The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Turner to dive into her incredible journey, from her early days as a naturopathic doctor (or in forensics before that!) to the transformative work she now does as a somatic practitioner and intuitive coach. Leslie opens up about what led her to shift paths, and why authenticity, self-awareness, and the mind-body connection are at the core of everything she d...

This episode is one I think every small business owner needs to hear! I sat down with Kelsey Reidl, a marketing strategist and entrepreneur who has such a grounded and refreshing approach to building a business. We talked about what she calls the 3Ms of Marketing — Mission, Mindset, and Main Ingredients,  and how each one plays a part in shaping not just your strategy, but your success and sanity...

Another bucket list episode! And it’s a special one, becauseit’s with one of my favourite people! I’m so proud to finally share this conversation with my husband, Jack Waples , co-owner of GOAT Sports Supply in Saugeen Shores. What started as a simple search for a hockey neck guard for our oldest quickly turned into an idea (and a dream) that’s now a full-fledged small-town sports store built on c...

On today’s episode, we chat with Kara, the creator behindFlora & Fae. Kara creates beautiful, intentional jewelry that connects crystals, and botanicals to create beautiful pieces of wearable art. Our conversation covers her business’s beginnings, how socialmedia can play a key role in your marketing, how you build a family with other vendors, and more. Our conversation also touches on the rea...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tommy, ownerof Cedarvale Wellbeing, to explore her journey of building a wellness business rooted in breathwork, contrast therapy, and holistic practices. From leaving city life behind to creating a healing hub in a small town, Tommy shares the lessons, challenges, and transformations that have shaped her path as both a wellness entrepreneur and communit...

Katie Franklin is back — and a lot has changed since her last visit! In this episode, we catch up on how her doula business has evolved, what inspired her to go full-time, and how she’s helping parents navigate everything from postpartum recovery to sleepless nights. Katie shares her experience expanding her services to include sleep consulting, car seat safety education, and postpartum planning —...

This is the last episode of Season 4 – Thank you forfollowing for four seasons. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Michele—abeautiful heart-led entrepreneur who now calls Wiarton home. She shares her journey of building a wellness practice rooted in community, connection to nature, and the healing power of movement. We talk about her deep love fordance, yoga, and movement and how those pra...

In this episode, I sit down with Kat Tepylo Murphy, thebrilliant mind behind Social Kat Media. Kat shares her journey from launching childhood businesses to leaving the corporate advertising world to follow her passion for helping small businesses grow online. We dive into the ups anddowns of entrepreneurship, the power of community support, and the ever-changing landscape of social media. Kat get...

This is my last mini episode recorded at the Homegrown Gathering. In this episode, I sit down with Gemma, an inspiringimmigration consultant who shares her personal journey into the field and the meaningful impact she makes helping clients navigate the complex Canadian immigration system. We talk about what it really takes to be successful in this regulated profession—like ongoing learning, clear...

This is the third of the four mini episodes I recorded atthe Homegrown Gathering event. In this episode, I sit down with Melissa, the heart and mindbehind Mindful Kids , to talk about the power of mindfulness in childhood—and why emotional intelligence should be a core part of growing up. Melissa shares her beautiful philosophy on what childhood should look like: full of joy, curiosity, and health...

This is the second of four mini episodes that I recordedlive at the Homegrown Gathering event in Lucknow on June 12th. In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Berg, Certified DogTrainer and founder of Forever Pawsitive K9 Academy based in Red Bay. Jessica shares how her journey into dog training began all the way back in high school, and how that passion grew into a business that’s as much about...

This is the first of four mini episodes that I recorded liveat the Homegrown Gathering event in Lucknow on June 12th. In this heartwarming episode, I sit down with Hannah Wheeler, the passionate founder behind The Aaniin Collective, not only a Montessori-inspired daycare and summer camp, but also a community that provides resources and digital products to help children and families thrive and is r...

This week on the podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Melissa Alexander — a former gym owner turned hypnotherapist with a heart for healing. In our conversation, Melissa opened up about her journey from the fitness world to diving deep into the subconscious mind. We talked about body dysmorphia, self-love, and how so many of our struggles stem from unhealed parts of ourselves — oft...

I was very excited to interview Sara (finally!) because Sara loves everything I love -- supporting local businesses, promoting small towns, visiting local bookshops, and reading creepy murder thrillers! Sara is a Saugeen Shores native, and a passionate small-townentrepreneur, who is also chair of the Southampton BIA (and on the board of the Ontario BIA!) Together, we dive into her journey of build...

Melissa and I first connected through our kids’ sports—herson Connor and my oldest, Ollie, are little athletes who keep us both busy on the sidelines. I knew she ran a successful business, and I was eager to hear more about it. What I didn’t expect was just how passionate, knowledgeable, and articulate she is about dog training, enrichment, and the deeper purpose behind her work. In this interview...

On June 12th, I’ll be joining an incredible event called the Homegrown Gathering — a celebration of rural women in business. I’ll be there doing mini, on-the-spot interviews with attendees, and I couldn’t be more excited! To kick things off, I sat down with Heather, the powerhousebehind both Homegrown Gathering and her business Creative Worth . In this episode, we chat about the real-life challeng...

I had the privilege to experience a hot and cold contrast therapy session with Carly this week, and afterwards we were able to sit down in this special outdoor episode – yep, you’ll hear the birds! Carly is passionate about bringing like-minded peopletogether, showcasing local talent, and creating healing experiences thru contrast therapy and breathwork. After suffering from a concussion, Carly di...

I first met Veronica at a Christmas Market where she wasselling her custom Christmas ornaments that you built yourself (to make them extra custom!) And fell in love with her custom woodworking immediately. After following her on social media for several years, I knew it was finally time to have her on the podcast! And I’m so glad I did. Listening back to this episode, we sound like lifelong friend...

A new episode is here! In this episode, I sat down withJenny Lee Learn, the creative force behind Amabel Books —a series of engaging children's books designed to make learning to read less stressful and a lot more fun. Jenny shares how her own daughters' struggles with traditional reading methods sparked the idea for Amabel Books, and how her unique approach—alternating simple and complex text—hel...

So many people have been trying to connect Virginia and Isince the beginning of the podcast that I am so excited to finally be able to post our episode! I love what Virginia is doing. Actually - I am obsessed withwhat Acre75 is doing. Acre75 is a subscription box service that supports small town businesses in Canada. Not only spreading awareness but creating physical sales for the companies she su...

This episode is one of those conversations that just flows —itfelt more like a deep, honest therapy session than an interview. But Jenn’s insights go far beyond business. We talk about life, love, and the kind of growth that comes from truly stepping into who you are. I first came across Jenn after listening to her podcastepisode with Jackie Serviss, and I knew right away—I had to have her on the...

Olivia is actually my neighbor! I just met her this year,and she became fast friends, with both me and my boys. Olivia is a massage therapist who works with people at boththe beginning and the end of life, and she recently became certified as an End-of-Life Doula. In this episode, we dive into the incredible work she does,from end-of-life care to the workshops she offers, and how she helps people...

Melissa’s parents opened their first store over 47 yearsago, and their businesses have been a cornerstone of Sauble and Saugeen Shores ever since. When she reached out to be on the podcast, I have to admit—I felt like I had officially made it! Melissa is a powerhouse in the local business scene, running Casual Corners, Mensch Clothing, and The Garage Clothing Co. On top of that, she’s a champion f...

I sat with Karishma, the owner of the new biggest hit inSaugeen Shores, the new play centre Little Cubs. Karishma shares her journey from travel blogger, public health nurse, to her Travel Agency & Childcare centre. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of balancing her career in nursing, her passion for writing, and her entrepreneurial ventures. She highlights the importance of community, in...

In this episode, I chat with Laura Shaw, an Eating DisorderRecovery and Body Image Coach. We chat about the realities of eating disorder recovery, the power of community support, and the impact of recovery coaching. Laura shares her own journey, sharing real talk on body image, diet culture, and why small towns need more accessible resources. We dive into practical tips for navigating food relatio...