Today, we have an insanely cool guest Krista DuChene, aka Canada’s Marathon Mom! She’s a Canadian Olympian, a Registered Dietitian, and one of the toughest runners out there.

And when we say tough, we mean it. She once finished a race with a broken leg. Yeah, you read that right! We had to hear the full story—what happened, why she kept running, and how she bounced back to crush even bigger goals (like making it to the Olympics!).

We also got into what it takes to train for a marathon, the best pre-race snacks (spoiler: bagels are involved 🥯), and why fueling your body the right way is so important. Plus, Krista tells us how she went from playing university hockey to becoming one of Canada’s best long-distance runners.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to push through pain, keep going when things get tough, or just want to know what marathon runners actually eat mid-race, this episode is for you!

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

Links and Resources

Krista’s Instagram

CBC Sports

Team Canada

University of Guelph Hockey

Saucony

Podcast Recommendations

Chef Over Your Shoulder

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you.

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

In this episode, we sit down with Kattie Laur, a podcaster, podcast producer, and a well-known voice in the Canadian podcasting space. Kattie is also the author of Pod the North, a must-read newsletter that explores the Canadian podcast ecosystem, featuring interviews, podcast discoveries, and the latest industry news.

Kattie shares insightful stories, valuable advice, and her passion for podcasting, along with some of the challenges she’s faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with great takeaways.

In This Episode, We Discuss:
🎙 Kattie’s journey into podcasting and what inspired Pod the North
📢 The state of Canadian podcasting and what makes it unique
💡 Advice for new and aspiring podcasters
🎧 Common challenges in podcasting and how to overcome them

Connect with Kattie Laur:

Website

Pod The North

Instagram

Podcasts mentioned in the episode:

Tech Won’t Save Us

Normal Gossip

Canardian

Rooked: The Cheaters' Gambit

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you.

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

In this episode of Curious Conversations, we’re joined by someone truly inspiring—Ben Fanelli. You might remember him as the former captain of the Kitchener Rangers or the OHL player who defied the odds, returning to the ice stronger than ever after a traumatic brain injury.

But there’s so much more to Ben than just hockey.

Now a Registered Psychotherapist and the founder of Heroic Minds, Ben is changing the way we think about mental health. His message? Embrace the journey. We’re not just the sum of what happens to us—we’re the heroes of our own stories.

This conversation is packed with wisdom for teenagers wondering what’s next after sports or other big commitments, insights into mental health, and tips for embracing life’s challenges as opportunities to grow.

Oh, and yes, we got his Stanley Cup prediction too.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 🧠 Overcoming Setbacks: Ben shares his experience with a life-changing brain injury and the lessons it taught him about resilience.
• 🤝 The Power of Community: How the people around us can make all the difference in recovery and growth.
• 🗣️ Talking Mental Health: Why open conversations about mental wellness are a game-changer.
• 🔄 Finding New Purpose: Moving beyond an identity tied to sports and discovering new passions.
• 🚀 Heroic Minds: Ben’s mission to make mental health support more accessible and his vision for a brighter future.
• 🏒 Advice for Athletes: Encouragement for young players facing injuries or big life transitions.
• 🌟 Embracing Change: Why challenges can be the key to unlocking new opportunities.

Why This Episode Matters:
Ben Fanelli’s story isn’t just about hockey—it’s about perseverance, growth, and finding strength in vulnerability. Whether you’re an athlete or just navigating the ups and downs of being a teenager, Ben’s insights will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on whatever comes next.

Resources:
Heroic Minds Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you.

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!