The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast

Both Kristy and I believe that everything happens for areason, and that’s how this podcast episode came to be. After a hiatus with the podcast (a Christmas break, I had kids at home, I needed it) I finally checked my email, and she had sent me an email with her story, and I was immediately drawn to her and Leevon! Christy shares her journey of entrepreneurship alongside herhusband, Leevon, as they...

We’re back baby! And this episode is packed with wisdom,inspiration, and heart. I sat down with Sarah Kinlin to talk about mindset,leadership, and the winding road of entrepreneurship. Sarah shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming a coach and speaker, opening up about the lessons she’s learned along the way—like the power of self-compassion, the resilience needed to push forward, a...

It’s the final episode of Season 3—and of 2024! I’m thrilled to have you along for the journey over these three incredible seasons, and I’m wrapping up the year with a fun and inspiring guest. Alicia from Crafty Cookiers has been on my radar since the very beginning, and I’m so excited to share her story! Alicia’s story is such a fun one – she went from autopsies to cookies! She began her cookie j...

In this bonus episode, I sit down with Lauren & Jennifer, the chair & treasurer of the Northport Playground Committee. This is the elementary school both of my children go to and they are long due for a new playground for their school of over 500 students. Lauren, Jennifer & I discuss our committee’s ambitious mission to upgrade our school’s playground for current & future Northpor...

I first met Shelagh through this podcast, and we quickly became fast friends! A self-proclaimed city girl turned farm girl, Shelagh moved to Holland Centre to be with her partner—and soon turned her lifelong love for baking into something truly special. With over 13 years of baking experience, Shelagh started with her now-famous Circus Cookies (I have to get my hand on some!) and has since expande...

Ayse H. is a natural entrepreneur and the owner of Synergetic Bookkeeping. She has recently embarked on her passion project, The Body Bartender , where she empowers her clients to find relief and freedom in their bodies through fascia rescue. In this enlightening episode, Ayse shares her insights into fascia, the concept of fascia rescue, and how she’s transforming her own well-being from the insi...

When I started the podcast, my husband immediately suggested I interview Josh. He had been following Josh's journey and his gym, and was convinced he’d have valuable advice and an inspiring story to share—and he was right. Josh has traveled the world, gaining experiences that shaped his perspective. When faced with the choice between following a conventional path or pursuing his passion, he chose...

I absolutely love this episode! At just 15 years old, Cadence’s teacher recognized her talent for photography and encouraged her to turn it into a business. She began by capturing photos of her friends behind the school, which quickly grew into photographing weddings, families, birth announcements, and more. Now 18 and freshly graduated from high school, Cadence has chosen a different path than he...

Last season, Big Mama name dropped Andrew from Down North Garlic as a must-interview . Well, I finally sat down with him, and we dove into all things garlic, small business, and what it’s like to run a thriving operation in Grey-Bruce. Andrew didn’t grow up as a garlic farmer, but he’s now one of the largest producers in the region! His passion for his work shines through every word as he talks ab...

This week is an exciting one because I got to interview my hair stylist, Amy! I honestly can’t pinpoint when I first met Amy—small-town life means you just know everyone. But when my sister mentioned that Amy owned her own salon, I didn’t hesitate to book an appointment - I love supporting local & people I know - but fast forward a year, and not only is she my go-to stylist, but I also had the...

I've been following Laura and her brand, This Mother Means Business , on social media for a while now. When I saw her on Threads (we talk about her love for Threads!) and learned she was on a mission to appear on 52 podcasts this year, I knew I had to get her on mine. In this episode, we dive into Laura's incredible journey: from her beginnings in marketing, to owning a CrossFit gym, to navigating...

I’m calling this a “bucket list” interview because it was an interview I’ve been excited about for a long time. I’ve known Tim for as long as I can remember, and he’s been a constant presence through so many memories—from listening to “he shoots, he scoreeeesss” during a Strat-o-Matic Hockey game, spending several summers working in the camp kitchen, getting together for family hang outs at their...

