Chatter that Matters

Canada, it's time to reclaim the Canadian Dream. In this special episode of Chatter That Matters, I bring together three of Canada's brightest: Arlene Dickinson , Jon Love C.M. , and Dany Assaf . Recorded live at Excellence Canada 's 40th anniversary, weeks before Justin Trudeau 's resignation, Donald Trump's inauguration, and upcoming free trade negotiations, this nonpartisan conversation dives d...

"It's so easy to become vulnerable online.  Your face and name aren't involved; you can hide behind a user name, an avatar." I begin this powerful and profoundly moving episode of  Chatter That Matters by sharing a personal story of narrowly escaping a predator during my youth, setting the stage for a meaningful conversation about online safety. I then invite my guest, Harrison Haynes, a brave you...

This episode will inspire, enlighten and educate. I sit down with Jill Nykoliation, a visionary leader in marketing and branding. Jill shares her journey from learning about branding at the family dinner table to becoming a trailblazer. She discusses her time at Queen's University, her rapid ascent at Kraft, and her bold decision to venture into advertising.   Jill's 'Tall Grass' philosophy, which...

I kick off the first  Chatter That Matters episode of the new year by sharing my belief in the cosmic choreography of life—how meeting the right people at the right time is shaped by a blend of timing, fate, and intention. This belief perfectly sets the stage for my guest, Jennifer Laidlaw, whose presence and impact are extraordinary. From her roots on a farm to becoming a champion with horses, Je...

In this special edition of  Chatter That Matters, which airs today on radio and across my podcast platform, I explore the key branding and societal trends of 2024. I emphasize the importance of authenticity, understanding your audience, and adaptability. I highlight successful campaigns like the Paris 2024 Olympics, which captivated audiences through unfiltered athlete stories, and Taylor  Swift's...

I begin this episode reflecting on my sister Anna, whose presence and influence in my life have grown more meaningful with time. Her quiet wisdom has deepened my understanding of connection and purpose, revealing lessons I only truly began to appreciate in recent years. From there, I introduce Che Marville—a modern-day healer and visionary. Che's work centers on reconnecting us to the deeper energ...

I was sitting in the green room of a Canadian television station when Sim Seera walked in. She has such positive energy. Since we were both early for our appearances, we used the time to talk and get to know each other. I liked her immediately, and when she told me her story, I knew I had to share it on Chatter That Matters. I also wanted to share her energy with an audience, so I taped the interv...

This week on Chatter that Matters , we explore the profound impact of our surroundings on our health, emotions, and overall well-being. World-renowned architect and thought leader Tye Farrow joins me to discuss how our spaces can elevate our lives, offering more than shelter. Tye shares insights from his groundbreaking book,  Constructing Health , in which he integrates neuroscience with architect...

Have you ever watched a movie that lingered in your thoughts long after the credits rolled? That's exactly how I felt after sitting down with Mitchell Cohen. Many share this sentiment as Mitchell is a true Renaissance man—a thinker, doer, musician, and composer. His mesmerizing cadence makes every moment spent listening to him an absolute delight. Mitchell has devoted much of his life to addressin...

One of our great behavioural scientists, the bestselling author of Behave, dives to the depths of the science and the philosophy of decision-making to mount a devastating case against free will, an argument with profound consequences.  After listening, ask yourself, what side are you on? Are we indeed the masters of our fate, or is free will nothing more than an illusion? In this week's episode, I...

Imagine being Suzanne Heywood, a seven-year-old girl who must abandon all she knows: friends, school, home and surroundings because her parent's dream is to spend three years sailing across the globe, retracing the route of Captain James Cook. Three years turned into a decade and a living nightmare aboard the  Wavewalker-A  70-foot sailboat boat, often shared with strangers to help fund the trip. ...

This is the extraordinary true story of Tier One Special Forces soldier, adventurer, and world-record breaker Dean Stott. In a gripping retelling of his story, Dean shares insight into his esteemed military career in the British Army, where he conducted deployments to hostile environments, worked within counterterrorism operations in some of the most dangerous places in the world, and survived a h...

