The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary Episode 178: Alyssa Harris - Founder & CEO The Karuna Lab

She started her spiritual journey in survival mode, pregnant, terrified, and searching for answers. Now, Alyssa Harris is an astrology coach who helps people birth new versions of themselves, one chart at a time.

In this episode, Alyssa takes us through her winding path: from tarot cards to a deep dive into astrology, from caring for her father to raising an autistic daughter, from relationship coaching to founding The Karuna Lab (karuna means compassion in Sanskrit). She breaks down why astrology is...

The Sanctuary Episode 177: Milanda - Breaking Generational Patterns

Milanda is a content creator, affiliate marketer and online business owner. She built a brand around breaking generational patterns and choosing freedom over approval. Milanda left a decade of hospitality work and three jobs at once to build a high-ticket affiliate marketing business from scratch, restarting her life at 23 against her family’s wishes. She walked away from the stability everyone expected of her to build with no support and a lot of doubt thrown her way.

She’s not interested in being “just a...

The Sanctuary Episode 176: John Pendal - Online Coach/ Kink Educator

Experienced BDSM educator John Pendal joins us all the way from England, UK.

In 2003, John became the 25th person to win the annual International Mr Leather contest in Chicago. Since then he has travelled around the world leading workshops, giving speeches, hosting events and performing kinky stand-up comedy.

Amongst others, John has taught BDSM workshops at Beyond Leather in Fort Lauderdale; Darklands in Antwerp; Down an Dirty in Melbourne, Australia; HunCon in Budapest; Kinkferansen in Oslo; Kinkfest in London; Leather Camp...

Dr Stacy Friedman is a Clinical Sexologist, Certified Sex & Intimacy Coach, and the unapologetically bold host of The Purple Passion Project, on a mission to make midlife the hottest chapter of your sex life yet.

With over 26 years in the medical field and 20+ years working in sexuality, Dr Stacy helps men and women break down taboos, communicate clearly, and build hotter, healthier intimacy, without apology.

She specialises in the unique desire challenges that come with midlife, hormonal shifts, erectile changes, mismatched sex drives, alternative lifestyles, women who experience painful sex, and the LGBTQ+...

TRIBZ is a genuine melting pot of styles and cultures, shared by 4 members with very diverse and distinct backgrounds in music. wwwtribzmusic.com

On Lead Vocals is Juno Award winner for the R&B Canadian hit single "Angel" and adopted ASMIN Metis member Errol Starr Francis. He brings his incredible vocals, stage presence, and love for the Blues, R&B, Motown, and Reggae to TRIBZ. Enjoy the ride as he takes you on a journey through the many emotions and new memories this new music is sure to create!

On Guitars...

She grew up in Germany, competed as a figure skater, and now she's teaching Cuban salsa on a small island in Canada. Meet Victoria, the founder of Salsa con Victoria and the woman who's making Cuban dance accessible to everyone.

In this episode of The Sanctuary, Victoria opens up about her journey: from the rigorous discipline of competitive figure skating to the joy of reconnecting with her Peruvian roots through salsa. She explains why she started teaching after her Cuban partner refused to, and how she's built a thriving community of dancers, including absolute beginners who never...

Elliot Justin, MD, FACEP, is a physician, entrepreneur, inventor and healthcare executive with extensive experience across emergency medicine, telemedicine, predictive cardiovascular risk management, clinical operations and digital health innovation.

He is the Founder, Inventor and Chief Executive Officer of FirmTech, a company focused on advancing sexual and cardiovascular health through smart wearable technologies. FirmTech’s mission is to bring sexual health into the twenty-first century through data-driven, personalised preventive and reactive care.

Across his career, Dr Justin has held senior clinical and executive leadership roles, founded and scaled healthcare companies, pioneered emergency medicine and paramedic pr...

What does it really mean to love more than one person at a time with everyone's knowledge and consent? How do you build relationships that are intentional instead of default? And what's the difference between a boundary, an agreement, and a rule?

In this episode of The Sanctuary, Heidi, a therapist, polyamory coach, and the voice behind Steady Polyamory, shares her personal journey into polyamory, which began in a marriage that wasn't working and evolved into a relationship structure she's maintained for over a decade. She opens up about why she loves polyamory beyond the obvious benefits...

Jessica Reeves is CEO and Board Member of Axoniq, where she leads the company's mission to enable enterprises in complex and regulated industries to integrate AI and distributed systems in a controlled, transparent, scalable way. She brings extensive experience scaling open-source technology companies and building profitable, high-growth businesses in the enterprise software sector.

Prior to joining Axoniq, Jessica spent over seven years at Anaconda, the leading enterprise-grade Python data science platform, where she served as Chief Operating Officer and interim Chief Revenue Officer. During her tenure, she played an instrumental role in scaling the company to unicorn...

What happens when two friends in Berlin decide to turn their love for electronic music into a full-fledged production duo? Meet Theatrophone, Nico and Jonathan, the creative minds behind some of the most exciting remixes coming out of Germany right now.

In this episode of The Sanctuary, Theatrophone talks about their musical journey: from Nico's late introduction to guitar and Jonathan's childhood piano lessons to their first EP and the moment they realised their music was resonating with people beyond just their friends. They break down their creative process, from starting with a melody to building the...

Seth Abstract is bringing classic poems to life as modern-day songs. His goal is to make poetry accessible to a larger audience and, hopefully, encourage more people to pick up a poetry book.

He is an artist in many fields, from making videos and digital collages to game development and more. His latest project, these poetry songs, is based in AI. As someone with experience in art and computers, Seth finds AI to be a very exciting field to create in right now. He is doing everything he can to find new techniques and ways to use...

A raw and unfiltered conversation with Sarah, a bodybuilder, competitor, and self-described sexual explorer who lives life fully on her own terms.

She breaks down her journey into bodybuilding, starting competitively at 50, cutting 40 pounds in under six months, and navigating the discipline, intensity, and structure of prep life. From training routines to stage presence, she shares what it takes to compete and stay consistent.

The conversation also moves into her personal life, where she opens up about her stag/vixen marriage, sexual autonomy, and how she found a dynamic that works for her. She speaks...

Goddess Venyx shares how she got her start in BDSM, why she's drawn to the psychology of dominance and submission, and what it's like to hold space for clients who have been denied their authentic selves for years. She breaks down the difference between kink and fetish, explains why tributes are about more than money, and opens up about her own ADHD and why neurodivergent folks often find a home in the kink community.

This episode also offers a masterclass in consent: what it looks like in practice, how it changes depending on the activity (rope vs...

Steve Holt received his first JUNO nomination back in 1984 for The Lion’s Eyes in the Jazz Album of the Year category, and launched an international career performing with artists such as Archie Shepp, Eddie Henderson, Larry Coryell and James Moody.

But like many jazz musicians, Holt’s recording career eventually slipped out of the spotlight. His last album appeared in 2002, and for more than two decades he released nothing new. To many listeners, he had simply faded from view.

Now, at age 71, Holt has come roaring back with a new album of original music titl...

Sochi Azuh is a communications strategist, storytelling coach, and podcast host dedicated to exploring the power of narrative to inspire connection and change.

Through his podcast, Lead with Storytelling, he facilitates thoughtful conversations that bridge literature, culture, leadership, and social impact — creating space for ideas that shape how we live and lead.

Find out more @sochiazuh

Dr Catalina Lawsin, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience supporting individuals and couples in strengthening their relationships and enhancing sexual well-being. With a speciality in psycho-oncology, Dr Catalina’s work has centred around the unique challenges faced by cancer survivors and those who have undergone stem cell transplants (SCT) and CAR T-cell therapy. Her extensive clinical experience includes work on several transplant units, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of transplant procedures on patients' sexual health, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life.

One of her landmark projects, Re...

