Libsyn Directory

Media Professional Insights from the Inside with Nicole Murphy EP20

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Release Date: 06/03/2025

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...

Breaking the Chains of Addiction with Krista Zaft EP21

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Krista Zaft shares her profound journey through addiction, both personally and within her family. She discusses the impact of generational trauma and how it perpetuates cycles of addiction. Krista emphasizes the importance of therapy, support systems, and setting boundaries for both the individual struggling with addiction and their family members. Her story highlights the complexities of recovery, the necessity of self-care, and the transformative power of interventions. Ultimately, Krista's experience serves as a testament to the possibility of healing and breaking free from the chains of...

Media Professional Insights from the Inside with Nicole Murphy EP20

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Enduring, Coping and Overcoming S*xual Abuse with Ashley EP19

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

In this heartfelt conversation, Ashley shares her journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse and the impact it has had on her life and family dynamics. She discusses the importance of awareness, healing, and setting boundaries, as well as the role of faith and community in her recovery. Ashley emphasizes the significance of sharing stories to empower others and break generational cycles of trauma, ultimately finding strength and peace in her journey. Key Takeaways: Ashley shares her story to help others feel less alone. The importance of trusting instincts when it comes to children. Healing...

Making an Impact in Your Business and Life with Kat Halushka EP18

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

This week, Melanie Wakelin interviews Kat Halushka, founder of Profitable Impact Academy. Kat shares her journey as an immigrant from Belarus to Canada, discussing the challenges and rewards of adapting to a new culture and language. She emphasizes the importance of public speaking as a tool for personal and professional growth, and how it has become a superpower for her. Kat also highlights the significance of investing in oneself, building confidence, and creating a supportive community for entrepreneurs. Throughout the conversation, she offers valuable insights and encouragement for those...

Finding Freedom in Nicaragua with the Unregistered Nurse Corrie Bignell EP17

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

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...

From Shy to Shining: The Confidence Creator Emma Wood EP16

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Emma Wood, confidence creator, is sharing her inspiring journey from shy to shining (as she likes to teach!). Emma discusses her experiences with bullying, her transition into photography, and how she empowers others through her work, including her upcoming book that offers practical exercises and stories to help women build confidence. The conversation delves into overcoming fears, supporting loved ones through mental health challenges, and the importance of celebrating small wins in the journey of self-discovery and growth. In this engaging conversation, Emma Wood, a Confidence Creator, and...

Cosmic and Ancient Knowledge that Anyone Can Learn! with Quentin Fast EP15

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Quentin Fast shares with us his deep passion for the 13 Moon Calendar, a system that offers a more harmonious way to perceive time compared to the Gregorian calendar. Quentin explains how this calendar connects individuals to nature and their personal rhythms, emphasizing its practical applications in daily life. He also discusses his journey into Tibetan Buddhism, highlighting the altruistic motivations behind the teachings. The conversation culminates in reflections on current global changes and the importance of understanding our place in the universe. In this enlightening conversation,...

Courage & Character: Edmonton Police Whistleblower with Dan Behiels EP14

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Melanie Wakelin interviews Dan Behiels, a former police officer and whistleblower from the Edmonton Police Service. Dan shares his journey from a military upbringing to a career in law enforcement, culminating in his decision to expose wrongdoing within the police force. He discusses the challenges faced by whistleblowers in Canada, including the lack of legal protections and the moral complexities involved in reporting misconduct. Dan emphasizes the importance of courage, character, and personal responsibility in both policing and society at large, offering insights and advice for those...

Wilderness, Exploration and Facing Life’s Challenges with Calem Watson EP13

Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

Melanie Wakelin interviews Calem Watson, who shares his inspiring journey of adventure and resilience through solo canoe trips across Canada. He discusses the challenges he faced, including health issues and the beauty of nature, as well as the importance of community and connection during his travels. Calem reflects on how his early experiences shaped his love for adventure and how the COVID-19 pandemic pushed him to pursue his dreams. The conversation highlights the transformative power of nature and the human spirit. In this conversation, Calem Watson shares his experiences and reflections...

More Episodes

Melanie Wakelin interviews Nicole Murphy, a media professional with a passion for storytelling and creativity. They discuss Nicole's journey in media, the impact of the pandemic on her career, and the challenges faced in the journalism industry. The conversation explores themes of critical thinking, the role of creativity in personal growth, and the changing landscape of business and customer relations. Nicole shares her vision for a large creative event aimed at inspiring others and emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in recovery from recent societal challenges. In this engaging conversation, Nicole Murphy and Melanie Wakelin explore themes of authenticity, the impact of social media and AI, the importance of digital detox, and the journey of podcasting. They discuss the significance of communication and collaboration in both personal and professional realms, emphasizing the need for understanding and connection amidst differing perspectives.

Guest Bio:

Nicole Murphy has over a decade of experience in the media industry having worked on a morning news show, produced and directed documentary programs, been a crew member on movie sets, taught media at a college level, led a bi-weekly student print newspaper and worked as an independent journalist.

Now she is using the skills she’s developed in storytelling, producing and mentorship to support creative entrepreneurs with events, content creation and grant opportunities.

Episode References:

Digital Detox & Creativity Retreat: Digital Detox & Creativity Retreat

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Connect with Nicole:

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

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/

Melanie’s Businesses: