Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 171
Date: May 6, 2025

Participants: John Webster and Elise Seifert

Guest: Ryan A. Bush

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:16] What’s On Your Mind: . Elise chats about connections she feels with her newborn son. It includes connection through shared rhythms and unspoken cues. She was surprised by their synchronized waking times and how her presence alone calms him. Watching his fascination with everyday objects reminded her to slow down and find wonder in simple, overlooked moments.

[0:10:34] Expanding Minds Interview: [Mental Wellness] We interview Ryan Bush. He saw a gap in how people train their minds compared to their bodies. While society embraces physical fitness routines, there's no equivalent for deliberate mental development. He created Mindform to fill a void, initially as an online platform for members. It offers a structured, intentional way to "work out" the mind for clarity, strength, and long-term growth. Members range from founders and creatives to systems-oriented professionals—people motivated by curiosity and intentional living. Entry is through application then invitation, fostering a high trust, aligned community. Features include structured dialogue between members, online information and workbooks, apps, and more. Mindform enables individuals to gain mastery over their cognitive lives, allowing them to think independently, live deliberately, and create work of enduring value.

[0:27:55] Running Popup: John realized that wellness is a byproduct of living an active life. Instead of chasing wellness, he focuses on performing balanced activities that foster wellness naturally in different areas. It’s helping him get closer to understanding and feeling of “life in every breath”. It's more about living and less about asking how it's working.

Guest Information: Ryan A Bush is a thinker, author and designer focused on building better systems, better people, and a better future. His background is in the design of systems. He’s worked with tech startups to design and develop everything from physical products to software, to buildings, to business models. He’s had a lifelong interest in introspective investigation, ravenous reading, and obsessive self-optimization. For many years, Ryan has studied the insights of ancient teachers, practical philosophers and cognitive scientists. He’s written two books – The first – Designing the Mind – helps readers understand the workings of their own minds and the keys to sculpting them. The second – Become Who You Are – is about the psychology of well-being and concepts connected with Happiness.

Links to some of Ryan’s books:

Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture

Become Who You Are: A New Theory of Self-Esteem, Human Greatness, and the Opposite of Depression

The Book of Self Mastery: Timeless Quotes About Knowing, Changing, and Mastering Yourself

Link to Mindform community: https://mindform.io/

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 170
Date: April 29, 20

Participants: Elise Seifert, Sheila Webster and John Webster

Guest: David Amerland (Move That Body)

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:35] What’s On Your Mind: Sheila an Elise explore eight ways to display emotional intelligence, including showing empathy, trusting others, pausing before reacting, and asking questions to avoid assumptions. It emphasizes owning mistakes, expressing gratitude, lifting others up, and keeping promises. Each habit fosters stronger emotional connections, encourages personal growth, and creates healthier, more supportive relationships both personally and professionally.

[0:12:35] Expanding Minds Interview: Alterative to Interview – It has been great to speak to many people over three years of podcasting. It helped John Webster formulate a strategic plan for wellbeing. John’s strategy is guided by the acronym "GET" Wellbeing: Grow, Embrace hard work, and Together. He envisions growth as striving for a well-rounded life, embraces hard work as essential for true fulfillment, and believes in the power of community for collective and personal wellness. This strategic plan supports his action-oriented three-step approach: first, identify the wellness areas that are personally meaningful; second, engage consistently in activities that nurture each category; and third, conduct regular wellness check-ins to stay balanced and mindful. His framework is both visionary and practical—offering a high-level purpose while encouraging everyday actions. By blending strategic thinking with actionable habits, John ensures that wellbeing is not just an abstract goal but an evolving, lived experience.

[0:26:21] Move That Body: David Amerland talks about the art and science of breathing – breathe better - live better. David unpacks the impact of proper breathing techniques on our physical and mental wellbeing. Inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth can transform your oxygen intake, especially during prolonged activities. Hear about the importance of diaphragmatic breathing and get practical techniques such as the 'double sigh' to enhance your oxygen flow and reduce stress.

