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  • Brie Pointer on Joy, Grief & Living in Colour

    Brie Pointer on Joy, Grief & Living in Colour
    2026/07/16
    Brie Pointer is one of those people who lights up every room she walks into.She's an independent designer, illustrator, farmer, and community builder living in the Waterloo Region. She's also one of the most authentically joyful people we've ever met.At first glance, this conversation starts with colour. Why Brie wears it. Why it matters. And why embracing who you truly are can give other people permission to do the same.But as the conversation unfolds, we discover that her colourful spirit wasn't something that came easily.After losing both of her parents less than two years apart, Brie found herself navigating unimaginable grief while raising two young daughters, running a business, farming, and trying to rediscover herself. She shares, with incredible honesty, how she slowly found her way back to joy, why community became more important than ever, and what she's learned about living intentionally when life doesn't go according to plan.Brie has a contagious energy that's impossible not to be drawn to, but what makes her truly remarkable is her ability to hold both joy and grief at the same time. This is a conversation about authenticity, resilience, finding your people, and discovering that sometimes the brightest colours come after the darkest seasons.In this episode, we talk about:Why colour became such an important part of Brie's lifeFinding authenticity in business and personal brandingWhy confidence comes from embracing who you already areThe role community plays in navigating life's hardest seasonsLosing both of her parents in less than two yearsHow grief changed her perspective on relationships and lifeLearning to choose joy again, one small step at a timeWhy vulnerability creates deeper human connectionThe importance of reflection and spending time with yourselfWhat to do when you feel stuck or disconnected from who you areWe laughed, we cried, and we left reminded that life isn't about avoiding the hard seasons. It's about finding the courage to keep showing up, keep loving people well, and maybe even adding a little more colour along the way.This episode is lovingly dedicated to Brie's parents, Brian and Marion (Gail) Pointer, whose love, kindness, and legacy continue to shine through Brie every single day.EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESBrie Pointer WebsiteBrie Pointer on InstagramWayward Farm WebsiteWayward Farm on InstagramBuy Wayward Roaster CoffeeWayward Roaster on InstagramThe Three WellnessDen 1880We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.
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    53 分
  • Identity, Recovery & the Long Game with Kyle Ferrigan

    Identity, Recovery & the Long Game with Kyle Ferrigan
    2026/07/02

    Kyle Ferrigan spends his days helping everyone from professional athletes in the NHL, NFL, CFL, and MLS to weekend warriors and active families recover from injury and get back to doing what they love.


    But this conversation goes far beyond physiotherapy.


    We talk about setbacks, identity, resilience, and what happens when life forces you to slow down. Kyle shares the story of failing his national physiotherapy exam shortly after graduation, a setback that felt devastating at the time but ultimately helped shape the career he has today.

    We also explore what he's learned from working with elite athletes, why recovery is often more mental than physical, and the surprising parallels between injury rehabilitation, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.


    Whether you're recovering from an injury, rebuilding after a setback, growing a business, or simply trying to make progress toward a meaningful goal, the lessons are remarkably similar: trust the process, focus on the next step, and play the long game.


    In This Episode We Talk About:

    • The setback that unexpectedly shaped Kyle's career

    • How studying psychology influences the way he approaches rehabilitation

    • Why recovery is often more mental than physical

    • Identity and what happens when something important gets taken away

    • Helping athletes navigate long recoveries and major injuries

    • What elite athletes can teach us about resilience and performance

    • Why the best performers focus on the process, not the outcome

    • The similarities between injury recovery, entrepreneurship, and personal growth

    • Setting short-term goals during long-term challenges

    • Knowing when to push harder and when to pull back

    • Building confidence one small win at a time

    • Why taking a step back can sometimes be the fastest way forward

    • What it means to play the long game in sport, business, and life


    There are a lot of parallels between recovery, business, and life, and Kyle does an incredible job connecting those dots. This episode is packed with goodness. We hope you enjoy the conversation.


    EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCES

    FP Sports Rehab

    Kyle Ferrigan on Instagram


    We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us:

    Vienna Waits Website

    Subscribe to Vienna Five Newsletter

    UNBLOCK Yourself™ Program

    Corporate Programming

    Waypoint Retreat

    Vienna Waits on Instagram

    Greg’s LinkedIn

    Whitney’s LinkedIn


    On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.

    

    You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.

    We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.
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    48 分
  • Building Big Dreams with Drew & Sarah

    Building Big Dreams with Drew & Sarah
    2026/06/18
    What happens when two ambitious entrepreneurs fall in love, start a family, and build separate businesses at the same time?In this episode, we sit down with Drew and Sarah (Matton) Butterworth to talk about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenthood, intentional living, and pursuing work you love.Drew is the founder of goodvibes juice co., Ontario's fastest-growing cold-pressed juice brands. After leaving a successful corporate sales career, he followed a passion for health and wellness and spent the last decade building a business from the ground up. Along the way, goodvibes juice co. appeared on Dragon's Den and has grown into a nationally recognized brand.Sarah is the founder of 10 Talent Management, one of Canada's leading talent agencies representing performers in film, television, commercials, and theatre. Before becoming an agent, Sarah spent years as a professional dancer and performer, including performing with Drayton Entertainment and working throughout the musical theatre industry.Together, they are raising two young boys while navigating the challenges and rewards of building separate businesses under the same roof.We talk about why neither of them took the traditional path, what it's really like being an entrepreneurial couple, how they balance ambition with family, and the advice they'd give anyone who feels stuck in a career that no longer feels aligned.In This Episode We Talk About:How Sarah and Drew first met (and why Sarah had to track Drew down afterwards)Leaving the security of a corporate career to start a businessBuilding goodvibes juice co. from a single storefront into a growing brandSarah's journey from professional dancer to talent agentWhy passion matters more than chasing a paycheckThe reality of entrepreneurship behind the scenesRaising young children while building businessesThe advantages and challenges of being an entrepreneurial coupleWhy failure is often the fastest path to growthAdvice for anyone feeling stuck in their career or lifeFrom entrepreneurship and marriage to young kids and big dreams, this conversation feels less like an interview and more like sitting down with friends who are figuring it out alongside you. We hope you enjoy it.EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESConnect with Drewgoodvibes juice co. Websitegoodvibes juice co. Instagramgoodvibes juice co. pitch on Dragon’s DenConnect with Sarah10 Talent Management Website10 Talent Management InstagramWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.
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    49 分
  • Dr. Rebecca Sutherns: You’re Probably Not Stuck

    Dr. Rebecca Sutherns: You’re Probably Not Stuck
    2026/06/04
    We chatted with Dr. Rebecca Sutherns: speaker, strategist, facilitator, executive coach, bestselling author, and one of the wisest voices we’ve heard on the topic of navigating change.For more than 25 years, Rebecca has helped leaders and organizations move through uncertainty, transitions, and reinvention. But this conversation goes far beyond business strategy.We talk about parenting, adaptability, identity, ambition, friendships, entrepreneurship, grandparenting, and intentionally designing your life as the seasons change.Rebecca shares why she believes most people are not actually “stuck” (even when it feels like they are), why adaptability is a learnable skill, and how living an interesting life can fundamentally change the way we navigate uncertainty.In this episode, we talk about:• Why people confuse “slow” with “stuck”• The messy reality of life’s in-between seasons• Adaptability as a learnable skill• The 15 elements that make people more adaptable• Why hope is the strongest predictor of adaptability• “Optimize for interesting” and living a more expansive life• The emotional complexity of empty nesting• Values, behaviours, and how we actually make decisions• The tension between meaningful work and family life• Friendship, entrepreneurship, and evolving identity• Why transitions are rarely linear• Building a life by design• How environment shapes energy and creativity• The hidden cost of constant busyness• What Rebecca is currently reimagining in her own lifeOh and we also officially fell in love with the term “Minga and Coach” as grandparent names and may steal them for ourselves one day. :)We hope you enjoy this conversation with Dr. Rebecca Sutherns.EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESRebecca Sutherns WebsiteRebecca’s Podcast PageRebecca’s BooksRebecca’s “Possibility Packs” Card DecksLearn More About Adaptability Quotient (AQ)Follow Rebecca on LinkedInFollow Rebecca on InstagramWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.
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    54 分
  • Ahmed Moneka: From Baghdad to Bobcaygeon

