Welcome to The Stumbling Spirit - Contemplations on the Path of Resilience.
Whether you realize it or not, you are resilient. It’s your birthright. As you take in your next breath, know this truth.
It’s not only about your capacity to overcome difficult situations, but it’s about your courage to do the necessary work to heal, learn, grow and move forward. What you gain is invaluable wisdom. And, it’s through these hard stumbles in life that we often discover a new purpose that aligns with our spirit.
My name is Fabio da Silva Fernandes - Reiki Master, Mindfulness Coach and mystical explorer. Join me, as The Stumbling Spirit Podcast highlights the lives of extraordinary people, like you, sharing transformative stories and beneficial practices of resilience to guide you on your wellness journey.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any corporations, organizations and entities they represent. Furthermore, the opinions shared by guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host and vice versa. Our podcast content is for informational purposes alone. No guarantee is given on the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on this podcast, for both spoken and written content. Please consult your own qualified and designated professionals for any expert advice (i.e. legal, medical etc.).
Graphic design by Canva Pty Ltd.
Royalty-free music and sounds by The Mountain, UNIVERSFIELD, SergeQuadrado and Pixabay provided by Pixabay GmbH.
2024 SOCAN Licence (Tariff 22.C) gives this podcast the right to communicate to the public by telecommunication any or all of the musical works in SOCAN's repertoire by means of certain internet transmission or similar transmission facilities by a site ordinarily accessed to listen to audio-only content. SOCAN stands for Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to The Stumbling Spirit - Contemplations on the Path of Resilience.
Whether you realize it or not, you are resilient. It’s your birthright. As you take in your next breath, know this truth.
It’s not only about your capacity to overcome difficult situations, but it’s about your courage to do the necessary work to heal, learn, grow and move forward. What you gain is invaluable wisdom. And, it’s through these hard stumbles in life that we often discover a new purpose that aligns with our spirit.
My name is Fabio da Silva Fernandes - Reiki Master, Mindfulness Coach and mystical explorer. Join me, as The Stumbling Spirit Podcast highlights the lives of extraordinary people, like you, sharing transformative stories and beneficial practices of resilience to guide you on your wellness journey.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any corporations, organizations and entities they represent. Furthermore, the opinions shared by guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host and vice versa. Our podcast content is for informational purposes alone. No guarantee is given on the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on this podcast, for both spoken and written content. Please consult your own qualified and designated professionals for any expert advice (i.e. legal, medical etc.).
Graphic design by Canva Pty Ltd.
Royalty-free music and sounds by The Mountain, UNIVERSFIELD, SergeQuadrado and Pixabay provided by Pixabay GmbH.
2024 SOCAN Licence (Tariff 22.C) gives this podcast the right to communicate to the public by telecommunication any or all of the musical works in SOCAN's repertoire by means of certain internet transmission or similar transmission facilities by a site ordinarily accessed to listen to audio-only content. SOCAN stands for Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's a wrap! Season 3 is now complete and host, Fabio da Silva Fernandes, goes down memory lane as he reflects on two major themes from this year's show:
Special thanks to all of my amazing guests for sharing their compelling stories and expertise, and to all of my listeners for their ongoing support. Season 4 will commence in March, 2026!
Guest information:
Ep 01: Gary van der Meer (https://www.stjohnsottawa.com/)
Ep 02: Anthony Patrick Manieri (https://anthonypatrickmanieri.com/)
Ep 03: Heidi Bornstein (https://mindfulnesseveryday.org/)
Ep 04: Anthony Smith (Instagram: @anthonynsmith)
Ep 05: Niiamah Ashong (https://niiamahashong.com/)
Ep 06: Jonathan Barichivich (https://jbarichivich.github.io/)
Ep 07: Himla Soodyall (Email: himla@assaf.org.za)
Ep 08: Edit B. Kiss (https://editbkiss.com/)
Ep 09: Nicole Manes (https://nicolemanes.com)
Ep 10: Alysa Reese (https://www.northstarmystic.com)
Ep 11: Emily Gong (https://www.aact.community/)
Ep 12: Leigh Whiting (https://www.sunstonecentre.com/)
Ep 13: Jade Pichette (https://prideatwork.ca/)
Ep 14: Michael Saver (https://www.michaelsaver.com/)
Ep 15: Andy Campbell (https://www.askandycampbell.com/)
Ep 16: Lauren Walker (https://www.athomeandabroadpodcast.com/)
Ep 17: Jeyda Deyna (https://www.torontobreathwork.com/)
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You might have recently come across various social media ads showing people on mats rhythmically panting followed by scenes of them sobbing and receiving emotional support with a gentle hand. Celebrity appeal has popularized this practice, which is part of a mindfulness industry worth billions of dollars. I’m talking about Breath Work - one of the top wellness trends at the moment. This body-based approach is said to release and transform emotional trauma, relieve mental stress and enhance general well-being. Jeyda Deyna is a Breath Work practitioner based in Toronto, and in this extensive interview, she shares her expertise and explains why this popular somatic practice is both healing and transformative.
Guest information:
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Arguably the greatest scientific mind who ever lived, Albert Einstein once said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” And, iconic musician, David Bowie, once linked his drive to write songs to his “malevolent curiosity.” This inquisitive quality seems to not only spark new ideas and insights but also inspire creativity and growth. But what is curiosity? Why is it central to the human experience? And, why do we sometimes fear it and even block it? These are some of questions I explore with Lauren Walker, co-author of "The Curiosity Reset - Embrace the Child Within and Discover Your True Path." In our illuminating conversation, Lauren gives us a framework for mapping our own curiosity.
Guest information:
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When it comes to genetics, some might say that Andy Campbell and his family drew the short end of the stick. Born predisposed to cancer-causing mutations to the BRCA1 gene, Andy has seen his mother and all three of his aunts die of breast cancer, and in 2018, he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. As if life wasn’t challenging enough, a few years into his chemo treatment Andy’s youngest son tragically ended his life. Despite his heartbreak, Andy’s faith in God has helped him persevere with his wife and children by his side. Andy has also authored a book called, "Overcoming Life’s Toughest Setbacks - 15 Core Beliefs to Transform Challenge into Opportunities." In this heart-rending and inspirational interview, Andy bravely talks about the impact of losing his son to suicide, shares his personal story through cancer, and he explains how he was able to see the world in colour again.
Guest Information:
Suicide Crisis and Prevention Resources:
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Set in the spring of 1973, "Lost Village" is a riveting story of what happens when a displaced Canadian town, robbed of its identity, is confronted with its fakeness and deadly secrets. It’s about the inhabitants who struggle to be themselves and tell the truth, and those who are determined to ruin and silence them - including blackmail and murder. Inspired by true events of his upbringing in rural Ontario, Michael Saver reimagines the past in his debut murder mystery novel about three teenage boys who are on a journey of discovering their uniqueness through music and self-exploration, while trying to outsmart a vicious killer. In this exclusive interview, Michael tells us why sexual identity is a central theme in his suspenseful story of fiction.
Guest information:
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (or DEI) policies were originally devised to ensure equal opportunities and protections for everyone in the workplace and in higher education. However, such programs are under attack by the current US administration and many multinational corporations and prominent universities have followed suit by ending or rolling back their DEI initiatives. In Canada, there are efforts to protect and improve DEI programs across the board. Jade Pichette is a Trans advocate and DEI professional with Pride At Work Canada - an organization dedicated to creating more inclusive work environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. In our conversation, Jade talks about the DEI landscape in Canada and explains the significance of having safe and inclusive spaces for all equity deserving groups.
Guest information:
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Qi is the universal life force. It is the cosmic energy that flows through all things. This concept is present in several Asian holistic modalities including Feng Shui. With origins in China, this ancient divination practice dates as far back as 4000 BCE and is still in use today. Drawing upon elements of the natural and celestial realms, Feng Shui is said to influence the flow of energy in our physical world to clear out blockages, restore harmony and balance, and, enhance wellbeing and good fortune. As a Professional Feng Shui Master and Teacher, Leigh Whiting is an expert in this complex art of energy flow and in our fascinating discussion, she talks about how we can use it to our advantage.
Guest information:
Website: https://www.sunstonecentre.com/
Instagram: @sunstone_centre
Email: sunstonecentre@gmail.com
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The Asian diaspora has made countless contributions to the growth, success and tapestry of nations around the world. For example, in Canada, Chinese immigrants helped to build the railway which has since become a symbol of Canadian unity. Asians make up 20% of the Canadian population, yet racism persists and anti-Asian hate crime is on the rise. Helping to raise awareness of these issues is Emily Gong, co-founder of Asian Arts and Culture Trust - a Toronto-based organization whose mission is to provide a platform for Asian newcomers and immigrants to tell their stories through art. In our conversation, Emily explains how creative expression brings people together and helps break down systemic barriers.
Guest information:
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Since ancient times, astrologers have studied the stars and planetary cycles to offer celestial explanations for earthly events, energy shifts and life circumstances of the past, present, and future. Tarot card reading is another form of divination which came into prominence in the 18th century. And today, if you scroll through your social media feeds, chances are you have seen a multitude of content creators who have combined both of these esoteric practices to guide you through life’s ups and downs based on your zodiac sign. Alysa Reese is an expert on both of these systems of divination with three decades of experience as a Western Astrologer and Master Tarot Reader and Teacher. Also known as the North Star Mystic, Alysa demystifies the art of divination and gives us a tutorial on the stars and cards.
Guest information:
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A few years ago, an American scientist simulated the sound of the big bang - the beginning of all creation in our universe. Early civilizations understood the importance of sound and integrated it in their religious rituals. This custom continues today in many traditions around the world which use instruments, song and chants in ceremonies for healing purposes. In more secular wellness settings, it’s better known as sound bathing. It’s also used in therapy. Nicole Manes is a certified sound therapy practitioner based in Toronto. As a registered psychotherapist, Nicole harmonizes the vibration of her singing bowls and the frequency of her voice in her holistic practice, and she regularly hosts local sound bath events. In this episode, Nicole describes and demonstrates the healing power of sound.
Guest information:
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Indian yogi, Sadhguru, once said, “Karma is your survival and your bondage. And if you handle it right, it can also be your liberation.” For holistic therapist, Edit B. Kiss, this quote might well be her mission. Born in communist Hungary, she grew up at a time when spiritual expression was suppressed. As a young woman, Edit did what was expected - she went to university, got her engineering degree and started a family. However, during this period, she also battled crippling anxiety and panic attacks. This all-time low set her on a path of spiritual growth and wellness, including healing her ancestral karma. Today, Edit practices Source Memory Healing to help others mend their karmic wounds, and in my fascinating conversation with her, she explains why clearing our karmic debts has a powerful ripple effect that extends beyond ourselves and encompasses our soul family.
Guest information:
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They say that homo sapiens emerged sometime between 300 and 200 thousand years ago. One of the lead scientists in this field of research is award-winning molecular anthropologist, Dr. Himla Soodyall, whose groundbreaking work has traced back some of the oldest DNA linking modern day humans to our origins in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this episode, Himla tells us what our genes can teach us about our earliest ancestors and how our roots in Africa connect us all to one common tree.
Guest information:
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It’s estimated that there are over 3 trillion trees on this planet, with 842 million hectares of forest in South America alone. One of these gentle giants is said to be the oldest in the world - nearly 5,500 years old. “Gran Abuelo”, or the great-grandfather, is a Patagonian cypress located in Chile. As a child, Jonathan Barichivich marvelled at it, and now as an environmental scientist, he studies it and other trees like it, not only to decode their ages but to reconstruct the past and predict the future impacts of climate change on earth’s critical zone. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about his important research and tells us what we can learn from ancient trees.
Guest information:
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A solopreneur is someone who is self-employed and runs their own business by themselves. Although the number of businesses operated by one person is on the rise, many of these ventures fail. Helping to drive down these shutdowns and inspire owners to stay in the game is business coach, Niiamah Ashong. In this episode, Niiamah talks about the advantages of solopreneurship and he explains why being an outlier is essential to building a thriving business.
Guest information:
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Transportation planner, Anthony Smith, is an avid cyclist and endurance athlete. Eight years ago, while doing a long ride north of Toronto, the course of his life took a near fatal turn. He unavoidably crashed his bike into a pick-up truck. Miraculously, he survived but not without injury. The impact dislocated his neck and fractured his spine, which needed two surgeries to fuse back together. And, the driver at fault got off on a measly fine. In this episode, Anthony talks about the rights of cyclists, his long road to recovery, and how he has grown personally and spiritually since his accident.
Guest information:
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Heidi Bornstein is one of the founders of Mindfulness Everyday - a Toronto-based organization offering accessible and practical mindfulness education to improve the well-being of her local community. A key focus for Heidi and her team of trainers is delivering flexible yet effective mindfulness curriculum to youth who are in dire need of support in these uncertain and divisive times. In this episode, Heidi discusses her important work and explains why mindfulness is needed more than ever to address the unique challenges of today.
Guest Information:
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At fourteen, Anthony Patrick Manieri bought his first camera. What started off as a hobby taking pictures, soon became a profession. With a successful career in media spanning more than three decades, Anthony’s sought after shots have graced the pages of some of the world's most popular magazines. In recent years, Anthony has focused his lens on a passion project. "Arrested Movement" is the name of his internationally acclaimed portrait series, which aims to shatter the mold of the perfect adonis with his subjects baring all for the camera while showcasing the beauty and diversity of men's bodies. Anthony opens up about his work and the importance of men's body positivity.
Guest Information:
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In recent times, church leaders, such as Bishop Mariann Budde and Reverend Munther Isaac, have attracted global attention with their impassioned sermons calling for compassion on those suffering from oppression. While from two different denominations, their words reverberated across the Christian world with the weight of a papal address. Reverend Gary van der Meer is a minister and interfaith officer with the Anglican Church of Canada. In this episode, Gary opens up about the role of the pulpit in the face of populism, annexation, tariffs and war crimes.
Guest Information
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This is a special retrospective of Season 2 of The Stumbling Spirit Podcast, where I explore two key themes that emerged from this year’s show:
Special thanks to all of my guests who shared their stories and insights on cultivating resilience.
Ep 01: Merel van der Wouden (https://merelvanderwouden.com/)
Ep 02: Debra Williams (churchhatthefilm.com)
Ep 03: Stephen D’amico (https://www.stephendamico.com/)
Ep 04: Darryl Tracy (Alpha Health Services)
Ep 05: Bobby Wain (https://www.dundalkdogrescue.ie/)
Ep 06: Donna Armstrong (Email: armstrong_d@rogers.com)
Ep 07: Mike Power (https://mpower-strategy.com/)
Ep 08: Lucille Joseph (https://lucillejoseph.ca)
Ep 09: Belinda Bannerman (https://www.belindabannerman.com/)
Ep 10: Jaisa Sulit (Instagram: @decolonialmamalove)
Ep 11: Noel Scully (Email: scullynoel8@gmail.com)
Ep 12: Sharleen Beaumont (https://bravenewending.com/)
Ep 13: Nancy Horvath (Email: nancy.horvath@sickkidsfoundation.com)
Ep 14: Heather Harris (https://www.harrisandwalker.com)
Ep 15: Dave Bradley (Email: thebothylife@gmail.com)
Ep 16: Paulo Steinberg (https://www.paulosteinberg.com)
Ep 17: Jackie Dennison (https://www.jackiedennison.com)
Thank you for listening and for your ongoing support. Season 3 will air in March, 2025. Stay tuned!
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Renowned psychic-medium, Jackie Dennison, is one-half of the clairvoyant duo on the popular Canadian paranormal show, “Rescue Mediums.” For 7 seasons, Jackie and her partner-in-crime visited haunted houses to bring peace to both homeowners and lingering spirits. Rescue Mediums was one of the first in a wave of psychic-medium reality shows which now seem commonplace. Jackie explains why souls hang back, offers tips on developing our own spiritual gifts, and, she talks about the impact and legacy of her groundbreaking show.
Guest Information
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