Unexpected Journeys

Stacey Commer

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Society & Culture

This podcast features stories of people who have had something unexpected happen in their life that has resulted in a change in their path. We also talk with people who are helping those who have had something unexpected happen. Hosted by Stacey Commer, a former journalist with more than 35 years in the industry.

2d ago

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.
5d ago

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.
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.
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.
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!
Sep 29

Breaking The Chains-Jason Creery

Thirty years of severe addiction. One year of complete transformation. In this episode, recovering addict and alcoholic Jason Creery shares his incredible journey since getting clean in July 2025. From decades of using heroin and meth to now pursuing a counseling degree, writing a book, working two jobs, and launching a podcast, Jason is the ultimate definition of a comeback story. Tune in to hear how he turned his pain into purpose. Follow Jason on Social Media: Instagram: @creeryjason8 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jason.creery.2025 TikTok: @jasoncreery YouTube: @JasonCreery-r9x For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the 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.
Sep 26

A Race Against Time: Preserving the Fading Voices of History with Zach Dunn

What happens when a generation's memories disappear? In this episode, we sit down with Zach Dunn, the 26-year-old filmmaker behind Global Veteran Stories. Inspired by the untold history of his grandfather, Zach has spent the last five years documenting veterans stories from around the world. We discuss the urgency of his mission, what it takes to get veterans to open up for the first time, and how he is using platforms like TikTok and YouTube to keep history alive for the next generation. Connect with Zach: Instagram - Zach Dunn Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zach.dunn.1466 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalVeteranStories 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. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) 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.
Sep 22

The Hidden Struggle, The Visible Strength-Michelle Steiner

Michelle Steiner lives with an invisible disability. From the start, many people told her she could not go to college, get her bachelor’s degree, get published or have the job she wanted. She has been able to do all of that and more! Michelle graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in Community Programming for Americans with Disabiilties. She has articles published in The Mighty, Non-Verbal Learning Project, Dyscalculia Blog, The Reluctant Spoonie, Kalopina Collective, Imagine the World as One Magazine, and Word Gathering. Her photographs were featured in Word Gathering Independent and Work Ready. Michelle has also published her first book The Lady Bug Who Couldn't Count Her Spots. She works as a para educator in a school with students with disabilities. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats. Follow Michelle on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-steiner-0573ba260/ For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the 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. Follow us on all social media under Unexpected Journeys Podcast. 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.

This podcast features stories of people who have had something unexpected happen in their life that has resulted in a change in their path. We also talk with people who are helping those who have had something unexpected happen. Hosted by Stacey Commer, a former journalist with more than 35 years in the industry.

Creator

Stacey Commer
Years Active

2026
Episodes

30
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
Show Website

Unexpected Journeys