restrictions were in place due to Covid to immerse herself in Spanish language classes. When travel was permitted again, Mary also travelled to Costa Rica and attended Spanish Immersion School, while staying with and interacting with the locals to further enhance her skills. Since returning to Minnesota, Mary is now using her Spanish to volunteer in Health clinics that provide services to Hispanic immigrants. Mary’s kind heart and burning desire to assist others less fortunate is revealed as she talks about her volunteer work with the “ Give Us Wings” non-profit. Mary has travelled  three times with this organization to Uganda and will be returning in June/23.  The people in these small villages in Uganda experience the realities of extreme poverty and Mary and others in this organization work with the local residents on projects that include health care, economic sustainability and education.  

Hear her account of these life-changing experiences for her as well as for the villagers that she interacts with!

Wondering what your retirement could look like? Be motivated to think outside the box and create some unique and incredible experiences as you listen to Mary’s story. The world awaits as Mary uses this time to be bold, brave and benevolent!

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Abuela Canela - Cumbia Connection, ES_African Treasure - Sight of Wonders, ES_Computer Wiz - Marten Moses, ES_Hungarian Dance No. 4 in F-Sharp Minor - Traditional, ES_In for a Penny - Tiki Tiki, ES_Siempre Atento - Cumbia Connection.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

Older & Bolder Ep 12: Humanitarian Heart with Mary Klauda

Diane Dupuy has accomplished what no one thought possible! She is the founder and creator of the world-renowned Famous People Players, a black-light puppetry theatre group, that has performed In New York, Las Vegas, Toronto and even China! This troupe features performers that are developmentally challenged, proving to the world that focussing on the abilities and potential instead of limitations really can create uniquely magical results.
	

Diane has been inducted as a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her incredible contributions to Canadian Society. She explains how she is able to unlock the power of imagination and creativity in individuals who are often not given the chance to reach their potential.

Diane recounts her experience in elementary school when she struggled greatly academically and socially. She tells her emotional story of being shunned  in school. She recalls how her imagination and creating a horse named Silver, that became her imaginary friend were her saving grace. Diane discloses how her creativity, her Mother’s wisdom and seamstress skills all contributed to the amazing success of Famous People Players.

Hear how Liberace invited the troupe to be his opening act, resulting in over 10 years of performing with him both in Las Vegas and internationally. Be in awe as you listen to the partnerships with Paul Newman and Phil Collins who were so impressed with the group that they provided funding for the Dine and Dream Theatre in Toronto!

Diane’s vivacious energy comes shining through as she has shares her thoughts on the importance of integrating individuals with disabilities. Talk about making a huge difference in the world. Diane has certainly accomplished that! She is still advocating, creating and using her skills and talents in her unique educational experiences offered in Toronto.  Learn about the “Stars of Tomorrow” program that is providing a learning environment unlike anything else for students who have difficulty fitting into the regular school system.

Prepare yourself to open your mind to the power of a dream, the unbelievable success that can be created if one pursues a passion and the value of always looking through a lens of possibilities!  Diane shows us how this has been her reality as she continues to show young people how to discover their inner gifts!



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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Brighter than the Stars (Instrumental Version) - Collin Lim, ES_Gazing at Clouds - Paper Twins, ES_Good to Be Home - Erik Fernholm, ES_Got Caught in Amsterdam - Arc De Soleil, ES_Save It for a Rainy Day - Margareta.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

#famouspeopleplayers #Liberace #ordeofcanada #disabilities #imagination #blacklightpuppetry #PaulNewman #Philcollins #starsoftomorrow #wherespecialhappens #starinyourownlife #culinarydreamprogram #innergifts 
https://famouspeopleplayers.com/

Older & Bolder Ep 13: Making Special Happen with Diane Dupuy

This episode features the one and only Sherry Anderson, who continues to make quite a name for herself in the sport of curling. Sherry is one of the most decorated curlers in our country. Hot off the heels of winning her third Senior Women’s Curling Championship, a feat no one else has ever done, Sherry takes us through her illustrious curling career. She reveals why she loves the sports so much and talks about where it all began, in the small town of Christopher Lake, Sask.

Sherry shares with Debbie how she she is able to concentrate on her strategic moves as a skip during each game and how sometimes in the heat of the moment, a few words not intended for television have slipped out while being mic’d up at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.  

