Older & Bolder

Debbie McCulloch
Older & Bolder

Podcast by Debbie McCulloch

  1. Season 3 Ep 31: Nancy Oliver-Mackenzie, Historian & Social Justice Advocate

    MAY 26

    Season 3 Ep 31: Nancy Oliver-Mackenzie, Historian & Social Justice Advocate

    In this powerful and reflective episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch is joined by the remarkable Nancy Oliver-Mackenzie, a lifelong educator, historian, and passionate advocate for social justice. At 83 years old, Nancy continues to break barriers and share stories that matter. She discusses her deep family roots, tracing her lineage back to slavery in the United States, and how that legacy inspired her to research and preserve Black history in Montreal. Her work culminated in a compelling historical exhibit and earned her recognition across Canada—including her recent honour as the City of Montreal’s Black History Month laureate. Nancy also recounts her vibrant teaching career, which spanned from a fine arts school in Montreal to an Inuit community in Canada’s North, and even across the globe in Africa. Her storytelling is filled with wisdom, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to equity and truth. From hosting workshops on anti-racism for clergy to reflecting on the day Nelson Mandela visited her community church, Nancy’s insights are a powerful reminder of how one person’s dedication can create ripples of understanding and change. This conversation will leave you thinking, feeling, and inspired to contribute to the communities you care about—at any age. ----- Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign Music for this episode: ES_A Long Awaited Journey - Helmut Schenker, ES_Building Something Together - Eden Avery, ES_Ascent - Martin Landh, ES_Magma - Lama House, ES_Night And Day (Instrumental Version) - Craig Reever, ES_Gentle Heroics - Trevor Kowalski, ES_Amber Hibernation - Lama House. Voice over: Christina Cherneskey Original artwork: Jackie Peterson Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

    52 min
  2. Season 3 Ep 29: Rachel Schneider, Putting the "I" Back in Spirit

    MAY 12

    Season 3 Ep 29: Rachel Schneider, Putting the "I" Back in Spirit

    In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch welcomes Rachel Schneider, a woman who has turned immense grief into inspiring growth. As the Chief Inspiration Officer at Spirited Prosperity, Rachel shares her raw and emotional journey of losing her husband to ALS before the age of fifty, and the heavy responsibility of guiding her two young sons through the loss of their beloved father. With heartfelt honesty, Rachel opens up about her eldest son’s struggle with addiction and her desperate efforts to support him through recovery. What follows is a remarkable transformation—one that led Rachel to write her book The Widow Chose Red, and to step boldly into a new life she never imagined. Rachel now spends her days speaking at events, writing, and empowering women in midlife and beyond to nurture their body, mind, and spirit. Her story is a tribute to resilience, purpose, and the magic of embracing every chapter—no matter how painful or unexpected. 🌐 Website: www.spiritedprosperity.com 📘 Book: The Widow Chose Red (available on Amazon) 📱 Facebook: Rachel Kerr Schneider ▶️ YouTube: Rachel Kerr Schneider ----- Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign Music for this episode: ES_The Desolate Path - Rikard From, ES_Sad Beauty - Jon Bjork, ES_Beauty and Peace - Damon Greene, ES_Synesthesia - Clarence Reed, ES_Not Enough to Give - Sleeping Vines, ES_Archipelago - Isobelle Walton. Voice over: Christina Cherneskey Original artwork: Jackie Peterson Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

    53 min
  3. Season 3 Ep 30: Darci Lang, Choosing What To Focus On

    MAY 12

    Season 3 Ep 30: Darci Lang, Choosing What To Focus On

    In this uplifting and perspective-shifting episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch sits down with celebrated speaker and author Darci Lang, whose signature message—Focus on the 90%—has inspired thousands across the country to reframe their lives with clarity, kindness, and intention. Darci shares how choosing to see the positive 90% of our lives, instead of obsessing over the 10% that drags us down, can be a transformational practice. Through relatable stories and self-deprecating humour, Darci reflects on how negative thoughts, complaints, and judgment sneak into our everyday interactions—and how we can retrain ourselves to look through a more empowering lens. You'll laugh, reflect, and maybe even grab your own mental magnifying glass as Darci invites us to embrace small mindset shifts that can have powerful ripple effects. Darci is the author of four inspiring books: Focus on the 90%, Living the 90%, Lead the 90%, and Embrace the 90%—and she’s a nationally recognized keynote speaker who continues to spread her message of positivity and resilience from the stage to the page. 🌐 Learn more at: www.darcilang.com 📚 Books available now: • Focus on the 90% • Living the 90% • Lead the 90% • Embrace the 90% --- Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign Music for this episode: ES_Resilient - Trevor Kowalski, ES_Circular - Silver Maple, ES_Get Over Here - Station Story, ES_Random Acts of Kindness - Airae, ES_Storytelling - David Celeste, ES_The Wilderness - George's Town, ES_Exceeding Expectations - Experia, ES_The Time - Martin Gauffin. Voice over: Christina Cherneskey Original artwork: Jackie Peterson Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

    51 min
  4. Season 3 Ep 28: Jennifer Kaufman, When Grandchildren are Awesome and Autistic

    MAY 5

    Season 3 Ep 28: Jennifer Kaufman, When Grandchildren are Awesome and Autistic

    In this thoughtful and enlightening episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch sits down with Jennifer Kaufman—educator, principal, author, and proud grandmother—to discuss the unique and meaningful experience of grandparenting a child on the autism spectrum. Drawing on her decades of professional experience in special education, Jennifer shares how her personal connection to autism deepened when her grandson was diagnosed. With warmth and insight, she explores the joys, challenges, and profound rewards of building a bond with her autistic grandson—and how grandparents can play a powerful role in both supporting their grandchild and their own adult children. Jennifer is the author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey From Both Sides of the Desk, a valuable guide for families navigating autism together. She also surprises us with stories of her unexpected second act—as a grey-haired model, proving that embracing your authentic self can lead to new and joyful opportunities. This episode is a gentle reminder that growth, understanding, and adventure are always possible—at any age and in any role. 🌐 Website: www.grandparentingonthespectrum.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Jennifer Kaufman ----- Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign Music for this episode: ES_An Instrument of Change - Peace Reels, ES_Ups and Downs - Martin Klem, ES_Life in Peace - David Celeste, ES_Peace at Last - Atlas Kind, ES_Whispers Of East - Daniel Kaede, ES_The Way We Used to Be - Harper Rey. Voice over: Christina Cherneskey Original artwork: Jackie Peterson Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

    45 min
  5. Season 3 Ep 27: Madelon Smid, Fabulous, Fit, Fiction Writer

    APR 28

    Season 3 Ep 27: Madelon Smid, Fabulous, Fit, Fiction Writer

    In this fearless and inspiring episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch welcomes Madelon Smid—an unstoppable force of energy, creativity, and resilience. A bestselling author, outdoor adventurer, and mentor, Madelon shares how living with Crohn’s disease, including life-threatening hospital stays, gave her the strength to face every challenge with courage and joy. Madelon discusses her passion for writing, revealing the process behind her dozens of romance and suspense novels, including favourites like the Daring Heights series and the Sisters in Peril trilogy. She shares how her writing stimulates her mind, while yoga, kayaking, skiing, and hiking keep her body and spirit strong—even now, in her late seventies. With refreshing honesty and prairie-born grit, Madelon talks about the importance of pushing past fear, embracing new adventures, and paying it forward by mentoring emerging writers. 🌐 Website: www.madelonasmid.com 📚 Books available on Amazon: Daring Heights Series, Sisters in Peril Trilogy ----- Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign Music for this episode: ES_Can I See You Again (Instrumental Version) - JAKE $ING, ES_Half Right All the Time (Instrumental Version) - The Eastern Plain, ES_Should've Been Me (Instrumental Version) - Gamma Skies, ES_Dance with the Sin (Instrumental Version) - Zorro, ES_Echo (Instrumental Version) - SCENE Voice over: Christina Cherneskey Original artwork: Jackie Peterson Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

