What happens when you build your entire identity around work, then realize it's not enough? In this episode of Behind the Village, we sit down with animator and production company owner Anne Douris to explore her journey from working 12-hour days to redefining what success actually means.

Anne opens up about the hard work of separating self-worth from productivity, why COVID forced her to confront what was missing in her life, and how becoming a parent completely shifted her priorities. You'll hear honest insights about learning to say no, the guilt that comes with slowing down, and why physical community matters more than ever in our low-stakes digital world. Anne's story challenges the hustle culture narrative and offers a different path forward for creatives trying to build careers that actually fit their lives.

Anne Douris Animation

Website: https://www.annedouris.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossieperson/

Behind The Village Podcast

Website: https://villagermagazine.ca/podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVillagerCommunityNews/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevillagermagazine/

Newsletter: https://villagermagazine.ca/subscribe/

Chapters

01:03 - Learning to say no

02:55 - How COVID revealed that work wasn't enough

05:14 - Separating self-worth from productivity and performance

10:08 - Protecting your time and being present as a parent

16:00 - Trading city opportunities for family support and community

18:38 - Why physical presence matters more than digital connection

21:07 - Building a creative career through in-person connections

Ever wondered how Santa actually pulls off Christmas Eve, or what he does the other 364 days of the year? In this special holiday episode of our Behind the Village podcast, we sit down with the man himself, Santa Claus, to get answers to the questions kids (and adults) have been asking for generations.

Santa reveals the surprising blend of Christmas magic and modern technology he uses to visit every house, shares which reindeer might secretly be his favourite, and settles the great cookie debate once and for all. You'll hear about tropical post-Christmas vacations, year-round reindeer training, the secret to staying on the nice list, and his heartfelt message to children everywhere. Whether you're watching with kids who still believe or you're curious about the logistics of global gift delivery, this conversation brings the magic of Christmas to life.

Santa Claus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSimcoeSanta/

Behind The Village Podcast

Website: https://villagermagazine.ca/podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVillagerCommunityNews/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevillagermagazine/

Newsletter: https://villagermagazine.ca/subscribe/

Chapters

00:05 - Welcome to the North Pole

00:54 - How does Santa visit every house in one night?

02:38 - Which reindeer is Santa's favourite?

04:09 - Do the reindeer get rest time?

05:04 - Flying in wind and blizzards with GPS technology

07:08 - How to stay on the nice list

08:15 - Santa's casual wardrobe

09:43 - What Santa does during the rest of the year

11:59 - The favourite cookie debate

13:39 - How people don't wake up when Santa visits

14:34 - Do reindeer eat as many carrots as Santa eats cookies?

15:25 - Santa's message to children

In this episode of our Behind the Village podcast, we sit down with Risha Yorke from Yorke Motivational Consulting to explore her powerful journey from burnout to balance. After juggling a demanding IT career and running a theatre company, Risha made the bold decision to quit her job and focus on what truly matters: health, wellness, and living life on her own terms.

She shares candid insights on the importance of saying no, setting boundaries, and prioritizing lifestyle over work. You’ll hear about how she learned to slow down, embrace relaxation, and find joy in everyday moments. Even when it felt impossible.

Yorke Motivational Consulting

Website: https://www.yorkemotivational.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YorkeMotivational/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorkemotivational/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/risha-yorke-b6825711

Behind The Village Podcast

Website: https://villagermagazine.ca/podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVillagerCommunityNews/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevillagermagazine/

Newsletter: https://villagermagazine.ca/subscribe/

Chapters

01:38 - Burnout and the negative effects on health

04:20 - Shifting your mindset from being a workaholic

08:17 - Rest as an act of rebellion

10:35 - Learning how to relax

16:06 - Longevity and the importance of connections

16:53 - Losing happiness

17:40 - The power to say no

19:03 - Feminist theory and setting healthy boundaries

22:46 - Can someone actually achieve work life balance?

27:44 - Mental Health, Mindfulness and Meditation