Happily Ever Understood

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 a...

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 conversati...

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 beyo...

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 powe...

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.

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-do...

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 provi...

iListen honors Black History Month by sharing Sherol Leslie's powerful journey. Her autoimmune condition didn’t just test her—it transformed her. It deepened her commitment to showing up for others, creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether building community or organizing fashion shows that amplify marginalized voices, Sherol turns adversity into empowerment. Her mis...

Stepping out of the month-long break for a short moment for iListen to support an entrepreneur making a meaningful impact in her community through advocacy for accessibility. Accessibility 4 Every Body, founded by Diana Dimmock and based in Sherwood Park, Alberta, is a size-inclusive consulting firm dedicated to educating, advocating, and fostering inclusivity for individuals of all body sizes and...

Join us as we sit down with Cora Gladue, founder of Gladue Collections, to discuss her journey of rediscovering her Indigenous roots and how it has shaped her path as an entrepreneur. In honor of Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, Cora shares her powerful story of reconnecting with her culture and how it inspired the creation of her fashion brand, Gladue Collections. Tune in for an insp...

We kick off Season 3 of the Happily Ever Understood Podcast with Cheryl Wang, a community engagement specialist and cultural lover, is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture. Recently, she received funding from the Edmonton Arts Council to further her studies in Chinese storytelling drumsong. She shares this love for ancient art with her five-year-old son, Hanson Yi, and together, they perfo...

To celebrate Pride Month, we proudly present the Dragging Youth Shows—monthly, all-ages drag performances that create a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Thanks to the dedication of Kim Pizzey, Dragging Youth Shows have flourished since their inception in 2016. Kim established a space where individuals of all races, genders, ages, and sexual orientations can showcase their talents and be thei...

iListen was thrilled to have Joan Jack join us for our Indigenous History Month podcast. Joan is a Lawyer and Activist from the Berens River First Nation who earned her law degree from the University of British Columbia. Her practice includes aboriginal law, treaty rights, court involvement in the Indian Residential School and day school. She also has an impressive resume that also includes educat...

iListen is celebrating Filipino Heritage Month with a special feature on Flipside BBQ, a beloved food truck run by Rez and Zahra. This dynamic duo shares their compelling story, delving into their roots in the Philippines and the inspiring journey that led them to start their successful food truck business. Their path to launching Flipside BBQ was filled with challenges and triumphs. Rez and Zahra...

When you hear Bryan's story, you might reconsider what constitutes a bad day. Imagine arriving in a foreign country, alone, with all your belongings in a suitcase. This was Bryan's reality when he landed in Canada from Uganda shortly before the COVID pandemic began. The temperature was -40 degrees, a level of cold he had never encountered before. To make matters more challenging, he no place to ca...

This Asian Heritage Month, we explore the journey of William Chow, the owner of Le Special Malaysian cuisine. William immigrated to Canada from Malaysia and initially worked as a mechanical engineer. However, his passion for food eventually led him to start his own food business during the COVID pandemic—a significant risk at the time. Thanks to the popularity of his food offerings, he remained in...

This Mother's Day we have a conversation with Parent Coach Genie Albina, where delved into the multifaceted nature of motherhood and the significance of diverse maternal figures in our lives. Genie, known for her insights into parenting dynamics, offered profound perspectives on how various individuals can fulfill maternal roles and the evolving nature of listening in the context of upbringing. Pa...

Our last Women’s History Month guest is Dawn Richardson Wilson, a remarkable young woman of many hats. Hailing from Ghana and immigrating to Edmonton, Alberta, Dawn’s journey took a monumental turn that ultimately led her to compete at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. As part of the first Black Canadian women's bobsleigh crew, Dawn made history and captured the hearts of many with her determination and...

For Women's History Month, we are privileged to have Nicole Konkin of Nicole Louise Couture Events. She shares her inspiring story of pursuing her dream of becoming a wedding planner. Reflecting on her journey and evolution of her brand has been a testament to dedication, resilience, and passion. From her childhood dreams to her current reality, Nicole showcases her growth and adaptation in the fa...

Meet Taz, a multilingual marketing professional with a remarkable life story. Overcoming intergenerational trauma has been a significant part of her journey, as she currently focuses her energy on supporting newcomers in Ontario. With proficiency in four languages and having already lived on four continents, Taz experienced a transformative breakthrough while living in Edmonton, Alberta. She has t...

Celebrating Black History Month we talk with Bert (Dirt Gritie) Richards. Bert is an Edmonton, Alberta born entrepreneur and activist of Jamaican/Vincentian heritage. Currently Bert is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of “Joyful Noise Ink”, a company that provides family friendly programming using games, storytelling, music and dance from West African/Caribbean Heritage.   A graduate...

Meet Brian Sawyer, Board of Directors for Men's Sheds Edmonton and Program Manager of Men's Sheds Canada. With over 22 years' facilitation experience in men's peer support circles, Men's Sheds was a great fit for Brian. Men's Sheds started in Australia and is now operating in 12 countries. The organization offers relaxed and inclusive spaces where men can learn new skills, revive old hobbies, shar...

Rahil's culinary journey began in renowned hotels in India and Hospitality Management education in Edinburgh, Scotland. His international journey continued with a prestigious position at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai, UAE. In 2019 he began his career in Canada by working with esteemed establishments like Ritz Carlton and Delta Hotels. However, it was during the challenging times of the pandemic...

iListen reflects on 2023 with great momentum. It's always significant to acknowledge the journey, including the challenges and triumphs that come with building a business unlike any other. We want to express gratitude to the supporters who have been a part of this journey. Your continued support is a testament to the impact and value that iListen brings to the community. As we look forward to the...

Happily Ever Understood's last Christmas gift guide podcast is with Brittany of Serenity Respite Inc. which was founded in 2021. Serenity Respite Inc.'s goal is to make quality child care accessible by removing barriers to care. As a disabled person herself, Brittany knows how important it is for kids to see people like themselves succeeding and doing what they love while having a positive impact...