The Trailblazher Podcast

In this episode of the Trailblazher Podcast, we chat with Gemma James-Smith, with Bayfield Lavender Farm. Gemma grew up in the city and had zero farming experience before moving to rural Ontario in 2017. Her lavender farming adventure began almost by accident when she found an overgrown patch of lavender on her new property. Captivated by its soothing scent, she started making lavender products, w...

Join us for a fun and inspiring episode of the Trailblazer Podcast with special guests Jordyn and Kay from Portage View Farm. This dynamic mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo has been perfecting the art of homesteading for years and now shares their wisdom on various platforms. Starting back in 2020 during the pandemic, they've become a go-to resource for self-sufficiency fans. In this episode,...

Join us in this inspiring episode featuring Stephanie and Hayley Painter, the sisters and souls behind Painterland Sisters, an organic skyr yogurt brand dedicated to connecting consumers with where their food comes from. Discover how these fourth-generation farmers turned their family's dairy crisis into an innovative venture by bridging the gap between agriculture and modern-day consumers. With t...

Want to Win a Whole Year Subscription to Trailblzher PLUS a signed copy of Issue 15 with Amber Marshall? Join Here! In this enlightening episode, Amber Marshall, star of CBC's "Heartland," delves into the balance of her work, personal life, and dedication to rural living. She shares her deep connection to her work, entrepreneurial ventures, and simple lifestyle, emphasizing her core values. Starti...

Join the Insider's Club to Receive EXCLUSIVE Access to Part 2 of this conversation with Amber Marshall Here Welcome to part one of this two-hour exclusive interview with Amber Marshall, known for her role as Amy Fleming on the popular TV series Heartland. We sat down to chat about Amber’s journey of making it on the show, Heartland’s unique impact on viewers, and how Amber balances her personal li...

Welcome back, listeners! In today's discussion, we will be exploring the topic of bravery and specifically focusing on six ways to be brave when life gets tough. Whether it's in your personal life or in your business, there will always be moments when you need to tap into your inner strength and courage. These moments can be challenging, but they also present an opportunity for growth and transfor...

In this invigorating episode, Jan and Erin of Trailblazer company share their insights on "Staying Leveled Up in Your Thinking." These trailblazing entrepreneurs invite you into their world, with discussions reflecting their experiences as they balance the act of mother-daughter bonding with the rigors of running a successful business. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on personal and pro...

In this poignant and vulnerable conversation with Amy Soudek, we begin to unravel the complex interconnectedness of our relationship with food, body image, and self-worth. This enlightening discussion emphasizes the need for mindfulness and sustainable practices in our daily eating habits and dives deeper into the key themes that shape our winding journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. In...

In the modern tapestry of rural living, every thread tells a story of family, work, and the balance in between. What makes the rural lifestyle so beautiful and relatable is that the narrative isn't just about the picturesque landscapes of ranchland; it's about the gritty, beautiful reality of what it means to be a mother, entrepreneur, and ranch wife in today's world. In this episode of the Trailb...

In this episode of the Trailblazher Podcast, Jan and Erin are exploring the power of their intuition and sharing stories of how it has aided them in their entrepreneurial journey. In the modern world where logic and data-driven decisions often dominate, they are tapping into an age-old resource with immense potential: intuition. In a deep dive into the lived experiences of Jan and Erin – the force...

In the modern whirlwind of technology and the fast pace of daily routines, the yearning for a connection to the simplicity of the earth is a feeling that resonates with many. The calm derived from our interactions with nature and the nurturing of life—be it through gardening or caring for animals—translates into a profound meditation that offers solace and personal fulfillment. In this episode of...

In a candid exchange on the Trailblazher podcast, Jessica Garza, a rural entrepreneur and owner of Moose Valley Ranch, unveils the heart and hustle behind creating vibrant rural communities through entrepreneurship. With a background as a law enforcement officer and growing up on her family’s ranch, Jessica's journey to building community is marked by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commit...

