Guest Name: D. H. Morris

https://newclassicspublishing.com/

Instagram & Pinterest: dhmorris00

Summary

In this fascinating and compelling episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, C.K. Simms sits down with D.H. Morris, author of "The Girl of Many Crowns", a rich and vividly detailed historical fiction rooted in her own genealogy. Inspired by a mysterious entry in a centuries-old family tree, Morris brings to life Judith, a ninth-century royal who defies societal and religious constraints to claim autonomy in a world where loyalty, power, and patriarchy reign. With stunning research, restrained romance, and haunting relevance to today’s world, Morris weaves a timeless tale of resilience and agency. Dive into this episode to learn about the depth of her research, the muted beauty of Baldwin and Judith’s love story, and how the past still echoes in our present.

Takeaways

- "The Girl of Many Crowns" is a meticulously researched historical fiction based on D.H. Morris's royal ancestry, blending fact with vivid storytelling.

- The novel follows Princess Judith, who defies patriarchal constraints in ninth-century Europe to reclaim her autonomy.

- The story is told largely through Baldwin, a character who loves Judith from afar, creating a muted yet powerful romantic thread.

- Morris spent decades researching medieval Europe to ensure historical accuracy.

- The book explores complex themes like power, loyalty, agency, and the weight of royal responsibility.

- Originally written as a historical account, Morris adapted the book into fiction to make Judith’s story more accessible to readers.

- The backdrop of the novel includes real historical figures, events, laws, and even translated Latin documents from the era.

- Morris's inspiration came from discovering a mysterious pattern in her family tree, sparking a lifelong curiosity.

- The book draws eerie parallels to modern issues like religious control, women's rights, and authoritarianism.

- A second novel is already underway, centered on Judith’s grandmother—the empress who inspired a Cinderella-like royal upheaval.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to D.H. Morris and Her Book

03:25 The Journey of Writing Historical Fiction

06:40 Researching the Past: Genealogy and Historical Accuracy

09:52 Judith's Story: A Princess's Journey

13:13 Themes of Empowerment and Defiance

16:42 Character Perspectives: Baldwin and Judith

20:05 The Role of Religion and Society in the Story

23:24 The Emotional Depth of Historical Relationships

26:35 Future Works and Inspirations

29:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Keywords

#9thcenturyhistory #ancestralstories #authorinterview #author #barnesandnoblebooks #boldwomen #booktalk #carolingianempire #dhmorris #empressjudith #femaleempowerment #genealogystory #history #historicalaccuracy #historicaldrama #historicalfictionreads #inspiredbyhistory #judithofwestfrancia #mutedromance #ninthcenturyfrance #poddinmynoggin #princessjudith #resilientwomen #royaldrama #royalfiction #thegirlofmanycrowns #timelesstales #vividstorytelling #womensvoices #writingjourney #youngadultreads

Guest Name: Kath Essing

https://www.bespeak.au/

https://www.bespeak.au/store/p/the-courage-to-speak-your-truth

Instagram: kath_essing

Facebook: bespeakconsultancy

Summary

In this powerful episode of Poddin' My Noggin, host C.K. Simms sits down with author, psychotherapist, and advocate Kath Essing to discuss her transformative journey from childhood trauma to empowered healing. Kath shares the inspiration behind her memoir The Courage to Speak Your Truth, her mission to create safer, more inclusive workplaces, and how her "Shifting the Narrative" framework helps survivors and organizations alike reclaim their voices. With a deeply moving exploration of abuse, resilience, and equity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about trauma recovery, feminism, advocacy, and social change.

Takeaways

- Kath Essing emphasizes the importance of creating change for future generations.

- The impact of childhood trauma can be profound and long-lasting.

- Feminism should include discussions about men's roles in advocating for women's rights.

- Healing from trauma is a messy and non-linear process.

- The legal system often lacks resources for survivors of abuse.

- Open conversations about body autonomy are crucial for children's safety.

- Self-advocacy is essential for personal empowerment and healing.

- Organizations need to create cultures that support inclusivity and safety.

- The statistics on childhood abuse may be underreported due to silence and shame.

