Choose Your Own After - by Willowjak

Latest Episodes:

15. Reality Check After a Trip to the ER Dec 02, 2021

Episode 15 - December 2, 2021 - My son Owen gave us a scare last week that prompted a ride in the ambulance to a day in the ER. The experience gave me a reality check and I break down all the reasons why something’s gotta give in order for this little family to survive. Host & Production - Stacey Haley Sound Effects - William Haley Editor - Liza McClelland Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com/choose-your-own-after/ Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

14. Victoria N. - “The Good Witch of the 6ix” (Part 2) Nov 25, 2021

Episode 14 - November 25th 2021 - Victoria is back for part two! As you heard last week Victoria is also known as 'The Good Witch of the 6ix'; she is a psychic medium operating a small business on Instagram, helping clients connect with loved ones and offering guidance and support with the help of spirit. This week Victoria takes us through the ins and outs of her gift, how she discovered it and answers one of Stacey’s biggest lifelong questions about her boys.------------------------------------------

SHOW NOTES: https://willowjak.com/cyoa-ep14-goodwitch2/

Host & Production - Stacey Haley * Special Guest - Victoria N. "The Good Witch of the 6ix" * Instagram: @the.good.witch.of.the.6ix Sound Effects - William Haley * Editor - Liza McClelland Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ * Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ * Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

13. Victoria N. - “The Good Witch of the 6ix” (Part 1) Nov 18, 2021

Episode 13 - November 18, 2021 - Victoria isn't just any friend of mine. She's someone 'in the know' who comes with some sound advice about how to rewrite the script for the life you want, after overcoming low self-esteem and going through hard things. Victoria is also known as 'The Good Witch of the 6ix'; she is a psychic medium operating a small business on Instagram, helping clients connect with loved ones and offering guidance and support with the help of spirit. Victoria brings her authentic self to this chat, sharing stories that help explain how she came to be the strong person she is now. We had so much to chat about that we decided to break the chat into 2 parts. Watch for next week's episode, when we talk more in depth about her psychic gift and how she uses it in her life and business. This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. CW// sexual assault, miscarriage, eating disorders, abuse, and bullying. Our show notes contain more information and resources (http://www.willowjak.com/cyoa-ep13-goodwitch1/). ------------------------------------------------ Host & Production - Stacey Haley * Special Guest - Victoria N. "The Good Witch of the 6ix" * Instagram: @the.good.witch.of.the.6ix Sound Effects - William Haley * Editor - Liza McClelland Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ * Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ * Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com Contact Me: info@willowjak.com aJWO6x9SYTh7mZyu9wwp

12. 3 Lessons I Learned After the Autism Diagnosis Nov 11, 2021

Episode 12 - November 11, 2021 - what are all the things I wish I knew when I first heard that both of my twins had autism? I narrow it down to the big 3; one is a DO, one is a DON’T, and one is a reminder that as a parent, you know your child best. Host & Production - Stacey Haley Sound Effects - William Haley Editor - Liza McClelland Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com/choose-your-own-after/ Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

11. Non-Verbal Autistic Superman Nov 04, 2021

Episode 11 - November 4, 2021 - Cousin Michelle is back and we had a lot to chat about; good friends who step in when needed; how my son's obsessions can lead to dangerous situations; confrontations and inclusion in the community; what paid care providers need to know; and a reminder to be kind.

Interview & Production - Stacey Haley

Special Guest - Michelle Devine

Sound Effects - William Haley

Editor - Liza McClelland

Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/

Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/

Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com/choose-your-own-after/ Show Notes from this episode: https://willowjak.com/cyoa-11-autistic-superman/

Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

Contact Michelle: IG: @devinem1987

10. Deb Patrick - Comin' In Hot Oct 28, 2021

Episode 10 - October 28, 2021 - Full of fiery passion and not afraid to speak her mind, this American now settled in Canuck-land is gracious with sharing her stories that illustrate her most profound moments of growth. Having just turned 64, Deb has learned a lot on her journey to the new life she is now creating for herself: the culture shock of a move from the US to Canada, dealing with fertility issues, divorce after a 35 year marriage, a painful disconnect with loved ones, and finally, finding unconditional love again. Like her writing on our Willowjak blog, we've seen and heard her colourful use of language and many musical references and as is written in her own words "here comes the new generation of old ladies, and we’re comin’ in hot."

Interview & Production - Stacey Haley

Special Guest - Deb Patrick

Sound Effects - William Haley

Editor - Liza McClelland

Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/

Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/

Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com/choose-your-own-after/

Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

Contact Deb: IG: @deborahleepatrick | Facebook: Deborah Howard Patrick

9. Erin Fagan - Mental Health: From Surviving to Thriving Oct 21, 2021

Episode 9 - October 21, 2021 - A physical injury and bearing witness to her father's experience with depression and a suicide attempt, both set the scene for Erin's own mental health decline starting before the age of 10. We chat about the four-decade-roller-coaster-cycle of trying to access support in an inadequate system, mis-diagnoses, suicide attempts, over-medicating and subsequent addiction. All while juggling the raising of three sons with the support of an extraordinary support network. She shares her experience of coming through the other side, after forging her path to wellness with her own recipe of self-care; and finding her way to a place where she now supports others as a Reflexologist and Reiki healer in the Region of Durham, Ontario.

* This episode includes some mature themes. Please take care and be mindful of little ears listening. *

Interview & Production - Stacey Haley
Special Guest - Erin Fagan
Sound Effects - William Haley
Editor - Liza McClelland

Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/
Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/
Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com
Contact Me: info@willowjak.com
Contact Erin: Celtic Light Reflexology celticlightreflex@gmail.com IG: @celticlight

8. Caregiving & Will Calling (some of) the Shots Oct 13, 2021

Episode 8 - October 14, 2021 - This week Stacey and Liza stray away from the traditional interview to talk about disability, caregiving, burnout and agency. Stacey talks about her experience as a full time caregiver for her boys and how she finds balance between being a parent and letting her boys make their own decisions. Host & Production - Stacey Haley Sound Effects - William Haley Editor - Liza McClelland Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

7. Amanda Coolman - for the Love of a Loving Mother Oct 07, 2021

Episode 7 - October 7, 2021 - Book nerds unite! It’s been 35 years since we last saw each other, so we had a lot to catch up on. Amanda gets to the heart of the challenges of caring full-time for her beloved mother, after suffering two strokes; and we find that there are some unique parallels in our lives as caregivers. Some tears and some laughs, especially when a love for Donny Wahlberg is discussed.

Interview & Production - Stacey Haley

Special Guest - Amanda Coolman

Sound Effects - William Haley

Editor - Liza McClelland Willowjak

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/

Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/

Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com

Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

Follow Amanda: @coolman_eh (Instagram & Twitter)

6. Amy McClelland - How Family Values & Self-Advocacy Can Build Community Sep 30, 2021

Episode 6 - September 30, 2021 - I quietly admired this family from the sidelines, as they raised three girls with an intentional and healthy mix of strong family values and positive guidance for self-advocacy; for them each to become resilient, compassionate and strong young women who are making their marks in the world. Liza joins me in this episode to talk to her big sis, Amy about the four big revelations that led her to this point. Interview & Production - Stacey Haley Special Guest - Amy McClelland Sound Effects - William Haley Editor - Liza McClelland Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com Contact Me: info@willowjak.com Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com Contact Me: info@willowjak.com Follow Amy: @its_amy_baby (Instagram)

5. Nicholas McCabe - Accepting Failure Sep 23, 2021

Episode 5 - September 23, 2021 - He finds his inspiration in his father and great stoics and it’s easy to find inspiration in him. We talk failure and stoicism and I try not to play “heli-mom” when he talks about the potential dangers in his career in the Canadian military. Interview & Production - Stacey Haley Special Guest - Nicholas McCabe (www.Instagram.com/nicmccabe_) Sound Effects - William Haley Editor - Liza McClelland Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

4. Dr. Jen, ND - Gifts Can Sometimes Come in Ugly Packages Sep 16, 2021

Episode 4 - September 16, 2021. Sometimes when you’re stuck, all it takes is writing your dream into a notebook for it to come to life. We chat with one of my sister’s best friends and my naturopath, who’s learned some lessons that came from ugly packages. Lots of laughs and incredible takeaways from one of the biggest hearts in East T.O. Interview & Production - Stacey Haley & Michelle D. * Special Guest - Dr. Jen Parsons, ND * Sound Effects - William Haley * Editor - Liza McClelland FB: Dr. Jen Parsons, ND Insta: @jenparsonsnd Website: http://drjenparsonsnd.com Email: hello@drjenparsonsnd.com Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/ Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/ Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

3. Cousin Michelle - Big Moves, Big Loss, Big Decisions Sep 09, 2021

Episode 3 - September 9, 2021. My cousin Michelle joins me from Calgary for a cross-country chat. We might share a maternal bloodline and a mutual love of the Canadian Rockies, 'Blue Rodeo' and trash tv, but there is lot more to learn. Michelle shares that life up until now has been defined by four specific experiences that have strengthened her character, her appreciation for life and her belief that you can always choose love.

Interview - Stacey Haley

Special Guest - 'Cousin Michelle D.'

Sound Effects - William Haley

Production - Liza McClelland

Willowjak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowjak_/

Willowjak Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/willowjakjourney/

Willowjak Website: https://willowjak.com

Contact Me: info@willowjak.com

2. Stacey’s Story Sep 02, 2021

Episode 2 - September 2 2021. Stacey’s son Jake interviews her about her three most significant moments that have changed the course of her life.

Intro - August 25, 2021 Aug 25, 2021

Are you a joy seeker or a hope dealer? Are you currently stuck and feeling isolated in your muck, or are you in a stage of life where your life experiences are improving the lives of others? I am all of those things and I’m Stacey Haley - single Mama to my three Willowjak boys. My adult twins are both severely affected by autism and caregiving on my own is not easy. That’s why I have Liza McClelland as my right-hand sidekick. She is our millennial adopted aunt in the family who helps us out at home and will be on the podcast to help keep me on track. In the toughest of times I’ve turned to the stories of other survivors of hard things to give me hope. From them, I’ve learned that there was a “before” and an “after” and it’s in how they chose to live their after, that determined their success. Like the Choose Your Own Adventure books, when faced with an obstacle, you’ve still always got a choice. I’m inspired by those who’ve chosen a positive mindset and this podcast will introduce you to them, so they can inspire you too. This won’t just be a podcast about autism because I’m no expert. It won’t just be a podcast about parenting because I’m no expert at that either. But it will be a podcast where you can expect to hear the stories, tips and lessons that I’ve absorbed and used along the way in my own journey as a single mom to my boys. You’re at a dead-end. What are you going to choose? I hope you’ll choose to join our growing Willowjak community and discover how you can take some nuggets from our chats to improve your own afters. For more information you can visit www.Willowjak.com

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Choose Your Own After – by Willowjak

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected