In this episode, David and Hennes dive into the often-overlooked conversation around men, emotions, and vulnerability. They explore why it's so hard—and so important—for men to talk about what they're feeling, especially in a culture that often encourages silence. David shares early insights from his recent survey conducted through the University of Manitoba, which focuses on engaging men and boys in the fight against sexual exploitation and trafficking. Together, they unpack the impact of digital spaces on human connection, and how the ease of access to online sexual content and services is shaping harmful narratives around intimacy, desire, and exploitation. This is a timely and honest conversation about accountability, empathy, and how change can begin with courageous conversations.

David’s preliminary survey findings can be found at the link below:

https://empowermen.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UofM-Interim-Research-Report-Mens-attitudes-sex-trade-Jan-2025_-edited.pdf

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To learn more about the Joy Smith Foundation, and to support our podcast, visit:
https://joysmithfoundation.com/

Music: The Light from Within by Howard Harper-Barnes

Thank you so much for listening!✨

Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Luma and Bloom are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official positions of the Joy Smith Foundation or the hosts of this podcast. Any content provided by our guests is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or representation of the Foundation’s beliefs or values.

In this episode, Jessa shares her story of escaping a 17-year emotionally abusive marriage to an RCMP officer. Raised in a Christian home and married young, she opens up about the subtle and not so subtle signs of narcissistic abuse, the loss of people she once called family, and what it means to finally feel safe. Through honest reflection, Jessa sheds light on coercion, the importance of boundaries, and the healing that comes from being truly seen. Her story is one of faith, resilience, and rediscovering worth outside of control and fear.

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Make sure to connect with us on social media!
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaandbloomofficial/
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-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5NCqdBqwaEckV3gNQ6IZeg

To learn more about the Joy Smith Foundation, and to support our podcast, visit:
https://joysmithfoundation.com/

Music: The Light from Within by Howard Harper-Barnes

Thank you so much for listening!✨

Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Luma and Bloom are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official positions of the Joy Smith Foundation or the hosts of this podcast. Any content provided by our guests is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or representation of the Foundation’s beliefs or values.

In this episode, Nic and Kate open up about their personal journeys with setting boundaries—how it’s challenged them, changed them, and continues to shape how they relate to themselves and others. They explore the idea that boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out, but bridges that foster respect, safety, and real connection. From the baby steps it takes to start setting limits, to the deeper need for self-worth and humility, they unpack how receiving kindness can sometimes be harder than giving it. With wisdom from their own experiences, they remind us that true community means showing up for each other—and that starts with valuing ourselves enough to set healthy boundaries.

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Support the show

Make sure to connect with us on social media!
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaandbloomofficial/
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-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumaandbloomofficial?lang=en
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5NCqdBqwaEckV3gNQ6IZeg

To learn more about the Joy Smith Foundation, and to support our podcast, visit:
https://joysmithfoundation.com/

Music: The Light from Within by Howard Harper-Barnes

Thank you so much for listening!✨

Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Luma and Bloom are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official positions of the Joy Smith Foundation or the hosts of this podcast. Any content provided by our guests is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or representation of the Foundation’s beliefs or values.

In this episode, Nic and Kate are joined by Meaghan Waller, winner of Canada’s Next Top Model 2009, who went on to build a successful international modeling career spanning over 14 years. Meaghan opens up about her positive experiences in the fashion industry, the life skills she’s gained along the way, and the importance of having a strong support system—both on and off the runway. She also shares her personal journey through a challenging period of online harassment, and in-person stalking, speaking candidly about the resilience and courage it took to navigate it. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about inner strength, personal growth, and the real life behind the glamour.

Send us a Text!

Support the show

Make sure to connect with us on social media!
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaandbloomofficial/
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-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumaandbloomofficial?lang=en
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5NCqdBqwaEckV3gNQ6IZeg

To learn more about the Joy Smith Foundation, and to support our podcast, visit:
https://joysmithfoundation.com/

Music: The Light from Within by Howard Harper-Barnes

Thank you so much for listening!✨

Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Luma and Bloom are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official positions of the Joy Smith Foundation or the hosts of this podcast. Any content provided by our guests is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or representation of the Foundation’s beliefs or values.

On this week’s episode, we sat down with Hennes Doltz, former John School educator and current Project Leader for the EmpowerMen Project - working to engage men and boys in the prevention of sexual exploitation.

From psychological and social factors, to economic and emotional factors, we delve into all areas Hennes has explored over the years with his extensive career in understanding the motivations behind why men purchase sex.

Additionally, we examined the impact of pornography on societal desensitization, how it is used as a gateway, as well as how sex work and the term “toxic” masculinity contribute to the broader issues of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

If you would like to learn more about the work Hennes is doing with the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, please visit https://empowermen.ca/

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Support the show

Make sure to connect with us on social media!
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaandbloomofficial/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lumaandbloomofficial
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumaandbloomofficial?lang=en
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5NCqdBqwaEckV3gNQ6IZeg

To learn more about the Joy Smith Foundation, and to support our podcast, visit:
https://joysmithfoundation.com/

Music: The Light from Within by Howard Harper-Barnes

Thank you so much for listening!✨

Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Luma and Bloom are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official positions of the Joy Smith Foundation or the hosts of this podcast. Any content provided by our guests is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or representation of the Foundation’s beliefs or values.

On this weeks episode, we continued our conversation with Tim and Glen, Founder and Member of Four Sacred Hearts, an Indigenous led organization dedicated to healing from addictions, intergenerational trauma, and the impacts of the residential school system.

As former gang members who spent time in and out of jail, they shared the importance of wanting to reach youth, to share their stories, not only to shed light on the dangers that come with gang affiliation, but also to try and inspire those to seek help that need it.

Some material may be challenging to some listeners.

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Support the show

Make sure to connect with us on social media!
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaandbloomofficial/
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-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumaandbloomofficial?lang=en
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5NCqdBqwaEckV3gNQ6IZeg

To learn more about the Joy Smith Foundation, and to support our podcast, visit:
https://joysmithfoundation.com/

Music: The Light from Within by Howard Harper-Barnes

Thank you so much for listening!✨

Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Luma and Bloom are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official positions of the Joy Smith Foundation or the hosts of this podcast. Any content provided by our guests is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or representation of the Foundation’s beliefs or values.

In this special holiday episode, we're joined by our lovely co-worker Lainey, to help us spread the festive cheer (in our ugly Christmas sweaters of course), while taking a stroll down memory lane!

Join us as we celebrate the Christmas season by sharing the story of how we met, how this podcast came to be, and reflect on the wisdom we took from some of our favourite guests this past year. Grab your hot cocoa, cozy up, and enjoy this holiday special full of stories and a whole lot of festive joy!

Christmas music: A Christmas Dance by Arthur Benson

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Support the show

Make sure to connect with us on social media!
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaandbloomofficial/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lumaandbloomofficial
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumaandbloomofficial?lang=en
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5NCqdBqwaEckV3gNQ6IZeg

To learn more about the Joy Smith Foundation, and to support our podcast, visit:
https://joysmithfoundation.com/

Music: The Light from Within by Howard Harper-Barnes

Thank you so much for listening!✨

Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Luma and Bloom are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official positions of the Joy Smith Foundation or the hosts of this podcast. Any content provided by our guests is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or representation of the Foundation’s beliefs or values.

On this weeks episode, we sat down with Tim and Glen, Founder and Member of Four Sacred Hearts, an Indigenous led organization dedicated to healing from addictions, intergenerational trauma, and the impacts of the residential school system.

As former gang members, they recount stories of their time growing up, being in and out of prison, the violence they experienced, and how that led Tim to starting Four Sacred Hearts, in hopes of helping others heal from their past traumas as well.

Send us a Text!

Support the show

Make sure to connect with us on social media!
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumaandbloomofficial/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lumaandbloomofficial
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumaandbloomofficial?lang=en
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5NCqdBqwaEckV3gNQ6IZeg

To learn more about the Joy Smith Foundation, and to support our podcast, visit:
https://joysmithfoundation.com/

Music: The Light from Within by Howard Harper-Barnes

Thank you so much for listening!✨

Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Luma and Bloom are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official positions of the Joy Smith Foundation or the hosts of this podcast. Any content provided by our guests is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or representation of the Foundation’s beliefs or values.