Their Story Matters with Sara Troy and her guest Amina Mohamed, on air from November 26th
My family and I came to Canada as refugees from Uganda when I was just three years old, fleeing the violence and uncertainty of Idi Amin’s regime. Growing up in Canada gave me opportunities and freedoms I’ll always be grateful for, and those experiences shaped my desire to give back to my home country.
I founded Cameras For Girls as a way to empower young women in Africa through photography and storytelling, giving them a voice and a means to step into media roles traditionally dominated by men. I’ve seen firsthand how these tools can break down barriers and open doors, enabling these young women to overcome cultural and gender biases and make an impact in their communities.
My “Why” is rooted in resilience, generosity, and social justice—values Canada gave to me and that I carry into this work. Through Cameras For Girls, I want to ensure that every young woman has the chance to realize her potential, regardless of her background. It’s about creating pathways to opportunity, breaking cycles of poverty, and showing that even the smallest gestures of support can transform lives.
Amina Mohamed, founder of Cameras For Girls, empowers young women across East Africa with photography and business skills, helping them secure jobs in male-dominated media. Her initiative provides cameras and a year-long curriculum, fostering ethical storytelling. Amina, a coveted speaker, champions gender equality and amplifies women’s voices.
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 Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Monica Kaufman, on air from November 26th
Monica is supporting individuals with special needs requires thoughtful planning to ensure their long-term well-being and independence. Families of individuals with special needs can take several key steps to help ensure a stable future, including:
1. Financial Planning: Setting up a special needs trust or utilizing government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid can protect assets while maintaining eligibility for assistance programs. Families should consult with financial planners experienced in special needs planning to maximize resources.
2. Legal Considerations: Legal tools such as guardianship or power of attorney can ensure that someone trusted makes decisions for the individual if they are unable to do so themselves. It’s crucial to designate legal guardians or advocates and review documents periodically.
3. Educational and Vocational Support: Planning should also include identifying the best educational opportunities and vocational training for the individual, from early intervention to adult services, in order to promote development, independence, and employment.
4. Health Care Needs: Establishing a comprehensive health care plan, including access to specialists and therapies, is essential to address both current and future medical needs.
5. Community Resources: Many communities offer programs and support networks for families and individuals with special needs. Connecting with local support groups, services, and advocacy organizations can provide invaluable resources. Early and ongoing planning ensures that special needs individuals are supported, and their families have peace of mind regarding their future care and well-being.
In Canada, families of individuals with special needs can access a variety of resources, programs, and financial supports to help plan for the future. Similar to other countries, early and ongoing planning is crucial to ensure individuals with special needs have access to education, healthcare, and financial security. Here are some key elements to consider when planning for individuals with special needs in Canada:
1. Financial Planning and Assistance Canada offers several financial supports for families with special needs. Key programs include: • Disability Tax Credit (DTC): This non-refundable tax credit helps reduce the amount of tax owed for individuals with disabilities. It is available to those with a significant impairment in physical or mental functions. • Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): This is a government-registered savings plan designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families save for the future. Contributions are eligible for grants and bonds from the federal government, making it an effective long-term savings tool for disability-related expenses. • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Available in Ontario, this program provides financial assistance and employment supports to individuals with disabilities who are unable to work or need extra help finding work. • Other Provincial Programs: Each province offers varying levels of financial support. For example, in British Columbia, the Disability Assistance Program offers monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, while in Quebec, the Programme de soutien aux personnes handicapées helps fund various services.
2. Government Benefits and Social Services • Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D): This program provides monthly benefits to individuals who have contributed to the Canadian Pension Plan and are unable to work due to a disability. It’s available to both the person with the disability and their family members if needed. • Specialized Support Programs: Each province and territory offers a range of services for children and adults with special needs, including educational support, job training, and community-based care. For example, Alberta has programs like the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, which helps provide services and supports to adults with developmental disabilities.
3. Educational and Vocational Support • Inclusive Education: Canada emphasizes inclusive education in public schools, meaning that students with special needs are integrated into the classroom environment as much as possible, with individualized support plans. • Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs: Several provinces, like British Columbia and Ontario, offer specific programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which focus on early intervention, behavior therapy, and specialized education.