Guest Information: Listeners know John Webster as a co-host of this podcast. John’s an Ontario lawyer who works at international law firm Gowling WLG, from the Waterloo Region office. He is a commercial litigator with 27 years of experience in complex litigation. John is a strong advocate for personal wellness, and this podcast (Let’s Be Well Together) and published a book about his journey (Accidentally Well). John has a lively curiosity that was fostered during his days studying philosophy at university. He embraces the saying, "Never stop learning." You can often find him enjoying its trail system in Kitchener-Waterloo, whether along old rail lines, through a forest or along the Grand River. He's married to Sheila and has three adult children. He’s enjoying life even more after the experiences he writes about in his book.

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
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Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 169
Date: April 22, 2025

Participants: John Webster, Riley Thompson and Sheila Webster

Guest: David Amerland

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:17] What’s On Your Mind: Riley raises a topic that touches on mental health and criminal law – not guilty by reason of mental disorder, sometimes referred to as the insanity defense. Is there balanced approach that considers the rights of both criminals and victims? Does the stigma surrounding mental illness affect how we navigate the complexities of mental health in criminal cases?

[0:13:20] Expanding Minds Interview: [Physical and Mental Wellness] We chat with David Amerland, the author of Built to Last and other books. We talk about the benefits of personal responsibility. It isn’t just a value—it’s a mindset that reshapes life. The moment that truth became clear, everything else began to shift for David. Physical exercise was the entry point. It demanded effort, consistency, and resilience, but what it really developed was ownership—of time, choices, and mindset. That ownership spilled into every area: better thinking, more balanced emotions, improved decision-making. Life stopped feeling chaotic because internal control took priority over external noise. Responsibility meant understanding that nothing truly changes until it’s faced and owned. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up and being honest about the work needed. Taking responsibility isn’t easy, but it brings clarity, stability, and power. And over time, that steady practice leads to a better life—not because circumstances get easier, but because we become stronger, more capable, and more in tune with who we truly are.

[0:30:40] Flipside of the Coin: Sheila found a post about different love languages: physical touch, acts of service, gift giving, quality time, and words of affirmation. Misunderstandings arise when love expressions don’t align. What do listeners think? How might understanding love languages transform things we miss into meaningful expressions of affection?

Guest Information: David Amerland writes about how we grow stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In books like Built to Last and The Sniper Mind, he blends neuroscience, fitness, and personal development into clear, actionable frameworks. A black belt martial artist, David draws from his training to explore motivation, resilience, and the power of movement to transform lives. He also writes on tech and strategy, including Google Semantic Search, helping professionals adapt in the digital age. Whether through writing or speaking, his goal is the same: to help people gain control of their lives, improve their health, and build habits that truly last.

Website: https://davidamerland.com/
Books: https://davidamerland.com/books

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 168
Date: April 15, 2025

Participants: John Webster and Elise Seifert

Guest: JD Smigelski

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:17] What’s On Your Mind: We ask Elise about experiences as a new mom. Life after having a baby reshapes daily routines and social connections. The spontaneity of outings, casual conversations at work, and personal autonomy are often replaced with meticulous planning. Though rewarding, the shift can be isolating at times. Baby groups and neighborhood walks provide brief but meaningful social interactions that help bridge the gap.

[0:10:21] Expanding Minds Interview: [Mental Wellness] Guitarist JD Smigelski shares a raw account of managing depression, anxiety, and imposter syndrome throughout his life and career as a professional musician. Touring intensifies these struggles—despite being constantly surrounded by people, feelings of isolation persist. Through trial and error, JD moved from medication to more natural coping strategies like staying active, spending time in nature, and practicing present-moment awareness. Music, while therapeutic, also exposes his emotional state, forcing him to confront what he feels rather than hide it.

[0:24:10] Running Popup: I like the expression, “Live Life in Every Breath”, but what does it mean in practice? I'm learning that it means appreciating what I have now, like my home and its view, without fretting about potential future losses. It's about enjoying today and trusting that I'll handle tomorrow when it comes.

Guest Information: J.D. Smigelski started playing guitar at a young age. He started his on-stage journey with his guitar teacher John McKinley and his open jam at the Huether Hotel (which is in Waterloo and by the way makes one of my favourite craft beers). He knew J.J. Wilde from middle school, who also grew up in Kitchener. J.J. is a Canadian rock singer. Her debut album Ruthless won Rock Album of the Year at the 2021 Juno Awards. Her new album Vices is nominated at the Junos this year. JD has been touring with JJ. I got lucky, ran into him in town and asked whether he’d chat with us about what it’s like to tour as a musician.

