Unexpected Journeys

Stacey Commer
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  • Society & Culture

Life rarely goes according to your plan—and that’s where the real story begins. Unexpected Journeys is a podcast celebrating the unplanned detours, sudden pivots, and accidental breakthroughs that define our lives and careers. Every week, we sit down with everyday people and extraordinary guests to share the raw, unfiltered stories of how an unexpected change or event led them exactly where they needed to be. Whether you are facing a massive life change, feeling stuck, or just love a great comeback story, this is your reminder that the best parts of life are rarely planned. Hosted by Stacey Commer, a former journalist, with more than 35 years in the industry. 

  1. 1d ago

    Decoding The Walking Dead-Ty Rowswell

    Special Halloween Episode!! Halloween is just a few days away, so it is the perfect time to talk about zombies and The Walking Dead franchise. This week, we are joined by indie filmmaker and content creator Ty Rowswell, the creative mind behind the massive YouTube channel Ty Swell / Swell-Films. Famous for his deep dives, commentary, and his signature motto to "Keep The Dead Alive!", Ty shares what it really takes to build an online community around beloved franchises like The Walking Dead. We talk about the art of the internet "hot take", managing a channel with tens of thousands of subscribers, and how fandom shapes modern storytelling. To connect with Ty: https://linktr.ee/tyswell Instagram - swell.films Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ty.rowswell/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Swell-Films   For the video version of this interview, our YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada Please subscribe to our YouTube channel...its free!! If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at: unexpectedjourneyspod@gmail.com We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: Jessica@lemmonent.com Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

  2. 2d ago

    Forever a Mom-Amy Campbell

    Please note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss and trauma. If you or a loved one are sensitive to these topics, please use discretion or consider skipping this episode. Thank you for listening. Amy Campbell describes herself as a "grief mom", learning daily to carry love and loss in the same heart. In her own words, "I will forever miss Camden. His little life changed mine, but I am slowly discovering that healing does not mean forgetting. It means learning to live along side the ache, finding beauty in the moments I am given, and allowing love to grow where pain once lived. Forever a mom! Forever loving! Forever healing!" Amy's son Camden tragically passed away at the hands of her ex-partner in 2009. He was sentenced to 5 and a half years for the crime. In this episode, Amy discusses navigating grief, learning to heal, and how she now helps kids who have experienced trauma and tragedy. We thank Amy for sharing her story, in hopes it can help others dealing with grief and trauma.   To reach out: Instagram: warrior_mama_09 Facebook: Amy Campbell Walking Through Grief: https://www.chpca.ca/listing/walking-through-grief-society/   The video version of this podcast is available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada Please subscribe to our channel, it's free!   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at unexpectedjourneyspod@gmail.com. We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: Jessica@lemmonent.com Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

    Forever a Mom-Amy Campbell

  3. 5d ago

    Reclaiming My Voice-The Journey of Jordan Wulf

    TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of severe domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, we sit down with public advocate and domestic violence survivor Jordan Wulf. Jordan shares her harrowing story of surviving an 11-day captivity by her ex-husband and how she ultimately secured her freedom. But her journey didn’t stop at survival. Today, Jordan is turning her pain into purpose by lobbying state lawmakers for expedited divorce reform to help other survivors safely cut ties with their abusers. Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, systemic legal gaps, and what it truly means to fight for your future. To Contact Jordan: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wulf.jordan Instagram: @wulfboysmommy   Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wulfboysmommy Email: jordan.wulf@gmail.com   The video version of this podcast is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada We appreciate if you would subscribe to our YouTube channel! It's free! If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at: unexpectedjourneyspod@gmail.com We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: Jessica@lemmonent.com Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

  4. Oct 20

    Hope, Humour and Healing-Megan and Curtis

    In this episode we chat with with Megan and Curtis. This couple has faced a mountain of challenges, and still continue to try to find the humour in life and enjoy each day. After spending six years navigating infertility, miscarriages and fertility treatments to build their family, their lives took another unexpected turn when Curtis was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Megan and Curtis are incredibly open about what life looks like for them right now. We dive into the hard conversations that people usually avoid, like navigating the MAiD process across the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, making the tough call to sell their business, and talking to their young kids about death. But honestly, this isn’t just a sad story about cancer. It’s a beautiful look at how they are choosing to live in the present, finding deep healing in their connection, and making sure there is still plenty of room for hope and everyday laughter in their home. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with their expenses. https://gofund.me/20a625d83 For information or to make a donation to Amy's House: https://www.amyshouse.ca/ To connect with Megan and Curtis: Curtis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565666230217 Megan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.sieben.5 The video version of this podcast is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada We appreciate if you would subscribe to our YouTube channel! It's free! If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at: unexpectedjourneyspod@gmail.com We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: Jessica@lemmonent.com Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

    Hope, Humour and Healing-Megan and Curtis

  5. Oct 17

    When The Healer Breaks-Krista Parsons

    Krista Parsons is a Canadian author, registered nurse, and former healthcare leader whose unexpected journey from caregiver to patient reshaped everything she thought she knew about healing. In her memoir, "When the Healer Breaks", she shares her experience of chronic pain, loss of identity, vulnerability, and rebuilding a life she never planned for—offering an honest look at what it means to find purpose when the path ahead changes completely. To connect with Krista: Website: https://www.whenthehealerbreaks.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/krista.parsons.author/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575352795005 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-parsons-rn-bscn-mal-h-che-93a241121/ For the video version of this podcast, check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada Please subscribe to our YouTube channel...its free!! If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at: unexpectedjourneyspod@gmail.com We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: Jessica@lemmonent.com Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

    When The Healer Breaks-Krista Parsons

  6. Oct 11

    These Are My Bonus Days-Blair Leggatt

    Blair Leggatt is a self-published author from Canada. He has written two books-"Exploring With Brandy: A Journey into Discovery and Recovery" and "Lucky: These are My Bonus Days" The books started out as journal entries after a workplace accident. Mainly to help work through memory loss experienced from the injury. Blair found them to be therapeutic as they helped him deal with the trauma. The books are a collection of those journals and his perspective on dealing with insurance companies and the health care system as well as acceptance and recovery. In "Brandy", Blair shares stories of his connection with his black lab and their experiences exploring nature. Blair says he wanted the reader to connect to the journey and feel like they were walking the path to acceptance and recovery with them. In "Lucky" Blair shares his experiences with trauma and the struggles to move forward towards acceptance and recovery. For more information: Instagram: @blairleggattauthor2024 Facebook: @blairleggattauthor Video version is on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada We appreciate if you would subscribe to our YouTube channel! It's free!  If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at: unexpectedjourneyspod@gmail.com We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: Jessica@lemmonent.com Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

  7. Oct 4

    Resilience and Redemption: Dave and Amanda's Journey

    To kick off season 3 of Unexpected Journeys, we have the deeply personal stories of Dave Murphy and Amanda Panchuk. This couple faced significant challenges and emerged stronger together. We explore their incredible stories of trauma, recovery, and deep personal transformation. From surviving a near-fatal addiction to overcoming decades of alcohol abuse following a violent assault, Amanda and Dave open up about hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to climb back up. They share how they became each other’s ultimate support system—collectively losing nearly 400 pounds, prioritizing physical and mental fitness, and working to amplify the stories of others who have triumphed over adversity. Dave and Amanda are the authors of "When the Clouds Come Home", a powerful book helping children understand a loved one’s battle with addiction while letting them know it is not their fault. Dave also hosts his own podcast called "30 Minutes of Fame" For more information: Instagram: 30minsoffame Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/30MinutesofFame The book is listed under "When the Clouds Come Home" on Facebook. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@30MinuteFame Audio of our podcast is available on all streaming platforms under: Unexpected Journeys Video version is on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada We appreciate if you would subscribe to our YouTube channel! It's free!  If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at: unexpectedjourneyspod@gmail.com We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: Jessica@lemmonent.com Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

  8. Oct 1

    Season 3 Promo!!

    Executive Producer Sean Lannan joins Host Stacey Commer to discuss what is planned for Season 3 of Unexpected Journeys. The first episode drops October 4th. Audio is available on all streaming platforms. Video is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada Thanks for your support!

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About

Life rarely goes according to your plan—and that’s where the real story begins. Unexpected Journeys is a podcast celebrating the unplanned detours, sudden pivots, and accidental breakthroughs that define our lives and careers. Every week, we sit down with everyday people and extraordinary guests to share the raw, unfiltered stories of how an unexpected change or event led them exactly where they needed to be. Whether you are facing a massive life change, feeling stuck, or just love a great comeback story, this is your reminder that the best parts of life are rarely planned. Hosted by Stacey Commer, a former journalist, with more than 35 years in the industry. 

Information

  • Creator
    Stacey Commer
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unexpected Journeys