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

Prepare to be floored by this week's guest.. Liz McInnes joins Marnie for a wild ride into her life, including growing up with a schizophrenic mom, navigating Crohn's disease, and trying to find her way without a dad. But have no fear, because Grandma was here. Liz discusses the challenges she faced by her family dynamics, the importance of self-care and boundaries, and the positive relationships that have entered her life (mainly dogs & Frazer of course). She also discusses the tough decision to amputate her dog's leg due to bone cancer last year.

We dive into how she started her own business, Bad Dog, the cutest pup store in Tofino, and the joys that came with working her way there. Liz shares her perspective on mental health, anxiety medication, and the importance of listening to your body. She also touches on the dog culture in Tofino & the intricacies that come with it.

This episode is one of resilience, and finding your place in the world. I find Liz's story incredibly relatable, and am so grateful to have gotten to know her so much better through Giddy Up!

Follow Bad Dog on IG

Liz's Instagram

In this video episode, Marnie gets to delve into the remarkable life of Bryanna Bradley. A pioneering female surf and lifestyle photographer based in Tofino. Bryanna discusses the intensities of working in the photojournalism industry in Ontario that eventually led her to becoming one of the first female surf photographers on the West Coast of Canada and Hawaii. Bryanna opens up about her experience managing an eating disorder throughout her life, and her recovery process managing it throughout COVID.

Buckle up for hot topics, as Bryanna's life took a dramatic turn after a surfing accident in Mexico in 2022. Leading her to reevaluate her goals and embark on a transformative hike along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) last year. Facing daunting obstacles like heavy snowfall and allergic reactions, Bryanna's resilience and the support of friends propelled her forward. We dive into wild stories on trail from near death experiences, dealing with post-trail depression after her hike and finding her equilibrium. Her story, marked by a commitment to pushing herself, offers insights into self-discovery and authenticity.

Join Marnie as she explores the intersection of adventure, resilience, and personal growth with this inspiring woman!

Bryanna's Instagram

Bryanna's Website

Vancouver Brain Centre

Microdosify

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Giggles

(09:36) Traveling and Finding Her Passion

(27:00) Brands and Favorite Surfers

(34:50) Traumatic Surfboard Accident

(52:10) The Continental Divide Trail (CDT)

(59:40) Hiking the CDT & Highlights Along the Trail

(01:09:34) Full Body Allergic Reaction and Food Restrictions

(01:30:00) Post-Trail Depression and Finding Equilibrium

(01:33:00) Rapid Fire Questions for Bryanna

Join Marnie for a solo episode discussing the topic of change, and how it can lead to personal development. She emphasizes the benefits of change, which have allowed her to explore new opportunities, become adaptable, and develop resilience. Marnie shares her own experience with change, including leaving her corporate job and starting a new pursuit. She encourages everyone to embrace change and take risks in order to create a life that aligns with your passions and values. If change is on your brain, then this episode is for you!

Giddy Up Website

Our first video episode is wildy goofy and riveting, we'd expect nothing less from Lilly Woodbury! As the Regional Manager of Surfrider Foundation Canada (& Sexy Stoked Pacific Rim Surf Bums), Lilly's environmental activist roots are shaped by her formative years in Tofino and her parents' eco-conscious ethos. We delve into her unconventional upbringing in Tofino, navigating world issues, and personal challenges with resilience and grace. Lilly opens up about her unwavering support for her parents through tough times, recounting her father's valiant fight against cancer and her mother's inspiring triumph over the disease.

We then explore the significance of self-care and equilibrium in our chill, yet incredibly un-chill, lives. Lilly imparts wisdom on overcoming self-doubt and cherishing moments of solace in nature. She emphasizes the importance of seeking out positive news, and taking action to make a difference. Brimming with personal anecdotes, including a thrilling and scary car crash at her father's celebration of life.

This episode is a testament to Lil's and my friendship, her resilience, passion, and the impact of familial and environmental influences. Yeehaw!

Lilly's Website

Vice Documentary of Poole's Land

Lilly's Instagram

Lilly's LinkTree

Let's Get Poly and End Foam

In this episode, Marnie shares her personal story, focusing on her childhood and the impact of her parents' divorce. She discusses the challenges she faced growing up in a tumultuous environment and the effects it had on her mental health. Marnie also opens up about her mother's struggle with schizophrenia/psychosis and the difficulties they both endured. Despite the hardships, Marnie emphasizes the importance of seeking help and finding support in order to overcome adversity.

Takeaways:

≋ Childhood experiences shape who we become as adults.

≋ Living in a chaotic environment can have a significant impact on mental health.

≋ Stigma surrounding mental illness can prevent individuals from seeking help.

≋ Support systems and healthy relationships are crucial for coping with challenges.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

04:03 Childhood and Family Dynamics

26:47 Mom's Mental Health Decline

41:30 Recovery and Reflection

Links:

Giddy Up's IG

Giddy Up's Website

Life with Happiness: Joe Rogan

SickBoy Podcast Episode from 2017