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

    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

    32 min
  2. 91: Starting Over in A New Country and Achieving my Dreams | Reza

    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

    20 min
  3. 90: Surviving a Head-On Collision and Finding My Authentic Voice | Christa Rose

    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

    35 min
  4. 89: Cause, Effect, and Curiosity: Finding Creativity Beyond the Box | Thanos Zikantas

    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

    24 min
  5. 88: The Rhythm of Soft Self-Love | Donia El-Haddad

    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

    26 min
  6. 87: Inner Dragons and Mirror Moments | Erin’s Story of Authentic Joy

    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

    34 min
  7. 86: From Doula to Patient: When the Birth Plan Fails | Deborah the Doula | Tales of the Town

    Apr 22

    86: From Doula to Patient: When the Birth Plan Fails | Deborah the Doula | Tales of the Town

    How does a challenging birth experience transform the way a professional supports others in their most vulnerable moments?. In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore the intersection of professional expertise and personal trauma, following a journey from a planned unmedicated birth to an unexpected hospital induction. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories that highlight the importance of informed consent and advocacy within the birthing community. We discuss the "BRAIN" acronym for decision-making and how building trust between partners can protect the physiological process of labor. About the Guest In this episode, we’re joined by Deborah, a registered massage therapist and certified doula with over 20 years of experience. Based in the Windsor-Essex community, Deborah specializes in pregnancy massage and doula care, focusing on helping women feel empowered through informed choice and advocacy. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Deborah's Story 11:27 The best part of the job: Witnessing a woman’s empowerment after birth. 14:16 Using your "BRAIN": An acronym for informed consent 20:18 The statistics of induction and the role of doulas in reducing C-section rates. 25:24 Protecting the Oxytocin: How birth partners can support the "love hormone" 34:05 Tend to be Friend: Deborah’s podcast and community resources. This episode is for you if... You are navigating your own pregnancy and want to understand how to advocate for your birth choices.You are a birth partner looking for practical ways to support and protect the labor environment.You have experienced a birth that didn't go as planned and are looking for a grounded perspective on healing and trauma.You are curious about the clinical and physiological roles of hormones like oxytocin during labor.Call to Action If Deborah’s story resonated with you, we invite you to leave a reflection in the comments below. Have you ever had to pivot from a plan in a high-stakes moment? 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 live storytelling night based in Windsor, Ontario. It is a space designed for the community to come together to share a story or witness one. A space where every voice has a place. Links Event Tickets: talesofthetown.caGuest Website: pelviclove.comGuest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahthedoula/#TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #DoulaCare #BirthStories #InformedConsent

    35 min
  8. 85: Don’t Dim Your Light: A Story of Recovery and Expression | Lauren Neuberger

    Apr 16

    85: Don’t Dim Your Light: A Story of Recovery and Expression | Lauren Neuberger

    "At some point your curiosity is going to be bigger than your fear." What happens when a high-pressure career in accounting meets a life-altering health crisis? In this episode of Tales of the Town, we explore a journey of radical transformation—from the rigid world of corporate finance to the liberating floor of ecstatic dance. We sit down for a deep conversation about healing, the intersection of physical and spiritual health, and the courage it takes to stop dimming your own light. This is a storytelling podcast dedicated to real stories and personal stories from the heart of our creative community. About the Guest In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Neuberger, a holistic nutritionist and DJ based in Windsor, Ontario. After navigating a breast cancer diagnosis at age 26, Lauren left her accounting career to study the energetic and physical components of chronic illness, eventually finding a new calling in conscious movement and somatic practice. TIMESTAMPS 00:09 – Lauren's Story 08:49 – What is Ecstatic Dance? A guide to dancing with intention. 16:00 – Overcoming the fear of being "weird" on the dance floor. 20:43 – Reconnecting with the divine feminine. 31:00 – Why you should never dim your light. This episode is for you if... You are navigating a major health journey and looking for a holistic perspective on healing. You feel stuck in a professional "box" and want to embrace a more creative or spiritual path. You struggle with self-judgment or the fear of looking "weird" when expressing yourself. You are curious about sober raves, ecstatic dance, or using movement as a meditation. Call to Action If Lauren’s story resonated with you, we invite you to leave a reflection in the comments. Have you ever had a moment where your curiosity finally outweighed your fear? 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 live 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 stepping onto a growth edge or looking for a grounded evening of human connection, there is a seat for you. Tales of the Town is a space where every voice has a place. Links Event Tickets: www.talesofthetown.ca Ecstatic Dance Windsor (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/528478629167830 Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslaurenneuburger/ #TalesOfTheTown #StorytellingPodcast #RealStories #PersonalStories #CreativeCommunity #WindsorOntario #WindsorEvents #WindsorEssex #YQG #PodcastCommunity #HolisticHealing #EcstaticDance

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tina Huynh
  • Show Website
    Tales of the Town