The Elevated Village with Phiona Durrant

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Welcome to The Elevated Village, where honest conversations inspire personal growth, stronger leadership, and meaningful change. Hosted by Jamaican Canadian podcaster, entrepreneur, CEO of Coconut Village Elevate, and mom Phiona Durrant, this podcast explores the real-life conversations that shape who we are and who we're becoming. Every episode brings a likkle of this and a little of dat—from mindset, confidence, relationships, leadership, and mental wellness to entrepreneurship, communication, stress, marriage, and navigating life's everyday challenges. Through honest stories, practical insights, and thoughtful conversations, you'll find encouragement to grow, lead with intention, and show up as your best self. Whether you're building a business, strengthening your relationships, developing your leadership, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life, you'll find a welcoming space where authenticity matters and growth is always the goal. If you're ready to think differently so you can live differently, you're in the right place. Let's elevate—together. Because stronger people build stronger communities.

  1. Jul 31

    Why Local Elections Matter: Honest Talk with Aurora Candidates | Greg Smith

    The Elevated Village | Honest Conversations on Leadership, Community & Civic Engagement Welcome to The Elevated Village with Phiona Durrant, where honest conversations inspire personal growth, stronger leadership, and meaningful change. Before You Listen This episode unfolded differently than we expected—in the best way. Greg Smith and I didn't come in with a tight script or a narrow agenda. Instead, we opened the conversation and allowed it to unfold naturally. The result was an honest discussion that moved between leadership, civic engagement, disagreement, personal experiences, and what it really means to build stronger communities. You'll hear different perspectives from us, local election candidates, and community members. While we reference real people, real decisions, and real events, our goal has never been to criticize individuals. Our hope is to encourage respectful dialogue, thoughtful disagreement, and meaningful conversations that help communities grow. Honest conversations aren't always polished. Sometimes they're uncomfortable. Sometimes they're messy. But they're often where the greatest growth begins. About This Episode What happens when community members gather together with different experiences, different opinions, and one shared goal—to make their community better? In this episode, Phiona Durrant and Greg Smith explore the importance of civic participation, authentic leadership, social media, municipal politics, Strong Mayor Powers, and why communities thrive when people are willing to listen as much as they speak. Rather than debating who is right or wrong, this conversation encourages listeners to think critically, engage respectfully, and recognize that meaningful change starts long before election day. Whether you're passionate about politics, leadership, community building, or simply becoming a more engaged citizen, this episode offers practical reflections that extend far beyond municipal government. In This Episode • Why we started this podcast • Why municipal elections matter more than many people realize • Building stronger communities through civic engagement • Social media's impact on public trust and political conversations • Leadership beyond titles and positions • Strong Mayor Powers and democratic accountability • Why respectful disagreement strengthens communities • The importance of listening before reacting • Turning frustration into meaningful community action • What authentic leadership looks like in everyday life Key Takeaways • Healthy communities require participation, not just opinions. • Leadership is measured by consistent action, not popularity. • Respectful disagreement creates stronger conversations than personal attacks. • Social media should support community—not replace it. • Democracy depends on informed, engaged citizens willing to stay involved beyond election season. Discussion Question What role do you believe everyday residents should play in shaping stronger communities? Connect with Phiona Durrant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phionaspeaks/ Thank you for being part of The Elevated Village. If this episode encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or inspired a new perspective, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who values meaningful conversations. Every conversation helps strengthen our village. Until next time, keep growing, keep leading, and keep building your village.

  2. Jul 29

    How to Lead When Everyone Expects You to Fail | Ivan Dawes

    Host Phi speaks with Ivan Dawes about what it means to be the first in a role, the responsibility to bring others forward, and how visible leadership must translate into real change at the table. They discuss practical strategies for holding leaders accountable with fairness and maturity, moving from resilience to brilliance, and building lasting community impact. Join us for an authentic conversation with Ivan Dawes, the Political Director of IUPAT DC46 and a recipient of the Dr. Jean Augustine Community Builder Award. Ivan shares his journey from a drywall finisher to becoming the first Black business representative for his union in Canada. This episode dives deep into the difference between simply showing up and actually making a lasting change at the table. We explore how to handle the pressure of being a pioneer, the importance of bringing others along with you, and why true leadership requires a shift from resilience to brilliance. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the channel and share this video with someone who needs to hear it. Let us know in the comments what leadership means to you. #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #IUPAT #PersonalGrowth #ElevatePodcast

  3. Mar 18

    Healing to Lead: Serving Your Community from a Whole Heart

    Phiona and psychotherapist Kimberly Mullen explore how healing shapes effective leadership and service. They discuss guarding the heart, reframing counseling, self-care, forgiveness, and practical steps to begin healing within families and community. The episode includes real stories, strategies to avoid burnout and cutoff culture, and a youth perspective on raising children with hope and resilience.

  4. 05/20/2025

    How to Stay Authentic Without Apologizing

    In this solo episode of A Likkle of This and A Little of Dat, Fee breaks down what it really means to live authentically, speak your truth, and set boundaries without apology. From family tension to workplace challenges, she gets real about the risks and power of being true to yourself. Your voice matters—don’t shrink to fit in. This episode is filled with vulnerable stories, practical reflections, and real answers to your biggest questions: How do I stay authentic without hurting others? Why is authenticity so hard for some people? Is it risky to be real at work? How do I know when I’m living my truth? Key Takeaways Living authentically means showing up for what you value—even when it’s uncomfortable. Being true to yourself will offend some people, and that’s okay. Boundaries are part of self-respect, not rejection. Authenticity leads to deeper relationships and stronger communities. Your voice, your truth, and your gifts matter—someone is waiting to hear them. Episode Chapters [00:00] - Intro [00:54] - Living Authentically: Definition and Importance| [03:16] - Staying True to Yourself: Balancing Authenticity and Sensitivity [06:28] - Struggles with Authenticity: Common Challenges [10:06] - Risks of Authenticity: Navigating Vulnerability [11:29] - Final Thoughts: Embracing Your True Self 💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! What does authenticity look like in your life? Have you ever had to choose between being liked and being real? DM Fee or leave a comment wherever you’re listening—we want to hear from you! If you found this episode meaningful, subscribe, leave a rating, and turn on notifications so you never miss a moment of real talk. Share it with someone who needs the reminder: You don’t have to shrink to fit in. Connect with Me: Instagram: ⁠@phionaspeaks⁠ Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms Thank you for tuning in. You’re one of a kind. Enough respect. Until next time—if you can’t be authentic, you’re not being YOU. 💕

  5. 04/28/2025

    Why Forgiveness Is A Form Of Self Care

    Hey beautiful souls! It’s your girl Phi, bringing you another soul-feeding, heart-opening conversation on A Likkle of This & A Little A Dat!  Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s been touching so many hearts—forgiveness. And let me tell you... this one is real, raw, and personal. In this episode, I’m answering your questions about forgiveness—because lately, whether it’s with clients, family, or just talking in the community, I see how heavy this has been weighing on all of us.  🕒 CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro 03:02 - Why So Much About Forgiveness? 05:09 - Forgiving Without Apology 07:21 - Signs of True Forgiveness 11:02 - Forgiveness vs. Accountability 14:08 - Healing Power of Forgiveness 18:02 - Leadership and Care 18:57 - Growth Through Criticism 20:18 - Developing Forgiveness Skills 21:48 - Resentment and Its Consequences What You’ll Take Away:  - Why forgiveness is the ultimate act of self-care and self-liberation  - How to forgive without an apology (yes, it’s possible)  - How to know if you’ve truly forgiven someone  - Why forgiveness doesn’t mean letting people off the hook—it's about freeing YOURSELF  - How leadership, emotional discipline, and forgiveness all go hand-in-hand  - Personal stories, real-life lessons, and a few of my favourite quotes to leave you reflecting ✍🏾 💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Forgiveness isn’t weakness—it’s emotional strength. It’s not about forgetting. It’s about freeing your spirit, reclaiming your peace, and building the kind of emotional wellness that fuels real joy and leadership. 🌿No matter where you are in your journey, you deserve freedom. Connect with Me: Instagram: ⁠@phionaspeaks⁠ Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms Thank you for tuning in. You’re one of a kind. Enough respect. Until next time—if you can’t be authentic, you’re not being YOU. 💕

  6. 04/14/2025

    How Art Speaks Louder Than Words with Guest Dubi

    Welcome to another soul-stirring episode of A Likkle of This & A Little A Dat! Today, we’re tapping into the transformative power of art and how it speaks volumes—even when no words are spoken. Join your girl Phi in a heartfelt conversation with special guest, ⁠Adubi “Dubi” Akinola⁠—a brilliant visual artist using his canvas to challenge, heal, and uplift. From social justice advocacy to artistic healing, this episode is all about using creativity as a tool for truth and transformation. 🕒 CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 02:11 – Art as a Voice: Expressing Without Words 03:21 – Art and Social Justice Advocacy 04:56 – The Healing Power of Art 07:23 – Art and Authentic Self-Expression 09:58 – Mentorship for the Next Generation 13:06 – Connecting with Dubi 17:27 – You Teach Yourself What You Want To Do 19:00 – Final Thoughts from Phiona 20:57 – Thank You for Your Support What You’ll Take Away:  - Why art is a universal language that allows us to express what words sometimes can’t.  - How art and activism go hand in hand when creating real change.  - Stories of resilience and healing through creativity and artistic self-expression.  - Mentorship lessons and why the next generation of artists needs to be unapologetically themselves. 💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going What’s your creative outlet? How do you express your truth without saying a word? Drop it in the comments or tag us on Instagram—we’re building a space for authentic expression, community, and growth. Art isn’t just about talent—it’s about freedom, healing, and power. Whether you're an artist, an advocate, or a truth-teller, this episode will leave you inspired to speak with your whole self. Connect with Me: Instagram: ⁠@phionaspeaks⁠ Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms Thank you for tuning in. You’re one of a kind. Enough respect. Until next time—if you can’t be authentic, you’re not being YOU. 💕

