What's the Tea with Sarah E

S2 Bonus Episode - What’s The Tea with Sarah E (And Mummy!)

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

To wrap up Season 2 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I once again bring on the one woman who knows me best - my mother, Cindy (aka Mummy).

This bonus episode is the official Season 2 Stir The Pot Special, where we revisit every bold, thought-provoking question asked throughout the season by guests. This time, Mummy and I answer them together - honest, reflective, silly as always, and always unfiltered. And for the record, no... I am not planning murdering my mom.

Recorded from two provinces - me in Ontario and Mummy in Nova Scotia - this conversation turns into a deep dive into life, growth, success, and the lessons that shape who we become. Of course, there are stories, laughs, a few glasses of wine and a bourbon along the way. We recorded on a Friday and needed something a little stronger than tea.

In this heartfelt Season 2 finale, Sarah and Cindy spill the tea on:

How the definition of success changes as we grow older
Why happiness and peace eventually matter more than material things
My time living abroad and how it unlocked my ability to show up fully and unapologetically
Big questions about life, spirituality, energy, and the divine
The wisdom Cindy learned from her father (Grampy Gene!) and why credit and financial literacy matters
The importance of living life boldly and not being afraid to try things
The hard truth that sometimes… you simply cannot fix everybody
And so much more.

It’s thoughtful, funny, deeply human, and the perfect way to close a powerful second season.

Season 2 “Stir The Pot” Questions & Guest Credits

These are the questions that fueled the season - each one answered by the guest below, and now answered by Sarah and Cindy together. Try them as journal prompts or chats with friends!

Tanis Crosby - “How do you define success and how has this changed for you as you’ve gotten older?”
Joseph Apps - “Looking back on your personal growth, what was the turning point that shifted how you lead yourself - and how did that experience shape the way you show up in life today?”
Adam Ivy - “If you could define success over the next 10 years, what does it look like?”
Malaysia Harrell - “If nothing was stopping you from packing everything up, relocating and starting fresh - where would that be and why?”
Kat Dobson - “If you had to ask a question to God or the Divine, what would it be and why?”
Michael Valchuk - “Who was the hardest person on you when you were a child and how has that shaped you?”
Mical Ndelela - “When everything is stripped away - titles, money, success - what do you want people to feel because they crossed paths with you?”
Layne The Auctionista -“What is one thing that you wished more women understood?”
Anuja Varghese - “What dream are you committed to protecting, even if the world is telling you to be more realistic?”
Daniel Guest - “What’s one thing that took you too long to learn or that you had to learn the hard way?”

All answered with heart, humour, wisdom, and a few spicy opinions. Bonus Episode - What’s The Tea with Sarah E (And Mummy!): The Season 2 Stir The Pot Special is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

Season 3 launches April 7, 2026. ☕🔥

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 10 - Daniel Guest

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

To close out this episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Daniel Guest, Visionary and President of Guest Plumbing & HVAC - one of Hamilton’s fastest-growing companies and a powerful example of what it means to build success from the ground up.

Daniel’s journey didn’t start with a polished business plan or a clear path to entrepreneurship. In fact, when he first chose the trades over university, he was considered the “black sheep” of the family. But what began as labor work and an apprenticeship quickly turned into a career that would shape not only his life - but the future of an entire industry.

Daniel built Guest Plumbing & HVAC into a thriving company with 40 staff across Hamilton and Toronto, proving that the trades are not just jobs... they are pathways to leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term impact.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Daniel spills the tea on:

Why choosing the trades changed the trajectory of his life
The mentors who shaped him and why mentorship is everything
The hardest moments of growth - from lawsuits to navigating COVID
What he had to unlearn to become a better leader
The realities facing the trades industry and the misconceptions that still exist
Why women can and should thrive in the trades
The origin story behind Tradesmart College, his mission to bridge the gap between students and real careers in the trades, and more!

Daniel also shares a powerful truth he learned the hard way: “Nobody cares what people think of you as much as you think they do.” Instead of shrinking to fit expectations, Daniel chose to build his life and his business - unapologetically.

This episode is a conversation about grit, mentorship, leadership, and redefining what success looks like in industries that quite literally build our world.

Season 2 – Episode 10 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E is streaming now.

Learn more about Dan Guest and his podcast on Instagram and online at guestplumbing.com. Explore the good work of Trade Smart College and pathways into the trades at tradesmartcollege.com

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 9 - Anuja Varghese

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

To kick off this powerful episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with award-winning Hamilton-based author Anuja Varghese - a literary force whose work centers women of color, queer characters, and stories that challenge who gets to be the hero!

Anuja is the author of the Governor General’s Literary Award-winning short story collection Chrysalis, and her highly anticipated romantasy novel A Kiss of Crimson Ash releases May 26, 2026. But beyond the awards and accolades, Anuja is a storyteller committed to making sure people like her - and people like so many of us - see ourselves reflected back with power, desire, and complexity.

In this bold, layered conversation, Anuja spills the tea on:

Growing up without seeing herself in the books she loved - and choosing to change that
What it cost (and liberated) her to write openly as a queer feminist woman of color
Why romance and erotica are not “fluff”... but resistance
Building a medieval India-inspired fantasy world after being told her character “didn’t fit”
Balancing midnight writing sessions with motherhood and a full-time role in the social profit sector
How grant writing is storytelling and why funders need to trust the people on the ground (hello trust-based philanthropy!)
Protecting the dream of being a writer in a world obsessed with security

Anuja speaks candidly about choosing authenticity over palatability - and the overwhelming response from readers who finally felt seen. When asked what she hopes her work gives people, her answer was simple and profound, “I hope they feel seen. And maybe a little turned on.”

This episode is a love letter to representation, creative courage, and the audacity to build worlds where you belong.

🎙 Season 2 – Episode 9 is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Connect with Anuja on Instagram @anuja_v and learn more about her books, upcoming novel release, and events at anujavarghese.com. Pre-order A Kiss of Crimson Ash wherever books are sold.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 8 - Layne The Auctionista

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

To kick off this electrifying episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with a force in the philanthropic world - Layne The Auctionista (they/them), one of North America’s most sought-after fundraising auctioneers and a bold advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector.

With over $70 million raised for charities, Layne has built a reputation for transforming galas from predictable programs into emotionally charged, high-impact experiences that move people to give - generously and unapologetically.

But their journey into auctioneering didn’t begin with a microphone. It began with a deeply personal moment - sitting in a ballroom, watching an auction that missed the emotional mark, while knowing firsthand what it meant for their family to rely on community support. Six months later, Layne was in auction school. The rest? Record-breaking history.

In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Layne spills the tea on:

Turning personal pain into professional purpose
The fundraising industry’s biggest blind spots
Why fear of “no” is killing nonprofit revenue
How authenticity drives generosity
Navigating discrimination and leadership as a non-binary professional
The emotional intelligence required to move a room
Why nonprofit boards need to stop playing small
And how fun, energy, and strategy can co-exist in serious fundraising

We also dive into Layne’s advocacy for equity in the charitable sector, their bold critiques of outdated fundraising models, and why they believe the future of philanthropy demands courage, transparency, and better storytelling.

This episode is a masterclass in impact, inclusion, and raising both money and standards. If you care about nonprofit leadership, community change, or doing good without playing by broken rules - this one is required listening.

Season 2 – Episode 8 is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Layne The Auctionista on Instagram @theauctionista

Learn more about their work and booking information at https://layneofficial.com/

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 7 - Mical Ndelela

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On Season 2 - Episode 7 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I spend time with the brillant Mical Ndelela - Miss DRC-Congo World Universal 2025–2026, Girls Girl Award Winner, recent Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate, and purpose-driven advocate - for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, representation, and bold dreaming.

Mical’s story is one of faith, strength, and rebuilding across borders. After experiencing xenophobia in South Africa, losing her mother in 2019, and stepping into the role of raising her younger brother at just 19 years old, Mical has turned unimaginable hardship into fuel for impact. Her journey has shaped her into a leader committed to being the woman she once needed in her own life

In this heartfelt episode, Mical spills the tea on:

How resilience, faith, and purpose became her foundation
Discovering her voice through pageantry and realizing she could use it for change
Why modern pageantry is no longer about beauty alone, but about leadership, advocacy, and community
What being a true “girl’s girl” means - and why women supporting women is revolutionary
The power of representation and why young girls must see themselves in leadership
Navigating job searching as an international graduate while holding onto big dreams
Her long-term vision of becoming a diplomat and launching a foundation to support orphans in Congo and South Africa

Mical reminds us that leadership is not about titles - it’s about impact. When asked what she wants people to feel after crossing paths with her, she answered simply: kindness, wisdom, and unforgettable presence.

This episode is an invitation to rebuild, to rise, and to believe that young women have the power to shape their futures - even when the odds might say otherwise.

🎙 Episode 7 - Crowned With Purpose: Mical Ndelela on Resilience, Representation, and Raising the Next Generation is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Connect with Mical Ndelela on Instagram @luxemiah on LinkedIn: Mical Wa Mbaya Ndelela and follow her pageant journey as she represents DRC-Congo internationally in Kenya.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 6 - Michael Valchuk

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On Season 2 · Episode 6 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Michael Valchuk - entrepreneur, master carpenter, co-owner of Building Dreams Contracting, and a man who leads with equal parts discipline and heart.

Mike has owned nine businesses over 16 years, but success - as he defines it now - isn’t about titles or numbers. It’s about how you live, how you love, and how you show up for the people around you. At his core, Mike is a father, a son, a builder, and someone deeply committed to leading with love.

In this deeply honest episode, Mike spills the tea on:

How learning carpentry from his father at 8 years old shaped his discipline, pride, and attention to detail
Losing his uncle as a teenager - and how physical training became his anchor and emotional reset
Why 5AM workouts and physical discipline create mental clarity and leadership resilience
Competing in HYROX Toronto, and learning to rewire his mindset from “I hate this” to “I love this”
The danger of over-consuming information and why knowledge without action is powerless
Being his own harshest critic - and learning the necessity of silence, solitude, and journaling
Why joy and play aren’t luxuries, but essential ingredients for long-term success (stay silly, people!)

