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This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to Comedy!
Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by comedy legend, Robin Duke.
Robin began her career writing and performing comedy at Second City Theatre in Toronto. Since then, she has written and performed on television’s SCTV and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, creating memorable characters and sketches, The Whiners and Mr. and Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix.
You might just recognize her as “Wendy” from the Blouse Barn on SCHITT’S CREEK. Most recently she appeared in the CTV, CSA-nominated-half-hour comedy series SHELVED. She also appeared for three seasons on FX /HULU’s, MAN SEEKING WOMAN.
Her Film work includes the classic Harold Ramis comedy, GROUNDHOG DAY as well as his other films; CLUB PARADISE, STUART SAVES HIS FAMILY and MULTIPLICITY.
Robin continues to write with, perform and co-produce the all-woman comedy troupe, WOMEN FULLY CLOTHED with Jayne Eastwood, Kathryn Greenwood and Teresa Pavlinek. Since 2004, WFC have successfully toured Canada, the United States and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to sold-out houses and rave reviews.
Now retired, as a Professor and full-time faculty in the comedy program at Humber College for 19 years, she taught everything from sketch writing, performing, and improvisation to Canada’s up-and-coming comedy stars.
Robin Duke also completed a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Nonfiction at King’s College in Halifax and plans to complete her memoir; My Funny Life and Improvising Through It, by 2024.
Her awards include a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame for her work on SCTV, an Emmy nomination for writing on Saturday Night Live, a Canadian Screen Award for her ensemble work with Shelved, the David Broadfoot Comic Genius Award, and The John Candy Award, not to mention an Innovator of the Year award with Humber College.
She has her Grade Two Royal Conservatory Theory in piano and enjoys quilting.
This was a very special interview with lots of laughs and also some very heartwarming moments, with one of Canada’s leading comedy icons!
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
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This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to music. Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Gregory Childs & Heart Lung who are an alt-country band, converging on the corner where roots meets grunge. The band is led by songwriter Gregory Childs and consists of his wife Velvet Jean as well as a crew of long-time friends (Brent Kervin, Jonathan Billings, Luke Sutherland), who make up the gritty mix of musical accompaniment that includes harmonica, guitars, drums and screams.
In October 2020, the band dropped their debut first release, the “Baby Blue” EP, which was distributed both digitally as well as physically, in a limited release of 7” Vinyl. The EP contained two tracks, “Baby Blue” and “Blood Ties,” both of which garnered play on local radio stations, including CIUT 89.5 FM, as well as internationally, on Galaxy FM in Kawerau, New Zealand where it was picked up by local music enthusiasts and broadcast regularly.
In 2022, the band released two new singles, “Lonesome” and “From the Chest.” Both were broadcast on numerous radio stations, including multiple shows on CIUT 89.5 FM and NZ's Galaxy 107FM. “From the Chest” reached number six on the Canadian Independent Country Countdown, run by Coyote 103 FM in Sarnia, Ontario.
In early 2023, Gregory Childs & Heart Lung were discovered by Alan Cross, who featured the band as an “undiscovered gem,” as part of The Edge 102.1 FM’s show, History of New Music. The band was described as “unplugged Nirvana… maybe a little dark Fleetwood Mac”.
In 2024, the band was featured by Canadian radio legend Jeff Woods on his Records and Rockstars podcast, the episode aired on April 5th.
Throughout the band’s existence, they have been regulars in the Toronto music scene, consistently gigging at places like The Dakota Tavern, Cameron House and Kensington Market. They have finished recording a full-length album and have been mixing in preparation for a release in the fall of 2024. The first single from the album, titled “Useless & Young,” was released on January 30th, 2024.
To hear Gregory Childs and Heart Lung’s songs from our interview, click on the link below:
“Useless and Young” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVFIgv1sHeM
“Lonesome” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7b5J19E3Qw
Also on the program, we have the super-talented Matt Bobkin.
Matt Bobkin is a Toronto-based arts journalist and music critic. Most of his work uses music as a lens to explore global issues such as identity, gender, disability, and gentrification. Matt was the Features Editor at Canadian music magazine Exclaim! from 2016 to 2022, and his work has also appeared in the National Post, VICE, and Brooklyn Magazine. His first book, In Too Deep: When Canadian Punks Took Over the World, co-written by fellow Toronto-based music critic Adam Feibel, will be released in June 2025 via House of Anansi Press.
Follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio -
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On this episode of Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by beloved fashion and style icon Jeanne Beker.
Jeanne Beker was the host of the hit show Fashion Television, which aired in over 130 countries for twenty-seven years and was one of the most successful shows in Canadian TV history. Prior to that, she hosted the groundbreaking show The NewMusic and was a founding member of MuchMusic. A seasoned newspaper and magazine columnist, Jeanne was editor-in-chief of FQ and SIR magazines from 2003 to 2009. Currently, she is a frequent keynote speaker and style editor for TSC, where she hosts her eponymous show Style Matters. Jeanne has received honorary doctorates from St. Mary’s University and OCAD University. She was named to the Order of Canada in 2013, inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Legends in 2015, and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2016. Jeanne lives in Toronto, Canada.
