Episode 05: Passion project alignment, with life coach Stephanie Marshall

I have a blast every time I sit down with life coach Stephanie Marshall, founder of Plaid Paddle Coaching. Like me, she has a massive lust for life and adventure, with various different passions and interests. Her energy is so infectious, it could easily start a movement. (One I’d happily join!)

Stephanie and I both come from the world of media and publishing, but it’s actually our parents who brought us together on a blind date coffee break at the building we both happened to be working at. They were neighbours and my dad kept telling me how fun she is and how I just had to meet her. I’m so glad I finally did.

Not only is Stephanie a brilliant business woman, but she’s also hilarious and creative—all my favourite things.

In this interview, we talk about passion projects, having fun and why adults “settle down”—and how that’s the last thing any of us should want!

So what do you want to be when you grow up? I dare you to keep asking yourself that, regardless of your age.

Listen to this episode to hear Stephanie’s tips on starting, or resuming, your passion project, and following your heart. 💘

Cat xo

Episode 04: See the world, with travel writer Heather Greenwood Davis

I was pregnant and grieving over the end of my magazine editor jet-setting days when I met travel writer Heather Greenwood Davis.

Not only did she charm me with her warm, welcoming vibe, but she also won me over by convincing me that travelling with my family was totally doable, and that I needn’t give up my passion for seeing the world.

Since then, my family has travelled through Canada, the United States, Hawaii and South America. My kids are addicted to hotels and love being on the road.

Heather, meanwhile, has gone on to become a contributing editor at National Geographic Travel, a feature writer and columnist with The Globe and Mail and a media personality on The Social on CTV and National Geographic Channel.

In 2011, she travelled with her husband and two sons AROUND THE WORLD, an adventure she shared on her blog Globetrotting Mama.

While the rest of us save up our #lifegoals for our ever-growing bucket list, Heather is out there, living her dream.

That’s why I had to have her on my show. So she could inspire you with her just-do-it, seize-the-day-ness.

Whether you’re putting off a dream because of kids or other commitments, take to heart Heather’s words and remember that “You owe it to yourself, and your kids, to live the best life that you can.”

Listen to this episode to hear more from Heather, what she’s learned from travelling around the world and why she thinks following your dreams makes you a better parent. ✈️

Cat xo

Episode 03: The power of community, with business coach Andrea Ivanka

I hired Andrea Ivanka as my coach in March 2019. I knew I needed help closing the gap between who I was being, and who I wanted to be.

Looking back, it’s hard to remember now, who that woman was. One thing’s for sure, she was definitely lone wolfing it. 

I had no tribe. I had no team. Heck, I hardly leaned on my husband at home. And to be honest, I was pretty content that way.

But I also had a vision. A vision that was bigger than me. And thanks to Andrea, I began expanding my team, my tribe and my communities. 

It’s been a helluva ride, so I’m so excited to share her words of advice with you. Because no matter what your passion project is, if you want to succeed at it, you can’t do it alone.

And really, why would you want to?

Listen to this episode to get some free coaching from Andrea and learn why you’re only as strong as your tribe. 🤝

Cat xo

Episode 02: Write the book, with author Chantel Guertin

I’ve known Chantel Guertin for almost two decades now. We met when we were both editors at Elle Canada. Right away she impressed me with her perfect hair and her drive.

Over the years, as we both continued to climb the editorial ladder and hop from one magazine to another, Chantel would also go on to become a professor and on-air expert on The Marilyn Denis Show.

Through the years she has never failed to surprise me with her multi-tasking skills, pumping out one book after another while I sat at my computer only dreaming of my life as an author.

Even though it would be many years after Chantel’s first book launch that I finally began writing my book, knowing that she did it, gave me hope that I could do it too.

So whether you’ve got a book in you, or some other passion project up your sleeve, make sure to listen to this episode because there is no one I know who gets things done like this girl. 🙌

Cat xo

Episode 01: Your passion project “birthright,” with life coach Jamelle Lindo

I met Jamelle Lindo a little over a year ago.

At the time, I had never even heard a podcast before. But as soon as Jamelle got on the phone and we started talking, I knew right away we were making history, and that I needed to record his voice to share it with you all.

As the founder of The Self-Architect Program, an experiential process for closing the gap between who you are now, and who you need to be, Jamelle knows what it takes to deliver on your personal and professional goals. Not only that, but he also believes you owe it to yourself and others to follow through on them.

If you’ve ever doubted that you have what it takes, and that you deserve to follow your passion and make your dreams come true, be sure to listen to this episode. 💫

It’s your time now.

Cat xo

Welcome to Passion Project!

As the saying goes, sometimes you have to lose yourself, to find yourself.

I was 40, unemployed and pregnant when I finally decided to start my passion project—writing a novel, just like my childhood self had always dreamed about.

Without a job to report to, or career prospects with a baby on the way, I could finally give myself permission to follow my dream and begin working toward making my passion project happen.

That doesn’t mean it’s been easy. Every day it’s a struggle to make my book, my writing, a priority in the face of family and financial commitments and obligations.

Every day I struggle with doubt: Why me? Why not me?

Fortunately, I happen to know a lot of inspiring people. People who remind me that anything is possible, if you just follow your heart, and follow that with committed action.

They’ve inspired me, and continue to inspire me, to keep going, keep dreaming, daring, doing. And now I’m going to share them with you, so you can keep dreaming, daring, doing too.

On the Passion Project podcast, you’ll hear their stories, about how they dared to do what most people only dream about, and how they’re making their passion project happen.

You’ll also hear from experts, coaches and motivational leaders who share their tips, tools and insights into entrepreneurship, personal fulfilment and resiliency.

So listen in and stay tuned for future episodes. 🎧

It’s your time now.

Cat xo