To close out this episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Daniel Guest, Visionary and President of Guest Plumbing & HVAC - one of Hamilton’s fastest-growing companies and a powerful example of what it means to build success from the ground up.

Daniel’s journey didn’t start with a polished business plan or a clear path to entrepreneurship. In fact, when he first chose the trades over university, he was considered the “black sheep” of the family. But what began as labor work and an apprenticeship quickly turned into a career that would shape not only his life - but the future of an entire industry.

Daniel built Guest Plumbing & HVAC into a thriving company with 40 staff across Hamilton and Toronto, proving that the trades are not just jobs... they are pathways to leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term impact.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Daniel spills the tea on:

• Why choosing the trades changed the trajectory of his life
• The mentors who shaped him and why mentorship is everything
• The hardest moments of growth - from lawsuits to navigating COVID
• What he had to unlearn to become a better leader
• The realities facing the trades industry and the misconceptions that still exist
• Why women can and should thrive in the trades
• The origin story behind Tradesmart College, his mission to bridge the gap between students and real careers in the trades, and more!

Daniel also shares a powerful truth he learned the hard way: “Nobody cares what people think of you as much as you think they do.” Instead of shrinking to fit expectations, Daniel chose to build his life and his business - unapologetically.

This episode is a conversation about grit, mentorship, leadership, and redefining what success looks like in industries that quite literally build our world.

Season 2 – Episode 10 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E is streaming now.

Learn more about Dan Guest and his podcast on Instagram and online at guestplumbing.com. Explore the good work of Trade Smart College and pathways into the trades at tradesmartcollege.com

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kick off this powerful episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with award-winning Hamilton-based author Anuja Varghese - a literary force whose work centers women of color, queer characters, and stories that challenge who gets to be the hero!

Anuja is the author of the Governor General’s Literary Award-winning short story collection Chrysalis, and her highly anticipated romantasy novel A Kiss of Crimson Ash releases May 26, 2026. But beyond the awards and accolades, Anuja is a storyteller committed to making sure people like her - and people like so many of us - see ourselves reflected back with power, desire, and complexity.

In this bold, layered conversation, Anuja spills the tea on:

• Growing up without seeing herself in the books she loved - and choosing to change that
• What it cost (and liberated) her to write openly as a queer feminist woman of color
• Why romance and erotica are not “fluff”... but resistance
• Building a medieval India-inspired fantasy world after being told her character “didn’t fit”
• Balancing midnight writing sessions with motherhood and a full-time role in the social profit sector
• How grant writing is storytelling and why funders need to trust the people on the ground (hello trust-based philanthropy!)
• Protecting the dream of being a writer in a world obsessed with security

Anuja speaks candidly about choosing authenticity over palatability - and the overwhelming response from readers who finally felt seen. When asked what she hopes her work gives people, her answer was simple and profound, “I hope they feel seen. And maybe a little turned on.”

This episode is a love letter to representation, creative courage, and the audacity to build worlds where you belong.

🎙 Season 2 – Episode 9 is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Connect with Anuja on Instagram @anuja_v and learn more about her books, upcoming novel release, and events at anujavarghese.com. Pre-order A Kiss of Crimson Ash wherever books are sold.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kick off this electrifying episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with a force in the philanthropic world - Layne The Auctionista (they/them), one of North America’s most sought-after fundraising auctioneers and a bold advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector.

With over $70 million raised for charities, Layne has built a reputation for transforming galas from predictable programs into emotionally charged, high-impact experiences that move people to give - generously and unapologetically.

But their journey into auctioneering didn’t begin with a microphone. It began with a deeply personal moment - sitting in a ballroom, watching an auction that missed the emotional mark, while knowing firsthand what it meant for their family to rely on community support. Six months later, Layne was in auction school. The rest? Record-breaking history.

In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Layne spills the tea on:

• Turning personal pain into professional purpose
• The fundraising industry’s biggest blind spots
• Why fear of “no” is killing nonprofit revenue
• How authenticity drives generosity
• Navigating discrimination and leadership as a non-binary professional
• The emotional intelligence required to move a room
• Why nonprofit boards need to stop playing small
• And how fun, energy, and strategy can co-exist in serious fundraising

We also dive into Layne’s advocacy for equity in the charitable sector, their bold critiques of outdated fundraising models, and why they believe the future of philanthropy demands courage, transparency, and better storytelling.

This episode is a masterclass in impact, inclusion, and raising both money and standards. If you care about nonprofit leadership, community change, or doing good without playing by broken rules - this one is required listening.

