Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Colleen Franklin (RCC), on air from December 16th
I became a counsellor because I wanted to help people understand themselves and their struggles in a way that opens the door to healing, growth, and joy again. So many people move through life feeling disconnected from who they really are, and I’m passionate about helping them reconnect with themselves and find a steadier, more hopeful way forward. My work focuses on supporting people who are carrying trauma, burnout, and overwhelm—people who often feel lost in the noise of life and need a space to breathe and realign. I want my clients to feel seen, heard, and valued for the incredible worth they bring into the world. I deeply believe people have a strength within them they don’t always recognize. They have already survived and overcome so much, and yet they continue to show up, strive, and fight for something better. They deserve the support that honours that resiliency and helps them move toward the life they want.
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Nanaimo, BC, and the founder of Sandstone Counselling. My path into this work grew from a lifelong curiosity about how people make sense of their emotions and navigate the harder seasons of life. Over time, I’ve built a practice grounded in compassion, clarity, and a deep belief that people deserve to feel reconnected to themselves and feel joy in their life. Today, I support adults working through trauma, burnout, overwhelm, grief, and life transitions, as well as first responders. Outside of my counselling work, I’m a mom, a nature lover, and someone who values calm, connection, and authenticity. Whether I’m in session or out in the community, my goal is to create spaces where people feel supported, understood, and empowered to move forward in a way that feels true to them.
Every show we create is supported by generous contributions. If this episode inspired you, please consider helping us continue the work—with a one-time gift or an ongoing subscription. Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you. Also, please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from December 16th
This season brings us back to joy, to family, to friends, to the communities that lift us up. Christmas invites every soul, regardless of belief, to honour life’s blessings and share our light with one another. I’ve gathered a few of my holiday shows that carry this spirit and deserve to be heard again and again.
This Christmas, be mindful of the lonely, see them, hear them and interact with them in some way, for we have all felt lonely along the way. Include them, see them, do not leave them out.
We’re heading into the big, bustling Christmas season — when everyone (and their dog) seems to be out shopping. The stores are crowded, the noise is constant, and the one thing you came to buy is nowhere to be found. Frustration starts to rise. You’re a reasonable person… but this lineup is far too long, the sales clerk isn’t helping, that perfect gift is hiding, and everyone is rushing.
Breathe. Be patient. The season is meant to be joyful. ??
Do not get caught up in the buying frenzy putting yourself in debt or keeping up with the Joneses, this is a time for GIVING, but of your SPIRIT, your KINDNESS, your HEART and your DIVINE LOVE.
Is Christmas all about gifts — who can buy bigger, better, and more than last year? Or is it about love, kindness, and the togetherness of our families and communities? I believe it’s the latter.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Chinese New Year – whatever the family celebration. Is it a season of peace and goodwill to all men or a time of all-out war of attrition with the partner, stepchildren and/or the Mother-In-Law?
Do you look forward to family holidays, or are you of the “humbug” persuasion?
Time. We are all living by the same clock, no matter where we are in the world. We each have a lifetime to journey through — and within that, time to give, to share, and to set aside for those who matter. It is time to remember that the greatest gift we can offer is our time.
There is a kinder way to shop — one that keeps our hearts calm and our spirits aligned with what this season truly represents. Be patient with the people helping you in the stores; they are doing their best in the busiest time of the year. Buy thoughtfully, not anxiously. Don’t let stress steal the joy from your giving. Christmas is a season of loving-kindness, of joy and goodwill toward all.
A loss of a loved one, or way of life, the loneliness and deep sorrow are very prevalent at this time of year, please be mind and heartful and reach out and care.
Tis the Season to be Jolly, but also the Season that so many people make attempts to take their own lives. Kevin Briggs, a retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant, has prevented many a soul from jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge where he was a patrol cop for 23 years.
We all have mountains to climb, we all have moments when we feel despair, we all need to be heard to know that someone cares, Kevin shares how we can recognize that someone in trouble and what we can do to help them through it.
Loneliness is a silent killer. Being forgotten, ignored, or simply unseen does real harm — not only to our seniors, but also to our homeless community members and those in major life transitions. When someone has shared a life with a partner and that person is suddenly gone, it leaves a space no one else can fill. What they often long for most is simple, daily human interaction.
This Christmas go out of your way to let your parents know that you appreciate what they have done and have tried to do for you. After all, odds will be that one day you too will be a parent and all you will wish for, is your own children’s happiness, safety, health, and personal abundance. Hopefully, they will appreciate what you did for them.
I wish you Joy, Laughter, Love, and Peace to one and all over the world this Festive Joyous Season.
There are so many in need of help, so many struggling and so many hurting for one reason or another. Here in BC Canada, we have whole towns underwater, farms destroyed, livestock dead, roads that are crucial to our survival lost to us and railway lines gone. More on it here. When we feel so helpless to help in this situation what can we do? We can support the organizations that are supporting the communities in need with donations that we can gift from the people we care about.
• Give Hope. Donate in someone’s name and spread love to those who need it most. • A gift that gives twice — to someone you love and someone who needs love.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Building our business show with Sara Troy and her guest Carl Richards, on air from December 9th
My message is simple. Everyone has a voice…though many of us are afraid to use it. For the first 12 years of my life, I wrestled with a debilitating stutter, that silenced me. It was easier to be quieter than speak up. I learned in speech therapy the only person in control of your speech is YOU! Very powerful. I went on to enjoy a 25 year career in radio broadcasting, now a podcast strategist.
As stated above, I started in radio broadcasting. Really I wanted to be an actor…but for every actor who makes it, there are thousands working drive thru asking if you want fries with that. I figured starting in the media would be a good ‘bridge’ to becoming an actor. Loved the radio world so much, didn’t want to leave. Did a lot of community theatre when I wasn’t on air. When my radio career ended during the pandemic, I chose self employment (full-time…already had a part time speaker training gig) to help coaches, consultants and other subject matter experts launch world class podcasts.
Free Gift or Offer (optional) 30 minute podcast strategy session with me (same link as the website above…and hit GET STARTED)
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Building Your Business with Sara Troy and her guest Deb Drummond and Ocean, on air from December 9th
Go behind the scenes of entrepreneurship as Deb and Ocean open up about the realities of building a family business from the ground up — the triumphs, the late-night problem-solving, and the relentless belief that keeps them moving forward. Discover how they’ve learned to balance being partners in life and partners in enterprise, navigating challenges with creativity, communication, and a deep commitment to their shared purpose.
It’s a candid look at what it truly takes to grow a business with the people you love — the harmony, the contradictions, and the beautiful evolution that happens along the way.
We’re always happy to share anything entrepreneurial that might support others on this journey. We’ve just taken stock of the past year — acknowledging the wins, honoring the lessons, and using both to shape our 2026 agenda with clarity and optimism.
So consider this a behind-the-scenes look at what the process really feels like: the pivots, the proud moments, the messy middle, and the growth that comes from staying committed through it all. If our experiences can help someone else navigate their own path with a little more confidence and direction ?, then we’re absolutely here for it.
Every show we create is supported by generous contributions. If this episode inspired you, please consider helping us continue the work—with a one-time gift or an ongoing subscription. Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you. Also, please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Jamie Taylor, on air from December 9th
I have struggled with mental health my whole life. I know what it feels like to feel that there is no other way out but ending your life. I know what it feels like to lie in bed with your whole body aching because you are so sad and lost. I know what it feels like to be embarrassed, hide behind humour, hide behind a smile and then go home and cry. I know what it feels like to feel alone. If it wasn’t for the love I had for my mom and my sister at the time, I don’t know if I would still be here. Then I had children, so my why to keep going grew bigger.
I can see and feel peoples sadness. When someone hurts, I hurt. A stranger, a friend, a family member, it doesn’t matter. I have always been this way. I know how it feels to be in that place, and I know what it feels like to work your way out of it. Just wait, one more day…..If I can help one person in recognizing, their worth, it’s worth it to me.
Free Gift or Offer (optional) A sweatshirt, choose colour, size, expression.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
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