You will hear how Sherry's friendly nature has earned her awards for sportsmanship at the Scotties and why being recognized by her peers in this way was such an honour. She also discusses the heartbreaking loss of a member of her curling team, Aly Jenkins, who tragically passed away due to an extremely rare complication during childbirth. You will also hear what Sherry does when the curling season ends, and summer season begins. Sherry discloses what she does for fun, discussing time spent on the golf course, as well as hunting and fishing with family.  From curling to golf, gardening to fishing, Sherry unknowingly reveals to the listener why she is so loved and admired by curling fans, curling peers and everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her in person.

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_Getting Home - Major Tweaks, ES_Lush And Sunny - Many Moons Ago, ES_Lush And Sunny - Many Moons Ago, ES_Lush And Sunny - Many Moons Ago, ES_Lush And Sunny - Many Moons Ago.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

https://www.curling.ca/2024scotties/
curlingcanada
https://www.facebook.com/curlingcanada
https://www.curlingzone.com/player.php?playerid=1505
https://pashof.ca/inductee/sherry-anderson-athlete/

Older & Bolder Ep 14: Curling Rings To Golfing Swings With Sherry Anderson

How does someone become passionate about assisting both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence? Hear all about it first-hand from Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Lise Perreault-Streeter. Listen as Lise talks about facilitating support groups for male abusers and what she has learned from them. She also takes us through some warning signs and stages of domestic violence and how victims often require great courage to leave such a frightening situation.

Lise openly recounts some of her specialized training and experience in a neurotherapy called Eye Movement Integration that is gaining popularity in treating patients affected by trauma. She informs us on both the benefits and risks of using this treatment that is showing so much promise in reducing the burden of traumatic baggage.

Be prepared to be amazed as Lise and Debbie share their thoughts on the vast array of areas that the Canadian Red Cross is involved with. Lise’s current job as the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist for Saskatchewan for the Red Cross is something that she finds both rewarding and interesting. Lise and Debbie discuss their current roles in providing psychosocial support and educate the listeners on the numerous ways the Red Cross aids Canadians.   

Listing ways to nurture our own mental health as we grow older, Lise not only shares her own story, but enlightens us on the importance of maintaining good practices to enhance our emotional wellbeing. 

You will definitely come away with new knowledge, a greater understanding of domestic violence and a new appreciation for the Canadian Red Cross after listening to Lise’s conversation.

Older & Bolder Ep 15: Let's Talk Mental Health With Lise Perreault-Streeter

You will want to drink in every word as you listen to this conversation with Mary Sawatzky. Mary is the owner, operator and along with her daughter Paige, the creative genius behind a unique venue called “The Barn”. Located on a piece of paradise on the prairie, this property has become the place where wellness journeys are launched, special occasions are celebrated, and precious memories are created.

Mary takes us through a day that started off very routine and turned into a tragedy, ultimately resulting in her 7-year-old son, Wade, being rushed to a hospital more than an hour and a half away. Hear how Mary describes the shock and emotional turmoil of watching her son lose his life only days later. Mary shares how the decision to donate her son’s organs at this time, not only helped those who received this life-saving gift, but also aided  in her own healing journey.

Mary speaks openly about the difficult months and years following. She discusses ways she dealt with her own grief and the challenge of observing her teenage daughter struggling to process “Survivor Syndrome.” Mary also takes us down the path of living with a loved one experiencing the dark days of addiction, as her husband used drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of his grief. Hear firsthand how Mary’s life was turned into a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty as she was unable to help her husband break free from the hold of these addictive substances.

Be inspired as Mary recounts the days, shortly after becoming a widow in her fifties, when her daughter Paige moved back home and together they accomplished what most people would think was impossible. Renovating a 100-year-old barn into a space that hosts everything from weddings to Halloween mazes to extravagant Mother’s Day High Teas, Mary and Paige have created something truly remarkable! Hear how their vision, their supportive community and their ingenuity in figuring out ways to repurpose materials and items thrown away by others, all contributed to this accomplishment. 

Mary’s story will give us all hope that nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves and never doubt the power of persistence!

https://www.thebarnherschel.ca/
https://ancientechoes.ca/


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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music selections for this show: ES_First Glimpse of You - Victor Lundberg, ES_Hum with Me - Tape Machines, ES_Saddle Up - Francis Wells, ES_Ty Zh Mene Pidmanula - Traditional, ES_Wherever You're Going (Instrumental Version) - Cody Francis.

Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey