Tales of the Town

Tina Huynh
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Real people. Real Stories. Tales of the Town is a storytelling podcast that celebrates those real moments from our shared human experience. Listen in to hear real funny, heartfelt, and brave slices of life that reveal what it means to be human. Hosted by Tina Huynh, Tales of the Town invites you to slow down, listen in, and rediscover the art of storytelling by sharing and listening to one another.

  1. Jul 9

    94: The Hard Work of Remembering Who You Are | Vicki M

    “No one needs to be fixed. I just think we need to be remembered. And I also believe that we need to remember ourselves too.” When we spend our lives taking care of everyone else, it is easy to lose sight of who we are beneath all the doing. In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore what happens when major life disruptions force us to pause, look inward, and finally listen to our bodies and minds. This storytelling podcast features real stories and deeply personal stories about the messy process of self-discovery, moving through grief, and the quiet courage it takes to unlearn old habits. Through these community stories, we examine the difference between constantly doing for others and simply learning how to be. ABOUT THE GUEST In this episode, we’re joined by Vicki, a mother, grandmother, podcaster, and coach who spent years functioning as the primary doer for everyone around her. After facing a significant health crisis and the loss of both of her parents, Vicki had to confront a question she had never been asked before: who do you actually want to be? TIMESTAMPS 00:21 – The weight of being the doer and losing both parents 01:10 – The question that changed everything: Who do you want to be? 02:58 – Navigating grief as an only child and managing an estate 04:26 – Remembering ourselves and moving off the back burner 06:16 – Finding fulfillment by learning to be alone without being lonely 09:13 – Processing a major health diagnosis and learning to listen to the body 11:43 – Navigating trauma, grief, and the absence of a timeline 14:40 – Breaking the cycle of numbing, overworking, and self-judgment 19:18 – Reflecting on parental worth and the generational ripple effect of healing 21:55 – How family dynamics shift when you start prioritizing your own path “My being was more important than what I was doing, and I lost myself somewhere in the doing.” WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR This episode is for you if… You constantly find yourself taking care of everyone else while putting your own needs on the back burner.You are navigating the heavy, timeline-free landscape of grief or recovering from a major health scare.You struggle to sit quietly with your own thoughts and feel the constant urge to stay busy.You are trying to break free from generational expectations and define success on your own terms.You want to learn how to trust your own intuition and give yourself grace when you are not at 100%.CALL TO ACTION If Vicky’s story brought up any reflections about your own journey or what it means to truly listen to yourself, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear your thoughts. If you want to hear more real, human stories like this one, feel free to subscribe to the channel. INVITATION TO LIVE EVENT If you enjoy these conversations, we invite you to join us in person for Tales of the Town. This monthly storytelling night is based in Windsor, Ontario, providing a warm, grounded environment where everyday people share real experiences. Share a story or witness one. It is a space where every voice has a place. LINKS SECTION Tales of the Town: http://www.talesofthetown.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofbeingunstoppable/ Vicki's Podcast: The Art of Being Unstoppable Vicki's Website: VM Beautiful

    94: The Hard Work of Remembering Who You Are | Vicki M

  2. Jul 9

    93: "I Had Nothing Left to Lose" | Bouchra El Amine

    "On paper, my life looked amazing... but I was just walking through life, not actually enjoying it, like actually desiring to be there." Welcome to Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast featuring real stories, personal stories, and community stories from everyday people and creatives. In this episode, we explore how hitting rock bottom can lead to unexpected paths of healing, moving from traditional frameworks to holistic practices, and learning to trust your body’s innate capacity to heal. In this episode, we are joined by Bouchra El Amine, an energy healer, qigong teacher, and medicine woman based in Windsor, Ontario. After years of struggling with severe chronic depression and PTSD, Bouchra shifted from her Cartesian upbringing and corporate life to explore alternative medicine, eventually finding her purpose in supporting others through integrative holistic practices. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction and hitting rock bottom 01:36 – Exploring alternative medicine and a friend’s influence 02:56 – The first Reiki and sound healing experience 05:02 – Stepping into plant medicine and the healer's path 06:31 – Coming out of the closet as a local healer 07:54 – The complex nature of human healing and trauma 11:11 – How the body stores emotions on a cellular level 14:14 – Traditional Chinese Medicine and shifting blockages 15:51 – Practical tools: Silence, intention, and gratitude 21:47 – The power of breath and somatic practices 25:48 – How to work with Bouchra and closing reflections "The minute that you stop that very hateful inner critic and judgmental nonsense and you move into love, unconditional love... it changes the narrative with the body." This Episode Is For You If... You have ever felt numb or stuck while your life looks perfectly fine on paper. You are curious about how the body stores trauma, memories, and emotional charges. You want practical, simple ways to connect with your body through breath, intention, and silence. You are navigating a transition from a highly analytical, corporate background into a heart-centered calling. We invite you to share your reflections or experiences with somatic practices and finding stillness in the comments below. If these community stories resonate with you, please consider subscribing to support the podcast. Join Us LIVE! Tales of the Town is also a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space where every voice has a place. Whether you want to share a story or witness one, we welcome you to join our creative community. Links Live Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Bouchra's Website: https://elamshands.com/ * Bouchra's Instagram: @elamshands #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

    93: "I Had Nothing Left to Lose" | Bouchra El Amine

  3. Jun 4

    92: Trading the Car for a Bicycle: A Lifelong Journey of Cycling and Kindness | Don Martel

    What happens when you trade your car for a bicycle and commit to navigating the world entirely on your own terms? In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from our community, we look at the unpredictable nature of long-distance cycling and the unexpected kindness of strangers. This conversation explores how stepping into vulnerability can open the door to profound human connection and why the most memorable journeys are the ones where we have no fixed plan. In this episode, we’re joined by Don Martell, a Windsor-based photographer and long-distance cyclist who has spent months traveling across Canada and around the world on his bike. After a career working in the newspaper industry, Don transitioned to a life of open-road adventure, mapping his days around local workshops and the simple pursuit of new perspectives. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction and cycling from north to south Canada 01:13 – Running out of water on a Saskatchewan highway 02:45 – The reality of small-town hospitality and the Purple Submarine 05:00 – Cycling through the mountains of the Dempster Highway 06:48 – Documenting the Northern Lights far south in Tecumseh, Ontario 09:03 – Buying a first camera from Kmart and starting a photography journey 10:09 – Photographing a Namib Desert storm and capturing 18 lightning strikes 13:30 – Selling the car and committing to a life of cycling 15:17 – Plans to cycle around the Mediterranean and Europe 2 1:22 – The story of Miracle, the stolen bike that returned on a special birthday 29:19 – Preparing for a 24-hour fundraising ride in Essex County WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR This episode is for you if: You are drawn to the freedom of solo travel and exploring the world without a rigid plan.You want to hear a grounded perspective on how vulnerability can build deep community stories with strangers.You are interested in photography, storm chasing, and capturing the raw elements of nature.You need a reminder that physical endurance and a life of adventure are possible at any stage of life. CALL TO ACTION The open road has a way of showing us exactly what we need when we least expect it. If Don’s stories brought up any reflections about your own journeys or moments of unexpected kindness, please feel free to leave a comment below. Consider subscribing to the channel to join us for more personal stories from everyday people. INVITATION TO LIVE EVENT Tales of the Town is more than a podcast; it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a dedicated, grounded space where people gather to share a story or simply witness one. Whether you are ready to step up to the microphone or prefer to just listen, you are welcome here. A space where every voice has a place. Tales of the Town Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/ Guest Socials: Don Martell Photography on Facebook and Instagram https://donmartel.com/ https://www.facebook.com/donmartelphototgraphy #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #BicycleTouring #AdventurePhotography #StormChaser

    92: Trading the Car for a Bicycle: A Lifelong Journey of Cycling and Kindness | Don Martel

  4. May 28

    91: Starting Over in A New Country and Achieving my Dreams | Reza

    "Everyone's life is like a storybook, is like a notebook. And you write your story about yourself. Make sure you register in a way that in the future... you're going to be proud of yourself." What does it take to leave behind everything you have built and start over from the foundation? In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from our community, we explore the reality of immigration, the power of persistence, and what happens when you commit to a completely new path. This conversation dives into the quiet resilience required to move across the world alone and the mindset it takes to build a new life from scratch. In this episode, we’re joined by Reza, a 24-year-old fitness professional and assistant manager living in Windsor, Ontario. Originally from Iran, Reza was a competitive athlete and student who moved to Canada four years ago to pursue his dreams of growth and freedom. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction and leaving Iran as a student 02:44 – Landing in Toronto and facing strict border security 06:01 – Arriving in Windsor 06:46 – Working graveyard factory shifts to pay for international tuition 07:21 – A chance conversation that pushed Reza back into fitness 09:07 – Landing a personal training job at age 21 10:16 – Balancing full-time work and school to become an assistant manager 14:51 – Future goals of entering medical school and rehabilitation medicine 16:05 – Experiencing freedom and attending a Canadian music festival alone 20:24 – The importance of spending time alone to know yourself We adjust our paths, but our core drive stays the same. If Reza's story resonated with you, please feel free to leave a comment with your own reflections. Consider subscribing to the channel to hear more community stories from everyday people. INVITATION TO LIVE EVENT Tales of the Town is also a monthly live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a warm, intentional space where everyday people gather to share a story or witness one. Whether you want to step up to the microphone or simply listen, this is a space where every voice has a place. Event tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Reza_sadeghi_22 #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

    91: Starting Over in A New Country and Achieving my Dreams | Reza

  5. May 21

    90: Surviving a Head-On Collision and Finding My Authentic Voice | Christa Rose

    "Our purpose doesn't have to be something big. We don't have to save a life or do something grandiose. Our purpose can be just to hold space for someone." In this episode of Tales of the Town, a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories from everyday people, we explore the profound shift from living on autopilot to stepping into true authenticity. This conversation digs into the heavy burdens of people-pleasing, the wake-up calls delivered by sudden life disruptions, and how shifting toward gratitude can completely reshape how we view our personal stories. Christa’s mission is clear: to inspire and give hope to others so they can live the life they love. It is a reflective look at resilience, community stories, and what it truly means to reclaim your joy. In this episode, we’re joined by Christa Rose, an Amazon #1 Bestselling author, International Speaker, Certified Coach, and Nutritionist. Christa helps people who lack direction find clarity so they can live a life with purpose and passion. Christa empowers others to rewrite their story, step out of autopilot mode, and confidently embrace who they are. "If I'm a mistake, that means I have to fix everything. I have to be perfect. So from that moment on, I turned into someone who would people-please." This episode is for you if you find yourself constantly seeking outside validation or trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing. It is also for you if you feel like you lack direction, are moving through your routine on autopilot, and want to reclaim your passion. It will resonate deeply if you are navigating major life transitions, grief, or the daily challenges of chronic illness. Finally, this conversation is perfect for anyone looking for a practical balance between grounded conventional knowledge and deep spiritual wisdom. If Christa's story brought up any reflections about your own journey or what authenticity means to you, please feel free to leave a comment below. We value your presence here and invite you to subscribe to the channel to hear more personal stories from our community. Tales of the Town is more than a podcast; it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a dedicated, grounded space where everyday people gather to connect through real human experiences. Whether you want to step up to the microphone to share a story or simply witness one, you are welcome here. This is a space where every voice has a place. Links: Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223 Guest Website: christarose.com Guest Socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristaRose-1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4christa_rose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@4christarose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christa.rose.967?mibextid=LQQJ4d LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/christa-rose-48b8342b3 Guest Books: Skip the Pain, Experience the Pleasure & Shattering Truths I Wish My Younger Self Knew #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

    90: Surviving a Head-On Collision and Finding My Authentic Voice | Christa Rose

  6. May 13

    89: Cause, Effect, and Curiosity: Finding Creativity Beyond the Box | Thanos Zikantas

    "Business brings me joy because you have the flexibility of doing something unique and novel and not following a cookie-cutter approach." How do you find the courage to innovate when traditional "best practices" feel like a box? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the intersection of business, creativity, and the resilience required to navigate both success and failure. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories about finding joy in the creation process and learning to look at the world through a different lens. About the Guest In this episode, we’re joined by Thanos Zikantas, a serial entrepreneur and creative thinker based in the Windsor-Essex area. Drawing from decades of experience in industries ranging from restaurants to manufacturing, Thanos shares how a perspective rooted in "cause and effect" has allowed him to build community-driven businesses and navigate life's unexpected transitions. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Thano's Story 08:53 Current Business Projects 11:53 Knowing your value 13:08 Reframing ADHD as a unique lens for navigating life 16:09 The future of education in the age of AI 23:46 Advice to a younger self This episode is for you if... You are an entrepreneur looking for unconventional ways to build community trust.You have ever felt restricted by "best practices" and want to embrace a more creative approach to your work.You are navigating a period of failure and need a reminder that "playing" is part of the lifelong journey.You want to hear a grounded perspective on the future of AI, education, and human resilience.Call to Action If Thanos’s reflections on creativity and resilience sparked a thought, we invite you to share your reflections in the comments. How do you find joy in the "creation process" of your own life? Please subscribe to stay connected with more community stories. Invitation to Live Event Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or simply witness one. A space where every voice has a place. Links Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thanos.zikantasHashtags #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #Entrepreneurship #CreativeResilience

    89: Cause, Effect, and Curiosity: Finding Creativity Beyond the Box | Thanos Zikantas

  7. May 6

    88: The Rhythm of Soft Self-Love | Donia El-Haddad

    "Instead of trying harder, I did something different. I tried softer." In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the transition from external validation to self-acceptance. This conversation follows a journey of "trying softer"—moving away from forcing connections in spaces where one doesn't fit and instead flowing toward authentic community and passion projects. It is a reflective look at how isolation can lead to self-discovery and how that personal growth eventually enriches the community around us. About the Guest We are joined by Donia El-Haddad, a creative and community organizer who has spent years as a yoga teacher and has recently expanded into music and event production. Based in Windsor, Donia is the force behind Crossfade, a live music series that brings together jazz musicians and DJs for improvised performances. TIMESTAMPS 00;00 Donia's Story 03:39 Crossfade519 09:55 Protecting your energy 16:03 Regulating the nervous system 19:42 Managing Chronic pain 24:32 Advice to a younger self "When you isolate yourself in the pursuit of learning about yourself, you have more to offer community." This episode is for you if... You have ever felt like you were "tolerated" rather than truly loved in social circles.You are interested in the intersection of live instrumentation and electronic music.You are navigating a journey with chronic pain or nervous system regulation.You are a creative looking to turn a personal passion into a community project.Call to Action We invite you to reflect on your own journey of "trying softer." If this story resonated with you, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. To hear more real, personal stories from our community, consider subscribing to the show. Invitation to the Live Event Tales of the Town is more than a podcast; it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a dedicated space where every voice has a place. We invite you to join us at our next event to share a story of your own or simply witness the stories of others. Links Event Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223Tales of the Town Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/Crossfade Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfade519/#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity

    88: The Rhythm of Soft Self-Love | Donia El-Haddad

  8. Apr 29

    87: Inner Dragons and Mirror Moments | Erin’s Story of Authentic Joy

    "The most important part of living is knowing who you are." How do we distinguish between the life we are "supposed" to live and the one that actually belongs to us? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the heavy cost of people-pleasing and the relief of finally telling the truth. We follow a journey from a marriage built on external validation to a life centered on authentic joy and human connection. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories about finding the courage to listen to your own voice when the world expects you to stay quiet. About the Guest In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Poredos, a coach and community builder who founded The Joy Tribe and Date on Purpose. After navigating a short-lived marriage and a deep sense of self-loss, Erin shifted her focus to helping others rediscover their personal values and build meaningful connections outside of digital apps. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Erin's Story 06:34 The problem with modern dating 09:36 Date on Purpose 13:11 When your body knows before your mind does 19:39 Joy as a practice 27:06 Finding your Inner Child 31:01 Life as a video game "At some point, your curiosity is going to be bigger than your fear." This episode is for you if... You have ever felt like you were living your life to satisfy someone else's opinion.You are navigating the burnout of modern dating and looking for deeper, more intentional connection.You feel a "gap" between what you are currently doing and what you feel called to do.You want practical ways to reconnect with play and joy in your daily routine. Tales of the Town is more than a podcast—it is a monthly storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or simply witness one. Whether you are ready to speak or just want to listen, there is a seat for you. Share a story or witness one. A space where every voice has a place. Links Event Tickets: Tales of the Town (https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/tales-of-the-town-4699223)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofthetownca/Erin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imperfectlyhumanwitherin https://www.instagram.com/dateonpurpose.co/UPCOMING EVENT! Date on Purpose (Ages 45 - 60)| Walkerville Brewery | May 8th 2026 Date on Purpose (Events & Tickets) - https://linktr.ee/dateonpurpose.co Website: https://www.thejoytribeco.ca/ #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #TheJoyTribe #DatingOnPurpose #SelfDiscovery

    87: Inner Dragons and Mirror Moments | Erin’s Story of Authentic Joy
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About

Real people. Real Stories. Tales of the Town is a storytelling podcast that celebrates those real moments from our shared human experience. Listen in to hear real funny, heartfelt, and brave slices of life that reveal what it means to be human. Hosted by Tina Huynh, Tales of the Town invites you to slow down, listen in, and rediscover the art of storytelling by sharing and listening to one another.

Information

  • Creator
    Tina Huynh
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tina Huynh
  • Show Website
    Tales of the Town