    Ahmed Moneka: From Baghdad to Bobcaygeon
    2026/05/15
    In this unforgettable conversation, we sit down with Ahmed Moneka: Iraqi Canadian actor, musician, playwright, activist, and co writer of the beautiful new musical It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken — an original story set to the timeless music of The Tragically Hip.Ahmed shares his incredible story of growing up in Baghdad and starring as a gay man in a film that was highly controversial in Iraq, which ultimately led to him being exiled from his home country.He takes us through what it was like arriving in Toronto with one suitcase, not speaking English, rebuilding his life from scratch, discovering community, busking on the streets of Toronto, falling in love, and eventually helping create one of the most moving Canadian musicals we’ve ever experienced.This episode is about so much more than theatre or music.It’s about belonging.Identity.Human connection.Art.Resilience.Immigration.Love.Canada.It’s also officially the longest episode we’ve ever released… and we won’t apologize for it. We couldn’t bring ourselves to cut a single minute.If this conversation moves you, please go see It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken. You won’t regret it! In this episode, we talk about:• Ahmed’s childhood growing up in Baghdad, Iraq• The Afro Iraqi and Sufi roots that shaped his music and identity• The controversial film that changed his life forever• Being exiled from Iraq after advocating for LGBTQ rights• Arriving in Canada with one suitcase and no English• Working in coffee shops while rebuilding his life• Discovering community in Toronto (and Kensington Market!)• Busking on the streets of Toronto and forming his band, Moskitto Bar• Falling in love with his wife• The creation of the show: It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken• Why The Tragically Hip matter so deeply to Canadians• The connection between Bobcaygeon, belonging, and identity• Art as activism and storytelling as healing• Why community and human connection matter more than everIf you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to us if you followed the podcast, left a rating or review, and shared this episode with someone who needs to hear it.EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCES• Ahmed Moneka’s Website• Follow Ahmed on Instagram• The Musical: It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken• Listen to Ahmed’s music on SpotifyWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.
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    1 時間 29 分
  • Books That Shaped Us: Lessons from Try Hard by Max Kerman

    Books That Shaped Us: Lessons from Try Hard by Max Kerman
    2026/05/07
    Just when you thought our book series was wrapped… we drop ONE more 😄Greg goes solo for the very first time to break down Try Hard: Creative Work in Progress by Max Kerman. For anyone living under a rock (HA!), Max is the frontman of Arkells… and this book is such a cool mix of real stories, creative thinking, and what it actually takes to build something meaningful over time.This episode is really about creating something that’s actually yours…Even when it feels uncomfortableEven when you’re not sure you’re readyEven when that voice in your head is telling you to play it safeThe book itself is part behind-the-scenes look at Arkells, part creative philosophy, and part kick in the ass (in the best way).In this episode, Greg keeps it simple and pulls out three ideas (because yes… he loves a good top three):Finding your people – why things change when you stop trying to do it all alone.Imposter syndrome – what it feels like and Max’s PERFECT advice for how to overcome it.The Power of Intention – how intentional focus gives each one of us the power to move mountains. There’s also something kind of perfect about this one…A solo episode about a book that’s literally about having the courage to put your work out into the world.Whether you’re an Arkells fan or not, you’ll get something out of this one. It’s a wicked reminder to stop overthinking, start creating, and just….. TRY HARD. We hope you enjoy this (first ever) solo episode! And if you don’t…well…’tuna salad’...EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESBUY Try Hard by Max KermanArkells Some of our Favourite Arkells Songs:What’s on your mind? (Madison’s new favourite)All Roads (our wedding entrance song)Pullin’ PunchesBook ClubReckoningMakin’ DueWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.
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    28 分
  • Books That Shaped Us: Lessons from Why Are We Here by Jennifer Moss

    Books That Shaped Us: Lessons from Why Are We Here by Jennifer Moss
    2026/04/21

    We’re wrapping up our Books That Shaped Us series with a special one… Why Are We Here by Jennifer Moss — someone we know, respect, and have actually had on the podcast before (you’ll find that episode linked below).


    This book is a big one. Not in size, but in depth. It’s packed with research, real-world examples, and a ton of insight into what’s actually going on in today’s workplace. And more importantly… why so many people feel disconnected, burned out, or just off.


    In this episode, we keep it simple and focus on three ideas that really stuck with us:

    • Freedom – what it actually means at work today (and why it’s not just about working from home)
    • Compassion – especially in a world where AI, change, and uncertainty are making people question their place
    • Community – and why it’s quietly disappearing… even though we need it more than ever


    We also talk about our own experiences stepping away from corporate life, what it would take (if anything) to go back, and how leaders can think differently about creating environments where people actually want to show up.


    At its core, this book is a reminder that work isn’t just about output. It’s about people.


    And if we get that part right… a lot of the other stuff tends to follow.


    If you’re leading a team, building something of your own, or just trying to make sense of work right now… this one’s worth a listen.


    We hope you enjoy this episode!


    EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCES

    Book Featured in This Episode

    Why Are We Here by Jennifer Moss

    Jennifer Moss on the UNBLOCK Yourself Podcast


    We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us:

    Vienna Waits Website

    Subscribe to Vienna Five Newsletter

    UNBLOCK Yourself™ Program

    Corporate Programming

    Waypoint Retreat

    Vienna Waits on Instagram

    Greg’s LinkedIn

    Whitney’s LinkedIn


    On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.


    You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.

    

    We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.
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    30 分
  • Books That Shaped Us: Lessons from Essentialism by Greg McKeown

    Books That Shaped Us: Lessons from Essentialism by Greg McKeown
    2026/04/09

    We’re on episode 4 of 5 in our book series, and this week we’re diving into Essentialism by Greg McKeown.


    This book is all about cutting through the noise and getting clear on what’s actually ESSENTIAL and worth your time and energy.


    In this episode, we talk through the books three core parts and how they actually show up in real life:


    Explore

    Figuring out what you should actually be spending your time on. When everything feels important, nothing is and it’s hard to know what to prioritize. We talk about how hard that is when you’re in it, and why stepping away can help you see it more clearly.


    Eliminate

    Saying no, cutting things out, and resisting the instinct to just keep adding more. We talk about the idea that better doesn’t come from adding, it comes from subtracting, and how learning to do that well can completely change how you work and live.


    Execute

    Even when you know where you want to spend your time, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns. This part is about actually protecting your time and energy so the right things get done. We get into the idea of building in buffer and not packing your schedule so tightly that everything feels rushed or reactive.


    We also talk about how to say no (and why people often respect you more for it), and how success can create more noise and busyness instead of more clarity and meaningful progress.


    We love anything that helps people live more intentionally, and this book ABSOLUTELY delivers on that.


    Enjoy this conversation on Essentialism.


    EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCES

    Book Featured in This Episode

    Essentialism by Greg McKeown


    We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us:

    Vienna Waits Website

    Subscribe to Vienna Five Newsletter

    UNBLOCK Yourself™ Program

    Corporate Programming

    Waypoint Retreat

    Vienna Waits on Instagram

    Greg’s LinkedIn

    Whitney’s LinkedIn


    On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.

    You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.

    We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    23 分