Special Episode: Goodbye Tamara and Marciane!
We have a bittersweet announcement here at the Healthy Habits Happy Homes podcast. Our fabulous co-hosts, Tamara and Marciane, are stepping away and moving onto other wonderful opportunities. For the past 3 years, Tamara and Marciane have brought their curiosity, warmth and excitement to our soundwaves. We are so grateful to have had them contribute to our team and make the podcast what it is now. Tamara plans to finish up her PhD in the department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph – she’s almost there! Marciane will be continuing in her role as Executive Director of the Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County and maybe getting a puppy?!? (we’ll need pictures of that).
Tamara and Marciane…THANK YOU! We wish you both all the best in your future endeavors.
With love,
The Healthy Habits Happy Homes podcast team
Transcript
Healthy Habits, Happy Homes Podcast
Season 7, Special Episode
Goodbye Tamara and Marciane!
Marciane Any (0:05)
Hello! Welcome to the Healthy Habits, Happy Home podcast hosted by the Guelph Family Health Study.
Tamara Petresin (0:14)
If you’re interested in the most recent research and helpful tips for healthy, balanced living for you and your family, then this podcast is for you. In each episode we will bring you topics that are important to your growing family and guests who will share their expertise and experience with you.
Marciane Any (0:31)
Our quick tips will help your family build healthy habits for a happy home. Welcome back to the Healthy Habits, Happy Homes podcast. Today’s episode is a little different and a little bittersweet.
Tamara Petresin (0:49)
That’s right, this is our final episode as your hosts. We’ve had such an incredible time on this journey, and we wanted to take a moment to reflect, share some memories, and of course say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who’ve been with us along the way.
Marciane Any (1:03)
It’s definitely a mix of emotions today, but more than anything we just feel so grateful. So, let’s take a walk down memory lane together.
Tamara Petresin (1:12)
So Marciane, thinking back way back to 2022. Wow! What made you want to become a podcast host in the first place?
Marciane Any (1:23)
Oh, well, I was just very excited when the opportunity brought itself to the both of us because going back and looking at all the past episodes and what the Healthy Habits, Happy Home podcast was all about and that it was just wanting to give, you know, accurate research-backed information in a way that’s digestible for families. I was hooked. I would have loved to have a lot of the tips, you know, that was shared to our families if it was shared to mine, especially in this way. I could just imagine how much more healthful our conversations would be, our habits would be, just all these things. So, it really made me excited when I saw that to be a part of this. And what about you, Tamara? Did you ever imagine we’d be here three years later wrapping up after all these amazing conversations?
Tamara Petresin (2:19)
You know, what’s funny is that I think when we agreed to do this, I mean we were approached at the same time, like, together, and I was, like, “Of course, I will do anything with my girl Marciane.” So, I’m instantly in. I think we just initially agreed we’d do it for a year; we didn’t really see ourselves as podcast hosts. We weren’t really sure if we would like podcasting; it was totally different and new to the both of us. So, we were like, “you know what, we’ll do it for a year.” And so, then one year turned into three. And somehow, we’re here three seasons later. But yeah, I feel like I echo a lot of this stuff that you were saying too, just when the opportunity presented itself, to the both of us. I mean, of course, I love working with you. We were already starting — well, no, we had already worked together, I think for about a year at that point.
Marciane Any (3:02)
Yeah.
Tamara Petresin (3:03)
And I knew how incredible you were to work with. So, of course, I wasn’t going to say no to a project where I get to work with you. At the same time, too, I feel like it was a really good experience in terms of sharing knowledge and getting research out there. Of course, we’re both researchers, and I’m really passionate about evidence-based information, especially my background as being a registered dietitian. So, I just felt like it was such a good opportunity to get into, you know, people’s homes, really, and share that information that was evidence-based, and help be part of the solution, right? And there’s so much health misinformation. We’ve talked about that so much on the podcast over the past three seasons. It’s out there on social media. So, it really is being a part of that solution and having a place where people can go and listen to evidence-based information and having experts on so many topics. Like, it’s actually incredible when I think back to all the people, all the incredible guests, that we’ve shared space with through the past three seasons that we’ve been able to learn from and learn with has honestly been such a blessing too. So, it’s been such a good journey. And it’s honestly, it’s just crazy to me when I think back to, like, we have no idea how to podcast. And now here we are, three seasons under our belts. But I guess, you know, all good things must come to an end.
Marciane Any (4:17)
I know. No, seriously. We were just joking beforehand, like, our first episode compared to now, like, all the growth we’ve had as guests, as individuals. I feel like this, you know, doing this, helped me so much with my confidence and even just speaking because it showed, like, okay, like my opinion or my experiences even matters. We shared so much on this podcast. So, we learned a lot.
Tamara Petresin (4:42)
Oh my gosh. No, that’s so true. And even when I, yeah, think back to those earlier episodes, I feel like we were very “stick to the script,” like, we didn’t go off the cuff as much. And then it’s the way that we’ve found this space to be way more comfortable with our guests and sharing personal stories and stuff. I think that’s really helped too in terms of people feeling more connected to us, I hope, anyways, and our experiences and our stories. So yeah, it’s honestly been such an incredible ride.
Marciane Any (5:11)
100%. Over the years, we’ve shared and heard so many tips and expert advice on building healthy habits at home. But I have to ask, what’s one tip or piece of advice that really stuck with you?
Tamara Petresin (5:23)
That is such a good question because, like you said, there has been so many. Like, we always ask for our three tips, right? That’s our classic — how we end off our episodes, because it is so helpful to just have those pieces of information that are digestible. All of them have stuck with me. I’ve written down every time. I think most episodes were, like, we’ve written these down and it’s true. Like, I have a binder with all of the tips from all the guests we’ve ever had. And so definitely going to pull those out one day, you know, when I’m a parent. But I think one tip or piece of advice that really stuck with me, I think was just the idea, it was actually one of our episodes from this season, getting to speak to Dr. Marsha Hines-Myrie and how she was speaking about just this idea of being a good human and, like, how everything boils down to being a good human. Like, that really, really stuck with me and how, thinking about, you know, things like equity and diversity and inclusion, accessibility and all those things, and thinking about it as how we want to change the world because how it is now is not working for everybody, right? And so, I think those two, really, they’re really big concepts, but I think just that entire conversation was very, very inspirational and eye-opening to me. But just boiling it down to being a good human was just how she put that so eloquently. It was just so powerful. Yeah, and so that episode I think, in particular, will stay with me. But honestly, all of the guests that we’ve had on have shared such helpful tips. Yeah, when I think back to all the experts that we’ve had on our podcast over the last three seasons and all the tips that they’ve shared, like, we’ve done so many cool episodes on things like anxiety, how to fuel active kids. We talked about ultra-processed foods. We had a really incredible guest, Timothy Caulfield, and we talked about the infodemic and misinformation, father’s involvement in mealtimes. We also talked about the impact of parental self-regulation, which was really cool, too. And then I was in, I did an episode too.
Yeah, I was in the hot seat for an episode on school lunches and that was really fun, getting a taste of what it’s like on the other side.
Marciane Any (7:28)
Yeah, that was a great episode. It’s one of my favorites. I’m totally biased and I’m owning it.
Tamara Petresin (7:35)
Thanks, girl.
Marciane Any (7:36)
And that’s honestly just the beginning. We’ve had so many other insightful guests and discussions, like “beyond the talk,” unpacking sex, sexuality and gender, navigating food allergies, making sense of money with kids, social media and the impact on family nutrition, navigating the Canadian food environment, which was awesome. We got to talk about front-of-package labeling, also sugar intake during the spooky season, and then even eye health in children.
Tamara Petresin (8:07)
Yeah, and we also talked about healthy relationships with food and supporting aging parents as well. So, there has been so many different topics and it’s been so incredible to cover all these topics from mental health and nutrition to financial literacy and social media’s impact on family habits. Yeah, so given all these topics and tips, Marciane, what’s something that’s stuck out to you over the years?
Marciane Any (8:31)
Oh, it’s hard to just pick one. But honestly, I feel like with a lot of our guests, there has been this general theme of giving a lot of research back, input and tips, but also reinforcing the fact that you really have to find what works for you. And, also, this idea of grace, like, that’s constantly been something that’s repeated because it’s a lot to be a parent. They go through so much. So, you really have to give yourself a lot of pats on the back for what you’re already doing and then have grace on the things maybe that you could do better and just take things one step at a time. And then it’s a lot to be a child, too. Like, when we are talking about being a kid through all these different stages, I’m, like, “yeah, it was hard being a child. It was hard being a teenager. It was hard going through all these transitions and you’re still just trying to learn how to like human.” So that’s a huge tip, a takeaway for me. So even as I’m thinking back and going back to that binder journal, like, I have with all those tips too to go back to, it can be, like, “okay, this is a lot of information. I’m doing great. And we’re just going to take it one step at a time.”
Tamara Petresin (9:49)
Yeah. Oh my gosh. So true. And I’m so grateful that we have our little binders and journal tips for sure. And that our guests have shared all these incredible tips with us. But that’s one thing actually, I’m not surprised that you said that, but that was one of your key takeaways.
Cause I feel like throughout our journey, you’ve always done such a good job of bringing it back to that big picture of just one step at a time, giving ourselves grace. Cause it’s hard. All these things that we’re talking about are hard. It’s not easy. So, I’ve always appreciated how you’ve continued to bring that perspective to our podcast.
Marciane Any (10:16)
Thanks girl. I appreciate you. Get yourself a hype woman like Tamara. That’s all I’m trying to say. [laughter]
Tamara Petresin (10:22)
Oh, my goodness. It’s only cause you’re a hype girl. It goes both ways. It goes both ways. But yeah, hopefully a lot of these tips that we’ve shared throughout the years and that our guests have shared with us on the Healthy Habits Happy Home podcast have really stuck with our listeners just as much as they’ve stuck with us.
Marciane Any (10:38)
Absolutely. Of course, this isn’t a goodbye forever. It’s just a new chapter for the both of us.
So, T, what’s next on the horizon for you?
Tamara Petresin (10:48)
Oh my gosh. I feel like this is a very big question. Honestly, so I’m still doing my PhD. So, I’m not like Marciane who graduated a long time ago and decided to stay on for this podcast. But no, I’m still working away at the PhD. I am coming to the end of my PhD journey. So, I get to work on some really incredible research projects that I’m really excited about. And things are definitely moving along towards the end of the finish line of that PhD, which is really exciting. Yeah. But it’s also a bit bittersweet as well too. I feel like, you know, deciding to step back from the podcast is like one of things that kind of marks the beginning of the end, I would say of this PhD journey. It is really exciting, but it’s also bittersweet. So really, I’m just putting all my focus and my energy into finishing the PhD, getting to work on these really amazing research projects with some really incredible colleagues and incredible people in the community as well too. And yeah, just taking it kind of day-by-day from there and we’ll see when I end up wrapping up. But yeah.
Marciane Any (11:50)
Yeah, she’s doing amazing. She’s putting in work, like, one, we already know it’s very difficult to get a PhD. That’s why not everybody does it. But just the amount of like passion and care that she puts into literally everything that she does. I’m always blown away by the fact that your project is back in your home neighborhood. Like, you really are someone who goes back and gives. It’s exciting. So y’all look out for her because she’s already doing great things and she’s going to continue doing great things.
For me, like, I think I’m going to keep on working. Like she said, I graduated and there’s always been a question that’s asked me, like, are you going to do your PhD …x, y, z? I’m, like, “you know what? I think right now I actually am enjoying the nine to five.” My role though is a bit any hours of the day. I’m, you know, working and running the “Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County” as their executive director. And so that keeps me busy, but I absolutely love it. It’s amazing. I love getting to talk to all the kids and the families who are like, “whoa, these resources helped me so much.” Not only in their educational journeys and experiences, because, I mean, that’s the number one. We want to make sure that any of the barriers to them being the best student that they can be, we want to go ahead and help them with that. But even just how it helps them, like, socially; it helps them with their confidence. It helps them understand how they learn and how to advocate for themselves. Just as people, in general, like, all of those things warm my heart completely. So, I’m just going to keep working in this capacity and then maybe puppies on the horizon. [laughter] And, that’s literally what I have going on. And, so, shameless plug, if any of you want to see me around in the community, we have a trivia night coming up for the Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington. So definitely if you got nothing to do the evening of May 24th, which is a Saturday, come to the Italian Canadian Club and enjoy a great night. So go to www.ldawc.ca for more information.
Tamara Petresin (14:15)
Yeah, that sounds like such a blast. Trivia is always fun. Trivia is always a good time. And honestly, Marciane, like you are such a born leader. So, it’s incredible to see you too and how you’ve taken on this executive director role right after graduating from your master’s thesis. It’s been a year and you’ve done such incredible things for the organization and the way that you work with community. Honestly, I’m just so proud of all the work that you’ve done and the way that you interact with community members and students and youth. You’ve always been so good with youth. That’s been, like, clear in your research project. You are just — kids love you and they gravitate towards you because you’re so kind and caring and really empathize with them and their needs. And so, you are honestly the perfect fit to be in a position to lead, especially about something as important as, you know, highlighting people with learning disabilities and supporting them. So, it’s honestly been so incredible to see your professional growth and to see you take on this role of ED too. And you’ve done such an incredible job over the last year. And I’m just really excited to keep watching you shine.
Marciane Any (15:16)
Thanks, girl. I’m not going to get emo. [laughter]
Tamara Petresin (15:20)
But yeah, it’s so exciting to step into, you know, a different journey. But of course, we’ll definitely miss this podcast and our amazing listeners. 100%.
Marciane Any (15:29)
Of course, we couldn’t have done this alone. So, a huge shout out to our amazing podcast manager, Ingrid, and to Patricia, who helped guide us in earlier days. And to our outstanding podcast editor, Dawn Matheson, who has worked tirelessly to craft the beautiful episodes you hear. Your dedication behind the scenes has truly shaped this podcast. And we are so grateful for each of you.
Tamara Petresin (15:55)
Marciane, working with you on this podcast has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Of course, we were friends when we started this thing, but I feel like now we’re lifelong. It’s been a few years. We know this is a friendship for life. Your passion and your insights and your dedication have really made every episode shine. And I really couldn’t have ever asked for a better co-host. So, thank you for everything you’ve brought to this journey. So, here’s to all the memories that we’ve created and to everything that you’ll continue to accomplish. And I’m just so grateful for our time together hosting the podcast.
Marciane Any (16:25)
Thank you. Same, girl. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share the mic with. And again, just like you said, we’re locked in.
Tamara Petresin (16:36)
And of course, a massive thank you to you, our listeners. So, whether you tuned in every episode, shared an episode with a friend, or reached out with your stories, your support has meant the world to us. Knowing that these conversations have made a difference in your homes has been the greatest reward.
Marciane Any (16:50)
And to all our amazing guests, thank you for sharing your knowledge, insights, and time with us. This podcast truly became a community because of all of you.
Tamara Petresin (17:00)
Though this is our final episode hosting, the podcast doesn’t end here. It’ll be back in the fall with new hosts and fresh perspectives. Keep those healthy habits going. And remember, small changes can lead to big transformations.
Marciane Any (17:13)
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of this journey. Wishing you and your families all the health and happiness in the world. Until we meet again. Bye!