Luma & Bloom

From the hockey rink to Canada’s most elite special forces unit, and now to the stage as a country music artist — Dallas Alexander’s story is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Dallas opens up about his years serving with JTF2, including time overseas in Afghanistan, and the life lessons that came with it.

He shares the heartbreak of losing his brother, how grief pushed him toward songwriting, and why music became a powerful ou...

*Trigger warning: this episode contains conversation around suic*de and suic*dal ideation*

International suic*de hotline list: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

In this conversation, Jasmin Laine joins Nic and Kate to talk about what it means to navigate life after trauma. From the shifting weight of friendships in adulthood to the struggle of survivor guilt and self-censoring, Jasmin brings raw honesty...

Jeffrey Bergen's story is raw and redemptive. Born in a Mennonite colony in Paraguay and later moving to Winnipeg, Jeffrey faced abuse and exposure to pornography at a very young age. To cope with his trauma he turned to alcohol, drugs, and the LGBTQ community, where he found people who shared his pain - but not the lasting healing he was searching for.

In this episode of Luma & Bloom, Jeffrey opens up about the tension he ...

The internet connects us like never before — but it’s also where kids and teens face some of their greatest risks. From sending nudes to sextortion and online grooming, predators no longer need to leave their homes to exploit vulnerable youth.

In this episode of Luma & Bloom, Val Caldwell joins us to break down the reality of online exploitation and the dangers hidden inside everyday apps, games, and platforms. We talk about why...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Greyson—a man whose strength is only rivaled by his compassion. As a father of eight, Mike has walked through unimaginable storms, including the devastating loss of his daughter to trafficking. With honesty and heart, he shares his journey through fatherhood, grief, and becoming an advocate for the vulnerable. We talk about the lasting impact of trauma, the importance of identity, and the life...

In this powerful episode, Reese Ketler opens up about life after a spinal cord injury and the unexpected journey that followed. From his early days in the hockey world to finding new purpose and belonging in the wheelchair rugby community, Reese shares what it’s really like to navigate identity, vulnerability, and change on such a massive scale.

We talk about learning to accept help, the importance of honest conversations with docto...

Are you constantly shifting to match the people around you? Saying yes when you want to say no? Swallowing your feelings to keep the peace?
 In this episode of Luma & Bloom, we’re unpacking all things trauma, the subtle, exhausting survival strategy of people-pleasing, masking, and self-abandonment.

Shannon Vanderlinde shares raw and honest stories about living life on autopilot, performing for acceptance, and the emotional ...

In the second part of our conversation with Dave Lavery, the Canadian humanitarian and military veteran known as "Canadian Dave," we delve deeper into his remarkable journey of survival during his 77-day captivity by the Taliban. Dave shares intimate details of his daily life in captivity, from the food he was given to his sleeping arrangements, and the interactions he had with fellow detainees. His story is a testament t...

In this episode, Dave shares the remarkable story of his life—beginning with a tough childhood in Winnipeg and time in the foster care system, to his family's move to British Columbia and then Ottawa. From a young age, Dave knew he wanted to serve his country. That calling led him to become a founding member of Joint Task Force 2, Canada’s elite special operations unit. Dave talks about his transition from the military world t...

In this episode, David and Hennes dive into the often-overlooked conversation around men, emotions, and vulnerability. They explore why it's so hard—and so important—for men to talk about what they're feeling, especially in a culture that often encourages silence. David shares early insights from his recent survey conducted through the University of Manitoba, which focuses on engaging men and boys in the fight against sex...

In this episode, Jessa shares her story of escaping a 17-year emotionally abusive marriage to an RCMP officer. Raised in a Christian home and married young, she opens up about the subtle and not so subtle signs of narcissistic abuse, the loss of people she once called family, and what it means to finally feel safe. Through honest reflection, Jessa sheds light on coercion, the importance of boundaries, and the healing that comes fro...

In this episode, Nic and Kate open up about their personal journeys with setting boundaries—how it’s challenged them, changed them, and continues to shape how they relate to themselves and others. They explore the idea that boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out, but bridges that foster respect, safety, and real connection. From the baby steps it takes to start setting limits, to the deeper need for self-worth and humility, the...

In this  episode, Nic and Kate are joined by Meaghan Waller, winner of Canada’s Next Top Model 2009, who went on to build a successful international modeling career spanning over 14 years. Meaghan opens up about her positive experiences in the fashion industry, the life skills she’s gained along the way, and the importance of having a strong support system—both on and off the runway. She also shares her personal journey through a c...

On this week’s episode, we sat down with Hennes Doltz, former John School educator and current Project Leader for the EmpowerMen Project - working to engage men and boys in the prevention of sexual exploitation. 

From psychological and social factors, to economic and emotional factors, we delve into all areas Hennes has explored over the years with his extensive career in understanding the motivations behind why men purchase sex. 

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On this weeks episode, we continued our conversation with Tim and Glen, Founder and Member of Four Sacred Hearts, an Indigenous led organization dedicated to healing from addictions, intergenerational trauma, and the impacts of the residential school system. 

As former gang members who spent time in and out of jail, they shared the importance of wanting to reach youth, to share their stories, not only to shed light on the dangers th...

In this special holiday episode, we're joined by our lovely co-worker Lainey, to help us spread the festive cheer (in our ugly Christmas sweaters of course), while taking a stroll down memory lane! 

Join us as we celebrate the Christmas season by sharing the story of how we met, how this podcast came to be, and reflect on the wisdom we took from some of our favourite guests this past year. Grab your hot cocoa, cozy up...

On this weeks episode, we sat down with Tim and Glen, Founder and Member of Four Sacred Hearts, an Indigenous led organization dedicated to healing from addictions, intergenerational trauma, and the impacts of the residential school system. 

As former gang members, they recount stories of their time growing up, being in and out of prison, the violence they experienced, and how that led Tim to starting Four Sacred Hearts, i...

On this weeks episode, we continued our conversation with power couple Devon and Jodi Larratt, to learn more about their life as a military couple, as well as uncover how Devon became a world arm wrestling champion! 

They shared how Devon got into arm wrestling, the importance of fighting for each other in a relationship, as well as some relationship advice they would give to couple's going through adversity. 

On this weeks episode, we sat down with former JTF2 member Devon Larratt, along with his incredible wife, Jodi Larratt, to talk all about their relationship and life throughout Devon's military career. 

They shared their experience in raising a young family while navigating hardship, the importance of communication throughout challenging times, and the lessons they learned along the way. 

From Devon's he...