In her latest outstanding accomplishment, Jeanne Beker delivers an uplifting and inspiring memoir, that walks us through a wardrobe of memory, one article of clothing at a time. Her latest book, “Heart on My Sleeve: Stories From a Life Well Worn” is her sixth book and her best to date!
Jeanne walks us through her recollections of specific pieces of clothing and jewelry, precious items that have made an indelible impact on her. She invites readers to think more deeply about how what we wear—whether it’s a thrift-store find or high-end couture—acts as a touchstone to our most treasured recollections, reminding us of who we once were or of loved ones we hold dear.
With Jeanne as our style guide, in her book, we get up close and personal with a star-studded cast, including Paul McCartney, Madonna, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Moss, Oscar de la Renta, Beyonce?, and Keith Richards. But equally important, Jeanne introduces us to the family members and loved ones who form her closest entourage—including her wise Yiddish mother and her industrious father, both Holocaust survivors; her childhood neighbour Mrs. Jaskolka, a style maven ahead of her time; her two trailblazing daughters; and her many warm and exuberant friends who have seen her through the best and worst of times.
Jeanne proves that a life lived with style and substance is always in fashion. Bold, colourful, and authentic, this is Jeanne Beker at her very best and brightest.
This was a delightful interview! I can’t wait to share it with you all.
Also on the program, we have music from singer/songwriter Joey O’Neil’s latest album “Phantom Vibes.”
To hear Joey’s song “Mirroring” from this interview, click on the link below:
“Mirroring”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awAYkDDxk-k
You can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
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On this episode of Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Jake Gold.
Jake Gold is one of Canada’s most successful artist managers, and he is the long-time manager of Canada’s most iconic band “The Tragically Hip.”
As well, he was a judge on the national television hit series, Canadian Idol for six seasons. In 1981, Gold started his artist management company, The Management Trust, through which he is best known for his role in establishing and transforming The Tragically Hip into a national icon.
In 2020, Gold reunited with the band to direct their legacy in Canadian music history. He also manages acclaimed pop rock band The Pursuit of Happiness, and music producers Moe Berg, Laurence Currie, and Russell Broom, and co-managers the quickly rising Pop R&B act Ethan Surman alongside Ryan Hefford.
Gold has been recognized by the annual Canadian Music Industry Awards as Manager of the Year in 1991, 1993 and 1994. In 2009, Gold was elected to the board of CIMA (CIRPA) and has been Vice?Chairman of CIMA for 10 years.
Jake was also a board member of the MMF (Music Managers Forum), and was instrumental in starting the organization in the 90s. In 2013 he was the recipient of the MMF Honour Roll Award for his lifetime work in the field of Artist Management.
In 2023 CIMA awarded Gold the “Change” award (formerly the Builder award), for his many years of service to the board. Later that same year, he was also honoured along with his clients, The Tragically Hip, with the Founder award from Warchild Canada for their continued contribution to the charity. In 2024 Jake was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame.
Jake currently sits on the Connect Music board, as well as the Re: Sound board.
To hear The Tragically Hip’s iconic music from this interview, click on the links below:
“Grace, Too” SNL 29th Anniversary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih5GuoZaeZg
"Ahead By A Century":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE2joQsWXJg
You can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
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This episode of Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Christina Ford, first-time author of an exceptional new book, called “In Search of Mr. Darcy: Lessons Learnt in The Pursuit of Happily Ever After.”
Christina Ford is a former award-winning TV and film executive who currently divides her time between the UK, the US, and Canada. She channels her wit and experiences into writing her amusing award-winning lifestyle blog, "A Broad in London: A Survival Guide for Life, Travel, and Being Sensationally Single." A semi-regular guest on BBC London Radio's 'A Week in Review,' Ford often rants about pop culture, single life,
and social media trends. Other humble brags: recipient of the prestigious Women In Film and Television's Crystal Award for Excellence in Production, listed in
Marketing Magazine's 100 Most Influential People In Canadian Communications.
Her Genie Award-winning film 'Fugitive Pieces,' adapted from the award-winning novel by Anne Michaels, opened the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Christina is known for her adventurous spirit and can often be seen travelling the world, searching for the nearest Starbucks, arguing with her GPS, or relishing a glass of Chardonnay (complete with a single ice cube).
This book marks Christina's debut as an author.
