The Now What Pod

Lisa Hicks joins us on The Now What Pod to talk about finding happiness and success as a queer, quirky, and neurodivergent adult. In this episode, she walks us through the self-discovery journey that led to her accepting what her ADHD diagnosis actually means, learning to focus on what happiness is to her, and eventually coming out as bisexual.   Topics Discussed: (0:00) Life update from Jen and Tesha (6:27) Introducing Lisa Hicks (8:18) Being diagnosed with ADHD at 18 years old.  (10:27) Masking: Trying to fit in with others throughout her life, and being a people pleaser (21:22) Lisa’s specific symptoms: absentmindedness, impulse control, hyperfocusing (36:15) Strategies she's developed to help her succeed (47:19) Coming out as bisexual within a heterosexual monogamous marriage (1:01:10) Finding happiness for herself (1:05:06) Questioning the “rules”   Resources: https://www.lisa-hicks.com/   About Lisa Hicks:  Lisa (she/her) is a queer, quirky, neurodivergent, Mom of 2. She lives with her kids and her husband of 10 years in Ontario.   Lisa was diagnosed with ADHD when she was 18 years old but was never told what that meant. It wasn't until she was 34 and saw a relatable TikTok video that had her finally understanding why her brain worked the way it did.     Through this journey of self-discovery, Lisa came out as a queer woman and is navigating what that means in a happily monogomous, hetero-presenting marriage.    Lisa owns a coaching business and has a team of three other incredible coaches working alongside her. Her business and coaching method is designed to help folx understand why their brains work the way they do, help them to unlearn old stories and help them to live the happiest and most fulfilling life possible. Lisa and her team offer virtual one-to-one sessions, online community gatherings, an ADHD support group and other group programs.  Website: https://www.lisa-hicks.com/ IG/ TikTok: @thatlisahicks   Support Now What’s drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the The Now What Pod? You can reach us at  Email: thenowwhatpod@gmail.com Instagram: @thenowwhatpod Facebook: thenowwhatpod

Jess Buchanan was held hostage for 93 days in Somalia, before being rescued by Seal Team Six. In this episode of The Now What Podcast, she sits down with Jen and Tesha to talk about her kidnapping and time as a hostage. Jess B explores the ways that she kept hope alive until she was rescued, how she will never again be the person she was before, and what she has learned during her recovery.  Topics Discussed: (0:00) Life update from Jen and Tesha (5:05) Introducing Jess Buchanan and her work in Africa (13:04) The Kidnapping (18:50) “Camping out”:  Jess describes what it was like to be held hostage including what she ate, how she used the washroom, how she kept clean, and eventually getting sick (22:32) Not Losing Hope: Jess talks about how she kept mentally strong while figuring out how to stay alive, and not go crazy.  (36:25) After the Rescue: Jess found out that she was pregnant 2 weeks after the rescue. She talks about her postpartum recovery while coping with PTSD.  (46:30) Losing My Identity: Jess found that she was a new person, and could not get back to the woman she was before, even if she wanted to. (56:50) Jen and Tesha talk about how the podcast started.   (1:01:00) Key Takeaways: Jess shares what she hopes we can all take away from her story.    Resources: My TEDx Talk Change is Your Proof of Life TEDx Pearl Street My weekly Podcast We Should Talk About That  My Speaker's Academy The Project You Collective Watch our Project You Collective Video Bio   About Jess B:  Jessica Buchanan: Teacher, Author, Humanitarian, Speaker, SurvivorOn October 25, 2011, while on a routine field mission in Somalia, working as the Education Advisor for her non-governmental organization, Jessica was abducted at gunpoint and held for ransom by a group of Somali pirates for 93 days. Forced to live outdoors in deplorable conditions, starved, and terrorized by more than two dozen gangsters, Jessica’s health steadily deteriorated until, by order of President Obama, she was rescued by the elite SEAL Team VI on January 25, 2012.   Support Now What’s drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the Now What Podcast? You can reach us at  Email: thenowwhatpod@gmail.com Instagram: @thenowwhatpod Facebook: thenowwhatpod

