The Safety Debris Podcast with Tanya Steele and Richard Dulong

What do a torn ACL, parkour on rooftops, years of stunt standby work in the film industry, and a brand new white belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu all have in common? They're all part of the wildly varied, genuinely unscripted life of Episode 53 guest Wes Rundle claims manager, NCSO, safety professional, and living proof that the best continuity plan is sometimes the one you never saw coming. At one poi...

What does it take to reduce injury rates by 75% across 80,000 people in one of the world's most dangerous industries and what happens when the system still fails and people die? Roger Bresden has been there. The CEO of BBI International joins Tanya and Richard with 40 years of hard-won experience spanning six continents, a decade at Saudi Aramco, 21 power plants across North America, and three com...

In this episode of Safety Debris, our special guest Fernando De Melo grew up learning risk management the hard way, starting with the risk of letting his dad pick where the family lived, but what he discovered three decades into a career in health and safety is something most people in the industry don't want to admit: "Safety First" might be the most dishonest slogan in the business. At one point...

What happens when a tire shop manager loses everything to addiction, his girlfriend, house, dog, car, then loses a 19-year-old worker to a preventable workplace fatality? In this raw and revelatory episode, Jeremy Gauthier shares how his best friend literally picked him up and carried him to recovery, and how tragedy became the pivot point that transformed him into a keynote speaker who's now jour...

From recording engineer and stage manager to safety procedure powerhouse, Jenece Stinson's career path is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Jenece shares how saying "yes" to an opportunity others turned down changed everything, why the best procedure writers are often those who've never done the job themselves, and the wild story of how her team created an entirely new helicopter hoisting me...

Why do workers hide dangerous behaviour from some safety people and confess everything to others? Allan James Moore knows the answer, and it has nothing to do with compliance. He teaches Fortune 500 companies about psychological safety and servant leadership, but here's the twist: he never wanted to work in safety. He party crashed his way into professional soccer in Scotland with nothing but auda...

Ever wonder how far workplace misconduct can go before it's officially called sexual harassment? Workplace lawyer and certified gender auditor Rika Sawatsky joins us to break down a jaw-dropping case that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about harassment. From "tube steak" propositions to isolated canoe invitations, Rika shares why sexual harassment isn't always overtly sexual....

What happens when a wellness expert has her first hot flash in front of a room full of miners and they respond with unexpected compassion? Lisa Lounsbury hiked 350km solo through Spain to conquer her lifelong anxiety, and now she's flipping the script on workplace safety by asking one radical question: "Who's caring about your cardiac health, your mental health, your physical ability to just funct...

What happens when an Excel-loving estimator trades spreadsheets for safety leadership? In this episode of Safety Debris, we sit down with the Main Road Group HSQE Manager Bob Lund who proves that safety isn’t just about checklists but it’s about people, persistence, and a healthy dose of humour. From keeping crews safe through B.C.’s wild weather to tackling the question, “Can safety and sarcasm a...

Ready for a safety adventure with a twist? Meet Angela Wheeler—a chemist, industrial hygienist, and all-around safety rockstar with more letters after her name than you have time to count! From farming fields to 9/11 recovery, she’s done it all, and she’s here to spill the secrets behind chemical safety, SDS sheets, and why some hazards are sneakier than you think. Plus, find out how Angela and he...

Today’s guest of the Safety Debris podcast is a true renaissance woman in the world of safety, equal parts grit, wisdom, and wit. From oilfields to crane heights, broadcasting to boardrooms—Jen Mutas has done it all. In this episode, she joins us to unpack her wild career journey, being named a tower crane subject matter expert, battling impostor syndrome, and navigating new crane safety legislati...

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stare down a grizzly while your friend accidentally blasts you in the face with bear spray? In this wildly entertaining episode of The Safety Debris Podcast, we chat with a real-life wildlife conflict specialist Kim Titchener—aka the badass who keeps humans and bears from making the evening news. From jaw-dropping bear stories to surprising safety tips, thi...

Ever wondered what rocking out on stage, navigating stormy seas, and leading Fortune 500 executives have in common? You’re about to find out. This week on Safety Debris, we’re joined by a guest who’s turned leadership into an art form, blending bold business strategies with a rock 'n' roll edge. From growing up on a marina to fronting a band, he’s got the stories and insights that’ll make you reth...

What if the key to a stress-free, productive workday was hidden in your favorite song? This week on the Safety Debris Podcast, we’re chatting with Jennifer Buchanan, the genius behind JB Music Therapy, who’s using music to boost relaxation, productivity, and connection in the workplace. With over 30 years of experience, Jennifer’s revolutionized the way we think about sound and its impact on our w...

What does it take to create a workplace where respect is the norm, bullying is shut down before it starts, and leadership actually inspires? Our guest for this episode, Phil Eastwood has spent 35 years in policing, handling crises, defusing conflicts, and watching leadership succeed—or completely fall apart. Now, he’s sharing his best insights on building better workplaces. But that’s just the sta...

Can education or experience make or break your career? Do you really need both to succeed in health & safety? Our guest, Veronica Howat shares her journey from the fast-paced world of chuckwagon racing to becoming a Safety & Fleet Coordinator for a company spanning Canada and the US. She’s balancing a full-time job, long commutes, and late-night studying—proving that hard work can take you...

What if your workplace culture could make or break your team's success—and even make Mondays something to look forward to?  In this episode, we’re sitting down with Michael Kerr—Hall of Fame speaker, workplace culture expert, and author of nine books—to uncover how a thriving culture can fuel success, spark innovation, and (yes, really) make Mondays exciting. Plus, we’ll dive into the power of com...

What if safety could be fun, relatable, and impactful for everyone—even kids?  On this episode of Safety Debris, we talk with Christian Fournier, a Health and Safety Professional with 17+ years of experience, CRSP and CHSC certified, and an HSPC Board Director. But what really makes Christian stand out is his big heart and creative approach to teaching safety.  From building life-changing safety p...

Curious about what a Marine-dad-safety-geek-listening-to-cool-tunes does when he’s not on stage? Get ready for a fun surprise! Today, we’re excited to chat with a keynote speaker who wowed us at recent health and safety conferences and penned the motivational book "Core of Four." He’s joining us from sunny Mesa, Arizona! Curious about Tim’s transition from Marine to motivational speaker & CEO?...

Don’t miss this episode with a 40-year safety veteran who’s as entertaining as he is wise! You’ll get awesome tips on workplace mental health, and if you’re a GenX’er or Baby Boomer, brace yourself for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. With a resume that boasts Past President of the Retail Safety Societies, Criminal Justice Instructor, and First Aid Instructor, his expertise is top-notch. You mig...

Ever wondered what kind of music an emotional intelligence expert grooves to? Join us on today’s episode of Safety Debris with our amazing guest, Carolyn Stern! Get ready for a fun and lively chat with this globetrotting EI expert and award-winning author. We’ll talk about why so many people struggle to manage their emotions, the surprising impact this has on careers and businesses, and how you ca...

Next up is our esteemed special guest—a seasoned senior engineer and forensic expert boasting an impressive 29-year career spanning chemical process engineering and firefighting. But behind of all these smarts and education, what does he enjoys listening to, musically speaking? We also couldn't resist asking: amidst decades of investigations, any strange tales or bizarre findings to share? And wha...

So, what does someone have on their playlist who doesn’t listen to music? Our next special guest is Gabe Guetta, the CEO and Founder of Salus, a Canadian Safety Management Software company, and a very special friend of ours. In this episode, we'll find out if it's true that he didn't own a laptop when he started the company and how he managed to grow his fast-paced business. Plus, he'll share inva...

Ever feel like the traditional classroom just isn't cutting it for you? Well, brace yourself for an inspiring tale straight from Langdon, Alberta! Picture this: a young dreamer, once a dropout by ninth grade, now a powerhouse in the world of consultancy and OH&S training. What ignited her journey? It all began with a superintendent who sparked a fire within her, setting her on a path she never...

Ever wondered about the musical tastes of someone hailing from southern roots, with ties to Wyoming and a stint in Vancouver during the '90s? How do they navigate the construction industry with a fervent commitment to safety? Clad in boots, a hardhat, and a bright high-vis vest, Matt champions workplace safety while ascending to the role of Field Superintendent. But here's a tantalizing question:...