Welcome back to Spiritual Fertility! In this heartfelt episode, Alison Bucklin sits down with Wendy Letow, founder and executive director of Respite Retreats, a nonprofit that provides comfort and support to those affected by cancer. As they dive into Wendy’s remarkable journey, you’ll hear how a single act of compassion as a massage therapist set her on a path to dedicate her life to helping the cancer community—not once, but twice, by founding two impactful nonprofits.

Wendy Letow opens up about her own cancer diagnosis, caring for her mother through a terminal illness, and the profound lessons these experiences brought. The conversation explores the ups and downs of personal transformation, the importance of listening to your own inner guidance, and the power of stepping away from life’s noise to reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Together, Alison and Wendy reflect on the magic that happens when you create space for healing, the courage it takes to live intentionally, and why sometimes, “enough” truly is enough.

Whether you’re on your own healing journey or supporting someone through theirs, this episode offers inspiration, hope, and a gentle reminder to honor your light—and let it shine. Join us for this intimate, soulful conversation on courage, self-awareness, and the beauty that emerges from vulnerability and connection.

(00:00) "Choosing Courage and Alignment"

(04:11) "Respite Retreats and Wende's Vision"

(07:50) "Founding Nonprofits for Cancer Support"

(10:36) "Doctor Suggests Skipping Exam"

(15:52) "Mentorship, Growth, and Nonprofit Evolution"

(19:42) "Refocusing to Serve Cancer Community"

(21:25) "Finding Purpose Behind Respite Retreats"

(25:15) "Reconnecting Beyond the Diagnosis"

(29:43) "Embracing Light and Purpose"

(31:22) "Creating and Expanding Supportive Spaces"

(37:50) "Rediscovering Spiritual Connection"

(39:25) "Trust the Unfolding Process"

(44:15) "Hello from the Past"

(46:54) "Spiritual Fertility Podcast Invite"

Connect with Wendy & Respite Retreats:

Respite Retreats is compassionate, understanding, and committed to those affected by cancer—all growing from deeply personal experiences.

Website: https://www.respiteretreats.org/

Wendy Letow - Founder & Executive Director

wletow@respiteretreats.org

LinkedIn

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Spiritual Fertility! This week, Alison Bucklin sits down with her long-time friend and guest, Louise Reid, for a candid conversation about life's major transitions. Louise, a seasoned HR and talent management expert turned transformational coach, shares her personal journey of overcoming toxic work environments, healing through adversity, and embracing change with courage.

Together, they explore the inner and outer shifts that accompany career transitions, relationships, and the evolving landscape of spirituality. From leaning into mindfulness and self-awareness to rediscovering community and connection, this episode is packed with empowering insights for anyone navigating their own season of transformation.

Whether you’re craving inspiration, practical tools, or just a reminder that you’re not alone, tune in for a heartfelt dialogue about rebirth, resilience, and the beauty of becoming.

(00:00) Embracing Life's Transitions

(05:40) "No Humanity in Human Resources"

(07:01) "Toxic Work and Personal Trauma"

(11:02) "Overcoming Challenges with Resilience"

(13:36) "Inner Transitions and Growth"

(17:06) "Exploring Spirituality and Wellness"

(22:19) "Humanizing Leadership: Building True Confidence"

(23:57) "Honoring Julia's Legacy"

(28:27) "Detaching Through Pure Intention"

(33:26) Mindful Leadership Integration

(34:37) "Gratitude and Collaboration Shared"

Louise H. Reid:

As founder and Chief Empowerment Officer at LHR Leadership Development & Coaching, Louise is on a mission to humanize leadership by helping leaders lead themselves first. She’s witnessed—and personally experienced—the cost of well-intentioned but ill-equipped leadership, and knows the power of self-awareness, mindfulness, and strengths-based growth to transform communication, relationships, and team culture.

With a heads-on, hearts-in approach grounded in her own journey—including yoga training and deepening mindfulness practice—Louise brings a unique blend of science and soul to her work, helping leaders cultivate presence, resilience, and authentic connection.

Based in the Toronto area, Louise draws on 20+ years of HR and leadership expertise across high-tech, aviation, utilities, and non-profit sectors.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo, is a Certified HR Leader and Certified Organizational Coach (UBC & ICF), and is a 3X #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. and proud mama to four boys.

Connect with Louise:

Website: https://www.humanizingleadership.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisehreid/

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

To get your copy of Humanizing Leadership, select where you’re located: United States, Canada ,

Welcome to a soulful new episode of Spiritual Fertility, hosted by Alison Bucklin—mother, intuitive teacher, and healer. In this beautifully personal solo session, Alison invites listeners into her world as she follows her intuition to pull a card from the "Work Your Light" Oracle deck by Rebecca Campbell. With heartfelt openness, Alison shares how oracle readings have shaped her wellness and spiritual practice, and she offers a live card reading—embracing vulnerability, validation, and release in real time.

This episode is all about crossing thresholds, embracing life’s more challenging moments, and discovering the sacredness in our personal journeys. Whether you’re a returning member of our supportive community or tuning in for the first time, Alison’s reflections and the powerful oracle message will inspire you to honor your emotions and trust your growth—no matter where you are on your path. Tune in for wisdom, empowerment, and a gentle reminder that the world needs your light.

(00:00) "Wellness Day: Oracle Card Reflection"

(06:04) "Timeless Message of Initiation"

(07:35) Sacred Initiation Journey

(10:16) Subscribe to Spiritual Fertility

Alison Bucklin - Short Bio

Alison Bucklin is the heart and voice behind the “Spiritual Fertility” podcast, a warm and welcoming space for those seeking connection, wisdom, and spiritual growth. By day, Alison is a devoted educator, teaching Pre-K and leading social-emotional learning in an after-school kindergarten program. Her passion for nurturing young minds is matched by her commitment to uplifting others on their spiritual paths.

Alison’s journey into spirituality blossomed in early 2020, guided and inspired by the teachings of Rebecca Campbell, whose books and oracle decks became cornerstones in Alison’s practice. Her intuitive connection—often expressed through pulling oracle cards and sharing reflective messages—forms the core of her podcast, where she invites listeners to join her in moments of vulnerability, growth, and healing. Whether navigating challenging emotions or celebrating personal breakthroughs, Alison encourages her community to honor their own rites of passage and trust their inner wisdom.

Through “Spiritual Fertility,” Alison shares not just guidance and inspiration, but also her own heartfelt experiences, reminding listeners that transformation often begins with courage and self-compassion. She sees each episode as a sacred opportunity to “crack open” and let her light shine—alongside her listeners—on the journey toward wholeness.

Connect With Alison:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.lorek.bucklin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alison_bucklin444/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonbucklin/

Email: alisonbucklin444@gmail.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritualfertility444