The tide has turned this week! Marnie is joined by friend Ryan Ell for an amusing episode of Giddy Up, sharing his wild experiences travelling as a surf photographer, including his recent trips to Australia and Hawaii. Ryan shares how he got into surf photography and the highlights of witnessing the worlds' greatest surf athletes. The two discuss the mentors & friends who have helped him along the way, including Ryan Miller and Jeremy Koreski. Ryan also discusses the importance of staying true to your style and exploring different subjects in photography.

Ryan opens up about his introverted nature and how he navigates relationships. He reflects on the impact of his parents' divorce, his love for sports, particularly rugby and golf, and how they provide an outlet for stress and anxiety. Marnie gets his perspective on men's mental health and they talk about his next adventures this year to follow for the WSL tour!

Links from Episode:

Ryan Ell's Instagram

Ryan Miller's Instagram

Jeremy Koreski Gallery

Chapters:

(00:00) Giddy Up Recap & Episode Intro

(05:36) Ryan's Recent Trip to Australia

(09:39) Getting into the Big Leagues of Surf Photography

(28:28) Highlights & Challenges on the WSL Tour

(34:09) Navigating Relationships as an Introvert

(41:40) Finding Mental and Physical Outlet in Sports

(48:02) The Importance of Men's Mental Wellbeing

We are obsessed with this week's guest, Dominique Juric, Founder of Natural Freedom! We discuss her life and inspiring journey on the west coast in Whistler. Dom reflects on a life-altering relationship throughout her early twenties, combined with an introspective period brought by COVID-19, which propelled her to break free and embark on a path of self-discovery and empowerment. Dom shares the origin story and evolution of her brand, Natural Freedom, a consciously free project and community designed to encourage people to engage with the outdoors through inclusive and educational events.

Marnie and Dom talk about the difficulties that Dom faced in her childhood, how those experiences shaped her work ethic, and passion for expressing herself. We chat about balancing the act of side hustles & passion projects, the work Dom's put in to cultivate a supportive community, falling in love again, and the exciting new chapter for her living in Tofino.

Key Takeaways:

Leaving a Traumatic Relationship: Dominique discusses the struggles and transformative moments that led to her leaving her past relationship.

Family Dynamics and Resilience: The impact of Dominique's upbringing between her parents divorce.

Finding Purpose Through Natural Freedom: How Natural Freedom was born and helped her focus on the community she's surrounded by.

Managing the Events and Project: The path that led to launching the brand and how Dom learned from each event and her supportive friends.

New Beginnings in Tofino: Dominique's move to Tofino from Whistler and her plans for the future of Natural Freedom.

Timestamps:

(0:15) Dominique's Journey from Ontario to Whistler and Beyond

(1:47) Navigating a Relationship After a Traumatic Brain Injury

(17:10) Living in Whistler: Integrating, Jobs, and Side Hustles

(21:02) Finding Purpose Through Natural Freedom

(26:19) Empowering Women Through Community Events and Personal Growth

(49:26) Navigating Childhood Trauma and Family Dynamics

(1:01:01) Exploring Self-Identity and Family Connections

(1:11:20) Dream Events, New Beginnings, and Natural Freedom Ventures

Natural Freedom Instagram: @byNaturalFreedom

Natural Freedom Events and Merch: Natural Freedom

Dom's Instagram: @DominiqueJuric