SHE STARTS NOW with Jackie Dumaine

From owning a hip hop studio to crusading for change in our education system, Connie Jakab is a maverick on the topic of belonging and how to make our workplaces, schools and homes become spaces for true connection and growth.  Connie recently made the courageous decision to leave the security of a steady income to pursue a full time entrepreneurial venture as a speaker, author and thought leader in the space of mental health awareness.   In this episode, you’ll hear why she made this brave decision and how her son’s struggles with mental health and suicide ideation was a catalyst for her writing the Bring Them Closer book series.  I'll also share a personal story of what happened when I apologized to my adult son for not protecting him at a pivotal moment in his childhood. In this episode How to make the decision to go all-in on a dream Five steps can do right now to connect more deeply with the people you love  Why it’s never too late too late to practice relationship repair with your children (regardless of their age) How meaningful apologies and forgiveness create freedom in the soul  The connection between belonging and boundaries Practicing self-compassion when parenting becomes a challenge and our kids become “too much” The mother guilt that shows up when we see our children hurting  The importance of radical accountability with our emotions and how we manage them Resources:  https://conniejakab.com/ https://www.instagram.com/conniejakab Free manifesto of encouragement: https://jackiedumaine.com/manifesto

What’s your relationship like with money and finances? What does financial independence mean for you and why are so many women struggling to achieve it? In this episode, I have a real and raw convo with Janine Rogan, Founder and CEO of The Wealth Building Academy, TedX Speaker and author of The Pink Tax: Dismantling a Financial System Designed to Keep Women Broke.    Here’s a glimpse into what we covered: The fears women have around building a side hustle for extra money Janine’s four foundations of financial feminism (and what that actually means) Why becoming a mother is a huge financial risk How beauty products can prevent you from becoming a millionaire (we did the math) How ageism is incredibly prevalent in our world (and how I was basically told my “days were numbered” by a male business coach) My recent experience trying to get support for perimenopause symptoms and the realization that aging as a woman is becoming a pay-to-play privilege. Janine’s mission is to educate and empower women to confidently and profitably grow their wealth so that we don’t have to stay stuck living a life that disempowers us If you’re already passionate about building wealth, you might gain a new perspective and if the thought of wealth building intimidates you, Janine shares the one thing you can do right now. Connect with Janine on Instagram Visit Janine’s website Visit the podcast page here: https://jackiedumaine.com

What does a 102 year old doctor and practicing life consultant (yes, she’s still working) have to say about love, life, laughter, labour and listening?   You're about to find out.  In this episode, you’ll meet Dr. Gladys McGarey, a pioneer in the allopathic and holistic medical movements, co-founder of both the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine, and founder of the International Academy of Clinical Hypnosis.  And most of this happened before women could even open their own bank accounts. She’s recently published her newest book The Well-Lived Life and shares her 6 Secrets to Health and Happiness at any age.  We cover topics like: The importance of having a purpose in life and how she found hers Her theories on MANifestation and FEMifestation How she uses dreams as information for her life Her disappointment over the diminished connection in our communities The power on intergenerational friendships  How divorce devastated her (at 70) and how it also propelled her into a new purpose. How she finally found her voice…at 93 Here 10 year plan: The Village for Living Medicine Dr. Gladys is living proof that it’s never too late to live your life and you’re never too old to find your voice.  Follow her on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/begladmd/ Buy her book:  https://gladysmcgarey.com/

If you’re in the process of revamping your life, you might want to start with revamping your wardrobe. Why? Because fashion, energy and manifestation are more connected than you think. In this episode, I have an open conversation with Megan Szanik about how the clothes we wear can either dilute or amplify our energy and how we  show up in the world and above all, how we show up for ourselves. Megan is the owner, visionary and creator of Espy - a more-than-a-clothing boutique in the wonderful city of Calgary and in the amazing community of Inglewood, that specializes in using fashion as a vehicle to empower confidence in all folks of all sizes.  Over the year she’s collected numerous accolades for both her entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors but in today’s conversation we dig below the surface of it all and explore themes like curiosity, authenticity, human connection and how the state of your closet might be a clue as to how intentional you are (or aren’t) with how you live.  In this episode: The truth about intention and “fashion energetics” The connection between curiosity and confidence The one thing that will guide you to the next step in your life How to making meaning from being judged (and being the judger)  The importance of saying YES to life, right now How to dress at any size to feel sexy How your closet can say a lot about your life Resources: Follow Megan on Instagram: Personal  Espy Experience Join the She Starts Now Community

Much of the world is experiencing wildfires right now and you might be feeling helpless around what you can do and how you can support. In this impromptu and unedited episode, I share how digging into your memory bank for moments of joy can help shift your the collective energy and offer a tribute to the land and residents of these beautiful places. In this episode: The power of our thoughts on the collective energy Why sending thoughts + prayers without intention is just lip service Social media: using it mindfully in times of tragedy Honouring fear, loss, grief and uncertainty Sharing joyful memories as a tribute How you can help both on and off the ground Thank you to all the first responders: law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters and countless volunteers who are risking their lives to protect land, homes and lives.  I was going to share links to various organizations that need support right now, however there are too many to list. Please research the resources available in your community and find out how you can donate and support those who are affected, evacuated and displaced. 

You’ve heard of Madonna, but have you heard of Natalie Clifford Bradley? If you’re inspired by women who live bold and unapologetic lives, this episode will give you a historic glimpse into the colourful and spicy world of a woman who, in the early 1900’s, decided to pursue every passionate pull of her heart, even if it meant being criticized and ostracized from of society.  In this episode: My small town upbringing and how it fuelled a curiosity for a bigger, bolder life Feeling the spark and tapping into the nudges of your soul Like a Virgin: Why I idolized Madonna as a young girl  The unapologetic life of Natalie Clifford Bradley and her Parisian salon Challenging the status quo on life, love and liberation Self-exploration and imagining your life without restrictions  An invitation for you to join the She Starts Now community  Resources: Your Invitation: Join the She Starts Now community  BOOK: Wild Heart: A Life: Natalie Clifford Barney and the Decadence of Literary Paris FREE Download:  Manifesto of Encouragement 

Do you keep repeating a toxic pattern over and over knowing it’s harming you?    Being consciously aware that you’re engaging in (or about to engage in) something that you know going to hurt you later is the most painful type of awareness there is. However, this pain is almost always a necessary and beautiful catalyst for transformation and change. In this episode: Why I’m calling myself out (I haven’t been practicing what I preach)  My lack of presence and addiction to distraction The effect social media has had on me lately (and why I need a break)  The dark pit of the not-enough BS comparison trap The breakthrough session that blew my mind What I’m proud of…and what I’m not Resources mentioned in this episode: How To Be More Present & Take Back Your Life How To Make Life Less Complicated

Overwhelm. Guilt. Regret. Worry. Forgetfulness. Brain fog.  If you’re feeling any of these more than you’d like to be and are desperate for some relief, there might be an important factor that you’ve overlooked. If your energy is being scattered in a million directions, and there never seems to be enough time, chances are you’re living in the past or the future way more than you’re living in the right now (also known as your LIFE). But what does being “present” mean anymore in a world full of distractions?  In this episode: My personal struggles with presence (even though I’ve studied the topic for years) What my time in India with Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar taught me about presence  How my son called me out and made me rethink how I was living Why yoga and meditation aren’t always the answer Why presence is crucial during a life transition or going after a dream How to reflect on the past and plan for the future without being pulled out of the present How to create more time (when there never seems to be enough)  The definition of intentional presence (and how to create it) 3 ways to tell if you’re living in the Past Time Zone 3 ways to tell if you’re living in the Future Time Zone 3 ways to bring you back to the Present Time Zone Grab a notebook, you'll need it!  Resources: Need a boost of encouragement? Download this free manifesto: https://jackiedumaine.com/poem Want to reach out? Email me:  hello@jackiedumaine.com   For more content like this follow me on Instagram Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Instagram