The bond between humans and horses is as storied as it is sacred, a testament to shared histories and profound connections. For Cait Luca of Lucky Break Horse Rescue, this bond is situated at the core of an inspiring journey from a first-generation horse girl to a trailblazing entrepreneur and rural advocate. Her mission? To rescue horses from slaughter and leverage their transformative power to i...

Deep within each of us lies the spirit of a Trailblazher — a spark that drives us to innovate, explore, and redefine the boundaries of our lives. In an era that thrives on change and ingenuity, understanding and nurturing our internal Trailblazher traits can lead to a life rich with purpose and passion. Jan and Erin, from Trailblazher Co., delve into the essence of what it means to be a Trailblazh...

In this episode of the Trailblazher Podcast, Hadleigh Burch dives deep into what homesteading means to her and her family and what those skills have opened up for her. Her lifestyle offers insights into the profound joys of living closely with the land. Through her story, we glean a modern interpretation of homesteading and its myriad implications for personal fulfillment, community building, and...

In the latest Trailblazher podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with rural business maven, Janine Carpenter, owner of Petals and Stems, whose heartening story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring rural entrepreneurs grappling with limiting beliefs. This episode details Janine's personal and professional growth, illustrating her transition from a job in floristry to cultivating her own succe...

In this episode of the Trailblazer podcast, get ready to delve into the journey of Trailblazher Magazine as told by your hosts —Jan and Erin, the dynamic mother-daughter duo and founders of Trailblazher Co. Having been business partners for over two decades, they have dedicated their work to the empowerment of rural women while also telling the story of the rural lifestyles they live. Connect With...

As modern women, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, facing new challenges and pressures that our ancestors may not have experienced. But as we navigate this uncharted territory, it's important to remember the lessons and wisdom passed down to us by the women who came before us. In today’s episode of the Trailblazher Podcast, we are sitting down with Jessica Mose,...

As we embark on a new year, it's a perfect time for self-reflection and setting intentions for the future. In this episode, we share our personal lists of five things we want more of and five things we want less of in 2024. These lists represent our desires for growth, fulfillment, and a deeper connection with ourselves and our loved ones. Join us in this episode of the Trailblazher Podcast as we...

Welcome to the Trailblazer podcast! In this episode, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Erica Leniczek about the topic of grief. Grief is often associated with the loss of a loved one, but Erica reminds us in this episode that it can be attached to many other life situations and phases. She emphasizes that grief is a deeply individual experience and cannot be fully understood by others,...

As the holiday season approaches, it's a time for reflection, nostalgia, and creating new memories. Christmas is a time when traditions are cherished, and families come together to celebrate. In this episode of the Trailblazher Podcast, Jan and Erin explore the themes of Christmas traditions, the impact of split families on holiday celebrations, the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child,...

Today's episode is going to be a little bit different. Join Jan and Erin as they explore 5 ways they've each grown as women through their entrepreneurship journey. You get a little bit of everything in this episode, laughter, tears, and TONS of reflection. Tune in to catch the full conversation with Jan and Erin today! Connect with our Community Show Notes: https://trailblazherco.com/jan-erin/5-wa...

In today's episode, we are going to take an inside look at the makings of a modern homestead, and a savvy business that serves a growing need for those wanting to learn how to live a homemade life. We're talking today with Kate Schat of Venison for Dinner, and her story is not only inspirational, but you're going to find layers of gold within each of the stages of how she grew the business, her me...

Who was mastering the art of sourdough before sourdough was even trending? The answer is Ash Turner of Turner Farm. In this week’s podcast episode, we had the complete honor of chatting with her about her story, her family, sourdough, divine timing and so much more. Ash has a really interesting story that we know you’re going to love. She used to live in the city and had this dream of moving her f...

This week on the Trailblazher Podcast, we are diving in deep about burnout, boundaries, and self-care with Lewellyn Melnyck. Lewellyn was featured in our Fall 2023 Issue of the magazine and today, we are taking a closer look at her article, Reclaiming Yourself. In this conversation, we are going to look at all the things that women do, how we feel about it, our timing, our productivity, and someti...