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 167
Date: April 8, 2025

Participants: John Webster, Isabelle Sinclair and Sheila Webster

Guest: Ryan A. Bush

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:17] What’s On Your Mind: We wonder about a possible shift in social media habits, exploring what we see as a decrease in posting and the increase in passive consumption on TikTok and YouTube, including privacy concerns and the desire to be more present in real life.

[0:08:56] Expanding Minds Interview: [Intellectual Wellness] Ryan Bush explains Nietzsche’s concept of “beyond good and evil” as an invitation to escape conventional moral frameworks that divide the world into absolute rights and wrongs. Traditional morality can be dogmatic, rigid, inherited and reductionist—often based on unquestioned assumptions that reward obedience over understanding. Ryan sees these systems as creating intellectual stagnation by discouraging critical thinking and nuance. Instead, drawing from Nietzsche, he prefers evolving our values through personal reflection and philosophical courage. Ryan encourages moving past dogmatic moral binaries toward a more dynamic, context-sensitive approach to ethics—one that evolves with insight and experience.

Link to Ryan’s Video: How to Go Beyond Good and Evil (and Why You Should) – Nietzsche on the Mistakes of Morality

[0:29:11] Move That Body: Gardening not only beautifies your surroundings but also serves as an excellent exercise routine. The physical tasks involved, such as raking, lifting, and cutting, help you stay fit while enjoying the fresh air and the rewarding sight of your hard work.

Guest Information: Ryan A Bush is a thinker, author and designer focused on building better systems, better people, and a better future. His background is in the design of systems. He’s worked with tech startups to design and develop everything from physical products to software, to buildings, to business models. He’s had a lifelong interest in introspective investigation, ravenous reading, and obsessive self-optimization. For many years, Ryan has studied the insights of ancient teachers, practical philosophers and cognitive scientists. He’s written two books – The first – Designing the Mind – helps readers understand the workings of their own minds and the keys to sculpting them. The second – Become Who You Are – is about the psychology of well-being and concepts connected with Happiness.

Links to some of Ryan’s books:

Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture

Become Who You Are: A New Theory of Self-Esteem, Human Greatness, and the Opposite of Depression

The Book of Self Mastery: Timeless Quotes About Knowing, Changing, and Mastering Yourself

Link to Mindform community: https://mindform.io/

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 166
Date: April 1, 2025

Participants: Elise Seifert, Sheila Webster and John Webster

Guest: Mike Morrice

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:35] What’s On Your Mind: We discuss the seven wonders—seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, feeling, laughing, and loving—and how they shape our experiences. The conversation highlights how technology and daily routines often disconnect us from these senses. By sharing moments of wonder, we reflect on the importance of presence, mindfulness, and truly engaging with the world around us.

[0:12:59] Expanding Minds Interview: [Artistic Wellness] Our guest, Member of Parliament Mike Morrice, tells us about his initiative to reform arts funding to support artists, galleries, performance centers, cultural events and community displays. He discusses the gaps in current government programs, which often provide only short-term relief rather than long-term sustainability. He is seeking fair compensation for artists, improving grant accessibility, and ensuring that creatives from all backgrounds receive equitable support. By working with industry leaders, policymakers, and grassroots organizations, he aims to shift the conversation around arts funding, demonstrating that investment in the arts benefits not only artists but also communities, local economies, and Canada’s cultural identity.

[0:31:44] Flipside of the Coin: Flipside of the Coin – We contrast the passionate, impulsive nature of young relationships with a more thoughtful, experienced approach when we’re older. What if couples could combine youthful passion with a mature wisdom. The best of both worlds.

Guest Information: Member of Parliament of Canada Mike Morrice is inspired by the great things people can accomplish when we genuinely listen to one another, look to find common ground, and prioritize future generations. Before being elected, Mike founded Sustainable Waterloo Region co-created ClimateActionWR, piloted Canada’s first Green Economy Hub, later founded Green Economy Canada to share this work across the country. Mike was the first Green Party of Canada candidate to be elected in Ontario. Since his election in 2021, Mike uses his platform to amplify his community’s concerns.

