On this episode of Your Cup of Joy, I’m joined by my friend Alex Cunningham, content creator and the voice behind This Family Tree. Today, we’re sitting down to have the kind of conversation that usually stays between close friends, but we’re bringing it here, raw and unfiltered!

Alex opens up about one of the most emotionally layered decisions a mother can face: whether or not to grow her family. We talk about what it’s like when your heart says one thing, your body says another, and your relationships add even more voices to the conversation. Alex vulnerably shares her experience with the unspoken tensions of family planning including pregnancy complications, the mental gymnastics of reconciling dreams with reality, and how sometimes, no choice feels 100% right.

We also talk about the evolution of adult friendships and how our circles have shifted over time. What make a friendship truly resilient? What happens when convenience fades and real life takes over? Alex shares what she values most now in her relationships, why she’s no longer performing to keep connections alive, and how we both find comfort in the friends who can hold space, not keep score.

This conversation with Alex is full of the things we don’t say out loud often enough. It’s a reminder that joy isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. It’s okay to change your mind, to take up space, and to honour what’s true for you, even when it’s complicated.If this episode filled your cup, I’d love for you to share it, leave a review, or send it to a friend who might need it. Until next time!

Connect with Alex:
Instagram: @thisfamilytree
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/this-family-tree-podcast/id1460690037
TikTok: @thisfamilytree

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

In this week’s episode of Your Cup of Joy, I’m joined by Renee Reina: content creator, host of The Mom Room podcast, fellow co-host of Friend Of, and most importantly, one of my closest friends. Together, we dive into one of the most transformative and validating conversations I’ve had about motherhood. If you’ve ever felt like you were holding your entire household together with invisible strings and no one really noticed, this episode is a must-listen.

We talk about what it means to be the “default parent”, the silent weight of being constantly “on,” the overstimulation that comes with never being alone, and the subtle dynamics that fall into place when no one is looking. Renee shares her own evolution, from early postpartum to now raising a school-aged child, and how her marriage shifted along the way. I share the raw realities of parenting twins, trying to “do it all,” and realizing I had taken on roles I never meant to keep.

This isn’t just a vent session. It’s a space to reflect, to laugh, and most importantly, to feel seen. We explore what it takes to have hard conversations with our partners, how to shift the dynamic, and what it actually looks like to ask for help without guilt.

If you’re in the thick of things right now, I hope this conversation brings you comfort and clarity. Remember, it’s not about finding the perfect balance, it’s about finding a blend that works for you. So take this time for yourself to tune in and fill your cup, because you deserve it. If this episode resonated or hit home, send it to a fellow mom who could use a little joy today too.

Connect with Renee:
Instagram: @thereneereina / @themomroom
TikTok: @thereneereina
Listen to “The Mom Room”: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-mom-room/id1521655911
Listen to “Friend Of”: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/friend-of/id1804716774

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

Today I’m doing something I don’t often do on Your Cup Of Joy, recording solo! I’m opening up about something I’ve never fully shared before: how I found my way back to myself. For years, I believed that being a good mom meant putting myself last. That selflessness somehow made me better. But what I learned the hard way is that losing yourself in motherhood isn’t noble,it’s painful.

I’m sharing what postpartum really looked like for me and how, in the midst of all the rage and anxiety, I lost sight of who I was outside of motherhood. When I finally took a good look in the mirror, I barely recognized the person staring back at me. That moment became a turning point and the start of an intentional journey to reclaim my joy.

I’ll be getting into the shifts and mindset changes that slowly brought me back and helped me move out of survival mode. I’ll touch on how through movement, food, community and choice, I started filling my own cup—not just for me, but for the people I love most. This episode isn’t a weight loss guide (although I will be discussing my weight loss), but it’s a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish. That joy doesn’t arrive all at once, and that even when it feels impossible, you can begin again.

If this episode resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Message me, share your story, or tell me what you’re doing today to fill your own cup. If you’ve been listening to Your Cup of Joy and finding pieces of yourself in these stories, please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. It truly means so much. Until next time, keep showing up for you. You’re worth it!

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

What happens when a mother of two decides to follow her heart, take a risk, and build a business rooted in connection? In this episode of Your Cup of Joy, I sit down with Pauline Caballero—co-founder of Power Yoga Canada and Power Yoga Collective, author of Pivot: Change Isn't Coming, It's Here, and a woman who has built her life and business around community, discipline, and unapologetic authenticity. From painting studio walls before ever teaching a class, to leading an international yoga collective, Pauline shares how a desire for belonging sparked a movement.

We talk about the tension between ambition and motherhood, the myth of balance, and the power of movement as medicine. Pauline opens up about moments of imposter syndrome, entrepreneurial failures, and the very real work of rebuilding her marriage after stepping away to stay true to herself. She shares the radical self-care practices that anchor her amidst chaos, and how building a business has been one breath, one mistake, and one bold step at a time.

This conversation is an honest reminder that growth is messy, values matter more than the polish, and authenticity isn't a trend—it's a commitment. If your cup feels a little empty lately, consider this your refill!

Connect with Pauline:
Find Pauline’s book: Pivot: Change Isn’t Coming, It’s Here
Instagram: @paulinecaballero
Linkedin
Power Yoga Canada
Power Yoga Collective

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

In this heartfelt episode of Your Cup of Joy, I’m joined by the incredible Catalina Margulis: book coach, publishing consultant, entrepreneur, and now debut author of the novel Again, Only More Like You. Catalina is also a mother of four and someone who, like many of us, is navigating the tangled beauty of motherhood, self-discovery, and creative ambition all at once. Her new book explores the messy middle of life: two best friends, approaching 40, both wondering if it’s too late to rewrite their stories. It’s a story about falling apart and finding yourself again, with heart, humor, and hope. It’s also one that Catalina wrote in the middle of her own transformation.

Our conversation goes far beyond the book, delving into the real-life struggles that inspired it. We talk about the emotional terrain of raising kids while chasing creative dreams, the guilt that creeps in when you dare to prioritize yourself, and how Catalina found her footing by making peace with imperfection. She shares how small rituals—like morning writing sessions, movement, and prayer—became non-negotiables, not just for her sanity, but as a way to show her kids what it looks like to live with intention.

For anyone wondering if it's too late to begin again, Catalina has a message for you: it’s not. Our timing isn’t wrong, and there’s still room for the dreams we’ve buried under diapers, deadlines, or doubt.

If your cup feels a little fuller after this episode, I’d so appreciate a rating, review, or share as it really supports the show. You can find Catalina and her beautiful new book through the links below. Until next time!

Catalina’s Links:
Website: https://catmargulis.com
Instagram: @catmargulis
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passion-project-with-cat-margulis/id1507496575

Check out Catalina’s new book: Again, Only More Like You: https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Again-Only-More-Like-You/Catalina-Margulis/9781998076536

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

In this week’s episode of Your Cup of Joy, I’m sitting down with personal finance mentor and founder of Ambitious Adulting, Liz Enriquez, for a grounded and empowering conversation about something that impacts every one of us: money.

If you’ve ever felt ashamed, overwhelmed, or just totally lost when it comes to your finances, you’re not alone. Liz and I explore the emotional side of money, how our childhood experiences, family dynamics, and scarcity mindsets quietly shape the way we save, spend, and invest. She shares her personal journey from anxious saver to confident investor, and how financial freedom doesn’t have to mean sacrificing joy.

We talk about what it really means to feel secure with money, how to begin with a simple financial audit, and the difference between deprivation and intentional spending. Liz also opens up about the importance of financial education for kids, and how those lessons begin with the way we speak about money at home. Plus, we unpack the “treat yourself” culture and how to find a rhythm that lets you enjoy your life while also building a stable future. Liz’s approach is rooted in real life, no jargon or shame, just practical, actionable steps to help you take control of your finances with confidence and clarity.

What I love most about this episode is the reminder that financial wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness, choice, and compassion. If money has ever felt like a weight on your shoulders, this one’s going to feel like a breath of fresh air.

If this episode gave you something to think about, smile at, or scribble down, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, or send it to a friend who’s ready to build a healthier relationship with money. Thanks for tuning in!

Liz’s Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousadulting
Website: https://www.ambitiousadulting.com

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

In this week’s episode of Your Cup of Joy, I’m joined by my dear friend and wellness powerhouse, Syd Vaughan, owner of 3 Well by Syd, massage therapist, personal trainer, breathwork facilitator, and all-around health and mindset guru.

Syd and I dive deep into what it really takes to transform your life physically, mentally, and emotionally. From breaking through gym anxiety to embracing the 1% rule for sustainable change, this conversation is all about meeting yourself where you're at and building from there. We get real about what keeps people stuck, the biggest misconceptions about starting a wellness journey, and how small steps can lead to massive shifts.

We also unpack the magic of breathwork and how it played a huge role in my own transformation. Syd shares what breathwork actually is, how it helps regulate the nervous system, and why just two intentional minutes a day can make a world of difference. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re just going through the motions, this episode will help you take a breath, literally, and find your way back to yourself.

Plus, we chat about the power of affirmations, showing yourself grace, and building a more loving relationship with you. This one is full of heart, humor, and tangible takeaways to help you start showing up for yourself, without guilt. Be sure to show you love for this episode by subscribing and leaving a review on your favourite listening platform!

Syd’s Links
• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sydvaughan

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

In this week’s episode of Your Cup of Joy, I’m joined by Renee Reina, host of The Mom Room Podcast, for a very special crossover episode! But this isn’t just any conversation, this is the beginning of something brand new.

If you’ve ever bonded over reality TV drama, sent memes back and forth about your favorite shows, or found comfort in watching other people’s chaos unfold on screen, you’re going to love this one. Renee and I dive into our deep-rooted love for reality TV: how it started, why it became such a lifeline during motherhood, and the way it’s evolved into something even bigger.

We also share the hilarious behind-the-scenes story of how we first met, the surreal moment that led to us launching our newest passion project, and how an accidental ghosting incident turned into a story for the books. Plus, we break down the unique way reality TV gives us a healthy outlet for gossip, entertainment, and a much-needed escape from the daily grind.

And the best part? We’re taking this love for reality TV to the next level. Tune in for all the details about our brand-new podcast, Friend Of, where we’ll be serving up the latest reality TV news, cast updates, and deep dives into the most binge-worthy shows.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “just one more episode” or analyzing every little detail of a reunion special, you won’t want to miss it!

Renee’s Links:
• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thereneereina
• The Mom Room Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-mom-room/id1521655911
• Friend Of Podcast (Coming this April!)- https://www.instagram.com/friendofpodcast

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie