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Nat Bickel is an energetic writer who moves people to action with her words. She's the author of "The Volcaton No One Could See" and other children's books. When she's not writing, you can find her taking film photos, pressing flowers or blazing new trails with her husband.

Vie Portland helps people Find Their Fabulous! One of the ways she does this is through writing inclusive children's picture books that are fun, sometimes silly, confidence boosting, and where most children will feel represented. She also writes books for adults, runs workshops, facilitates training, and is an inspirational speaker, all around helping everyone Find Their Fabulous.

Join us as children's book author Kathy Schendt shares the story of Miracle, the Therapy Dog. All proceeds from sales of Kathy & Miracle's book will be donated to charity.

It's time for the final installment of our 4-part "Choosing Ourselves" series and we're welcoming guest Dawn Smith with "Embracing the Labels" Dawn Smith describes herself as a Misfit, a Coach, an Artist, a Mom, and a Disruptor. She has a background originally in the social justice and nonprofit arts world before transitioning into counseling and coaching. Dawn is divorced, single, and super-duper passionate about disrupting outdated relationship myths... (while making time to squeeze in making churro donuts and multimedia paintings) Exchange Quotes: "The road to freedom is not through feeling good; it is through feeling true to yourself." – Deepak Chopra "It's the fabric of who you are and how you look at the world." - Dawn Smith "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." – Ralph Waldo Emerson Exchange Links: Find Dawn at www.relationshipcoachdawn.com We are @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram Get the weekly story prompt at www.kellysniderauthor.com

It's week 3 of our 4-part "Choosing Ourselves" series and we're welcoming guest Cheri Paragi with "Paying Attention" Cheri Paragi is from Minnesota and the owner of GemMe Wands. She is married to her second husband and has two young adult daughters with special needs and medical complexities. Cheri is a firm believer in "paying it" forward both personally and professionally. In her quest to find herself again, she has come to realize that listening to her intuition, the universe and trust are key elements to her personal and professional success.  Exchange Quotes: "Advice from an owl: stay focused, be "whoo" you are, trust in a wise friend, live off the land, glide through the dark times, be observant, life's a hoot!" Ilan Shamir  "The Universe gives us all the details we need when we pause long enough to see the greatness in everything." - Laurie Wondra  Exchange Links: Find Cheri at www.gemmewands.com We are @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram Get the weekly story prompt at www.kellysniderauthor.com

This week we highlight the second guest of our "Choosing Ourselves" series, Annette Moreau. Annette Moreau is a woman who knows what it feels like to lose herself to ALL THE STUFF OF LIFE. As a mother of two sons with significant medical challenges, she spent years overwhelmed, emotionally drained, unhappy and searching for peace. Through deep healing, personal growth, and spiritual connection, she found her way back to herself. Now, she lives with a renewed sense of purpose, joy, and clarity. She knows how to confidently feel more happiness and be in control of her life so she can always get what she wants— and she's passionate about sharing her story and knowledge, through her coaching business, to inspire others to do the same.  Exchange Quotes: "You will never be able to escape your heart. So, it's better to listen to what it has to say" – Paulo Coelho.  "You had the power all along, my dear" – Glinda the Good Witch, Wizard of Oz Exchange Links: Find Annette at www.annettemoreau.com We are @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram Get the weekly story prompt at www.kellysniderauthor.com

This week kicks off the first in our "Choosing Ourselves" series with guest Wendy Macdowall. Wendy Macdowall, mom to three sons and a bonus daughter, is a relationship coach, dv survivor, and book dragon. Wendy keeps her book hoard in Michigan where she lives with her husband Rob, two cats, and an elderly poodle. Wendy loves to go on travel adventures, to literary destinations (she has visited a LOT of castles) and more recently to visit her adorable granddaughters (she has two).  Exchange Quotes: "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." – Aristotle  "Every life is a matter of choices and the choices you make, make you." – John Maxwell Exchange Links: Find Wendy at www.therelationshipnerd.com We are @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram Get the weekly story prompt at www.kellysniderauthor.com

This week, we welcome Dana Lee Harris to the podcast. Dana Harris was born in California, and grew up in both Hawaii and Vancouver, BC. She developed an interest in the hospitality business very early and gained front-of-house experience as a server while taking sales, marketing, business, and event management courses. Her father's hobby wine import business gave her a great introduction to the field of beverage sales, and she worked briefly with his company before it was sold to an agency that she worked with for 13 years. Subsequently, she became the Regional Manager for Robert Mondavi in 2002 and then started her own marketing, PR and events business in 2006 along with being the executive Director of the BC Hospitality Foundation for 3 years. She gives back as a volunteer on many levels... as a fitness instructor, a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, a board member with the BC Hospitality Foundation and on several hospitality-related committees. She has been married To Dean for over 24 years and is a new grandmother of Charlie, who was named after her father. She loves to golf, workout, entertain and be entertained.  Exchange Quotes: "No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it." – Dieter F. Uchtdorf "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping," – Fred Rogers "Giving thanks, expressing our gratitude to others, and giving back in even the smallest of ways all add a true richness to our lives." – Kathy Davis Exchange Links: Join the Epic Exchanges Story Circle We are @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram www.kellysniderauthor.com

