Ignite My Voice; Becoming Unstoppable

Christine Dillard is a director at Microsoft and author of the powerful memoir, 'The Truth She Showed Me.' Christine's story is a journey through coercive control, gaslighting, and the arduous path back to self-identity. The irony of leading teams in high-stakes environments while grappling with a second life filled with fear and hyper-vigilance is a reminder of the silent battles many endure. Thi...

Todd Hancock is like the Swiss Army knife of media—radio personality, interviewer, producer, editor, promoter, and podcaster. We explore his journey from traditional radio to podcasting, and let me tell you, it’s not just a switch of platforms; it’s a full-on metamorphosis. Todd emphasizes that while technology has evolved, the foundational element of storytelling—genuine human connection—remains...

Join us as we chat with Matt Melvin, who turns his own challenges into a narrative of resilience and empowerment. From navigating the complexities of being on the autism spectrum to battling the stigmas of impulsivity and societal judgment, Matt’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s not just sharing a story; he’s breaking the silence around mental health and the prison system, showing...

This is an uplifting and heartfelt story of... cancer... of all things! Dean Holonko is a marine engineer who faced the ultimate plot twist—being diagnosed with stage four melanoma. But instead of letting fear take the wheel, Dean chose gratitude, resilience, and a whole lotta humor to navigate his journey. We're chatting about how his unexpected adventure with cancer transformed his perspective o...

Kendall Ann Dixon, a master shiatsu therapist, meditation teacher, and author, dives into the fascinating intersections of energy, intuition, and the body. She shares her journey working with everyone from rock stars to heads of state, all while emphasizing the power of authenticity in creating deeper connections. Imagine stepping into a room and feeling the energy shift when you speak your truth....

We’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of authenticity in performance. Join us as we chat with the owner of L A Jones Talent, Pam Jones, who’s not just about finding talent but about discovering the real, raw essence that makes performers shine. Forget about all that polished perfection nonsense—Pam’s all about the heart and grit behind the mic. We’ll be exploring the importance of bringin...

Today we’re chatting about how connection trumps perfection every time, and Holly knows a thing or two about keeping it real. As one half of one of Canada's pioneering female-led morning radio shows, she’s not just a voice on the airwaves; she’s a beacon of honesty, humor, and the kind of vulnerability that resonates with everyone. We’ll be exploring everything from motherhood and mental health to...

We chat with Aaron Bushkowski, one of Canada’s most produced playwrights, who brings a whirlwind of creativity to the table—from theater and film to poetry and novels. Aaron’s unique perspective, shaped by personal experiences like receiving a life-saving kidney transplant, transforms his storytelling into something deeply human and relatable. We explore the intricacies of writing with depth and s...

Today we sit at the intersection of power, silence, and the courage to speak out. Joining us is the magnificent Lara St. John, who’s not just a virtuoso violinist but also a filmmaker on a mission to shed light on the dark corners of classical music institutions. Her documentary 'Dear Lara' takes us behind the curtain to reveal unsettling truths and patterns of abuse that have long been ignored. A...

We’re chatting with Bill Dow, who’s been on a wild ride from acting in legendary shows like *Stargate* and *Supernatural* to earning a PhD in Greek mythology—talk about plot twists! We're exploring how ancient tales shape modern storytelling and why those epic narratives still matter in today's world, especially when everything feels a bit chaotic. We’ll be tossing around ideas about theater, the...

Who knew a chat about AI could feel like a wild journey through a sci-fi novel? Join us and Eric Westra as we unpack the tangled web of technology and humanity. Eric’s not just your average tech guru; he’s a storyteller with a knack for making the complex sound like a bedtime story. Our adventure takes us through the fiscal jungle of AI’s costs—$1 billion a month? We dive into the capabilities of...

Our special guest, the ever-charismatic Steve Darling, takes us on a wild ride through his life, starting from a daring leap into the world of live television at the tender age of 23. We chat about the challenges of reporting during one of history's most defining moments – 9/11 – and how that experience shaped his career and worldview. It’s not just about the news, though; it’s about listening – l...

Larry Semkew's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a little bit of humor. We delve into the intricate dance of voice, emotion, and connection—how every word spoken can ignite feelings and spark change. Larry’s insights on the voiceover industry are eye-opening, especially when he discusses the seismic shifts brought on by technology and the pandemic. We explore how...

Today we’re diving deep into the art of connection versus mere performance. We’re joined by the life-long record promoter, Ray Ramsay, who’s been around the block more times than a song on the radio! If you’ve ever ...

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we probe into the delicate balance between personal expression and audience reception in the realm of theater. Johnna Wright shares her thoughts on the director's role as a conduit of the playwright's vision while also being the lens through which actors interpret their characters. The discussion dances between the lines of creativity and vulnerability,...

Ezra Kwizera is not just any international artist and music producer; he’s a beacon of resilience, having turned his own harrowing experiences from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide into a powerful musical journey. We'll explore how his unique blend of reggae, East African bongo, and pop transcends borders and speaks to the heart of human connection. But hold onto your headphones, because this...

In this lively second episode with Chris Gailus, we’re diving deeper into the world of local journalism. Chris is a veteran news anchor who's all about keeping our communities informed. We’re not just talking headlines here; we’re unpacking the importance of local news as a collective commitment that fuels democracy itself. We also tackle the tricky terrain of media consumption habits among younge...

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of insights in our chat with TV news anchor Chris Gailus, where we explore the intersection of voice, media, and societal impact. We’re chatting about the importance of being factual over being first in a world where clicks rule the roost, and trust in media is wobbling like a jello on a rollercoaster. Our conversation shifts to the vital skills of critical think...

Our hosts engage in a lively discussion about the evolution of voice in advertising and storytelling in this second episode with voice actor Jim Conrad. They reflect on the past, where a booming voice was synonymous with authority, and contrast it with the modern need for authenticity and emotional connectivity. In an age where artificial intelligence is creeping into voiceover work, they emphasiz...

Today, we're diving into the wild world of storytelling and its cosmic connection to our human evolution—seriously, it’s like the ultimate plot twist! We’re chatting with Jim Conrad, a voiceover artist and all-around storyteller extraordinaire, who’s been pondering some pretty heavy questions: What happens to our beloved narratives when AI starts churning out tales and even mimicking emotions? Buc...

Imagine diving headfirst into one of the biggest mysteries of the 20th century—what happened to the legendary Amelia Earhart? This episode takes us on a whirlwind journey through time and space, exploring the fateful events of 1937 when Earhart, a trailblazing aviator and icon, vanished over the Pacific Ocean during her ambitious attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Our guest, Dick Spink, an adven...

On this episode we’re diving deep into the art of communication, chatting about how great communication isn’t just about tossing a bunch of words into the air like confetti; it’s about knowing when to zip it and really tune in. Podcast-whisperer Jennifer Lee Gunson spills the beans on why interviewing can be trickier than a cat on a hot tin roof, revealing that sometimes being over-prepared can bl...

Let’s be real—life can be a wild ride, and sometimes we all fumble through it like we just got off a roller coaster. Enter Lisa Brandt, our guest this week, who’s got a treasure trove of stories from her years in journalism, interviewing everyone from celebs to everyday folks. She’s seen it all, and guess what? Behind the glitz and glam, everyone’s just human, making mistakes and learning as they...

We chat with radio legend Dean Hill, who rocked the airwaves for nearly five decades, bringing laughter and connection to the city of Vancouver. He’s all about showing up for your life, finding pride in those small wins, and learning that reinvention doesn’t stop just because the mic is off. Dean’s journey teaches us that it’s not about chasing trends or perfection—it's about preparation, flexibil...

Diving into the deep end, our convo today is all about how our voices can literally change the game. In part two of this series, we’re joined again by the brilliant Dr. Nawal Musleh-Motut, who doesn’t just talk the talk—she walks the walk. We kick things off by exploring the power dynamics in society, and how race, gender, and class are more than just buzzwords; they shape the stories we hear and...