CW: suicide  Sneha, of the MindMatters Podcast, talks to us about the sudden death of her older brother when she was only 16 years old. As a teenager, living in a culture where mental health is taboo, Sneha was forced to seek professional help while hiding the truth from her family. She details how this loss shook her entire understanding of death and grief. We learn about Sneha’s recovery and how she is now helping others on their mental health journeys.  Topics Discussed:   (0:00) Life update from Jen and Tesha (4:17) Introducing Sneha (6:14) Her brother’s death: Sneha describes her older brother’s sudden death (11:24) How this loss shook her entire understanding of death.  (12:58) Attempting suicide and deciding to get help (14:45) Shame and hiding the truth from her family  (18:42) The importance of having more than one outlet, or coping mechanisms  (23:15) Making meaning by starting Mind Matters (36:00) Finding coping mechanisms that work for you,  (39:39) Grief and healing are not linear   Resources:   Mind Matters Podcast Mind Matters Website Deep vein thrombosis https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557 Stages of grief https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief   About Sneha:  Sneha Suresh is the founder of MindMatters, an initiative that is dedicated to raising awareness on mental health and de-stigmatising therapy. MindMatters is dedicated to recognising the right to good health and well being of everyone. They are the host of the “Mind Matters” podcast series “Perspectives” and “A Step Towards Help”,  and also the creator behind their newest project, the wellness support program. Coming from a culture that never talked about mental health or grief, MindMatters is the project created out Sneha's own life story, the loss of her older brother. They're also a final year law student and want to continue to specialize in human rights law. They believe in wanting to help people and supporting community. Website: www.mindmattersinitiative.com   Support our drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the show? Email: nowwhat.podcast.info@gmail.com Instagram: @nowwhat_podcast Facebook: nowwhatpodcommunity

Amber, a model citizen, went to federal prison for sending an email. This week, she joins Jen and Tesha to share her story. We talk about her arrest, conviction, prison life, and life after incarceration. Amber is on a mission to destigmatize and humanize “felons”.    Topics Discussed:   (0:00) Intro: Jen and Tesha talk about applying for passports.  (7:23) The 7- year long investigation (13:35) Getting arrested and charged (24:14) Prison life: from her prison job to buying soap, and ramen noodles. (28:53) What happens when Mom goes to prison (38:45) Pandemics and Prison (43:42) Good Behaviour and not getting “shots” (47:30) Half-way house (53:22) The people you meet in prison (57:30) Life After prison (59:36) What role did race play in the case? (1:05:01) The Been Down Project: coaching and mentoring women facing incarceration   Resources: Former D.C. Schools Employee and Business Owner Plead Guilty to Federal Charge in Bid-Rigging Scheme https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/former-dc-schools-employee-and-business-owner-plead-guilty-federal-charge-bid-rigging   The Bob Barker Company https://www.bobbarker.com/   About Amber:    Amber Crowder’s Been Down Project is a returning citizen’s brutally honest, yet comedic, account of how she went to federal prison for an email.  Her vulnerable and transparent account highlights the inequities and flaws of the federal criminal justice system and the unique hardships for women in the industrial prison complex.     Amber uses her platform to be a voice, a resource, and an inspiration for women with recent federal indictments, women currently incarcerated, and women reentering society.    Amber is a student, and an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry who currently resides in Washington, D.C. Follow Amber on Instagram and TikTok @thebeendownproject   Support our drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the show? You can reach us at  Email: nowwhat.podcast.info@gmail.com Instagram: @nowwhat_podcast Facebook: nowwhatpodcommunity

Jen and Tesha chat with Krista O’Reilly-Davi-Digui about the tragic loss of her son to suicide/severe depression. The episode includes a lengthy conversation about the importance of community, and learning how to support others through difficult times. Krista shares an uplifting message about learning to allow joy to live alongside grief.    Topics Discussed: (0:00) Jen and Tesha talk about what they’ve been up to lately… mostly decluttering and podcasting. (6:32) Meet Krista: We learn a little bit about Krista, how she met her husband.  (14:01) Krista talks about her son Jairus, his mental health struggles, dealings with the health care and law enforcement systems in Canada, and eventual suicide.  (20:00) Motherhood, Guilt and Shame (21:41) The importance of community and community care (32:35) How to support others through difficult time (50:42) Allowing joy to live alongside grief (66:55) Working while in crisis Resources: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/tools-for-child-or-suicide-loss/ Here’s the Glennon Doyle Quote we were trying to reference: 'I will not stay, not ever again—in a room or conversation or relationship or institution that requires me to abandon myself.'    And… the Viktor Frankl quote: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”   About Krista:  Krista O’Reilly-Davi-Digui C.H.N.C works as a writer, Holistic Embodiment Coach + Joyful Living Educator. She helps brave, weary, and curious women from different corners of the world remember their way to freedom by reconnecting with and befriending their true self, reclaiming their voice, and relearning how to feel safe, at home, and joyful in their body and their life. Connect with her at www.alifeinprogress.ca   Support our drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the show? You can reach us at  Email: nowwhat.podcast.info@gmail.com Instagram: @nowwhat_podcast Facebook: nowwhatpodcommunity

Jen and Tesha chat with Morgan Flores about her decision to leave the Mormon. She describes what it was like growing up in the Mormon church, and the ways in which the church placed demands on every aspect of her life. Morgan not only describes her decision to leave the church, but also explains the freedom that she has felt since leaving.    Topics Discussed: (0:00) Life Updates: Jen and Tesha talk about what they’re reading these days, what they’re watching on TV and what they’ve been up to lately. (7:58) Introductions: We meet Morgan.  (12:00) Joining the Mormon Church: Morgan talks about her mothers decision to convert and join the Mormon Church and to baptize Morgan when she was 8.  Morgan tells us about things that she likes about the church, growing up surrounded by other Mormons and beginning to question her Faith.  (22:58) High-demand religion: Morgan details some of the demands placed upon members of the Mormon church and the ways, from telling you what to wear, and what to eat or drink, who you could be friends with, and how you should be spending your money.  (26:52) How she spends Sundays now: Morgan talks about all of the freedom she has now that she isn't a member of the church. No longer looking for organized religion.  She discusses where her spirituality is moving now.  (29:39) Marriage: We discuss how Morgan is balancing her marriage while her husband is still a member of the church. She says the key is respecting each other's opinions, and focussing on the reasons why they got married.  (35:47) Reaction: Morgan talks about the support she has received from others (including social media) when she talks about leaving the church. She also describes some of the push back she has received from other Mormons.  (41:11) Being weighed down: Morgan shares about some of the ways that she felt weighed down and dismissed by the church. She describes always being sent the message that the church is perfect, and any concerns you have are your own personal fault. She also describes the way that mental health issues are treated by the church, and the toxic positivity they encourage.  (49:57) A weight lifted: Morgan describes feeling relieved when church was canceled during Covid lockdowns, and noticing her anxiety lower, feeling lighter and free. Morgan only realized how heavy the weight of the church was once it was gone. (53:08) Learning to deal with emotions: Morgan is learning to accept emotions as they come and go on this journey.  (1:02:32) Advice for anybody leaving the church: go slow, turn to people who love you unconditionally.  Resources: Glendon Doyle’s Book,  Untamed can be found in our Amazon shop.  https://www.amazon.ca/shop/jen_hoffmeister_?ref=inf_pub_jen_hoffmeister_   What is Mormonism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism   About Morgan:  Morgan Flores runs an Instagram account where she talks about minimalism, organizing and cleaning. She also speaks out about growing up with a mother who had hoarding tendencies and deconstructing from the Mormon church. She’s married to her husband, has three daughters and is currently a film student. She also runs a podcast with her husband called The Minimalist Couple. Support our drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the show? You can reach us at  Email: nowwhat.podcast.info@gmail.com Instagram: @nowwhat_podcast Facebook: nowwhatpodcommunity

