Episode 95: Finding Our People with Ab

Posted on by Victoria

Wynne and I can’t think of a more important time in our lives to lean into like-minded, caring friends – especially those who are champions of kindness. Our friend, writer and social justice advocate Ab is one of those persons.


You might remember our last podcast with Ab, where we learned about FASD – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the impact of FASD in his own family and his dear son, “T”. While we talked in our last chat about the power of inclusion and the importance of building community, we knew we wouldn’t be able to cover all the good stuff that Ab has to offer – insightful, inspirational and actionable reminders about leading with goodness. For our individual health and wellness, that of our families but also for the greater good.


We titled this episode, “Finding Our People” because it’s the most fitting way to describe a terrific, heartwarming story that Ab tells about an experience while on vacation…in beautiful Banff. I don’t want to spoil too much by oversharing…but let me say this:


Great things happen when you’re waiting for a canoe.


Listen and watch. We promise your heart will grow. 💝


Vicki and Wynne 😊

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 95: Finding our People with Ab

HoTM Episode 95 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Hiking Takakkaw Falls and Canoeing Emerald Lake at Yoho National Park
My Life with T

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community’s 2023 report “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation”  

The Human Library Movement

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

52 thoughts on “Episode 95: Finding Our People with Ab”

  1. Pingback: Opening Questions – Surprised By Joy

  2. ab has such a great approach to life, even with all of its challenges. yes, I agree with people enter and exit our lives for a reason, and reaching out and connecting, however brief, can impact our lives we don’t always understand at the time.

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    1. Thank you for that, Beth! You said that perfectly…the entry and exit routines. Experiences that might be brief but are no less impactful. I can think of so many instances like that. Good to cherish and remember. And Ab? Gosh yes. He brings all of that to the surface, doesn’t he?
      Thank you, thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

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    2. Thanks Beth. You don’t see all the meltdowns I have off the page but I do my best. 😆 That quote about people entering our lives for a reason, season or a lifetime really resonated and resonates with me. And reminds me that I too can be intentional about how I treat those I encounter, no matter how seemingly short the encounters are.

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  4. I agree with Beth, Ab’s approach to life which shows up in the podcast and his blog is so refreshing. Loved the story about waiting and his conversation with the woman. I joke about trying to bring humor to most situations . . . but I suspect that I would not have Ab’s patience. I would have been going off at the first sign of misunderstanding. A great example for all of us!!!

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    1. Oh, I think you give yourself too little credit, Brian! 🥰
      Thank you so much for sharing in our admiration of Ab. Podcasting, blogging…he’s a joy to follow and connect with. 🥰🥰🥰

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    2. Thanks Brian. I suspect you would’ve handled the situation with grace and good humour. When she mentioned she was a DeSantis fan, I thought the conversation was veering into another direction but I was glad to have been proven wrong. A good lesson for me to remember not to judge a book by its cover too.

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    2. Thanks Wynne. I shared the podcast with family and friends and a few have noted both of your warmth. You make it very easy for your guests, me included, to open up. We could’ve spoken for hours!

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  6. Such a great conversation. I don’t know Ab at all, but he seems like a great parent. Keeping one’s calm, particularly with hyperactive children can be super challenging, especially when you’re in a public place and you know peopl that don’t know all of the details of one’s situation are drawing conclusions. I’m sure his calm demeanor and voice lower the temperature.

    One of the other things I took from this discussion is how we can still connect with others depite any ideological differences we have. We are far more similar than different, despite all the ways society tries to drive a wedge between us.

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    1. Cheers to your insights and observations, Pete! Staying calm, finding ways to connect despite differences. Just as you said! Life goals right there!
      And I love that we’ve introduced you to Ab. He’s a fabulous human. Just as you are. Xo! 🥰

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    2. Thanks Pete. I can assure you I have meltdowns in public too. Not always the calm one. 😂

      I’m really glad you took the point about being able to connect with others despite differences. That is so so so important these days as the world is becoming increasingly polarized and uncivil. It is quite alarming actually. A simple hello, conversation or gesture of kindness can go such a long way.

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  7. I really enjoyed this podcast with Ab. Wynne and Vicki, your talk with him was truly inspirational and needed, and an affirmation that kindness does exist and also makes a difference. It’s great to meet Ab through you both. I left a more detailed comment on Wynne’s post. 🙂 ❤️🤗

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      2. You are sooo kind! Thank you, Lauren. Happy Sunday right back to you! I am so woefully behind in reading blog posts. Apologies in advance if I’ve missed good stuff from you these past couple of days. xo! 🥰

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  8. This was great! Fun to see and hear Ab! I so agree about the power of human connection. I try to find opportunities to say a nice word to a stranger every now and then. It’s amazing the affect it can have. I appreciated what Ab said about loneliness. This is becoming an epidemic around the world. It’s good to bring awareness.

    Shucks. I forgot what the third thing was I wanted to comment on…. Anyway, nice job you three!!! (One exclamation point for each of you. 😉 )

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      1. You know, reading “Ab is fab” in my mind would’ve been more fun when I still erroneously believed it was pronounced like ab rather than like Abe. Ah well. Live and learn! It was a shock when I learned the proper pronunciation of Wynne’s name too. 😛

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    2. Thanks Betsy! 😊 I can see through your posts how Jiu Jitsu is more than about physical training and growth but about the amazing community connections you’ve all fostered together. I bet it’s the social connections and less so about the training that makes the place such a wonderful experience for you all.

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      1. You nailed it, Ab. Since I work from home, I don’t get much other interactions outside my family. So, yep. Leaving Jiu-Jitsu some day will be a struggle because of the friends I’ve made there.

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  10. Pingback: Hide and Seek – My Life With T

  11. Vicki and Wynne, thank you so much for having me again on your podcast. It’s always an honor to be invited. I could chat with you both for hours and I’m thankful that blogging brought us together, starting with Wynne so many years ago. WordPress just reminded me this evening that today is my 5th anniversary on WP. Such a gift it has been.

    I also appreciate how the two of you can see the gift in a small moment, such as the canoe encounter with the Florida couple. It is these moments that make a difference – whether they are for a reason, season, or a lifetime.

    My family and friends have also enjoyed listening to it. So thanks for all that you do to spread a little kindness around the world too!

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    1. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary, Ab! As for your wonderful insights, podcast style…can’t wait until next time. You honor us with all that you share. 🥰

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  15. I love the message of this episode. How we can connect with someone while waiting in line. That connection can be short-lived while it’s happening. But it can resonate longer and wider, like with Ab remembering that conversation with the lady in line and sharing it with us. A beautiful message 🌞

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