She Flourishes with Brenda Jasmin

• 142. Krista’s Search for a Kidney: A Story of Resilience, Courage and Holding Onto Hope

  How do you stay hopeful when your life turns upside down?In this raw, compassionate conversation, sisters Krista Merkley and Laurie Bruce open up about polycystic kidney disease (PKD), stage 5 kidney failure, the search for a living donor, and the real work of holding on to hope.We talk about what resilience really looks like, not the everyday version, but the kind you find when you’re facing 10% kidney function, dialysis waiting in the wings, and learning to ask for help, even when it’s hard to find the courage to do so.Krista shares how she navigates fear, fatigue, grief, and uncertainty…with radical acceptance, gratitude, and humour (yes…including an orange cat who always knows when to cuddle). Her sister, Laurie, shares the emotional side of watching someone you love go through something you can’t fix.This is a story of resilience, not because everything is okay, but because they keep showing up anyway.If you’ve ever faced something you didn’t choose and wondered how to keep hoping, this episode will meet you right where you are.Content Note:This episode includes discussion of chronic illness and kidney failure. It’s a tender, emotional conversation, so please check in with yourself and listen in a way that feels supportive for you.Meet My Guests: Krista Merkley and Laurie BruceKrista Merkley is a South Huron, Ontario resident whose journey with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) has recently progressed to Stage 5 kidney failure. With her kidney function now critically low, she is actively searching for a living donor and sharing her story, not only for herself, but to highlight the many Canadians hoping for the same chance at restored health. Despite the physical and emotional demands of her condition, Krista continues to work in the learning and development field, bringing the same steady resilience into her professional life that she carries through life.At www.Kidney4Krista.com, Krista shares her experience with openness, humility, and a quiet determination that has resonated widely. Her mission extends far beyond finding her own donor - she aims to demystify living kidney donation, foster informed conversation, and help others understand the meaningful impact one donor can make. Krista’s story is ultimately about resilience, community, and the hope that when people are informed, they’re better equipped to take thoughtful, courageous action.Laurie Bruce is Krista’s sister. Unable to donate herself, Laurie has embraced the role of advocate, helping to share Krista’s story, build understanding, and make learning about living kidney donation feel accessible rather than intimidating. Laurie invites others to “be part of the team” by helping to share Krista’s story, learning more about the urgent need for living kidney donors in Canada.Connect with Krista & Learn More:Ask confidential questions or explore becoming a donor: London Health Sciences Center 1-519-663-3552 - no obligation, just information.Learn more about Krista, PKD or Living Kidney Donation:www.kidney4krista.comConnect with Krista on social media: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kidney4krista.ca/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Kidney4Krista-61555401882150/Watch, Like and Share the short documentary on living donation featuring Krista and anonymous donor Wency:A Big Ask ?Paired exchange kidney donation program:   https://www.blood.ca/en/organs-tissues/living-organ-donation/kidney-paired-donation• Register to become a donor or check your registration status: https://beadonor.ca/If this episode touched your heart, please help us to increase awareness and share Krista’s story. Every share helps. 💛Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:Email: [email protected]: @_brendajaminhttps://www.instagram.com/_brendajasmin/Website: www.brendajasmin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/Original music for She Flourishes podcast composed by Leah Hidalgowww.leahhidalgo.com

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• 141. The Magic of Manifesting: Myths, Misconceptions & What Really Works with Renée Walker & Binu Dhindsa

