Why oh why, have I created this? *Trigger warning - real talk about loneliness*

This episode is the short(ish) version of a much longer story, a vulnerable accounting of why this podcast exists, and what I’m hoping will come out of it.

Spoiler alert, it's… world peace. Just kidding. What I’m really hoping is that by sharing my life, aka A Cautionary Tale, I’ll feel a little less alone in my particular brand of eccentric—and maybe you will too.

Because here’s the thing: across Canada more than 1 in 10 people aged 15 and older say they always or often feel lonely [Statistics Canada]. Among young women aged 15 to 24, that number climbs to almost 1 in 4. That’s not just a number, that’s the quiet hum a lot of us are carrying around.

And loneliness isn’t just a feeling—it shows up in the body. It’s been linked to higher risks of premature death, on par with smoking or obesity [Wikipedia]. During the pandemic, older Canadians who reported being lonely also reported far worse mental health than those who weren’t, no matter if they lived alone or not [PMC].

So this little corner of the internet is me saying: I see you. I’m making something out of my stories, my quirks, my cautions, because connection matters. It’s messy and imperfect, but it’s also funny, tender, and sometimes a little bit ridiculous. Just like being human.

FYI, this is a DIY slow space. No fancy production, just raw, filled with care, and very me. If you’re here, it means you value these quiet spaces too. Thank you for that💖.

If you can, ⁠⁠support me on Ko-fi⁠⁠ , or ⁠⁠commission something personal⁠⁠. Your support allows for me to do what I love (I am literally living the dream 😍) . Thank you, thank you, thank you!