You can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
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Coming up this Saturday on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to musical theatre and a beyond gifted composer and theatre creator, that many are comparing to Stephen Sondheim. Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by the masterful and uber talented Andrew Seok.Andrew Seok began his career as a Musical Theatre Singer & Composer, moved onto Vocal Coach, then Singer / Songwriter, Record Producer, TV / Film Composer, Theatre Creator, and Filmmaker. After the success of his first musical, “ECHOES”, Andrew went on to produce and direct its feature film version, which screened at The Reelworld Film Festival, The Montreal World Film Festival, and Fort Meyers Film Festival. He is currently in the final stages of post production for his second musical film “What Am I Without You?”, and has written and directed the musical short film, “Because of You”, as well as the dance short film, “Everything” where the entire story is told through music and contemporary dance. In addition, Andrew created the short musical documentary, “Birth of a Song”. On top of all of this, in 2019, Andrew wrote the Toronto Fringe Festival hit, UNRAVELLED as his second live stage musical project, and followed that up with his critically acclaimed mega musical, “The Man With The Golden Heart” in 2023.Most recently, in 2024, Andrew premiered, “Rosamund – A New Musical”, a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, with the entire run selling out in a matter of days. Each night of the 11 night run not only had a sold out crowd, but was accompanied by very exuberant and lengthy standing ovations. The show was a runaway hit!Everything Seok does is marked by a stroke of genius. He is a man of many talents; a modern-day media renaissance man!As a Juno nominated music producer, he has written and produced music for worldwide campaigns for Nike, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Visa, Dove, X-Box, The Super Bowl, BMW, Dragonball Z, as well as numerous TV series such as: “Playmakers” (ESPN), “Global Morning Show”, “Canada’s Worst Driver”, numerous shows on the Discovery Channel, and “Addicted To Plastic” (Netflix). He has worked for Feist, Chantal Kreviazuk, Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), Jully Black, Jeff Healey, and Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Anastasia). Among his recent projects, Andrew has written a short musical film “90 Days” – a love story during Covid times, and his upcoming feature-length musical film “Where Do We Go From Here?”, which delves into the intricacies of modern relationships. Andrew is also currently the artistic director of Eclipse Theatre Company in Toronto. Our interview was fascinating, fun and a wonderful glimpse into the magnificent artistry of this great talent.To hear Andrew’s beautiful music from this interview, click on the links below:Echoes: https://fb.watch/uZqRt2boJI/Unravelled: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/rqPsBQ2a4wQnWQTu/The Man With The Golden Heart: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/BFNwWwm2jvto71vo/Rosamund:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/9Zfi7MnEhJ67a1iM/Andrew Soek’s Bandcamp: https://seok.bandcamp.com/Andrew Seok’s Website: https://andrewseok.com/Join us this Saturday at 1 PM on Finding Your Bliss. You can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss. Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio
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This week, on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to helping give you the insight to differentiate between your soulmate, your twin flame and the karmic relationships in your life. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a cheat sheet; telling you whether your relationship is meant to last?
Well, you’re in for a real treat! Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by author Kate Rose, whose latest book is “Written in the Stars: The Astrology of Soulmate, Karmic, and Twin Flame Relationships.” She is also the author of “You Only Fall in Love Three Times.”
As a therapist, relationship expert, spiritual intuitive and astrologer, Kate uses the stars to help her clients clarify their purpose and recognize the blocks that are keeping them from living the life they are destined to live. She holds a Masters in Science in clinical art therapy from Springfield College and writes regular columns for YourTango, Elephant Journal, and her newsletter, “Unedited.”
Visit her online at http://www.WordsOfKateRose.com.
Also on the show a wonderful Finding Your Bliss Giveaway, courtesy of @SoftStitches__ on Instagram! Soft Stitches by Sylvie are handmade crocheted stuffed animals, Lovies and patterns. It’s a wonderful new company and the artist Sylvie is super talented at making wonderful crocheted plushies and Snugglers. She has really found her niche creating these soft, lovable, cuddly little critters. To order yours, or to check it out, just go to @SoftStitches__ on Instagram, where you can also find her Etsy page and you can also DM her on Instagram if you want anything custom-made.
(The contest Giveaway closes on Tuesday, October 1st, but you can still reach out to @SoftStitches__ on Instagram anytime for all the details.)
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
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Coming up this Saturday on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Bruce Fertman. Bruce brings sixty years of study as a movement artist and educator to his work, having trained in gymnastics, modern dance, ballet, contact improvisation, the Alexander Technique, tai chi chuan, aikido, chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony), Argentine tango, and kyudo (Zen archery). For the past thirty years, Fertman has taught in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, helping people experience the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual life.
To learn more about Bruce’s work, visit GraceOfSense.com and WalkingWell.com.
Bruce is also one of the co-authors of “Working Well: A New Approach for Comfort, Vitality and Inspiration In Every Step.”
His co-author, Michael J. Gelb. is a pioneer in the field of creative thinking, executive coaching, and innovative leadership.
Michael is a fifth-degree black belt in Aikido and a gifted teacher of tai chi and the Alexander Technique. He is also a professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones. He is the author of seventeen books — including the international bestseller “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci” — which have been translated into 25 languages and sold more than one million copies. To learn more about Michael’s work, visit MichaelGelb.com and WalkingWell.com.
Also on the program, we have Laila, a dynamic Toronto-based pop artist renowned for her infectious anthems, raw vulnerability, and delightfully chaotic energy. Drawing comparisons to Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter, she captivated audiences nationwide with her debut EP, “Heart Doesn't Work Like That,” which earned significant airtime on CBC Radio and was celebrated at Toronto's Pride Festival. Her latest single, "TALK" (released on September 6th), heralds the launch of her next project. Laila has also made her mark as an actor, with a memorable role in the series finale of Netflix's Glamorous, sharing the screen with Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall.
Follow Laila on Spotify and listen to her music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4EXZpEXNEw9idyyLvmdjhb?si=6fPThXlRRWGKKbVCwyLE-g
Check out her beautiful song “Sparks” on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX-OvRhLGeY
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio -
Coming up this Saturday at 1pm on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to our annual back to school special! Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Acclaimed Parenting Expert Alyson Schafer. Alyson Schafer is an internationally acclaimed family counselor, parenting expert, speaker, bestselling author, and media personality. Armed with years of research and clinical experience, Alyson presents concepts from ‘depth psychology’ on stages around the world. Parents seek solutions and Alyson’s forté is delivering actionable tactics that arms parents with the skills and confidence they need to face modern life challenges. Using humour and relatable storytelling, she provides a fresh and positive understanding of family dynamics.
“The end goal is to raise resilient, caring and capable kids – and have fun along the way!” -Alyson Schafer
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Ellie Laks, the Founder of The Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals and heals people with the same stories of abuse and neglect. She is an animal communicator, powerful speaker, celebrated animal welfare advocate, humane educator, and is the author of “My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal and children learn to hope,” and “Cow Hug Therapy: How the animals at The Gentle Barn taught me about life, death, and everything in between.”
Ellie founded The Gentle Barn in 1999. She invented her own “Gentle Healing” method that allows old, sick, injured, and terrified animals to recover fully using a mixture of Western medicine, holistic healing modalities, holding therapy, and lots of love. Ellie is the creator of cow hug therapy and has hosted hundreds of thousands of people, who have come to The Gentle Barn seeking hope.
Ellie has appeared on some of the most influential media outlets, including: The Ellen Show, People Magazine, Life Magazine, Animal Planet, The Huffington Post, Turning Point, Women’s World, The New York Times, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and many more.
Ellie is a TEDx speaker and keynote speaker who motivates her audiences toward higher awareness, profound compassion, realizing dreams, and an enhanced sense of purpose.
To date, Ellie has saved thousands of animals and hosted over 500,000 guests. The Gentle Barn is currently home to approximately 200 animals. The Gentle Barn has three locations in Los Angeles CA, Nashville, TN, and St Louis, MO. It is her goal to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and open the hearts of humanity toward all living beings, “Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other, and our planet.”
Also on the program, we have featured artist Kenzie Elizabeth. Kenzie is a singer-songwriter and composer, based in New York City. Her music has an Alt-Pop feel with similarities to artists such as Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, and Fiona Apple. She also takes inspiration from Lizzy McAlpine and WILLOW. Kenzie, a self-taught pianist, began her songwriting journey in 2013 as KZ Liz, releasing two albums and a few singles (one of which is an instrumental album).
On August 4th, 2023, Kenzie had the opportunity to open for Philip Labes for The Four Seasons Tour in Portland, OR. Two days after the show, Kenzie and her musicians (Trev Fischer & Kelly Miller) recorded the setlist and released it as an acoustic album titled, The Other Side.
In October 2023, Kenzie decided to leave behind KZ Liz and released an EP titled, Reminded, under Kenzie Elizabeth. She recently released two singles called, “Qualified” and "The Cards on the Wall", which will be featured in her sophomore album set for a September 1st release.
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TikTok: 250K+ Followers (@kenzieeofficial)
Instagram: 2,500+ Followers (@kenzieeofficial)
Spotify: 2,400+ Followers (KZ Liz, Kenzie Elizabeth)
Be sure to check out Kenzie Elizabeth’s “The Rain” on youtube:
https://youtu.be/iyXfiFNE7h8?si=f4fuCzqU_r4uBnWn
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Ethan Nichtern, the author of Confidence: Holding Your Seat through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds, and several other titles, including the widely acclaimed “The Road Home.” A renowned contemporary Buddhist teacher and the host of “The Road Home” Podcast, Ethan teaches meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and retreats online via Dharma Moon and all around the US.
Ethan Nichtern is a Buddhist teacher, and is author of the acclaimed book The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path (Farrar Straus and Giroux, North Point Press), which was selected as one of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2015, and one of Tech Insider’s “9 Books That Define 2015.” His newest book, Confidence: Holding Your Seat Through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds, was just released on June 4th, 2024 (New World Library)
His “The Road Home” podcast launched in 2018 and is available on iTunes and Stitcher.
He is also the author of “The Dharma of The Princess Bride: What The Coolest Fairy Tale of Our Time Can Teach Us About Buddhism and Relationships,” released by FSG – North Point in 2017. His earlier books are One City: A Declaration of Interdependence (Wisdom Pubs, 2007), and the Novella/poetry collection, “Your Emoticons Won’t Save You” (Nieto Books, 2012). He founded the Interdependence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to secular Buddhist practice and transformational activism and arts, and served as Executive Director from 2007-2011.
For the past 20+ years, Ethan has taught meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and workshops all around New York City and North America and Europe, along with working with students privately. He has primarily studied in the Shambhala and other Tibetan traditions, but he has also studied Theravadan and Soto Zen Buddhism. As well, he is an avid yoga practitioner. He served as Shastri, or Senior Teacher-In-Residence, for the Shambhala Meditation Center of New York, from 2010-2018.
He was formerly on the part-time faculty at Eugene Lang College at New School University and has lectured at Brown, Wesleyan, Yale, NYU, FIT, Antioch and other universities, and as well as at many other meditation/yoga centers and conferences all around the country and the world.
Ethan has been featured on CNN, NPR, ABC/Yahoo News, The New York Times, Vogue.com, Business Insider, Nautilus, and Vice, to discuss Buddhism and meditation in the 21st Century. His articles have been featured in The Huffington Post, Beliefnet, Shambhala Sun, Tricycle Magazine, BuddhaDharma Magazine, Reality Sandwich, as well as other online publications.
He is based in Brooklyn, where he lives with his daughter.
Also on the program, we have talented singer/songwriter Adelina Peretti.
Adelina Peretti is a passionate performer and voice teacher holding a Bachelor's degree in Classical Voice from Wheaton College, and a Master's degree in Voice with a concentration in Musical Theater from New York University. As a performer, Adelina Peretti has graced some of New York City’s most elite venues, including Radio City Music Hall, 54 Below, The Green Room 42, The Midnight Theater, and Yankee Stadium. In addition to her performance work, Adelina maintains a vibrant private voice studio, teaching students from all across the US. She has gained recognition as a social media voice teacher, with engaging videos that have reached hundreds of thousands of viewers. Adelina Peretti also serves as the theater director at a private high school in New Jersey, guiding young talent and helping students discover their unique voices.
Be sure to check out Adelina's cover of "If I Ain't Got You" and more of her beautiful singing on her website! https://www.adelinaperetti.com/
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to findi ... -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by “Canada’s Cookbook Queen” Rose Reisman.
Rose Reisman is an award-winning entrepreneur, caterer, author and media personality. As a registered nutritional consultant and certified personal trainer armed with an MBA, Rose has taken her passion for healthy living and developed it into a multi-faceted enterprise, making her one of Canada’s leading authorities on the art of eating and living well. With decades of industry experience, countless media appearances and over 22 cookbooks to her name, Rose became affectionately known as Canada's “Cookbook Queen,” after years of being a leading cookbook author and media darling.
Rose resides in Toronto, Ontario with her husband Sam, their Ragdoll cat and new puppy, Charlie. A proud mother of four and grandmother of seven, Rose started her career in her thirties, after she was diagnosed with high cholesterol. From a family with a genetic predisposition towards heart issues, Rose's passion for nutrition stemmed from a personal desire to help other families like hers, showing them how to make small changes to optimize their health, without sacrificing the joy of delicious food.
Rose holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, an MBA from York University and a Masters in Fine Arts, specializing in Theatre, also from York University. Excelling in the fields of communication, business and stage presence, Rose used her impressive educational background and effective communication skills to help thousands of Canadians adopt healthier lifestyles. In the early 90's, Rose wrote a breakthrough cookbook entitled "Rose Reisman Brings Home Light Cooking," selling over 400,000 copies. In the mid 2000's she pioneered the health menu at the Restaurant Chain, "The Pickle Barrel," collaborated with McCain's in a TV commercial, promoting their healthy alternatives and consulted for President's Choice on their Blue Menu items, to devise healthy recipes for this branch. Over 30 years, 22 cookbooks and hundreds of media appearances later, Rose is now a household name across Canada.
Today, Rose has turned her passion for nutrition into a renowned and far-reaching enterprise, with several companies operating under her likeness and guidance, including Rose Reisman Catering; providing healthy cuisine catering for over 400 corporate and social clients; Rose Reisman Personal Gourmet, a fresh and frozen meal delivery program, and the acclaimed Kid's Lunch Program; the preferred vendor of the Toronto District School Board, providing hot and healthy meals to schools in the GTA, serving over 1500 children daily.
Recently named “Now Magazine's” Best Nutritionist in their “Reader's Choice” 2021 Edition, Rose continues to be a charismatic stage presence, sharing her vast knowledge of the nutritional landscape to new audiences, through her popular Instagram and Tik Tok channels. Rose's healthy, active and balanced lifestyle is the ultimate testament to the effectiveness of her message. A longtime advocate of an active lifestyle, Rose rises at 4:15 am daily for her morning workout and has recently become an accredited certified personal trainer.
Over the course of her successful career, Rose has made countless media appearances, including hosting several popular nutrition segments on national TV channels such as Citytv, Breakfast Television and 680 News. Some brands she has worked with include: Becel, President's Choice, McCain Foods, Pillers, Catelli, ProNamel, Pulses, Think Rice and more.
Also on the program, we have talented singer/songwriter Jacob Schulman.
Jacob Schulman is a PhD candidate in the field of MRI physics at the University of Toronto, but while he's not working in the lab, Jacob is an avid musician and songwriter. As the child of two musicians, a jazz pianist and a singer-songwriter, J?acob's passion for music manifested at an early age. Jacob has been writing music since he was ... -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to Joy! Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Joy Coach Robin Shear!
Robin Shear is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, founder of Joy To The World Coaching.
She has spent decades helping “depleted givers”, like health care professionals, educators, parents and executives feel good, so they can give from a place of fullness and effectively lead again.
Robin’s message of how to choose joy when life’s messy, is so universal, that it even caught the attention of TIME Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Psychology Today.
While many of Robin’s elementary report cards read “Robin talks too much,” her former teachers are now among her biggest professional speaking fans. Her speaking clients have included TEDxDetroit, Meeting Professionals International, National Head Start Association, National Organization of Human Services, DisruptHR, Metro Detroit Oncology Nursing Society, Women’s Living Expos, Affordable Housing Connections, Michigan Nursing Summit, and the Health Care Association of Michigan.
Robin is known for her fun and engaging presentations with memorable audience interaction. Attendees have regularly reported that they have never laughed that much at a conference, and they walk away inspired to take action that enriches their lives – and, because joy is so contagious, these talks also inspire the lives of others. Participants have told Robin things like: “I’ve never had that much fun learning,” “90 minutes with Robin weren’t enough,” and “Robin kept us engaged the whole time.” Several attendees of Robin’s half-day conference said they wished that it had been a 2-day experience. One grateful nonprofit meeting planner said:
“Thank you, Robin, for helping lift the spirits and bringing laughter back into the lives of our dedicated, hardworking, committed staff, as well as the property managers, local housing officials, and compliance specialists who participated in our Annual Industry Conference! It truly was a gift to be part of a room filled with over 100 professionals whom you inspired to dance and sing and share joy. You helped create a bubble of safety and trust among us that helps us all navigate this rewarding but demanding work to address the needs of thousands. I believe that your time with us has made a positive impact on our colleagues throughout the industry and that they left feeling SEEN and more appreciated. Thank you for the gifts of your time and talent and open heart!!”
Sharing her exuberance was always natural for Robin, until she faced several hidden health issues and then her zest for living became a conscious choice. Within a 4-year span, she attempted 26 distinct treatments for chronic pain, was diagnosed with PTSD after 20 years of night terrors, had a gut health condition that meant eliminating most of her favourite foods, found one of her most important relationships in a nearly severed state, and suffered a head injury that took 21 times longer to heal than doctors predicted. Yet, joy was possible in spite of all of the mess. Her book, Messy Joy: How Joy Can Begin Before Your Difficulties End, chronicles her journey, but it doesn’t stop there. With over 200 journal questions, it helps readers know how they can find joy even when their own circumstances are difficult. While the details were painful to share, Robin never actually intended to publish the book. But, after receiving offers from seven publishers, Robin was finally convinced that her story needed to be released in order to help others find joy in their imperfect lives. Within weeks of its release, with no formal launch plan, Messy Joy was named a #1 New Release on Amazon!
Robin is a Certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Federation. She has served in many professional roles, including registered dietitian, teaching at the college level and running a private practice specializing in eating disorder treatment ... -
This week on Finding Your Bliss we have a show devoted to music. Educator, marketing genius and artist, Dr. Amara Pope is here to talk about how she helps champion representation in the Canadian music industry, which is beautifully exemplified in her amazing TEDx Talk.
With over a decade of experience in marketing, brand management, and digital media across several industries, Dr. Amara Pope also holds a Ph.D. in Media studies from Western University. Her Ph.D research is fascinating. It's focused on the intersections of media, culture and race, particularly within popular music and digital media.
Dr. Pope also earned a Master’s in Communication Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and completed a Joint Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing and Fine Arts with a Digital Media Specialization from the University of Waterloo.
She is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in Canada and fostering diversity, which as mentioned, is beautifully exemplified in her TEDx Talk. She has delivered impactful lectures at prestigious universities, such as the University of Southern California, and more. She has also spoken at conferences and served as a guest panelist all across Canada. Her insights have been featured in notable media outlets including CTV, CBC, iHeart Radio, Global Television, NBC and others.
When not immersed in her professional pursuits, Dr. Pope enjoys weightlifting and experimenting with oil, acrylic and mixed-media painting.
Also on the program, we have Juno Award-winning R&B, Soul, and Pop singer Sean Jones.
As he puts it, “It's been a long time…but it always feels good to come home.” Sean Jones is referring to the kind of ’90s inspired R&B music he made with the highly successful boy band, "In Essence." The group rose to fame in the early 90’s with the hits, "Friend Of Mine," "IE IE" and "You Will Never Find" and received worldwide recognition for their ability to combine Rap, Pop, and R&B with exciting performances. In 2004, "In Essence" won a Juno Award for their debut album before breaking up in 2006.
Post break up, Jones took an interest in songwriting and producing. Over the next ten years, he put together a catalogue of songs that stretched in genre from soft rock to Motown Revival. It was his take on soulful classics however, that would eventually land him a unique and incredible opportunity to showcase his skills.
In 2015, Sean became the first artist to secure a solo summer residency at the historic Casa Loma in downtown Toronto. The Monday night revue titled “Soul In The City” gave Jones and his nine-piece band, "The Righteous Echo," the chance to showcase his original songs, as well as their take on popular old school hits. The show was also a wonderful opportunity to give emerging artists a stage to share their talents.
“Soul In The City,” through Jones' hard work and tenacity, grew to 1000+ people every Monday night. The overwhelming success he had with that residency led to WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, handpicking Sean to create a musical experience for the passengers aboard their flights. For the project titled, “The WestJet Boarding Sessions,” Jones recorded new versions of classic Canadian hits, such as “These Eyes” by The Guess Who, “The Weight” by The Band, and “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan and flew across Canada to interview some of these cherished musical icons.
His latest album, has a familiar sound that many have not heard from him in almost 15 years. Jones’ most recent album, “Weekend Lover” features a set of songs that are reminiscent of 90’s R&B, something Jones is very familiar with.
Says Jones:
“Growing up, my parents played all the classics, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, The Supremes…the list goes on and on. I loved all of it then and to this day. However, the music of the late ’80s and ’90s is what sparked my interest in performing. There was something about the musical energy of that time. The R&B/Pop son ... -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Linda Kohanov!
Linda Kohanov is the author of the Tao of Equus, which has now been revised and reprinted in a new and exciting edition. She's on the show to talk all about her connection with horses and how they can teach us to have better relationships and be better humans on this planet.
A 5 time author and an internationally recognized author, speaker, and educator, she specializes in exploring the power and potential of the horse-human bond.
Linda specializes in developing and teaching socially intelligent leadership, nonverbal communication, and other advanced human development skills. In 1997, she founded a Southern Arizona-based collective of educators, coaches, counselors, and horse professionals exploring the power and potential of the incredible connection between horses and humans. The organization, Eponaquest Worldwide, has grown to serve clients on six continents.
Linda’s first bestselling book The Tao of Equus was selected as one of the top books of 2001 by Amazon.com and received appreciative reviews in diverse publications. This title, and her subsequent four books, have been translated into French, German, Dutch, and Czech, and are used as texts at universities.
In 2013, Linda’s fourth book The Power of the Herd: A Nonpredatory Approach to Social Intelligence, Leadership and Innovation explored what horses have to teach us about leadership and social intelligence, with extensive historical and scientific research showing why the world’s most innovative and effective leaders, from Alexander the Great to the Buddha to George Washington and Winston Churchill, were exceptional horsemen who honed the nonverbal skills associated with leadership presence on horseback. The book also translates the practical skills horses teach directly to use at work, school, home, and in religious, political and social activism contexts. Linda’s fifth book The Five Roles of a Master Herder, was published in June 2016, and has been translated into multiple languages.
Over the last decade, Linda has appeared at numerous conferences, universities and retreat centers, including the Organization Development Conference, the Omega Institute in New York, Naropa University in Boulder, CO, the University of Arizona, Prescott College, the International Transpersonal Conference, Hollyhock British Columbia, and the 2008 Equine Guided Education Conference, among many other venues. She has been a leadership trainer for Raytheon since 2007, and has also led trainings for executive teams at Nike, Chubb Insurance, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and the Bensman Group of financial advisors, among other companies.
In 2014, she led a master class on the Five Roles of a Master Herder in Paris at the Executive MBA Program “Leading Innovation in a Digital World” de l’Institut Mines-Telecom. Didier Tranchier, head of this international program, wrote that this presentation “changed my life and the life of everyone in the conference room. Explaining the differences between a dominant and a leader, and the usefulness of predatory power when balanced with non-predatory power were real insights to understand how companies are working and how we can improve our efficiency. With very simple words and great examples coming from the world of horses and traditional herding cultures, Linda explained the power of groups and how to build relationships that can enable any individual to steer and leverage large and powerful organizations.”
Linda is considered one of the founders of the field of Equine-Facilitated Experiential Learning, which teaches people how to excel in life by practicing innovative leadership, relationship, nonverbal communication, and emotional and social intelligence skills through safe, engaging, non-riding activities with horses. She has also worked with a number of psychologists in the field of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy, and regularly ... -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to fabulous women who not only are Toronto celebrities, but they love to give back! So this week, Bliss Coach and Celebrity Interviewer Judy Librach is joined by two wonderful personalities! First up, Zoomer Radio’s very own television and radio host, Liz West is on the program.
Liz has been engaging audiences for over two decades as a television reporter, anchor and host for several networks including CTV, CityTV, CHCH, and Amazon Prime.
Liz’s credits include CityPulse News, Star!, eNow, Square Off, Rags to Red Carpet and No Fun Intended. Liz has done hundreds of interviews with musicians, actors, newsmakers, and politicians, covering everything from arts and culture to news and lifestyle content, but her heart lies with music having kicked off her career in her 20’s, working with concert promoter Michael Cohl and spending a decade at Concert Productions International.
And now Liz can be heard every day as the host of The Afternoon Express on Zoomer Radio.
So Liz West has really come full circle to be playing great music everyday, interviewing musicians and also building this really cool museum called the Toronto Music Experience. She’s also a public speaking coach, a creator of the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies - Virtual Communicator course, she’s an author and an active member of the Toronto music community.
Also on the program is Visionary, Speaker, and Influencer Meagan Elieff!
As well, Meagan is a Producer of hundreds of events, ranging from Pop-up Markets, Speakers Series, Galas and Charity Events.