What’s your relationship like with your intuition? You know, those nudges or gut feelings you get when you know something’s not quite right OR when something is full on right? I’m joined by Certified Numerologist and Energy Strategist Jessica Cerato to talk about intuition and how the science of numbers  (yes, it’s a science) can help you tap into yours along with real life tools you can start using right now to strengthen your inner guidance system. And, if you often notice numeric patterns around you, like seeing the numbers 11:11, or 2:22, you’re going to find out why and what it means.  We also dive into our own personal experiences with following intuition and how a deep meditation led Jessica down a path from Wall Street to HR/Finance to becoming the numerology expert she is today and a fun story on how following my own intuition had me hanging out at an espresso bar in New York City with Simon Sinek. In this episode: So what is intuition anyway? The science of numerology and the frequency of numbers How Jackie & Jessica met in real life (thanks to intuition) Why you feel stuck in a rut as a 40+ year old Numbers hold a vibration and science proves it How living in the present moment elevates your intuition 6 tools to help you tap into and strengthen your intuition Angel Numbers - are they real? Is it intuition or is it fear? The importance of celebrating NOT following your intuition Learn more about Jessica at: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.cerato Are you over 45 and feel like your having a breakdown? Check out this episode: https://www.jackiedumaine.com/she-starts-now-episodes/8 Need a boost of encouragement? Download this free Manifesto of Encouragement (I wrote it just for you). www.jackiedumaine.com/poem

If you’re a self-professed control freak, if you struggle to make confident decisions or, if you’ve ever caught yourself saying: “Why do things have to be so complicated?” in a burst of overwhelm, this one’s for you. In this episode, I share how a simple realization about how we make a jigsaw puzzle can be a direct reflection of how we live our lives. This one shift can help you let go of needing to know the outcome while you learn to trust the process, trust your decisions and trust yourself. If life feels complicated right now, this episode might help bring you closer to simplicity.  In this episode: A 48 hour experiment to bring more ease and flow in your life  What my aunt and mother’s favorite hobby taught me about challenges The consequences of trying to force things to fit where they don’t belong Recognizing the "easy pieces" in life and approaching them with joy Why the feeling of “something’s missing” might actually be a blessing Embracing imperfections and moving on  Resources: Email:  hello@jackiedumaine.com   Instagram:  Jackie Dumaine Podcast website:  jackiedumaine.com/podcast

Get ready to head on a trip down memory lane, especially for any GenXers listening. I can pretty much guarantee a few laughs and some head nods as you think “yeah, I remember that”.  Whatever generation you fall into, you’re going to get something out of this especially if you catch yourself falling into the comparison trap. And if it feels like you may not be living as authentically as you’d like to be, I’ll leave you with 5 questions that will lead you toward knowing yourself in a more connected way. In this episode: Blast from the past, the GenX generation wish list Comparing our lives & what's really important - back then and now How social media prevents us from knowing who we are What the aging process does to our sense of self 5 questions to ask to create deeper self-connection If this or any episode has made an impact in your life, I’d love to hear from  you. DM me @jackiedumaine on Instagram or email hello@jackiedumaine.com Need a boost of encouragement? Download this free Manifesto of Encouragement (I wrote it just for you). www.jackiedumaine.com/poem Find the podcast show notes at: www.jackiedumaine.com/podcast

BELONGING: What is true belonging? Why is it that so many of us feel incredibly alone even when surrounded by family, colleagues and friends? In this solo episode, I get real, raw and vulnerable and openly share some of the struggles I’ve experienced for most of my life by confusing what it means to belong with the appearance of fitting in and the desire to be understood. Thanks to Brené Brown's powerful and very important work on belonging, you'll learn the difference between true belonging and fitting in and how courage play an important role in fully owning who we are.   I also reference The Breakfast Club movie as an incredibly accurate representation of the quest to belong and how we all face the same challenges behind the curtains - regardless of what it looks like on the outside.  GenXers, you're gonna love this. Look, I don’t have life or myself all figured out and despite what you may see on social media, I struggle too. I really, really do. Some days a little. Some days a LOT. I struggle with things like self acceptance, comparison and fully embracing every complex fraction and layer of what makes me who I am. If you’ve ever struggled to belong, this one’s for you my friend. In this episode: The difference between belonging and fitting in The quest to belong isn’t just for teenagers  My personal struggles with belonging and why I resisted being accepted Brené Brown’s work on belonging  What The Breakfast Club movie can teach us about real connection    Learn more about She Starts Now here: https://www.jackiedumaine.com/she-starts-now 