  7. 03/31/2025

    How I Balance Family, Work & Community Effortlessly

    Hey, loves! It’s your girl, Phi, back with another soulful episode of A Likkle of This and A Little of Dat. Today, we’re diving deep into the questions YOU sent in — all about balancing career, family, and personal purpose in a way that’s real, honest, and rooted in love. We explore what balance truly looks like (hint: it’s not equal time!), why boundaries matter, how to care for yourself without guilt, and how to stay grounded when family support is missing. Plus, I’m sharing what it means to serve the community without starving your home, and why your purpose is not up for a vote. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Intro & Family Role in Busy Life 01:09 – Continued Reflection on Family’s Role 02:27 – Balancing Career, Goals, and Family 08:28 – Dealing with Lack of Support from Family 13:37 – Is Self-Care Selfish? 14:38 – Reconnecting with Family After Life Changes 19:36 – Final Thoughts on Family and Ambition 20:34 – Outro Key Takeaways: ✨ Balance is about being intentional, not dividing hours equally 🧭 Boundaries are an act of self-respect — set them with love and without guilt 💖 Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s the foundation for showing up fully for others 🔥 Your purpose is not up for a vote — own it, protect it, walk in it 🏡 Don’t serve the community at the expense of your home — both matter Closing Thoughts: Balance isn’t something we find — it’s something we create. Through habits, passion, boundaries, and intention, you can live a life that reflects who you are and what you love. Don’t apologize for being real. And remember: when you show up with love, everything shifts. What’s one thing you’ll take away from this episode? Let’s keep the conversation going — comment, rate, and share A Likkle of This and A Little of Dat. Until next time, it’s your girl, Phi. Enough respect. And remember: if you can’t be authentic, you’re not being you. 💕

  8. 03/17/2025

    Finding Your Voice: Lessons from Elders with The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine

    Hey, loves! It’s your girl, Phi, back with another powerful episode of A Likkle of This and A Little of Dat. Today, I sit down with The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine to talk about finding your voice, honoring our elders, and building a stronger community. In part 2, we explore the importance of knowing our history, learning from those who paved the way, and continuing the fight for progress. Dr. Augustine shares wisdom on intergenerational learning, staying connected to our roots, and why true advocacy needs more than allies—it needs accomplices. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Intro [01:58] - It Was Not Always So [07:06] - A Need To Talk To Elders [13:22] - Finding Your Voice [19:07] - Loss in Advocacy Journey [22:38] - Loneliness yet Longevity in Advocacy [25:33] - True Authenticity in Being Yourself [28:14] - Remember You Are Part of Community [29:47] - Closing Thoughts Key Takeaways: 🌱 Know your history—understanding the past helps us shape the future. 🗣 Speak up early—your voice matters more than you think. 💡 Elders hold wisdom—listen, learn, and carry their lessons forward. 💪 Advocacy takes courage—change won’t happen without boldness. 🤝 Be an accomplice, not just an ally—real change requires action. Closing Thoughts: Every opportunity we have today exists because someone before us fought for it. Now, it’s our turn to continue the work, build community, and empower the next generation. What’s one thing you’ll take from this conversation? Let’s keep the dialogue going! Rate, share, and follow A Likkle of This and A Little of Dat to stay connected. Until next time, it’s your girl, Phi. Enough respect. And remember: if you can’t be authentic, you’re not being you. 💕

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Welcome to The Elevated Village, where honest conversations inspire personal growth, stronger leadership, and meaningful change. Hosted by Jamaican Canadian podcaster, entrepreneur, CEO of Coconut Village Elevate, and mom Phiona Durrant, this podcast explores the real-life conversations that shape who we are and who we're becoming. Every episode brings a likkle of this and a little of dat—from mindset, confidence, relationships, leadership, and mental wellness to entrepreneurship, communication, stress, marriage, and navigating life's everyday challenges. Through honest stories, practical insights, and thoughtful conversations, you'll find encouragement to grow, lead with intention, and show up as your best self. Whether you're building a business, strengthening your relationships, developing your leadership, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life, you'll find a welcoming space where authenticity matters and growth is always the goal. If you're ready to think differently so you can live differently, you're in the right place. Let's elevate—together. Because stronger people build stronger communities.

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