Warrior Spirit Podcast artwork

Warrior Spirit Podcast

34 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago -

Welcome to the Warrior Spirit Podcast; conversations featuring raw and inspirational stories of triumph over tragedy, overcoming adversity, and the healing process that often
accompanies positive change, growth, and finding inner peace.

Join hosts Beth Sturdevant and Jenny Sawanohk, as they speak with special guests to share their thoughts on how they turned their painful experiences into positive transformations — for themselves, and the lives they touch.

*TW: The conversations and content in these interviews may contain triggering events involving personal trauma, and at times, the recounting of upsetting experiences or disturbing imagery. Listener’s discretion is strongly advised.

Follow socials:
https://www.facebook.com/warriorspiritpodcast
www.instagram.com/warrior_spirit_podcast

Beth Sturdevant:
www.bethsturdevant.com

Jenny Sawanohk:
www.misiwenirelations.com

Sean Strasbourg - Sound Editing

Mental Health Health & Fitness Society & Culture Philosophy
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Episodes

#31 - Caroll-Ann Alie

May 19, 2022 04:06 - 1 hour - 118 MB

Born in Gracefield, Quebec, Olympic Athlete Caroll-Ann Alie began competing in windsurfing at the age of 18, and soon became a member of the Canada National Sailing Team. She is a 3-time world champion in windsurfing, Pan Am Games silver and gold windsurfing medalist, and competed in sailing at the 1992 Summer Olympics, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2000 Summer Olympics. In 1993, Caroll-Ann became a member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hal...

#30 - Ryan Denny

May 10, 2022 16:58 - 2 hours - 181 MB

Just after Christmas 2021, US Navy AWV1(NAC/AW) Ryan P. Denny ended up in the hospital in San Diego, California, battling for his life after he contracted double pneumonia post Covid-19. Miraculously he survived, and only 2 months after leaving the hospital, Ryan shares with us his near-death experience of being in a coma for 16 days, placed on a ventilator for 4 weeks, and an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine for 18 days.

#29 - Joshua Corber

May 03, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes - 81 MB

In this episode we are joined by Rabbi and Master Reiki Practitioner Joshua Corber, a Senior Rabbi at the Beit Rayim Synagogue & School, in Vaughan, Ontario. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Rabbi Corber grew up in the Reform Jewish tradition, while attending jewish day schools and jewish summer camps. Later in life, while majoring in religion, literature and the arts at UBC, his interests in spirituality and mythology lead him to begin studying and practicing the Japanese healing art for...

#28 - Allen Kanerva

April 27, 2022 20:43 - 1 hour - 139 MB

Allen Kanerva is a former Canadian Military Officer and Humanitarian worker who worked in post conflict and humanitarian disaster situations. Allen served domestically as well as in Egypt, Iraq, South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya.  Today, he is an Neuro-Linguistics Practitioner (NLP) Master Coach and International Trainer. In this episode, Allen speaks with Beth and Kelley about his trauma-team, and the rigorously researched tools in neuro-science that address post-traumatic stress witho...

#27 - Season 3: Beth and Kelley Crowe

April 19, 2022 04:30 - 1 hour - 93.6 MB

In Season 3 of the Warrior Spirit Podcast, we would like to welcome our new co-host Kelley Crowe; Kelley is a Neuro Linguistic Practitioner, Sepsis Survivor, mother of 2 biological children and 2 foster children, recipient of the “Women Building Better Communities Award” award, and owner of the Resilience Hub Canada – a not-for-profit organization that offers funding to people to receive help and healing from trauma. In this episode Beth and Kelley talk about the importance of seeking conti...

#26 - Ryan Hunt and Carly Henkelman-Leavoy

April 12, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 158 MB

Father of 3 Ryan Hunt is a recovered addict, mortgage agent, and an addictions counsellor, Carly Henkelman-Leavoy is a mother of 2, Forest and Nature School Practitioner and holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology.  In this episode we talk about the deep-rooted void of addictions, the disempowering effects of modern-day educational systems and psycho-educational labelling, and how these experiences can diminish our capacities to value and know who we truly are.    https://naturehillconnec...

