Inspiring Stories

Hosted by Michael Clogs

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306

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Apr 2026

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About the show

We are talking with people who serve our global and local communities as experts and policy creators. These have an influence on the community around us. As you listen you can gain tips to help you and your business gain more influence and sell more products in your local community. Remember People buy from those they recognize and trust. #inspiringstories #entrepreneur #business #iTunes #life #JOY Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support .

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60 recent

April 30, 202639 min

Chanelle founded Chic and Charmed before finishing high school

Hi, I’m Chanelle, a 16-year-old entrepreneur from Saskatoon, and the founder of Chic & Charmed Boutique. I started the brand at 13, and in just a few years, I’ve grown it into a national jewellery brand with customers across Canada. I built it through trade shows, strong online sales, and billboard advertising, even having my brand featured on billboards across my city while still in high school. I’ve also taken the brand on a Canada-wide tour, showcasing in cities like Saskatoon, Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto, continuing to expand into new markets across the country. Balancing school and business hasn’t been easy, but it’s pushed me to stay disciplined and think bigger at a young age. I’ve been featured on outlets like CTV, Global News, and CityNews, and have showcased at major events like the National Women’s Show and Calgary Stampede. For me, it’s about showing that age doesn’t limit what you can build, it can actually be your advantage.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

April 29, 202646 min

Failure is not an option with Cyndee Woolley

Failure was not an option I started my career in communications for the construction industry — and from day one, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. But as a single mom, the timing never felt right. Then the economy collapsed. The downturn of 2007 to 2009 gave me the push I needed. I launched C2 Communications — and failure simply was not an option. More than 16 years later, that decision gave my daughter and me an extraordinary life: adventure, educational flexibility, and work that genuinely matters. Over 25 years, I've helped businesses, nonprofits, and political campaigns do one thing — cut through the noise and get heard by the people who matter most. Whether the goal was boosting sales, inspiring votes, or building lasting community pride, my work has always been about messages that don't just get attention — they drive action. Today, I host Cutting Through the Clutter on the Mission Matters Network, bringing in experts every week to help leaders build communication strategies that actually stick. It all comes down to one belief: the right message, delivered to the right audience, at the right time, changes everything.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

April 5, 20261 hr 31 min

Lets talk about life with a disability

Emily Ava Gillespie (they/she) is an author, disability activist, and professional daydreamer. They won the 2021 Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award from Nipissing University. Gillespie has a BA in Gender Equality and Social Justice and an MA in Critical Disability Studies. They earned a certificate in Creative Writing from Concordia University. They have volunteered and worked in the disability community as an activist, researcher, peer support and facilitator for fifteen years. Gillespie is also an author and performance artist. Her work explores themes of memory, identity and mental health journeys. They enjoy working in community spaces and examining individual and collective experiences. Dancing with Ghosts (Leaping Lion Books, 2017) is her first novel. Their poetry and short-stories can be found in several journals and anthologies. She co-edited Mighty: an Anthology of Disabled Superheroes by Renaissance Press published fall 2023. Her most recent novel is titled Wait With Me and was released in 2025.Emily's contact: https://www.facebook.com/Gillespie.Em/ Instagram: ava.emily.gillespie https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16337475.Emily_Gillespie?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ07tRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwa1BURDZHYk5zRG5rNHhNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp2CWBW74Ai9dVz7oWfEDfSOqZR1Bp3hZiFTZLm4EESAx5im2_QMdnreLz_k_aem_HG_afAuaBqaY8vCnxfOJyA https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/mighty-an-anthology-of-disabled-superheroes/9781990086533.html https://www.amazon.ca/Wait-Me-Emily-Ava-Gillespie/dp/1069635103Ghofran Alyass is a disabled woman with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and is the Founder of Beyond Abilities International, formerly known as Beyond Abilities. She is also a part-time professor at George Brown College, teaching in the Community Worker program. She holds a Master's of Education in Social Justice Education, specialising in Disability educational policy from OISE, University of Toronto. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies from the Toronto Metropolitan University, a college certificate in preparatory in Liberal Studies, and a college diploma in Community Services from George Brown College. She is a disability advocate, program facilitator, and author committed to advocating for equity, equality and inclusion of people with disabilities.Ghofran Alyass contact https://www.instagram.com/ghofran_author?igsh=MjdheGRvaXFtb3l5 https://www.facebook.com/share/1CW7dNEmce/ https://www.wroteby.me/ghofranalyass-author23https://www.amazon.ca/You-have-24-Hours-Live/dp/1068916702/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KL8IC9BA7RO6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pe99ve9UmuBVhqR3Ufje0w.7OxR5xzJ0Xg7MBRMTScYznAaEwhgaLO-KSs-vQvse8w&dib_tag=se&keywords=ghofran+alyass&qid=1775518003&sprefix=ghofran+alyass%2Caps%2C820&sr=8-1 Listen to Depictions Media https://depictions.media/lets-talk-about-life-with-a-disability/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

December 31, 202545 min

Grace Ogren Is Writing Stories for Her Young Generation

Grace Ogren writes novels for young adults and educational content that helps people find addiction and mental health treatment. She has one published novel, one in the works, and many more planned. She has worked as a freelance writer, copywriter, and editor over the last 4 years, honing her voice as an author and her goals for the future. You can find her work on Recovery.com and Amazon. https://www.graceogren.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

December 31, 202546 min

Nancy Lynn Griffin works with Womens Worth Wealth and Wellness

My work centers on empowering boomer women, their daughters, and now granddaughters to take charge of their wellness and financial independence. Through curated events and educational initiatives, I show women how caring for themselves leads to confidence, fearless choices, and a spirit of sharing that lifts entire communities. I believe listeners of Inspiring Stories would connect with conversations around enhancing one’s worth personally and professionally, while fostering an attitude of inclusivity and abundance. I’d love a chance to share these ideas and personal stories with your audience, and offer practical approaches for women to strengthen their well-being, leadership, and impact. Thank you for considering me as a possible guest for an upcoming episode. https://womenworthwellness.com/about-us/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

December 29, 202545 min

M M De Voe the Fictionista Who Helps Writers Find Their Way While Caring for Their Children

M. M. De Voe is an internationally published fictionista who once danced for the Pope and later ran away with a group of jugglers. Five Pushcart nominations, two Editor’s Prizes, a Shirley Jackson Award, a Hugo nomination, two children, and several writing conferences later, De Voe has published in various genres internarionally and evwn co-wrote the book of a sci-fi musical which was produced off-Broadway in 2015. She was a Columbia University Writing Fellow and received her MFA under Michael Cunningham. in 2013, she founded the nonprofit Pen Parentis to help writers maintain their careers after having kids, a process described in her nonfiction guidebook for writers who are parents, Book & Baby. This guide won first prize at the 2021 NextGen Indie Awards in the category of writing guides. Her first book of fiction, A FLASH OF DARKNESS: Collected Stories of M. M. De Voe (Borda Books, 2023), was called “ominous, masterfully crafted psychological fiction” by Kirkus Review. As an inaugural member of the Lithuanian Writers of the Diaspora Forum, Mtravels to Vilnius every three years to keep her finger on the pulse of international fiction. She lives in New York City, where she is excited to release her first novel THE BOY WHO LOVED TREES in October 2025. https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Loved-Trees-ebook/dp/B0FWZ981TF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=W1TAVJ4OC75C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vpwPMHP_rnB_txDl5XVpcbDzlPetsDJtIgD9Sp1pwXI.EKRG9XJB_zGnC0QNTF2NAw25GCsW4DNBAnWPcF5cx3o&dib_tag=se&keywords=mm+devoe&qid=1767039708&s=books&sprefix=mm+devoe%2Caps%2C208&sr=1-1 https://penparentis.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

