To wrap up Season 1 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I bring on the one woman who knows me best - my mother, Cindy, affectionately known as Mummy.

This bonus episode is the official Stir The Pot Special, featuring every bold, hilarious, emotional, and deeply human question asked by guests throughout Season 1. This time, mom and I answer them together - raw, unfiltered, and with the mix of honesty and humour that only a mother–daughter duo can deliver.

In this intimate and heartfelt conversation, Sarah and Cindy open up about:

• What happiness really looks like (and how Cindy keeps hers so damn high)
• Grief, healing, and the impact of losing a child - her greatest struggle and greatest teacher
• Freedom, independence, and why Cindy chose a life lived on her own terms
• The chaos and joy of entrepreneurship, purpose, and living boldly
• Why both women love being single and fiercely protecting their peace
• The little quirks, pet peeves, and everyday rituals that keep them grounded

It’s equal parts tender, funny, and profound — the perfect end to a powerful first season.

Season 1 “Stir The Pot” Questions & Guest Credits

These are the questions that fueled the season - each one asked to a guest, and now answered by Sarah and Cindy:

1. Kenadie St. James - “How did you learn to do your make up so damn good?"
2. Lohifa Pogoson Acker - "What are you on to keep you so fucking happy and how do I get some?"
3. Serena Bufalino - “What is your biggest fear?"
4. Esther Vallins - “What do you think the purpose of your life is?”
5. Dallas Lombardi - “Re: influencer marketing and women - Why do you think brand budgets and pay equity haven't caught up?"
6. Erin Dunham - “What is currently the greatest struggle in your life and why?”
7. Kayla Williams - “What is that think that really erks you and pisses you off - that secret rage?”
8. Melissa Kelly - “What is the one worst thing that happened to you that turned into your greatest lesson?”
9. Rachale Cavanagh - “What does freedom look like to you at this stage in your life?”
10. Tania LaCaria - “Tell me that moment that you knew that you were going to do exactly what you are doing now - where were you and how did that feel?”

All answered - with heart, humour, and a few spicy surprises - by Sarah and Cindy.

Bonus Episode - What’s The Tea With Sarah E & Mummy: The Stir The Pot Special is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts. Season 2 drops Tuesday, January 6, 2025.

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 Episode 10 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with my friend - the mesmerizing, multi-layered Tania LaCaria - an Italian-Canadian storyteller, conceptual artist, interior designer and poet whose work dives fearlessly into vulnerability, femininity, and emotional paradox.

From leaving behind a life she outgrew to traveling solo across Japan, Tania has turned every ending into a beginning. Her art - a vivid collision of colour, found objects, and performance - isn’t about answers, it’s about questions. It asks: Who am I becoming when I feel all of my BIG feelings and I start listening to myself?

In this soul-stirring conversation, Tania spills the tea on:

• Healing after betrayal, loss, and reinvention and why grief is fertile ground for creativity
• How vulnerability becomes a superpower when you learn to hold it with grace
• The paradox of feminine strength and the dance between softness and steel
• Her “funeral for my past self” ritual and why she believes creation and destruction must co-exist
• Traveling solo as an act of self-trust and returning home to the body through art

Together, Sarah and Tania explore what it means to shed old skins, honour your truth, and reclaim femininity as a form of freedom. It’s raw, reflective, and beautifully uncomfortable in all the right ways.

Episode 10 - Creation, Destruction & Becoming: Tania LaCaria on Healing, Femininity and the Art of Reinvention is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Tania LaCaria on Instagram at @tanialacaria on TikTok or online at tanialacariastudio.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.

In Episode 9 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I down with the unstoppable, unapologetic, creative force that is Rachale Cavanagh - a fit mom of two, lifestyle model, commercial actor, and entrepreneur with over 15 years in the large-format vinyl wrap industry.

Rachale launched her career at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, wrapping vehicles, kiosks, and installations seen on TV screens around the world. Since then, she’s delivered massive projects for some of the biggest brands across North America - all while building a dynamic online presence where she helps brands stop the scroll and tell stories that actually stand out. But Rachale’s story goes far beyond the work she does! It’s the why behind it. In this high-energy, hilarious, and deeply grounded conversation, she spills the tea on:

• How she became a three-business entrepreneur and why entrepreneurship is the title she fought hardest to claim
• Thriving in a male-dominated industry and why being underestimated helped sharpen her edge
• The “big fails,” the big wins, and why she learned to never compromise on quality (even if it costs you)
• Why she embraces the identity of a rule breaker, and how “Runs With Scissors” became her personal brand
• How motherhood made her stronger, sharper, and more confident and the biggest LIES society tells moms
• The discipline she gained from fitness, gymnastics, and bodybuilding, and how it shapes her mindset today

Rachale is a reminder that women can be bold, soft, strategic, silly, powerful, maternal, and rebellious - all at once. She moves through life with joy, humor, and self-trust, showing us that success doesn’t come from following the rules… it comes from knowing which ones to break. And of course, she joins our Stir the Pot tradition - giving her unfiltered take a question left behind for her from a previous guest!

Episode 9 — Running With Scissors: Rachale Cavanagh on Rule-Breaking, Motherhood, and Building a Life of Freedom is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Rachale on Instagram at @rachalerunswithscissors or @onlinewithrachale and find her business, Graphic In Traffic at @graphicintraffic

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 Episode 8 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the unapologetically bold and beautifully authentic Melissa Kelly - one of Ontario’s leading boudoir photographers and the creative force behind Melissa Kelly Boudoir.

After working as a lab technician at McMaster Hospital, Melissa made a fearless leap from science to sensuality - turning her side passion for photography into a thriving, full-time business that has now empowered more than 10,000 women to reclaim their confidence, beauty, and power. Her work isn’t about perfection or filters - it’s about truth, transformation, and seeing yourself through a lens of compassion.

In this vulnerable and electric conversation, Melissa opens up about:

• How one life-changing loss pushed her to quit her job and bet everything on herself.
• The magic moment when she realized boudoir photography was about healing, not just beauty.
• Why she believes confidence is contagious and why “too much” women are exactly enough.
• What motherhood has taught her about hustle, softness, and raising the next generation of kind humans.
• Her thoughts on AI, hustle culture, and what it really means to do work that matters (and the importance of disconnecting).

From CPR on a stranger to photographing women after mastectomy, Melissa’s story is a masterclass in courage, compassion, and conviction. She reminds us that empowerment isn’t a pose - it’s a practice.

Episode 8 - The Ultimate Act of Self-Love: Melissa Kelly on Beauty, Boundaries & Bold Empowerment is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Melissa Kelly on Instagram @melissakellyboudoir or online at melissakellyboudoirphotographer.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 Episode 7 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the radiant, resilient, and wildly multifaceted Kayla Williams - former CP24 news anchor turned entrepreneur, content creator, and host.

After nearly a decade on Toronto’s Breaking News, Kayla made a bold leap - walking away from the anchor desk to pursue a life built on her own terms. Now she’s telling stories through a new lens: as a businesswoman, performer, and mom. From the newsroom to entrepreneurship, volleyball courts to golf greens, Kayla’s story is about courage, evolution, and embracing imperfection in real time

In this honest, energetic, and deeply human conversation, Kayla spills the tea on:

• Leaving behind stability for freedom and what she learned about “picking your hard.”
• Motherhood as healing - raising her daughter Kennedy after loss and finding strength through love.
• How authenticity beats perfection every time and why showing your “messy middle” is the real flex.
• Her journey from volleyball scholarships to acting in commercials and “Boston Blue.”
• And, why she is on a mission to get more women into sports and onto golf courses because the real deals aren’t just made in boardrooms

Kayla is proof that you can lose it all, rebuild louder, and still lead with heart. From broadcast studios to business ventures, she reminds us that our voices matter - even when no one’s handing us the mic.

And of course, she joins our Stir the Pot tradition - dropping truth bombs and leaving a question that’ll have the next guest thinking twice.

Episode 7 — Redefining the Spotlight: Kayla Marie Williams on Reinvention, Resilience & Real Talk is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Connect with Kayla on Instagram @kaylamarieto and on LinkedIn at Kayla Marie Williams

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.

This week on What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the unapologetic force that is Erin Dunham - restaurateur, feminist, mother, and fierce leader behind The Other Bird, the powerhouse hospitality group redefining dining across Ontario.

With over 25 years in the restaurant industry - Erin has built an empire that spans Rapscallion, The Mule, Henry's and more. But Erin’s story isn’t just about food - it’s about fire.