  From parking spots to purpose, we’re exploring the truth behind manifesting.What is manifesting, really? And where’s the line between grounded spirituality and magical thinking?In this fun, honest, yet deep conversation, I’m joined by two of my business and real-life besties, Renée Walker (host of Spiritually Wired) and Binu Dhindsa (host of High Vibes with Binu). Together, we pull back the curtain on manifesting…beyond the buzzwords, the Instagram quotes, and the “just believe and it will appear” vibe.We talk about what manifesting actually means to each of us, how it overlaps with positive psychology and goal-setting, and why action, identity, and nervous system safety must be part of the conversation. We also go there with the “danger zones” of manifesting…like blaming yourself when things don’t work out or thinking you can meditate your way into a new life without ever changing your behaviour.You’ll hear stories of money “out of nowhere,” wild synchronicities (including an unforgettable story from my first business at 25), and the kind of everyday magic that’s hard to explain, but even harder to ignore.If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at manifesting or secretly wanted to believe in it more, this episode is for you.Meet our guests, Renée Walker and Binu DhindsaRenée Walker is the founder of Renée Walker Wellness, a wellness company dedicated to empowering women to achieve optimal well-being and fulfillment. She is the host of the Spiritually Wired Podcast and leads the Spiritually Wired Membership, supporting members in elevating their mindset and spiritual connection through daily practices, coaching, and a soul-led community.Binu Dhindsa is the visionary founder of the LIMITLESS mentorship program, a transformative space where spiritually driven women leaders step fully into their power and turn their boldest, most magical ideas into reality. She is also the creator of the Money Shift Mini-Course, where spirituality and money come together, and more money can get in the hands of more good women. This is how we change this world for the better. As the host of the High Vibes with Binu Podcast and the guide behind soul-led programs and events, she empowers women to rise into overflow in life, love, and business while embodying the ease, flow, and freedom that comes from living in alignment.ManifestHER Live Event (February 6, 2026)Renée and Binu are also the creators of ManifestHER, a powerful in-person experience for spiritually minded women who want to cast a bold vision, shift their beliefs, and become the woman who can hold what she’s calling in.I’m thrilled to be back as MC this year, and if you loved this conversation, you will love being in that room.Get all the details & tickets for ManifestHER here:https://www.binu.ca/manifestherHere’s how you can connect with Binu Dhindsa:Podcast: High Vibes with Binu https://www.binu.ca/high-vibesWebsite: www.binu.caInstagram: @binudhindsaHere’s how you can connect with Renée Walker:Podcast:  Spiritually Wired -  https://spirituallywired.buzzsprout.com/Website:  http://www.reneewalkerwellness.com/Instagram: @reneewalkerwellnessHere’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:Instagram: @_brendajasminWebsite: www.brendajasmin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/Get Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happierOriginal music composed by Leah Hidalgowww.leahhidalgo.com

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• 140. Bloopers, Belief and Behind the Scenes: A Candid Chat with Podcast Producer, Stacy Maynard

  This week, we’re celebrating 3 years and 140 episodes of the She Flourishes podcast with a very special guest…the woman who has quietly been part of every single episode behind the scenes.Stay to the end for the episode bloopers from the episode.My podcast producer, Stacy Maynard, joins me on the mic for the first time to pull back the curtain on what really goes into creating and sustaining a show like She Flourishes. Stacy is the one who saw the podcaster in me long before I ever did, and she has been holding that vision, telling me the truth and working her editing magic from day one.In this honest, funny and heartfelt conversation, we talk about the evolution of the show, the vulnerable moments you never hear about, and how podcasting has helped me find my voice, build trust with listeners and open unexpected doors in my life and business.In this episode, you’ll hear:How She Flourishes began as a “maybe one day” idea and the conversation where Stacy first told me, “Why are you keeping yourself a secret?”What a podcast producer actually does behind the scenes and why trust between host and producer matters so muchThe tech and audio side of things you never see, from bloopers and barking dogs to soundboards and flow states while editingHow the show has evolved over 3 years from Q and A style interviews to deeper conversation, more solo episodes and finding my voice as a hostWhy consistency is powerful, but taking breaks and redefining the “I have to” rules has been essential to avoiding burnoutThe ripple effect of the podcast, including how listening has impacted Stacy and how the show has led to speaking opportunities and new clientsStacy’s honest take on AI, podcasting and why real human voices and stories still matter more than everThe one thing Stacy most recommends women do to flourish in their lives: use your voice and stop believing that “it has already been said, so it doesn’t need to come from me”If She Flourishes has encouraged you, helped you feel less alone or nudged you toward your own dreams, we would love to hear from you. Your messages are what keep us going and remind us why this labor of love matters.Thank you for being part of the She Flourishes community and for celebrating 3 years of conversations, courage and growth with us. 💛About Stacy Maynard:🎙️ Stacy helps creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs turn their voice into high-impact content—without the overwhelm.Through The City Media Group and suite of brands, she builds smart systems that make podcasting and content creation scalable, strategic, and fun.💡 What she does best:Simplify the tech behind your messageBuild systems that save time & grow reachTeach creators how to launch podcasts that actually workWant to start your own Podcast? Learn the strategies in this free Masterclass:https://www.themastermind.city/podcastingmasterclassHere’s how you can connect with Stacy Maynard:https://stacymaynard.com/@sociallystacyHere’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:Instagram: @_brendajasminGet Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happierWebsite: www.brendajasmin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/Original music composed by Leah Hidalgowww.leahhidalgo.com

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• 139. How to Create More Joy and Less Overwhelm This December

