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Dr. Rob Lees, Registered Psychologist, joins A Resilience Project to shed light on the unique challenges many veterans face both during military service and after returning home from their tour of duty. Drawing on his clinical expertise, Dr. Lees explores what it means to find genuine meaning and purpose in life — and why doing so is central to our wellbeing and happiness.

Dr. Lees also offers an inspiring look at the creative programs he has helped develop through a partnership between the school district and Child & Youth Mental Health in Chilliwack, B.C. These initiatives are designed to foster mentorship and leadership among young people, recognizing that when we help others, the psychological benefits — including positive changes in brain chemistry — become powerful protective factors in building resilience.

Covering a lot of ground, Dr. Lees sheds light on the many opportunities we all have for cultivating connection — within our communities, our relationships, and ourselves.

You'll find The PULSE Community Podcasts at: https://thepulsecommunity.ca

Cindy Thompson's website: https://cindythompsoncounselling.ca

Episode Sponsor: Tablet Pharmacy — https://tabletpharmacy.ca/

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(16:45) Crystal Shawanda, Juno-nominated blues artist shares her powerful journey from gold-selling country music star to acclaimed blues performer. Growing up in a First Nations community, Crystal faced bullying and industry rejection before finding her authentic voice in blues music. Crystal discusses her recent Juno nomination for "Sing Pretty Blues" and her ongoing mission to represent Indigenous artists in mainstream music.

(05:14) Susan Schaefer, Curator of Art at the Bayside discusses the innovative gallery space created at the Bayside Oceanfront Resort in Parksville. Over a hundred pieces from 25 Vancouver Island artists are displayed throughout the resort's public spaces, featuring an interactive kiosk and website that allows visitors to take self-guided tours. The gallery represents a revolutionary approach to making art accessible while giving local artists a stunning platform to reach tourists and community members alike.

Episode Quotes:

"It felt like letting a bird out of a cage. It felt like all of a sudden I didn't have to hold back anymore. I didn't have to restrain myself... on that first blues record, The Whole Horse Got the Blues, it felt like I was finally free and I could just be myself." --- Crystal Shawanda

"People can come in and search through the kiosk, find all the artists, read up about them, and every art piece has a location so they can go check it out on the third floor or the second floor hallway or whatever, and they can actually have a self-guided tour." --- Susan Schaefer

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Episode Sponsors: Tablet Pharmacy, Ian Lindsay & Associates, & Thrifty Foods Parksville

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Bob Goff, NY Times bestselling author and self-described "recovering lawyer," joins The Resilience Project to share his transformative approach to life's challenges. After 25 years practicing law and serving as Honorary Consul to Uganda, Goff gave up his law firm to pursue writing and speaking full time. As the author of beloved books "Love Does" and "Everybody Always," Goff brings his signature whimsy and playfulness to help listeners shift from "why me" to "what can I do."

In this conversation, he reminds us that resilience isn't built through grand gestures—it's cultivated through small, creative acts of kindness that ripple outward to make a difference in others' lives.

Goff's dynamic, approach to life challenges us to consider: What creative act of kindness could you do for someone today?

You’ll find the following podcasts at: https://thepulsecommunity.ca

The PULSE Community Podcast hosted by Peter McCully & Dave Graham

Skookum Kid’s Stories: The Mellow Submarine and Peter & Gracie

NonPartisan Hacks hosted by Parksville Councillors - Joel Grenz & Sean Wood

A Resilience Project hosted by Cindy Thompson

F3: Football, Food & Fantasy Football hosted by Erin Haluschak Frazier & Chef Jonathan Frazier

Radio Archaeology: Gunsmoke & Dragnet

Bob Goff website: https://www.bobgoff.com

Cindy Thompson’s website: https://cindythompsoncounselling.ca

Episode Sponsor: Tablet Pharmacy

Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast!

Check out the PULSE Podcasts on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok and YouTube podcasts

Skookum Kid's Stories are available at Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests!

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#BobGoff #ResilienceProject #VancouverIsland, #NYTimesBestseller #ParksvilleQualicum #ThePulseCommunityPodcast #CindyThompson

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