In this bold, unfiltered conversation, Erin spills the tea on:

• How she navigates leadership in a male-dominated industry while refusing to shrink herself
• The unapologetic truth about being a woman in power - and why “bitches get shit done”
• How motherhood transformed her understanding of legacy, mortality, and purpose
• Why philanthropy isn’t just good PR - it’s personal, powerful, and necessary
• What’s broken between businesses and charities, and how she’s redefining community giving through action, not optics

Erin opens up about her love-hate relationship with Hamilton, her vision for real community change, and her belief that women should stop apologizing for existing. As former co-chair of a capital campaign bringing affordable housing to women and families, founder of the Masquerade Gala, and long-time supporter of hospice for children and countless other causes, Erin lives her values daily - turning passion into purpose and business into a vehicle for good.

This episode is for every woman who’s ever been told to “soften her edges” - and chose to sharpen them instead. Episode 6 - No Apologies, No Filters: Erin Dunham on Power, Philanthropy, and Owning the Room is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Connect with Erin on Instagram at @erinmariedunham and learn more about The Other Bird at theotherbird.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.

In Episode 5 of What’s the Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with powerhouse entrepreneur, mother, and advocate Dallas Lombardi, Founder of Dallas & Co. Event Agency and co-founder of A Chance to Dance.

Dallas’s journey is one of grit, grace, and unapologetic courage. From supporting herself at just sixteen to leading major hospitality events by her mid-twenties, Dallas has spent over two decades crafting luxury experiences for clients while defying every expectation placed on her (ya'll don't put a box around this woman!)

But beyond the glitz and glamour, her story is one of deep reinvention. From corporate executive to single adoptive mother of two children with complex needs, to outspoken advocate for transparency and reform within the adoption and disability communities.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Dallas shares:

• How she turned heartbreak into a blueprint for empowerment after her marriage ended and motherhood began through adoption
• What she’s learned about trauma, invisible disabilities, and the realities of navigating a system that too often fails families
• The pivotal “no’s” and boundaries that saved her sanity, career, and sense of self
• How she built a business model that allowed her to work less, earn more, and be present for her children
• The story behind A Chance to Dance - an inclusive, barrier-free dance party for people of all ages and abilities, created with her partner Chris - and how it’s helped her see the world through the lens of accessibility, empathy, and joy

Dallas reminds us that reinvention isn’t just about success... it’s about survival, advocacy, and creating space for others to thrive. Her journey challenges the myths about adoption, motherhood, and what it means to be a woman leading on her own terms.

What’s the Tea with Sarah E is about unfiltered, unapologetic conversations with leaders, dreamers, and doers who are reshaping their lives - and their communities - with purpose and power.

Connect with Dallas on Instagram @dallaslombardi, online at Dallas & Co. Event Agency, and learn more about A Chance to Dance

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.

In Episode 4 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the multi-talented Esther Vallins - actor, dancer, singer, voice-over artist, content creator, and the brilliant founder of Forever Fairest, a children’s entertainment company that brings beloved characters and original creations to life across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Esther is a dreamer, adventurer, toddler mom, and self-described 70% hot mess - but beneath the humor lies a story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity. With nearly a decade of experience in performing and entrepreneurship, she has built a company that dispatches princesses and even her own characters (like Princess Sparkle Blossom, a unicorn who travels through a “Starlight Portal” to Earth) to surprise and delight children at parties, hospitals, and community events.

In this joyful, unfiltered, and deeply human conversation, Esther spills the tea on:

• Building a business around magic, performance, and storytelling
• What cosplay and children’s entertainment have taught her about authenticity and imagination
• How she balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and creativity - with plenty of humor and honesty
• Why she believes in “doing it scared” and “cultivating your cringe” as mantras for personal growth
• The healing power of solo travel, and how finding “magic in the mundane” became her guiding philosophy

From performing at children’s hospitals to building a brand that celebrates joy and wonder, Esther’s journey is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. She reminds us that magic isn’t something you find - it’s something you create, even in the chaos of real life.

What’s The Tea with Sarah E serves unfiltered conversations with leaders, dreamers, and doers who are living boldly and unapologetically. Esther brings the sparkle, the humor, and the heart.

Connect with Esther on Instagram & TikTok: @esthervallins

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.