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 165
Date: March 25, 2025

Participants: John Webster, Riley Thompson and Cameron Earnshaw
Guest: Tom Swales

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:17] What’s On Your Mind: We discuss whether believing in success makes it more likely to happen. While some see it as a placebo effect, a positive mindset can boost motivation and persistence. Through examples from sports, job applications, and daily life, we explore how belief influences actions and agree that optimism often improves outcomes, even if it doesn’t guarantee them.

[0:10:45] Expanding Minds Interview: [Physical Wellness] Tom Swales addresses the role of self-awareness in preventing injuries. He explains how many injuries stem from unnoticed, repetitive movements and how simple self-checks—like assessing posture, flexibility, and balance—can reveal potential issues. We explore how small daily habits, such as sitting on the floor and mindful breathing, improve movement and reduce tension. Tom introduces his quick self-awareness movement scan, designed to help individuals maintain mobility efficiently. He also shares how reconnecting with art enhances focus and creativity, demonstrating the broader impact of self-awareness on both physical and mental well-being.

[0:29:58] Running Popup: A recent article accords with my experiences - Pursuing happiness can make people unhappy. I see happiness as one emotion among many. I prefer to savour happiness when I feel it (it’s often fleeting), rather than chasing it. It works better for me to be intentional about doing activities that foster areas of wellness.

[0:32:40] Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron is focusing on his corner of the world amidst global challenges. He’s collaborating on a new song (True North Frame of Mind) and his separate Shania Twain and Bruce Springsteen tribute bands. He’s excited to record some of his own music and to play live for the soundtrack of the short film "Fire Escape," with the album launch on April 4th.

Guest Information: Tom Swales earned his Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training and later completed his Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Western Ontario. He secured advanced certifications in areas such as manual therapy, strength and conditioning, acupuncture, and neurology. Tom’s expertise is highly sought after by health professionals looking to improve their practice in areas like injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance training. He’s a trusted clinician and mentor in orthopedic healthcare. He’s the Founder of the Advanced Movement Therapist (AMT) Certification. He’s Passionate about empowering health professionals with practical, results-driven education.

Instagram: @swales.tom
Facebook: Advanced Movement Therapy System
Website: amtcertified.ca
YouTube: @Tommyswales

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley

Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 164
Date: March 18, 2025

Participants: Elise Seifert, Sheila Webster and John Webster

Guest: Tom Swales

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:17] What’s On Your Mind: . We discuss how true power aligns with strong leadership, focusing on key traits: staying calm, speaking less, observing more, showing respect, moving in silence, making eye contact, managing time effectively, and thinking before speaking. These qualities help leaders gain respect, enhance communication, and navigate challenges, making them more effective in both professional and personal interactions.

[0:11:04] Expanding Minds Interview: [Artistic Wellness] It started with a thought a couple years ago—I wanted to write about Canadian resilience. I wrote lyrics, and Cameron shaped them into something more structured. When it came to the music, we had two choices: folk or arena rock. We chose rock for its energy. Cameron brought the melody to life, and after some studio magic, we had a complete song. The process didn’t stop there; we had to register it, distribute it, and get it onto streaming platforms. Seeing True North Frame of Mind go from an idea to a finished product was an incredible experience—and one we’ll cherish.

Spotify Link: True North Frame of Mind - Song
YouTube video: True North Frame of Mind - Video

[0:32:14] Move That Body: We explore how proper nutrition complements movement, highlighting foods that support various health benefits like digestion, focus, and hydration. Recognizing food as fuel, we emphasize balance, incorporating superfoods into daily meals to optimize physical wellness and ensure long-term health benefits through intentional dietary choices.

Guest Information: Cameron is part of the Let’s Be Well Together team. He’s our Starving Artist. He’s a professional musician with a broad range of talents. Check him out on different platforms:

Instagram: @c4msh4w
Spotify – Cameron Earnshaw Solo Releases
Spotify – Happy to Have Played a Part
Muso.AI – Cameron’s Credits
Imdb: Cameron Earnshaw

Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput

Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley