Ascend with Courtney Smith

Courtney Elle Smith

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Welcome to Ascend with Courtney Smith. I’m Courtney, a Midtown Toronto Realtor and mom, and this is the podcast where I interview influential high achievers and have real conversations about success, health, identity, and building a life you’re proud of.

Feb 24

Dr. Emilie Boucher: Family Medicine, Delivering Babies & Motherhood

What is it really like to deliver babies for a living while raising your own family? In this conversation with Midtown Toronto mom and Sunnybrook Hospital family physician Dr. Emilie Boucher, we talk about her journey into medicine, the realities of modern childbirth, and her honest perspective on vaginal births versus C-sections. Emily opens up about motherhood, her personal strengths and struggles, and what she’s learned from caring for families while raising her own two children. This is a real and revealing conversation about birth, balance, and being a doctor and a mom at the same time.

25 min
Feb 18

Dr. Alexa Hecht - Practical Eye Care For Busy Moms & Their Families

Today we're interviewing Dr. Alexa Hecht on her extensive eye care best practices, tips and advice. Follow her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.alexahecht/ Find her at Bayvirew Vision on Bayview in Leaside!

23 min
Feb 12

Elly Walton: You're not too old to start something new...

The one and only Elly Walton!

17 min
Feb 3

Gary Lipovetsky: Personal Brand, Real Connection, and Raising Grounded Kids

📍 Timestamped Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction & Podcast Journey Courtney's gratitude for Gary's mentorshipThe hardest parts of starting a podcastOvercoming fear and taking action13:40 - The Power of Community Over Courses Why community is "courses 2.0"The infrastructure required for real connectionBuilding Creator Method's ecosystem17:24 - Personal Brand & Identity Separating ego from worthDealing with public criticism and age gap commentsThe journey from seeking validation to not caring21:03 - Finding Purpose & Motivation Gary's "why": adding value and preparing for the futureThe reality of age gap relationshipsPlanning for his wife's security after he's gone24:42 - Working with Your Spouse Integrating business and personal lifeCelebrating wins and navigating losses togetherFinding balance (or not)27:33 - Staying Humble Through Success Why humble people attract more happinessThe problem with showing off wealthChoosing substance over flash34:30 - Raising Grounded Children Teaching consequences in a privileged environmentThe importance of entrepreneurial educationReal-world lessons for kids39:09 - Advice for Content Creators Why "oversaturation" is a mythStopping caring what others thinkDon't let down your future self

41 min
Jan 27

Kindergarten Teacher’s Perspective on Midtown Toronto

In this episode, we sit down with Himali Vatsraj, a beloved kindergarten teacher at Bessborough Public School, one of the most sought-after elementary schools in Leaside and a highly coveted school catchment in Midtown Toronto. We dive deep into early childhood education and the realities of transitioning young children into the school system. Himali shares practical, grounded insight on how parents can prepare their kids for kindergarten, how to support them emotionally and developmentally both inside and outside the classroom, and what truly matters in the early years. This conversation cuts through the noise and pressure parents often feel, especially in high-achieving, family-focused neighbourhoods. We also get to know Himali on a personal level. I first met her over three years ago at F45 Leaside, where we quickly became friends. More recently, I had the privilege of being her Realtor and helping her transition into homeownership, purchasing a detached home in the Northlea school catchment. She’s now a proud, permanent Midtown mom with her husband Justin and their 2.5 year old son, Rohan. Beyond the classroom, Himali is the definition of a community builder. She sits on the executive committee with me for the South Leaside moms group, hosts incredible events, organizes meaningful gatherings, and brings a level of organization, warmth, and intention that makes her truly exceptional. She embodies what we all hope for in a kindergarten teacher: thoughtful, structured, joyful, and deeply invested in children and families.This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating the early school years, thinking about school catchments, or simply wanting reassurance that their kids are exactly where they need to be. Connect with Himali on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.himali/

32 min
Jan 20

Toddler Brain Development, Playroom Design, and Why Consequences Miss the Mark

In part two of my conversation with a pediatrician, we dive into two of the most misunderstood areas of toddlerhood: playroom design and discipline. If you’ve ever felt like consequences “aren’t working,” or you’re constantly correcting behavior that seems developmentally normal, this episode will completely reframe how you see your child. We unpack why traditional consequences and punishment don’t work for toddlers, not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because toddlers are not neurologically capable of understanding cause and effect the way adults expect them to. Their brains are still developing the very skills we’re trying to discipline into them. We also talk about what actually makes a playroom supportive rather than overstimulating. Why fewer toys often lead to better play. How environment impacts emotional regulation. And how designing your child’s space with intention can reduce power struggles, meltdowns, and burnout for parents. This episode is grounded in pediatric science and practical application, not trends or parenting guilt. It’s for parents who want calm, capable kids and a home that works with their child’s development instead of against it. Topics we coverWhy consequences don’t work for toddlersWhat toddlers actually understand developmentallyHow to design a playroom that supports independence and regulationWhy overstimulation leads to behavioral challengesHow to parent with structure without shame If you’re raising a toddler and feeling exhausted, confused, or constantly questioning yourself, this conversation will give you clarity and relief. Save this episode.Share it with a parent who needs to hear it.And listen with an open mind. Keywordstoddler developmentplayroom designpediatrician parenting advicegentle parenting scienceemotional regulationraising toddlers

27 min
Jan 13

Why Overscheduling Your Child Might Be the Worst Parenting Advice We Normalized in Midtown Toronto

Welcome back to Ascend with Courtney Smith.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Ari Singer, a fellow Midtown mom and pediatrician specializing in child development, with extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children. Dr. Singer is deeply grounded in the science of how children’s brains actually develop, and she is unapologetically focused on what is developmentally appropriate, not what is socially normalized. Children are not small adults. And many of the expectations we place on them, especially in high-achieving, affluent households, are misaligned with what their nervous systems and minds truly need.In this episode, we challenge modern parenting norms, particularly the pressure to overschedule children from an early age with two, three, four, or even five structured programs at once. We unpack why what feels productive, impressive, or responsible on the surface can quietly undermine emotional regulation, cognitive development, and long-term wellbeing. Dr. Singer shares her family structure, what life looks like inside her own household, how she approaches balance during busy seasons like the holidays, and the science behind why less truly is more in early childhood.I also share a personal moment. Last fall, I overprogrammed my daughter Lauren before she started JK. What felt normal in our neighborhood was not actually what was best for her. The guidance I received from Ari was genuinely life-changing, and I have not looked back since. If you are a mom who wants what’s best for your children, feels the pressure of comparison, and is questioning whether “busy” really equals “better,” this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. Subscribe for weekly episodes and interviews with thoughtful leaders, parents, and professionals shaping Midtown Toronto and beyond. Connect with meInstagram: @courtneyellesmith Website: https://adamweiner.ca/agent/courtney-smith Real estate: Midtown Toronto, Lawrence Park, Lytton Park, Bedford Park, Davisville, Leaside, Forest Hill

21 min
Jan 6

Introducing "Ascend with Courtney Smith"

Welcome to Ascend with Courtney Smith, a podcast designed for high achievers who want to live with clarity, confidence, and purpose. I’m Courtney Smith, a Midtown Toronto Realtor, wife and mom, and this show is about transformation, connection , and becoming the next version of yourself. In this solo kickoff episode, I’m introducing you to the world of Ascend—why I created it, what it stands for, and how it connects real estate, identity, and personal growth. You’ll hear about my journey from small-town beginnings to building a thriving business and family life in Midtown Toronto, and how I help others create lives they love through strategic property moves and mindset elevation. 🎧 In this episode, I share:• The story behind Ascend and why I launched this podcast• The connection between lifestyle, connection, and identity• What it means to buy a home that reflects who you’re becoming• Why I believe your address is an extension of your self-image• The role of consistency, courage, and clarity in transformation As a Midtown Toronto Realtor, I specialize in the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods: Lawrence Park, Lytton Park, Bedford Park, Sherwood Park, Davisville Village, and Leaside. These are more than communities, they represent a lifestyle of ambition, heritage, and balance. My clients are professionals and families who value wellness, great schools, community, and proximity to the city’s best amenities. I help them find not just a house, but a home that aligns with their next chapter. My approach goes beyond transactions. I call it identity based real estate coaching, a process of helping people clarify who they are becoming and aligning their environment to support that evolution. Whether it’s upsizing, downsizing, or reinvesting, I bring both strategic expertise and deep emotional intelligence to every client experience. This podcast extends that same philosophy into life and business. Here, you’ll find real conversations about growth, wealth, relationships, motherhood, and mindset. You’ll meet influential high achievers, local leaders, entrepreneurs, and parents who are redefining success. Every episode is designed to leave you inspired, grounded, and connected, ready to take action on your goals and elevate your environment, identity, and energy. I’ve always believed that real estate is not just about location, it’s about identity. Where you live reflects who you are, what you value, and where you’re headed next. My mission is to help people rise, not just in their net worth, but in their sense of self-worth. 🌿 About Me:I live in Davisville with my husband, Hugh, and our two children, Lauren and Paul. After nearly two decades in real estate, I’ve built a career rooted in purpose, performance, and people. My passion for personal development led me to coaching, neuroscience, and habit psychology. I’m inspired by voices like Benjamin Hardy, Tony Robbins, and James Clear, and I bring those same principles into my work and life. When I’m not selling homes or coaching clients, you’ll find me at Mandy’s Midtown for a salad, walking my signature Hillsdale 5K, or resetting at the Granite Club. Midtown is not just where I live, it’s my community, my inspiration, and my legacy. If I weren’t in real estate, I’d still be doing exactly what I’m doing now... helping people elevate. Through this podcast, I’m merging both worlds: personal growth and professional mastery. ✨ Subscribe if you’re ready to ascend in your health, wealth, mindset, and identity.🎙 New episodes weekly... conversations that move you forward. 📍 Keywords: Midtown Toronto Realtor, Real Estate Podcast, Toronto Real Estate, Personal Development, Identity Shift, Mindset, Habit Building, Wealth Creation, High Achievers, Luxury Homes, Lawrence Park, Lytton Park, Leaside, Davisville Village, Toronto Podcast 📲 Connect:Instagram: @courtneyellesmithWebsite: https://adamweiner.ca/agent/courtney-smith

35 min

8 Episodes

Welcome to Ascend with Courtney Smith. I’m Courtney, a Midtown Toronto Realtor and mom, and this is the podcast where I interview influential high achievers and have real conversations about success, health, identity, and building a life you’re proud of.

Creator

Courtney Elle Smith
Years Active

2K
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Courtney Elle Smith
Show Website

Ascend with Courtney Smith