    41 min
  6. Season 3 Ep 26: Cat Corchado, Vivacious Veteran, Pilates Powerhouse

    APR 21

    Season 3 Ep 26: Cat Corchado, Vivacious Veteran, Pilates Powerhouse

    In this energizing episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch welcomes the vivacious and inspiring Cat Corchado—Air Force veteran, podcast host, and founder of the Small Space Pilates Community. Cat is a true powerhouse whose mission is to help others rediscover their “fabulosity” through movement, strength, and connection. Cat shares her powerful journey as a single mother balancing military service and motherhood, and how her transition to civilian life opened the door to new beginnings. Her podcast Sisters in Service shines a spotlight on women veterans, sharing their stories and ensuring they have access to the support they deserve. Through Pilates, podcasting, and purpose, Cat encourages others to take charge of their health and happiness. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get moving, start fresh, or reconnect with your strength—this is the episode for you. 🌐 Website: www.smallspacepilates.com 🎙️ Podcast: Sisters in Service ----- Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign Music for this episode: ES_Aesthetic Echoes in Motion - Rebecca Mardal, ES_Kali Kush (Extended Version) (Instrumental Version) - VEE, ES_Dancing Like We're Animals (Instrumental Version) - Loving Caliber, ES_Unbroken Spirit - Sunfish Grove, ES_Chase (Instrumental Version) - Aiyo, ES_Killer Vibe (Instrumental Version) - Flux Vortex, ES_She's Got a Ticket to My Heart (Instrumental Version) - Basixx Voice over: Christina Cherneskey Original artwork: Jackie Peterson Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

    47 min
  7. Season 3 Ep 25: Dianne McConnell, Grace, Gifts, and Special Challenges

    APR 14

    Season 3 Ep 25: Dianne McConnell, Grace, Gifts, and Special Challenges

    In this profoundly moving episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch speaks with Dianne McConnell, a mother whose journey through heartbreak, advocacy, and unconditional love will stay with you long after the conversation ends. Dianne recounts the incredible story of raising her two sons, Ben and Erik, who were born with a rare genetic condition that brought with it immense medical and physical challenges, including blindness. Through countless hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency situations, Dianne made it her mission to not only care for her children but to become a voice for others facing similar realities. With determination and love, Dianne earned a PhD in Special Education and became a visual consultant, hoping to improve the lives of families navigating the complex world of disability support. Her story is one of powerful resilience—and an unshakable belief that her sons were not defined by their challenges but by the extraordinary gifts they brought to the world. Dianne lost both of her sons within two years, each passing in their early thirties. Today, she continues her advocacy work and is the author of two deeply insightful books: Could This Be Grace? and Inclusion… It’s Not Just an Educational Buzzword. This episode will touch your heart, expand your understanding, and leave you with a renewed sense of appreciation for the grace found in life’s most difficult circumstances. 🌐 Learn more at: www.diannemcconnell.ca 📚 Books: Could This Be Grace? and Inclusion… It’s Not Just an Educational Buzzword ----- Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign Music for this episode: ES_Your Time To Soar (Tribute Version) (Instrumental Version) - Cody Decker, ES_What If I Said I Am Sorry (Instrumental Version) - Loving Caliber, ES_The Sweetest Love (Instrumental Version) - Ornatia, ES_Forgotten Tears - Magnus Ringblom, ES_Morning Star - Megan Wofford, ES_You Are the Melody - Ruiqi Zhao. Voice over: Christina Cherneskey Original artwork: Jackie Peterson Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

    51 min
  8. Season 3 Ep 24: Jo Ann Glim, Surviving Stroke to Thriving

    APR 3

    Season 3 Ep 24: Jo Ann Glim, Surviving Stroke to Thriving

    In this powerful episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch speaks with Jo Ann Glim, a stroke survivor whose journey from paralysis to purpose is nothing short of extraordinary. Jo Ann shares the harrowing moment she realized she was having a stroke and the days that followed, where she lost her ability to walk, talk, or even see straight. What came next was a powerful story of resilience, frustration, hard work—and ultimately, hope. With honesty and heart, Jo Ann recounts the mental and emotional battles she faced in her recovery, including the painful memories of her mother’s fatal stroke years earlier. Her determination not only led to physical healing, but also to a renewed life mission. Today, Jo Ann is the host of the podcast Don’t Count Me Out, where she features other stroke survivors, and is the award-winning author of Begotten with Love and Trapped Within: A True Story about Survival, Recovery, Love and Hope. This is a conversation about perseverance, transformation, and the powerful strength of the human spirit. 📧 Contact Jo Ann: JoAnnGlim.author@gmail.com 🌐 Visit: www.joannglim.com ----- Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign Music for this episode: ES_Blue - Staffan Carlen, ES_If You Say Yes - Anna Landstrom, ES_Threads - Ever So Blue, ES_Unbounded Horizons - Victor Lundberg, ES_Will You Ever Know_ - Anna Landstrom Voice over: Christina Cherneskey Original artwork: Jackie Peterson Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey

    1 hr
5
out of 5
29 Ratings

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Podcast by Debbie McCulloch

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