As Founder of Modern Day Wife, she has taken her concept and vision and turned it into a tangible real-life community inspiring thousands across the globe.
On paper, she has a degree in Public Relations, Tourism Management and Visual Merchandising. Through hands-on experience and various positions she's held Internationally, she has obtained knowledge that has been extremely beneficial in achieving real results and exponential business growth.
Previous Founder of Project YOU: A women's networking group whose main mission is to elevate women and the world. She created and sold this business all under the age of 30 years old.
She had an extremely successful Corporate Career at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts for 5 years as a Retail Buyer, Merchandiser and Manager, building a gift shop from the ground up that generated over 3/4 of a Million Dollars in sales annually.
Currently living in Toronto, Canada and Florida — covering the North American Market with her connections — she is married to the CEO OF YESA, Corrie Elieff and has a fur baby named Mopar.
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
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This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Host, Content Creator, Writer/Producer and Speaker - Leslie Gottlieb!
The host Judy Librach is delighted to have Leslie Gottlieb on the program, as Leslie is one of Judy’s longtime life coaching clients. In this episode we share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a LIVE coaching session in action on the air!
Some Fun Facts: Leslie Gottlieb is a Mama, Content Creator, Host & Speaker, and Writer/Producer with a passion for visual storytelling and creative collaboration. Working across film, television, commercials, digital content and new media, Leslie has eighteen years of professional experience in the Media Industry.
Leslie began her career working in Radio at 92.5 Jack FM as an on-air personality. She then moved into Television and spent several years working in children's TV at DHX Media in various production and casting roles.
In 2010, Leslie’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found KLP, a Toronto-based video production company, that specialized in creating original and branded content across all media platforms. Leslie has had the pleasure of working with global brands like PlayStation and TD Bank, and one of her short films premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
More recently, her career journey shifted again when she stepped into a Marketing role where she led the launch of a revolutionary, eco-friendly, proudly Canadian, reusable water bottle called Smartbottle.
Currently, Leslie has returned to her on-air passion with her latest venture, Hey, It's Leslie, where she creates content that celebrates female entrepreneurs and promotes incredible, female-founded products, events and services. Her platform also shares content about Mom Life and aims to inject comedy into the everyday as well.
She also just launched a weekly live interview series titled "The Leslie Lives" that features Leslie interviewing Female Entrepreneurs about their journey in business. The show airs every Friday at 12pm EST on Instagram Live on her @heyitsleslieg Instagram page.
Lastly, stay tuned for an epic Women's networking event that is planned for Spring 2025, more details on that to come!
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by mindset coach and speaker, Francesca Brunsden!
Francesca is also a workshop leader, and human design expert obsessed with personal development, as well as a Mum to 3 young kids.
Francesca founded The Rise Collective, a morning mindset program 2 years ago. Her coaching practices and programs are designed to empower women to live intentionally as they focus daily on their goals. She knows the power of daily practices and the impact they can have on a person's life, she believes by changing your mindset in the morning, you can in turn change your world, living an intentional and fulfilling life.
As a trained life coach, Reiki healer, and fluent in Human design, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping, she is on a mission to help women thrive, rise above their circumstances, and live each day to the fullest.
She offers a unique coaching experience that combines energy work, human design and practical mindset tools to help women re-learn how to live their lives from a place of fulfillment mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
On this episode we learn about Francesca’s life and career - who she is as a person and as a coach and leader who brings inspiration to so many, helping people not only change their mornings, but elevate their lives.
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Sam Bennett!
Sam Bennett is the author of Get It Done, Start Right Where You Are, and most recently, "The 15-Minute Method: The Surprisingly Simple Art of Getting It Done."
She is a writer, speaker, actor, and creativity/productivity specialist, and is the founder of TheRealSamBennett.com, a company committed to helping overwhelmed creatives and frustrated overachievers get unstuck. Sam is also a popular course instructor on LinkedIn Learning with over a million class participants worldwide.
She lives in Connecticut, and you can find her online at http://www.TheRealSamBennett.com.
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio -
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach shares a special encore presentation of one of her favourite interviews with renowned coach and creator of "Chicken Soup for the Soul," Jack Canfield!
Jack Canfield is the originator and co-creator of the New York Times #1 best-selling book series "Chicken Soup for the Soul." With more than 75 titles in print and over 80 million copies sold in 39 languages, Jack is a world-renowned expert at warming hearts and changing lives.
Behind the empire Time Magazine called the "publishing phenomenon of the decade" is America's leading expert in creating peak performance for entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, managers, sales professionals, corporate employees and educators. Jack Canfield knows how to accelerate the personal achievements and career fulfillment of workgroups and individuals everywhere.
Jack is an empowering and compassionate coach who has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals achieve their dreams over the last 30 years. His background includes a BA from Harvard University and a Masters degree in Psychological Education from the University of Massachusetts.
As well, Jack is a popular radio and television talk-show guest and has appeared on Oprah, Fox and Friends, CNN, and countless others. Jack Canfield's syndicated column appears in over 150 newspapers worldwide.
For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.
Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio - Näytä enemmän
