Momondays, a show that encourages people to share and listen to personal motivational stories, moved into its new venue Monday.
Rob Osburn, executive producer at BNR Media group and Lisa Browning, coordinator at One Thousand Trees, have taken charge of the momondays franchise in Guelph and moved it to Manhattans restaurant. It was formerly held at the Sip Club.
Short for motivation Mondays, Osburn says the mission of momondays is to support the growth of the guests in the room by sharing personal and authentic stories in a way that is entertaining for the audience.
Despite the heavy snowfall Monday that encompassed most of Southern Ontario, momondays was full.
“We sold out tonight. We’re thrilled,” said Osburn.
The venue includes live music and live storytelling in an intimate setting. Speakers are arranged prior to the event to speak on on a topic that's personal to them.
Monday's speakers included Elaine Uskoski, an iridologist, who spoke about her role as a mother to her son who’s destructive addiction to gaming was something he put his health, education, and life in jeopardy for.
Justin Sytsma, a campus pastor at Lakeside Church, spoke about his unhealthy relationship with food. Something he struggled with as a man.
Jaya James, the executive director at Lakeside Hope House, spoke about her and her family’s genetic link to cancer and how the painful experience made her a better person.
Osburn says that they are trying to make this event more community based and more Guelph based.
“People come to hear stories and they can realize ‘Hey I have a story that I would like to share,’” says Osburn.
“Each city has its own flavour and personality depending on the hosting. We both really hoped we can acquire Manhattans for this and we did.”
Started by Michel Neray in Toronto, Momondays has spread across 13 cities in Canada.
If the entire event and experience could be summed in one word, Browning says, its "inspiration."
