In this episode of 'A Chat with Heart', host Christina Martin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Michelynn Touesnard, who shares her journey of living with stage four colorectal cancer. The discussion delves into personal experiences with cancer, the importance of advocacy, and the emotional and relational impacts of a cancer diagnosis. Michelin reflects on her career, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the support she received through family, friends and a GoFundMe campaign. The episode also explores alternative treatments and the significance of living in the present moment amidst the uncertainties of illness. Michelynn discusses the multifaceted approach to cancer treatment, emphasizing the importance of holistic healing, mental health, and innovative therapies. She shares personal experiences with treatments in Mexico, lifestyle changes post-treatment, and the significance of community support. The discussion also highlights the power of mindset in managing chronic illness and the emerging field of precision medicine.

Michelynn Touesnard is a powerhouse of compassion, courage, and sharp wit. She’s a proud mom to four incredible daughters, a Clinical Social Worker with the Department of National Defence specializing in operational trauma, and a dedicated military and first responder spouse—thanks to her husband Brad, who refuses to get a chill job.

Michelynn is also living with stage 4 colorectal cancer, a reality that has deepened her commitment to early-onset cancer awareness and patient advocacy. She currently serves as a patient advisor on several research projects, using her voice and experience to shape better outcomes for others.

When she’s not working or advocating, she’s soaking up time with her family, fishing with Brad, flowing through yoga, painting, or proudly cheering on her girls in their many talents—be it singing, dancing, or sports. She’s the friend who’s always up for deep or hilarious conversations about the messy, magical, heart-wrenching beauty of life. Often, all at once.

Support Michelynn’s Battle with CRC on her GoFundMe: Michelynn’s Battle with CRC, organized by Shelly Forgeron

Send Christina a comment, question, or review!

Support the show

Got a question for Christina? Call her Heartbeat Hotline in Canada: 1-902-669-4769

Explore Christina's music, videos and tour dates at christinamartin.net

Have you ever set an ambitious goal only to fall completely short? In this heartfelt season premiere, I'm taking a different approach by sharing both my triumphs and failures from the past year. From the exhilaration of recording my Storm album live with a full band and string quartet to the quiet joy of watching my 77-year-old mother courageously complete her cancer treatments, life has offered much to celebrate.

But what about those ambitious songwriting goals I set? Despite promising myself to write eight songs monthly, I finished exactly zero. This failure led me to a fascinating discovery about Finland's International Day for Failure—a celebration of setbacks as essential steps toward success. Through examining my creative disappointments and financial risks that haven't yet paid off, I've uncovered valuable lessons about my natural rhythms, the importance of strategic decision-making, and the freedom that comes with simplifying.

The podcast landscape is shifting this season. While I'll continue featuring inspiring guests, I'm creating more space for personal reflections, songwriting insights, and those quiet thoughts that visit during early mornings or late-night ceiling-staring sessions. I'm also inviting you deeper into this conversation—call the Heartbeat Hotline (1-902-669-4769) with questions, topic suggestions, or just to say hello. Remember when people used to call each other spontaneously? Let's bring that back.

Success, I've learned, isn't measured by constant busyness but by what truly matters: healthy relationships, exciting projects, financial stability, and creative fulfillment. As we move forward together in Season 4, I'm embracing "less is more" and finding that hard work coupled with self-forgiveness creates the perfect foundation for authentic growth. Join me on this journey of connection, creativity, and courage—whether you're stuck in the middle of your muck or celebrating on the other side of your fears.

Send Christina a comment, question, or review!

Support the show

Got a question for Christina? Call her Heartbeat Hotline in Canada: 1-902-669-4769

Explore Christina's music, videos and tour dates at christinamartin.net

Christina chats with the incredibly talented and hard working British-Canadian comedian James Mullinger about following your dreams, work ethic, orchestrating outside-the-box events, carving your own path and so much more.

James Mullinger, originally one of the UK’s hardest working comedians and Comedy Editor for GQ magazine, moved to New Brunswick (the province I grew up in), Canada in 2014 and has since become a sensation across the country. Known for his sold-out shows, appearances on CBC’s The Debaters, movies, TV shows, and festivals, James has done it all. He was recently named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada and released a National bestselling memoir, Brit Happens. Mullinger also stars in New Brunswick’s first national sitcom, has raised over $150,000 for Canadian charities, and co-founded and launched his own international magazine with his wife Pamela, The Maritime Edit.

Support the Show.

Got a question for Christina? Call her Heartbeat Hotline in Canada: 1-902-669-4769

Explore Christina's music, videos and tour dates at christinamartin.net

Christina sits down with Lisa MacIsaac for a chat about making room for what you love, surviving a plethora of bad jokes, meeting your heroes, and chasing your dreams. You don't want to miss this one!

Lisa MacIsaac, hailing from Creignish, Cape Breton, is one half of the acclaimed duo Madison Violet, alongside Brenley MacEachern. Known for their evocative harmonies and distinctive sound, the duo has released eleven albums, including their self-produced "Eleven" (2022). The multi-award-winning and Juno-nominated pair won the prestigious Song of the Year award at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2010 for “The Ransom.” Recently, Lisa has also channeled her passion for music into curating and hosting a songwriter's circle, "Small of My Heart," where she continues to inspire and collaborate with fellow musicians.

Send Christina a comment, question, or review!

Support the show

Got a question for Christina? Call her Heartbeat Hotline in Canada: 1-902-669-4769

Explore Christina's music, videos and tour dates at christinamartin.net

In this episode Christina chats with Rankin MacInnis about growing up in Mabou, Cape Breton, meeting Dolly Parton, and you’ll never guess what Rankin is addicted to.

Music Nova Scotia's Entertainer of the Year, Rankin MacInnis, is known for his super fun, electrifying and eclectic performances. Leading the charge with his band, the Broken Reeds, Rankin seamlessly blends traditional folk with future pop, delivering high-energy shows that captivate audiences. His innovative spirit has fueled the creation of the award-winning Blueberry Jam festival and the unique concert series, Rankin’s Winter Warmers. With a community of creative collaborators and an ever-growing fan base, Rankin is set to release his highly anticipated debut full-length studio album in 2024, his first since 2019’s "House Party with Party Boots."

Send Christina a comment, question, or review!

Support the show

Got a question for Christina? Call her Heartbeat Hotline in Canada: 1-902-669-4769

Explore Christina's music, videos and tour dates at christinamartin.net

Christina chats with two brothers, Kyle and Aaron Furlotte, who make up the band The Green Reflectors. For this episode Kyle and Aaron brought show and tell to Chrisitina's home. They chat with heart about decluttering, the origin story behind The Green Reflectors, and Kyle shares about his very personal experience with cancer. These are two grown boys that still really love toys!

The Green Reflectors are two brothers, who don’t look like brothers, but are most definitely related. Kyle plays the guitar and Aaron plays the drums.

Formed in Bridgewater Nova Scotia in 2007, playing shows since 2008, they’ve jammed their way around Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and toured in Newfoundland and Quebec.

Wherever they play they end up turning heads, getting people’s attention and capturing the hearts of new fans with their loud in your face riff rock sound and extremely physical shows. The Green Reflectors have opened for many bands including award winning acts such as the Urban Surf Kings, The Chris Martin Trio, Lee Aaron, Northern Pikes and Like a Motorcycle to name a few.

In November of 2015 they released their self-titled full-length album. Their second album, Tune Up, was released in 2018. They are currently working with Missing Fink Records in Georgia on a number of different projects including their latest full length album, Cool Rides & Poolsides.

Support the Show.

Got a question for Christina? Call her Heartbeat Hotline in Canada: 1-902-669-4769

Explore Christina's music, videos and tour dates at christinamartin.net

Christina chats with Michael S. Ryan about The Town Heroes new album Singin, why Inverness Cape Breton is so awesome, Uncle Jimmy, punctuality, an incredible secret album release show and far more.

Michael S. Ryan is an award winning professional musician, songwriter, studio owner, and co-author of “You and Me” — a book with his wife, Kristen Herrington.

Ryan has been playing music professionally for over 20 years. As the frontman and songwriter for The Town Heroes, along with his self-named solo project, he has toured the world and released multiple critically acclaimed albums. He has been the recipient of 11 Music Nova Scotia Awards, 5 ECMAs, numerous “The Coast Best Of” honours (including best band in Halifax), and multiple songwriting accolades.

His studio, “Hot Jupiter Sounds” is a small but mighty space in the woods of Tantallon. While originally created to track his own songs, over the past two years Ryan began working to help bring other’s songs to life.

Send Christina a comment, question, or review!

Support the show

Got a question for Christina? Call her Heartbeat Hotline in Canada: 1-902-669-4769

Explore Christina's music, videos and tour dates at christinamartin.net

Packed with soul candy, between meeting the Queen, colonoscopies, and finding The Artist's Way, Christina and guest Kristen Herrington cover a lot of shared experiences in this ultra-inspiring chat with heart. It's no wonder these two became fast friends, and only at Kristen's 100 year death will they part. Plus these two share a really BIG announcement in this chat with heart.

Kristen Herrington is an award-winning painter, podcaster, writer, event host and owner of Togetherland Art Gallery whose creative spirit knows no bounds. She invites viewers to join her in celebrating the beauty of the ordinary and the magic of shared experiences. Kristen has a particular interest in curating immersive experiences that amplify sensory and community bonds.

Podcast
Book: You and Me
Curiosity Club

Support the Show.

Got a question for Christina? Call her Heartbeat Hotline in Canada: 1-902-669-4769

Explore Christina's music, videos and tour dates at christinamartin.net