Episode 38: Leadership That Listens: Inside Education with Kathy McDonald

🎙️ Episode 39: Are We Building Lives We Don’t Even Enjoy?

🎙️ Episode 39: Are We Building Lives We Don’t Even Enjoy? What if the life you’ve worked so hard to build isn’t actually making you happy? In this powerful solo episode of The Monie Podcast, Monie takes a step back from the hustle and asks a question many of us avoid: Are we building lives we don’t even enjoy? From chasing success and checking off milestones to managing careers, relationships, responsibilities, and expectations, many of us have become experts at staying busy—but have we forgotten how to truly live? In this honest and thought-provoking conversation, Monie explores the difference between achievement and fulfillment, the pressure to always be productive, and why so many people feel exhausted despite doing everything “right.” Drawing from her own experiences balancing multiple jobs, family responsibilities, health challenges, entrepreneurship, and podcasting, Monie reflects on what it means to build a life that looks successful on the outside while questioning whether it feels meaningful on the inside. 📊 In this episode, we also discuss: • Why so many people are feeling overwhelmed and burned out • What recent surveys reveal about stress, workplace engagement, and life satisfaction • The impact of social media on our expectations and self-worth • Why success doesn’t always equal happiness • How to stop postponing joy until “someday” • Questions we should all ask ourselves about the lives we’re creating This episode is a reminder that life isn’t just about reaching the next goal. It’s about creating moments, experiences, and relationships that make the journey worth living. 💭 Ask yourself: If your life stayed exactly the same for the next five years, would you be happy? If that question makes you uncomfortable, this episode is for you. ⸻ ✨ GOOD THINGS ARE COMING ✨ Good things are coming—not because you’re working yourself into exhaustion, but because you’re learning that your worth is not measured by your productivity. Good things are coming because you’re beginning to prioritize peace, purpose, joy, and fulfillment. You deserve a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside. ⸻ 🎙️ Subscribe to The Monie Podcast for more real conversations about life, mental health, relationships, purpose, personal growth, and the experiences that connect us all. 👍 Like, Comment & Share 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications 📺 Watch on YouTube 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts Thank you for being part of this community. And remember… Good things are coming 💫 #TheMoniePodcast #SoloEpisode #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Purpose #Burnout #LifeLessons #SelfReflection #Podcast

Episode 38: Leadership That Listens: Inside Education with Kathy McDonald

What does it really mean to lead in education? In this episode of The Monie Podcast, Monie sits down with Kathy McDonald, Former Trustee with an Educational Institution for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about leadership, advocacy, education, and community impact. Kathy shares her journey into public service, the responsibilities that come with serving as a school board trustee, and the importance of listening to the voices of students, families, educators, and communities. Together, they explore the evolving challenges facing today’s education system and discuss how leadership can help create positive change. The conversation also examines issues of equity, inclusion, student well-being, community engagement, and the ongoing work of creating environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, community advocate, or someone interested in leadership and public service, this episode offers valuable insight into the decisions, conversations, and responsibilities that help shape education. In This Episode: 🎙️ Kathy’s journey into educational leadership and public service 📚 What a school board trustee actually does 🏫 The challenges and opportunities facing schools today 🧠 Student mental health and well-being 🤝 Building stronger connections between schools and communities 🌍 Equity, inclusion, and educational advocacy ✨ Leadership lessons and the importance of listening This episode is a reminder that meaningful leadership begins with understanding, empathy, and a commitment to serving others. ⸻ 📺 Watch, Like, Comment & Subscribe to The Monie Podcast for more inspiring conversations with leaders, changemakers, professionals, and everyday people making a difference. 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 37: Normalizing Grief — Healing After Loss with Erica Elita

Grief is something we all experience… but rarely talk about openly. In this deeply moving episode of The Monie Podcast, Monie sits down with Erica Elita for an honest and heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, and what it truly means to grieve. Together, they explore the realities of grief that many people struggle with in silence — the waves of emotion, the unexpected triggers, and the pressure to “move on” before you’re ready. Erica shares her personal journey, offering insight, vulnerability, and reassurance to anyone navigating life after loss. This episode is a safe space — whether you’re currently grieving, supporting someone who is, or still carrying pain from the past. 💔 In this episode, we talk about: • What grief really feels like (beyond what people see) • The different stages and how they show up in real life • Coping with loss and giving yourself permission to feel • Supporting loved ones who are grieving • Letting go of timelines and expectations • Finding healing, even in the hardest moments This conversation will remind you that you’re not alone — and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. 🎧 Watch now and join the conversation. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to The Monie Podcast for more real, meaningful conversations. 📺 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Episode 36: Why Dating in Toronto Is So Hard — Love, Apps & Modern Relationships with Shannon Tebb

Get ready for a real, unfiltered conversation about love in the city 💕✨ This week on The Monie Podcast, I sit down with relationship expert and dating coach Shannon Tebb, also known as Shanny in the City, to talk all things dating in Toronto — and let’s just say… nothing is off limits 👀 From navigating dating apps to spotting red flags early, Shannon breaks down what’s really happening in today’s dating scene and why so many people are feeling frustrated, confused, or stuck. We dive into age-gap relationships, emotional availability, intentional dating, and what it actually takes to build something meaningful in a fast-paced, swipe-heavy culture. Whether you’re single, dating, healing, or trying again, this episode will challenge how you think about love — and help you move smarter, not harder. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ The reality of dating in Toronto ✨ Dating apps: are they helping or hurting? ✨ Red flags you should never ignore ✨ Age-gap relationships — what works and what doesn’t ✨ How to date with intention and protect your peace ✨ What meaningful love really looks like today If you’ve ever felt like “dating is exhausting” or wondered if real love still exists… this conversation is for you. 🎙️ Tune in now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and share with someone who needs this Good things are coming 💫

🎙️ Episode 35: Full Circle — My Mom Returns for Mother’s Day & My Birthday Special

This week on The Monie Podcast, Monie celebrates a very special full-circle moment. In honor of Mother’s Day and her birthday, Monie welcomes back the very first guest ever featured on the podcast — her mother, Sylvia — for a heartfelt conversation about motherhood, growth, family, faith, life lessons, and the journey they’ve shared together. This episode is filled with laughter, reflection, wisdom, and genuine mother-daughter moments that will make you smile, reflect, and maybe even call your mom afterward 💜 Together, they discuss: ✨ What life has looked like for Sylvia over the past year ✨ The highs, challenges, and lessons of motherhood ✨ What Monie was like growing up ✨ Faith, family, and resilience ✨ Funny memories and mother-daughter moments ✨ Aging, wisdom, and personal growth Monie also opens up about entering a new chapter of life, the lessons she has learned over the past year, her personal reflections, birthday goals, and the mindset she’s carrying into this next season. And of course, the episode includes a fun “Who’s Most Likely To?” game that brings out lots of laughs and personality between mother and daughter. 💜 Good Things Are Coming Segment: A reminder to celebrate your growth, embrace the people who love you, and honor every step of your journey — because even the small moments can become beautiful full-circle blessings. Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, reflecting on life, or simply needing a feel-good conversation, this episode is for you. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to The Monie Podcast ✨ #TheMoniePodcast #Episode35 #MothersDay #BirthdayEpisode #MotherDaughter #Family #GoodThingsAreComing