The Smoko Podcast

Take a break, we’re on Smoko!  In this episode,we sit down with Mila Szautner a third-year geological engineering student at the University of Saskatchewan. Mila shares her unique journey into engineering, discussing her initial uncertainties, the impact of COVID-19 on her education, and her eventual decision to pursue geological engineering.  Mila delves into her experiences as a woman in a predo...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! In this episode, we welcome the trailblazing Julie Laughton, CEO of Julie Laughton Design Build and JLGC. Julie has over 30 years of experience and is proud to provide her clients a true one-stop shop. She guides them from the conception to the completion of the project, providing all the permit-ready plans and the design and construction services. She has not only ma...

*Note: throughout this episode I accidentally mispeak and pronounce Jana Gebara’s name incorrectly. The correct pronunciation of her name is Jah-nah rather than Yah-nah. Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by two extraordinary guests, Makenna Kuzyk and Jana Gebara, mechanical engineering students at the University of Alberta. As founders and co-project managers of Mission Spacewal...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Rachel Bourne, a pioneering female driller in the geotechnical and environmental drilling industry. Rachel’s journey is a testament to breaking barriers and challenging norms in a traditionally male-dominated field. Rachel shares her unexpected path from aspiring artist to a respected professional in drilling, driven by a chance encounter wit...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by Katrina Van Osch-Saxon, a professor at Fleming College in the School of Environment and Natural Resources. Katrina specializes in urban forestry and agriculture, focusing on tree care and forest health. She shares her journey from being the tomboy daughter of a self-taught arborist to becoming a passionate educator about forest health and the critical...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Jhalak Batta, affectionately known as Jay, a dynamic third-year student at the University of Alberta pursuing studies in Psychology, Sociology, and Biological Sciences. Jay shares her compelling journey from discovering her interest in mental health during junior high to navigating a diverse academic path in university. As a dedicated member...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! In this episode I sit down with Bethany Mercieca, a renowned carpenter from Blue Mountains, Sydney, known for her work with Blue Eco Homes. Bethany shares her unique journey from working in the film and TV industry as a makeup artist to becoming a carpenter. Her transition was driven by a desire for a more stable and rewarding career, ultimately leading her to join he...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sat down with Katherine Andrews, a botanist with a fascinating background in plant biology and the cannabis industry. Katherine, who holds a Bachelor's in Biology and Environmental Science and a Master's in Plant Biology and Conservation, shares her journey from neuroscience and botany to becoming a cannabis professional. Her work in product dev...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week I sat down with the brilliant Dr. Becky Robinson, a professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. Specializing in marine geology and geochemistry, Dr. Robinson delves into the intricacies of marine nitrogen and its critical role in the global carbon cycle and climate change.  We discuss Dr. Robinson's fascinating journey of discovering he...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Allison Short, a versatile safety management consultant whose career path is as unique as it is inspiring. Allison's journey began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, eventually leading her to a master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Her transition from the arts to safety management offers a refreshing persp...

Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week we're joined by the esteemed Dr. Heather Jamieson, Professor Emerita from Queen's University. With over 22 years of experience in the Department of Environmental Studies and the Department of Geosciences and Geological Science Engineering, Dr. Jamieson has made significant contributions to environmental geochemistry. Dr. Jamieson shares her fa...

Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week we're joined by two amazing guests: Katarina Hein and Becca Mann, physicists from the University of Manitoba. Katarina and Becca bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the show, offering an engaging and educational conversation about physics, the universe, community, and mentorship. Katarina Hein dives into the world of medical physics, w...

Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week we're joined by Kaylin McLeod from UBC Geering Up where we dive deep into the world of STEM education, youth engagement, and the transformative impact of early exposure to engineering. Learn about engineering outreach and youth engagement at Geering Up, and Kaylin's role in fostering a passion for STEM among children and youth. From a backgrou...

This special episode is brought to you by CCWESTT , the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades, and Technology, and features a live interview with Caroline Mekodom at CCWESTT’s biennial conference: Charting a Course, Navigating Systemic Change held this past May in Victoria, British Columbia. Caroline Mekodom , is a certified engineering technologist specializing in biomedical...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week I sat down with Cate McLellan, also known as Carpenter Cate from Instagram and TikTok. Cate shares her incredible journey of transitioning from a decade-long career in office administration to becoming a skilled carpenter. She opens up about the pivotal moment that led her to trade school and the challenges she faced, including discovering her ADHD and navig...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we are joined by Dr. Molly Patterson, a renowned oceanographer, climate scientist and Assistant Professor at Binghamton University. In this episode, Molly delves into the critical issue of sea level rise and its implications for coastal communities worldwide.   We delve into the SWAIS2C project, in which Dr. Patterson is a co-chief. Molly explains the dynami...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We're joined by Nhu Nguyen, a trailblazer in the automotive industry and the first female certified Porsche classic technician.   From her early days of street racing to the transition into automotive mechanics, Nhu's story is one of determination and skill. Working her way up, Nhu quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing her innate talent for tinkering an...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to sit down with Julie D’Altroy, provincial organizer for IBEW Construction Council of Ontario. A seasoned electrician, Julie provides insights into her journey in the skilled trades and her transition to working within the union. Julie sheds light on her responsibilities in membership development, where she champions for fair wages, benefits, and safety stan...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we are joined by Ritu Jhaveri, a pioneering figure in STEM education. As the CEO and co-founder of Deschool Online, Ritu shares her journey from educator to entrepreneur and discusses the organization's mission to revolutionize STEM learning. Deschool, seeks to bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world STEM demands. Ritu explains how t...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We're joined by a special guest: Dr. Sandra Barr, a distinguished geoscientist. Dr. Barr is the recipient of the Logan Medal from the Geological Association of Canada, the highest award given in Canadian geoscience. In this episode we're honoured to tap into her 45 years of experience in geoscience, learning more about geology of the Appalachians, research,...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We're joined by Shayla Aspen, also known as the Tiny Technician, to explore her remarkable journey as a female entrepreneur in the trades. As a gas heating specialist, Shayla's expertise lies in working with gas-powered systems, ranging from fireplaces to tankless water heaters, within the residential sector.   Shayla's path into the trades began when s...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to sit down with the pioneer we Kelly Kienleitner, an electrician, winder, and educator breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of trades. From her childhood surrounded by tools to becoming the first red-seal female in Canada in her trade, Kelly's story is one of resilience and determination.   As Kelly recounts her path into the trades, listeners...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We're joined by Sinéad  Clarkson, a passionate quantity surveyor advocating for gender diversity in construction. Sinéad  sheds light on her unconventional journey into quantity surveying.   Sinéad  speaks to her role in advocating for women in construction, showcasing her involvement in initiatives such as Girls Under Construction and the National Association of...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to sit down with geologist and science communicator, Becky Nesel aka Geo Beck. Join us as we delve into our mutual love for the natural world and the captivating wonders of geology.   Becky shares her journey from working as a geotechnical engineering to becoming a full-time science communicator, driven by her insatiable curiosity about the Earth. She discuss...

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to sit down with Tam Pham, biochemist and advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. Tam shares her journey into biochemistry, her research into peptides, and the importance of making scientific concepts accessible for marginalized communities and individuals with disabilities.   Tam delves into her role as Director of Youth Engagement at SCWIST, the Socie...