In this episode I reunite with Adam Mackay, and welcome for the first time to the podcast, Karleena Wiebe.

They run a local fitness operation called Loaded Movement Academy (LMA), where they offer personal training sessions and virtual training.

You can find them at their website https://www.loadedmovementacademy.com/ and through their highly active social media channels.

***This audio is directly from it's associated YouTube video, so there are some very brief audio gaps.

Jim Edwards works at the Edgewood Treatment Center here in Nanaimo, where they treat a variety of behavioural and psychological disorders.  Chances are, you or someone you know has experienced substance abuse.  

We usually think of behaviour as the problem, when really it's just a symptom.  Substance abuse so often serves as a source of comfort or good feelings, or an escape, or both.  

There are many behaviours we do that are compensations for our relationships, or life and work stress.  It could manifest as substance abuse, binge eating disorder, anorexia, aggression, avoidance, dependence, etc.  Some of these behaviours are less destructive, others more.  

Speaking for myself, all of the above emotions and behaviours have played a role in my personal experiences, and emotional and spiritual growth.  

On a fundamental level, we yearn to accept ourselves amidst the many societal expectations and perceived norms.  I think that if we can take information, like that from Jim's presentation, to reflect on our own experiences, emotions, and behaviours, then we can really begin to understand ourselves better, as well as begin to feel empathy for those who represent the extreme end of the dependency continuum.

In this episode I am joined by Master of Sport ranked Corissa Sivorot.

We chat about some of the trials and tribulations of both running a gym and kettlebell competitions during the pandemic, as well as what has changed between now and when the pandemic started.

It's not all pandemic talk though.  I ask Corissa why she is so consistent with her video "diaries" of her kettlebell sport training: why does she do it, what does she get out of it, what are her interactions with others on social media like, and when does being plugged into the social media space become too much?

We get deep, but also share some laughs.  With any luck, you'll be better acquainted with Corissa Sivorot, who she is, and what makes her tick.