What's the Tea with Sarah E

Sarah Ernest
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to What’s the Tea with Sarah E Where community, culture, and bold conversations collide.  Hosted by award-winning philanthropy leader, author, and unapologetic changemaker Sarah Ernest, this podcast spills the tea with entrepreneurs, entertainers, and community leaders about business, impact, and living life out loud.  Around here, nothing is off-limits. From money and mission to confidence and culture, Sarah takes you inside the raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic stories of leaders, dreamers, and doers who are shaping our world - and doing it their own way.  Every episode ends with Stir the Pot – a tradition where each guest leaves a bold question for the next, keeping the conversations as unpredictable as they are unforgettable.  It’s time to stir the pot and spill some tea.  --- Join the Tea Party!New episodes drop every second Tuesday — subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on Instagram at @sara_ernest for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes tea, and unapologetic real talk.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    S3 Episode 6 - Lester Coloma

    On Season 3, Episode 6 of What's The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Lester Coloma - award-winning mural artist, visual storyteller, entrepreneur, and proud Hamiltonian whose work has transformed communities across North America for nearly three decades. Born and raised in Hamilton to Filipino immigrant parents, Lester's love of art began at home alongside his father, an architect who unknowingly sparked a lifelong passion for creativity. What started as childhood sketches grew into a remarkable career creating murals that don't simply decorate buildings - they tell the stories of the people, history, and communities that surround them. In this thoughtful, reflective, and deeply inspiring conversation, Lester spills the tea on: Growing up as a first-generation Filipino Canadian and the lessons his father taught him about art and lifeDiscovering mural painting through an unexpected opportunity that changed the course of his careerWhy he sees himself as a visual storyteller rather than simply an artistThe responsibility creatives have to shape communities, preserve history, and spark conversationHow grief following the loss of his mother found its way into his artwork and became part of his healing journeyBuilding a creative business over nearly 30 years while navigating self-doubt, perfectionism, and entrepreneurshipWhat success looks like today and the importance of embracing mistakes to grow as both an artist and a human beingHis dream of creating more personal, emotionally expressive work that reflects his own story Lester also shares something deeply personal: despite decades of recognition and success, he's only recently begun to understand how profoundly his work impacts the people and communities who experience it every day. It's a beautiful reminder that sometimes we never fully realize the ripple effect of the gifts we share with the world! This episode is about creativity, legacy, vulnerability, and finding beauty in both the cracks and the masterpiece. Season 3 – Episode 6 - Painting Stories That Last is streaming now on What's The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Lester Coloma and explore his portfolio: lestercoloma.com or follow along his journey on Instagram @lestercolomaart That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.  Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.  A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S3 Episode 6 - Lester Coloma

  2. Jul 14

    S3 Episode 5 - Danielle Zucchet

    On Season 3, Episode 5 of What's The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Danielle Zucchet, CEO of Kemp Care Network, fundraiser, leader, mother, and the visionary helping bring Keaton's House to life - the first dedicated pediatric hospice serving Hamilton, Halton, Niagara, Brant, and surrounding communities. Danielle's journey wasn't one she ever imagined. After losing her son, Keaton, in 2010, she found herself searching for purpose amidst unimaginable grief. While attending a grief and bereavement seminar hosted by Kemp Care Network, she learned about the enormous gap in pediatric hospice care... and everything changed. What began as a career in fundraising evolved into a calling to help build something that families across our region have deserved for decades. Today, Danielle is leading a transformational $25 million capital campaign to build Keaton's House - a home-like pediatric hospice that will provide respite care, pain and symptom management, grief and bereavement support, and end-of-life care for children and their families. With more than $14 million already raised, this dream is becoming a reality, with doors expected to open in 2027. In this deeply moving conversation, Danielle spills the tea on: The life-changing loss that transformed her purpose and careerThe heartbreaking gap in pediatric hospice care and why families deserve betterThe vision behind Keaton's House and how it will redefine care for seriously ill children and their loved onesLeading one of the region's largest capital campaigns and the lessons she's learned along the wayBuilding a team, embracing community, and why "it takes a village" isn't just a saying—it's the strategyThe importance of creating spaces where families can simply be together, make memories, and feel at home—even during life's most difficult moments Danielle also shares the story of Keaton - the joyful little boy who loved to dance, made everyone laugh, and continues to inspire a legacy of compassion that will impact generations of families. Through Keaton's House, his light will continue to shine in every family who walks through its doors. This episode is about resilience, purpose, courageous leadership, and the extraordinary things that happen when a community comes together to build hope. Season 3 – Episode 5 — More Than a Building is streaming now on What's The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Kemp Care Network at kempcarenetwork.org and learn more about Keaton's House at kempcarenetwork.org/capital-campaign/ Follow Kemp Care Network on Instagram @kempcarenetwork and Facebook to stay connected with the campaign and upcoming community initiatives. That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.  Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.  A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S3 Episode 5 - Danielle Zucchet

