Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Laurie Larkin- Boyle, on air from March 5th
The Power of Expressive Arts in Healing and Community Building
Join us as we explore the transformative power of expressive arts with Laurie Larkin-Boyle, RCC, MEd, Art Therapist, and “doing a Doctorate in Expressive Arts” . With over 20 years of experience, Laurie shares how creativity, movement, and hands-on learning can support mental health, build resilience, and foster stronger communities.
In this episode, Laurie discusses her research on expressive arts as a tool for community development and individual healing, drawing from her work in art therapy, education, and counselling. She shares insights from her private practice, LARKIN-BOYLE Therapy, where she supports children and adults navigating ADHD, trauma, grief, anxiety, and family transitions.
We also dive into her experience as a trained Virtues Project facilitator, her collaborations with First Nations Elders on community development initiatives, and her work on The Values Blanket Project, which provides Indigenous youth with a space for identity, healing, and connection through the arts.
Tune in to learn how creative expression can empower individuals, build confidence, and spark meaningful social change. Whether you’re an educator, mental health professional, or someone passionate about the arts, this conversation will inspire new ways to integrate creativity into daily life.
Laurie Larkin-Boyle, RCC, MEd, Art Therapist, PhD Candidate
Registered Clinical Counsellor | Art Therapist | Educator
Laurie Larkin-Boyle is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Art Therapist, and Educator with over 20 years of experience using creativity, movement, and hands-on learning to support children, adolescents, and families.
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Expressive Arts at the European Graduate School in Switzerland, her research explores how expressive arts foster community development and through individual healing. She holds a Master’s in Art Education, a Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.
In her private practice, LARKIN-BOYLE Therapy (Nanaimo, BC), and through HelpClinic.ca, Laurie provides expressive and sensory-motor art therapy for children and adults navigating ADHD, trauma, grief, anxiety, and family transitions.
As a former District Counsellor, she offered individual and group counselling and currently leads professional development workshops, helping educators integrate social-emotional learning and creative expression into classrooms.
A trained Virtues Project facilitator, Laurie empowers children and youth to build confidence, manage anxiety, and create positive change. She collaborates with First Nations Elders on community development initiatives, integrating cultural traditions into creative projects. She also facilitates The Values Blanket Project, providing Indigenous youth with a space for identity, healing, and connection.
Laurie’s work has been showcased in art exhibitions and community arts initiatives. She has delivered keynotes, professional development sessions, and creative workshops, equipping educators and counsellors with tools to integrate art into their practice.
Laurie is passionate about helping people connect, heal, and find their voice through creativity. Whether singing, making art, exploring nature, or spending time with family, she embraces the joy and inspiration that fuel her work, making a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.
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. And please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book into awareness.
This Business and Breakfast networking group, based in Australia, has introduced me to some incredible individuals who generously share their expertise and support others on their journey. It’s a welcoming space where collaboration and growth thrive.
Here, you’ll find an inspiring collection of interviews with a diverse range of experts and thought leaders. Each conversation is a journey into unique insights and experiences, carefully curated to help you navigate your own path. From industry trailblazers to emerging voices, every guest shares valuable wisdom and forward-thinking perspectives designed to empower and uplift you. Explore their stories, absorb their expertise, and let these conversations spark new ideas and opportunities for your personal and professional growth.
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Ignite your heart and soul with Sara Troy and her guest Johanna Derbolowsky, on air from February 25th
I’ve been on a spiritual path my whole life—teaching, guiding, and helping people shift to their next level in spirituality, life, and business. Observing the state of the world, from environmental issues to greed, I see an urgent need for transformation and unity as we step into a new reality.
Change is inevitable, yet we resist it. This year especially, we’re being pushed into it in a big way, stirring up fear. But now is the time to face those fears, to become fearless, and to remember who we truly are—our divine source energy is in our very genetics, uniting us all. The challenge is to move forward without judgment, using discernment and staying in our integrity.
In my book, The Transformation Promise (new edition released in November), I help people embrace change rather than be overwhelmed by it. I also created a free 24-day challenge to create miracles, still available online, to support this shift.
I’d love to bring this conversation to your audience, sharing how we can navigate these times with clarity, courage, and purpose.
Johanna Derbolowsky is an international keynote speaker, best-selling author, psychic business coach, spiritual counselor, and transformation coach who has helped clients worldwide navigate major life changes—from overcoming deep-seated fears and health issues to career shifts, relationships, and spiritual awakening.
Born in Germany, Johanna was privately taught by shamans and healers as a child but didn’t want to become a recluse like her teachers, she wanted to be normal and fit in with her peers. Seeking a more conventional path, she pursued a career in the film industry, which brought her to Los Angeles. Yet, her true calling in healing and personal transformation kept pulling her back. She eventually embraced it fully, becoming a teacher of intuition development and psychic awareness, as well as a practitioner of hypnotherapy, Reiki Master, past-life regression, timeline therapy. Her deep interest in spontaneous healing led her to develop The Quantum Heart Field Experience, a powerful method for shifting life circumstances.
With over 25 years in metaphysics, Johanna is an ordained minister with the International Metaphysical Ministries and the author of Johanna Derbolowsky, The Transformation Promise. Through private coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, she helps people with metaphysics, break limiting patterns, and step into their highest potential—whether in life, business, or spiritual evolution.
Everyone who messages me on my website quantumheartfield.com and mentions your show will get access to 24 video prompts and a workbook PDF for the Challenge.
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. And please support Our Forgotten Senior’s anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Sara Troy with her guest Mark J. Chironna PhD, on air from February 18th
There are moments in history when the world shifts—not in small, incremental ways, but in seismic, irreversible transformations. To navigate such times wisely, it is imperative that we learn to recognize where we stand in the arc of history. Every era carries within it the weight of the past, the demands of the present, and the unseen forces of the future pressing upon it. As Sohail Inayatullah has observed, the future is not a distant horizon but an active force shaping the present, just as the past continues to exert its influence in ways we do not always recognize. True discernment requires holding these three dimensions in tension—learning from what has been, reckoning with what is, and preparing for what is to come.
Throughout history, those who have understood the times have been those who could perceive not only the immediate crisis but also the deeper undercurrents shaping it. The ancient Hebrew Canon speaks of the sons of Issachar, who were praised for their ability to interpret the times and know what ancient Israel should do (1 Chronicles 12:32), a skill as essential now as it was then. We are not simply reacting to isolated events; we are standing in the midst of a larger transition, one that is exposing long-buried fractures, dismantling once-unquestioned assumptions, and forcing us to reconsider where true stability lies. If we are to respond with wisdom rather than fear, our first obligation is to understand the nature of this moment—what is being revealed, what is being removed, and what is being required of us.
The challenge before us is not merely political or cultural; it is spiritual and psychological at its core. We are witnessing the unmooring of collective certainties and the erosion of structures that once felt immovable. This is not just about the crisis of governance or the disintegration of institutional trust—it is about what happens within the human soul when the external world becomes unreliable. When the ground shifts beneath us, we instinctively grasp for stability. Some turn to nostalgia, clinging to past certainties as if they can be recovered. Others give in to despair, assuming that nothing holds anymore. But neither reaction provides what is truly needed: the courage to confront the reality of upheaval without losing our grounding in what is timeless.
It is tempting in times of collapse to look for scapegoats, to assign blame for the instability we feel. But blame is a cheap substitute for wisdom. The impulse to attribute every failure to ideological enemies—whether real or imagined—exposes something more fragile than conviction: a fear of facing what is truly unfolding. When we see old structures giving way, the question is not merely Who is at fault? but What is being revealed? Are we witnessing the necessary dismantling of illusions that could never hold? Is this a time of purification, where we must let go of what was never built to endure?
The present crisis is not only external; it is also internal—spiritual, psychological, and moral. If the younger generation appears vulnerable, unprotected, or uncertain, it is not because they are inherently weak, but because they have inherited a world where meaning has been fractured. They are navigating an existence where competing narratives, unchecked power, and shifting cultural tides leave little room for rootedness. To simply denounce them as lost or misguided is to abdicate responsibility. The deeper question is, how have we prepared them to endure times like these? Have we offered them something firm enough to stand on when the ground beneath them gives way?
And yet, there are signs of resilience. Even in disruption, the capacity to communicate, to connect with a deeper truth, remains. What is anchored is not lost, even if it seems momentarily displaced. The disorientation of the present moment may feel as if our clarity and voice have been taken from us, but there remains the possibility of recovering what matters most. This recovery will not happen through reactionary defensiveness but through a depth of soul that can withstand upheaval without turning bitter, a faith that does not depend on stability to remain steadfast.
If we are to move forward in wisdom, we must first learn to sit with the weight of what is happening—not in passive despair, but in the kind of sober discernment that refuses easy answers. The times demand more than simplistic blame or ideological posturing. They require a clarity that can see through the noise and recognize what is at stake. We do not need louder voices or more heated rhetoric. We need something far rarer: reasonable and reasoning adults who are mature enough to be willing to see, to name, and to walk forward without fear.
Dr. Mark Chironna is a public scholar, executive and personal coach, and thought leader with five decades of experience in leadership development, cultural analysis, and future-focused strategies. With advanced degrees in Psychology, Applied Semiotics and Futures Studies, and Theology, he brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to helping individuals and organizations navigate complexity, unlock potential, and craft innovative solutions.
As a Board Certified Coach with over 30,000 hours of experience, he empowers leaders and teams to thrive through resilience, foresight, and actionable strategies. Passionate about human flourishing, he integrates psychological insight and cultural trends to inspire growth and transformation.
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. And please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book into awareness.
Yes! Sciatica can be quite painful, but several natural and medical approaches can help relieve discomfort and promote healing. Here are some recommendations:
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
Gentle Stretching & Yoga:
Pigeon pose, seated spinal twist, and hamstring stretches can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Avoid sudden or jerky movements that might aggravate it.
Hot & Cold Therapy:
Apply an ice pack for the first 48 hours (15-20 minutes at a time) to reduce inflammation.
Switch to heat therapy (heating pad or warm bath) to relax tight muscles after the initial swelling goes down.
Posture & Movement:
Avoid prolonged sitting—take breaks and walk around.
Maintain good posture, especially when sitting or lifting objects.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet:
Include turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, berries, and omega-3-rich foods (like salmon or flaxseeds).
Avoid processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine.
Alternative & Natural Treatments
Chiropractic Adjustments – Can help realign the spine and relieve nerve compression.
Acupuncture – Many find relief through acupuncture by reducing nerve pain and inflammation.
Massage Therapy – Deep tissue massage can ease tight muscles pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Epsom Salt Baths – Helps relax muscles and reduce nerve pain.
Essential Oils – Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils mixed with a carrier oil can be massaged into the affected area for relief.
Medical Treatments (If Needed)
TIPS F0R ARTHRITIS
Arthritis can be managed effectively with a combination of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and, if needed, medical treatments. Here are some helpful tips to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support joint health:
1. Stay Active with Gentle Exercise
Low-impact activities: Swimming, walking, tai chi, and cycling help keep joints flexible without straining them.
Stretching & yoga: Helps maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
Strength training: Builds muscles around joints for better support.
? Tip: Avoid overexertion; balance movement with rest.
Drink in the morning for a natural anti-inflammatory boost!
2. Omega-3 Loaded Salmon & Quinoa Bowl
? Ingredients:
1 salmon fillet (rich in omega-3s)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup steamed spinach or kale
1/4 avocado (healthy fats)
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp turmeric & black pepper
? Instructions:
Season salmon with turmeric, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Serve over quinoa, add greens, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon.
? Tip: Swap salmon for grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
3. Joint-Soothing Bone Broth Soup
? Ingredients:
4 cups bone broth (chicken or beef)
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup celery
1 tsp turmeric
1 clove garlic (anti-inflammatory)
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
? Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients in a pot for 20 minutes.
Enjoy the warmth to soothe joints and boost collagen production!
4. Golden Milk (Anti-Inflammatory Evening Drink)
? Ingredients:
1 cup warm almond or coconut milk
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp honey (optional)
? Instructions:
Warm milk, stir in all ingredients, sip before bed for relaxation and pain relief.
Arthritis Meal Plan & Foods to Avoid
This meal plan is designed to reduce inflammation, support joint health, and boost mobility with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods.
? Foods to Avoid (They Trigger Inflammation!)
? Processed Foods & Refined Sugars: Cakes, cookies, soda, candy, and white bread. ? Fried & Fast Foods: French fries, chips, fried chicken, processed meats. ? Dairy (For Some People): Cheese, milk, ice cream (try plant-based alternatives). ? Red Meat (Limit): Too much beef, pork, and lamb can increase inflammation. ? Nightshade Vegetables (For Some People): Tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes may worsen arthritis in sensitive individuals.
? Tip: Everyone is different! Test which foods affect you personally and adjust accordingly.
? Best Foods for Arthritis Relief
? Omega-3-Rich Foods: Salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. ? Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens. ? Colorful Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries (packed with antioxidants). ? Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds. ? Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and buckwheat (instead of white rice and pasta). ? Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocados, coconut oil (avoid vegetable oils). ? Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne pepper. ? Legumes & Beans: Chickpeas, lentils, black beans (high in fiber and protein). ? Hydrating Fruits: Watermelon, oranges, apples, and pomegranates (reduce joint pain).
? 3-Day Arthritis Meal Plan ?
Each day includes anti-inflammatory meals designed to nourish your joints!
? Day 1: Omega-3 & Antioxidant Boost
? Breakfast: Turmeric-Ginger Oatmeal
Oats cooked with almond milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, walnuts, and honey.
? Lunch: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, spinach, cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas with olive oil & lemon dressing.
? Snack: Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
Blueberries, flaxseeds, almond milk, and a pinch of turmeric.
Season salmon with olive oil, turmeric, garlic, and black pepper.
? Day 2: Gut & Joint Health Focus
? Breakfast: Avocado Toast with Poached Egg & Turmeric
Whole-grain toast, avocado, poached egg, turmeric, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
? Lunch: Bone Broth Soup with Chickpeas & Kale
Simmer bone broth with chickpeas, kale, turmeric, and garlic.
? Snack: Handful of Almonds & Dark Chocolate
Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
? Dinner: Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Olive oil, black pepper, and lemon zest for seasoning.
? Day 3: Repair & Rejuvenate
? Breakfast: Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds soaked overnight in coconut milk, topped with berries & honey.
? Lunch: Lentil & Spinach Stew
Lentils, spinach, garlic, turmeric, cumin, and carrots.
? Snack: Green Tea with Dark Chocolate & Walnuts
Green tea fights inflammation and boosts metabolism.
? Dinner: Stir-Fry with Tofu, Mushrooms & Brown Rice
Cook with ginger, garlic, and olive oil.
? Extra Tips for Arthritis Management ?
? Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. ? Get Enough Vitamin D: Spend time in the sun or take a supplement. ? Move Every Hour: Avoid prolonged sitting—gentle movement keeps joints flexible. ? Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep increases inflammation. Try magnesium or chamomile tea before bed.
Arthritis-Friendly Snack Ideas
These snacks are anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and easy to prepare, helping to reduce joint pain, boost energy, and support mobility.
? 1. Avocado & Turmeric Crackers
? Why it helps: Avocados provide healthy fats, while turmeric fights inflammation. ? How to make it:
Mash 1/2 avocado with a pinch of turmeric, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Spread on whole-grain or seed-based crackers.
? 2. Handful of Nuts & Seeds
? Why it helps: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds contain omega-3s and vitamin E, reducing joint stiffness. ? How to eat it:
Mix walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds in a small container for an on-the-go snack.
? 3. Banana & Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter)
? Why it helps: Bananas provide potassium to reduce muscle cramps, and nut butter offers healthy fats. ? How to make it:
Slice half a banana and dip it in natural peanut or almond butter.
? 4. Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
? Why it helps: Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon reduce inflammation and support digestion. ? How to make it:
Warm 1 cup almond milk and stir in 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, and honey.
? 5. Dark Chocolate & Walnuts
? Why it helps: Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is rich in antioxidants, while walnuts provide omega-3s. ? How to eat it:
Have a few squares of dark chocolatewith a handful of walnuts.
? 6. Apple Slices with Cinnamon & Honey
? Why it helps: Apples contain fiber and antioxidants, and cinnamon is anti-inflammatory. ? How to make it:
Slice an apple, sprinkle with cinnamon, and drizzle with honey.
? 7. Ginger & Lemon Detox Water
? Why it helps: Ginger fights joint pain, and lemon detoxes the body. ? How to make it:
Add slices of fresh ginger & lemon to warm or cold water.
? 8. Carrot & Hummus Sticks
? Why it helps: Carrots are high in vitamin A, and hummus is rich in fiber and protein. ? How to eat it:
Dip carrot or celery sticks into hummus for a satisfying snack.
? 9. Orange & Chia Seed Yogurt Bowl
? Why it helps: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which supports collagen and joint health. ? How to make it:
Mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp chia seeds, and add orange slices.
? 10. Guacamole with Cucumber Slices
? Why it helps: Avocados provide healthy fats, and cucumbers are hydrating for joints. ? How to make it:
Mash 1/2 avocado, add lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper.
Use cucumber slices as dippers instead of chips.
? 11. Hard-boiled egg with Olive Oil & Paprika
? Why it helps: Eggs are rich in protein, and olive oil fights inflammation. ? How to make it:
Slice a hard-boiled egg and drizzle with olive oil & a pinch of paprika.
? 12. Olives & Cheese Plate
? Why it helps: Olives provide healthy fats, and goat cheese or feta is easier to digest than dairy-heavy cheeses. ? How to eat it:
Pair olives with goat cheese and whole-grain crackers.
? Arthritis-Friendly Grocery List
This list includes anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods that help reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and boost overall health.
? Plain Greek yogurt (probiotics for gut health) ? Almond or coconut milk ? Goat cheese or feta (easier to digest)
? Beverages (Hydrating & Healing)
? Green tea (antioxidant powerhouse) ? Bone broth (collagen for joint support) ? Ginger tea (reduces inflammation) ? Golden milk (turmeric latte with almond milk) ? Water with lemon (hydration & detox)
? Foods to Avoid (Trigger Inflammation)
? Processed foods (chips, frozen meals, fast food) ? Sugary foods (soda, candy, pastries) ? White bread & refined carbs (increases inflammation) ? Fried foods (fries, onion rings) ? Too much red meat (limit beef & pork) ? Vegetable oils (canola, corn, soybean) ? Dairy (for some, it worsens inflammation)
? Arthritis-Relief Smoothies & Drinks ?
? 1. Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie
? Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk
1/2 banana
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp flaxseeds
1 tsp honey
? Instructions:
Blend all ingredients and enjoy!
? 2. Ginger Green Detox Smoothie
? Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
1/2 cucumber
1/2 apple
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1/2 lemon juice
1 cup coconut water
? Instructions:
Blend everything together. Great for reducing stiffness and boosting energy!
? 3. Cherry & Flaxseed Joint-Healing Smoothie
? Ingredients:
1 cup frozen cherries
1 tbsp flaxseeds
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or almond milk)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup water
? Instructions:
Blend and enjoy. Cherries help reduce arthritis pain naturally.
Author Chat GPT
Sara Troy lives with this as well as Fibromyalgia, and it is a battle daily to keep the body happy. Find something you love to do and keep your spirit high, for it eases the pain, and lifts you up to cope with these challenges.
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