At Harmony Wealth Academy, we’re not just about numbers; we’re about changing lives. With over 20 years of experience, we empower CPAs and Enrolled Agents to transform their clients’ financial futures. Our Behavioral Finance Program goes beyond the basics, teaching mastery over money and the financial system, from fundamentals to legacy planning. It’s your client’s path to financial freedom, guided by science and a passion for progress.
If they feel their goals are just out of reach, they are not alone.
Monica Kaufman is currently the director of Financial Planning at Harmony Asset Management as well as the creator of the Harmony Wealth Academy. She’s worked in Economic Research, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting for over 20 years. She is a CFP. She became involved in Special Needs financial advisory early in her Career while at Merrill Lynch with her deeper understanding because of her (brother in law). She is the mother of two adult sons (one a soldier in the US Army and the other a PhD candidate) and two rescued dogs.
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 Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Renaii West, on air from November 19th
Award-winning author Renaii West talks about the carnival world, including Renaissance fairies, belly dancers, fire performers and more…
Brighid LaFlamme, Belly dancer and fire performer, is the undisputed leader of a tight knit group of friends she has dubbed her Fire Buddies. When they are not performing at Renaissance fairies or other events, they can be found enjoying alternative forms of adult entertainment and activities at the local kink-oriented venue. When one of her Fire Buddies, who had recently distanced himself from the group, dies, she has trouble accepting the official story of a tragic accident and becomes determined to learn the truth, despite the challenges and discouragement she faces. Dragging her friends into this journey, and picking up a few new ones along the way, Brighid discovers the darker side of ambition, talents she never knew she had, and the value of friendship.
Renaii was inspired to write The Wrong Side of the Flame, which Kirkus Reviews praised for its “literary pyrotechnics,” capturing the intensity and vibrancy of her unique subject matter. She chose to explore the lives of belly dancers, fire spitters, and dominatrixes, characters drawn from her experience as a professional belly dancer and from the vibrant culture of Renaissance Faires. Through these characters and their unconventional relationships, Renaii explores themes of stepping beyond comfort zones—a challenging leap for many. Alongside her work as an author and playwright, she teaches at a performing arts school, where she passionately instills the transformative power of the arts in her students.
Renaii West is the award-winning author, playwright and dramatic arts educator. Her newest book is The Wrong Side of the Flame, A Brigihd LaFlamme Mystery. Her debut novel, Death by Chaos, won an Indie Discovery Award in Women’s Issues and placed as a finalist in the Independent Author Network Award for Mystery.
After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University and a Master of Arts in Communication from the United States International University, she became the dramatic arts instructor in a performing arts junior high magnet program, where she wrote and directed many of her own productions. She wrote and produced a short film, Eli’s Run, which was accepted at the Oceanside Film Festival:
Renaii was also an amateur belly dancer for 10 years. Her passions include Greek mythology, classic films, folk and ballroom dancing, jigsaw puzzles, and of course, mysteries. She has traveled across the world, visiting England, Greece, Jordan, Mexico, Israel, Poland, Russia, France, Morocco, Latvia, and Estonia. She resides in San Diego, California.
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 Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from November 19th
I’ve been grappling with what to discuss this week, and a topic keeps coming to mind that I feel compelled to address: “election empathy.” It’s about my disbelief over the direction America is heading, the leaders being elected, and the disregard for empathy, compassion, and humanity. Too many people are focused on their own well-being and ignore the suffering of others. I find it hard to understand how people can support leaders with a history of mistreating others, especially those with a record of racism, sexism, and cruelty.
Women are suffering, unable to get essential medical care because of fear over lawsuits, and yet, it feels like no one is speaking up. This isn’t just political—it’s a moral issue. We are at a crossroads, where we must decide what kind of world we want to live in. Do we choose love, empathy, and community? Or do we continue down a path of fear and division?
I can’t ignore how the growing political turmoil in the U.S. affects us as Canadians, too. While some people here support divisive figures, we must rise above this. I feel anger at those who voted based on misinformation or blind allegiance. The consequences are real—medical care, social programs, security, and the environment are all at risk. I believe, though, that there’s hope. We can rebuild, reconnect, and rise together in solidarity.
The real challenge now is reaching the people who feel forgotten, those who just want to make ends meet and are not interested in intellectual debates. We need to meet them where they are, listen to their concerns, and address their needs. The choices made today will impact everyone—especially the vulnerable.
America has to face the consequences of putting a man with such a history in power. This is about accountability, not just politics. If you voted for someone whose actions harm others, you’re part of that harm. It’s time to confront that. We need a world based on empathy, not division. As a global community, we need to grow up and mature, to choose kindness over pettiness, and find creative solutions that lift everyone up, especially those suffering.
When you see someone suffering—struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially—may be unable to afford medicine or get the medical help they need, or feeling scared they’ll be silenced if they speak out, I want you to really see them. No one should be treated with such disdain or fear. Let me be clear: women’s bodies belong to women, and don’t you forget it. Don’t underestimate a group of strong women, either. When we step into our “Mama Mode,” we won’t put up with injustice or being told what we can and cannot do with our own bodies. We don’t need weapons to fight for our rights; our voices, our hearts, our spirits, and our values are enough.
I stand with you, America, with every woman and every person facing unfair treatment. I’ll stand with you because that’s what I believe in—the work I do, the vibrations I feel, and the love I set forward are all in support of that cause. I hope we can all come together in common sense, kindness, inclusivity, and care. It’s time for us, as a human race, to grow up. We have to stop solving problems with pettiness and, instead, find creative solutions that help people feel safe, supported, seen, and heard.
To anyone facing injustice, my heart is with you. To those who may disagree, I ask you to see the full impact of the choices we make and reflect on their moral consequences. It’s time to come together, to embrace love, empathy, and common sense, and build a future where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
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 Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Your Health is Your Choice, with Sara Troy and her guest Michaela Gaffen Stone, on air from November 12th
The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle By Michaela Gaffen Stone
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining strong health has never been more crucial. With increasing stress, environmental toxins, and processed foods, many people find their immune systems compromised without realizing it. The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle is here to change that narrative.
Written by seasoned nutrition coach and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michaela Gaffen Stone, this comprehensive guide offers readers practical, science-backed strategies to strengthen their immune defenses through nutrition and smart lifestyle choices. Stone, with her extensive experience in helping individuals transform their health, brings together her knowledge of behavior change, holistic wellness, and global nutrition practices to offer an insightful, actionable resource for anyone looking to improve their immune health.
This book simplifies complex nutrition science into easy-to-understand guidance for optimizing your body’s natural defenses. With a focus on real, nutrient-dense foods, it outlines the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to stay resilient. Readers will discover how critical nutrients like Vitamins A, C, D, E, Zinc, and Selenium play vital roles in maintaining immune strength—and more importantly, how to incorporate them into everyday meals.
But The Immunity Code goes beyond diet. Michaela emphasizes the powerful connection between lifestyle habits and immune health. From the importance of regular exercise and quality sleep to the benefits of reducing stress, this guide covers all aspects of wellness. You’ll learn how to nurture your body with effective stress management techniques, improve gut health with probiotics and antioxidants, and build long-lasting habits that support a healthy immune system for years to come.
For those who want to take immediate action, the book is packed with a collection of easy-to-prepare immune-boosting recipes. These family-friendly dishes are not only delicious but are designed to make incorporating immune-supporting ingredients into your diet effortless. From smoothies packed with antioxidants to comforting, nutrient-rich dinners, Michaela provides inspiration that will fuel your health and satisfy your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your family’s overall well-being, boost your own immune defenses, or simply gain a deeper understanding of how your body protects itself, The Immunity Code offers the knowledge and tools to make informed, lasting changes.
Empowering, practical, and deeply informative, this book is your go-to resource for understanding the immune system and nurturing it through food and lifestyle. Unlock the secrets to a stronger, more resilient you—starting today.
The summary version:
“In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a strong immune system is more important than ever. Michaela Gaffen Stone’s new book, The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle, provides a clear, practical guide to boosting your body’s defenses. Drawing on her extensive expertise in nutrition and behavior analysis, Michaela breaks down the science behind immune health, focusing on nutrient-dense foods and key lifestyle habits like sleep, exercise, and stress management. The book includes easy, family-friendly recipes designed to seamlessly incorporate immune-boosting ingredients into everyday life. Whether you’re looking to improve your own health or support your family’s wellness, The Immunity Code offers actionable insights to help you live a stronger, healthier life.”
Mikki contributed to the Our Forgotten Children book series, addressing current challenges in raising children and advocating for changes to better serve their needs.
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 Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
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