- Advocacy work can be both a professional and personal mission.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kath Essing and Her Journey

01:53 Uncovering Trauma and Its Impact

08:42 The Role of Feminism and Gender in Healing

13:12 Writing and Sharing Her Story

19:34 Navigating the Legal System and Healing

22:17 Empowering Children and Open Conversations

24:23 Navigating Parental Instincts

25:48 Bridging Conversations on Child Safety

28:53 Empowering Children Through Education

29:42 Shifting the Narrative: Advocacy Frameworks

33:31 The Journey of Self-Advocacy

35:51 Creating Safe Work Environments

38:01 The Ripple Effect of Advocacy

41:42 Future Aspirations in Advocacy

Keywords

#abuseawareness #adultsurvivors #audiobookrecommendation #bodyautonomy #childadvocacy #childhoodtrauma #corporateadvocacy #couragetospeak #ebooklaunch #emotionalhealing #empoweredwomen #feministvoices #healingjourney #inclusivitymatters #kathessing #mentalhealthawareness #memoirrelease #parentingwithpurpose #podcastinterview #poddinmynoggin #psychotherapistinsight #ptsdawareness #resilienceproject #selfadvocacy #sexualabuseawareness #shiftingthenarrative #speakupnow #traumarecovery #voiceforchange #workplaceequity

Summary:

In this deeply personal and unfiltered solo episode, C.K. Simms opens up about a mid-year moment of reflection sparked by a near electrical fire and the emotional chaos of the world today. From a heartfelt tribute to the simple, sentimental treasures of life, to his unshakable admiration for Black women and the powerful impact of his puppy Piper, this episode weaves personal anecdotes with sharp social commentary.

C.K. tackles media bias, global injustices, emotional fatigue, and political division—all while advocating for grace, critical thinking, and the radical power of kindness. Honest, layered, and moving, it’s a podcast diary entry you won’t want to miss.

Takeaways:

- True value lies in sentiment, not price. The most cherished possessions are those tied to memory and meaning, not money.

- Pets can be healing forces. Piper, C.K.’s dog, brought emotional relief during a difficult year.

- Gratitude emerges through hardship. Even near-disasters can reveal what truly matters.

- The world feels heavy—and that’s okay. Emotional numbness can be a form of survival in chaotic times.

- Bias in media is dangerous. C.K. calls for accountability and labeling of opinion-based reporting.

- We must stop dehumanizing each other. Both sides of the political divide are guilty of dismissal and disdain.

- Understanding starts with listening. Civil dialogue could help mend divides—even when full agreement isn’t possible.

- The LGBTQ+ community must recognize cultural roots. Respecting and crediting Black women for influential expressions is key.

- Black women deserve celebration. Their strength, style, and spirit shaped C.K.’s identity and confidence.

- Authenticity is a journey. C.K. questions how his “professional filter” may be holding back his full self.

- A simple mantra can shift the world: “Be good to each other. When that feels hard, try not to cause harm.”

Chapters:

00:00 Mid-Year Reflections and Personal Updates

09:51 Sentimental Value and Personal Possessions

15:32 Navigating Current Events and Emotional Responses

25:53 Media Bias and the Importance of Journalistic Integrity

30:09 Political Divides and the Consequences of Belief Systems

39:45 The Impact of Violence and Corruption in Politics

49:52 Celebrating Black Women: Influence and Identity

54:31 Authenticity in Expression: Balancing Professionalism and Self

Keywords:

#activism #authenticity #blackexcellence #blackwomenmatter #canadianpodcaster #culturalcommentary #currentevents #doglover #emotionalintelligence #gratitudepractice #humanrights #inspiration #journalisticintegrity #kindnessmatters #lgbtqvoices #mediaaccountability #mentalhealthmatters #midyearreflection #personalgrowth #podcastcommunity #politicalcommentary #pridemonth #puppylove #socialjustice #storytelling #transparency #worldnews

Guest Name: Lane Igoudin

Instagram: laneigoudin

Summary:

In this heartfelt episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, host C.K. Simms sits down with author and professor Lane Igoudin to discuss his moving memoir, A Family Maybe: Two Dads, Two Babies, and the Court Cases that Brought Us Together. Lane shares the deeply personal journey he and his partner Jonathan undertook to build their family through the foster-to-adopt system. From facing systemic bias as a gay couple in early 2000s America, to fighting through a three-year legal ordeal to adopt their daughters, Lane opens up about the emotional, legal, and spiritual dimensions of queer parenthood. The conversation explores the complexities of the U.S. foster care system, the lack of human-centered decision-making in family courts, and the lasting power of intentional parenting. A powerful and inspiring story of love, advocacy, and perseverance.

