Have you ever wondered why we carve pumpkins, dress up, and celebrate all things spooky on Halloween? In this episode, Maria dives deep into the fascinating history of Halloween, exploring how this beloved holiday evolved from ancient traditions to the playful celebration we know today. What You’ll Learn: The origins of Halloween in ancient Celtic …

Podcast Episode Description What does it take to navigate the evolving bereavement sector and make informed decisions about death care services? In this episode, Maria sits down with David Brazeau, communications manager at the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), to explore the changing landscape of funeral homes, crematoriums, and consumer pro…

Have you ever wondered how to make estate planning easier or how often you should update your will? In this episode, Maria sits down with Apeksha Jain, a wills and estates lawyer at Sorbara Law, to answer some of these questions. Apeksha offers practical advice on handling probate, finding trustworthy legal counsel, and making estate planning less …

SHOW NOTES In this episode, Maria sits down with Marny Williams Boladis, the founder of the Hummingbird Center for Hope, a support group dedicated to widowed parents. Marny shares her personal journey of grief and the unique challenges faced by widowed parents and children. Together, they discuss the importance of peer support, recognizing grief mo…

In this episode, Maria chats with Laura Lavallee, CEO of Evergreen Hospice, about the importance of inclusivity, representation, and individualized care in end-of-life support. They explore the challenges of running a non-profit, managing community support, and adapting to the changing needs of an aging demographic. Laura shares her personal journe…

In this episode, Maria chats with Stacey Brown, Director of Soaring Spirits Canada, about her journey through widowhood and the incredible work her organization is doing to support those experiencing grief. They dive into the challenges faced by widowed individuals, the need for improved bereavement policies, and the importance of peer support in f…

How can we better prepare for (un)expected health crises and ensure that our end-of-life wishes are respected? In this episode, Maria sits down with Carly, a critical care nurse and founder of Ace Planning Company, to explore these important questions. Carly shares her journey from the front lines of critical care to founding a company dedicated to…

In this heartfelt discussion with Lori, a nurse deeply involved in bereavement care and part of the Bereavement Ontario Network, we explore how the pandemic has reshaped our approach to grief and legacy planning. In typical Maria fashion, they cover topics that include children's grief to the evolving practices in healthcare settings and the broade…

How can AI help preserve personal narratives and foster intergenerational understanding? In this episode, Maria sits down with Rafi, the entrepreneurial mind behind StoriedLife AI, to explore this and other questions. They discuss how artificial intelligence is innovating senior care by enabling seniors to share and preserve their life stories. The…

In this episode, Maria sits down with Aubrey Stork, the founder of Ritesy, to discuss his innovative approach to the death care industry. Aubrey shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of creating a marketplace for death care services, and his vision for using technology to enhance support for those experiencing loss. They …

Join Maria as she talks with Andrea Levine, a dedicated provider of senior companion services, her approach to dementia care, and her personal journey in the space. Be sure to join me and get your free tickets to The Legacy Expo here! SHOW NOTES Residents’ Bill of Rights: Your rights if you live in a long‑term care home Make a donation to Alzheimer…

In this episode, Maria and Mallory discuss the impact of COVID-19 on estate planning, the challenges of discussing death with young children, and the expected societal changes towards aging and end-of-life planning. They share personal updates and their plans for engaging broader communities in meaningful discussions about the future. Be sure to jo…

Join Maria as she talks with Alicia Vogan, a compassionate funeral director at Peaceful Transitions, about revolutionizing the funeral industry with a focus on transparency, empathy, and personalized care. Be sure to join me and get your free tickets to The Legacy Expo here! SHOW NOTES The original Addams family set with and without color How does …

As we continue our Media Partnership series with The Legacy Expo, Maria welcomes financial expert Andy Kovacs to the podcast. Andy, the founder of Moments of Truth Insurance Services, brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience in the financial services industry, inspired by his father's career during the 1980s recession. In this episode, …

Do you believe in energy? What does a wellness practice look like for you? How often do you meditate, and do you know its benefits? What about journaling? As we continue our media partnership series with The Legacy Expo, Maria covers these topics and more with today’s guest, Jane Lee. Jane is a yoga instructor and author who has a unique perspectiv…