  The holiday season can be beautiful, but let’s face it, it can also be a lot. Between the never-ending to-do lists, the emotional labour, the pressure to “make the magic,” and the expectations we carry (often quietly), many women end the season feeling depleted or like they’ve created the magic for everyone else, while sacrificing their own joy in the process.In this episode, Brenda offers a gentle pause before the holiday season begins… a moment to breathe, reset, and so you can show up to December with more calm, more intention, and more you. She shares insights from positive psychology, reflections from past holiday seasons (including a deeply personal story about her mom), and one simple but powerful question you can ask yourself now that can completely shift the way you move through the month ahead.If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by the holidays or exhausted by the invisible load you carry, this episode will feel like a cozy conversation over a cup of warm tea with a friend.And at the end of the episode, Brenda shares a special invitation to join her brand-new 5-day virtual experience, Design Your December, beginning November 24th.In This Episode You’ll Learn:Why the holiday season drains women differently (and what to do about it)The positive psychology research behind decision fatigue, willpower depletion, and emotional labourWhy “making the magic” often comes at a cost, and how to change thatHow a pivotal moment in Brenda’s life shifted her entire approach to the holidaysThe truth about what women actually want from December (hint: it’s not perfection)One simple but powerful reflection that can help you take back your peace this seasonHow to move into the holidays with intention instead of autopilotA Gentle Invitation: Design Your December (Starts Nov. 24)If you’re craving a calmer, more meaningful holiday season, join Brenda for Design Your December, a gentle, 5-day virtual experience to help you:✨ protect your peace✨ find your joy✨ honour your energy✨ set compassionate boundaries✨ reconnect with what truly matters✨ intentionally design a December that includes YOU tooThis isn’t a course or a challenge. It’s a few grounding minutes each day that can shift your whole season. You’ll receive an email each morning with your daily prompt. You can connect with others in a pop-up Telegram Community created especially for this Design Your December experience. 👉 Join Design Your December here: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/DYDStarts Monday, November 24th, 2025. To make this feel accessible and doable during a busy season, the entire 5-day experience is just $27.Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:Instagram: @_brendajasminWebsite: www.brendajasmin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/Download Brenda’s Gratitude Guide:https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/gratitudeguideGet Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happierOriginal music composed by Leah Hidalgowww.leahhidalgo.com

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• 138. Burnout: Why So Many Women Are Hitting the Wall with Mel Grime

  Are you exhausted from “doing all the things” and still feeling like it’s never enough? In this episode, I’m joined by burnout & alignment coach Mel Grime to talk honestly about burnout, recovery, and what it really means to live in alignment as a woman in 2025. Tune in to hear Mel’s powerful personal story of being brought to her knees by burnout. She shares how panic attacks, depression, autoimmune issues, and the pressure to be “perfect” at work and at home, culminated in a pivotal turning point that led her to completely reimagine her life, her work, and her definition of success.We explore why so many women are burning out, how to spot the early signs, and the simple “micro moments of pause” you can weave into your day so you can reconnect with yourself, your intuition, and the life you truly want.This one is especially for you if you’re:Constantly “on,” juggling work, family, aging parents, and a million invisible tasksWorried you’re on a fast track to burnout (or already there)Doing all the “healthy” things but still feeling numb, disconnected or resentfulLonging for a life and schedule that feels more easeful, grounded, and alignedMel is also hosting a free online workshop, The Aligned Woman, on November 19, 2025, where she’ll walk you through her ALIGN framework and share more about her new Aligned Woman membership.👉 Sign up for Mel’s free Aligned Woman masterclass here: https://www.melaniegrimerhn.com/aligned-woman-workshopAbout Mel Grime:Mel Grime is a burnout and alignment coach, yoga teacher, and the founder of Soul Food with Mel. After more than a decade working as a holistic nutritionist, she realized that true wellness goes far beyond what’s on your plate…it’s about coming home to yourself. Through her own personal burnout journey, her programs, retreats, and community spaces, Mel helps women move from burnout and self-doubt to balance, clarity, and self-trust. Her work blends mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and soulful connection to help women live with more ease and alignment.Here's how you can connect with Mel:Website: https://www.melaniegrimerhn.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/melaniegrimerhn/Sign up for Mel’s free Aligned Woman masterclass here: https://www.melaniegrimerhn.com/aligned-woman-workshopHere’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:Instagram: @_brendajasminGet Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happierWebsite: www.brendajasmin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/Original music composed by Leah Hidalgowww.leahhidalgo.com

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