Simply Connected
On this show we talk all things life, career, relationships, hard times and all of the above. Through genuine and candid conversations we explore how human connections shape our experiences and ultimately define our lives. Guests reflect on the joys and challenges of their personal journeys and life’s meaningful moments without shying away from the heavier aspects of what it means to be human and build connections. Simply Connected brings people together through stories of connection. I want you to meet some of the people who have shaped and changed my life (knowingly or unknowingly), hear about the people who have shaped and changed their lives, and learn about the ones who might change yours.
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Worry Less & Live More
04/24/2025
Worry Less & Live More
🎙️In this episode, we had the opportunity to sit down with not one, but two guests, Carl and Shelly — two humans who truly embody the essence of connection in all its forms. I first met Carl and Shelly when I was just 15 years old and a friend and I decided to participate in the ‘Weekend to End Cancer’ — a 60km walk across Ottawa. Over a decade later, we’re revisiting the very first time our paths crossed, and diving into their journey of love, connection, and shared purpose. Carl and Shelly open up about how they met and navigated a long-distance relationship in the days before smartphones, video calls, and instant messaging made it easier to stay connected. We also explore their deep love for learning about others, practicing compassion, and giving back to community. From their time fundraising to their evolving perspectives on technology, we talk about how Carl and Shelly have embraced the digital age (mostly!) while staying true to their values of human connection. This episode is all about what it means to truly connect with people — in relationships, in communities, and in the world at large. Carl and Shelly remind us that, even in a world full of screens, being ‘busy’ and distractions, authentic connection is what makes life meaningful. Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Enjoy the Moment
03/20/2025
Enjoy the Moment
🎙️In this episode, we sit down with Josh and we get to share a wonderful, and open conversation. Josh takes us back to his younger years, sharing on his experience of moving around frequently before settling in Ottawa about 15 years ago. From a young age, Josh was building connections and meeting new people on the regular. Josh turned to poetry as a way to express himself, and that love and enjoyment of writing has evolved over the years into playwriting, even leading him to stage a handful of plays. It wasn’t until Josh discovered improv that he truly found his creative home. Josh talks about the transformative first class that reignited his sense of play and freedom, and how it’s shaped both his personal and professional life. What started out as looking for a hobby outside of his day job turned into a beautiful new world where he gets to perform improv on the regular and play a key role in running a local improv school in Ottawa, fostering a community of creatives. Join us as we dive into Josh’s journey, his passion for expression, and how improv continues to shape his world. This episode is all about finding your voice, embracing play, enjoying the moment, and the power of creative connection. Connect with Josh: Instagram: / joshimayo Catch Josh co-directing the 2025 Ottawa Improv Festival May 29-31. The fesitval will have a curated selection of local talent, out-of-town acts and amazing headliners! Don't miss out! For more information visit: Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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I'm Ryan Too!
03/06/2025
I'm Ryan Too!
🎙️In this episode, we pull Ryan out from behind the camera and into the guest seat as we chat all about Ryan’s love of comedy, film and movies from a very young age and how he grew up making videos with friends. That passion eventually led Ryan to a career in video production and editing where he’s dabbled in a variety of exciting and different projects. Ryan’s world is full of connections through not only his work and career but also through his hobbies like comedy and games. He shares what it was like stepping out of his comfort zone and performing stand up for the first time (without anyone knowing!), reflects on the rewarding moments that come with creative work behind the scenes and shares his passion for all things games; video games, board games, puzzles and how they’ve played a role in connection and building new friendships. Tune in for fun conversation that explores stepping out of our shells, embracing our passions, and the unexpected ways we find connection and joy along the way. Connect with Ryan: Instagram: / mullin.ryan Check out Ryan’s podcast Odd Spots, available on Spotify, iTunes and Soundcloud. Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Everything's Coming Up Megan
02/20/2025
Everything's Coming Up Megan
🎙️In this episode, we’re joined by Megan and we have a conversation filled with laughter, reflection, and plenty of real talk. She’s such an easy conversationalist, and our chat takes some fun and unexpected twists. We dive deep into Megan’s personal journey, from choosing to start therapy to her dreams of marriage, starting a family, and buying a house with her partner, she offers honest insight into what it’s been like navigating it all. We also explore the big difference between university and college, and how each of us found our own path to success with our education. Megan shares her career evolution in marketing and PR, and we talk about the power and importance of seizing opportunities as they come. Plus, we get a little nostalgic, laughing about our alarm clock tendencies and the good ol' days of using landlines. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one. Grab a coffee and get ready to laugh along with us. Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Perfection is a Myth