Reequal Smith is a multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, and cultural leader from the Bahamas, now based in Prince Edward Island.

She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Oshun Dance Studios, where she fuses Caribbean traditions with contemporary movement to create spaces of celebration and reclamation for Black and Caribbean communities.

An alumna of Holland College’s School of Performing Arts, her works include Calypso Secrets, Elysium, Unfold, and Caribbean Flamingo. She has collaborated with Neptune Theatre, River Clyde Pageant, Kemi Craig, and Charles Campbell.

In 2025, she received th...

Alex, a writer, woodworker, and licensed therapist with over a decade in the BDSM community, pulls back the curtain on the world of dominance and submission. He shares his unexpected journey from a “vanilla” life to building his own home dungeon, revealing how his professional background as a therapist fundamentally shaped his approach to kink.

He delves into the intricate ethics of power exchange, explaining the detailed psychological and physical assessments he conducts with new partners to build trust and establish boundaries before any play begins. He discusses the nuanced differences between humiliation and degradation, the distinction betw...

Echo shares her personal "kink origin story," tracing her journey from childhood curiosity to becoming an event organiser. She recounts how early online research led to virtual workshops, mentorship, and eventually local munches, all while navigating the initial overwhelm of discovering the "Fet-verse."

She opens up about her motivations for starting her own events: a desire to combat the pressure to play, ensure women feel safe, and increase visibility for people of colour and diverse gender identities within predominantly white spaces. Echo discusses the practicalities of vetting attendees, organising security, and the thoughtful process...

daniika is a writer, event organiser, and aspiring educator in the BDSM community. She’s a collared neurodivergent slave and leathergirl that lives in a 24/7 total power exchange Master/slave dynamic.

Her writing focuses on her lived experience as a consensual slave, and on the knowledge she’s gained under her Master’s guidance. daniika is also the leader of Spokane’s Power Exchange Together chapter, where she facilitates discussions about building and maintaining dynamics.

Along with her Master and her sister slave, she is a founding member of House Praxis, a Leather and M/s family...

Damir Fisher, the founder and creative force behind DF Media, shares his unconventional journey from streaming video games in his mom's basement to becoming a sought-after photographer and videographer. He reveals how a job as a restaurant server became his unexpected business school, teaching him the human connection skills that are now the foundation of his brand.

He pulls back the curtain on his philosophy: that genuine relationships, not transactions, drive a successful creative business. He discusses why he believes passion must come before profit, why mastering editing is more critical than buying expensive gear, and how...

In this episode of the podcast, Courtney gets raw about the loneliness, shame, and societal judgment she’s faced while living a “monogamous-looking life” in a small military town in Germany. She shares the psychedelic trip that made her realise she was polyamorous (after finding poly people “so annoying”), how opening her marriage completely reshaped her relationship with herself and her body, and the misconceptions about capacity and hierarchy that nearly burned her out.

Courtney Boyer, M.Ed., M.S., is a therapist-turned-relationship coach, writer, and speaker whose work centres on love, desire, and authenticity. She has been featu...

Danielle Narveson is a writer, content creator, and the voice behind Openly Committed, where she shares honest stories about marriage, motherhood, and ethical non-monogamy.

With a background in strategy and storytelling, she brings a fresh, deeply personal perspective to topics such as jealousy, boundaries, identity, and long-term partnerships. Her videos and essays reach millions of people looking for a more honest, expansive way to think about relationships.

What does it take to build a thriving open relationship that lasts for over 15 years? In this profoundly honest episode of The Sanctuary, host Israel sits down with Dan...

In this captivating episode of The Sanctuary,  rising Nigerian artist OG Mage dives deep into his incredible journey from software engineer to full-time musician.

OG Mage opens up about the viral success of his breakout hit "Head of State," revealing how a simple Instagram reel with a flute sample turned into one of the most talked-about drill songs. He shares the wild story of shooting the music video in just two days with help from his Abuja community, proving that grassroots support can create magic.

The conversation explores his creative process, from his university days c...

