The Smoko Podcast

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with the thoughtful and dynamic Toby Michaud, a former wildlife biologist, DEI advocate, and founder of a facilitation practice centered on inclusion, equity, and collaborative leadership. With over 25 years of experience in STEM and a deep commitment to creating systems where everyone feels seen, Toby brings a wealth of personal and professional...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week, we’re joined by Chelsea Barron, an Indigenous Two-Spirit Red Seal Machinist, instructor at BCIT, and advocate for representation in the trades. Chelsea shares her remarkable journey from discovering the trades through BCIT’s Women in Trades program, to becoming its first full-time female machinist instructor. Chelsea reflects on her lived experiences naviga...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with astrophysicist, science communicator, and STEM icon Kihana Wilson, known online as The Astro Stud. Kihana shares her incredible journey from a curious 10-year-old discovering a life-changing astronomy book in her school library, to becoming a post-baccalaureate researcher at Argonne National Laboratory. Her research dives deep into theoretic...

Take a break, we're on Smoko! This week we're joined by Brandy Kawulka, a powerhouse in the trades and a fierce advocate for women in the industry. Brandy shares her journey from studying joinery at BCIT to running her own successful renovation and contracting business: Tartan Contracting. We dive into the realities of working in the trades, the challenges women face, and the importance...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Lacey Rose and Jess Kaknevicius the founders of Women in Wood, a community that champions representation, support, and advocacy for women in the forestry sector. Jess is the CEO of Forest Canada, a national leader in restoration, education, and community engagement. Lacey is a registered forester responsible for the long-term forest managemen...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with Sophia Malbarosa known online as Pia Builds. Pia is a multidisciplinary artist turned carpenter, professor, and advocate for representation in the trades. Pia’s story begins with her first love: dance. After injuries sidelined her dream of becoming a professional ballerina, she sought new ways to channel her creativity, which led her to disc...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with 2023 Churchill Fellow Polly Britten, a woman in trades advocate. Polly speaks to her involvement in the NextGen Tradies - Try a Trade Program, as well as her transformative research on gender equity in skilled trades education. Polly’s study, aimed to highlight how we can create a more inclusive and empowering future for young people in non-...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re honoured to sit down with Aria Joughin, the founder of Make With, a queer-owned learning center dedicated to equipping individuals—especially women, queer, trans, and BIPOC folks—with essential hands-on skills in home maintenance, repair, emergency preparedness, and self-sufficiency.  Aria shares the story behind the creation of Make With, born from a moment of...

Take a break we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Rosa and Mathilde, co-presidents of the Student Association for Geography, Geomatics, and the Environment (SAGE). Together, they share their passion for environmental science, their leadership journeys, and the transformative impact of building a thriving student community focused on sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.  Mathild...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by the multi-talented Lindsay Reynolds, the founding president of Hancock & MacArthur, and the host of the She Wears Work Boots podcast​.   From her early days studying civil engineering to finding her passion on active construction sites, Lindsay shares candid reflections on overcoming the fear of failure, discovering her love for project management,...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by Emma Priestner, a Technical Education Specialist with the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Foundation and a driving force behind transformative initiatives like the Women of Steel program. Emma shares her inspiring journey, from her first welding certification experience at a Women of Steel workshop to becoming a leader shaping the future of trades educat...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with Carly Steiman, an entrepreneur and a licensed electrician with nearly 20 years of experience, eight which operating her residential electrical business Lady Electric. Carly specializes in lighting consulting and smaller scale jobs.  Carly shares her story of discovering her passion for electrical work, starting her career right after high sc...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, we sit down with Marg Latham, an influential leader in engineering, project management, and mentorship. With an impressive career spanning decades Marg has not only excelled in technical expertise but has also been a driving force in fostering inclusion and diversity in STEM.  Marg Latham, P.Eng., was the only woman to graduate in civil engineering from Que...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko. We’re thrilled to be joined by Lindsay Lashley, ancivil engineer and concrete materials specialist involved in Canada’s rail and transportation sectors. Lindsay has made remarkable contributions to high-frequency rail projects, demonstrating both technical expertise and a commitment to driving positive change in her field. She is also a prominent leader in Black Engin...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko. We sit down with Caeley Looney an aerospace and space systems engineer and passionate advocate for diversity in STEM fields. With an enthusiasm for both engineering and outreach, Caeley has dedicated her career not only to advancing aerospace technology but also to breaking barriers and creating space for more women and underrepresented groups in the industry.  From h...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honored to be joined by Anna Lary, a trailblazing Red Seal and BC Master Electrician. With over a decade of experience teaching in the electrical apprenticeship program at BCIT and numerous accolades to her name, Anna’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Starting her apprenticeship in 1997, Anna faced and overcame significant challenges in a traditionally male-do...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We sit down with the remarkable founders of Girls in Civil: Sofía D. Boscio-López, Gilmarie O’Neill Medina, Charmelis A. Reyes Cruz, Laura M. Rosario Gonzalez, and Gabriela Yáñez González. Girls in Civil is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women in the field of civil engineering. Join us as we delve into their unique journeys and how eac...

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with very serious topics, specifically about suicide and mental health. We speak about suicide prevention and the mental health crisis within our communities. We speak to the work of the Ontario District Council of Ironworkers and the creation of mental health committees and programs to help our community of tradespeople. Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured t...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honored to sit down with Olympian Mandy Bujold, for an in-depth conversation about her remarkable journey from the boxing ring to the construction industry. Mandy, an 11-time national champion and 2x gold medalist at the Pan American Games, shares the inspiring story of how she discovered boxing, her relentless pursuit of excellence, and the pivotal moments that defin...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! I sit down with Tara Hogan, the founder of ArtHaus Projects, known for their innovative approach to estimating and construction management. Tara, with over 10 years of experience in construction, estimating, and project management, has worked on a variety of projects including residential, commercial and health. She is also the 2021 winner of the Women in Construction...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Join us as we sit down with Rosemary Cescolini, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of Only Women Entrepreneurs (O.W.E).  Rosemary shares her unique transition from working as a teacher to running a shop floor of a manufacturing company specializing in custom doors. Rosemary talks about the foundation of Only Women Entrepreneurs, an organization create...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Join us as we sit down with Chloe Arsenault, Miss Greater Sudbury and founder of Tiaras and Trades. Chloe shares her journey of becoming a civil engineering technician and a passionate advocate for women in skilled trades and mining. Chloe talks about her experiences in the mining industry, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame them. She discusses the importa...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week I sat down with Mia-May Grabovac, a passionate marine biology student at the University of Manitoba. Mia shares her fascinating journey into marine biology, from her childhood dream of working with sharks to her advanced studies and research in Arctic ecosystems. Mia discusses her experiences as a research assistant, particularly her work aboard the Canadian...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honored to sit down with Paris Mitchell, a talented fourth-year apprentice specializing in alloy boat building in New Zealand. Paris shares her unique journey from learning welding with her dad at fourteen to becoming a part of the maritime industry. Paris opens up about the challenges and rewards of her craft, detailing the intricate process of building custom alloy...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week I sat down with Andrea Durdle, an instructor at Plumbing and Pipe Trades at the School of Trades and Technology at Camosun College. Andrea shares her incredible journey from being a culinary professional to discovering her passion for plumbing and pipe trades. Now a Red Seal plumber and a champion for women in trades, Andrea talks about the transformative mo...