Inspiring Stories

Title OptionsMoving with Wisdom: Fitness, Form, and Longevity with Helena Beyond the Gym Grind: Why Technique and Mind-Body Balance Matter as We Mature The FITT Principle & Functional Wellness: Training Smarter with Helena Introduction / Article HookIn a fitness culture often obsessed with lifting heavier, pushing past exhaustion, and chasing immediate extremes, the real secret to lifelong vitality often gets left behind: technique, intentional movement, and listening to your body. In this episode of Inspiring Stories, host Michael Clogs sits down with longtime fitness expert and functional wellness practitioner Helena of Velocity Athletic Training. Drawing on decades of coaching experience—from leading high-energy aerobics and boot camps across Vancouver to her advanced studies in functional medicine and traditional holistic systems—Helena shares why exercise must evolve as we "mature". Instead of treating the gym like a battleground where wear-and-tear leads to chronic injury, Helena breaks down how to build sustainable strength from the inside out: The FITT Principle in Action: How tailoring your Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type creates an adaptable workout routine that fits your actual life rather than burning you out. Form Over Force: Why proper biomechanics, core stabilization, and intentional muscle contraction matter far more than how much weight is on the bar. Internal Balance & Energy: Understanding the body as an interconnected system—supporting digestion, internal organs, and nervous system health to keep inflammation and chronic stress at bay. The Rehabilitation Mindset: Real-world examples of overcoming injury through equilibrium, symmetry, and small, consistent resistance movementsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

Behind the Iron Curtain, truth was dangerous and identity was strictly watched. In our latest interview, author M.M. Devoe unpacks her novel The Boy Who Loved Trees, drawing on her real-life experience visiting Soviet-occupied Lithuania on a 1980s state-sponsored tour. Tune in to explore diaspora memory, Cold War tension, and personal courage.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

In this episode of The Inspiring Stories Podcast, host Michael sits down with certified resentment coach Nina Thiara to explore the hidden mechanics of emotional burnout, chronic fatigue, and relationship strain. Nina shares her personal turning point from 2006—when severe exhaustion and physical symptoms led a naturopathic doctor to identify that her illness was rooted in unprocessed emotions rather than physical deficiencies. Throughout the conversation, Nina unpacks why conventional coping mechanisms like self-help books, wellness retreats, or temporary distractions often fail to resolve deeper issues. She breaks down her proprietary three-pillar methodology for emotional recovery, explains the role of childhood conditioning and ancestral trauma, and details how guilt and anxiety surface when establishing healthy personal boundaries. The episode concludes with practical strategies for stepping out of internal "storytelling," communicating authentic needs, and breaking multi-generational emotional cycles.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

Jan Barlow, founder of A Better Job Fit, about a paradigm shift happening across the job market: job crafting.Rather than relying on rigid, legacy hiring practices, job crafting leverages job-matching science and targeted AI tools to help professionals design roles that maximize their unique strengths. Whether applied to young candidates entering the job market or seasoned professionals seeking their next career move, this approach directly challenges traditional HR norms to align talent with real-world business needs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

Jennifer Beale, a networking coach known for collaborative networking, shared her philosophy on building meaningful business relationships through authenticity, strategic collaboration, and intentional margin. The conversation covered her personal journey from shyness to confident networker, and her broader views on satisfaction over gratification, digital detox, and human-centered connection.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

Hi, I’m Chanelle, a 16-year-old entrepreneur from Saskatoon, and the founder of Chic & Charmed Boutique. I started the brand at 13, and in just a few years, I’ve grown it into a national jewellery brand with customers across Canada. I built it through trade shows, strong online sales, and billboard advertising, even having my brand featured on billboards across my city while still in high school. I’ve also taken the brand on a Canada-wide tour, showcasing in cities like Saskatoon, Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto, continuing to expand into new markets across the country. Balancing school and business hasn’t been easy, but it’s pushed me to stay disciplined and think bigger at a young age. I’ve been featured on outlets like CTV, Global News, and CityNews, and have showcased at major events like the National Women’s Show and Calgary Stampede. For me, it’s about showing that age doesn’t limit what you can build, it can actually be your advantage.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

Failure was not an option I started my career in communications for the construction industry — and from day one, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. But as a single mom, the timing never felt right. Then the economy collapsed. The downturn of 2007 to 2009 gave me the push I needed. I launched C2 Communications — and failure simply was not an option. More than 16 years later, that decision gave my daughter and me an extraordinary life: adventure, educational flexibility, and work that genuinely matters. Over 25 years, I've helped businesses, nonprofits, and political campaigns do one thing — cut through the noise and get heard by the people who matter most. Whether the goal was boosting sales, inspiring votes, or building lasting community pride, my work has always been about messages that don't just get attention — they drive action. Today, I host Cutting Through the Clutter on the Mission Matters Network, bringing in experts every week to help leaders build communication strategies that actually stick. It all comes down to one belief: the right message, delivered to the right audience, at the right time, changes everything.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