Season 2 – Episode 8 is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Layne The Auctionista on Instagram @theauctionista

Learn more about their work and booking information at https://layneofficial.com/

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Season 2 - Episode 7 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I spend time with the brillant Mical Ndelela - Miss DRC-Congo World Universal 2025–2026, Girls Girl Award Winner, recent Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate, and purpose-driven advocate - for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, representation, and bold dreaming.

Mical’s story is one of faith, strength, and rebuilding across borders. After experiencing xenophobia in South Africa, losing her mother in 2019, and stepping into the role of raising her younger brother at just 19 years old, Mical has turned unimaginable hardship into fuel for impact. Her journey has shaped her into a leader committed to being the woman she once needed in her own life

In this heartfelt episode, Mical spills the tea on:

• How resilience, faith, and purpose became her foundation
• Discovering her voice through pageantry and realizing she could use it for change
• Why modern pageantry is no longer about beauty alone, but about leadership, advocacy, and community
• What being a true “girl’s girl” means - and why women supporting women is revolutionary
• The power of representation and why young girls must see themselves in leadership
• Navigating job searching as an international graduate while holding onto big dreams
• Her long-term vision of becoming a diplomat and launching a foundation to support orphans in Congo and South Africa

Mical reminds us that leadership is not about titles - it’s about impact. When asked what she wants people to feel after crossing paths with her, she answered simply: kindness, wisdom, and unforgettable presence.

This episode is an invitation to rebuild, to rise, and to believe that young women have the power to shape their futures - even when the odds might say otherwise.

🎙 Episode 7 - Crowned With Purpose: Mical Ndelela on Resilience, Representation, and Raising the Next Generation is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Connect with Mical Ndelela on Instagram @luxemiah on LinkedIn: Mical Wa Mbaya Ndelela and follow her pageant journey as she represents DRC-Congo internationally in Kenya.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Season 2 · Episode 6 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Michael Valchuk - entrepreneur, master carpenter, co-owner of Building Dreams Contracting, and a man who leads with equal parts discipline and heart.

Mike has owned nine businesses over 16 years, but success - as he defines it now - isn’t about titles or numbers. It’s about how you live, how you love, and how you show up for the people around you. At his core, Mike is a father, a son, a builder, and someone deeply committed to leading with love.

In this deeply honest episode, Mike spills the tea on:

• How learning carpentry from his father at 8 years old shaped his discipline, pride, and attention to detail
• Losing his uncle as a teenager - and how physical training became his anchor and emotional reset
• Why 5AM workouts and physical discipline create mental clarity and leadership resilience
• Competing in HYROX Toronto, and learning to rewire his mindset from “I hate this” to “I love this”
• The danger of over-consuming information and why knowledge without action is powerless
• Being his own harshest critic - and learning the necessity of silence, solitude, and journaling
• Why joy and play aren’t luxuries, but essential ingredients for long-term success (stay silly, people!)

Mike also shares powerful reflections on community service and giving back, including building homes for the working poor in Mexico, participating in toy drives, hygiene product collections, and spending time with children in orphanages - moments that reshaped his understanding of gratitude, perspective, and what really matters.

At the heart of this episode is a simple but profound belief:

This episode is for anyone who’s built success but is craving alignment, presence, and a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

🎙 Episode 6 - Leading With Love: Michael Valchuk on Discipline, Fatherhood, and Building a Life That Feels Good is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

👉 Connect with Michael Valchuk

• 🏗️ Learn more about Building Dreams Contracting Inc. and Mike’s work at buildingdreamsinc.ca
• 📲 Follow Mike on Instagram: @mvalchuk

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Season 2 · Episode 5 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Katherine “Kat” Dobson - media executive, relationship-builder, advocate, and mother - for a candid, no-filter conversation about longevity, integrity, and what it really takes to survive (and thrive) as a woman in media.

Kat’s journey began at just 16 years old, when she auditioned for (and won) a high school anchor role that launched a 22-year career in broadcasting, journalism, and media sales. From on-camera work to becoming a powerhouse Account Executive at CHCH / Channel Zero, Kat has seen the industry from every angle and has never lost her voice in the process.

In this deeply honest episode, Kat spills the tea on:

• Why fear has always been a signal to lean in, not back
• Navigating a male-dominated industry and protecting herself, her integrity, and her boundaries
• Why authenticity (not tactics) is the real secret sauce in media sales
• The evolution of media and why TV isn’t dead, but trust is fragile
• What’s broken in modern journalism and the cost of bias, fear-based reporting, and sensationalism
• Her transition from a difficult relationship to manifesting healthy love and finding her fiancé

Kat also answers one of the most emotional Stir The Pot questions of the season - reflecting on faith, injustice, and her heartbreak over the historic and ongoing trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples.