Uncover the shocking truth about human and sex trafficking in Canada with survivor Kaitlin Bick who courageously shares her journey from vulnerability to victimization and ultimately to becoming an advocate for others. Kaitlin's raw and honest account of her childhood insecurities, substance abuse, and exploitation provides a deeply personal perspective on the complex factors that can lead to the...

Reinventing Healthcare, Four Women at a Time. In this powerful episode, I chat with Amy Louis-Bayliss, MD MSCP, and Lindsay Stollery Jephcott, two of four visionary women—three doctors and an entrepreneur—who unite to transform women's healthcare. Rather than rushing to build a business, they began by aligning their values and purpose, grounding their venture in a commitment to make a real impact....

I sit down with the remarkable Debbie Travis, a woman who has spent her life pursuing her dreams, taking bold leaps, and transforming television. Debbie is an entrepreneur extraordinaire. We learn about her humble beginnings to becoming a successful model, a world-renowned and beloved television personality, author, speaker, and today running a Villa in Tuscany. Debbie's unapologetic honesty shine...

In this episode of Chatter that Matters, I take on one of the toughest challenges facing us today, and many would argue one of our biggest problems to solve: affordable housing. First, you'll meet Calum MacKay, a young man and a captivating storyteller who takes us on his journey of turning the impossible into reality. Living in Vancouver, where home prices are sky-high, Calum and his wife faced t...

Sitting down with extraordinary entrepreneur and thought leader Chip Conley was an absolute joy. In his twenties, he founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality. After facing near death, he sold his business and helped mentor the founders of Airbnb to realize their success. A best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and visionary. Chip now leads an extraordinary movement to redefine how we approach aging...

We live in troubling times where the dangerous echoes of history pound onto Canada's streets. Chants calling for the eradication of an entire population are not just words—they are a chilling reminder of humanity's darkest chapters. My show this week confronts the reality of the genocide, both past and present, and explores how hate-filled rhetoric, left unchecked, can lead to unimaginable atrocit...

"Aging is a design problem, not a disease. Our current societal infrastructure isn't just outdated; it limits the possibilities for fulfilling, extended lives." – Dr. Joe Coughlin.  Are you ready to rethink your approach to aging and retirement? In this life-opening episode of Chatter That Matters, I sit down with Dr. Joe F. Coughlin, founder and director of the MIT AgeLab. We dive deep into the t...

Have you ever wondered what it was like to raise Beyoncé as a father and be her manager? Or how Destiny's Child came to be one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. The role brands like L'Oréal and Pepsi played in Beyoncé's early success as a solo artist. Mathew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé and Solange, joins Chatter that Matters to share his remarkable journey from a Father of Beyoncé an...

Today, we delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Shahana Alibhai, a distinguished family physician and mental health advocate who focuses on youth from equity-deserving neighbourhoods. Shahana grew up in a family that had 72 hours to flee Uganda during the expulsion of Asian minorities under Idi Amin. She witnessed her parents' resilience, adaptability, and optimism in the face of extreme hardsh...

As the Paralympics light up Paris this week, with athletes from over 170 countries showcasing their incredible talents, I felt compelled to do a special show to honor their achievements. My journey led me to the inspiring story of Danielle Campo—someone who has never let her disability define her. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and once told she'd never walk, Danielle not only defied their pred...

As the world eagerly anticipates the premiere of the new documentary on The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), I am thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with Jake Gold, one of the world's music mavens, Canadian Idol Judge, and the legendary manager who played a pivotal role in shaping The Hip's iconic career. Jake Gold managed The Tragical...

In this heartfelt episode,  I interview Jan Stewart, a mental health advocate, and author of Hold on Tight: A Parent's Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness. Jan shares her deeply personal journey of raising two neurodivergent children, Andrew and Ainsley, and the challenges her family has faced. From early signs of their children's struggles to navigating a complex healthcare system, Jan's...

Ever wondered what it was like to live at Paul McCartney's place, or the band dynamics within the members of Rolling Stones?  Find out in our exclusive Chatter That Matters episode where Prince Stash shares the 1960s counterculture and his time playing music and hanging out with members of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and many more. A wonderful storyteller, Prince Stash, transport...