This week I introduce a new segment I’m launching, and I share a fun story of a friend I made in an unlikely place. I also talk about the new Netflix documentary series (and my subsequent deep dive) about the Murdaugh murder story.

I’m so excited to introduce “Ask Your BFF.” I have spent the last 20 years of my life externally processing every situation of mine and my friends lives through thousands of hours of beautiful conversations. Talking through my emotions, feeling seen and making sure my friends keep me in check has been one of life’s greatest gifts.

And…. everyone deserve a best friend to talk through their problems or issues with! So, that’s where I come in. Do you have a tricky scenario that you’re playing on loop in your mind that you’d love to get an unbiased opinion on? Something you just want a little extra validation about? Nothing is off limits, and I’m seriously SO excited. Oh, and don’t worry it’s 100% anonymous. Head over to https://www.findingsparklechasinglight.com/ask-your-bff and fill out as many submissions as you’d like and as often as you’d like! (Please!! And tell your friends!!)

Today’s episode is all about vulnerability, and how it’s part of my secret sauce to a deep and meaningful friendship. I chat about the joy of meeting my besties at Jack Astors, and also share a meaningful message I received from a close friend on last week’s episode (spoiler: it will help you feel better about your current friend pauses). I share some of the reasons why being vulnerable comes easy to me, including not drinking alcohol for about 8 years and how my primary friend group was my amazing Mormon friends. I also talk about Pamela Anderson’s new documentary, “Pamela, A Love Story” and one of my favourite people’s journeys to have witnessed in real time: the inimitable Charly Goss.

Today’s episode is about friendship, identity, and grief. I talk about how society and culture are built for romantic love and we are all quite ill-prepared for the heartbreak of platonic, friendship love. I share some of my thoughts on friendship contracts: the unconscious signing of contracts when we first become friends with someone, and what that means as we grow and change as people. But most importantly, I vulnerably share how I’m in the thick of my own heartbreaking and confusing friendship pause* with one of my lifelong best friends.

In honour of the season finale airing this Sunday December 11th, today’s episode is all about my obsession with The White Lotus. If you’re not familiar with the show, it follows idyllic vacationers during a weeklong stay at a White Lotus hotel, this season being in Sicily. The episodes begin with relaxed, privileged guests and each week peels back dark layers in some of the most thrilling character development I’ve ever watched. It explores themes of fantasy, lust, affairs, dysfunctional relationships and eventually death. Major kudos to writer/director Mike White for his epic attention to details, his intentional storytelling, but also his many nods to various iconic film scenes from the ages. And bless the internet for catching so many details and clues that often go right over my head!

I can’t believe this is my 10th podcast episode! Thank you so much for being here. Today I’m sharing some thoughts about Season 3 of Love is Blind on Netflix. If you haven’t watched the show, it’s basically 30 singles who “date” via pods where they can’t see each other, unless they get engaged and get to physically meet. All engaged couples live together for 3 weeks and meet each other’s family and friends, and then decide at their wedding if they want to say yes. It’s as wild as it sounds, and there are some definite twists and turns, and red flags in my opinion but I’m really rooting for one couple the hardest!

Also, I’m so excited to have one of my best friends on for part of this week’s episode. Alyssa is a brilliant photographer, the first person to hold Remy at 4 hours old, and she and her fiancé, Chris, were the photographers and witnesses for our elopement in LA. In honour of Halloween and spooky season we chat about some haunting and beautiful stories from our childhood. We want to hear more of your spooky universe stories, so be sure to message me on instagram!

Today’s episode is all about full circle moments. The last time I was in New York was when Lucas and I rang in 2020 with quite the adventure. But, I was back last week to shoot Alt Summit, which had been on pandemic-hiatus since March 2020. Yes, the last place I was before the world shut down was with some of my favourite people shooting a conference, yes doing our elbow greetings and not touching our faces, in Palm Springs.

It was so special being back with inspiring women, and old friends and on today’s show I’m sharing 5 of my top takeaways from the conference this year.

I know, I know, Reality TV is supposed to be a mindless, “guilty pleasure” we love to hate, but what happens when we learn some beautiful life lessons from it? On today’s episode I’m proud to share my most recent favourite scene from The Amazing Race Canada finale (watch it and cry with me), and then, in honour of Season 2 of The Kardashians starting, I share 10 lessons I learned from Season 1. I hope you’ll have a listen if you’re not a fan of the Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and the fam because I really think there are some lovely lessons to learn.

This week I’m talking all about how I made my decision to have a baby, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting during these uncertain times. I talk about everything from how I knew I was ready, to how to deal with climate change. It gets deeply personal, a little bit heavy (I address my lifelong fear of dying in childbirth), hopeful, and I even cry at the end. Sometimes saying things out loud makes them more real, and the feelings start flowing.

I was totally obsessed with Selling Sunset (and Selling Tampa), so naturally I was excited to see another Oppenheim office opening up in Orange County with new real estate agents to love (or hate). This week I not only watched the entire season, but did went down a rabbit hole learning everything I could - and some stuff I almost wish I didn’t - about each of the new agents.

In honour of our wedding anniversary this past weekend, I figured I’d have Lucas back on this week to share a bit more about our love story and play a little game of “would you rather?” We hope to make you smile as we share some funny stories and lessons we’ve learned along the way. We also answered a bunch of questions from my instagram so make sure you’re following @findingsparklechasinglight to join in the community fun!

Oh, and as per the show, here are Lucas’ two favourite hair products: Bona Fide Matte and Victory Claymore both from his fantastic barber, Dexter, at Town Barber in Toronto.

Special thanks to Mike Halyk for the music, and Alyssa Nicole from Suech and Beck for the wedding photo on the episode cover.

After watching a documentary this week, I was reminded of my own story of being catfished. At the time I was so embarrassed and ashamed that I didn't reveal the entire story to anyone... until now. I also introduce a new segment called The Rabbithole where I bring you down whatever rabbithole I've gone down - this week it's a "where are the Love Is Blind season 2 stars now?!" And, I finish it off with a basic lesson about Virgos as we enter their season!

Have you ever had an experience that left you feeling like the biggest failure ever, but with time and clarity you’re able to see the silver lining? And that maybe it was even the best thing to happen to you? This week we explore the theme of failure and I share one of my greatest public failure stories: the time I tried to work for Ellen DeGeneres.

This week I’m chatting about a bit about myself in my first solo episode - turns out you want to know more about who I am and my life story, which is fun! I’m also sharing a pretty personal, but beautiful, story about the universe giving me a sign when I really needed it. I hope it inspires you to trust in the universe, too. I’m also sharing a new segment called “Late to the Party” which couldn’t be more fitting for me, haha!

I am kicking things off with the help of my husband, Lucas! We chat about the story behind the podcast, my personal quest that led to choosing the title, Finding Sparkle Chasing Light, and what I hope to achieve through this new platform.