This week, we welcome Pearl Chiarenza to the podcast.  Pearl Chiarenza is best known for helping women authentically put themselves first without guilt. Professionally, she is known as a transformational life coach, author, and speaker that helps women become the SHERO of their life. She loves empowering women to put on their "SHERO Cape" and assume the superpower of positive mindset despite any challenges life throws your way. Pearl has been married to Chuck for 35 years and is a mom of two boys Matt (forever 25) and Nate 23.  Exchange Quotes: "When you engage in people pleasing you are out of integrity with yourself, your goals, your dreams, and your life's mission." – Eileen Anglin "Don't be afraid of losing people but be afraid of losing yourself trying to make everyone happy." – Naguib Mahfouz Exchange Links: Take Pearl's quiz at https://pearlssurvey.com/pqquiz Head to Pearl's website: https://www.wsliving.com Connect with Pearl on Social Media @pearlchiarenza We are @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram www.kellysniderauthor.com

This week, we welcome Derrick McManus to the podcast.  Derrick McManus was a police officer in Australia for 42 years. Many of those years were spent as part of the Special Task And Rescue, or STAR team. Similar to SWAT or Seal team, these officers were the ones called in the more difficult situations. On one of these tasks, he was shot 14 times with an automatic rifle, was close to death, but 2 years later returned to full his full duties on the team. After retiring six years ago, Derrick now works as a motivational speaker and workshop leader, talking and teaching about human durability. Exchange Quotes: "I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life through conscious endeavour." – Henry David Thoreau "Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence." = Peter A. Levine Exchange Links: Find Derrick on his website at www.derrickmcmanus.com Connect with Derrick on social media @derrickmcmanus Follow @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram www.kellysniderauthor.com

This week, we welcome Pete Partin to the podcast. Pete Partin is a motivational speaker, author, and artist who overcame extreme childhood abuse, bullying, trauma, and a stroke that forced him to learn how to speak again. Pete's goal is to share his light and his story of hope and resilience with others to show how anyone can overcome challenges, pain, or trauma.  Exchange Quotes: "Survival can be summed up in three words – never give up. That's the heart of it really. Just keep trying." – Bear Grylls "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." – Maya Angelou Exchange Links: Follow Pete on Facebook - @PositivelyPete, TikTok @positively_pete and LinkedIn @petepartin Follow @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram www.kellysniderauthor.com

This week, we welcome Julie DeLucca-Collins to the podcast. Growing up in El Salvador before moving to the United States, Julie DeLucca-Collins struggled with feelings that she could not, and would not, ever belong, before intentionally seeking to uplevel her confidence. In her TEDx speech, Julie talks about constant feelings of being "too much" or "too little" for certain groups of people, struggling to find somewhere she belongs. Her journey to finding belonging and self-confidence is an important story for anyone struggling to find where they belong in the world. Julie is the Host of the Casa DeConfidence Podcast, aTEDx Speaker, and the CEO of Go Confidently Services. Exchange Quotes: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined." – Henry David Thoreau "Go confidently with your dreams and a whole new world of possibilities will open up to you." – Mackenzie Glanville  Exchange Links: Find Julie on her website at www.wrgoconfidentlycoaching.com You can also follow Julie on Facebook - @jdelucca, Instagram @julie_deluccacollins, and TikTok @juliedcbusinesscoach Follow @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram

This week, we welcome Dr. Leticia Wright to the podcast. Dr. Letitia Wright is the Executive Producer and Host of Wright Place TV which has run on cable for over 22 years. A Former Chiropractor, Dr. Wright transitioned into the Media World. Wright Place TV is in its 23rd season with a bandwidth spanning over 6.5 million homes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition to her media work, she is a Top 100 Crowdfunding Expert in the United States, focusing on putting funding and money into the hands of women and minority owned businesses. Exchange Quotes: "A pivot is a change in strategy without a change in vision." – Eric Ries "Pivoting does not mean changing your goal but rather changing your strategy to realize that goal." – Steve Pemberton Exchange Links: Find Leticia on her website at www.wrightplacetv.com You can also follow Dr. Wright on Facebook - @DrLWright, LinkedIn @drleticiawright, and TikTok @yourcrowdfundingexpert Follow @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram www.kellysniderauthor.com

As Canada celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend, we are not entering what we like to call the Season of Gratitude, that takes us through US Thanksgiving and into the December holiday season. Practicing gratitude is way more than just being thankful. It changes how we show up in the world, it helps us find healing, and then gives us even more to be grateful for.  Exchange Quotes: "If you can take your worst day and find something to turn it into your best day, then you find grace and gratitude. And life is always a gift." - Tony Robbins "Being thankful changes your perspective. The discipline of gratefulness has the ability to redeem even the most awful day." - Robyn Tidrick in "The Strength to Shift" Exchange Links: Follow our Season of Gratitude on Facebook and Instagram @EpicExchanges Get your copy of The Strength to Shift or Your Story Your Strength on Amazon today. www.kellysniderauthor.com

This week, we welcome Debbie Crouch to the podcast. Debbie Crouch is an inspiring artist and the founder of Art for Wellness CIC, where she uses creativity as a tool for personal growth and healing. Overcoming challenges such as a difficult childhood, neurological disorders, and a mental breakdown, she rediscovered her passion for art as a form of self-expression and therapy. Today, she empowers others to embrace their creativity and inner voice on their path to wellness and self-love. Exchange Quotes: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." — C.S. Lewis "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." — Maya Angelou  Exchange Links: Find Debbie on FB @artforwellness and IG @art.for.wellness.cic Listen to Debbie's podcast Create Your Best Life on Podbean. Follow @epicexchanges on Facebook and Instagram www.kellysniderauthor.com