#25 - Tammy Warrington

April 03, 2022 04:33 - 1 hour - 161 MB

Finding the courage to leave an abusive husband, single mother Tammy Warrington shares her story of living in shelters, trusting her instincts, and ending toxic cycles by creating positive changes for herself and her two boys.   www.sharingtonvs.com

#24 - Acie Tran

March 10, 2022 02:56 - 1 hour - 99.9 MB

Film maker, DJ, and digital marketer, Acie Tran is a single father who’s been a vocal advocate for men’s mental health for several years, helping to define what it means to be a man in today’s society. He runs the Ottawa Dad’s Group on Facebook, which has over 1000 members in the Ottawa area. As a life coach and life-long student, Acie believes that mental health and spiritual development is essential for men and fathers, as is the need for conscious parenting and being healthy male role mod...

#23 - Olga Dewar

March 02, 2022 04:47 - 1 hour - 125 MB

Amazon best-selling author and Joy Aficionada, Olga Dewar, shares with us the importance of happiness and how to find more of it every day. She is one of the happiest people in the world and always pleased to share her love for life with others. It was not always easy in the face of life’s adversities, but she figured out the way. If you are looking to add more happiness to your year, months, weeks, or days ahead, listen to this episode.   www.happinessbyyou.com

#22 - Mirav Tarkka

February 15, 2022 15:34 - 1 hour - 125 MB

In today’s podcast, we are joined by power coach and former IDF (Israeli Self Defense) Operational Sergeant & international self-defence teacher Mirav Tarkka, who speaks with us about the importance of inner strength & awareness, un-choosing violence, and stepping out of the victim mentality to avoid potential dangers and conflicts in life.   www.peppercoaching.com FB: www.facebook.com/mirav.tarkka Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirav.tarkka/

#21 - Diane Valiquette

February 01, 2022 01:27 - 1 hour - 114 MB

In today’s podcast, we talk with Relationship Recovery Coach and Divorce Mediator, Diane Valiquette, about recovering from the emotional toils of a relationship breakdown, her 8-Week Blueprint program that helps people understand their patterns so that they don’t keep repeating them. www.dianevaliquette.com

#20 - Jason Petrunik

January 12, 2022 02:35 - 1 hour - 134 MB

Today we are joined by former radio announcer “J-Man” Jason Petrunik, host of the Launchpad Podcast, and the owner of the largest leisure/tradeshow in the Ottawa Valley “Showcase in Petawawa”.  Jason speaks with us about the loss of his mother, critical thinking, and the importance of constructive open intelligent conversations. @jmanisalive Youtube.com/jmanisalive www.thelaunchpadpodcast.com

#19 - Chris Reid

December 10, 2021 01:54 - 1 hour - 109 MB

In this episode we are joined by 7th dan black belt, 2004 World Tae Kwon Do Champion Master Chris Reid, to discuss perseverance and the warrior mindset & dedication needed to achieving one’s goals in life. After a few failed attempts at winning a World TKD championship title, Master Reid’s insatiable desire to win mixed with his commitment and dedication to his dream, eventually manifested in his ability to win the title as World Champion.

#18 - Blake Gauthier

November 18, 2021 17:02 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MB

Blake Gauthier’s warrior spirit journey is a story of resurrection and actionable change.  Of death and transfiguration.  3 years ago and over 530lbs, Blake died from a massive heart attack, only to be resurrected and make a warrior’s transformation in support of living a better life, and manifesting his childhood dreams.

#17 - Sheldon Spotted Elk

October 26, 2021 19:11 - 1 hour - 119 MB

From Lame Deer, Montana, but currently living in Denver, Colorado – Sheldon Spotted Elk (Tsista – Northern Cheyenne Tribe) is a change agent to move the child welfare system towards humanity and love. Recognized as a NCAIED 40 Under 40, he has worked tirelessly with tribal and state courts on Indigenous child and family issues, and has recently been appointed as judge on the Ute Indian Tribe (Uintah & Ouray) Court of Appeals. Author of articles on the ICWA and an adjunct law professor, Sheld...

Warrior Spirit Podcast

October 20, 2021 20:29

#16 – Alec Mead

October 13, 2021 15:08 - 1 hour - 117 MB

Today’s episode explores the incredible journey of Alec Mead, from street musician to Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of a very successful real estate investment company Home Group Ventures, and how Alec’s beliefs of infinite creativity and connection to one’s true self, has helped him create miracles in his life and the world around us, by improving the quality-of-life for others through greater financial freedom.   www.homegroupventures.com

#15 - Coffee chats with Beth and Jenny

September 27, 2021 15:45 - 1 hour - 99.4 MB

Leading up to the September 30th Remember Me: An Annual Day of Remembrance, at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, Beth and Jenny discuss the importance of truth and reconciliation, and the value of how we identify ourselves and the language we use, as allies and practitioners.     Please consider donating and helping this group of volunteers reach their fundraising goal; https://www.gofundme.com/f/remember-me-an-annual-day-of-remembrance?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&ut...