  3. Jun 16

    S3 Episode 4 - Abrar Mechmechia

    On Season 3, Episode 4 of What's The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Abrar Mechmechia, Syrian-Canadian, mental health advocate, and Founder & CEO of ABRAR Trauma & Mental Health Services. Abrar's story begins in Syria, where she spent her childhood surrounded by family, community, creativity, and dreams of one day pursuing medicine like her father. But life had other plans. After witnessing the devastating impacts of war and eventually fleeing Syria, Abrar arrived in Canada carrying not only her own trauma - but a deep desire to help others heal. What she discovered upon arrival was something she never expected: a system that often lacked the cultural understanding, compassion, and support newcomers desperately needed. Rather than allowing those experiences to define her, Abrar transformed them into purpose. In 2020, she founded ABRAR Trauma & Mental Health Services, creating culturally responsive, community-led mental health supports for newcomers, immigrants, refugees, women, and youth. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Abrar spills the tea on: Growing up in Syria and the values that shaped her leadershipThe realities of displacement, migration, and rebuilding a life in a new countryWhy lived experience matters in mental health careThe gaps she encountered as a newcomer and how they inspired the creation of ABRARBuilding culturally safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understoodThe launch of ABRAR's first-ever public fundraising initiative, Healing Happens HereThe importance of dignity, representation, and belonging in mental health supportResponding to the tragic loss of Nabil and creating long-term solutions that center youth voices and community healingWhat it means to advocate for uncomfortable truths, even when it comes at a personal cost Abrar also shares a powerful perspective on trauma: that people are more than their diagnoses, their circumstances, or the hardships they have endured. Healing happens when people are treated as whole human beings - with culture, identity, history, and hope. At the heart of this episode is a simple but profound message: Healing doesn't happen in isolation. Healing happens in community. This episode is a conversation about resilience, belonging, courage, and what becomes possible when people choose compassion over judgment and action over indifference. Season 3 – Episode 4 - Healing Happens Here is streaming now on What's The Tea with Sarah E. Learn more about Abrar, ABRAR Trauma & Mental Health and the Healing Happens Here campaign at abrarmh.ca or find them on Instagram at @abrar.tmh and @abrar_mechmechia. That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.  Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.  A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S3 Episode 4 - Abrar Mechmechia

  4. Jun 2

    S3 Episode 3 - Laurie Macintyre

    On Season 3, Episode 3 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Laurie Macintyre, Executive Director of Jaycee Homes, housing advocate, community builder, and a leader who is proving that affordable housing is about so much more than bricks and mortar. Laurie’s journey into housing was anything but planned. What began with a leap into property management evolved into a mission-driven career focused on creating safe, stable, and dignified housing for those who need it most. Today, she is leading one of the most significant projects in Jaycee Homes’ history - a new 24-unit affordable housing development for women and women-led families fleeing violence, set to open in 2026. In this thoughtful, honest, and inspiring conversation, Laurie spills the tea on: Why stable housing is one of the most important determinants of health and successThe surprising path that led her into socialprofit leadership and leading organization through its first-ever capital campaignWhat authentic leadership really looks like and why being yourself is your greatest advantageLearning to say no, set boundaries, and lead with intentionThe importance of board engagement, collaboration, and collective impact Laurie also shares her belief that leadership isn't about titles or status - it's about showing up with integrity, building relationships, and leaving things better than you found them. Her perspective on housing, social impact, and community-building offers a powerful reminder that every person deserves a safe place to call home. Beyond housing, we explore the future of the social profit sector, the importance of measuring impact, and why communities must come together to tackle complex challenges that no organization can solve alone. At the heart of this episode is a simple but profound truth: Housing changes everything. Season 3 Episode 3 - Building More Than Homes is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Learn more about Jaycee Homes and their affordable housing initiatives at https://jayceehomes.ca/ That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.  Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.  A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S3 Episode 3 - Laurie Macintyre

  5. May 19

    S3 Episode 2 - Marisa Mariella

    To continue Season 3 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the vibrant and deeply soulful Marisa Mariella - culinary creator, educator, storyteller, and the heart behind Marisa’s Easy Kitchen. More than a cook, Marisa is a passionate believer in the power of food to connect people, preserve culture, support mental wellness, and create community. Raised in an Italian-Canadian household by immigrant parents from Calabria, Italy, Marisa grew up understanding that food was never just food - it was love, identity, resilience, and deep care. In this warm, heartfelt, and inspiring conversation, Marisa spills the tea on: Growing up in a home where food, faith, family, and friends were everythingThe lessons she learned from her mother about creating abundance from very littleWhy respecting food (and not wasting it) became a lifelong valueHer 30-year career as a teacher and guidance counsellor and how that work shaped her purposeCreating the iMatter teen mental health and suicide prevention programOvercoming self-doubt to launch a television show and step into entrepreneurship later in lifeBuilding a business rooted in authenticity, culture, and connectionWhy she refuses to dim her light to make others comfortable Marisa also reflects on the deeper meaning behind gathering around a table - and why she wants every person who experiences her food to feel loved, accepted, and at home. (I can now say that I've experienced this thanks to the homemade biscotti delivery!) At the heart of this episode is a beautiful reminder: Food feeds more than hunger - it feeds connection, healing, memory, and community. This episode feels like sitting at the kitchen table with a glass of wine, a plate of pasta, and someone who reminds you what really matters. Season 3 – Episode 2 is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Marisa Mariella online at https://marisamariella.com and on Instagram @marisamariella for Marisa’s Easy Kitchen for recipes, events, culture, and community storytelling. That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.  Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.  A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S3 Episode 2 - Marisa Mariella

  6. May 5

    S3 Episode 1 - Jacqui Childs

    To kick off Season 3 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the vibrant, fearless, and wildly authentic Jacqui Childs - entrepreneur, best-selling author, influencer, ghostwriter, and mental health advocate who has spent over a decade building a platform rooted in truth, vulnerability, and unapologetic self-expression. With more than 2.5 million followers across social media, Jacqui has seen the highs and lows of influence - but behind the curated feeds is a story of survival, reinvention, and radical honesty. From living on her own at 15, to navigating early motherhood, to stripping on 8-Mile in Detroit and Naked News, to becoming a media personality, advocate and creator - Jacqui’s journey is anything but conventional. This Hells Angel in Heels wouldn't have it any other way! In this raw, bold, and deeply human conversation, Jacqui spills the tea on: Growing up in survival mode and how her first son changed the trajectory of her lifeHer bipolar diagnosis and why she sees it as her superpower, not a limitationThe decision to stop medication and fully experience life - the highs and the lowsWhy women struggle to take up space and the data-backed reality of how differently men and women are received onlineTurning 40 and stepping into a new level of confidence, power, and self-acceptanceNavigating judgment, hate, and criticism - especially from other womenWhy she continues to show up boldly, even when she knows she won’t be for everyone Jacqui also shares deeply personal reflections on relationships, motherhood, identity, and what it means to be truly seen - not just online, but in real life. At the heart of this episode is a powerful truth: You don’t have to be palatable to be powerful. This conversation is messy, honest, funny, and at times confronting - a reminder that the most powerful thing you can be is fully yourself.🎙 Season 3 – Episode 1 is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Jacqui on Instagram at @jacquichilds or @childs.jacqui or search Jacqui Childs on Facebook or LinkedIn. That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.  Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.  A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S3 Episode 1 - Jacqui Childs

  7. Mar 17

    S2 Bonus Episode - What’s The Tea with Sarah E (And Mummy!)

    To wrap up Season 2 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I once again bring on the one woman who knows me best - my mother, Cindy (aka Mummy). This bonus episode is the official Season 2 Stir The Pot Special, where we revisit every bold, thought-provoking question asked throughout the season by guests. This time, Mummy and I answer them together - honest, reflective, silly as always, and always unfiltered. And for the record, no... I am not planning murdering my mom. Recorded from two provinces - me in Ontario and Mummy in Nova Scotia - this conversation turns into a deep dive into life, growth, success, and the lessons that shape who we become. Of course, there are stories, laughs, a few glasses of wine and a bourbon along the way. We recorded on a Friday and needed something a little stronger than tea. In this heartfelt Season 2 finale, Sarah and Cindy spill the tea on: How the definition of success changes as we grow olderWhy happiness and peace eventually matter more than material thingsMy time living abroad and how it unlocked my ability to show up fully and unapologeticallyBig questions about life, spirituality, energy, and the divineThe wisdom Cindy learned from her father (Grampy Gene!) and why credit and financial literacy mattersThe importance of living life boldly and not being afraid to try thingsThe hard truth that sometimes… you simply cannot fix everybodyAnd so much more. It’s thoughtful, funny, deeply human, and the perfect way to close a powerful second season. Season 2 “Stir The Pot” Questions & Guest CreditsThese are the questions that fueled the season - each one answered by the guest below, and now answered by Sarah and Cindy together. Try them as journal prompts or chats with friends! Tanis Crosby - “How do you define success and how has this changed for you as you’ve gotten older?”Joseph Apps - “Looking back on your personal growth, what was the turning point that shifted how you lead yourself - and how did that experience shape the way you show up in life today?”Adam Ivy - “If you could define success over the next 10 years, what does it look like?”Malaysia Harrell - “If nothing was stopping you from packing everything up, relocating and starting fresh - where would that be and why?”Kat Dobson - “If you had to ask a question to God or the Divine, what would it be and why?”Michael Valchuk - “Who was the hardest person on you when you were a child and how has that shaped you?”Mical Ndelela - “When everything is stripped away - titles, money, success - what do you want people to feel because they crossed paths with you?”Layne The Auctionista -“What is one thing that you wished more women understood?”Anuja Varghese - “What dream are you committed to protecting, even if the world is telling you to be more realistic?”Daniel Guest - “What’s one thing that took you too long to learn or that you had to learn the hard way?” All answered with heart, humour, wisdom, and a few spicy opinions. Bonus Episode - What’s The Tea with Sarah E (And Mummy!): The Season 2 Stir The Pot Special is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts. Season 3 launches April 7, 2026. ☕🔥 That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.  Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.  A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S2 Bonus Episode - What’s The Tea with Sarah E (And Mummy!)

  8. Mar 10

    S2 Episode 10 - Daniel Guest

    To close out this episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Daniel Guest, Visionary and President of Guest Plumbing & HVAC - one of Hamilton’s fastest-growing companies and a powerful example of what it means to build success from the ground up. Daniel’s journey didn’t start with a polished business plan or a clear path to entrepreneurship. In fact, when he first chose the trades over university, he was considered the “black sheep” of the family. But what began as labor work and an apprenticeship quickly turned into a career that would shape not only his life - but the future of an entire industry. Daniel built Guest Plumbing & HVAC into a thriving company with 40 staff across Hamilton and Toronto, proving that the trades are not just jobs... they are pathways to leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term impact. In this honest and insightful conversation, Daniel spills the tea on: Why choosing the trades changed the trajectory of his lifeThe mentors who shaped him and why mentorship is everythingThe hardest moments of growth - from lawsuits to navigating COVIDWhat he had to unlearn to become a better leaderThe realities facing the trades industry and the misconceptions that still existWhy women can and should thrive in the tradesThe origin story behind Tradesmart College, his mission to bridge the gap between students and real careers in the trades, and more! Daniel also shares a powerful truth he learned the hard way: “Nobody cares what people think of you as much as you think they do.” Instead of shrinking to fit expectations, Daniel chose to build his life and his business - unapologetically. This episode is a conversation about grit, mentorship, leadership, and redefining what success looks like in industries that quite literally build our world. Season 2 – Episode 10 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E is streaming now. Learn more about Dan Guest and his podcast on Instagram and online at guestplumbing.com. Explore the good work of Trade Smart College and pathways into the trades at tradesmartcollege.com That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.  Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.  A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S2 Episode 10 - Daniel Guest
See All (29)

Trailer

About

Welcome to What’s the Tea with Sarah E Where community, culture, and bold conversations collide.  Hosted by award-winning philanthropy leader, author, and unapologetic changemaker Sarah Ernest, this podcast spills the tea with entrepreneurs, entertainers, and community leaders about business, impact, and living life out loud.  Around here, nothing is off-limits. From money and mission to confidence and culture, Sarah takes you inside the raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic stories of leaders, dreamers, and doers who are shaping our world - and doing it their own way.  Every episode ends with Stir the Pot – a tradition where each guest leaves a bold question for the next, keeping the conversations as unpredictable as they are unforgettable.  It’s time to stir the pot and spill some tea.  --- Join the Tea Party!New episodes drop every second Tuesday — subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on Instagram at @sara_ernest for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes tea, and unapologetic real talk.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information