Shining a light on the dark conversations - Luma & Bloom is a podcast that empowers and enlightens. Join cohosts Nic and Kate as they bring thoughtful and insightful dialogue to topics that are otherwise avoided such as human trafficking, exploitation, addictions, and mental health. By having these hard conversations in a meaningful way, they provide a safe space for listeners to grow their minds, learn from knowledgable guests, and challenge their own thoughts and beliefs surrounding these topics. Tune in for new episodes every Monday & check us out on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!
From the hockey rink to Canada’s most elite special forces unit, and now to the stage as a country music artist — Dallas Alexander’s story is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Dallas opens up about his years serving with JTF2, including time overseas in Afghanistan, and the life lessons that came with it.
He shares the heartbreak of losing his brother, how grief pushed him toward songwriting, and why music became a powerful ou...
*Trigger warning: this episode contains conversation around suic*de and suic*dal ideation*
International suic*de hotline list: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/
In this conversation, Jasmin Laine joins Nic and Kate to talk about what it means to navigate life after trauma. From the shifting weight of friendships in adulthood to the struggle of survivor guilt and self-censoring, Jasmin brings raw honesty...
Jeffrey Bergen's story is raw and redemptive. Born in a Mennonite colony in Paraguay and later moving to Winnipeg, Jeffrey faced abuse and exposure to pornography at a very young age. To cope with his trauma he turned to alcohol, drugs, and the LGBTQ community, where he found people who shared his pain - but not the lasting healing he was searching for.
In this episode of Luma & Bloom, Jeffrey opens up about the tension he ...
The internet connects us like never before — but it’s also where kids and teens face some of their greatest risks. From sending nudes to sextortion and online grooming, predators no longer need to leave their homes to exploit vulnerable youth.
In this episode of Luma & Bloom, Val Caldwell joins us to break down the reality of online exploitation and the dangers hidden inside everyday apps, games, and platforms. We talk about why...
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Greyson—a man whose strength is only rivaled by his compassion. As a father of eight, Mike has walked through unimaginable storms, including the devastating loss of his daughter to trafficking. With honesty and heart, he shares his journey through fatherhood, grief, and becoming an advocate for the vulnerable. We talk about the lasting impact of trauma, the importance of identity, and the life...
In this powerful episode, Reese Ketler opens up about life after a spinal cord injury and the unexpected journey that followed. From his early days in the hockey world to finding new purpose and belonging in the wheelchair rugby community, Reese shares what it’s really like to navigate identity, vulnerability, and change on such a massive scale.
We talk about learning to accept help, the importance of honest conversations with docto...
Are you constantly shifting to match the people around you? Saying yes when you want to say no? Swallowing your feelings to keep the peace?
In this episode of Luma & Bloom, we’re unpacking all things trauma, the subtle, exhausting survival strategy of people-pleasing, masking, and self-abandonment.
Shannon Vanderlinde shares raw and honest stories about living life on autopilot, performing for acceptance, and the emotional ...
In the second part of our conversation with Dave Lavery, the Canadian humanitarian and military veteran known as "Canadian Dave," we delve deeper into his remarkable journey of survival during his 77-day captivity by the Taliban. Dave shares intimate details of his daily life in captivity, from the food he was given to his sleeping arrangements, and the interactions he had with fellow detainees. His story is a testament t...
In this episode, Dave shares the remarkable story of his life—beginning with a tough childhood in Winnipeg and time in the foster care system, to his family's move to British Columbia and then Ottawa. From a young age, Dave knew he wanted to serve his country. That calling led him to become a founding member of Joint Task Force 2, Canada’s elite special operations unit. Dave talks about his transition from the military world t...
In this episode, David and Hennes dive into the often-overlooked conversation around men, emotions, and vulnerability. They explore why it's so hard—and so important—for men to talk about what they're feeling, especially in a culture that often encourages silence. David shares early insights from his recent survey conducted through the University of Manitoba, which focuses on engaging men and boys in the fight against sex...
In this episode, Jessa shares her story of escaping a 17-year emotionally abusive marriage to an RCMP officer. Raised in a Christian home and married young, she opens up about the subtle and not so subtle signs of narcissistic abuse, the loss of people she once called family, and what it means to finally feel safe. Through honest reflection, Jessa sheds light on coercion, the importance of boundaries, and the healing that comes fro...
In this episode, Nic and Kate open up about their personal journeys with setting boundaries—how it’s challenged them, changed them, and continues to shape how they relate to themselves and others. They explore the idea that boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out, but bridges that foster respect, safety, and real connection. From the baby steps it takes to start setting limits, to the deeper need for self-worth and humility, the...
In this episode, Nic and Kate are joined by Meaghan Waller, winner of Canada’s Next Top Model 2009, who went on to build a successful international modeling career spanning over 14 years. Meaghan opens up about her positive experiences in the fashion industry, the life skills she’s gained along the way, and the importance of having a strong support system—both on and off the runway. She also shares her personal journey through a c...
On this week’s episode, we sat down with Hennes Doltz, former John School educator and current Project Leader for the EmpowerMen Project - working to engage men and boys in the prevention of sexual exploitation.
From psychological and social factors, to economic and emotional factors, we delve into all areas Hennes has explored over the years with his extensive career in understanding the motivations behind why men purchase sex.
Ad...
On this weeks episode, we continued our conversation with Tim and Glen, Founder and Member of Four Sacred Hearts, an Indigenous led organization dedicated to healing from addictions, intergenerational trauma, and the impacts of the residential school system.
As former gang members who spent time in and out of jail, they shared the importance of wanting to reach youth, to share their stories, not only to shed light on the dangers th...
A Very Merry Look Back: Reflecting on the Year and What's Ahead | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 40
In this special holiday episode, we're joined by our lovely co-worker Lainey, to help us spread the festive cheer (in our ugly Christmas sweaters of course), while taking a stroll down memory lane!
Join us as we celebrate the Christmas season by sharing the story of how we met, how this podcast came to be, and reflect on the wisdom we took from some of our favourite guests this past year. Grab your hot cocoa, cozy up...
On this weeks episode, we sat down with Tim and Glen, Founder and Member of Four Sacred Hearts, an Indigenous led organization dedicated to healing from addictions, intergenerational trauma, and the impacts of the residential school system.
As former gang members, they recount stories of their time growing up, being in and out of prison, the violence they experienced, and how that led Tim to starting Four Sacred Hearts, i...
On this weeks episode, we continued our conversation with power couple Devon and Jodi Larratt, to learn more about their life as a military couple, as well as uncover how Devon became a world arm wrestling champion!
They shared how Devon got into arm wrestling, the importance of fighting for each other in a relationship, as well as some relationship advice they would give to couple's going through adversity.
On this weeks episode, we sat down with former JTF2 member Devon Larratt, along with his incredible wife, Jodi Larratt, to talk all about their relationship and life throughout Devon's military career.
They shared their experience in raising a young family while navigating hardship, the importance of communication throughout challenging times, and the lessons they learned along the way.
From Devon's he...
Transforming Pain into Power: A Journey of Healing and Strength | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 36
On this weeks episode, we sat down and had a conversation all around our own healing from trauma, the mistakes we've made, and the lessons we've learned along the way.
We spoke about setting healthy boundaries and creating distance when necessary, our emotions and unhealthy ways we tried to cope, as well as the importance of having community while healing.
Wherever you're at in your journey, we ho...
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.