Rival & Queen

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Challenge is back in 2023! Guest judges, Andy Hay and Quake Matthews join us to find the best cookie in Halifax. We taste a whopping 21 cookies this year. In a huge upset - we have a new #1.  Find out who ranks 1, 2, and 3.  Show notes: Connect with Andy Hay at Andy's East Coast Kitchen: @andyseastcoastkitchen_ theeastcoastkitchen.com Connect with Quake Matthews: @quakematthews Listen to Quake's new EP with Young Buck: Learn As I Go   Chat with us & connect @rivalandqueen   Thank you to all our cookie contestants! Whisk & Crumble Bliss Caffeine Bar Steve-O-Reno's East Coast Bakery Pavia Lara Cafe Bird's Nest Tart & Soul Ori Layers Terra Cafe Phat Cookies Dilly Dally Grounded CHKN CHOP Luke's Small Goods The FOG company Edible Matters Apartment 3 24 Carrot Tim Hortons  

Who said cookies?? It's been a hot minute but we are back! We have lots to catch you up on.  This week we fast-forwarded to prepping for the holidays and Sarah's ultimate Christmas trip. And of course how we are doing fall fashion, why we buy and use certain products, AND we are planning the legendary cookie-tasting episode. Stay tuned for more and our special guests! Follow Sarah's new podcast, Reconnect & Awaken Living Libations Skincare   Connect with us and chat on Instagram @rivalandqueen

Hello, summertime, and hello thong bikinis! Yes, that's right, we weigh in on Gen-Zers' rediscovering things that we Millennials already consider in style or popular, like thong bikinis. Or are we just old? Summer also has us thinking about our long locks of hair and proper hair hydration. We spontaneously dive into our own hair issues. According to astrology, this is also meant to be the “summer of love” and let me tell you, we are already feeling the summer love vibes! Thank you for listening. Subscribe & follow us on all social media channels @rivalandqueen.  

We've got a proper besties catch-up! We've been missing you and wanted to hop back on the mic for a fun episode.  We've got:  Birth stories recap & Ashley's first weeks of mama-hood The great bed hunt Our trips & traveling with a baby Keep connected with us on social: @rivalandqueen We love you! Ash & Sarah

It's hard to believe but it's our final episode of 2022. This week we reflect on the last year and look forward to 2023! We share what's been going on the last few months and share our life updates. It wouldn't be a December R&Q episode without talking about our holiday excitement and gift guide must haves! See you in 2023, Happy Holidays! Love Ash & Sarah  Get our gift guide at https://www.instagram.com/rivalandqueen/

Our last episode of season 3! We're signing off for summer break so we can soak up all the sunshine and beach days. - More weddings & dresses - Is Sarah going to Europe? - Our monthly faves and more! We'll be back in September.    Notes: - Annabelle Skinny Brow Liner  - The Cure Skincare Body Serum  More at rivalandqueen.com

Ash & Sarah are back for another Thursday episode! This week's episode is about: craziest way to assign rooms on group vacations new dating terms we need to know (& that we 100% don't) the R&Q men tell us what gives them the ick Notes: Dating terms you need to know by Refinery 29 Plus, a bonus shout-out to the Halifax Wanderers. We love them - check out their upcoming home games. More at rivalandqueen.com

Contest winner Lana MacKinnon-Haliburton joins us for popcorn & LÜVO's! Lana is a long-time fan of the podcast and we dive right into her personal icks when it comes to fashion and life in general. We also talk about nip slip problems, crocs, reality tv, her MEME QUEEN status, and also the new IG notes feature. So many polls coming from this episode.  Connect with Lana: @lanamachali Thank you to LUVO Wines for sponsoring this episode. Get your LUVO at luvolife.ca. More at rivalandqueen.com

This week Sarah's energy is high and she's ready for summer fun so we dive into our summer bucket list, adult creativity, teenage heartthrobs, and who we would be if we were a villain. Don't forget to sign up for our golf tournament on July 15th in support of Adsum House for Women and Children www.rivalandqueen.com/golf Connect with us: @rivalandqueen

This week we're talking about women's health, our bodies and about abortion. We get into Roe v. Wade being overturned, access to abortion in Canada, and the gaps in our own healthcare experiences and the emotional stress tied to that. We also cover: the great bra hunt & finding the best bra shopping experience in Halifax our stay at the Locust & Starr Inn in Wolfville the upcoming R&Q Golf Tournament. Notes:  The R&Q Golf Tournament  The Locust & Starr Inn Support the Morgentaler Clinic More at rivalandqueen.com Thanks to LUVO wines for sponsoring this episode. Get your LUVO at luvolife.ca

