Episodes

For the finale we chat about the idea behind the name - from Uniforms to Unicorns. This conversation is all about COVID, mental health, and how we have all been affected by the events of 2020. Focus on the positive things and let go of the shitty things. We choose what we are carrying. What are you choosing?

Get ready to laugh. Seriously - this one is good. A typical day in the life of a female corrections officer at a federally sentenced women's prison. You won't believe some of the things we had to do. From buckets of chicken and NA meetings in the community to heimlich maneuvers during a Christmas social.

Lauren and Sharon have a candid conversation about transitioning out of prison to being business owners. They talk about how their skills from the jail have assisted them with starting, running, and creating successful businesses. Sharon and her mom own a very successful business in Calgary Medic Laser & Aesthetics Center. Lauren has a life coaching business that focuses on Self Care for First Responder Spouses - Break Complacency. She also runs a Non-Profit - To Serve and Connect for First Resp...

Lauren and Sharon discuss what they wish they knew before they became Corrections Officers. They could talk for hours about this. There is all this stuff that goes around saying "you knew what you signed up for" - when in in fact, you just can't prepare for what you are about to be involved in, witness, and carry with you through out your career and beyond.

One of the things that we have learned through this journey is that when you blame for the crap in your life - you also have to blame it for good. We talk about how there were so many negatives that came out of our time at the prison, but we also are able to see the positives. The people, the strength and the resilience. It's is not something that comes - it is something that you have to work at that builds resiliency.

Sharon & Lauren both became mother's while they worked as Corrections Officers. Shift work, child care and lifestyle are just a few of the things that become difficult to juggle as a First Responder. We absolutely love this episode. It was easy for us to open about the struggles that plagued two moms just trying to make it all work!

Women's Prisons Part 2 - focuses on the years that Sharon and Lauren were employed at the prison 2002-2014 - they saw the introduction of male officers in female federal institutions, handcuffs, maximum security unit, OC spray, management protocols and so much more. We know a lot has changes since we left - we are working on talking to someone in the next season that can shed some more light on how things have changed and evolved since 2014.

Lauren & Sharon talk about the evolution of Women's Prisons in Canada. There is a bunch of history around why women's prisons exist the way that they do. We talk about the events, task forces and reports that contributed to the structure, living arrangements and re-integration supports that are specific to female offenders.

Now, let's get to know Lauren. In this episode Sharon interviews Lauren. It's super cool to sit back and re-hash out a life in an hour episode. There is just so much to share. Lauren discusses her career in corrections, her desire to be a business owner, having babies, beating cancer and her purpose going forward.

Let's get to know Sharon Fernandes. In this episode Lauren interviews Sharon. Everyone has a story - so sit back and enjoy learning all about Sharon. She's funny, brave and excited to share some of her journey in this episode.

Sharon and Lauren introduce their new podcast!