The Flourish Feed Podcast

Gillian Stovel Rivers

A series of curiosity driven deep dives into the nature of flourishing through wealth.

  1. #22 - The Mortality Episode: A Powerful Multiplier that Buys Back Your Life

    4D AGO

    #22 - The Mortality Episode: A Powerful Multiplier that Buys Back Your Life

    In this conversation, Gillian Stovel Rivers and Greg Barnsdale explore the critical importance of mortality planning, discussing the universal challenges surrounding death and incapacity. They highlight the alarming statistic that only 15% of Canadians have an estate plan, emphasizing the need for open conversations about end-of-life wishes to reduce stress and strengthen family relationships. The discussion delves into the financial implications of poor planning, the role of communication in legacy planning, and the potential of online will creation. Cultural perspectives on death planning are examined, along with the necessity of executor education to ensure effective estate management. Ultimately, the conversation underscores that handling mortality planning well is a profound act of love for one's family. Gain incredible tools and insights from Greg’s book which you can learn about at Do Not Ignore Your Mortality Takeaways 💌Death and incapacity are universal issues, not just Canadian problems. 🪦Only 15% of Canadians have an estate plan, leaving 85% vulnerable. 💌Planning for death reduces stress and strengthens relationships. 🪦Estate planning alleviates the stress of aging and increases resilience. 💌Conversations about end-of-life wishes are crucial for families. 🪦The financial implications of poor planning can be significant. 💌Effective planning involves open communication with loved ones. 🪦Online will creation can be a viable option for many, but caution is needed. 💌Cultural attitudes towards death can influence planning behaviors. 🪦Executor education is essential for effective estate management. Some notable online estate planning platifforms: - Willful Canada - Legal Wills Canada - Epilogue Wills - Ontario.ca - LegalZoom (USA) Quotes "Death and incapacity are universal issues." "Only 15% of Canadians have an estate plan." “Having our final affairs in order gives valuable direction to those that we love most.” “The tax planning opportunities basically disappear when someone dies.” “Settling an estate is like a bureaucratic ultra marathon.” “If an estate is not structured properly, it can lead to complicated grief.” “End of life planning should not be done Send TFFP your thoughts!

    36 min
  2. #21 - The Attention Episode: Brain Capital You Can't Afford to Waste

    FEB 19

    #21 - The Attention Episode: Brain Capital You Can't Afford to Waste

    In this conversation, Gillian and Dr. Jennifer Churchill explore the multifaceted impact of AI on leadership, productivity, and personal identity. They discuss the psychological challenges leaders face as they integrate AI into their work, the concept of cognitive debt, and the importance of maintaining human skills in an increasingly automated world. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to protect their cognitive reserve and foster psychological safety within their teams. Additionally, they touch on the gendered aspects of brain health and the significance of rituals in enhancing cognitive resilience. The conversation concludes with insights into the emerging concept of brain capital and its potential economic implications. Subscribe to join Dr. Jennifer Churchill’s AI Without Anxiety private podcast here! Guests of The Flourish Feed can use the promo code FLOURISH for a reduced entry fee.  And here is the link to McKinsey Health Institute’s “The human advantage: Stronger brains in the age of AI” Takeaways 🧠 AI is reshaping how we think, lead, and live. 🫆 Leaders are experiencing a decline in productivity despite using AI. 🧠 Cognitive debt arises from outsourcing cognitive tasks to AI. 🫆 Maintaining human skills is crucial in the age of AI. 🧠 Personal identity should not be solely tied to professional roles. 🫆 Cognitive reserve must be protected to prevent memory loss. 🧠 AI can create blind spots in our thinking. 🫆 Psychological safety is essential for effective team dynamics. 🧠 Rituals can help restore cognitive resilience. 🫆 Brain capital is a significant factor in future economic growth. Quotes “AI is not just a productivity tool - it’s a psychological environment.” “Attention is under siege, even as intelligence becomes more abundant.” “When we outsource our thinking, we create cognitive debt.” “Cognitive reserve has to be exercised, or it weakens.” “Beliefs don’t fail first under pressure - attention does.” “Women need to protect their cognitive reserve like it’s a lifeline.” “We are more than what we do - and AI can’t take away our story.” “Human skills - not technical ones - will matter most in the years ahead.” Chapters 00:00 The Psychological Impact of AI on Leadership 08:45 Cognitive Debt and Its Implications 17:56 Gendered Perspectives on Brain Health and AI 26:52 Navigating Identity in the Age of AI 27:56 Exploring Meaning and Purpose 30:42 The Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World 34:32 Rituals for Balancing AI and Humanity 40:09 The Importance of Brain Capital 43:28 Introducing the Private Podcast Series 49:20 The Moment of Bliss and Daily Joy #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself Connect with Gillian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca   https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/   Send TFFP your thoughts!

