The Shit Stick of Life – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome back to The Shit Stick of Life with Kortney Wilson! Season 2 kicks off with a raw, unfiltered look at what Kortney’s summer really looked like, beyond the social media highlights. From unforgettable travels, to vagina therapy, to a moment that ended at the police station with a catheter, Kortney holds nothing back. She also dives into fan questions, offering honesty, humor, and heart. This season is all about embracing life’s messiness, finding strength in vulnerability, and remembering you’re not alone in your own “shit stick” moments.

Please note as we kick off Season 2, we had some audio difficulties on the first episode. Thank you for your patience!

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/allthingskortneywilson/

https://www.instagram.com/shitstickoflifepodcast/

https://shows.acast.com/the-shit-stick-of-life

“We Do Note Care” Club by Melani Sanders

https://www.instagram.com/justbeingmelani/

Leave Kortney a note!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdY4zS1pVhUJJ7hMvqpiG1jxiI0wT6HDBeUlpbZB7Qw38SILg/viewform?usp=header

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Disclaimer: This conversation discusses PTSD and touches on the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

On the last episode of season one, host Kortney Wilson welcomes Dr. Carlen Costa to help navigate recent trauma and PTSD symptoms she’s been experiencing. Kortney and Carlen delve into the complexities of PTSD, exploring its symptoms, the healing process, and the transformative power of therapy. The conversation also touches on the emerging field of psychedelic therapy, examining its potential benefits and the importance of intention in healing. They also discuss the misconceptions surrounding trauma, the importance of self-awareness, and the readiness required for healing. Both Kortney and Carlen share personal trauma, including Carlen’s challenges with body image and the pursuit of thinness, while also addressing the impact of societal pressures. Finally, they emphasize the significance of community support in healing and the need for honest communication when helping loved ones navigate their mental health challenges.

More About Dr. Carlen Costa:Carlen Costa is a dynamic OCSWSSW psychotherapist, clinical sexologist, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist and cannabis educator based in London, Ontario, Canada. She engages you to learn how to love yourself and others better through her love & mental wealth lifestyle brand and in her wellness center and private practice, Mothership London working with clients worldwide. Carlen is also the host of "The Spicy Fat" podcast on the Women in Media Network where she delves into topics ranging from ADHD, weight loss, positive body image, mental health, love, relationships, and cannabis to psychedelics. Links:

https://www.mothershipcanada.com/https://www.carlencosta.com/ https://www.instagram.com/carlen.costa/ https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/spicy-fat-podcast/

Connect with Kortney:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shitstickoflifepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingskortney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyIp6IQjgepxjIL9a3sgYXaEcCwT65XDH⁠⁠⁠⁠

Leave Kortney a voicenote!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/voicemail/⁠⁠⁠⁠

(00:00) Navigating Life's Challenges

(02:54) Understanding PTSD

(06:09) The Role of Therapy in Healing

(08:56) Exploring the Impact of Trauma

(12:03) Kintsugi: Healing Through Transformation

(14:57) Psychedelic Therapy: A New Frontier

(17:54) The Science Behind MDMA and Psilocybin

(20:57) Personal Experiences and Transformations

(25:56) Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

(29:53) The Importance of Self-Awareness

(31:43) Navigating Readiness for Healing

(32:54) The Misuse of Trauma Terminology

(35:11) Personal Stories of Trauma

(41:39) The Pursuit of Thinness and Its Consequences

(43:07) Weight Loss Drugs: A Double-Edged Sword

(44:00) Supporting Loved Ones with PTSD

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

Host Kortney Wilson invites two of her best friends for a heartfelt conversation about the importance of friendship in navigating life’s challenges, especially without the support of her parents and siblings. Calling them her chosen family, Ashley Boyd and Melodie Madden-Adams share personal stories and insights on how friendships evolve over time, the significance of honesty and boundaries, and the complexities of making friends as adults. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of male friendships, and friendships that bring up jealousy or envy in others. They reflect on how their experiences have changed from their 20s to their 40s, discussing how motherhood has influenced their relationships. Of course, they share personal anecdotes that illustrate the joy and laughter that come from strong friendships.

More About Ashley Boyd:

Ashley is a native Texan who began her education at Baylor University, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts in Communications and Journalism. She entered the non-profit world right out of college and soon after went back to graduate school for her master of arts in Biblical Leadership. After working with various populations such as college students, refugees, and homeless families, she once again went back to school to earn her master of education in Human Development Counseling at Vanderbilt University. After graduation, Ashley worked as a therapist at the YMCA counseling center before going into private practice in 2012. She has also worked as an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University supervising students and new counselors as they work with clients for the first time. Ashley has been married to Blake for 25 years and has two amazing sons who are in high school and college.

www.ashleyboydcounseling.com

More About Melodie Madden Adams:

Mel hails from Little Rock, Arkansas, but has called Nashville home for the past

20 years. She has spent years as an performer and when not on stage, she is a costume designer, college professor, curve model, make-up artist and Mama. At her core she is a creative and friends jokingly call her "their swiss army knife". Connect with Mel at melodiemaddenadams.com

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Host Kortney Wilson speaks with Fartumo Kusow, a mother who bravely shares her harrowing journey of fleeing war-torn Somalia, raising her children in Canada, and ultimately facing the tragic loss of her daughter to intimate partner violence. They discuss the signs of abuse, and the emotional turmoil of a mother trying to protect her child from a manipulative partner. Through her advocacy, Fartumo aims to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and the importance of support systems for those affected. She reflects on the unbreakable bond of motherhood, the challenges of navigating the police investigation, and the struggle to find closure. Fartumo emphasizes the importance of speaking out against intimate partner violence and the need for systemic change to protect vulnerable individuals. Through her advocacy work, she aims to honor her daughter's memory and help others facing similar struggles.

More about Fartumo Kusow:

Born in Somalia, Fartumo Kusow immigrated to Canada in 1991 at the start of the Somali civil war. Her first novel in English, Tale of a Boon’s Wife, was published in 2017 to critical acclaim. Her upcoming novel Winter of My Spring will be published in 2026.

Fartumo is the founder of the Sahra Bulle Foundation, established in honor of her daughter, to educate and raise awareness against gender-based violence. She also organizes the annual #IamSahraBulle Conference in collaboration with the University of Windsor, providing a platform to inspire change and advocacy.

In addition to her writing, Fartumo leads workshops and gives presentations for unions, schools, and workplaces, focusing on topics like gender equity, violence prevention, and community healing. She is also a podcaster, hosting My Mother: The Person and the Patient, a heartfelt exploration of caregiving for her mother with Alzheimer’s, and Break the Silence, Build a Future, inspired by her daughter's tragic murder in an act of gender-based violence.

Fartumo earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. She now teaches English literature and lives in Windsor, Ontario, as a proud mother of five adult children.

Find out more about Fartumo and her work:

https://www.instagram.com/fartumokusow/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrcmHf0KeGHhU1aZVWX9Lw

https://www.uwindsor.ca/vp-people-equity-inclusion/465/iamsahrabulle-conference

Connect with Kortney:

https://www.shitstickoflife.com/

https://www.instagram.com/shitstickoflifepodcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingskortney

Watch this Episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/PICD8glTuSg

Canadian Resources:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html

https://www.sheltersafe.ca/

https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/resources/family-and-intimate-partner-violence

https://www.awhl.org/donate

American Resources:

https://www.thehotline.org/

https://victimconnect.org/resources/national-hotlines/

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence

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After shaking off some nerves about her first episode, host Kortney Wilson tells listeners why she feels ready to share her story after a number of personal challenges. She reflects back on her journey from a young aspiring singer moving from Canada to Nashville with big dreams, to navigating the complexities of life as a public figure, including marriage, motherhood, and the challenges of divorce. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the healing power of sharing one's story in calling her to launch this podcast. Through her candid reflections, she hopes to inspire others who have faced their own 'shit sticks' in life, encouraging them to embrace their struggles and find strength in vulnerability.

Connect with Kortney:

https://www.shitstickoflife.com/

https://www.instagram.com/shitstickoflifepodcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingskortney

Watch this Episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/oWVGGdpolMQ

Canadian Resources:

https://988.ca/

https://cmha.ca/find-help/if-you-are-in-crisis/

https://suicideprevention.ca/

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html

American Resources:

https://988lifeline.org/

https://mhanational.org/suicide-prevention

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help

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

Welcome to the Shit Stick of Life Podcast!

Eventually, we all get hit with the so-called “shit stick” of life. Sometimes, the circumstances bring us to our knees, causing us to question not only how—but if—we can keep going. The Shit Stick of Life is a podcast about people who have used the proverbial shit stick of life to pole vault into vibrant, fulfilling, and meaningful next chapters. It’s about how we come back; from failure to betrayal, and move through tragedy and loss. Each episode will feature honest, inspiring conversations about resilience. Together, we’ll document the journey from surviving to thriving with a much-needed dose of humour. We HAVE to laugh along this journey. 

Podcast host and re-visionary Kortney Wilson knows a thing or two about reinventing herself. She's been an actress (ironically, on the soap opera One Life to Live), a signed recording artist, a reality television star, an author, a real estate agent, a house flipper, a home designer, a style influencer, and the host of multiple shows on HGTV. When her "perfect" marriage of 20 years ended, surfacing decades of secrets and betrayals, the shock and devastation shook her to her core. She called EVERY aspect of her life into question. On The Shit Stick of Life Podcast, Kortney shares her story and goes deep in conversation with her heroes, artists, authors, activists, and others--who have transformed their lives and reinvented themselves in the face of extraordinary setbacks.

New episodes drop every other Thursday in 2025.

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

Host Kortney Wilson interviews Jaylene Tyme, an indigenous Two Spirit trans woman and the second oldest contestant on Drag Race. Jaylene discusses her background as a 60s scoop survivor, her journey to sobriety, and her work in the LGBTQIA2S+ community. She emphasizes the importance of Two-Spirit culture and her efforts to create safe spaces, including healing circles in maximum-security prisons. Jaylene also shares her experiences with drag, her advocacy for gender-affirming care, and her personal growth through self-acceptance and cultural reconnection. More About Jaylene:Jaylene Tyme is a celebrated Two-Spirit, sober Indigenous trans woman, drag artist, and advocate known for her sophisticated glamour and impactful community work. With over three decades of experience, she seamlessly blends artistry and activism, inspiring audiences through her performances and dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. A Sixties Scoop survivor with Saulteaux, Cree, and Métis roots, Jaylene’s story of resilience and advocacy has earned her national acclaim, including appearances on CBC’s Canada’s a Drag and Canada’s Drag Race - Season 5.https://speakerscanada.com/keynote-speaker/jaylene-tyme/ https://www.instagram.com/jaylenetyme/

Connect with Kortney:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shitstickoflifepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingskortney⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyIp6IQjgepxjIL9a3sgYXaEcCwT65XDH⁠⁠⁠

Leave Kortney a voicenote!

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/voicemail/⁠⁠⁠

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

*Episode Disclaimer* This episode discusses suicide and may be triggering for some listeners.

Host Kortney Wilson welcomes friend and musician Forest Blakk to the podcast for a heartfelt discussion about everything from his troubling childhood and his experience with homelessness, to the healing power of music and his love for songwriting. He reflects on the defining moments that led him to pursue music, the significance of hope, the impacts of money and success, and the lessons learned from adversity.

More About Forest Blakk:

https://www.instagram.com/forestblakk/

https://www.forestblakk.com/

Connect with Kortney:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shitstickoflifepodcast⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingskortney⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube:

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyIp6IQjgepxjIL9a3sgYXaEcCwT65XDH⁠⁠

Leave Kortney a voicenote!

⁠⁠⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/voicemail/⁠⁠

Canadian Suicide Resources:

⁠https://988.ca/⁠

⁠https://cmha.ca/find-help/if-you-are-in-crisis/⁠

⁠https://suicideprevention.ca/⁠

⁠https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html⁠

American Suicide Resources:

⁠https://988lifeline.org/⁠

⁠https://mhanational.org/suicide-prevention⁠

⁠https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and New Friendships

(03:08) Fasting and Health Journeys

(06:00) Childhood Struggles and Family Dynamics

(08:52) Confronting the Past and Personal Growth

(11:45) The Impact of Online Comments and Public Perception

(14:59) Understanding Pain and Struggle

(17:46) The Role of Music in Healing

(21:05) Finding Your Voice and Creative Expression

(23:56) Lessons from Adversity and Personal Accountability

(26:47) Connection Through Shared Experiences

(29:49) Defining Moments in Career and Life Choices

(32:15) The Weight of Family Legacy

(33:00) Music as a Calling

(35:00) Defining Moments and Choices

(36:50) Finding Hope in Calgary

(39:07) The Search for Meaning

(40:32) The Journey to Nashville

(41:32) The Power of Connection

(43:26) Reflections on Money and Success

(45:50) Life Lessons from Adversity

(48:10) The Impact of Music on Lives

(52:03) The Importance of Being Seen

(53:30) Advice and Mentorship

(57:05) Future Aspirations and Self-Discovery

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

Episode Disclaimer: This episode touches on the loss of a child following pregnancy and may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.Host Kortney Wilson interviews Toronto Media Personality Caitlin Green, a former radio host and lifelong pop culture and reality tv enthusiast. Caitlin shared her initial reluctance to have children, and the unexpected pregnancy of her son Sam. Sam was born at full term but passed away six hours later due to a fetal-maternal hemorrhage. Caitlin and her husband created a foundation to support Mount Sinai Hospital, raising $42,000. They now have a healthy son, Will, and continue to honour Sam's memory through various tributes and discussions with their family.Find out more about Caitlin Green and her support of Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto:https://www.instagram.com/caitlingreeen/

https://secure.supportsinai.ca/site/Donation2?df_id=5382&mfc_pref=T&5382.donation

Connect with Kortney:

⁠⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shitstickoflifepodcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingskortney⁠⁠

Watch this Episode on YouTube:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyIp6IQjgepxjIL9a3sgYXaEcCwT65XDH⁠

Leave Kortney a voicenote!

⁠⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/voicemail/⁠

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

Episode Disclaimer: This episode briefly touches on mushrooms and microdosing. It is in not meant to be taken as professional or medical advice. Ahead of Mother’s Day, host Kortney Wilson welcomes back popular guests, friends and mothers, Mel and Ashley. They explore motherhood from a variety of angles, from how relationships and family dynamics change over time, to intimacy, dating later in life, and the complexities of step-parenting. They reflect on the lessons learned from their mothers, discussing different parenting styles and the importance of open communication. They also answer some audience questions together!Links from this conversation:https://michaelpollan.com/books/how-to-change-your-mind/https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80229847 Chapters(00:00) Introduction and Welcome Back(02:05) Navigating Online Drama and Bullying(04:00) Motherhood Reflections and Lessons(10:10) Body Image and Self-Perception After Motherhood(13:03) Scheduling Intimacy in Relationships(17:56) Dating and Relationships in Your 50s(21:50) Parenting Dynamics and Step-Parenting(29:51) The Evolution of Motherhood and Parenting Styles(32:09) Open Conversations with Teenagers(35:15) Regrets and Life Choices(39:15) Exploring Plant Medicine and Microdosing

Connect with Kortney:

⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/shitstickoflifepodcast⁠

⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingskortney⁠

Watch this Episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyIp6IQjgepxjIL9a3sgYXaEcCwT65XDH

Leave Kortney a voicenote!

⁠https://www.shitstickoflife.com/voicemail/

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