#14 – Joseph Brings Plenty Sr.

September 19, 2021 04:32 - 1 hour - 110 MB

We had the honour of interviewing Indigenous Warrior Joseph Brings Plenty Sr. who is Mnicoujou and Ogala Lakota from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. He is a traditional practitioner of the Lakota Traditions and owns a boxing club where he helps disadvantaged youth on the reservation to seek positive resolve for the many issues facing Indigenous people. A website is currently in the works for Wolves Den Boxing. Any support for Joseph and his vision can be sent t...

New Adventures, Many Teachings! Introducing New Co-Host Jenny Šâwanohk | Warrior Spirit Podcast Ep. 13

June 29, 2021 18:41 - 48 minutes - 111 MB

Welcome to the Warrior Spirit Podcast Season 2! Along with our name change, we also honour the introduction of our new co-host, Jenny Šâwanohk. Jenny is a proud member of the Moose Cree First Nation and, like Beth, has her own healing and spiritual education practice. She specializes in traditional medicine work and has studied and has extensive experience working in child welfare, children’s mental health and is very passionate about indigenous social work. Beth and Jenny discuss the ...

#13 - New Adventures, Many Teachings! Season 2

June 29, 2021 18:41 - 48 minutes - 111 MB

Welcome to the Warrior Spirit Podcast Season 2! Along with our name change, we also honour the introduction of our new co-host, Jenny Šâwanohk. Jenny is a proud member of the Moose Cree First Nation and, like Beth, has her own healing and spiritual education practice. She specializes in traditional medicine work and has studied and has extensive experience working in child welfare, children’s mental health and is very passionate about indigenous social work. Beth and Jenny discuss the ...

#13 - New Adventures, Many Teachings! Introducing New Co-Host Jenny Šâwanohk | Warrior Spirit Podcast Ep. 13

June 29, 2021 18:41 - 48 minutes - 111 MB

Welcome to the Warrior Spirit Podcast Season 2! Along with our name change, we also honour the introduction of our new co-host, Jenny Šâwanohk. Jenny is a proud member of the Moose Cree First Nation and, like Beth, has her own healing and spiritual education practice. She specializes in traditional medicine work and has studied and has extensive experience working in child welfare, children’s mental health and is very passionate about indigenous social work. Beth and Jenny discuss the ...

#12 - Randy Kakegamick

May 11, 2021 16:53 - 2 hours - 213 MB

In today's episode, Randy Kakegamick, a man of Ojibwe & Cree descent, retells his childhood of living with close family and relatives who survived residential school; The traumas, his struggles with alcoholism, crime, and the intergenerational impacts of being an indigenous person of Canada. He speaks on behalf of himself, siblings and all brothers and sisters native to this land that are on the path to reconciliation and healing. Miigwetch!   https://www.facebook.com/randy.kakegamick.3 ...

#11 - Tanya Koller

May 04, 2021 15:04 - 1 hour - 93.8 MB

Author Tanya Koller joins Beth Sturdevant to talk about how her life and the pain she experienced helped to inspire her book Misha and the Purple Moon Prophecy; a fantasy story about a young woman’s journey to discovering higher consciousness and her inner warrior. Tanya’s personal quest to finding inner peace lead her to travel the planet, participate in various mindfulness and meditation retreats with some of the top Shamans and gurus around the world, and earn a doctorate in Metaphysica...

#10 - Rob Waller

April 28, 2021 18:35 - 1 hour - 94.2 MB

What happens if your life turns upside down because you don’t have the information or resources to find a solution?  Lieutenant Commander Rob Waller, a Senior Naval Engineer in the Royal Canadian Navy, joins host Beth Sturdevant to talk about his experiences dealing with panic attacks and anxiety, both at work and at home, and the importance of finding work-life balance in a high stressed, ever-changing environment. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast/     F...

#9 - Mélanie J. Lelièvre

March 30, 2021 20:08 - 2 hours - 130 MB

Singer songwriter Mélanie J. Lelièvre spent most of her life searching to find her voice, and herself.  Having grown up living in constant uncertainty and fear caring for her sick and dying father, Melanie struggled to find her self-worth and personal power through eating disorders, a pornography addiction, and eventually relationships.  But it wasn’t until Melanie found the courage to stand up for herself against her rapist in court, that she finally discovered her worth and her voice, as a...

#8 - Alexandra Culter-Fetkewicz

March 16, 2021 11:05 - 1 hour - 91.9 MB

Violinist Alexandra Cutler-Fetkewicz shares with us her journey of overcoming adversity having survived a devastating car crash that almost took her life and her career as a concert violinist. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Alex’s long journey to recovery, not just physically, but emotionally, intellectually, and interpersonally as well, lead her to have a deeper understanding of the importance of life and to recognize her capacities to rise above other major challenges. http://phi...

#7 - Mony Dojeiji

March 12, 2021 09:05 - 1 hour - 134 MB

After her husband left her for another woman, Mony Dojeiji found herself questioning her purpose and her entire life as she knew it. It was then that Mony decided to leave her job as a successful consultant, and go on a 2-year Pilgrimage of self-discovery on her own, to look inwards at whatever wars were raging inside of her. After walking the 800-km Camino trail, followed by the 5000-km 13 country Pilgrimage from Rome to Jerusalem, Mony finally found the inner peace and love she was alwa...

#6 - Christine Caron

March 03, 2021 04:04 - 1 hour - 103 MB

Vibrant single mother of 4, Christine Caron went from leading an active and healthy lifestyle, to being in a medically induced coma for one month, and having to amputate 3 and a-half-limbs all because of a small dog bite.  Often known as “the dog-bite woman”, Christine, shares with us her life-altering and life-threatening experience of going into extreme Septic shock in response to a small infection, and how that put her on a mission to help educate and support others. Christine is now an...

#5 - Lynda_Heyden-Carroll

February 23, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 86.6 MB

Lynda Heyden-Carroll joins us in this episode of the Spirit Warrior Podcast, to share her story of finding happiness and joy beyond grief and despair, after the sudden loss of her father to suicide, and the tragic death of her teenage daughter in a boating accident. Lynda’s moving story of the power of forgiveness and finding inner peace after immense tragedy, is a beautiful example of the strength and capacities of our warrior spirits to celebrate and live our lives, beyond our traumas. ...

#4 - Sarah Cross

February 16, 2021 18:32 - 1 hour - 94.3 MB

In this podcast episode, Sarah Cross shares with us her journey through child abuse & starvation, being made to sleep in chicken coops, living in Foster Care, struggles with alcoholism, and eventually finding the strength within herself to break free from the cages of her past, freeing her to become the powerful business leader and spirit warrior that she is today. This intimate and powerful modern-day Cinderella story about overcoming adversity and finding self-love, despite growing up in...

#3 - Michael Croteau

February 01, 2021 17:07 - 1 hour - 177 MB

Michael is a Father of 2, and the Lead Pastor at Community Life Church as well as the owner and kickboxing instructor for CREED Martial Arts. In this episode we talk about overcoming our limiting beliefs, learning disabilities and ADHD, and how inner strength, faith, and living like a warrior can help us push through the inner and outer obstacles in life, and allow us to become better people. Michael's journey in life and passion in Martial Arts, lead him to his path as a Pastor, but also...

#2 - Pete Bernard

January 19, 2021 06:12 - 1 hour - 155 MB

Pete Bernard is an Algonquin Shaman from the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation in Golden Lake, Ontario. In this episode we discuss some of the adverse events that helped shape Pete’s life, our potential - as humans - to evolve and grow through trauma, and the incredible teachings he has to offer as a 'Spirit Warrior', author, educator, and healer. https://www.the8thfire.com/ To get exclusive video content please visit us on Patreon www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpodcast Like and ...

#1 - What is a 'Spirit Warrior'

January 05, 2021 05:00 - 21 minutes - 49.2 MB

In this first introductory episode of the Spirit Warrior Podcast, host Beth Sturdevant provides an in-depth glimpse into what it means to be a Spirit Warrior, how each and every one of us has the 'Spirit of a Warrior', and why this podcast and its raw and inspirational stories are important in helping you find the strength within yourself to overcome adversity through positive growth and change.   To get exclusive video content please visit us on Patreon www.patreon.com/spiritwarriorpod...