Welcome back to Spiritual Fertility! In this heartfelt episode, host Alison Bucklin sits down with her longtime friend and creative powerhouse, Heather Parady. Together, they dive into the winding paths of creative entrepreneurship, personal reinvention, and spiritual growth.

You’ll hear how Heather Parady’s journey from ministry school to creative consultant was guided by bold synchronicities and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The conversation explores everything from the challenges of breaking free from religious conditioning, to the beauty of finding a relationship with the divine through creativity and self-expression.

You’ll also get a peek into the spiritual and practical tools that have shaped their lives—like human design, numerology, journaling, and the courage to rest, evolve, and parent with open-hearted vulnerability.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration to birth your own creative vision or longing for connection on your spiritual path, this episode is sure to spark hope, curiosity, and maybe even your next big leap.

(00:00) "Connections Made Through LinkedIn"

(05:21) "Embracing Wildness and Presence"

(08:12) Unconventional Leaders Take Many Forms

(10:53) "Spiritual Awareness and Intuition"

(13:33) "Finding God Through Creativity"

(18:00) "Exploring Spiritual Freedom"

(20:00) "Helping Visionaries Communicate and Prosper"

(23:01) "Embracing Rest and Renewal"

(28:35) "Power of Creating and Sharing"

(31:31) "Embracing Feminine Abundance"

(34:51) "Living the Illusion of Enough"

(35:37) "Irrevocable Gifts and Calling"

Heather Parady is a mental health therapist turned creative strategist and online entrepreneur. She has hosted multiple top-ranking podcasts, conducted over 1,000 interviews, and collaborated with brands like Old Navy on impactful storytelling. She has been featured in Forbes and Pop-Sugar (no, she didn't pay for either). Passionate about helping unconventional leaders amplify their voices, Heather combines creative strategy with storytelling to empower others to scale their impact and make a big ‘ole difference in their work.

Heather has always loved diving into the weird and wonderful corners of life. A committed journaler, she writes almost every day, and each year returns to the pages of old journals, unearthing patterns and memories she might otherwise forget. Recently, while leafing through her 2019 entries, Heather rediscovered her early adventures building relationships on LinkedIn—an intention she had set and surprisingly forgotten. In a twist of fate, on the very morning she read about these efforts, she found herself in a conversation rooted in those very connections. For Heather, it’s proof of how life loops back in unexpected ways—something she finds both wild and deeply interesting.

Connect with Heather:

Website: https://www.heatherparady.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady

Unconventional Leaders Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

Welcome back to Spiritual Fertility! In this heartfelt episode, Alison Bucklin sits down with Wendy Letow, founder and executive director of Respite Retreats, a nonprofit that provides comfort and support to those affected by cancer. As they dive into Wendy’s remarkable journey, you’ll hear how a single act of compassion as a massage therapist set her on a path to dedicate her life to helping the cancer community—not once, but twice, by founding two impactful nonprofits.

Wendy Letow opens up about her own cancer diagnosis, caring for her mother through a terminal illness, and the profound lessons these experiences brought. The conversation explores the ups and downs of personal transformation, the importance of listening to your own inner guidance, and the power of stepping away from life’s noise to reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Together, Alison and Wendy reflect on the magic that happens when you create space for healing, the courage it takes to live intentionally, and why sometimes, “enough” truly is enough.

Whether you’re on your own healing journey or supporting someone through theirs, this episode offers inspiration, hope, and a gentle reminder to honor your light—and let it shine. Join us for this intimate, soulful conversation on courage, self-awareness, and the beauty that emerges from vulnerability and connection.

(00:00) "Choosing Courage and Alignment"

(04:11) "Respite Retreats and Wende's Vision"

(07:50) "Founding Nonprofits for Cancer Support"

(10:36) "Doctor Suggests Skipping Exam"

(15:52) "Mentorship, Growth, and Nonprofit Evolution"

(19:42) "Refocusing to Serve Cancer Community"

(21:25) "Finding Purpose Behind Respite Retreats"

(25:15) "Reconnecting Beyond the Diagnosis"

(29:43) "Embracing Light and Purpose"

(31:22) "Creating and Expanding Supportive Spaces"

(37:50) "Rediscovering Spiritual Connection"

(39:25) "Trust the Unfolding Process"

(44:15) "Hello from the Past"

(46:54) "Spiritual Fertility Podcast Invite"

Connect with Wendy & Respite Retreats:

Respite Retreats is compassionate, understanding, and committed to those affected by cancer—all growing from deeply personal experiences.

Website: https://www.respiteretreats.org/

Wendy Letow - Founder & Executive Director

wletow@respiteretreats.org

LinkedIn

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Spiritual Fertility! This week, Alison Bucklin sits down with her long-time friend and guest, Louise Reid, for a candid conversation about life's major transitions. Louise, a seasoned HR and talent management expert turned transformational coach, shares her personal journey of overcoming toxic work environments, healing through adversity, and embracing change with courage.

Together, they explore the inner and outer shifts that accompany career transitions, relationships, and the evolving landscape of spirituality. From leaning into mindfulness and self-awareness to rediscovering community and connection, this episode is packed with empowering insights for anyone navigating their own season of transformation.

Whether you’re craving inspiration, practical tools, or just a reminder that you’re not alone, tune in for a heartfelt dialogue about rebirth, resilience, and the beauty of becoming.

(00:00) Embracing Life's Transitions

(05:40) "No Humanity in Human Resources"

(07:01) "Toxic Work and Personal Trauma"

(11:02) "Overcoming Challenges with Resilience"

(13:36) "Inner Transitions and Growth"

(17:06) "Exploring Spirituality and Wellness"

(22:19) "Humanizing Leadership: Building True Confidence"

(23:57) "Honoring Julia's Legacy"

(28:27) "Detaching Through Pure Intention"

(33:26) Mindful Leadership Integration

(34:37) "Gratitude and Collaboration Shared"

Louise H. Reid:

As founder and Chief Empowerment Officer at LHR Leadership Development & Coaching, Louise is on a mission to humanize leadership by helping leaders lead themselves first. She’s witnessed—and personally experienced—the cost of well-intentioned but ill-equipped leadership, and knows the power of self-awareness, mindfulness, and strengths-based growth to transform communication, relationships, and team culture.

With a heads-on, hearts-in approach grounded in her own journey—including yoga training and deepening mindfulness practice—Louise brings a unique blend of science and soul to her work, helping leaders cultivate presence, resilience, and authentic connection.

Based in the Toronto area, Louise draws on 20+ years of HR and leadership expertise across high-tech, aviation, utilities, and non-profit sectors.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo, is a Certified HR Leader and Certified Organizational Coach (UBC & ICF), and is a 3X #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. and proud mama to four boys.

Connect with Louise:

Website: https://www.humanizingleadership.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisehreid/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanizing_leadership/

To get your copy of Humanizing Leadership, select where you’re located: United States, Canada ,