In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Pederson, Miss British Columbia Canada 2025, for an honest conversation about fear, pressure, and mental health advocacy.

Lauren shares the hurdles she faced this year, including navigating public expectations and a frightening experience where she was followed to her car a moment that reinforced her mission to help make Canada safer for woman and girls.

As a youth advocate, mental health supporter, Child and Youth care student and founder of The Inspire Initiative, Lauren talks about using her platform to uplift young people, support women, and create meaningful community change. We also discuss healthy habits, managing self-doubt, staying authentic under pressure, and what it truly means to feel like yourself.

This episode is full of real girl- talk energy, reflection, and encouragement for anyone navigating confidence, self-worth, personal growth, and mental wellbeing.

Lauren also shares what she’s protecting and continuing to build as she looks ahead to 2026 and her future in counselling psychology and nonprofit work.

Follow Lauren here: https://www.instagram.com/misslaurennpederson/

Self Defence classes:

https://sixthsenseselfdefence.ca

Follow Hope here:

https://www.instagram.com/hopeflawse/

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@keepyouwild