Episodes

  • Alyson Schafer

    Alyson Schafer
    Aug 31 2024
    Coming up this Saturday at 1pm on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to our annual back to school special! Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Acclaimed Parenting Expert Alyson Schafer. Alyson Schafer is an internationally acclaimed family counselor, parenting expert, speaker, bestselling author, and media personality. Armed with years of research and clinical experience, Alyson presents concepts from ‘depth psychology’ on stages around the world. Parents seek solutions and Alyson’s forté is delivering actionable tactics that arms parents with the skills and confidence they need to face modern life challenges. Using humour and relatable storytelling, she provides a fresh and positive understanding of family dynamics. “The end goal is to raise resilient, caring and capable kids – and have fun along the way!” -Alyson Schafer For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss. Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio
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    57 mins
  • Ellie Laks Featuring Kenzie Elizabeth

    Ellie Laks Featuring Kenzie Elizabeth
    Aug 26 2024
    This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Ellie Laks, the Founder of The Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals and heals people with the same stories of abuse and neglect. She is an animal communicator, powerful speaker, celebrated animal welfare advocate, humane educator, and is the author of “My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal and children learn to hope,” and “Cow Hug Therapy: How the animals at The Gentle Barn taught me about life, death, and everything in between.” Ellie founded The Gentle Barn in 1999. She invented her own “Gentle Healing” method that allows old, sick, injured, and terrified animals to recover fully using a mixture of Western medicine, holistic healing modalities, holding therapy, and lots of love. Ellie is the creator of cow hug therapy and has hosted hundreds of thousands of people, who have come to The Gentle Barn seeking hope. Ellie has appeared on some of the most influential media outlets, including: The Ellen Show, People Magazine, Life Magazine, Animal Planet, The Huffington Post, Turning Point, Women’s World, The New York Times, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and many more. Ellie is a TEDx speaker and keynote speaker who motivates her audiences toward higher awareness, profound compassion, realizing dreams, and an enhanced sense of purpose. To date, Ellie has saved thousands of animals and hosted over 500,000 guests. The Gentle Barn is currently home to approximately 200 animals. The Gentle Barn has three locations in Los Angeles CA, Nashville, TN, and St Louis, MO. It is her goal to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and open the hearts of humanity toward all living beings, “Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other, and our planet.” Also on the program, we have featured artist Kenzie Elizabeth. Kenzie is a singer-songwriter and composer, based in New York City. Her music has an Alt-Pop feel with similarities to artists such as Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, and Fiona Apple. She also takes inspiration from Lizzy McAlpine and WILLOW. Kenzie, a self-taught pianist, began her songwriting journey in 2013 as KZ Liz, releasing two albums and a few singles (one of which is an instrumental album). On August 4th, 2023, Kenzie had the opportunity to open for Philip Labes for The Four Seasons Tour in Portland, OR. Two days after the show, Kenzie and her musicians (Trev Fischer & Kelly Miller) recorded the setlist and released it as an acoustic album titled, The Other Side. In October 2023, Kenzie decided to leave behind KZ Liz and released an EP titled, Reminded, under Kenzie Elizabeth. She recently released two singles called, “Qualified” and "The Cards on the Wall", which will be featured in her sophomore album set for a September 1st release. ?? TikTok: 250K+ Followers (@kenzieeofficial) Instagram: 2,500+ Followers (@kenzieeofficial) Spotify: 2,400+ Followers (KZ Liz, Kenzie Elizabeth) Be sure to check out Kenzie Elizabeth’s “The Rain” on youtube: https://youtu.be/iyXfiFNE7h8?si=f4fuCzqU_r4uBnWn For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss. Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio
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    52 mins
  • Ethan Nichtern and Adelina Peretti

    Ethan Nichtern and Adelina Peretti
    Aug 17 2024
    This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Ethan Nichtern, the author of Confidence: Holding Your Seat through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds, and several other titles, including the widely acclaimed “The Road Home.” A renowned contemporary Buddhist teacher and the host of “The Road Home” Podcast, Ethan teaches meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and retreats online via Dharma Moon and all around the US. Ethan Nichtern is a Buddhist teacher, and is author of the acclaimed book The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path (Farrar Straus and Giroux, North Point Press), which was selected as one of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2015, and one of Tech Insider’s “9 Books That Define 2015.” His newest book, Confidence: Holding Your Seat Through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds, was just released on June 4th, 2024 (New World Library) His “The Road Home” podcast launched in 2018 and is available on iTunes and Stitcher. He is also the author of “The Dharma of The Princess Bride: What The Coolest Fairy Tale of Our Time Can Teach Us About Buddhism and Relationships,” released by FSG – North Point in 2017. His earlier books are One City: A Declaration of Interdependence (Wisdom Pubs, 2007), and the Novella/poetry collection, “Your Emoticons Won’t Save You” (Nieto Books, 2012). He founded the Interdependence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to secular Buddhist practice and transformational activism and arts, and served as Executive Director from 2007-2011. For the past 20+ years, Ethan has taught meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and workshops all around New York City and North America and Europe, along with working with students privately. He has primarily studied in the Shambhala and other Tibetan traditions, but he has also studied Theravadan and Soto Zen Buddhism. As well, he is an avid yoga practitioner. He served as Shastri, or Senior Teacher-In-Residence, for the Shambhala Meditation Center of New York, from 2010-2018. He was formerly on the part-time faculty at Eugene Lang College at New School University and has lectured at Brown, Wesleyan, Yale, NYU, FIT, Antioch and other universities, and as well as at many other meditation/yoga centers and conferences all around the country and the world. Ethan has been featured on CNN, NPR, ABC/Yahoo News, The New York Times, Vogue.com, Business Insider, Nautilus, and Vice, to discuss Buddhism and meditation in the 21st Century. His articles have been featured in The Huffington Post, Beliefnet, Shambhala Sun, Tricycle Magazine, BuddhaDharma Magazine, Reality Sandwich, as well as other online publications. He is based in Brooklyn, where he lives with his daughter. Also on the program, we have talented singer/songwriter Adelina Peretti. Adelina Peretti is a passionate performer and voice teacher holding a Bachelor's degree in Classical Voice from Wheaton College, and a Master's degree in Voice with a concentration in Musical Theater from New York University. As a performer, Adelina Peretti has graced some of New York City’s most elite venues, including Radio City Music Hall, 54 Below, The Green Room 42, The Midnight Theater, and Yankee Stadium. In addition to her performance work, Adelina maintains a vibrant private voice studio, teaching students from all across the US. She has gained recognition as a social media voice teacher, with engaging videos that have reached hundreds of thousands of viewers. Adelina Peretti also serves as the theater director at a private high school in New Jersey, guiding young talent and helping students discover their unique voices. Be sure to check out Adelina's cover of "If I Ain't Got You" and more of her beautiful singing on her website! https://www.adelinaperetti.com/ For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to findi ...
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    57 mins
  • Rose Reisman and Jacob Schulman

    Rose Reisman and Jacob Schulman
    Aug 10 2024
    This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by “Canada’s Cookbook Queen” Rose Reisman. Rose Reisman is an award-winning entrepreneur, caterer, author and media personality. As a registered nutritional consultant and certified personal trainer armed with an MBA, Rose has taken her passion for healthy living and developed it into a multi-faceted enterprise, making her one of Canada’s leading authorities on the art of eating and living well. With decades of industry experience, countless media appearances and over 22 cookbooks to her name, Rose became affectionately known as Canada's “Cookbook Queen,” after years of being a leading cookbook author and media darling. Rose resides in Toronto, Ontario with her husband Sam, their Ragdoll cat and new puppy, Charlie. A proud mother of four and grandmother of seven, Rose started her career in her thirties, after she was diagnosed with high cholesterol. From a family with a genetic predisposition towards heart issues, Rose's passion for nutrition stemmed from a personal desire to help other families like hers, showing them how to make small changes to optimize their health, without sacrificing the joy of delicious food. Rose holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, an MBA from York University and a Masters in Fine Arts, specializing in Theatre, also from York University. Excelling in the fields of communication, business and stage presence, Rose used her impressive educational background and effective communication skills to help thousands of Canadians adopt healthier lifestyles. In the early 90's, Rose wrote a breakthrough cookbook entitled "Rose Reisman Brings Home Light Cooking," selling over 400,000 copies. In the mid 2000's she pioneered the health menu at the Restaurant Chain, "The Pickle Barrel," collaborated with McCain's in a TV commercial, promoting their healthy alternatives and consulted for President's Choice on their Blue Menu items, to devise healthy recipes for this branch. Over 30 years, 22 cookbooks and hundreds of media appearances later, Rose is now a household name across Canada. Today, Rose has turned her passion for nutrition into a renowned and far-reaching enterprise, with several companies operating under her likeness and guidance, including Rose Reisman Catering; providing healthy cuisine catering for over 400 corporate and social clients; Rose Reisman Personal Gourmet, a fresh and frozen meal delivery program, and the acclaimed Kid's Lunch Program; the preferred vendor of the Toronto District School Board, providing hot and healthy meals to schools in the GTA, serving over 1500 children daily. Recently named “Now Magazine's” Best Nutritionist in their “Reader's Choice” 2021 Edition, Rose continues to be a charismatic stage presence, sharing her vast knowledge of the nutritional landscape to new audiences, through her popular Instagram and Tik Tok channels. Rose's healthy, active and balanced lifestyle is the ultimate testament to the effectiveness of her message. A longtime advocate of an active lifestyle, Rose rises at 4:15 am daily for her morning workout and has recently become an accredited certified personal trainer. Over the course of her successful career, Rose has made countless media appearances, including hosting several popular nutrition segments on national TV channels such as Citytv, Breakfast Television and 680 News. Some brands she has worked with include: Becel, President's Choice, McCain Foods, Pillers, Catelli, ProNamel, Pulses, Think Rice and more. Also on the program, we have talented singer/songwriter Jacob Schulman. Jacob Schulman is a PhD candidate in the field of MRI physics at the University of Toronto, but while he's not working in the lab, Jacob is an avid musician and songwriter. As the child of two musicians, a jazz pianist and a singer-songwriter, J?acob's passion for music manifested at an early age. Jacob has been writing music since he was ...
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    57 mins
  • Robin Shear

    Robin Shear
    Aug 3 2024
    This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to Joy! Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Joy Coach Robin Shear! Robin Shear is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, founder of Joy To The World Coaching. She has spent decades helping “depleted givers”, like health care professionals, educators, parents and executives feel good, so they can give from a place of fullness and effectively lead again. Robin’s message of how to choose joy when life’s messy, is so universal, that it even caught the attention of TIME Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Psychology Today. While many of Robin’s elementary report cards read “Robin talks too much,” her former teachers are now among her biggest professional speaking fans. Her speaking clients have included TEDxDetroit, Meeting Professionals International, National Head Start Association, National Organization of Human Services, DisruptHR, Metro Detroit Oncology Nursing Society, Women’s Living Expos, Affordable Housing Connections, Michigan Nursing Summit, and the Health Care Association of Michigan. Robin is known for her fun and engaging presentations with memorable audience interaction. Attendees have regularly reported that they have never laughed that much at a conference, and they walk away inspired to take action that enriches their lives – and, because joy is so contagious, these talks also inspire the lives of others. Participants have told Robin things like: “I’ve never had that much fun learning,” “90 minutes with Robin weren’t enough,” and “Robin kept us engaged the whole time.” Several attendees of Robin’s half-day conference said they wished that it had been a 2-day experience. One grateful nonprofit meeting planner said: “Thank you, Robin, for helping lift the spirits and bringing laughter back into the lives of our dedicated, hardworking, committed staff, as well as the property managers, local housing officials, and compliance specialists who participated in our Annual Industry Conference! It truly was a gift to be part of a room filled with over 100 professionals whom you inspired to dance and sing and share joy. You helped create a bubble of safety and trust among us that helps us all navigate this rewarding but demanding work to address the needs of thousands. I believe that your time with us has made a positive impact on our colleagues throughout the industry and that they left feeling SEEN and more appreciated. Thank you for the gifts of your time and talent and open heart!!” Sharing her exuberance was always natural for Robin, until she faced several hidden health issues and then her zest for living became a conscious choice. Within a 4-year span, she attempted 26 distinct treatments for chronic pain, was diagnosed with PTSD after 20 years of night terrors, had a gut health condition that meant eliminating most of her favourite foods, found one of her most important relationships in a nearly severed state, and suffered a head injury that took 21 times longer to heal than doctors predicted. Yet, joy was possible in spite of all of the mess. Her book, Messy Joy: How Joy Can Begin Before Your Difficulties End, chronicles her journey, but it doesn’t stop there. With over 200 journal questions, it helps readers know how they can find joy even when their own circumstances are difficult. While the details were painful to share, Robin never actually intended to publish the book. But, after receiving offers from seven publishers, Robin was finally convinced that her story needed to be released in order to help others find joy in their imperfect lives. Within weeks of its release, with no formal launch plan, Messy Joy was named a #1 New Release on Amazon! Robin is a Certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Federation. She has served in many professional roles, including registered dietitian, teaching at the college level and running a private practice specializing in eating disorder treatment ...
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    56 mins
  • Dr. Amara Pope & Sean Jones

    Dr. Amara Pope & Sean Jones
    Jul 27 2024
    This week on Finding Your Bliss we have a show devoted to music. Educator, marketing genius and artist, Dr. Amara Pope is here to talk about how she helps champion representation in the Canadian music industry, which is beautifully exemplified in her amazing TEDx Talk. With over a decade of experience in marketing, brand management, and digital media across several industries, Dr. Amara Pope also holds a Ph.D. in Media studies from Western University. Her Ph.D research is fascinating. It's focused on the intersections of media, culture and race, particularly within popular music and digital media. Dr. Pope also earned a Master’s in Communication Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and completed a Joint Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing and Fine Arts with a Digital Media Specialization from the University of Waterloo. She is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in Canada and fostering diversity, which as mentioned, is beautifully exemplified in her TEDx Talk. She has delivered impactful lectures at prestigious universities, such as the University of Southern California, and more. She has also spoken at conferences and served as a guest panelist all across Canada. Her insights have been featured in notable media outlets including CTV, CBC, iHeart Radio, Global Television, NBC and others. When not immersed in her professional pursuits, Dr. Pope enjoys weightlifting and experimenting with oil, acrylic and mixed-media painting. Also on the program, we have Juno Award-winning R&B, Soul, and Pop singer Sean Jones. As he puts it, “It's been a long time…but it always feels good to come home.” Sean Jones is referring to the kind of ’90s inspired R&B music he made with the highly successful boy band, "In Essence." The group rose to fame in the early 90’s with the hits, "Friend Of Mine," "IE IE" and "You Will Never Find" and received worldwide recognition for their ability to combine Rap, Pop, and R&B with exciting performances. In 2004, "In Essence" won a Juno Award for their debut album before breaking up in 2006. Post break up, Jones took an interest in songwriting and producing. Over the next ten years, he put together a catalogue of songs that stretched in genre from soft rock to Motown Revival. It was his take on soulful classics however, that would eventually land him a unique and incredible opportunity to showcase his skills. In 2015, Sean became the first artist to secure a solo summer residency at the historic Casa Loma in downtown Toronto. The Monday night revue titled “Soul In The City” gave Jones and his nine-piece band, "The Righteous Echo," the chance to showcase his original songs, as well as their take on popular old school hits. The show was also a wonderful opportunity to give emerging artists a stage to share their talents. “Soul In The City,” through Jones' hard work and tenacity, grew to 1000+ people every Monday night. The overwhelming success he had with that residency led to WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, handpicking Sean to create a musical experience for the passengers aboard their flights. For the project titled, “The WestJet Boarding Sessions,” Jones recorded new versions of classic Canadian hits, such as “These Eyes” by The Guess Who, “The Weight” by The Band, and “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan and flew across Canada to interview some of these cherished musical icons. His latest album, has a familiar sound that many have not heard from him in almost 15 years. Jones’ most recent album, “Weekend Lover” features a set of songs that are reminiscent of 90’s R&B, something Jones is very familiar with. Says Jones: “Growing up, my parents played all the classics, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, The Supremes…the list goes on and on. I loved all of it then and to this day. However, the music of the late ’80s and ’90s is what sparked my interest in performing. There was something about the musical energy of that time. The R&B/Pop son ...
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    53 mins
  • Linda Kohanov

    Linda Kohanov
    Jul 20 2024
    This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Linda Kohanov! Linda Kohanov is the author of the Tao of Equus, which has now been revised and reprinted in a new and exciting edition. She's on the show to talk all about her connection with horses and how they can teach us to have better relationships and be better humans on this planet. A 5 time author and an internationally recognized author, speaker, and educator, she specializes in exploring the power and potential of the horse-human bond. Linda specializes in developing and teaching socially intelligent leadership, nonverbal communication, and other advanced human development skills. In 1997, she founded a Southern Arizona-based collective of educators, coaches, counselors, and horse professionals exploring the power and potential of the incredible connection between horses and humans. The organization, Eponaquest Worldwide, has grown to serve clients on six continents. Linda’s first bestselling book The Tao of Equus was selected as one of the top books of 2001 by Amazon.com and received appreciative reviews in diverse publications. This title, and her subsequent four books, have been translated into French, German, Dutch, and Czech, and are used as texts at universities. In 2013, Linda’s fourth book The Power of the Herd: A Nonpredatory Approach to Social Intelligence, Leadership and Innovation explored what horses have to teach us about leadership and social intelligence, with extensive historical and scientific research showing why the world’s most innovative and effective leaders, from Alexander the Great to the Buddha to George Washington and Winston Churchill, were exceptional horsemen who honed the nonverbal skills associated with leadership presence on horseback. The book also translates the practical skills horses teach directly to use at work, school, home, and in religious, political and social activism contexts. Linda’s fifth book The Five Roles of a Master Herder, was published in June 2016, and has been translated into multiple languages. Over the last decade, Linda has appeared at numerous conferences, universities and retreat centers, including the Organization Development Conference, the Omega Institute in New York, Naropa University in Boulder, CO, the University of Arizona, Prescott College, the International Transpersonal Conference, Hollyhock British Columbia, and the 2008 Equine Guided Education Conference, among many other venues. She has been a leadership trainer for Raytheon since 2007, and has also led trainings for executive teams at Nike, Chubb Insurance, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and the Bensman Group of financial advisors, among other companies. In 2014, she led a master class on the Five Roles of a Master Herder in Paris at the Executive MBA Program “Leading Innovation in a Digital World” de l’Institut Mines-Telecom. Didier Tranchier, head of this international program, wrote that this presentation “changed my life and the life of everyone in the conference room. Explaining the differences between a dominant and a leader, and the usefulness of predatory power when balanced with non-predatory power were real insights to understand how companies are working and how we can improve our efficiency. With very simple words and great examples coming from the world of horses and traditional herding cultures, Linda explained the power of groups and how to build relationships that can enable any individual to steer and leverage large and powerful organizations.” Linda is considered one of the founders of the field of Equine-Facilitated Experiential Learning, which teaches people how to excel in life by practicing innovative leadership, relationship, nonverbal communication, and emotional and social intelligence skills through safe, engaging, non-riding activities with horses. She has also worked with a number of psychologists in the field of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy, and regularly ...
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    54 mins
  • Liz West and Meagan Elieff

    Liz West and Meagan Elieff
    Jul 13 2024
    This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to fabulous women who not only are Toronto celebrities, but they love to give back! So this week, Bliss Coach and Celebrity Interviewer Judy Librach is joined by two wonderful personalities! First up, Zoomer Radio’s very own television and radio host, Liz West is on the program. Liz has been engaging audiences for over two decades as a television reporter, anchor and host for several networks including CTV, CityTV, CHCH, and Amazon Prime. Liz’s credits include CityPulse News, Star!, eNow, Square Off, Rags to Red Carpet and No Fun Intended. Liz has done hundreds of interviews with musicians, actors, newsmakers, and politicians, covering everything from arts and culture to news and lifestyle content, but her heart lies with music having kicked off her career in her 20’s, working with concert promoter Michael Cohl and spending a decade at Concert Productions International. And now Liz can be heard every day as the host of The Afternoon Express on Zoomer Radio. So Liz West has really come full circle to be playing great music everyday, interviewing musicians and also building this really cool museum called the Toronto Music Experience. She’s also a public speaking coach, a creator of the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies - Virtual Communicator course, she’s an author and an active member of the Toronto music community. Also on the program is Visionary, Speaker, and Influencer Meagan Elieff! As well, Meagan is a Producer of hundreds of events, ranging from Pop-up Markets, Speakers Series, Galas and Charity Events. As Founder of Modern Day Wife, she has taken her concept and vision and turned it into a tangible real-life community inspiring thousands across the globe. On paper, she has a degree in Public Relations, Tourism Management and Visual Merchandising. Through hands-on experience and various positions she's held Internationally, she has obtained knowledge that has been extremely beneficial in achieving real results and exponential business growth. Previous Founder of Project YOU: A women's networking group whose main mission is to elevate women and the world. She created and sold this business all under the age of 30 years old. She had an extremely successful Corporate Career at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts for 5 years as a Retail Buyer, Merchandiser and Manager, building a gift shop from the ground up that generated over 3/4 of a Million Dollars in sales annually. Currently living in Toronto, Canada and Florida — covering the North American Market with her connections — she is married to the CEO OF YESA, Corrie Elieff and has a fur baby named Mopar. For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss. Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio
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    54 mins