    49 min
  3. #20 - The Future Episode: Investing Ahead of the Curve

    FEB 12

    #20 - The Future Episode: Investing Ahead of the Curve

    In this episode of the Flourish Feed podcast, host Gillian Stovel Rivers engages with Nick Griffin, founder and CIO of Munro Partners, to explore the transformative investing themes shaping the future. Griffin emphasizes that the future is not something to wait for; rather, it is already forming based on observable signals.  He discusses the importance of thematic investing, which focuses on identifying long-term structural trends rather than traditional economic indicators. With over two decades of experience, Griffin shares insights on how companies can thrive amidst these changes, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence, technological acceleration, and evolving business models. Griffin elaborates on the significance of understanding “the S-curve of adoption” in various industries, highlighting how major companies like Amazon and Facebook emerged from structural shifts in consumer behavior. He also addresses the moral implications of investing in technologies that can have both positive and negative impacts on society.  The conversation delves into the future of AI, decarbonization, and security, with Griffin providing a forward-looking perspective on how these themes will influence investment strategies and societal changes in the coming years. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for investors and business owners to navigate a rapidly changing world by focusing on growth-oriented opportunities. Takeaways 🔮The future is already forming based on observable signals. 💰Thematic investing focuses on long-term structural trends rather than traditional economic indicators. 🔮Understanding the S-curve of adoption is crucial for identifying growth opportunities. 💰AI is the fourth major shift in computing, creating new applications and industries. 🔮Investing in decarbonization and security will be key themes for the future. Quotes "AI is the fourth big change in computing." “The future isn’t something we wait for - it’s something we can already see forming.”  “The equity market is not the economy - it’s a handful of big winners and a lot of mediocrity.”  “Only 4% of companies have created all the wealth in the stock market over the last 80 years.”  “Great companies don’t just win markets - they’re created by structural change.”  “You don’t need a crystal ball. You just need to notice how the world is changing.”  “If you use a technology yourself and see the utility, it’s probably not a bubble.”  “AI doesn’t eliminate work - it gives us more time to do what actually matters.”  “Knowledge will be commoditized. Human connection, culture, and leadership will not.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thematic Investing 01:53 Understanding Thematic Investing 04:21 Identifying Signals for Investment 06:18 The Moral Implications of Investing 09:50 The Shift to Thematic Investing 12:17 Key Investing Themes: AI, Decarbonization, and Security 15:11 The Future of AI and Its Applications 20:20 Physical AI and Its Impact 24:27 The Human Element in a Tech-Driven World 27:54 The Future of Work and Purpose 30:50 The Role of Human Interaction in a Tech World 35:35 Moments of Bliss and Personal Reflections #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    38 min
  4. #19 - The Productivity Episode: Unlocking Growth While Increasing Connection