Mike also shares powerful reflections on community service and giving back, including building homes for the working poor in Mexico, participating in toy drives, hygiene product collections, and spending time with children in orphanages - moments that reshaped his understanding of gratitude, perspective, and what really matters.

At the heart of this episode is a simple but profound belief:

If you can’t find joy in what you’re doing, it’s time to change what you’re doing.

This episode is for anyone who’s built success but is craving alignment, presence, and a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

🎙 Episode 6 - Leading With Love: Michael Valchuk on Discipline, Fatherhood, and Building a Life That Feels Good is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

👉 Connect with Michael Valchuk

🏗️ Learn more about Building Dreams Contracting Inc. and Mike’s work at buildingdreamsinc.ca
📲 Follow Mike on Instagram: @mvalchuk

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 5 - Kat Dobson

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On Season 2 · Episode 5 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Katherine “Kat” Dobson - media executive, relationship-builder, advocate, and mother - for a candid, no-filter conversation about longevity, integrity, and what it really takes to survive (and thrive) as a woman in media.

Kat’s journey began at just 16 years old, when she auditioned for (and won) a high school anchor role that launched a 22-year career in broadcasting, journalism, and media sales. From on-camera work to becoming a powerhouse Account Executive at CHCH / Channel Zero, Kat has seen the industry from every angle and has never lost her voice in the process.

In this deeply honest episode, Kat spills the tea on:

Why fear has always been a signal to lean in, not back
Navigating a male-dominated industry and protecting herself, her integrity, and her boundaries
Why authenticity (not tactics) is the real secret sauce in media sales
The evolution of media and why TV isn’t dead, but trust is fragile
What’s broken in modern journalism and the cost of bias, fear-based reporting, and sensationalism
Her transition from a difficult relationship to manifesting healthy love and finding her fiancé

Kat also answers one of the most emotional Stir The Pot questions of the season - reflecting on faith, injustice, and her heartbreak over the historic and ongoing trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples.

This episode is for anyone who has ever had to choose between fitting in and standing firm - and chose truth instead.🎙 Episode 5 - Using Your Voice Without Losing Yourself: Kat Dobson on Media, Motherhood, and Integrity is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Follow Kat on Instagram or learn more about her work at CHCH TV.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 4 - Malaysia Harrell

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On Season 2 Episode 4 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Malaysia Harrell - board-certified psychotherapist, spiritual transformation coach, veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, and author - for a profound conversation about healing, alignment, and remembering who you were before the world told you who to be.

Malaysia’s journey is an “against all odds” story rooted in survival, faith, and radical transformation. From growing up in a traumatic and emotionally unsafe environment, to building a decorated career in highly structured systems - including working with the White House and receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden (no big deal..) Malaysia learned early how to perform excellence. But it wasn’t until she nearly lost her life that everything changed.

In 2020, following a traumatic deployment during COVID and a near-fatal sepsis diagnosis, Malaysia experienced what she describes as a spiritual reckoning - a moment that stripped away titles, accolades, and identity masks, forcing her to confront who she truly was beneath the armor

In this deeply moving conversation, Malaysia spills the tea on:

Losing herself while building an empire, and the journey back to her authentic self
Why healing requires allowing your old life to die before a new one can emerge
The truth about manifestation: you must become before you receive
Where high-achieving women still shrink themselves, especially around money and visibility
Boundaries, self-respect, and why she is no longer willing to tolerate subtle disrespect

Malaysia also shares her boldest truth: that healing is not about fixing what’s broken - it’s about unfolding into who you already are. Through her work at Blissful Life Consulting LLC and the Malaysia Harrell Foundation, she now helps women align their lives, businesses, and relationships with their divine assignment - not perfection, but freedom.

This episode is an invitation to stop striving, stop performing, and start living in alignment... even when it costs you comfort, familiarity, or approval.

🎙 Episode 4 - Becoming Before Receiving: Malaysia Harrell on Healing, Identity, and the Courage to Live Aligned

Streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

👉 Connect with Malaysia Harrell

🌐 Learn more about her work and programs: malaysiaharrell.com
📲 Follow Malaysia on Instagram for teachings on healing, alignment, and spiritual leadership
🤍 Explore Blissful Life Consulting LLC and support holistic mental health and mindset work

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 3 - Adam Ivy

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On Season 2 · Episode 3 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Adam Ivy - award-winning music producer, professional YouTuber, marketing strategist, and founder of sellmusic.com - for a deeply honest conversation about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms.

Adam’s journey began long before viral fame. Growing up in a low-income household, surrounded by side hustles and survival creativity, he learned early that the traditional path wasn’t built for him. From selling granola bars in school and flipping cars as a teenager to barely graduating high school with a 1.8 GPA, Adam’s education happened in real time - through action, failure, and persistence.

At just 23, during the 2008-2009 financial crisis, Adam lost his job and went all-in on a side hustle - investing $800 into selling music beats online. What started as a last-ditch effort to avoid eviction became the foundation of multiple seven-figure businesses and an accidental masterclass in digital marketing, branding, and trust-building

As an early adopter of YouTube, Adam bet on visibility before it was fashionable. A viral video in 2011 opened doors to national media, radio, and television - eventually landing him in a media director role at a tech company he helped grow from $5M to $20M in under two years. But exposure alone wasn’t enough.

Adam learned the hard truth that attention without trust is empty, and that authority is built through resonance, not reach.

In this conversation, Adam spills the tea on:

Turning visibility into authority, and why trust matters more than algorithms
Losing hearing in one ear in 2016 and how that “ending” became a redirection into education and coaching
The difference between distracted attention and focused attention - and why long-form content still wins
Reframing imposter syndrome as a sign you’re becoming who you’re meant to be
Why systems - not hustle - prevent burnout
Redefining success as the freedom to say no, protect your integrity, and build with intention

Adam also opens up about fatherhood and how becoming a dad to two young children shifted his priorities from trophies and possessions to presence, legacy, and giving back to causes supporting underprivileged children - a full-circle moment rooted in his own childhood experience

This episode is a reminder that reinvention isn’t failure - it’s mastery! And that real success isn’t about being seen everywhere… it’s about being trusted where it matters.

🎙 Episode 3 - From Hustle to Legacy: Adam Ivy on Visibility, Reinvention, and Building Authority That Lasts is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

👉 Connect with Adam Ivy

🌐 Website: https://adamivy.com
▶️ YouTube (Business & Growth): THE Adam Ivy
▶️ YouTube (Music Archive): youtube.com/AdamIvy
📲 Social: @AdamIvy across platforms

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 2 - Joe Apps

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On Season 2, Episode 2 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Joe Apps, visionary entrepreneur, technology leader, and founder of Joe Apps Technology Support - a managed IT services company empowering businesses across Canada to thrive in an increasingly complex digital world.

Joe’s entrepreneurial journey began early - from running a neighbourhood candy store as a kid to launching an electronics refurbishment business in Downtown Hamilton while studying Computer Systems Technology and Software Development at Mohawk College. That first leap sparked what would become a decade-long mission to help businesses advance their lives through technology.

Today, Joe Apps Technology Support serves hundreds of organizations nationwide, providing managed IT, cybersecurity, and operational support for businesses with 15–250 users. But this conversation goes far beyond tech.

In this candid and deeply human episode, Joe spills the tea on:

Celebrating 10 years in business and why he intentionally narrowed his client base from over 1,200 to focus on alignment and excellence
The hard lesson that “not everyone is your client” and how saying no unlocked sustainable growth
His bold vision to secure 30,000 Joe-managed devices by 2030, and what that goal actually represents
Leadership missteps, emotional reactivity, and the personal work required to become a better leader
A costly early failure rooted in misplaced trust - and why contracts, boundaries, and accountability matter
The future of AI, cybersecurity, and who is most at risk of being left behind in an AI-driven economy
Why creativity, compassion, and human connection will matter more than ever as technology accelerates
And the personal turning point that changed everything: learning to put himself first, invest in self-care, and lead from a full battery

Joe also offers sharp insight into the realities of cybersecurity complacency, the dangers of blind trust in AI, and why technology should always remain a tool... not a replacement for critical thinking.

This episode is an honest look at entrepreneurship, leadership evolution, and what it takes to scale without losing your humanity.

🎙 Episode 2 - Building Smart, Leading Human: Joe Apps on Tech, Trust, AI, and the Courage to Scale with Integrity

Streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

👉 Connect with Joe Apps and lean more about Joe Apps Technology Support at joeapps.ca and follow Joe’s journey and insights on Instagram: @itsjoeapps. And, don't forget to support businesses that invest in security, people, and community impact!

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Episode 1 - Tanis Crosby

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

To kick off Season 2 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with a true force in the nonprofit sector (or as I like to say... social profit sector) - Tanis Crosby, Executive Director of the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank, longtime YWCA leader, mentor, and changemaker whose work is rooted in justice, equity, and lived experience.

Tanis’s journey into leadership was shaped early by her own experiences with poverty and food insecurity - moments that revealed how deeply policy decisions impact real lives. From relying on a church food pantry as a child to leading one of the largest food banks in the United States, her career has been guided by a clear “why”: service without social justice is no service at all.

In this powerful opening episode, Tanis spills the tea on:

How early exposure to inequity and dehumanizing systems ignited her lifelong commitment to justice-driven leadership
Becoming an Executive Director at just 28 years old, co-leading YWCA Halifax through financial crisis and transformation
Why a justice mindset, not a charity mindset, is essential for the future of the nonprofit sector
The critical role of peer networks, curiosity, and humility in resilient leadership
What it really means to “lead through others” and why growth for growth’s sake is a trap
Her candid take on boards, philanthropy, and the chronic undervaluing of nonprofit workers
Entering her 50s and embracing what she calls “the great unf*ckening” - setting boundaries, saying yes to herself, and redefining success

Tanis also offers a sobering look at the current realities facing food security, including major policy changes threatening SNAP (CalFresh) benefits and the elimination of over 1.1 billion meals in California alone - a reminder that leadership today must be both compassionate and courageous.

This episode sets the tone for the entire season: bold conversations, honest reflection, and a refusal to accept systems that no longer serve our communities.

🎙 Episode 1 — From Charity to Justice: Tanis Crosby on Purpose, Power, and Rewriting Nonprofit Leadership

Streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

👉 Connect with Tanis Crosby and learn more about the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank and support food justice work: https://www.sfmfoodbank.org and show your support to organizations advancing equity, dignity, and systemic change in your own community.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Episode — Season 1 Finale (with Mummy!)

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

To wrap up Season 1 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I bring on the one woman who knows me best - my mother, Cindy, affectionately known as Mummy.

This bonus episode is the official Stir The Pot Special, featuring every bold, hilarious, emotional, and deeply human question asked by guests throughout Season 1. This time, mom and I answer them together - raw, unfiltered, and with the mix of honesty and humour that only a mother–daughter duo can deliver.

In this intimate and heartfelt conversation, Sarah and Cindy open up about:

What happiness really looks like (and how Cindy keeps hers so damn high)
Grief, healing, and the impact of losing a child - her greatest struggle and greatest teacher
Freedom, independence, and why Cindy chose a life lived on her own terms
The chaos and joy of entrepreneurship, purpose, and living boldly
Why both women love being single and fiercely protecting their peace
The little quirks, pet peeves, and everyday rituals that keep them grounded

It’s equal parts tender, funny, and profound — the perfect end to a powerful first season.

Season 1 “Stir The Pot” Questions & Guest Credits

These are the questions that fueled the season - each one asked to a guest, and now answered by Sarah and Cindy:

Kenadie St. James - “How did you learn to do your make up so damn good?"
Lohifa Pogoson Acker - "What are you on to keep you so fucking happy and how do I get some?"
Serena Bufalino - “What is your biggest fear?"
Esther Vallins - “What do you think the purpose of your life is?”
Dallas Lombardi - “Re: influencer marketing and women - Why do you think brand budgets and pay equity haven't caught up?"
Erin Dunham - “What is currently the greatest struggle in your life and why?”
Kayla Williams - “What is that think that really erks you and pisses you off - that secret rage?”
Melissa Kelly - “What is the one worst thing that happened to you that turned into your greatest lesson?”
Rachale Cavanagh - “What does freedom look like to you at this stage in your life?”
Tania LaCaria - “Tell me that moment that you knew that you were going to do exactly what you are doing now - where were you and how did that feel?”

All answered - with heart, humour, and a few spicy surprises - by Sarah and Cindy.

Bonus Episode - What’s The Tea With Sarah E & Mummy: The Stir The Pot Special is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts. Season 2 drops Tuesday, January 6, 2025.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 10 - Tania LaCaria

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On Episode 10 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with my friend - the mesmerizing, multi-layered Tania LaCaria - an Italian-Canadian storyteller, conceptual artist, interior designer and poet whose work dives fearlessly into vulnerability, femininity, and emotional paradox.

From leaving behind a life she outgrew to traveling solo across Japan, Tania has turned every ending into a beginning. Her art - a vivid collision of colour, found objects, and performance - isn’t about answers, it’s about questions. It asks: Who am I becoming when I feel all of my BIG feelings and I start listening to myself?

In this soul-stirring conversation, Tania spills the tea on:

Healing after betrayal, loss, and reinvention and why grief is fertile ground for creativity
How vulnerability becomes a superpower when you learn to hold it with grace
The paradox of feminine strength and the dance between softness and steel
Her “funeral for my past self” ritual and why she believes creation and destruction must co-exist
Traveling solo as an act of self-trust and returning home to the body through art

Together, Sarah and Tania explore what it means to shed old skins, honour your truth, and reclaim femininity as a form of freedom. It’s raw, reflective, and beautifully uncomfortable in all the right ways.

Episode 10 - Creation, Destruction & Becoming: Tania LaCaria on Healing, Femininity and the Art of Reinvention is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Tania LaCaria on Instagram at @tanialacaria on TikTok or online at tanialacariastudio.com

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 9 - Rachale Cavanagh

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

In Episode 9 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I down with the unstoppable, unapologetic, creative force that is Rachale Cavanagh - a fit mom of two, lifestyle model, commercial actor, and entrepreneur with over 15 years in the large-format vinyl wrap industry.

Rachale launched her career at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, wrapping vehicles, kiosks, and installations seen on TV screens around the world. Since then, she’s delivered massive projects for some of the biggest brands across North America - all while building a dynamic online presence where she helps brands stop the scroll and tell stories that actually stand out. But Rachale’s story goes far beyond the work she does! It’s the why behind it. In this high-energy, hilarious, and deeply grounded conversation, she spills the tea on:

How she became a three-business entrepreneur and why entrepreneurship is the title she fought hardest to claim
Thriving in a male-dominated industry and why being underestimated helped sharpen her edge
The “big fails,” the big wins, and why she learned to never compromise on quality (even if it costs you)
Why she embraces the identity of a rule breaker, and how “Runs With Scissors” became her personal brand
How motherhood made her stronger, sharper, and more confident and the biggest LIES society tells moms
The discipline she gained from fitness, gymnastics, and bodybuilding, and how it shapes her mindset today

Rachale is a reminder that women can be bold, soft, strategic, silly, powerful, maternal, and rebellious - all at once. She moves through life with joy, humor, and self-trust, showing us that success doesn’t come from following the rules… it comes from knowing which ones to break. And of course, she joins our Stir the Pot tradition - giving her unfiltered take a question left behind for her from a previous guest!

Episode 9 — Running With Scissors: Rachale Cavanagh on Rule-Breaking, Motherhood, and Building a Life of Freedom is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Rachale on Instagram at @rachalerunswithscissors or @onlinewithrachale and find her business, Graphic In Traffic at @graphicintraffic

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 8 - Melissa Kelly

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On Episode 8 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the unapologetically bold and beautifully authentic Melissa Kelly - one of Ontario’s leading boudoir photographers and the creative force behind Melissa Kelly Boudoir.

After working as a lab technician at McMaster Hospital, Melissa made a fearless leap from science to sensuality - turning her side passion for photography into a thriving, full-time business that has now empowered more than 10,000 women to reclaim their confidence, beauty, and power. Her work isn’t about perfection or filters - it’s about truth, transformation, and seeing yourself through a lens of compassion.

In this vulnerable and electric conversation, Melissa opens up about:

How one life-changing loss pushed her to quit her job and bet everything on herself.
The magic moment when she realized boudoir photography was about healing, not just beauty.
Why she believes confidence is contagious and why “too much” women are exactly enough.
What motherhood has taught her about hustle, softness, and raising the next generation of kind humans.
Her thoughts on AI, hustle culture, and what it really means to do work that matters (and the importance of disconnecting).

From CPR on a stranger to photographing women after mastectomy, Melissa’s story is a masterclass in courage, compassion, and conviction. She reminds us that empowerment isn’t a pose - it’s a practice.

Episode 8 - The Ultimate Act of Self-Love: Melissa Kelly on Beauty, Boundaries & Bold Empowerment is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Melissa Kelly on Instagram @melissakellyboudoir or online at melissakellyboudoirphotographer.com

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7 - Kayla Williams

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On Episode 7 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the radiant, resilient, and wildly multifaceted Kayla Williams - former CP24 news anchor turned entrepreneur, content creator, and host.

After nearly a decade on Toronto’s Breaking News, Kayla made a bold leap - walking away from the anchor desk to pursue a life built on her own terms. Now she’s telling stories through a new lens: as a businesswoman, performer, and mom. From the newsroom to entrepreneurship, volleyball courts to golf greens, Kayla’s story is about courage, evolution, and embracing imperfection in real time

In this honest, energetic, and deeply human conversation, Kayla spills the tea on:

Leaving behind stability for freedom and what she learned about “picking your hard.”
Motherhood as healing - raising her daughter Kennedy after loss and finding strength through love.
How authenticity beats perfection every time and why showing your “messy middle” is the real flex.
Her journey from volleyball scholarships to acting in commercials and “Boston Blue.”
And, why she is on a mission to get more women into sports and onto golf courses because the real deals aren’t just made in boardrooms

Kayla is proof that you can lose it all, rebuild louder, and still lead with heart. From broadcast studios to business ventures, she reminds us that our voices matter - even when no one’s handing us the mic.

And of course, she joins our Stir the Pot tradition - dropping truth bombs and leaving a question that’ll have the next guest thinking twice.

Episode 7 — Redefining the Spotlight: Kayla Marie Williams on Reinvention, Resilience & Real Talk is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Connect with Kayla on Instagram @kaylamarieto and on LinkedIn at Kayla Marie Williams

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6 - Erin Dunham

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

This week on What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the unapologetic force that is Erin Dunham - restaurateur, feminist, mother, and fierce leader behind The Other Bird, the powerhouse hospitality group redefining dining across Ontario.

With over 25 years in the restaurant industry - Erin has built an empire that spans Rapscallion, The Mule, Henry's and more. But Erin’s story isn’t just about food - it’s about fire.

In this bold, unfiltered conversation, Erin spills the tea on:

How she navigates leadership in a male-dominated industry while refusing to shrink herself
The unapologetic truth about being a woman in power - and why “bitches get shit done”
How motherhood transformed her understanding of legacy, mortality, and purpose
Why philanthropy isn’t just good PR - it’s personal, powerful, and necessary
What’s broken between businesses and charities, and how she’s redefining community giving through action, not optics

Erin opens up about her love-hate relationship with Hamilton, her vision for real community change, and her belief that women should stop apologizing for existing. As former co-chair of a capital campaign bringing affordable housing to women and families, founder of the Masquerade Gala, and long-time supporter of hospice for children and countless other causes, Erin lives her values daily - turning passion into purpose and business into a vehicle for good.

This episode is for every woman who’s ever been told to “soften her edges” - and chose to sharpen them instead. Episode 6 - No Apologies, No Filters: Erin Dunham on Power, Philanthropy, and Owning the Room is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E.

Connect with Erin on Instagram at @erinmariedunham and learn more about The Other Bird at theotherbird.com.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5 - Dallas Lombardi

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

In Episode 5 of What’s the Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with powerhouse entrepreneur, mother, and advocate Dallas Lombardi, Founder of Dallas & Co. Event Agency and co-founder of A Chance to Dance.

Dallas’s journey is one of grit, grace, and unapologetic courage. From supporting herself at just sixteen to leading major hospitality events by her mid-twenties, Dallas has spent over two decades crafting luxury experiences for clients while defying every expectation placed on her (ya'll don't put a box around this woman!)

But beyond the glitz and glamour, her story is one of deep reinvention. From corporate executive to single adoptive mother of two children with complex needs, to outspoken advocate for transparency and reform within the adoption and disability communities.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Dallas shares:

How she turned heartbreak into a blueprint for empowerment after her marriage ended and motherhood began through adoption
What she’s learned about trauma, invisible disabilities, and the realities of navigating a system that too often fails families
The pivotal “no’s” and boundaries that saved her sanity, career, and sense of self
How she built a business model that allowed her to work less, earn more, and be present for her children
The story behind A Chance to Dance - an inclusive, barrier-free dance party for people of all ages and abilities, created with her partner Chris - and how it’s helped her see the world through the lens of accessibility, empathy, and joy

Dallas reminds us that reinvention isn’t just about success... it’s about survival, advocacy, and creating space for others to thrive. Her journey challenges the myths about adoption, motherhood, and what it means to be a woman leading on her own terms.

What’s the Tea with Sarah E is about unfiltered, unapologetic conversations with leaders, dreamers, and doers who are reshaping their lives - and their communities - with purpose and power.

Connect with Dallas on Instagram @dallas.lombardi, online at Dallas & Co. Event Agency, and learn more about A Chance to Dance

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4 - Esther Vallins

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In Episode 4 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the multi-talented Esther Vallins - actor, dancer, singer, voice-over artist, content creator, and the brilliant founder of Forever Fairest, a children’s entertainment company that brings beloved characters and original creations to life across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Esther is a dreamer, adventurer, toddler mom, and self-described 70% hot mess - but beneath the humor lies a story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity. With nearly a decade of experience in performing and entrepreneurship, she has built a company that dispatches princesses and even her own characters (like Princess Sparkle Blossom, a unicorn who travels through a “Starlight Portal” to Earth) to surprise and delight children at parties, hospitals, and community events.

In this joyful, unfiltered, and deeply human conversation, Esther spills the tea on:

Building a business around magic, performance, and storytelling
What cosplay and children’s entertainment have taught her about authenticity and imagination
How she balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and creativity - with plenty of humor and honesty
Why she believes in “doing it scared” and “cultivating your cringe” as mantras for personal growth
The healing power of solo travel, and how finding “magic in the mundane” became her guiding philosophy

From performing at children’s hospitals to building a brand that celebrates joy and wonder, Esther’s journey is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. She reminds us that magic isn’t something you find - it’s something you create, even in the chaos of real life.

What’s The Tea with Sarah E serves unfiltered conversations with leaders, dreamers, and doers who are living boldly and unapologetically. Esther brings the sparkle, the humor, and the heart.

Connect with Esther on Instagram & TikTok: @esthervallins

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3 - Serena Bufalino

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:33:19 GMT

In Episode 3 of What’s the Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with powerhouse humanitarian, educator, and spiritual leader Serena Bufalino, CEO and Founder of Help Heal Humanity.

Serena’s story is one of resilience, service, and unstoppable heart. Once a student who struggled with reading, low self-esteem, and confidence, Serena turned a pivotal life moment into her purpose: dedicating more than two decades to teaching vulnerable youth, specializing in special education, and helping students rise above trauma, systemic barriers, and learning challenges.

But her impact didn’t stop at the classroom. In 2010, after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Serena and her students felt called to act. What began as a simple classroom project evolved into Help Heal Humanity, a global nonprofit that has since built schools, fed families, created technology labs, and brought hope to some of the world’s most underserved regions

In this raw and unapologetic conversation, Serena shares:

How her early struggles with education inspired her to become the teacher she wished she had
The pivotal moment that turned tragedy into her lifelong commitment to service
What it really took to build a school in Haiti - and why the process took ten years of grit, accountability, and perseverance
Her philosophy of saying yes, yes, yes to life, even when fears are big
Why stepping into service can transform not only communities, but also ourselves

Serena’s journey is deeply spiritual, unapologetically non-traditional, and rooted in love, compassion, and fierce determination. Whether she’s in a classroom, a yoga studio, or on the ground in Haiti, Serena embodies what it means to live boldly, serve selflessly, and believe in the power of one person to spark a movement.

Connect with Help Heal Humanity at helphealhumanity.org or find them on Instagram @help_heal_humanity

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2 - Lohifa Pogoson Acker

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:33:06 GMT

In Episode 2 of What’s the Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with powerhouse Lohifa Pogoson Acker - consultant, entrepreneur, stylist, speaker, and unapologetic Hamilton hype woman.

Lohifa recently ran in Hamilton’s Ward 8 by-election, motivated by a desire to shake things up and inspire her community. While the race didn’t end with a seat on council, the campaign ignited conversations, created connections, and amplified her lifelong mission: to build strong, thriving communities by investing in people, especially the next generation

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Lohifa shares:

What she learned from running for political office and why she felt “richer” for the experience
How growing up as a “third culture kid” shaped her worldview and her unapologetic leadership style
Why investing in youth is her number one priority for building sustainable, thriving communities
The importance of focusing on the big picture - even when relationships get complicated
How she navigates cancel culture and why she refuses to let fear or judgment define her

With a lineage of outspoken, purposeful, faith-driven community leaders in her family, Lohifa continues that legacy today as a board member with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success, and the Hamilton Club. She’s also a proud recipient of the 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the 2023 Order of Hamilton, and the 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal.

More than anything, Lohifa is a woman of deep faith, unstoppable determination, and boundless energy. She reminds us that leadership isn’t about playing it safe - it’s about showing up boldly, owning your story, and making space for the next generation of leaders to rise.

What’s the Tea with Sarah E is about raw, unfiltered, unapologetic conversations with leaders, dreamers, and doers. Lohifa embodies all of that - and then some.

Connect with Lohifa on Instagram: @lodidthat or visit lohifa.ca to learn more about what she's up to.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1 - Kenadie St James

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:29:30 GMT

In this launch episode of What’s the Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with the iconic Kenadie St. James - entertainer, mentor, pageant legend, and Hamilton’s own drag powerhouse.

Originally from the southern United States, Kenadie has been performing for more than 25 years, carving out her name in the drag pageant circuit as both an entertainer and a sought-after pageant dresser and makeup artist. With six national titleholders under her tutelage - including Canada’s own Brooke Lynn Hytes - her artistry and influence have left an undeniable mark on the drag world.

After moving to Hamilton, Ontario in 2016 with her husband and their beloved dogs, Kenadie founded CNR Productions Inc., bringing her creativity and sharp wit to stages across the region. She is also the force behind Hamilton’s longest-running drag brunches, creating space for connection, laughter, and unapologetic self-expression.

In this conversation, Kenadie opens up about:

Her journey growing up in drag and finding confidence on stage
The bold risks she’s taken - from leaving MAC Cosmetics after 13 years to starting her own production company
The story behind CNR Productions and why laughter is at the heart of her work
Giving back to community through charity events, especially in support of the Hamilton Burlington SPCA
The duality of her life: fearless and fabulous on stage, quiet and grounded at home

And of course, we close with our signature Stir the Pot tradition — where Kenadie answers a bold question and leaves one for the next guest.

What’s the Tea with Sarah E is all about raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic conversations with leaders, dreamers, and doers who are shaping our communities and living life out loud. Kenadie sets the bar high for Season 1 with her authenticity, humor, and heart.

Connect with Kenadie on Instagram: @kenadiestj

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome To What's The Tea With Sarah E

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:48:02 GMT

Welcome to the very first episode of What’s the Tea with Sarah E!

In this introduction, host Sarah Ernest - award-winning philanthropy leader, author, entrepreneur, and unapologetic changemaker shares why she’s stepping behind the mic, what inspired this podcast, and what listeners can expect each week.

After two decades in the social profit sector, from frontline work in social services to executive leadership roles across North America, Sarah decided to trade the boardroom for bold conversations. In 2024, she launched Ernest For Good, a consultancy helping charities energize their fundraising and brighten their brands unapologetically. Now, with What’s the Tea with Sarah E, Sarah brings that same fearless energy to the mic.

In this episode, Sarah opens up about:

The inspiration behind starting a podcast after writing her first book and celebrating her first year as an entrepreneur
Why she’s choosing real, raw, and unfiltered conversations over polished perfection
How her upbringing, community roots, and professional journey shaped her unapologetic approach to leadership and impact
What you can expect from upcoming episodes - unedited, unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs, entertainers, community builders, and changemakers

This podcast is for the dreamers and the doers, the misfits who dare to live boldly, and anyone who loves a good story. From money and mission to culture, confidence, and community, no topic is off-limits.

And yes - every guest will take part in Sarah’s signature tradition, Stir the Pot, where they’ll answer a bold question and leave one for the next guest.

🎙 What’s the Tea with Sarah E isn’t just a podcast — it’s a space for diverse experiences, unapologetic perspectives, and bold conversations that move us all forward.

👉 Connect with Sarah on Instagram @sara_ernest or on LinkedIn, and learn more about her work at ernestforgood.com.

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.