In this explosive episode of The Sanctuary, host Israel sits down with Dwayne Marcial, former Director of Artists and Industry Development at the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA), for an unfiltered, no-holds-barred account of what really happened behind the scenes of one of Atlantic Canada's most important music organizations.

Dwayne pulls no punches as he reveals the shocking reality of organisational dysfunction, alleged conflicts of interest, and the systematic exclusion that led to the dramatic ousting of Executive Director Blanche Israel and his own resignation. From mysterious 10-year handshake deals with no paperwork to board members vacationing...

In this candid conversation, Melissa Shadows opens up about her journey from traditional marriage to embracing non-monogamy, polyamory, and BDSM.

She shares how photography and erotic art became both a creative outlet and a form of healing, and how trust, vulnerability, and the right partners shaped her evolution as a submissive.

There is a dive into topics of jealousy, compersion, building meaningful connections, and what it really takes to thrive in alternative lifestyles.

Enjoy this honest, vulnerable, and deeply human story about self-discovery, pleasure, and growth.

Mark Gane, the multi-talented musician, songwriter, visual artist, designer, and gardener best known as a founding member of Martha and the Muffins. Mark opens up about his latest experimental project, "Garden Music" - an ambient album that blends decades of collected sounds with evocative plant names as inspiration.

We explore Mark's creative origins, growing up surrounded by music and art through his family, and how his early days at the Ontario College of Art led to forming Martha and the Muffins in 1977. Mark shares the story behind their unconventional band name and reflects on decades of making...

On this episode of The Sanctuary, Pedro, the electrifying lead singer and guitarist of the band Black Budget, opens up about the band’s origins as a lockdown project, their evolution into a powerhouse trio, and the deep camaraderie that fuels their music.

Dive into the desert-punk sound of Black Budget, a thrilling mix of Queens of the Stone Age grit and early Green Day hooks and discover how Pedro crafts melodies that linger in your head for days. He shares the wild story behind their breakout track Whistleblower, inspired by UFO conspiracy theories an...

In this episode, Jennifer Roe, the executive director of Folk Alliance International, discusses her journey in the folk music industry, the importance of community and networking, and the upcoming Folk Alliance Conference in Montreal.

Jennifer shares insights into the organization's mission, the significance of building relationships within the music community, and tips for artists preparing to showcase their work at the conference.

The conversation highlights the excitement and opportunities that the conference brings to artists and attendees alike.

Jennifer Roe assumed the Executive Director position at Folk Alliance International (FAI) in April 2024 after...

Lola Loops is a passionate multi-disciplinary artist residing on the unceded and illegally occupied territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nation, Aka Vancouver, BC. Her journey into the world of performance art began with a simple Hoop, where she found a captivating medium for exploring her body's movements in spiral form. This initial fascination blossomed into a diverse skill set spanning into street and contemporary dance, ritual theatrics, soft acrobatics, dynamic stilt dance, and clowning.

Having honed her craft over years of dedicated practice, Lola has cultivated a deep understanding of movement and expression, evident in...

Bethany is an indie-rock experimenter who sets introspective lyrics against innovative instrumentation, resulting in music that stirs and swings in equal measure.

As a longtime member of Halifax’s venerable music scene, Bethany has led multiple outfits, wielding a Jaguar in art-rock bands and breaking it down neo-soul style in her solo project Shadow, which released a pair of concept EPs (The Dark/The Dawn) in 2019. She’s a road veteran who has charted on college radio, performed with orchestras, and travelled the Canadian festival circuit.

She's re-emerging from a time of cre...

Papa started in Public Health as a volunteer HIV and STI tester, counsellor and PrEP navigator at an outreach centre in the heart of downtown Denver, CO around fifteen years ago. He quickly became known as a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people, and people that practiced alternative sexualities such as non-monogamy and BDSM/Kink.

Throughout his career Papa Bear has worked in HIV and STI Prevention for AIDS Service Organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers, managed a State Health Department's HIV prevention program, and is currently contracted by the CDC to provide Capacity Building Assistance and education...

Andrew Moyes, the VP of Fan Expo, discusses the preparation and highlights of the upcoming Fan Expo event.

In this episode of the podcast, we cover topics such as the logistics of organizing the event, the involvement of key partners, the two buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the importance of the app for attendees, Andrew Moyes' background and role in Fan Expo, the role of volunteers, and what fans can expect at the event.

FAN EXPO Canada (August 22 - 24, 2024) is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and...

Avid Liongoren, a writer, producer, and director, discusses his animated film project, Zsazsa Zaturnnah, which is based on a Filipino graphic novel. The film follows the story of a gay man who becomes a flamboyant female superhero after swallowing a magical rock.

Avid talks about his journey in the world of animation, his work in advertising, and the challenges of making an animated film. He also shares his experience running a small animation studio and the importance of commitment and passion in storytelling.

Avid Liongoren is a filmmaker from the Philippines who is always willing t...

As a successful woman, Shymilfkitty has built a thriving career. Outside of her professional life, she is a devoted mother of three grown children and a proud grandmother to her precious baby granddaughter. Balancing work and family, she finds joy in moments spent with loved ones and cherishes the laughter and memories they create together.

Her personality is a blend of extroverted charm and introverted contemplation. While she can shine in social settings when needed, she often finds solace in quieter environments. She loves making people laugh, whether through a witty remark or a well-timed joke, and...

Connie Wang is an award-winning actress with two Canadian Screen Award nominations for Best Lead Performance.

She is a comedian, and producer with over 20 film and TV credits and has received 12 screen nominations. She won Best Lead Actress at the Apulia Web Festival for her role in Tokens the webseries.

Some of her film/TV credits include Amazon's The Boys, Tokens, and CBC's One More Time. You may recognize Connie in premier roles in numerous big-budget, national commercials.

Connie also has a hit stand-up special called, Canadian Famous.

Find out more @c...

Adeb Arianson, a survivor from Afghanistan, has faced immense challenges but has emerged stronger and more determined. His passion for acting and unwavering activism have defined his journey. As an orphaned queer youth, Adeb faced significant adversity, yet he stood firm against many odds, making his way alone to a brighter future.

Currently, Adeb is the Founder of Global Intergenerational Democracy Advocates (GIDA) and a member of the National Young Leader Advisory Committee of YMCA Canada, advocating for youth and queer rights. He is also working on his book, "Survival," which tells the untold stories of orphaned...

In this episode, Sam, Carolyn, and Jamie Collicut talk about their experience with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. They discuss the challenges of managing the syndrome, including triggers and medications. Jamie shares her journey of studying disability studies and her passion for helping others with disabilities.

The family also talks about their initiative, Seize the Day, Hike, which raises money and awareness for the Epilepsy Association. Sam shares his experience training for a marathon and the importance of resilience.

The conversation highlights the power of determination and support in overcoming obstacles.

Tim Tkachenko is a software engineer,  CTO, CPO, Team Lead and IT Manager. He has worked in fintech, big tech and startups. A 3x Founder (Founders Running Club, Squadefi.xyz and Qure.Fi), looking for the first exit.

He discovered running in 2018 and became a 2:41 marathoner at the Chicago Marathon in 2022. He is looking forward to completing 6 major journeys and running a 2:30 marathon one day.

Tim built the Founders Running Club community around two of his passions: running and networking. From the ground up to 9000+ members (as of July 2024). With a tea...

Andrew Jackson is a Juno Award-winning trombonist and composer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His versatility and unique sound have made him one of the Maritime's first-call players.

The conversation with Andrew Jackson, artistic director of the Halifax Jazz Festival, covers topics such as booking artists, selecting venues, and the importance of donations.

The main highlight is the upcoming performance by Killer Mike. The festival aims to offer a variety of genres and engage different audiences.

Andrew Jackson discusses the role of an artistic director and the process of selecting artists for the...