Jen and Tesha sit down with Michelle and Rachelle from Being Here Human to talk about Grief. What is grief really? How does it manifest? How do we support those who are grieving? And what could we be doing better as a society? Topics Discussed: Introductions: Jen and Tesha talk about what they’ve been binge watching on TV.   What is Grief? Grief is not only a response to death, but any personal loss. It is involuntary and it impacts us on every single level. It doesn't have an end point.   Grieving within a Capitalist System: We discuss the ways in which our treatment of grief in a capitalist society is not in line with what grieving people actually need, but instead seeks to further benefit the cycle of production and consumption.    Grief changes us: After profound loss our perspective changes. How does grief change our perspective. You are forever changed, and there is no going back to normal.    Silo-ed off from death? We are so sheltered from the realities of death, and what it actually looks like, that as a society we have lost our ability to understand it, and support those who are dying or have lost a loved one.    Finding your community: We often think that those who are grieving need to seek professional help (i.e. therapist, social worker, psychologist) yet, there is no real certification for grief work. Instead, we need to find people who understand grief, and are willing to support us. We talk about supporting grieving people and contributing to community care.    Resources: www.beingherehuman.com Heidi Priebe Quote from IG : @heidipriebe   About Being Here Human:  Being Here, Human aims to decrease the harm and isolation that is so often associated with being bereaved. They challenge and dismantle some of the most commonly held myths and misconceptions about grief. They share language and offer skills to support you in recognizing and honouring your own grief, and the grief of those around you. The co-founders Rachelle Bensoussan & Michelle Williams, practice a non-pathology approach grief and loss, with a focus on inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression.   Support our drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content Want to be a guest on the show? Email: nowwhat.podcast.info@gmail.com Instagram: @nowwhat_podcast Facebook: nowwhat.pod.community

We're back!   Here's a teaser for what you can expect from Jen & Tesha in Season 2.   www.nowwhatpod.com Support our drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the show? Email: nowwhat.podcast.info@gmail.com Instagram: @nowwhat_podcast Facebook: nowwhat.pod.community    

Jen and Tesha reminisce about Season 1. From where this podcast began to where it is now, 35 episodes later. We talk about what we’ve learned along the way, how we’ve felt, what we hope our guests are taking away from these stories, and what we are going to do with our time off.    www.nowwhatpod.com Support our drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the show? Email: nowwhat.podcast.info@gmail.com Instagram: @nowwhat_podcast Facebook: nowwhat.pod.community

CW: graphic violence, domestic abuse In our most graphic story to date, Chelsey opens up about the night that she was attacked by her ex-boyfriend, and survived an attempted murder. The tables quickly turned when she found herself in jail up against second-degree murder charges for his death. One year after the incident, Chelsey opens up about the fateful night that she defended herself, her fight with the justice system, and her healing journey after such trauma.    Topics Discussed: (2:31) Their relationship: Chelsey shares the story of the abusive relationship that she shared with her ex-boyfriend, and how she was eventually able to escape. She explains how she  agreed to meet up with him, because she wanted closure. (6:20) The Attack: Within 4 minutes of being with him, the attack began with a punch that broke Chelsey’s nose. Chelsey details the attack by her ex-boyfriend, how she defended herself, escaped and got help.  (30:36) The Aftermath: Chelsey was charged with second-degree murder and taken to jail almost immediately following the event. Chelsey talks about her time in prison, living with a court mandated curfew, and dealing with the justice system. Chelsey had support from her friends and family, but still was left with a lot of trauma to deal with, even after the charges were dropped. (53:00) Now what?: Chelsey tells us where she now, how she feels about the upcoming anniversary, and what she hopes others can learn from her story.  (59:28) Healing from here: failure of systems to help her.   Articles about Chelsey: https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/braun-woman-exonerated-in-self-defence-killing   https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/05/22/toronto-womans-murder-charge-withdrawn-in-strongest-case-of-self-defence-i-have-ever-seen-in-30-years.html   About Chelsey: Chelsey is a domestic violence and attempted murder survivor.  The tables quickly turned when her actions of self defence against a violent ex-boyfriend landed her a murder charge and a one-way ticket to jail. One year after her incident, Chelsey finally opens up about some details from that night, her charges being dropped, and her healing journey after such a traumatic series of events.   Support our drive to upgrade our audio equipment Buy Us a Coffee Patreon - and access special episodes and content   Want to be a guest on the show? Email: nowwhat.podcast.info@gmail.com Instagram: @nowwhat_podcast Facebook: nowwhat.pod.community