Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

This is a heartfelt conversation about family, culture, and the ways our environment shapes who we become. Social worker Olayinka Madimadola brings her global perspective—born in Nigeria, now supporting people navigating trauma, crisis, and mental health challenges—to every conversation. We talk about the unique joy of raising children and grandchildren, the lessons learned from different parentin...

This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation about rewriting expectations, trusting your instincts, and working for your own version of happiness. Firefighter and entrepreneur Mike Teeple doesn’t do things by the book. In fact, he burnt the book when he chose firefighting over policing. Then he did it again when he started a business with his family—despite everyone saying he shouldn’t. In this epi...

This is a comically honest and down-to-earth conversation about creative flow, hormonal health, and connection in a world beyond our screens. Holistic nutritionist Hannah Greig brings her whole-person perspective to everything from perimenopause to purpose. We talk about the unreasonable expectations on parents; the happiness that comes from meaningful work; and why community, play, and presence m...

We share some stories, life lessons, and laughs about creativity, identity, and being big-time introverts. I’m talking with ghostwriter Fran Kruse about growing up in a strict household, her commitment to growth and self-discovery throughout life, and how we’ve made our mutual fascination with people our careers. Fran’s website https://www.sidekickcreative.ca/ I’m Sophia Lemon, and I photograph od...

We’re talking about how fear fuels anger, how empathy can defuse both, and how planting seeds of gratitude on good days can carry us through the bad ones. It’s a funny, deep, and refreshingly real chat about growth, healing, and being human. In this episode, leadership expert and bestselling author Drew Dudley joins me for a wildly honest conversation about what it really means to be happy. We dig...

I’m talking with professional dominatrix Dana Pharant. We’re getting into the importance of pleasure on our physical and mental health, how Christianity has influenced how we speak about sex in our culture, and, of course, surrendering. Obviously, we’re talking about sex. So if you’re not into it or you happen to my mother, maybe skip this one! Dana’s Website https://danapharant.com/ Dana's on...

Wildlife artist Angela Boucher joins me to discuss her family, her Druidic roots, and her love of animals. We go deep into body language and communication, being neurodivergent, nature-based religion, and emotion. Angela’s Website https://abartstudioonline.com/ Angela’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/studioabart/ The Telepathy Tapes https://thetelepathytapes.com/ I’m Sophia Lemon and I photog...

Bill Simpson joins me to share how the pandemic and chronic illness changed the way he sees his work, how a pilgrimage to his ancestral town put his career in law in perspective, and how he’s come to learn that friendships and fatherhood are the true beacons of happiness in his life. We sat on the shores of Georgian Bay at the Meaford Harbour for this one and watched the water while the sun set be...

My friend and fellow photographer Brandyn Hollands joins me to talk about the things we're told we shouldn’t say out loud, but absolutely do, anyway! We’re getting into the juicy stuff: reality TV dynamics (hello, red flags and rosé) , coming out to family and the internet, the absolute circus that is dating on the apps, and how we’re both learning to show up in our businesses as our whole selves...

After a brief hiatus, the pod is back! And it's better than ever thanks to Victoria from  Vectoria Creative , the design genius and creative problem solver behind the new Ridiculously Happy Ppl visual identity. In this episode, we get into what inspired Victoria to pursue graphic design, leave her career, and launch her freelance design company. And if you grew up in the 1990's and early 2000's, t...

Be yourself. That’s the first piece of advice I want to give you. And the second is not to judge a book by its cover. When I first came across Vanessa’s Instagram, I laughed. She has a flare for the ridiculous, and I love that. And when I reached out to her to ask her if she would be a guest on this show, she was so warm and open. I’ll admit I didn’t expect that, which is only proof that I don’t a...

When you're listening to this, Nikki and her family have added a 3rd bundle of joy to their family. And it's got me thinking about raising kids... Lots of them. And no one knows how to raise a bunch of kids better than Nikki's mother, Nancy Lee. So here she is! The top pieces of advice that I'm taking from chatting with Nancy is that it's important to set clear ground rules and boundaries and to m...

How do you feel about change? Sometimes change is great. But sometimes, despite how much we may be ready to welcome that change with open arms, change can cause some unexpected detours. In this episode, I'm talking to Rebecca Ogilvie from The Detour Co about how her baby brought an unexpected detour in her life that brought her North to Muskoka and to a whole different way of living. If you've eve...

Want to be Mr. T when you grow up? This is not the episode for advice on how to become Mr. T, but what Julia has for us is so much more important: how to be your own Mr. T. After job hopping for years, Julia has finally found a career that helps her feel creative and fulfilled while allowing her the flexibility she needs to be a wife, a mom, and a whole human being. We talk about imposter syndrome...

What theme should our wedding be? Do we need to think about being eco-friendly? What if we can't get everything we want for our budget? These are the questions that Melissa Twist and I are tackling in this episode. Forget the but-you-have-to's from your family! In this episode, Melissa and I decode some questions you might have about planning your dream wedding. We talk about venues, themes, and e...

Not sure what to say? Listen and learn how to speak about race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. In this episode of Ridiculously Happy Pplcast, Sophia sits down with Shayna Beeksma of ⁠Beeksma Law⁠ to discuss the current, tough social climate. Many in our communities are struggling with the anxiety of what to say to whom, especially concerning race, gender, and sexual orientation. So we di...

All behaviour is communication. But when a member of the family struggles to communicate directly, it can be difficult for all members of the family to live in harmony. That's where Ariela Koldorf comes in. In this episode, Ariela and I discuss how everyone is their own normal, the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, and how a child's needs will change as they age. Everyone can learn an i...

Do we need permits? A liquor license? Insurance? Why would I need insurance for a wedding?? In this episode, Melissa Twist and I discuss the things you need to consider when planning a private property wedding. For example, where is the power coming from for the DJ? It might be cold, so you should consider getting blankets. Depending on where you’re getting married, you should probably rent a tent...

When you have big ideas, you need big confidence to make them reality. Especially when social media is ready and waiting to rip you apart. No one knows this better than Nikki Gal, who started her career at just 15. In this episode of the pod, we talk about balancing modelling, entrepreneurship, and the challenges and judgement she’s faced in her career. We talk about how the fashion industry has i...

Communication is key in any relationship. Romantic, familial, friendly, and professional. And that goes for coordinating with your wedding vendors as well. In this episode, Melissa Twist and I take our wedding planning series to the next level by discussing what you need from your vendors! And ultimately it boils down to communication. Your vendors should be able to communicate what will happen wh...

How do you have hope through the catastrophic? I have no idea, but Robyn has seen it over and over again in her line of work. Robyn is a Registered Physiotherapist and co-owner of The Physio Hub in Collingwood. Robyn has a special interest in neuro rehab and complex care and is a strong advocate for this population. With overwhelm in the healthcare system and the challenges at-home challenges of w...

Got laundry coming out the wazoo? Why not just throw it all in the washing machine and wash it all together? This is what I've been doing for years. And any little bit of self-judgement that I felt was washed away when Tamara's reel popped up in my Instagram feed saying just that: you do not have to separate your whites from your colours. Tamara Ebel had been styling hair for 9 years when the pand...

When we first start using our voice, we use it without fear. We scream, we cry, we whine, we coo, we laugh, we barble… we do it all with our voice. But over time, many of us become disconnected from our voice. In walks Lauren Best. In this episode, my high school friend and I discuss reconnecting with our voices so that we can use them in ways that we may never have imagined. Lauren Best, a season...

Your goals matter the most to you and no one else. How are you going to prioritize them this year? Listen to this convo with Leah Vandolder. Most importantly, we want you to remember that it is not selfish to practice self-care. In my line of work and working so closely with families for over a decade, I have seen how women, especially, often put their own health to the side day after day. But, as...

Where should you start when planning your dream wedding? Listen to this for the piece that most couples miss. I sit down with  Melissa Twist from Melissa Twist Events  to kick off our wedding planning series. We get started with the challenges that we see couples running into and the importance of defining your priorities. If you find yourself planning a wedding, the absolute first thing you need...