Episode Description: In this deeply resonant episode, we explore the intersection of gender, capitalism, and values-based leadership. Through candid stories and critical reflections, our guest unpacks the difference between sex and gender, discusses feminism as a liberatory movement for all, and offers real talk about what it means to build a business aligned with the feminine economy. We ground this conversation in Jennifer Armbrust’s “Proposals for the Feminine Economy,” and reflect on how embracing embodiment, intuition, and equity can reshape our lives, our work, and our world.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Sex ≠ Gender: Gender is socially constructed, not biologically fixed.
• Feminism is for everyone: It's about ending exploitation, not opposing men.
• The care economy is undervalued: If paid, domestic labor would earn $60,000 USD/year.
• You can’t bulldoze into alignment: Feminine leadership listens, flows, and surrenders.
• Feminine businesses aren’t built in patriarchy’s image. They evolve slowly, cyclically, and with care.
• Values > Speed: Business success doesn’t require burnout or hierarchy.
• Embodiment is intelligence: Your body can guide aligned decision-making.

In this soul-nourishing episode, Kira—a happiness trainer, economist, IT manager, and energy healer—shares her vibrant journey from Kyrgyzstan to Canada and how she’s built a life rooted in values, nature, joy, and empowerment. She and Tammy explore topics from feminine leadership and emotional intelligence to rethinking success, economics, and the power of words. Kira’s love-centered approach to business, community, and self-care invites us to live with more joy, purpose, and authenticity.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Feminine Leadership & Love as Power: Kira advocates for leading with love and compassion, disrupting rigid, fear-based corporate systems.
• Multidimensional Identity: Women are not “too much”—being multi-passionate is a strength, not a flaw.
• Economics Rethought: Kira calls for shifting from profit-driven models to happiness-based economies, referencing “Doughnut Economics.”
• The Power of Words: Language is energy. Choosing words mindfully—especially when speaking to yourself—transforms your life.
• Structure Enables Freedom: Balancing intuition and flow with boundaries and time-awareness can unlock creativity and fulfillment.
• Values-Driven Living: Kira’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and joy guides everything from her career to her 17-year commitment to car-free commuting.
• Healing & Happiness Are Political Acts: Joy, self-care, and valuing motherhood are essential acts of resistance in a world that often ignores women’s needs.

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00:26 – Meet Kira: happiness trainer, immigrant, economist, and energy healer.
• 00:05:30 – Rebuilding identity after immigration; multi-passionate living.
• 00:14:10 – Why love makes people uncomfortable—and why that’s powerful.
• 00:19:00 – Feminine leadership in masculine systems.
• 00:25:10 – The corporate world and fear of truth-tellers.
• 00:30:45 – Structure creates freedom: time, routines, and Einstein time.
• 00:37:30 – Power of words: speak beauty, truth, and abundance.
• 00:45:20 – Car-free living for 17 years in Saskatoon: joy, values, and practicality.
• 00:50:45 – Rethinking economics: from GDP to happiness.
• 00:58:10 – Leadership requires self-awareness.
• 01:01:00 – Regret, healing, and using mistakes as data—not shame.
• 01:05:00 – Final wisdom: speak kindly to your body. That’s where revolution begins.

In this powerful episode, Macie Parenteau, a second-year university student and suicide survivor, shares her deeply personal mental health journey—from her diagnosis at age 9 to surviving a suicide attempt at 15. Macie talks openly about anxiety, depression, and the stigma around mental illness, and how fitness, sports, and community became the tools that helped her heal. She honors her mother’s unwavering support and discusses how vulnerability, purpose, and physical strength have reshaped her life. An inspiring story of courage, transformation, and hope.

Key Takeaways

• Early Diagnosis & Struggles: Macie was diagnosed with anxiety and depression at age 9. Her journey included panic attacks, insomnia, and debilitating fear throughout childhood.
• Suicide Survivor: At 15, she attempted suicide. Recovery began with community support, family—especially her mother—and therapy.
• Power of Movement: Athletics and weight training became Macie’s way of expressing strength and gaining mental clarity. She's now a certified personal trainer and strongwoman competition winner.
• Breaking Stigma: Macie’s openness on social media and public speaking (e.g., as a valedictorian) helps normalize mental health conversations.
• Mother’s Role: Her mother is her biggest supporter and the person who helped her rise when she couldn’t do it alone.
• Ongoing Growth: Healing isn’t linear. Macie continues to experience ups and downs and emphasizes giving yourself grace in low moments.

Timestamps

• 00:00:26 – Macie introduces herself and her mental health journey.
• 00:03:00 – Diagnosed at age 9, early symptoms and family response.
• 00:07:45 – Her suicide attempt at 15 and its aftermath.
• 00:11:00 – The role of athletics and the gym in recovery.
• 00:18:10 – Becoming a certified personal trainer and winning a strongwoman competition.
• 00:22:40 – The importance of doing things outside your comfort zone.
• 00:25:15 – The unconditional support of her mother and its impact.
• 00:32:30 – Sharing her story publicly for the first time at graduation.
• 00:36:50 – A reminder that healing isn’t linear and there’s more growth ahead.