This week we are sharing some ick stories from our listeners and what makes us feel the dreaded ick too. Also wedding and summer fashion and our June faves! Links & Luau Women's Charity Golf Tournament July 15th  Nominate R&Q for The Best of Halifax Half Baked Harvest Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie More at rivalandqueen.com

This week we're joined by Bangs, an all-star spin instructor, creative director at R Studios, life coach & so much more. New-ish to the east coast, she stands out with her confidence, high-energy, unreal style & famous social media rants that we LOVE.  We talk about: style, tear down aging milestones, beauty standards, social filtering, owning your confidence and more.    Connect with Bangs:  @bangsandabun on Instagram Join her newsletter: themurmuration.substack.com Her coaching mybigboldjuicylife.com Ride with her at rstudios.co More at rivalandqueen.com

This week we get to know each other a little better and re-introduce ourselves.  Ash & Sarah each answer 30 questions and a fun little rapid-fire.  Now we're left wondering what are karaoke duet should be? Connect with us on Instagram & TikTok @rivalandqueen.  More are https://www.rivalandqueen.com/

This week we share some details on the new format for Rival & Queen.  We discovered lubricated tampons & talk other period products The ULTIMATE life hack for candles that's changed our lives Should we ship beer to the US for Chex Mix? The revival of the Toothy Moose   Notes:  wearemarlow.com albenlanecandleco.com   More at rivalandqueen.com

We're back for a second all talk to catch up on so many fun topics! Ash lost her tooth! Our laissez-faire/forgetful travel styles Ash's birthday weekend in Montreal Best place to meet men Monthly faves! Thanks to LUVO wines for sponsoring this episode. Get your LUVO at luvolife.ca More at rivalandqueen.com

We were so happy to welcome back Connie McInnes to the podcast. Connie is the creator of R Studios, a group of fitness studios that are revolutionizing why you move. We talk about:  The growth of R Studios from 1 to 6 spaces Rest, the newest R Studios space Personal growth and how Connie learns and pushes herself Joining a running group to push her limits Authenticity and sharing the true journey Connie also shares some big news at the end of this episode! Connect with Connie: @theconniemae  @rstudiosns rstudios.co   Ashley has been Nominated for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada's (LLSC's) Women of the Year Award. Help Ashley raise money or donate here!

This week we've teamed up with Pop Pod Weekly hosts, Anna & Bekah to dive into our favourite pop culture moments! The Pop Pod Weekly story & how they started podcasting Their fave YouTubers and content creators to follow Lularoe leggings sega Phoenix Rising Johnny Depp, Amber Heard trial  The biggest pop culture mysteries we want the details of!!! Listen to Pop Pod Weekly every Monday wherever you get your podcasts! Connect on TikTok and Instagram: @poppodweekly More at rivalandqueen.com

We are back with another All Talk episode! This week Ash & Sarah dive into:  Ashley's birthday month and her love/hate with birthdays What age groups we identify with  Would we be friends in high school? Do people still lie about their age? And more fun topics! Connect with us on Instagram: @rivalandqueen More at rivalandqueen.com

Sarah Kikuchi was introduced to Ashley during her efforts to raise money for Man & Woman of the Year which is an intense 10-week fundraising competition taking place in cities across Canada for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). Sarah's story and perspective is eye-opening. She is someone who at a very young age has had to undergo a lot of personal, emotional, and physical trauma after being diagnosed with cancer in her 20's, ending her marriage during her treatments, and ultimately realizing what she needs and wants in her life. Sarah is now healthy, well, and very pregnant! Follow her: @sarahmkikuchi To support Ashley and the LLSC fundraiser visit: https://secure.llscanada.org/site/TR/MWOY/Atlantic?px=1247962&pg=personal&fr_id=1310 Thank you to LUVO wines for sponsoring this episode. LUVO's Piquette + Peach & Piquette + Berry are now available! Get yours in liquor stores across Nova Scotia or online at luvolife.ca. More at rivalandqueen.com

This week we're joined by Duane Jones, the designer and founder of Art Pays Me, a lifestyle clothing brand and podcast. We talk about:  The Art Pays Me story Earning a living as an artist and valuing your creative gifts Taking on clients with aligned values Leaning into his own artistic abilities Connect with Duane & Art Pays Me:  @artpaysme artpaysme.com   Check out Halifax Burger Bash April 28-May 7 burgerbash.ca LUVO wines new Piquette + Peach & Piquette + Berry are now available. Get yours at luvolife.ca More at rivalandqueen.com

We are back from Spring Break!  This week we get to know Lauryn and Madi, the podcasters behind The Weekend Roundup - part of the BNV Media family. Every Sunday they break down their best stories from the weekend - think dating, sex lives & funny encounters.  We chat about:  How their podcast began Double standard for men and women when it comes to dating Their best dating stories Dating in your 20s vs. 30s Listen to The Weekend Roundup! Check out Halifax Burger Bash April 28-May 7 burgerbash.ca LUVO wines new Piquette + Peach & Piquette + Berry are now available. Get yours at luvolife.ca More at rivalandqueen.com  

ALL TALK MARCH! This month we dive into:  Soul friendships & toxic friendships  Protecting your energy - take care of those micro annoyances Our monthly faves! Ashley has been Nominated for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada's Woman of the Year Award. Help Ashley raise money! Support her here Have a mystical, magical March! We're on Spring Break until April 16th. SEE YOU THEN! More at rivalandqueen.com Thanks to Paradigm Orthodontics for sponsoring this episode. Book your consult: paradigmsmile.com  

This week we're joined by Ceilidh Sutherland, Katie Tower, and Natalie Rosen, the creators behind Fawn - soon to be Halifax's newest restaurant.  We chat about: How they each got into hospitality Field Guide and its beginnings, the restaurant where they all teamed up  The evolution of the hospitality scene in Halifax Drawing inspiration in the food community Doing work you love; and We get the scoop on their new restaurant coming soon to Halifax, Fawn! Fawn opens Spring 2022 in Halifax. Learn more about their membership program fawnresto@gmail.com Connect:  fieldguidehfx.com @fieldguidehfx @fawnresto More at rivalandqueen.com Thank you to LUVO Wines for sponsoring this episode. LUVO is our FAVE wine in a can. Get your LUVO at luvolife.ca.

This week we have Max Emerson Taylor joining us. He's one half of Murray + Taylor Digital. Max got started in the digital media through TikTok, as he quickly rose to TikTok fame.   We talk about:  His experience of going viral on TikTok Becoming a ghostwriter for famous TikTokers in LA & the creator mansions Losing the fun behind creating videos, and starting his own digital media company instead How to get noticed on TikTok & the videos that made him go viral   Connect with Max: @maxemersontaylor on TikTok, Instagram murraytaylordigital.ca/   More at rivalandqueen.com

This week we're joined by Dr. Meredith Ralston to talk about women's sexual empowerment and the unfinished sexual revolution. Meredith is a professor from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.  We get into: Sexual double-standards  How women police themselves to protect their image Sex education and its focus on abstinence The unfinished sexual revolution  The rise of women's pleasure and orgasm equality This episode times perfectly for International Women's Day next week! Connect:  @MeredithRalston on Twitter http://www.meredithralston.com/ Get her book: Slut-Shaming, Whorephobia, and the Unfinished Sexual Revolution  Notes:  International Women's Day episode:  74. The Power of Our Voices - Empowering Female Podcasters The Goop Lab Episode: The Pleasure is Ours  

This month's All Talk is extra fun. We get into our take on the Kanye, Pete, Kim situation (one of us is poorly informed); a round of questions from some of our listeners; our monthly faves & some dating advice; and guacamole talk.  Notes:  - JE Matchmaking - Bar Sofia Restaurant in Halifax - The Cure Skincare, Boosting Mist More at rivalandqueen.com    

Ryan Williams, the founder of Unbound Media, is our guest this week. We recorded this episode after a fun day of taking photos & seeing Ryan in his element.   This episode is all about the drive and vision Ryan brings to his new business. We cover: Growing from Ryan Williams Photography to creating a business bigger than himself Being unbound Doing work you care about The energy Ryan brings to his work and his clients Our photoshoot experience His growth mindset, habits, and lessons learned   Connect with Ryan: Online at unboundmedia.co Instagram at @unboundmedia.co @iamryanwilliams   Notes: JE Matchmaking by Jean-eva Dickie Astrology reading by Sacred Starlight Connect with Ryan Online at unboundmedia.co Instagram at @unboundmedia.co @iamryanwilliams

This week we're joined by Johanna Galipeau (also known as Joey), the owner behind Sweet Pea Boutique - Halifax's sweetest dress shop.    Celebrating 15 years of Sweet Pea, we look back on the personal experiences behind Joey's business. We talk about dropping out of university, opening Sweet Pea at the age of 19, periods of growth & downsizing, and the honest experience of navigating divorce alongside her business.    This is a beautiful episode about being true to your personal desires, and designing a life and business around that.    Connect with Joey:  Shop online at sweetpeahalifax.com @sweetpeahalifax  More at rivalandqueen.com Our Astrology episode with Rebekah is 77. Sacred Starlight: Astrology with Rebekah

The episode everyone has been waiting for - who will be crowned the BEST chocolate chip cookie in Halifax? Listen to find out! We've brought in two special tasters to help us with this challenge: Nicole Cameron and Quake Matthews. Together we taste 12 cookies back to back to find the best of the best! This episode has it all; cookies, to convoys, to spirit animals.  Enjoy the cookie commentary! Here are the cookie contestants: Luke's Small Baked Goods Envie Steve-O-Reno's Jane's Next Door Bliss Caffeine Bar Local Jo East Coast Bakery Tea Time Treats The Mellow Mug Dilly Dally Rousseau Weird Harbour Thanks to LUVO Wines for sponsoring this episode. LUVO is our fave wine in a can! Get yours at luvolife.ca Connect with us: rivalandqueen.com @rivalandqueen    

Sylvia Beirnes and Jonathan Torrens are the duo behind Canadian Content Studios (CCS), the creators of the show Who Do You Think I Am? airing on CBC, Vollies airing on Bell, and the Your Two Cents Podcast. They started CCS because they wanted to change how content is made and make sure the projects they really cared about came to life. In this episode, we talk about how Sylvia & Jonathan met, the TV industry and how projects are made, and about bringing the fun (and snacks) into their everyday work. Ps. We definitely have big Street Cents & Jonovision nostalgia moments in this episode! Connect with Sylvia & Jonathan:  canadiancontentstudios.com @canadiancontentstudios @sylviabeirnes @torrensjonathan on Twitter Thank you to Paradigm Orthodontics for sponsoring this episode! Visit paradigmsmile.com to learn more about Invisalign options. Mention Rival & Queen for a free consult. More at rivalandqueen.com

It's our January All Talk Edition! Okay, we have so much to talk about. We both spent time isolating (sadly apart) with Covid and are now ready to get back to normal life. We recap what TV shows, movies, books and things we did during our time at home, what foods we have been eating and talk about our famous cookie tasting episode coming up! Like every All Talk, we cover our favourite song, product and food. More at rivalandqueen.com

We had the most fun recording this week's episode with Allie Beckwith! Allie is an entrepreneur, artist, photographer, and house-flipper based in Saint John, NB. We learn all about how her crew neck company Beck&Boyd started - from Frenchy's to accidental business gone wild. We talk about how she became an entrepreneur, why sharing the process of creation led to more sales of her artwork, how she structures her day for the ultimate creative flow, and we go deep on the art and science of napping. JOIN IN ON THE FUN.  Connect with Allie:  @beckandboyd @alliebeckwith https://alliebeckwith.com/ Thanks to Paradigm Orthodontics for sponsoring this ep. Learn more about Paradigm and if Invisalign could be a fit for you at paradigmsmile.com. Mention Rival & Queen for a free consultation!  More at rivalandqueen.com

Our favorite All Talk of the year... the holiday edition in Ashley's house! We're on a holiday high this episode: Baby showers & all the education we get  Holiday looks this year, MORE IS MORE  Advent calendars Our December Faves! Questions from our listeners William Shatner's space trip Have a wonderful holiday & happy new year! We'll be back on January 13, 2022. Thanks to Couryah for sponsoring this episode. They've got on-demand delivery of groceries, restaurants & more.  For free delivery in Halifax, use promo code: RIVAL couryah.com Connect: @rivalandqueen on Instagram More at rivalandqueen.com