02/06/2025
Perfection is a Myth
🎙️In this episode, we’re joined by Stefanie, a psychotherapist, wonderful human and new connection who brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our conversation. We dive deep into the art of goal setting, the importance of understanding our values, and how to live our lives intentionally and in alignment. We chat about how writing can unlock creativity and self-expression, we explore the power of gamifying tasks as a tool to stay motivated and on track and we talk about the influence of technology in our daily lives, both its challenges and its potential to enhance personal growth and connections. PLUS Stefanie guides us through a powerful visualization exercise. Tune in for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation that’ll leave you motivated to live a little more in alignment with yourself! Want to further explore your values after this episode? Stefanie has a Mini Primer Workbook on Values ready to go as part of this collaboration! This guide will help you align with what truly matters and create a life you love. Follow her over on IG (@holmmwellness) and send her a DM or head to her website contact form and she’ll send it straight to you—because clarity is the first step to transformation. Connect with Stefanie: Instagram: / holmmwellness Website: Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Ricky Martin Memories
01/09/2025
Ricky Martin Memories
🎙️In this episode, we sit down with Alexa, a longtime friend, a true nature enthusiast and all-around remarkable human. We've known each other since childhood, so you can imagine how many memories we’ve racked up over the years! Together we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting cottage weekends, dancing to Ricky Martin and how we built a friendship and sisterhood outside of relationships that predated us. Together we dive deeper into the transformative power of therapy, how ‘doing the work’ can be challenging, but SO worth it and how truly protecting your energy has become a must in a world full of external noise and opinions. It’s one of those conversations that feels just like we’re sitting in each other's living rooms on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee—lighthearted but meaningful, with a lot of wisdom tucked in between. You’re in for a heartwarming chat that blends nostalgia, personal growth, and the power of friendship. Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Shrek FTW
12/26/2024
Shrek FTW
🎙️In this episode we sit down with Samantha — a colleague turned friend, passionate animal lover, and talented event planner. We cover a lot in only an hour, chatting about personal growth, getting comfortable in our own skin and the importance of finding joy in life's simple pleasures, like spending time in nature and with loved ones. Sam shares insights from her career in event planning, in higher-education, highlighting how thoughtfully planned events can leave a lasting impact on students and how they remember their post-secondary experiences. We also don’t miss a beat, talking about the world of social media, exploring how even the smallest gestures (like sending a meme) can help build and maintain relationships and the rabbit holes of topics we sometimes find ourselves heading down on social media (Appalachian Mountains!). It's a fun conversation, and we can't wait for you to listen! Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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We Should Go Climb Kilimanjaro
12/12/2024
We Should Go Climb Kilimanjaro
🎙️In this episode we chat with Steve, a sports enthusiast with an extensive background in marketing and advertising. Steve's journey has led him to some incredible opportunities, including studying in Australia and working on the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. During our conversation we talk about the challenges he faced living on the west coast away from his family, the hustle of working on the Olympics and how no one talks about the ‘low’ that comes after months and years of working on a global project, and the personal growth that comes from career transitions and overcoming obstacles. We explore the theme of connection — how our relationships with family, particularly siblings, change and evolve over time, and the deep value Steve places on being an uncle. He opens up about the joy of showing up for his nieces and the importance of being present in their lives. Steve also shares a great story about the mental and physical strength it took to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering inspiring insights into perseverance and resilience. Packed with unique perspectives on career, family, and personal growth, this episode has something for everyone. Grab a snack, sit back, and enjoy! Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Boundary Building Blocks
11/28/2024
Boundary Building Blocks
🎙️In this episode, we sit down with Lianne, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation that takes us all the way back to high school. We explore her journey of moving to a new city and starting at a new school right before graduation. From navigating the social dynamics of making new friends to finding a sense of belonging through sports teams, Lianne shares how these experiences shaped her understanding of connection. We take a deep and vulnerable dive into the topic of boundaries — how setting them can be incredibly difficult, why they're so important, and why keeping them is a continuous practice. It’s a powerful reminder that boundaries aren't just about saying ‘no’ — they’re also about creating space for ‘yes’. And of course, we couldn't miss out on swapping a travel story or two, reflecting on how some of the most unexpected places can offer the most meaningful connections. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, learning how to honour your own limits, or simply love hearing about powerful moments of connection, this episode has something for you. Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Balloon Drop or Confetti Cannon
11/14/2024
Balloon Drop or Confetti Cannon
🎙️In this episode we chat with Sophia, a seasoned event professional with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the industry. We dive into why we love events and how they are the ultimate way for bringing people together, building relationships and creating unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large-scale production we explore what makes an event truly *successful*, the crucial role teamwork plays in pulling everything together and the importance of pushing the envelope and trying new things. Plus, we chat about some of our personal favourite event elements and experiences and where we see the events industry headed in a world that’s rapidly evolving and embracing new ways to stay connected. We have fun with this conversation uncovering similarities including our love of Gilmore Girls, our brief stints wanting to be actors and our Scorpio moons (because, why not throw a little astrology into the mix?! ) If you love events, good vibes, or just want to hear two people bond over shared passions and astrological quirks, this episode is for you. Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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The Sun is Shining
10/31/2024
The Sun is Shining
🎙️In this episode we sit down with Jen, a colleague I met working (and still working) in higher education. We dive right away into her life growing up and having to move around, and how those experiences shaped her perspective on life and connection. As a mother of two daughters, Jen shares the invaluable advice she offers them as they navigate their own life paths, while emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself. We also get a little more vulnerable in this episode opening up about a personal topic: GRIEF. Having both lost our moms, we reflect on the impact that has had and the vital role community has played in our healing. How without the love, support and warmth from our communities and people our processing of grief would look completely different, reminding us all of the power of connection and compassion. From quotes to clichés, we’ve packed this episode with wisdom and relatable moments that we all need to hear. Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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I see you going places
10/17/2024
I see you going places
🎙️In this episode we chat with Natasha. Natasha and I met working (and still working) in higher education. We talk about the power of mentorship in the workplace and how having the right guidance can shape both professional and personal growth. Natasha shares her insights on how navigating growth and change in a dynamic work environment can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. We also explore the role family dynamics play in shaping our lives in both growing up and when having families and relationships of our own and how balancing relationships, parenting, work and self-care is constant and ever-changing. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the importance of human connection and how maintaining relationships—both personal and professional—can significantly impact our overall well-being. Natasha also shares some of the strategies she uses to stay grounded amidst daily life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, real talk and reflections! Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Hey, Thinking of You
10/03/2024
Hey, Thinking of You
🎙️In this week’s episode we chat with mindset coach Sylvana, where we recount our first time meeting each other (in Costa Rica of all places!), and how that encounter became a catalyst for forming deeper connections and highlighting the magic that can unfold when we open ourselves up to new experiences. Together we dive into the world of mindset coaching, and how cultivating a positive mindset can shift our perspective, especially during challenging times. We explore the importance of patience when faced with difficult situations and how truly embracing vulnerability can lead us to genuine connections with others. Through our conversation we unravel the difference between a connection and an interaction, emphasizing the depth that both can bring to our lives. Whether you’re looking to deepen your friendships or simply seeking some inspiration, this episode is packed with insights that remind us of the beauty of authentic human connection. Connect with us: Instagram: / simplyconnectedco Connect with Sylvana: Website: Instagram: / sylvanagattocoaching LinkedIn: Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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Pilot - Let's Turn this into a Group Chat
09/19/2024
Pilot - Let's Turn this into a Group Chat
🎙️ In our first episode we talk with Liz and dive deep into reconnecting with her soulmate, the ups and downs of planning a wedding, tips for building meaningful connections at work, and staying grounded in an ever-changing world of chaos. Whether you're navigating love, workplace challenges, or personal growth, we've got insights and stories to inspire you. Instagram Simply Connected Co: / simplyconnectedco Simply Connected Playlist: Music by: New Swears | IG: / newswears Logo and artwork by: Liz Pearson Produced by: Ryan Mullin
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