If you have ever wished for more passion in your life OR maybe you think you’re living with a ton of it right now, you’re going to be blown away by what you’ll learn about what passion really means. In this solo episode, I put my research hat on and dive into the history and the roots of the word passion and its connection to the words suffering and enthusiasm (this will shock you!)  I also share 5 action steps you can take right now to immediately bring more passion into your life. These action steps were inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci, you know the guy who painted the Mona Lisa which I’m sure was done with a whole lot of passion.  And lastly, we’ll explore if passion and security can co-exist. Can a wildly passionate life be lived within the walls of your comfort zone? In this episode: The number one thing all of my coaching clients and event guests say they want more of (but can’t define) How we put too much pressure on the word passion Why meaningful passion can’t be found in a career, experience or another human The roots of the word passion and the clue as to why we’re confused by it  Why passion isn’t a destination  The 5 Action Steps Suggested in this Episode (full details on how to practice them in the episode)  Look Near/Look Far Layered Listening Smell the Day Make Love to Your Food Touch Like An Angel Book: How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci FREE Download:  A Poem of Encouragement Official Podcast page:  Head here  

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and to recognize this, I've recorded a special "HE" Starts Now edition of the She Starts Now podcast.    If you have a boy, young man or adult man in your life or if you are one yourself, please listen to this intimate conversation with my friend Zak about the struggles men face when it comes to grief, shame, loneliness, addiction and vulnerability. Zak is a tech and digital media entrepreneur based in Calgary, host of the CanadianPodcast and founder of a brand new initiative he recently launched with a team of men from across Canada. This initiative is MenTell.ca   Their aim is to end the stigma surrounding men's mental health and to encourage men from all walks of life to use their voice - either in person or online - by sharing strategies on what’s helped them on the path to mental and emotional wellbeing.  Through storytelling, education and open conversations, the objective of MenTELL is to inspire at least one individual to realize they are not alone in this.  Zak believes that when men share what’s real for them, they become a beacon of hope not only for themselves but for todays and for tomorrow’s generation. In this episode Zak openly shares about his own struggles and what helped him climb out of a very dark hole (and what can help you too).  In this episode: The harmful messages we send boys and men Why the stats on men and depression are all wrong How men cope with grief, shame and vulnerability Depression + Addiction: the importance of community and asking for support The Compassion Prison Project: how unresolved trauma is hurting men and our world Toxic Ambition: masking pain through distraction The Mentell.ca movement: why it started and how you can get involved Learn More & Get Involved: www.mentell.ca  https://www.instagram.com/mentell.ca/ https://compassionprisonproject.org/

Have you ever thought about investing in real estate but let money shame hold you back from exploring it? You’re not alone my friend, (I feel the same way). This episode will help you shatter the beliefs that you don’t know enough, don’t have enough or that it’s too late. From buying her first home at 20 to now owning 9 properties (and counting), Victoria Cluney is passionate about mentoring regular everyday women, just like you and me, on the rewards of building wealth through real estate. In this heart-to-heart conversation you’ll learn how Victoria’s military background has helped her foster discipline and resilience, how she juggles motherhood alongside her dynamic career all while pursuing a master's degree in organizational psychology. (hint, it’s all about values and boundaries!). AND - you’ll learn why her most recent project of renovating a very dated ocean front motel in Nova Scotia is lighting her up (and it has nothing to do with money). Victoria serves on the board of directors for Ottawa Real Estate Investing Organization and currently leads the Ottawa chapter of Real Estate InvestHER meetups, when she empowers women from all walks of life with the education and the community needed to invest in their first property and more importantly in their financial future. In this episode: The thoughts that went through her mind while laying in a ditch during military training How being controlled in her younger years contributed to her desire for freedom What she wished she would have known earlier (about investing and about life) The value of networking and the right community  The power of emotional control (and how it can be learned) What she teaches her son about investing and mindset  The vision she has for The Breeze Motel and the surrounding community Learn more about Victoria and her projects at jackiedumaine.com/podcast

{Solo Episode} Explore five  ways you might be negotiating your dreams, your goals, your happiness and yourself. You’ll learn the most important question to ask yourself to determine if you’re negotiating your self-worth (your answer will confirm if you are or not). If it turns out you ARE negotiating yourself, you’ll get one actionable tool you can start using today to change this AND I have a gift for you - it’s something that will give you a daily spark of courage and encouragement on the road to non-negotiable living. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: What does it mean to be negotiable? What IS negotiable in life and what ISN’T (a quiz for you) 5 telltale signs you’re negotiable Why the feeling of resentment is a wake up call How to live a non-negotiable life A poem to encourage you along the way (free gift)  GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD HERE: https://www.jackiedumaine.com/manifesto

If you believe in the power of music to help us heal and feel, this episode will have you singing sweet melodies in your soul. I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Desiree Dawson, an award winning recording artist, singer, songwriter, producer, yoga teacher, sound healing facilitator, CBC radio favorite, Key Change Artist and a Juno award nominee.  And, she’s so much more than that.  Desiree is an incredibly joyful and introspective young woman who is wise beyond her years. We explore what it takes to pursue a calling, the lessons she learned from deciding to live in an RV and the inspiration behind her soul touching and nervous system soothing lyrics. And, a treat for you, she wraps up our time together with a special a capella performance of her brand new single, I Am Blessed.   In this Episode, We Discuss: When do you know there’s no turning back (when you’re pursuing a dream) The importance of confidence and taking up space (even if it’s uncomfortable) How it felt to be at her first Juno Awards ceremony  The meaning behind the lyrics of her song Just Fine Sabotage - is it real? How are subconscious tries to keep us safe? Why rolling with the momentum keeps you from doubting yourself The relationship between money and creative flow  Waiting for perfection will keep you waiting for joy Community, connection and how we’re all living in harmony The song that was conceived and born in 5 minutes  Get the show notes and links to follow Desirée at www.jackiedumaine.com/podcast

Why would a woman want to quit her very successful corporate career at the age of 51, in the middle of a pandemic, to pursue a career as an online influencer and image coach for women over 40? Because the desire to fully express her creativity and explore the bigness of her potential was far greater than the need for safety and security. This isn’t a sugar coated episode that makes “quitting your job to follow your dreams” seem like a glamorous inspirational story worthy experience. It’s scary and it’s hard. And we dive into the truth of it all… Jen Polt is the star behind the @ makingupforglossedtime Instagram account which she started as a passion project but it soon exploded into one of the leading resources 40+ women turn to for light hearted beauty, image and radical self-love midlife guidance. In this Episode, We Discuss: Jen’s decision making process when she prepared to leave corporate America (and a stable income) to pursue a new path as an image and confidence coach for women over 40 A social media influencer over 50? YES, it is possible. Why we stop dreaming as we age and how to start again The importance of surrounding yourself with visionaries The one thing that keeps her going when she feels like quitting The truth (and the lies) behind why online creators do what they do The unexpected conversation with her husband that sideswiped her -  3 weeks after she quit her corporate job Why betting on yourself is the safest bet there is  If you’ve been considering making a career shift after 40, this episode will give you the inspiration to see that it is possible and that above all, you fully deserve to step into the fullest expression of who you are - at any age.

If you've ever found yourself wondering if you're going crazy, losing your mind, having a breakdown, or spinning into a mid-life crisis, what I'm about to share may help positively shift your perspective. In this episode of She Starts Now, I’m sharing my own experience with samvega and the 7 signs that you might be going through it too.  Topics covered in this episode include:  How to recognize a defining moment and why it matters Why you should be embracing samvega as a call to evolve and transform My personal samvega story and why it changed life as I knew it How yoga rescued me from soul sadness 7 telltale signs you’re having a samvega experience A powerful practice to help you reframe problems into opportunities How one simple shift can change everything for you Going through this type of experience is intense, but when embraced, it can be truly transformative. Tune in to learn how.  All show notes are available at jackiedumaine.com! Resources Mentioned: Join the She Starts Now Movement: shestartsnow.com

If you have a vagina, you’re going to want to listen to this episode.  In this episode of She Starts Now, I sat down with Maria Wu. During this conversation, we are going to get real and intimate about all parts of ourselves as women and how we can learn to relieve some of the shame and learn to love all of our flowery bits.  Maria Wu is a mother of three, sister of many, entrepreneur by trade, and philanthropist at heart. She is the Founder and CEO of Maud Medical Clinic, a vaginal health clinic in Bridgeland Calgary, aimed to advocate for access to equitable healthcare for Women. Topics covered in this episode include:  How your vaginal and mental health are connected What keeps you moving when you’re feeling fear An empowering exercise to release the shame around your body How far passion and a vision can take you in life How Maria helps women reduce the shame around their vaginas Maria's story is going to inspire you beyond belief, so make sure to tune in!  All show notes are available at jackiedumaine.com! Resources Mentioned: Visit the MAUD Medical website: https://www.maudmedical.com/ Follow Maria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmariawu/ Follow MAUD Medical on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maudmedical/