Stories Within Us

with Lisa Bush

Conversations with writers, poets, educators, activists, artists, and researchers whose work is questioning, disrupting, or altogether transforming how we view ourselves and each other.

Stories Within Us explores how our lived experiences—and the process of sharing those stories— has the power to connect, heal, and change.

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Welcome to Season 7

S7:5 Changing the world with better stories with Natalie Meisner

March 22, 2023

When Natalie Meisner started her career in theatre, she was cast for roles that didn’t represent the women she knew or the women she wanted to become. So, Natalie started writing her own plays. In today’s episode, poet, playwright, and professor Natalie Meisner discusses the importance of LGBTQ2S+ representation in all stories. Natalie shares how comedy can be a catalyst for social change and how her book, Double Pregnant: Two Lesbians Make a Family, lifts the veil of silence around fertility and pregnancy while making us laugh at the same time.

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S7:4 Parenting in the age of AI with Leslie Salgado

March 8, 2023

In the second episode of our two-part series, journalist, photographer, and AI researcher Leslie Salgado guides me step by step through AI ethics, ChatGPT, and parenting in the age of AI. Leslie explains, “Their world is going to be heavily influenced by AI… For me it’s not about prohibiting or denying that reality. It’s about educating them and educating ourselves.”

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All Episodes

S2:5 We Are All Works in Progress with Dr. Milena Radzikowska

March 6, 2021

In this podcast episode, we speak to Professor of Information Design, design researcher, co-owner of a design agency located in Calgary, Alberta, mother, and my friend, Dr. Milena Radzikowska. In this episode you will learn: How design—though often invisible—has a significant impact on women’s mental and physical health.  How recognizing design’s influence can be a powerful step to taking ownership of our own health. What the design process can teach us about wellness. How design—like

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S2:4 Weight Neutral Wellness with Elizabeth Tingle

March 6, 2021

In this episode, Elizabeth Tingle explores the topics of body image, diet culture, and weight-neutral wellness. She explains what it means to be weight neutral, and why that might be a good thing as you prioritize your wellness. “We can focus on behaviours to improve our health, but focusing so much on weight is just unhealthy in a very fundamental way.” Elizabeth goes on to explain, “When we focus on the multiple dimensions of health:

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S2:3 Restful Leadership with Deanna Mason

January 6, 2021

Launch Date: February 3, 2020 In this episode, I speak with my mentor, Deanna Mason. Through Deanna, I have learned life-altering insights on rest and leadership. In this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from Deanna and her depth of knowledge and experience on how to lead, parent, and work in a way that allows for rest.  About Deanna Mason Deanna Mason is a mom, entrepreneur, and monetization and rest consultant. She is dedicated

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S2:2 Authentic Living with Raquila-D’Nai Smith

January 6, 2021

Launch Date: Wednesday, January 20 In this episode, Raquila-D’Nai Smith explains how to live a life that is authentic and teaches our kids authenticity. We discuss how to start the year cultivating communication, connection, and peace within.  About Raquila-D’Nai Smith Raquila-D’Nai Smith is a wife, mother, homeschooler, and speaker. She has three degrees in psychology and counselling and is a certified life coach. Raquila-D’Nai is on a mission to encourage and inspire while helping people

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S2:1 Losing Yourself & Finding Yourself Again with Alison Calder

January 6, 2021

Launch Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2021 In our first episode of 2021, Alison Calder speaks to the challenges of motherhood and how we can get lost in our roles as mothers. Alison opens up about her challenges with motherhood saying, “I felt constricted and confined in a way that I never imagined.”Through her journey of self-discovery, she received great insight that she shares with us this episode. Alison also shares her thoughts on how we

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S1:6 The Mind-Body Connection with Dr. Khatija Westbrook

November 18, 2020

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Khatija Westbrook on the positive effects of nature on our overall stress levels and how we can incorporate it into our day-to-day lives regardless of the season. Khatija explains how to transition from our busy life to a slower pace where we are in touch with ourselves.  Khatija explores how both traditional western and non-western approaches to medicine can be effective for optimal health. And she gives us

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S1:5 Redefining Gender Roles with Sara Haney

November 16, 2020

As the holiday season approaches, Sara Haney and I offer a few tips on how to redistribute the household workload. We offer ideas on how to take things off your plate, and delegate tasks to members of your family.  We get very real and honest with gender roles in raising a family and running a household. “Parenting is relentless.” Sara admits, “Never before have I felt like I am suffocating like I have this year

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S1:4 Joy & Healing with Adora Nwofor

November 16, 2020

In this episode, I speak with comedian and antiracism coach, Adora Nwofor on the importance of healing and joy. “If your community is doing well, you are going to do better.” Adora goes on to say that, “I want the whole world to thrive.”  Adora shares her journey with Black Lives Matter Calgary. She notes the work of Black women, saying, “These movements start at home. At tables, and in living rooms… on the phone…”

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S1:3 How Identity Shapes Our Work, Parenting, & Wellness with Iriel Jaroslavsky​

September 28, 2020

In this episode, I speak with educator, wife, and aunt, Iriel Jaroslavsky about the importance of reflecting on our identity. Iriel shares with us her fascinating experiences growing up in Argentina, attending school in the United States, and entering the workforce in Canada.   Iriel speaks of how wellness looks different depending on her place in life. Sometimes it looks like going to the gym. But Iriel tells us that “sometimes it looks like I am

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