Content Note: This episode contains discussion of serious illness, medical trauma, stroke, coma, and organ transplantation. While this is ultimately a story of hope, resilience, and healing, some listeners may find parts of the journey emotionally intense. Please check in with yourself and listen in a way that feels supportive for you.

In today’s deeply moving episode of the She Flourishes Podcast, I sit down with my friend Jenn Dinis to share her extraordinary story of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.

Jenn’s journey spans decades…from being diagnosed with diabetes as a teenager, to kidney failure, years on dialysis, multiple setbacks, a stroke and coma, and finally the life-changing call that led to her kidney transplant. Along the way, she faced unimaginable uncertainty, heartbreak, and fear, yet never let go of hope.

This is a story about waiting. About fighting when you’re exhausted. About the people who carry you when you feel like you can’t go on. And about the profound gift of organ donation…a gift that saves lives.

Jenn shares what it was like to live on dialysis, to wait for “the call,” to experience false alarms, to survive a stroke, and to finally receive the kidney that saved her life. She also opens up about survivor’s guilt, writing to her donor’s family, and how this journey has changed her forever.

Most of all, this is a story of courage, and a reminder that even in our darkest seasons, hope is still possible.

✨ In this episode, we talk about:

Jenn’s long journey with diabetes and kidney disease

Life on dialysis and what it means to depend on a machine to stay alive

The emotional rollercoaster of waiting for a transplant

False alarms and heartbreak along the way

Surviving a stroke and coma

The life-changing transplant call

The miracle of organ donation

Survivor’s guilt and writing to her donor’s family

Healing, gratitude, and finding meaning after trauma

What keeps us going when life feels unbearable

If you or someone you love is facing illness, uncertainty, or a difficult season, this conversation is for you.

Jenn’s story is a powerful reminder that you are stronger than you think, and that even after the longest, hardest road, new beginnings are possible.

About Organ Donation

If Jenn’s story has inspired you to learn more about becoming an organ donor, I’ve included information in the show notes about how to register in Ontario and how to talk to your family about your wishes.

Register to become a donor or check your registration status:

https://beadonor.ca/

Paired exchange kidney donation program:  Kidney paired donation is a program that matches transplant candidates with suitable living donors. It gives people the chance to become a living kidney donor while ensuring that someone they want to help receives a needed kidney, even if they are not a direct match. https://www.blood.ca/en/organs-tissues/living-organ-donation/kidney-paired-donation

Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Email: brenda@bjasmin.com

Instagram: @_brendajamin

https://www.instagram.com/_brendajasmin/

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Original music for She Flourishes podcast composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com

Happy 2026 and welcome back to the She Flourishes podcast. In this solo episode, Brenda hops on the mic for a cozy, free-flow conversation about what it really feels like to begin a new year in midlife without pressure, perfection, or the “new year, new you” hustle.

Brenda reflects on the shift she’s noticing in New Year messaging, away from fixing ourselves and toward easing in with compassion, intention, and grace. She shares a personal update on her health journey, what she learned from losing and regaining weight, and how she’s embracing the idea of “rebuilding” rather than starting over.

You’ll also hear about:

• Why January doesn’t need to be a full sprint

• How self-compassion creates more motivation than self-criticism

• What rebuilding your health, strength, and confidence can look like

• The power of staying active as we age

• Why it’s not too late to go after what you love

• Lessons from skiing at 55 alongside 80-year-old athletes

• The mindset that keeps us moving forward instead of shrinking our lives

If you’re feeling tired after the holidays, behind on your goals, or unsure how you want this year to look, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, reflect, and listen to what your heart really wants.

Because 2026 doesn’t need to start with pressure. It can start with intention, courage, and joy.

Grab a cup of tea and join Brenda for a gentle, encouraging conversation to begin the year feeling grounded, inspired, and hopeful.

If you’re ready to design a life you love in 2026 and want support along the way, Brenda shares how you can work with her one-on-one as your life coach. Just send her an email at brenda@bjasmin.com

Resources mentioned in this episode:

She Flourishes Episodes on Goal-Setting and Habits:

Episode 116. Tiny Habits, Big Results https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9nVNV98fSZb

Episode 102. Crush Your 2025 Goals with Caroline Adams Miller

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lld85tegSZb

She Flourishes Episode with Martha Munroe: 144. Breaking Free from Diet Culture: A New Approach to Exercise with Martha Munroe https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/uG3T3uO3HZb

Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Instagram: @_brendajasmin

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Download Brenda’s Gratitude Guide:

https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/gratitudeguide

Get Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happier

Original music composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com

Feeling overcommitted or stretched thin as the holidays approach?

Brenda is joined by her friend and colleague Binu Dhindsa for a “Two B’s in a Pod” episode, where they have an honest, reflective conversation about people-pleasing, boundaries, and why being “busy” is not a badge of honour.

This episode invites you to notice where over-giving, over-committing, and fear of disappointing others may be draining your energy, especially during the holidays. Brenda and Binu explore how small, self-honouring shifts can help you protect your peace so you don’t arrive at December 31st feeling burned out.

Toward the end of the episode, you’ll be guided through a gentle reflection…an invitation you can carry with you through the season…to help you feel more grounded, intentional, and supported.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why the word “busy” can feel loaded (and what it often really means)

How people-pleasing shows up in everyday life, especially for women

The invisible workload many women carry

Why boundaries aren’t harsh or selfish, they’re self-honouring

How social media can distort what “full” or “successful” really looks like

Small boundary shifts that help protect your energy

Why awareness and permission matter more than perfection

A simple reflection to help you move through the holidays without burning out

Connect with My Co-Host: Binu Dhindsa

Host of High Vibes with Binu Listen to her podcast, High Vibes with Binu https://www.binu.ca/high-vibes

Follow her on Instagram: @binudhindsa

Website: www.binu.ca

Connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Follow Brenda on Instagram: @_brendajasmin

Get Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happier

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Original music composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com

From parking spots to purpose, we’re exploring the truth behind manifesting.

What is manifesting, really? And where’s the line between grounded spirituality and magical thinking?

In this fun, honest, yet deep conversation, I’m joined by two of my business and real-life besties, Renée Walker (host of Spiritually Wired) and Binu Dhindsa (host of High Vibes with Binu). Together, we pull back the curtain on manifesting…beyond the buzzwords, the Instagram quotes, and the “just believe and it will appear” vibe.

We talk about what manifesting actually means to each of us, how it overlaps with positive psychology and goal-setting, and why action, identity, and nervous system safety must be part of the conversation. We also go there with the “danger zones” of manifesting…like blaming yourself when things don’t work out or thinking you can meditate your way into a new life without ever changing your behaviour.

You’ll hear stories of money “out of nowhere,” wild synchronicities (including an unforgettable story from my first business at 25), and the kind of everyday magic that’s hard to explain, but even harder to ignore.

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at manifesting or secretly wanted to believe in it more, this episode is for you.

Meet our guests, Renée Walker and Binu Dhindsa

Renée Walker is the founder of Renée Walker Wellness, a wellness company dedicated to empowering women to achieve optimal well-being and fulfillment. She is the host of the Spiritually Wired Podcast and leads the Spiritually Wired Membership, supporting members in elevating their mindset and spiritual connection through daily practices, coaching, and a soul-led community.

Binu Dhindsa is the visionary founder of the LIMITLESS mentorship program, a transformative space where spiritually driven women leaders step fully into their power and turn their boldest, most magical ideas into reality. She is also the creator of the Money Shift Mini-Course, where spirituality and money come together, and more money can get in the hands of more good women. This is how we change this world for the better. As the host of the High Vibes with Binu Podcast and the guide behind soul-led programs and events, she empowers women to rise into overflow in life, love, and business while embodying the ease, flow, and freedom that comes from living in alignment.

ManifestHER Live Event (February 6, 2026)

Renée and Binu are also the creators of ManifestHER, a powerful in-person experience for spiritually minded women who want to cast a bold vision, shift their beliefs, and become the woman who can hold what she’s calling in.

I’m thrilled to be back as MC this year, and if you loved this conversation, you will love being in that room.

Get all the details & tickets for ManifestHER here:https://www.binu.ca/manifesther

Here’s how you can connect with Binu Dhindsa:

Podcast: High Vibes with Binu https://www.binu.ca/high-vibes

Website: www.binu.ca

Instagram: @binudhindsa

Here’s how you can connect with Renée Walker:

Podcast: Spiritually Wired - https://spirituallywired.buzzsprout.com/

Website: http://www.reneewalkerwellness.com/

Instagram: @reneewalkerwellness

Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Instagram: @_brendajasmin

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Get Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happier

Original music composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com

This week, we’re celebrating 3 years and 140 episodes of the She Flourishes podcast with a very special guest…the woman who has quietly been part of every single episode behind the scenes.

Stay to the end for the episode bloopers from the episode.

My podcast producer, Stacy Maynard, joins me on the mic for the first time to pull back the curtain on what really goes into creating and sustaining a show like She Flourishes. Stacy is the one who saw the podcaster in me long before I ever did, and she has been holding that vision, telling me the truth and working her editing magic from day one.

In this honest, funny and heartfelt conversation, we talk about the evolution of the show, the vulnerable moments you never hear about, and how podcasting has helped me find my voice, build trust with listeners and open unexpected doors in my life and business.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How She Flourishes began as a “maybe one day” idea and the conversation where Stacy first told me, “Why are you keeping yourself a secret?”

What a podcast producer actually does behind the scenes and why trust between host and producer matters so much

The tech and audio side of things you never see, from bloopers and barking dogs to soundboards and flow states while editing

How the show has evolved over 3 years from Q and A style interviews to deeper conversation, more solo episodes and finding my voice as a host

Why consistency is powerful, but taking breaks and redefining the “I have to” rules has been essential to avoiding burnout

The ripple effect of the podcast, including how listening has impacted Stacy and how the show has led to speaking opportunities and new clients

Stacy’s honest take on AI, podcasting and why real human voices and stories still matter more than ever

The one thing Stacy most recommends women do to flourish in their lives: use your voice and stop believing that “it has already been said, so it doesn’t need to come from me”

If She Flourishes has encouraged you, helped you feel less alone or nudged you toward your own dreams, we would love to hear from you. Your messages are what keep us going and remind us why this labor of love matters.

Thank you for being part of the She Flourishes community and for celebrating 3 years of conversations, courage and growth with us. 💛

About Stacy Maynard:

🎙️ Stacy helps creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs turn their voice into high-impact content—without the overwhelm.

Through The City Media Group and suite of brands, she builds smart systems that make podcasting and content creation scalable, strategic, and fun.

💡 What she does best:

Simplify the tech behind your message

Build systems that save time & grow reach

Teach creators how to launch podcasts that actually work

Want to start your own Podcast? Learn the strategies in this free Masterclass:

https://www.themastermind.city/podcastingmasterclass

Here’s how you can connect with Stacy Maynard:

https://stacymaynard.com/

@sociallystacy

Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Instagram: @_brendajasmin

Get Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happier

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Original music composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com

The holiday season can be beautiful, but let’s face it, it can also be a lot. Between the never-ending to-do lists, the emotional labour, the pressure to “make the magic,” and the expectations we carry (often quietly), many women end the season feeling depleted or like they’ve created the magic for everyone else, while sacrificing their own joy in the process.

In this episode, Brenda offers a gentle pause before the holiday season begins… a moment to breathe, reset, and so you can show up to December with more calm, more intention, and more you. She shares insights from positive psychology, reflections from past holiday seasons (including a deeply personal story about her mom), and one simple but powerful question you can ask yourself now that can completely shift the way you move through the month ahead.

If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by the holidays or exhausted by the invisible load you carry, this episode will feel like a cozy conversation over a cup of warm tea with a friend.

And at the end of the episode, Brenda shares a special invitation to join her brand-new 5-day virtual experience, Design Your December, beginning November 24th.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

Why the holiday season drains women differently (and what to do about it)

The positive psychology research behind decision fatigue, willpower depletion, and emotional labour

Why “making the magic” often comes at a cost, and how to change that

How a pivotal moment in Brenda’s life shifted her entire approach to the holidays

The truth about what women actually want from December (hint: it’s not perfection)

One simple but powerful reflection that can help you take back your peace this season

How to move into the holidays with intention instead of autopilot

A Gentle Invitation: Design Your December (Starts Nov. 24)

If you’re craving a calmer, more meaningful holiday season, join Brenda for Design Your December, a gentle, 5-day virtual experience to help you:

✨ protect your peace

✨ find your joy

✨ honour your energy

✨ set compassionate boundaries

✨ reconnect with what truly matters

✨ intentionally design a December that includes YOU too

This isn’t a course or a challenge. It’s a few grounding minutes each day that can shift your whole season. You’ll receive an email each morning with your daily prompt. You can connect with others in a pop-up Telegram Community created especially for this Design Your December experience.

👉 Join Design Your December here: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/DYD

Starts Monday, November 24th, 2025. To make this feel accessible and doable during a busy season, the entire 5-day experience is just $27.

Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Instagram: @_brendajasmin

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Download Brenda’s Gratitude Guide:

https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/gratitudeguide

Get Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happier

Original music composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com