Takeaways:

- Queer Families Are Intentional Families: LGBTQ+ individuals and couples often become parents by choice and design—not by accident. Their families are consciously created and deeply desired.

- Foster-to-Adopt Is Not Just a Legal Process—It’s an Emotional Odyssey: The system is complex, unpredictable, and emotionally taxing, especially when children are treated more like case files than human beings.

- Being ‘Out’ in the 1990s Was a Radical Act of Love and Visibility: Lane and Jonathan’s decision to start a family as openly gay men in the early 2000s was a political and personal stand.

- The Legal System Often Lacks a Human Lens: Children are referred to in property-centric terms like “disposition,” and foster parents are frequently sidelined in critical decisions.

- There Is No Clear Separation Between Parenthood and Activism: For Lane and Jonathan, parenting was intrinsically tied to advocacy for equal rights and recognition.

- The System Was Never Designed for Us: As queer adoptive parents, they had to navigate a structure historically not built to support non-traditional families.

- Love Can Be Immediate and Permanent: From the first moments with each child, Lane and Jonathan didn’t feel like foster parents—they were already dads.

- Intent Is Not the Same as Impact: Even well-meaning judges, lawyers, and social workers can perpetuate harm through systemic overload and bureaucratic coldness.

- Documentation Is Power: Lane journaled, saved court records, and eventually turned his lived experience into a vital memoir to help others.

- Raising a Child Requires Responsibility, Not Just Biology: The essential qualification to be a parent is being a functional, responsible, and emotionally present adult.

Keywords

#adoptionawareness #adoptionjourney #adoptionreform #authorinterview #childwelfare #chosenfamily #courtcasestory #diversefamilies #fathersdaystory #fosteradopt #fostercare #fostercareawareness #fostercaretosuccess #gayadoption #gayfamily #humanrights #intentionalparenting #interviewseries #laneigoudin #lgbtadoption #lgbtfamilies #lovewins #memoirwriter #parentingjourney #poddinmynoggin #queerfamily #queerparenting #resilience #spiritualgrowth #twodads

Guest Name: Dr. Liz DeBetta

https://www.lizdebetta.com/unmothered

Instagram: dr.liz.debetta

TikTok: @dr.liz.debetta

Summary

In this powerful episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, Dr. Liz DeBetta opens up about her journey as an adoptee and the lifelong emotional impact of navigating identity, belonging, and healing. She discusses how poetry, theater, and education helped her process her feelings and led to the development of her healing framework, Migrating Toward Wholeness. Through expressive writing and storytelling, Dr. Liz empowers others to reclaim their narratives, fostering connection, self-compassion, and deeper emotional understanding. Her solo show Un-M-Othered gives voice to the often-unspoken complexities of adoption and the transformative power of self-expression

Takeaways

- Dr. Liz DeBetta shares her journey of being adopted and the emotional challenges that came with it.

- Writing poetry helped Dr. Liz process her emotions during her teenage years.

- Therapy can sometimes miss the mark, especially regarding adoption-related issues.

- Dr. Liz emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own story in healing.

- Education played a crucial role in Dr. Liz's self-discovery and healing journey.

- The act of writing can be a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing.

- Dr. Liz created a framework called Migrating Toward Wholeness to help others heal.

- Connection with others is essential for healing from trauma.

- Dr. Liz's solo show, Un-M-Othered, explores the complexities of adoption.

- Expressive writing can help individuals articulate their feelings and experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Liz DeBetta

01:22 The Impact of Adoption on Identity

06:06 Emotional Turmoil and Creative Expression

10:45 Therapy and the Search for Self

17:19 Breaking Unhealthy Patterns

22:43 The Journey of Autobiographical Writing

29:05 Reflection and Moving Forward

36:57 The Journey of Self-Discovery

39:08 Pursuing Higher Education and Personal Growth

42:52 Understanding Trauma and Adoption

45:12 The Art of Storytelling and Healing

50:17 Framework for Healing: Migrating Toward Wholeness

54:39 Creating Connections Through Writing

59:34 Bridging the Gap to Healing

01:04:29 The Power of Healing Conversations

Keywords

#adopteevoices #adoptionhealing #adoptionjourney #adoptionstories #authenticexpression #connectionmatters #creativehealing #emotionalresilience #expressivearts #expressivewriting #healingfromtrauma #healingjourney #identityandbelonging #identityhealing #mentalhealthawareness #migratingtowardwholeness #narrativehealing #poddinmynoggin #poetrytherapy #selfcompassion #selfdiscoveryjourney #selfexpression #soloartshow #storytellingforhealing #therapeuticwriting #traumaawareness #traumarecovery #unmothered #womensvoices #writingtoheal

Guest Name: Hersh Rephun

yesbrandbuilders.com

Instagram: hersh4all

Summary:

In this inspiring episode of Poddin' My Noggin, host C.K. Simms sits down with Hersh Rephun, a comedian turned branding expert, to unpack a life shaped by creativity, courage, and authenticity. Hersh shares reflections from his early days in New York, his career evolution in Los Angeles, and how the pandemic pushed him to realign with his true purpose. They explore the concept of "Yes Brands," drawn from improv comedy, and the lessons from his book Selling Truth, which encourages people to embrace self-acceptance and lead with authenticity in business and life. Through stories of personal transformation, professional pivots, and the pursuit of passion, this conversation is a masterclass in choosing kindness, truth, and gratitude as guiding forces.

Takeaways:

- Hersh Rephun emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and gratitude in one's journey.

- He reflects on his early career in New York and the lessons learned from it.

- The transition to Los Angeles marked a significant turning point in his career.

- Hersh discusses the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, especially during family growth.

- He highlights the importance of pursuing one's true passions and not just societal expectations.

- The pandemic forced him to recalibrate his career and focus on personal branding.

- His book 'Selling Truth' aims to help others find their authentic selves in business.

- Hersh introduces the concept of 'Yes Brands' based on improvisational comedy principles.

- He believes that authenticity is key to successful personal branding.

- The conversation touches on the importance of kindness and self-love in navigating life and career.

Chapters:

00: and Guest Introduction

01:55 Early Career and Reflections

06:46 Transition to Los Angeles and Career Growth

10:28 Navigating Personal and Professional Life

13:46 The Birth of a New Identity

17:36 Redefining Success and Personal Fulfillment

20:17 The Shift in Dreams and Aspirations

23:17 Looking Ahead: New Projects and Future Goals

25:34 Selling Truth: A Semoir

28:59 Navigating Authenticity in a Post-Truth World

30:50 Self-Love and Its Impact on Relationships

33:41 The Inevitable Yes: Embracing Positivity

38:49 Building a Personal Brand with Integrity

48:43 Connecting with Yes Brand Builders

Keywords:

#authenticbranding #brandingjourney #careertransition #comedyroots #creativeliving #emotionalresilience #entrepreneurinsight #gratitudepractice #hershrephun #improvbranding #intentionalcareer #kindnessmatters #losangeleslife #mindfulsuccess #nyccomedy #pandemicpivot #poddinmynoggin #podcastconversation #podcastguest #pursueyourpassion #purposefulcareer #realstories #selfacceptance #selfgrowth #sellingtruthbook #standupstories #storytellingpower #trueauthenticity #yesbrands #youareenough

Guest Name: Bruce Chalmer

https://brucechalmer.com/

https://couplestherapyinsevenwords.com/

YouTube: brucechalmer

Summary

In this thought-provoking episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, Dr. Bruce Chalmer delves into the emotional terrain of betrayal, forgiveness, and faith. With an unconventional path to becoming a therapist, Dr. Chalmer shares insights into why couples therapy often creates deeper transformation than individual therapy alone. He explores the internal nature of forgiveness—how it involves not just letting go of resentment toward others, but also forgiving oneself and even God. Faith, curiosity, and self-reflection emerge as core tools for navigating difficult relationships and understanding the human condition. This conversation offers powerful tools for healing, growth, and reclaiming agency in the face of emotional pain.

Takeaways

- Dr. Chalmer's journey to becoming a therapist was unconventional.

- Therapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

- Couples therapy is often more impactful than individual therapy.

- Forgiveness is primarily an internal process, not dependent on the other person.

- Faith plays a crucial role in navigating difficult relationships.

- External influences can complicate personal decisions in relationships.

- Understanding betrayal requires recognizing the human condition.

- The process of forgiveness involves forgiving oneself, the other person, and even God.

- Curiosity about one's thoughts and feelings can lead to deeper understanding.

- Self-reflection is essential for personal and relational growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bruce Chalmer

01:14 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist

05:25 The Complexity of Couples Therapy

12:45 Understanding Betrayal and Infidelity

20:16 Navigating Trust After Betrayal

24:44 Faith as a Tool in Therapy

29:13 Bridging Divides Through Conversation

32:28 The Limitations of Labels

33:03 Understanding Ideologies in Therapy

35:44 The Process of Forgiveness

38:21 Forgiveness as an Inside Job

41:42 The Three Steps to Forgiveness

44:54 Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal

47:38 Navigating External Influences in Relationships

50:34 The Complexity of Human Reactions

55:54 Curiosity and Kindness in Self-Reflection

01:01:19 Looking Ahead: Future Projects

Keywords

#betrayalrecovery #brucechalmer #communicationtools #couplestherapy #emotionalhealing #faithandforgiveness #forgivenessjourney #growthmindset #healingrelationships #innerpeace #internalforgiveness #kindnessmatters #mentalhealthawareness #navigatingbetrayal #personaldevelopment #podcastlife #poddinmynoggin #psychologicalgrowth #relationshipadvice #relationshiphealing #relationshiptools #selfawareness #selfcompassion #selfdiscovery #selfreflection #spiritualhealing #therapyinsights #therapytalks #understandingfaith #wellnessjourney

Feeling angry, helpless, and overwhelmed by the state of the world? You're not alone. In this raw and unfiltered solo episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, host C.K. Simms opens up about the emotional toll of 2025, from political division and social injustice to personal grief and healing.The unexpected challenges of raising a puppy, and the chaos in Canadian and U.S. politics, C.K. speaks truth to power. He tackles everything from white Christian nationalism and echo chambers to the genocide in Gaza and the rise of extremism in North America. A political commentary podcast — it’s a profoundly human conversation about grief, anger, helplessness, and ultimately, hope. C.K. calls on listeners to protect their mental health, find moments of stillness, and choose love even when the world feels like it’s on fire. In This Episode:Anger and helplessness in today’s political climateCanada’s 2025 election and why Pierre Poilievre was a hard “no”The Trump effect and white Christian nationalismGrieving the death of a pet and finding love in unexpected placesSocial media toxicity and how to protect your peaceThe importance of speaking the truth, even on a small platformJoin the Conversation:Have you felt helpless in 2025? Angry? Grieving? What helps you cope? Drop your thoughts below — let’s support each other through this.#poddinmynoggin #politicalcommentarypodcast #griefandhealing #trump2025 #canadianpolitics2025 #mentalhealthawareness #rawsolopodcast #loveoverhate #helplessness #cksimms #ChristianNationalism#WhiteSupremacy#FarRightExtremism#HumanRightsViolations#IsraelPalestineConflict#GazaGenocide#SystemicRacism#BlackLivesMatter#ICEDeportations#PoliticalPolarization#PopulistRhetoric#EthnoNationalismDonald TrumpJD VanceMarjorie Taylor GreeneElon MuskChristian nationalismWhite Christian nationalismWhite supremacyFar-right extremismReplacement theoryNeo-fascismMAGA movementAlt-rightRacist rhetoricAnti-immigrant policiesIslamophobiaPierre PoilievreMark CarneyCanadian conservatismRight-wing populism in CanadaCanada First movementAnglo-Saxon political traditionsAnti-immigration policies in CanadaIsrael-Palestine conflictGaza genocideEthnic cleansingHuman rights violationsInternational lawWar crimesIslamophobiaAnti-SemitismICE deportationsRacial profilingSystemic racismPolice brutalityBlack Lives MatterChristian nationalismWhite Christian nationalismReligious extremismCultural supremacyNational identity politicsEthno-nationalismPopulist rhetoricIdentity politicsPolitical polarization