Luma & Bloom

In this episode, we sit down with Charles Martin, author of The Letter Keeper series a fictional series deeply rooted in the real stories of human trafficking survivors. Charles shares his journey to becoming an author and the heart behind writing stories that confront some of the darkest realities in our world. We talk about writing as a way to process emotion, grief, and truth, and why storytell...

This week, we’re celebrating the season with our favourite Christmas treats and traditions — but we also take a moment to talk about hope, grace, and patience. Whether your holidays feel joyful, busy, or a little heavy, this episode is a gentle reminder that hope is always within reach. Send us a Text! Support the show Make sure to connect with us on social media! -Instagram: https://www.instagram...

*Trigger warning: this episode contains conversation around suicide and suicidal ideation* International suicide hotline list: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/ In this powerful conversation, survivor and advocate Andrea Heinz joins us to unpack the growing push to license brothels and body rub parlours in Canada — and why she believes these policies fundamentally endanger women. A...

In this episode of Luma & Bloom, Nic and Kate sit down with mindset coach Angela Morris, whose wisdom is shaped not only by her professional work but by a life marked with deep hardship, resilience, and transformation. Together, they dive into the realities of motherhood, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who see your real life instead of an idealized version of it, and why ou...

This week on Luma & Bloom , we’re joined by the incredible Toni McKinley — a survivor of trafficking who now spends her life helping other women heal and experience real freedom. Toni opens up about compassion fatigue, her own story, and what she’s learned from over a decade of walking with survivors on their healing journeys. We talk about how trauma reshapes the brain, why survivors often qu...

This week, we’re celebrating two years of Luma & Bloom — two years of stories, conversations, courage, and community. We take a look back at the moments that shaped us, the guests who have trusted us with their stories, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. From acknowledging the beauty of the bodies we live in, to finding belonging in one another, to recognizing the power that comes wh...

In this episode of Luma & Bloom, we dive into the cultural belief that “sex sells” — and what that message is really selling us. From vintage ads that reduced women to props, to modern campaigns featuring OnlyFans models, to the way companies pose models in their clothing, we explore how marketing has shaped the way society values bodies, desire, and identity. We discuss the difference between...

In this episode of Luma & Bloom, Nic, Kate, and Lainey dive into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes exhausting world of modern dating—exploring not just the highs and lows of dating apps, but the deeper patterns that shape how we love and connect. From navigating red flags versus green flags to questioning the idea of soulmates, they unpack how our past relationships influence our present cho...

**Trigger warning** This episode contains discussions of r*pe and su*c*de. Listener discretion is advised. If you are struggling, you can contact the Canadian Suicide Hotline at 1-833-456-4566 or reach out to the International Association for Suicide Prevention at https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp to find a local hotline anywhere in the world. In this powerful episode, survivor and advocate Gina Ca...

*Trigger warning - In this episode, we talk about mental health and suic*de. Please take care while listening, and step away if you need to.* International suic*de hotline list: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/ Joy doesn’t just arrive—it takes work.  This week on Luma & Bloom , Nic and Kate welcome Jessica Janzen, a motivational speaker and author who believes that joy is the...

Nic and Kate sit down with Rob Stoddard from Covenant Eyes to unpack the realities of p*rn*gr*phy, AI-generated content, and their devastating impact on individuals, marriages, children, and communities. Rob shares eye-opening stats—78% of men and 44% of women use p*rn regularly, and 56% of divorces cite it as a key factor—and explains how it objectifies people, damages intimacy, and becomes a com...

Victoria Sinis once worked as a marketer and recruiter for OnlyF*ns — until a radical encounter with Jesus flipped her entire life upside down. Today, she’s speaking out against the platform she once promoted, exposing the false promises of “empowerment” and the hidden harms of p*rn*gr*phy. In this eye-opening conversation, Victoria reveals: Why OnlyF*ns is “one big grooming machine” The shocking...