    FEB 5

    #19 - The Productivity Episode: Unlocking Growth While Increasing Connection

    In this episode of the Flourish Feed podcast, Gillian Stovel Rivers interviews Kristin Parise, a pelvic health physiotherapist who has integrated AI into her business strategy. They discuss how AI can enhance human connection, reclaim time, and protect energy for women entrepreneurs.  Kristin shares her journey of using AI tools to streamline operations, improve client interactions, and produce conferences more efficiently. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity while leveraging technology and highlights the transformative power of AI in business. Follow Kristen on LinkedIn, Blueberry Pelvic Health on Instagram, and register now for The Pleasure Principle Women’s Health Conference taking place May 8th, 2026.  Takeaways 🦾AI can enhance human connection in business. 🌷Integrating AI can help reclaim time and energy. 🦾AI serves as a co-pilot, not a replacement. 🌷Effective use of AI requires clear prompts and instructions. 🦾AI can streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. 🌷Custom AI tools can enhance team collaboration and training. 🦾AI can transform the way conferences are produced. 🌷Using AI allows for more strategic thinking and planning. 🦾AI can help maintain authenticity in communication. 🌷Engaging with AI can lead to personal and professional growth. Quotes “AI isn’t replacing my clinical judgment - it’s protecting it.” “I didn’t need to work harder. I needed better systems.” “If women’s health is going to scale, it can’t rely on sacrifice anymore.” “AI became my co-pilot so I could stay present with my patients.” “Burnout isn’t a badge of care - it’s a systems failure.” “When the system changes, growth stops feeling so hard.” “This isn’t about productivity. It’s about capacity.” “Technology didn’t make my work less human - it made it more sustainable.” Chapters 00:00 AI and Human Connection in Business 02:37 Kristin Parisi: A Journey into AI 05:44 Integrating AI: The Initial Experience 11:52 AI as a Thought Partner 17:26 Organizing AI for Efficiency 20:13 The Power of Automation with AI 25:21 Transforming Conference Production with AI 30:10 Reclaiming Time and Energy 35:25 Enhancing Attention and Client Experience 39:08 Moments of Bliss: Finding Joy in Connection #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    41 min
  5. #18 - The Physics of Investing: Solve For The Right Things

    JAN 29

    #18 - The Physics of Investing: Solve For The Right Things

    In this episode of the Flourish Feed podcast, host Gillian Stovel Rivers engages with Marc-André Lewis, PhD, President and CIO of CI Global Asset Management, to discuss how investors can navigate the complexities of today's financial landscape.  They explore the importance of a disciplined, scientifically informed investment process that prioritizes clarity over the noise of headlines about inflation, AI disruption, and market volatility. Marc-André shares insights from his background in theoretical physics, emphasizing the need for models, the ability to break down complex problems, and the importance of focusing on key drivers in investment decisions. The conversation delves into the dangers of treating investing like gambling, especially among younger generations who may be swayed by the fast-paced flow of information. Marc-André advocates for a structured approach to investing, highlighting the significance of understanding one's objectives and maintaining a long-term perspective. He discusses the importance of metrics like growth and productivity, the role of rebalancing in portfolio management, and the need for investors to remain patient and disciplined amidst market fluctuations.  Ultimately, the episode underscores that while macroeconomic forces are important, a solid investment process is paramount for achieving financial goals. Takeaways 💰Investing is about a process, not just returns. 🔬Focus on what you're solving for in your investments. 💰Understanding models is crucial for informed decision-making. 🔬Chunking complex problems into smaller parts makes them manageable. 💰Robustness in a portfolio is essential for long-term success. Quotes “Investing is first and foremost about a process — and you need to solve for something.” “Nobody should be gambling on their retirement. It is a project of a lifetime.” “A well-built portfolio isn’t designed to forecast the future — it’s built to withstand it.” “News flow confuses people into reacting. Process frees them to think long-term.” “If you don’t know whether a result came from skill or luck, it’s not repeatable.” “Diversification is not a race against your neighbour’s portfolio or what you hear at the water cooler. It’s insurance on your life goals.” “Politics are not the economy - and the economy is not the markets.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Investment Clarity 02:18 The Intersection of Science and Markets 04:51 Decision-Making Frameworks in Investing 06:47 The Dangers of Emotional Trading 09:56 Understanding Signal vs Noise 12:43 The Role of Professional Money Management 16:02 Planning for Uncertainty in Investments 19:20 Key Metrics for Long-Term Investors 22:23 Designing Resilient Portfolios 29:51 The Importance of Diversification 32:29 Guiding Principles for the Next Decade #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    37 min
  6. #17 - The Coach Episode: You Choose Your Own Hard