This episode is for anyone who has ever had to choose between fitting in and standing firm - and chose truth instead.🎙 Episode 5 - Using Your Voice Without Losing Yourself: Kat Dobson on Media, Motherhood, and Integrity is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Follow Kat on Instagram or learn more about her work at CHCH TV.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Season 2 Episode 4 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Malaysia Harrell - board-certified psychotherapist, spiritual transformation coach, veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, and author - for a profound conversation about healing, alignment, and remembering who you were before the world told you who to be.

Malaysia’s journey is an “against all odds” story rooted in survival, faith, and radical transformation. From growing up in a traumatic and emotionally unsafe environment, to building a decorated career in highly structured systems - including working with the White House and receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden (no big deal..) Malaysia learned early how to perform excellence. But it wasn’t until she nearly lost her life that everything changed.

In 2020, following a traumatic deployment during COVID and a near-fatal sepsis diagnosis, Malaysia experienced what she describes as a spiritual reckoning - a moment that stripped away titles, accolades, and identity masks, forcing her to confront who she truly was beneath the armor

In this deeply moving conversation, Malaysia spills the tea on:

• Losing herself while building an empire, and the journey back to her authentic self
• Why healing requires allowing your old life to die before a new one can emerge
• The truth about manifestation: you must become before you receive
• Where high-achieving women still shrink themselves, especially around money and visibility
• Boundaries, self-respect, and why she is no longer willing to tolerate subtle disrespect

Malaysia also shares her boldest truth: that healing is not about fixing what’s broken - it’s about unfolding into who you already are. Through her work at Blissful Life Consulting LLC and the Malaysia Harrell Foundation, she now helps women align their lives, businesses, and relationships with their divine assignment - not perfection, but freedom.

This episode is an invitation to stop striving, stop performing, and start living in alignment... even when it costs you comfort, familiarity, or approval.

🎙 Episode 4 - Becoming Before Receiving: Malaysia Harrell on Healing, Identity, and the Courage to Live Aligned

Streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

👉 Connect with Malaysia Harrell

• 🌐 Learn more about her work and programs: malaysiaharrell.com
• 📲 Follow Malaysia on Instagram for teachings on healing, alignment, and spiritual leadership
• 🤍 Explore Blissful Life Consulting LLC and support holistic mental health and mindset work

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Season 2 · Episode 3 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Adam Ivy - award-winning music producer, professional YouTuber, marketing strategist, and founder of sellmusic.com - for a deeply honest conversation about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms.

Adam’s journey began long before viral fame. Growing up in a low-income household, surrounded by side hustles and survival creativity, he learned early that the traditional path wasn’t built for him. From selling granola bars in school and flipping cars as a teenager to barely graduating high school with a 1.8 GPA, Adam’s education happened in real time - through action, failure, and persistence.

At just 23, during the 2008-2009 financial crisis, Adam lost his job and went all-in on a side hustle - investing $800 into selling music beats online. What started as a last-ditch effort to avoid eviction became the foundation of multiple seven-figure businesses and an accidental masterclass in digital marketing, branding, and trust-building

As an early adopter of YouTube, Adam bet on visibility before it was fashionable. A viral video in 2011 opened doors to national media, radio, and television - eventually landing him in a media director role at a tech company he helped grow from $5M to $20M in under two years. But exposure alone wasn’t enough.

Adam learned the hard truth that attention without trust is empty, and that authority is built through resonance, not reach.

In this conversation, Adam spills the tea on:

• Turning visibility into authority, and why trust matters more than algorithms
• Losing hearing in one ear in 2016 and how that “ending” became a redirection into education and coaching
• The difference between distracted attention and focused attention - and why long-form content still wins
• Reframing imposter syndrome as a sign you’re becoming who you’re meant to be
• Why systems - not hustle - prevent burnout
• Redefining success as the freedom to say no, protect your integrity, and build with intention

Adam also opens up about fatherhood and how becoming a dad to two young children shifted his priorities from trophies and possessions to presence, legacy, and giving back to causes supporting underprivileged children - a full-circle moment rooted in his own childhood experience

This episode is a reminder that reinvention isn’t failure - it’s mastery! And that real success isn’t about being seen everywhere… it’s about being trusted where it matters.

🎙 Episode 3 - From Hustle to Legacy: Adam Ivy on Visibility, Reinvention, and Building Authority That Lasts is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

• 🌐 Website: https://adamivy.com
• ▶️ YouTube (Business & Growth): THE Adam Ivy
• ▶️ YouTube (Music Archive): youtube.com/AdamIvy
• 📲 Social: @AdamIvy across platforms

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.