I didn't know much about Jesse’s story before he reached out to be on the podcast, but I knew he had built several businesses in our town, so I didn’t hesitate to say yes. What I discovered after our conversation was that Jesse is not only incredibly knowledgeable about business and growth, but he also has an unwavering commitment to our community here in Saugeen Shores. As a new dad, he’s constan...

Beth, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, is the creative force behind Bandit Creative. When I decided to refresh the podcast logo, I found Beth through Instagram and Marigold Media, and I was excited to ask if she could help. The entire process was seamless, and I was thrilled with the final result—so much so that I invited her on the podcast to discuss her business and the world of gra...

Margaux is one of those rare talents who instantly leaves you in awe. Even before I fully understood what a Live Event Artist does, her artistic skill was captivating, and I couldn’t wait to dive into a conversation about her creativity, her passion for art, and her journey in business. For Margaux, Southampton was her summer escape for years until she made it her home. She shares her experiences...

I first met Reena through our children (my favorite way to make new friends!), and we quickly bonded over shared experiences and aspirations. I invited her to be a guest on the podcast after learning she had taken the exciting step of going full-time in her practice, Lighthouse Counselling. At Lighthouse, Reena provides mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive care, with a stro...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Taylor after a mutual friend insisted she was a must-have guest! Recently relocating from Kitchener to Owen Sound, Taylor is an accomplished RMT, Certified Reiki Practitioner, and Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher. She launched her business at just 23 years old in 2014, quickly becoming a leader in her field in Kitchener. After spending many childhoo...

In this episode, I sit down with Barbara, someone I share a special connection with as we're both partners of the owners of Saugeen Shores' new sports store. I'm thrilled to chat with her about the details of her upcoming 3rd Annual Holiday Market, happening on November 2nd at Saugeen Golf Course from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tune in to hear all about the 50 local vendors that will be featured and get an in...

Marigold Media offers professional media services and operates a beautifully curated natural light studio in Walkerton, ON. After moving from Toronto, Yash and Cara quickly fell in love with Walkerton and knew they wanted to contribute to the community. Yash launched House2Home, a professional real estate photography service, and together they built a stunning visual media studio in downtown Walke...

We're back for Season 3! Can you believe it? We just celebrated our 1-year anniversary in September and we're kicking off another season packed with incredible stories from amazing small-town creators! Whether you've been with us since the very beginning or you're joining us for the first time, a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU! Your love, feedback, and excitement keep this podcast going, and we couldn’...

Hannah’s back! The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast is taking a break for the summer, and this is the last episode for season 2 – so Hannah (the very first guest!) is back to update us on her business, and her life – and what she has being doing in the last 9 months. Hannah had some set backs in the last few months, that really made her reconsider her business. It is easy to talk successes in small...

A few months ago, Kim reached out to me with an inspiring dream: to start her own business. Fast forward to today, and we're recording on location, from her beautiful new bookstore, Larkspur Books, in Southampton.  I had an incredible time talking with Kim. Her passion for her journey was contagious – who doesn’t want to start a business where you get to spend your time buying and reading books? A...

I'm thrilled to have my longtime friend Brianna joining us this week. Brianna and I grew up together—living just around the corner, riding the same bus, and even working side by side for years. I've been following Brianna and her amazing company, InstaCake Cards, since the very beginning, and when I first launched this podcast, she was one of my biggest supporters. InstaCake Cards has such an insp...

**Giveaway being posted May 31st on Instagram @SmallTownsBigDreamsPodcast Shawna was a huge inspiration for this podcast, and I’m so excited that we finally got to sit down and chat! She was one of the originally planned guests, but she’s been unbelievably busy with all her many hats – Caterer, Market Manager, Chef, and Kitchen Designer (just to name a few). But we finally caught up this month, an...

This week, I’m thrilled to chat with Chef Carey McLellan, the talented Head Chef at The Sandbar Restaurant in Southampton. After savoring a fresh, local breakfast during my staycation at the Beach Motel, I knew I had to reach out to Carey. When she agreed to be a guest, I was over the moon!  Carey is a Red Seal chef with a deep passion for local, seasonal, and sustainable food, honed through years...