December 29, 202548 min

T Alan Horne Author of Advent 9 a Neuro-Diverse Super Hero

'm an award winning author of two books: ADVENT 9 and SECRET SKY: THE YOUNG UNIVERSE. My most recent book, SECRET SKY, has won multiple gold awards. At the 2025 IBPA awards, it won gold for best science fiction (an adult category, even though the book is Middle Grade) and also for best audiobook for Children or Young Adults. It also won the 2025 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Children's Adventure Fiction. I was one of the last authors ever to be mentored by David Farland, the NYT Bestselling Author and writing teacher of Brandon Sanderson, Stephenie Meyer, Brandon Mull, and James Dashnerhttps://www.amazon.com/Advent-9-T-Alan-Horne-ebook/dp/B0BBK4125Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4GUECLFRXHO1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.locSu_hKsWl9tzfOhdOtzw.RHNu_9o0DNqQ69C8oL2875xj1OmbRHBUfgwU1kpY57o&dib_tag=se&keywords=advent+9&qid=1767039266&s=books&sprefix=advent+9%2Caps%2C182&sr=1-1Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

December 8, 202546 min

Learn how to create more fun in the bedroom with Dr Trina

Hi, I’m Dr. Trina Read, a Calgary sexologist, best-selling, award-winning author, and relationship expert. For 25 years, I’ve helped married women and couples reignite passion and connection after the honeymoon phase fades. That journey inspired me to create a new literary genre called self-help-fiction — stories that both entertain and transform. My award-winning novel, The Sex Show, was the first of its kind in the world, blending engaging storytelling with practical tools for real-life intimacy. My upcoming release, The Taboo Show, continues that mission—helping women find their voice. Through my books, masterclasses, and podcast appearances, I aim to make conversations about intimacy and relationships open, empowering, and joyful. At the heart of everything I do is one goal: helping people connect more deeply—with themselves and each other. As well, as a gift to your listeners, they can download my 5 Pleasure Secrets of Satisfied Couples handout. Here's the link: https://www.trinaread.com/5-pleasure-secrets-of-satisfied-couples-handbook Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

November 20, 20251 hr 2 min

Talking About When Sex Meets God with Deborah Lukovich

About DeborahDeborah Lukovich, with a MA/PhD in depth psychology, I'm an expert in understanding and decoding the mysterious language of the unconscious. Clients come to me for all sorts of reasons, but what they have in common is a desire to access a new kind of knowing. As a Depth Psychology Coach, is also an accomplished author with her latest book When Sex Meets God https://www.deborahlukovich.com/whensexmeetsgod About When Sex Meets GodOne woman's story about surrendering to the unknown, risking judgment to seek a deeper truth, and discovering that when sexuality meets the sacred, a wild, creative force is unleashed. Deborah’s life as a mother, professional, and wife felt so perfect that the twinge of discontent confused her. Ten years later, her marriage and business unraveled, and her eleven-year-old son said he didn’t want to live. Getting divorced only unleashed demons that her twenty-four-year marriage had protected her from. The younger men appeared as unexpected teachers, revitalizing her sensuality, and then a soul-stirring romance forced a reckoning deep inside her. Through the fire of erotic intensity and spiritual revelation, she shed layers of armor, embraced the sacredness of her desire, and stepped boldly into the fullness of her true self. Michael Clog’s Review I wish I had found this years ago when I was struggling to learn who I was and find reasons why i should love myself. Deborah, your story taught that many others have struggled to love themselves just for being the person they are. Thank you so much for sharing, and this is a must-read for most of humanityBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

November 10, 202554 min

Maria Mach is helping Charities Work for Our Community

Maria enjoys serving a wide variety of charities, non-profits, businesses, and individuals and helping them achieve their long-term objectives. She also volunteers by serving on the boards of directors of charitable organizations, and by speaking at legal education seminars.Maria previously worked as in-house counsel and privacy officer with a large internationally focused charity based in Alberta. With her experience as in-house counsel with a charity, Maria has a strong understanding of being in the client’s position and the day-to-day challenges facing charities. As a result, Maria diligently seeks to provide clients with practical and quality assistance. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.