    JAN 22

    #17 - The Coach Episode: You Choose Your Own Hard

    In this powerful episode, coach and mentor Michael D’Angelo joins Gillian to explore what it truly takes to grow — not just in sport, but in life. Michael shares the mindsets that separate movement from momentum, talent from mastery, and intention from action. Together, they unpack the role of community, why “closer is better” beats perfection every time, and how discomfort becomes the gateway to transformation when we learn to sit with it instead of avoid it. If you’re craving growth, clarity, or renewed belief in what’s possible for you, this conversation will light a spark — and hand you the tools to fan it. Takeaways 🏋️‍♀️Discipline and focus from training translates to life skills. 🧬Community support enhances personal growth and achievement. 🏋️‍♀️Mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges in sports and life. 🧬Balancing multiple priorities is essential for well-being. 🏋️‍♀️The journey of self-discovery is as important as the goal. 🧬Neurochemistry plays a significant role in performance. 🏋️‍♀️You can learn from both wins and losses. 🧬Attention management is key to achieving flow state. 🏋️‍♀️Fitness should be accessible and adaptable to individual needs. 🧬Personal agency is vital for sustained motivation and growth. Quotes • "What a shame to quit learning." • "The community is what keeps us there." • "You choose your own hard." • “Growth is seldom painless. Most of the time, it’s an internal struggle - and that’s where the real learning happens." • “If you can’t get past the moment of not getting the outcome you want, there’s no opportunity to learn.” • “Closer is better. You don’t need perfection; you just need to get closer.” • “Mindset isn’t about pretending. It’s about having the tools to reset when things don’t go your way.” • “If you don’t do anything about your stress, nothing changes. You can safely assume it will keep feeling the same.” • “The highest performers aren’t always the most talented, they’re the most focused.” Chapters 00:00 The Blueprint for Flourishing in Life 01:59 Michael D'Angelo: A Journey from Athlete to Coach 07:22 Accidental Purpose: Transitioning to Coaching 13:35 Balancing Priorities: The Five Buckets of Life 15:48 Mindset and Mental Shifts in Performance 24:48 Neurochemistry and High Performance 33:40 The Emotional Landscape of Winning and Losing 36:55 The Journey of Growth and Mindset 40:51 The Power of Attention in Performance 45:51 Emotional Arousal and Performance 50:49 The Evolution of Mindset Across Age Groups 55:27 The Paradox of Fitness Across Life Stages 01:00:03 The Future of Fitness and Community Engagement #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca    https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstov...  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/ Send TFFP your thoughts!

    1h 3m
  7. #16 - The Female Founders Episode

    JAN 15

    #16 - The Female Founders Episode

    In this episode of the Flourish Feed podcast, Gillian Stovel Rivers speaks with Eleanor Beaton, Founder of SAFI Media, about how women founders can create business models that support their wellbeing. They discuss the importance of agency, the challenges of over functioning, and the need for women to navigate male-dominated structures.  Eleanor shares her personal stories and insights on leadership, time management, and the future of women in business, emphasizing the economic impact of women entrepreneurs and the role of AI in enhancing their success. One of the spiciest and most engaging episodes so far, you don’t want to miss it. Takeaways 👑Women entrepreneurs can design businesses that support their flourishing. 🎤Agency and autonomy are essential for women building businesses today. 👑Over functioning can reduce ambition and energy levels for women leaders. 🎤Professionalizing women's entrepreneurship can advance wealth & well-being. 👑Women often internalize externalities in business, impacting their health and relationships. 🎤It's important for women to set boundaries around their time and energy. 👑Women should focus on their own business and not take on others' responsibilities. 🎤Humor and direct confrontation can help women shift from over functioning. 👑Investing in team development is crucial for leadership success. 🎤AI presents a tremendous opportunity for women entrepreneurs. Quotes On Overfunctioning “When women overfunction, we start to reduce our ambition to match our energy levels — and nobody has unlimited energy.” On the Global Impact of Women Entrepreneurs “Fix gender equity in entrepreneurship and you lift global GDP by 20% — more than what AI promises.” On Hollow Success “Some women hit the ‘full send’ goal and think… is this it? There’s something missing.” On Burnout as a Business Externality “Pushing yourself so hard that it harms your relationships and wellbeing is pollution. Women leaders are done absorbing those costs.” On Power and Money “My mother once told me, furious in the car: ‘Money is power. Always make your own.’ That changed me.” On Boundaries & Time “I’ve trained myself not to be a fast responder. That’s how I protect my time and attention as a leader.” On Delegation & Female Leadership “Women often don’t get tough feedback. People soften it. But we’re tough — and direct truth is a breath of fresh air.” On Critical Boundaries “Remember, sister — that’s not your problem. That’s in Chad’s purview. Let him own it.” On AI as a Feminist Tool “AI is the work wife every woman needs — a senior employee in your pocket at all times.” On Women Business Owners as an Economic Force “Women entrepreneurs are one of the biggest employers in the country — not a cottage industry.” Chapters 00:00 Designing Flourishing Business Models for Women Entrepreneurs 03:09 The Importance of Agency and Autonomy 06:01 Over Functioning: A Double-Edged Sword 08:58 The Role of Women in Wealth Dynamics 11:51 Navigating Male-Dominated Structures 15:03 Empowering Teams and Building Resilience 24:44 The Power of Supportive Questioning 25:43 Mastering Time Management 29:36 Raising Resilient Young Men 32:57 Navigating Attention in a Noisy World 37:23 The Future of Women in Business 39:11 Moments of Bliss #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself  Connect with Gillian:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124 Send TFFP your thoughts!

