Comedian Niall Mackay joins Janelle for an unfiltered conversation about spirituality — and he doesn’t hold back. From dismissing spirituality as “woo” to questioning whether anything unprovable has value, Niall dismisses the idea that there might actually be a synergy between science and spirituality. Is science the only valid way to understand life, or does spirituality still have a role to play in finding meaning and purpose?

Brent Peak’s journey from a former Baptist minister to licensed therapist offers unique insights into the intersection of faith and healing. In this episode, we explore the challenges and insights he encountered while leaving fundamentalism behind, how spirituality can play a role in inner healing, and the balance between evidence-based therapy and honoring a client’s beliefs. Brent’s story invites us to rethink what healing can look like when faith and psychology meet.

Big dreams can feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve let yourself down before. In this episode, we explore how breaking goals into small, meaningful steps can transform the way you approach achievement. Inspired by Raymond Aaron’s three-part goal-setting strategy (minimum, target, and outrageous goals), we share how embracing baby steps, celebrating progress, and staying flexible along the way can lead to lasting success — without burnout or guilt.

Ryan Bush, author of Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture and Become Who You Are: A New Theory of Self-Esteem, Human Greatness, and the Opposite of Depression, joins us to explore how self-worth isn’t built on external accomplishments but on living in alignment with your own values. Ryan shares why cultivating virtues and making small, admirable choices can shift how you see yourself — and why depression and anxiety may be easier to overcome than we think. He also opens up about being diagnosed with Autism and why he views it not as a limitation, but as a rare and meaningful gift.

Holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for many, they bring tension, complicated family dynamics, and the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations. In this episode, we explore how to shift the patterns that make gatherings stressful — from managing control and conflict to embracing gratitude, presence, and meaningful traditions. If you’ve ever wished holiday gatherings felt more peaceful and connected, this conversation will give you practical ways to make this year different.

In this family episode, we sit down with my son, Josh Thiessen, whose disciplined “Pay Now, Play Later” philosophy has shaped how he approaches work, family, and planning for the future. But with so much focus on productivity and responsibility, Josh admits it’s hard to slow down and enjoy the present moment. Together, we explore what it looks like to balance being and doing — and whether it’s possible to plan ahead without missing the life unfolding right in front of us.

Chicago-based entrepreneur and web designer Brian Gardner joins us to talk about minimalism — not just as a way of decluttering closets, but as a philosophy for living with intention. After a pivotal moment forced him to simplify his life, Brian discovered that having less to manage opened the door to more freedom, more joy, and more focus on what truly matters. In this episode, we explore how you can apply the same principles to your own life and experience the freedom of letting go.

Ron opens up about his struggle with vulnerability as a leader — why he’s felt pressure to keep his guard up and always have answers or solutions, and what that pressure costs over time. We explore how authentic leadership, rooted in honesty and humanity, can create deeper trust and connection — not only with those you lead but with yourself.

When Chantal first joined us in episode 22, she was searching for the perfect mentor — someone who could challenge her, hold her accountable, and give her space to grow without the responsibility she often feels in her leadership roles. A few weeks later, she came back with a completely different perspective: mentorship doesn’t have to come from one perfect person, and it doesn’t always have to be formal. In this follow-up, we explore how Chantal’s view of mentorship evolved — and why the most meaningful guidance sometimes comes from unexpected places.

Chantal Kozar, a natural leader and guiding force within her community, opens up about her search for something many leaders quietly crave but rarely admit: a mentor. While deeply rooted in friendships and sisterhood, Chantal longs for guidance from someone she doesn’t feel responsible to lead — someone who can challenge her growth and hold space for her dreams. In this conversation, we explore why mentorship is just as vital for leaders as it is for those they serve, and what it looks like to find (or create) the perfect mentor relationship.

In this therapist/client-style conversation, Janelle opens up about her two-decade struggle with weight and body image — the impact it’s had on her health, confidence, and daily life. Together, we dig beneath the surface to uncover where the pressure to “fix” her body really comes from and explore how external validation, self-perception, and personal values shape the way we see ourselves.

Uncertainty can feel terrifying — yet it’s often the very place where growth and transformation begin. In this episode, we explore why fear of the unknown keeps us stuck in comfort zones we’ve outgrown, and how leaning into uncertainty can unlock opportunities we never expected. You’ll discover why discomfort is often a sign you’re exactly where you need to be — and how surrendering to life’s unfolding can open the door to clarity, courage, and lasting change.

Lina Heid, a youth advocate and mentor, transformed a painful, unsupported childhood into a powerful source of purpose. Through creativity, self-compassion, and steady inner work, she’s built a safe space to heal — and now helps young people do the same. Her story is one of quiet resilience, authenticity, and choosing presence over perfection.

What is intuition — and how do we learn to trust it? In this episode, we explore the quiet yet powerful voice of intuition and its complex relationship with logic and fear. Drawing insights from Malcolm Gladwell, Carlos Castaneda, Wayne Dyer, and even the film Yes Man, we unpack how to recognize intuitive nudges, distinguish them from fear, and integrate them into decision-making. If you’ve ever wondered whether to follow your gut or your head, this conversation will help you understand how intuition can guide you toward clarity, purpose, and alignment.

Cristy Slozka returns to share her progress since episode 5, diving deeper into the art of communicating with her spouse and loved ones. In this follow-up, she talks about the key shifts that transformed her approach — from addressing issues early to asking clarifying questions before assumptions take root. Cristy’s story highlights how open, honest communication can ease tension, deepen connection, and reduce conflict, reminding us that the way we speak and listen to each other shapes the health of our relationships.

What if you gave yourself permission to create without needing to be great at it? In this episode, comedian and multi-creative Tyler Lemco shares how bouncing between painting, music, acting, and writing has become a powerful tool for his mental health. Tyler talks about embracing imperfection, chasing curiosity, and why doing what inspires you — even if you’re “kinda bad” at it — can lead to joy, self-discovery, and unexpected growth.

Three weeks after our first conversation, Debb returns to share how her perspective has shifted and how she’s finding joy in life’s simple, everyday moments. Through small, intentional experiments, she’s discovering that she doesn’t need external validation to feel purposeful — she already has everything she needs. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing enough,” Debb’s story is a reminder that your presence alone can be enough.

Three weeks after our first conversation, Annie Chevalier returns to share what life has looked like as she begins to experiment with small steps toward healing. In this follow-up, Annie opens up about the surprising role anxiety has played in her journey — a hurdle even greater than her physical pain — and what she’s learning about herself as she faces it. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting change and being afraid to pursue it, Annie’s story will remind you that wholeness unfolds one brave step at a time.

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn and leaves you feeling like a stranger to yourself? In this episode, Annie Chevalier shares how a car accident upended her thriving career, family life, and sense of self — and how 13 years of chronic pain and limbo forced her to confront who she’d become. If you’ve ever felt lost, isolated, or unsure how to reconnect with the “you” you used to be, Annie’s story will remind you that finding your way back to wholeness is possible.

When was the last time you let yourself dream — really dream — about who you want to be or what you want to create in this life? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the dreams that tug at your heart, where they come from, and why they’re not just wishful thinking — they’re clues to your destiny. Whether you’ve buried your dreams, feel like you’ve outgrown them, or don’t know where to start, this conversation will help you reconnect to that younger, hopeful version of yourself who believed it was possible.