Emily Ava Gillespie (they/she) is an author, disability activist, and professional daydreamer.  They won the 2021 Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award from Nipissing University. Gillespie has a BA in Gender Equality and Social Justice and an MA in Critical Disability Studies. They earned a certificate in Creative Writing from Concordia University.   They have volunteered and worked in the disability community as an activist, researcher, peer support and facilitator for fifteen years. Gillespie is also an author and performance artist. Her work explores themes of memory, identity and mental health journeys. They enjoy working in community spaces and examining individual and collective experiences.  Dancing with Ghosts (Leaping Lion Books, 2017) is her first novel. Their poetry and short-stories can be found in several journals and anthologies. She co-edited Mighty: an Anthology of Disabled Superheroes by Renaissance Press published fall 2023. Her most recent novel is titled Wait With Me and was released in 2025.Emily's contact: https://www.facebook.com/Gillespie.Em/ Instagram: ava.emily.gillespie https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16337475.Emily_Gillespie?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ07tRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwa1BURDZHYk5zRG5rNHhNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp2CWBW74Ai9dVz7oWfEDfSOqZR1Bp3hZiFTZLm4EESAx5im2_QMdnreLz_k_aem_HG_afAuaBqaY8vCnxfOJyA https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/mighty-an-anthology-of-disabled-superheroes/9781990086533.html https://www.amazon.ca/Wait-Me-Emily-Ava-Gillespie/dp/1069635103Ghofran Alyass is a disabled woman with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and is the Founder of Beyond Abilities International, formerly known as Beyond Abilities. She is also a part-time professor at George Brown College, teaching in the Community Worker program. She holds a Master's of Education in Social Justice Education, specialising in Disability educational policy from OISE, University of Toronto. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies from the Toronto Metropolitan University, a college certificate in preparatory in Liberal Studies, and a college diploma in Community Services from George Brown College. She is a disability advocate, program facilitator, and author committed to advocating for equity, equality and inclusion of people with disabilities.Ghofran Alyass contact https://www.instagram.com/ghofran_author?igsh=MjdheGRvaXFtb3l5 https://www.facebook.com/share/1CW7dNEmce/ https://www.wroteby.me/ghofranalyass-author23https://www.amazon.ca/You-have-24-Hours-Live/dp/1068916702/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KL8IC9BA7RO6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pe99ve9UmuBVhqR3Ufje0w.7OxR5xzJ0Xg7MBRMTScYznAaEwhgaLO-KSs-vQvse8w&dib_tag=se&keywords=ghofran+alyass&qid=1775518003&sprefix=ghofran+alyass%2Caps%2C820&sr=8-1 Listen to Depictions Media https://depictions.media/lets-talk-about-life-with-a-disability/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

Grace Ogren writes novels for young adults and educational content that helps people find addiction and mental health treatment. She has one published novel, one in the works, and many more planned. She has worked as a freelance writer, copywriter, and editor over the last 4 years, honing her voice as an author and her goals for the future. You can find her work on Recovery.com and Amazon. https://www.graceogren.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

My work centers on empowering boomer women, their daughters, and now granddaughters to take charge of their wellness and financial independence. Through curated events and educational initiatives, I show women how caring for themselves leads to confidence, fearless choices, and a spirit of sharing that lifts entire communities. I believe listeners of Inspiring Stories would connect with conversations around enhancing one’s worth personally and professionally, while fostering an attitude of inclusivity and abundance. I’d love a chance to share these ideas and personal stories with your audience, and offer practical approaches for women to strengthen their well-being, leadership, and impact. Thank you for considering me as a possible guest for an upcoming episode. https://womenworthwellness.com/about-us/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.The podcast series Inspiring Stories (produced by Michael Clogs under Depictions Media) is an interview-driven show focused on entrepreneurship, community leadership, personal growth, and human resilience.Core Focus & MissionThe series centers on conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, authors, and experts who serve both local and global communities. Built around the core principle that "people buy from those they recognize and trust," the podcast provides listeners with actionable insights on gaining influence, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful societal impacts.Key Content ThemesEntrepreneurship & Leadership: Practical business advice, communications strategies, brand building, and navigating economic hardships or career transitions.Overcoming Adversity & Resilience: Personal stories from authors, coaches, and advocates tackling mental health challenges, physical disabilities, trauma, and multi-generational family dynamics.Human-Centered Connection: Exploring digital balance, authenticity, community building, and shifting from instant gratification to lasting personal and professional fulfillment.