    40 min
  8. #15 - The Intelligent Movement Episode: Aging Is Optional

    JAN 8

    #15 - The Intelligent Movement Episode: Aging Is Optional

    In this episode of the Flourish Feed podcast, Dr. Edythe Heus discusses her revolutionary brain-body training system, Rev6, which aims to help individuals of all ages unlock their potential for strength, balance, mobility, and cognitive clarity.  The conversation explores the importance of fascia, the role of movement in health, the significance of the pelvic floor, and how embracing instability can enhance resilience. Dr. Heus emphasizes the interconnectedness of body and mind, the necessity of community support, and practical steps for aging gracefully. **Rev6 & Dr. Edythe Heus have generously offered a limited time discount!** Go to Rev6.fit and enter code FLOURISH to receive 50% off your first 3-months of Rev6 On-Demand subscription!  More About Dr. Edythe: In 2003, Dr. Edythe Heus’ book ProBodX came out.  In 2016, Dr. Edythe created Rev6 Vitality, a seated workout program for seniors. In 2023, Rev6 became an NASM/AFAA Continuing Education Provider.  Rev6 has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Sporting News, the Los Angeles Times and Time Out New York.  Takeaways 🐬 Your most vibrant decades can be ahead of you. 💪 Fascia health is crucial for aging well. 🐬 Movement impacts both physical and cognitive health. 💪 Instability training enhances resilience and balance. 🐬 The pelvic floor is essential for overall stability. 💪 Healthy fascia contributes to better movement and function. 🐬 Engaging in risk can improve quality of life as we age. 💪 Community support is vital for health and longevity. 🐬 Regular movement can transform lives and perceptions. 💪 Finding purpose through movement can lead to a fulfilling life. Quotes • “The fascia can be remodeled at any age, and it happens faster than we think.” • “It completely changes your perception of what the rest of life is going to be." • “Instability is essential for longevity.” • “When you change your physical structure, your whole life reorganizes.” • “The pelvic floor is not optional - it’s central to balance, breathing, and independence.” • “We bubble-wrap people as they age and they lose agency.” • “Flourishing doesn’t stop when work ends. It begins when connection returns.”   Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Longevity: A New Perspective 03:02 The Role of Fascia in Aging 05:58 Understanding Movement and the Nervous System 08:56 The Importance of Instability in Training 11:56 Flow State: Achieving Peak Performance 14:56 The Connection Between Mind and Body 18:04 Practical Applications for Seniors & Core Training 24:00 The Impact of Modern Lifestyles on Movement 26:57 Injury and Its Broader Implications 30:12 The Foundation of Movement 35:53 Creating a Movement System: The Birth of REV6 38:47 The Importance of the Pelvic Floor in Aging 48:44 Flourishing Through Movement: The Connection to Purpose 55:29 Embracing Risk: Small Actions for Big Changes #flourish #wealth #wealthmanagement #investing #advisor #KnowThyWealthKnowThyself Connect with Gillian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stovel-rivers-ma-cfp%C2%AE-cea-997094124/?originalSubdomain=ca  https://x.com/GillianStovelR  https://www.instagram.com/gillianstovelofficial  https://flourishfamilywealth.com/  Send TFFP your thoughts!

    1 hr

About

A series of curiosity driven deep dives into the nature of flourishing through wealth.