Libsyn Directory

Finding Freedom in Nicaragua with the Unregistered Nurse Corrie Bignell EP17

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Release Date: 05/13/2025

The Science and Spirit of Healing: A Conversation with Kelly and Jo EP31

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

In this conversation, Melanie Wakelin welcomes Activate & Illuminates very first return guests Kelly Hinson and Dr. Jo Whitaker, co-founders of Crystal Water Experience. They discuss their individual healing journeys, the scientific basis of their work, and the innovative products they have developed to enhance wellness through quantum energy and nature. The conversation explores the importance of reconnecting with nature, the impact of distractions in modern life, and the role of AI in our understanding of reality. They also introduce their e-learning course aimed at empowering...

Never the Victim, Always Victorious with Victoria Burmeister EP30

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

In this inspiring conversation, Victoria shares her journey from a life-altering car accident that left her paraplegic to becoming a resilient advocate, author, and entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges of navigating life as a single parent, the importance of mindset, and her passion for empowering others through her experiences. Victoria emphasizes the significance of positivity, communication, and the need for society to see individuals beyond their disabilities. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of dreams, regardless of life's obstacles. Guest Bio:...

Not Your Average Momma. Escaping Control and Owning the Algorithm! With Celine Squibb EP29

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Celine shares her journey from growing up in a strict Jehovah's Witness environment to discovering her true self and embracing her creativity. She discusses the challenges of leaving the faith, building a business, and the importance of setting boundaries. Celine reflects on her personal growth, the lessons learned from her experiences, and offers advice to her younger self about authenticity and self-acceptance. Celine had a strong relationship with her grandmother, which influenced her upbringing. She practiced Jehovah's Witnesses from ages 15 to 21, feeling the pressure of community...

Spicy Brains: Spectrum or Superpower? with Stephanie Ward EP28

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Today we are joined by Stephanie Ward, who shares her journey from overcoming significant health challenges to building a supportive community for neurodivergent entrepreneurs through the Spicy Brain Collective. They discuss the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, the impact of COVID-19 on social skills, and the importance of self-care and spirituality. Stephanie emphasizes the value of intuition over AI in decision-making and the need for a supportive environment for neurodivergent voices. The conversation concludes with insights into future projects and the importance of...

Meet Tommy, The Host of Forbidden Chronicles with Tommy Carbasho EP27

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

In this conversation, Tommy Carbasho shares his journey from personal health struggles to becoming a health coach and podcast host. He discusses the importance of nutrition, especially for children, and the impact of processed foods on health. Tommy also delves into his podcast, Forbidden Chronicles, where he explores esoteric topics and shares fascinating stories. The discussion touches on the awakening of consciousness post-COVID, the significance of lifestyle changes, and Tommy's plans for traveling and living on the road while continuing his work. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude...

An Applied Health Scientist's View of our Health System with Sonny Batra EP26

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Episode Summary: In this conversation, Sonny Batra shares his transformative journey from being bedridden for six years due to a chronic illness to becoming a health advocate who promotes natural healing. He discusses the shortcomings of the medical system, the importance of patient advocacy, and the need for a more integrated approach to health that includes both natural and conventional medicine. Sonny emphasizes the power of the body to heal itself and encourages individuals to take control of their health by seeking alternative treatments and being informed about their choices. Episode...

Discipline and Legacy with Jonnie Parsons EP25

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

In this episode of the Activate and Illuminate podcast, Jonathan Parsons shares his inspiring journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his life. He discusses his early influences, struggles with substance use, and the turning point that led him to find faith and purpose. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of personal growth, accountability, and helping others through coaching and mentorship. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges, showcasing the power of resilience and the impact of a supportive community. Guest Bio:...

From Bars to Jars: A Saucy Redemption Story with Joe Gallagher EP24

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

In this inspiring conversation, Joe Gallagher shares his tumultuous journey from a troubled childhood marked by addiction and violence to a life of redemption and purpose. He recounts his struggles with alcohol, the chaos of his early life, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek change. Through music, personal challenges, and a deepening faith, Joe illustrates how he transformed his life and now aims to help others facing similar battles. His story is a testament to resilience, the power of faith, and the importance of community support in the journey of recovery and personal growth....

Creating the Life You Dream About! with Stacey Berger EP23

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Stacey Berger, a transformational coach, shares her journey of merging spirituality with business, emphasizing the importance of mindset in achieving personal and professional success. She discusses her own experiences with health challenges and how a shift in perspective and belief led to profound transformations in her life and the lives of her clients. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding universal truths and the power of individual responsibility in creating desired outcomes. In this conversation, Stacey Berger discusses the transformative journey from anxiety to a...

Coping with a Life-shortening Diagnosis and Invisible Disabilities as a Teenager with Matteo EP22

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Melanie Wakelin welcomes Matteo, a courageous teenager living with muscular dystrophy. Matteo opens up about the realities of his daily life, sharing honest reflections on the physical and emotional challenges he faces at school, within the medical system, and in a world not always designed with accessibility in mind. Throughout the conversation, Matteo’s maturity and resilience shine. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness—especially for youth—and speaks candidly about the lingering impact of COVID-19 on his generation. With wisdom beyond his years, Matteo offers...

More Episodes

Corrie Bignell shares her transformative journey from being a nurse in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic to relocating to Nicaragua. She discusses the discrepancies she observed between media narratives and her experiences in the hospital, leading her to question the health measures being implemented. After facing vaccine mandates and being placed on unpaid leave, she decided to sell her home and move to Nicaragua for a fresh start. Corrie reflects on her healing process, the impact on her family, and her new role as a coach and community builder, emphasizing the importance of freedom and personal empowerment.Corrie shares her transformative journey from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and empowerment. She discusses the importance of reprogramming the mind, the power of community in uplifting women, and the balance between masculine and feminine energies. Corrie emphasizes the significance of gratitude, visualization, and breaking free from societal norms, particularly regarding debt. She reflects on her personal growth, the challenges of learning to surf, and the impact of a supportive community on her life and the lives of others. The conversation concludes with insights on trusting one's intuition and living a fulfilling life.

Guest Bio:

Corrie Bignell is a former nurse turned EmpowerHER Coach, author, and retreat host who walked away from a 20-year healthcare career to build a freedom-based life in Nicaragua. Known as The Unregistered Nurse, Corrie guides high-achieving women to break the cycle of self-sabotage and reclaim their power through holistic health, subconscious reprogramming, and personal strength.

She is the founder of the Serenity & Strength Retreat, a one-on-one immersive experience in her private home in Nicaragua, and the creator of the EmpowerHER community — a space where women rise, heal, and thrive unapologetically. Corrie’s work blends real talk, radical responsibility, and soul-deep transformation.

Whether she’s working out, training in the sun, or speaking about wealth consciousness, Corrie is a living example of what’s possible when you leap with faith and lead with purpose.

Episode References:

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Connect with Corrie:

Website: https://www.theunregisterednurse.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corriebignell/

EmpowerHER Community: JOIN EMPOWERHER!

Connect with Melanie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel

Substack: https://substack.com/@activateandilluminate

Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/