From the hockey rink to Canada’s most elite special forces unit, and now to the stage as a country music artist — Dallas Alexander’s story is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Dallas opens up about his years serving with JTF2, including time overseas in Afghanistan, and the life lessons that came with it. He shares the heartbreak of losing his brother, how grief pushed him toward songwriting...

*Trigger warning: this episode contains conversation around suic*de and suic*dal ideation* International suic*de hotline list: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/ In this conversation, Jasmin Laine joins Nic and Kate to talk about what it means to navigate life after trauma. From the shifting weight of friendships in adulthood to the struggle of survivor guilt and self-censoring, Jas...

Jeffrey Bergen's story is raw and redemptive. Born in a Mennonite colony in Paraguay and later moving to Winnipeg, Jeffrey faced abuse and exposure to pornography at a very young age. To cope with his trauma he turned to alcohol, drugs, and the LGBTQ community, where he found people who shared his pain - but not the lasting healing he was searching for. In this episode of Luma & Bloom, Je...

The internet connects us like never before — but it’s also where kids and teens face some of their greatest risks. From sending nudes to sextortion and online grooming, predators no longer need to leave their homes to exploit vulnerable youth. In this episode of Luma & Bloom , Val Caldwell joins us to break down the reality of online exploitation and the dangers hidden inside everyday apps, ga...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Greyson—a man whose strength is only rivaled by his compassion. As a father of eight, Mike has walked through unimaginable storms, including the devastating loss of his daughter to trafficking. With honesty and heart, he shares his journey through fatherhood, grief, and becoming an advocate for the vulnerable. We talk about the lasting impact of trauma, the i...

In this powerful episode, Reese Ketler opens up about life after a spinal cord injury and the unexpected journey that followed. From his early days in the hockey world to finding new purpose and belonging in the wheelchair rugby community, Reese shares what it’s really like to navigate identity, vulnerability, and change on such a massive scale. We talk about learning to accept help, the importanc...

Are you constantly shifting to match the people around you? Saying yes when you want to say no? Swallowing your feelings to keep the peace?  In this episode of Luma & Bloom , we’re unpacking all things trauma, the subtle, exhausting survival strategy of people-pleasing, masking, and self-abandonment. Shannon Vanderlinde shares raw and honest stories about living life on autopilot, performing f...

In the second part of our conversation with Dave Lavery, the Canadian humanitarian and military veteran known as "Canadian Dave," we delve deeper into his remarkable journey of survival during his 77-day captivity by the Taliban. Dave shares intimate details of his daily life in captivity, from the food he was given to his sleeping arrangements, and the interactions he had with fellow de...

In this episode, Dave shares the remarkable story of his life—beginning with a tough childhood in Winnipeg and time in the foster care system, to his family's move to British Columbia and then Ottawa. From a young age, Dave knew he wanted to serve his country. That calling led him to become a founding member of Joint Task Force 2, Canada’s elite special operations unit. Dave talks about his t...

In this episode, David and Hennes dive into the often-overlooked conversation around men, emotions, and vulnerability. They explore why it's so hard—and so important—for men to talk about what they're feeling, especially in a culture that often encourages silence. David shares early insights from his recent survey conducted through the University of Manitoba, which focuses on engaging me...

In this episode, Jessa shares her story of escaping a 17-year emotionally abusive marriage to an RCMP officer. Raised in a Christian home and married young, she opens up about the subtle and not so subtle signs of narcissistic abuse, the loss of people she once called family, and what it means to finally feel safe. Through honest reflection, Jessa sheds light on coercion, the importance of boundar...

In this episode, Nic and Kate open up about their personal journeys with setting boundaries—how it’s challenged them, changed them, and continues to shape how they relate to themselves and others. They explore the idea that boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out, but bridges that foster respect, safety, and real connection. From the baby steps it takes to start setting limits, to the deeper ne...

In this  episode, Nic and Kate are joined by Meaghan Waller, winner of Canada’s Next Top Model 2009, who went on to build a successful international modeling career spanning over 14 years. Meaghan opens up about her positive experiences in the fashion industry, the life skills she’s gained along the way, and the importance of having a strong support system—both on and off the runway. She also shar...