This week we have Solitha Shortte, the creator behind Soli Productions, joining us.  Solitha is a model and model coach, turned agent, and production manager. We learn all about her journey to Canada from Saint Vincent, how she became an agent and grew her business from there. We talk about beauty standards, what she's doing to break that mold, and her scholarship program, Atlantic Scholarship. Diversity is the soul of Soli Productions. Solitha started her business to support models that didn't fit the stereotypical model look, but had tons of talent. She represents a diverse group of models, from every ethnicity and background.  Connect with Solitha:  @soliinc.productions @ahtilos_model on Instagram https://soliproductions.com/ http://www.atlanticscholarship.com/   Thanks to Couryah for sponsoring this episode. Couryah is an on-demand delivery platform in Halifax - groceries, restaurants, drug stores, and more delivered to your door! Use code RIVAL for free delivery. couryah.com More at rivalandqueen.com

Jodi Guthro is living a songwriter's dream right now. A song she co-wrote with her brother and Walker Hayes has been climbing the Billboard 100 chart. U Gurl with Walker Hayes was at #24 when we recorded this! We talk to Jodi about her experiences as a singer and songwriter, being in a very musical family, her love of songwriting, and how she's always getting pulled back into the industry. We also get into the very first song she wrote at 8 years old, finding her muse and all things Kacey Musgraves, Christmas & Tim Biebs!   Connect with Jodi: @jodi.guthro Listen to Jodi on Spotify More at rivalandqueen.com   Thank to LUVO Wines for sponsoring this episode. Get your LUVO at luvolife.ca

It's November All Talk! This week we have a craving to hit the movies to see Spencer, Princess Diana's story and House of Gucci. We talk about Ash's Invisalign journey she is about to start, we also get into how we met, our careers and answer a few questions from our listeners! With the holidays just around the corner, we teamed up with The Halifax Shopping Centre to bring you our favourite things to shop this holiday season at HSC. Download the GetintheLoop App and visit the mall 6 times between now and December 31st and scan the QR code located near the gift guides to receive a FREE $20 gift card! Local holiday decor: https://thornbloom.com/ Paradigm Orthodontics: https://paradigmsmile.com/ The Halifax Shopping Centre: https://halifaxshoppingcentre.com/promotions R&Q Ask Us Anything https://www.rivalandqueen.com/askusanything

This week we've got two of the brothers behind Dormie Workshop in the studio, Todd & Jeff Bishop. Dormie creates premium leather golf headcovers, and are known for their incredible designs.   The guys share their story from golf pros to entrepreneurs, how Dormie started in a woman's living room and has grown into a recognized brand that collaborates with groups like the PGA, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Raptors, and some of the top golfers in the world. Plus, we get lots of stories from the green.   Connect: @dormieworkshop on Instagram dormieworkshop.com The Samurai Headcover   Thanks to LUVO Wines for sponsoring this episode! Get your LUVO at luvolife.ca. Thanks for listening! More at rivalandqueen.com

Tracy Bell is a reporter turned entrepreneur after experiencing a family health scare that got her and her husband focused on the power of antioxidants.   Millennia TEA is the world's first un-dried tea.  It's 100% organic, washed, and flash-frozen to ensure the tea remains in its fullest, most beneficial form. In this episode we covered: How Millennia TEA began What it's like working in the tea business and the tea mafia  How antioxidants work, and the benefits of them Why Millennia TEA is different than other teas Learn more: https://millenniatea.com/ Connect with Millennia TEA on Instagram: @millennia_tea   More at rivalandqueen.com   If you like this episode, please leave a review & subscribe!

We were already Wanderers fans, but now we're even BIGGER fans and have favourite players.  In this episode, we have a blast getting to know 2 of the Wanderers, Stefan Karajovanovic and Cory Bent.  We dive into:  How they started playing football What they like about playing in Halifax The team vibe Their career highlights Their game-day rituals  Some of our favourite soccer fan moments! Good luck to the team in their last home game this season!  Connect with The Wanderers:  @hfxwanderersfc hfxwanderersfc.canpl.ca Stef: @stefkarajo39 Cory: @corylb.jpg More at rivalandqueen.com

We are FIRED up today. We're fresh off a girls' weekend with lots to talk about like our fall getaway, trying rum & cokes, and Halloween. We go into our favorite Halloween movies, apple bobbing, costume ideas and new monthly faves. Check out the upcoming Rise Up, Shine Up event we're attending on November 13. Details here! Thanks to Luvo Wines for sponsoring this episode! Get your Luvo at luvolife.ca

This week we're joined by Tareq Hadhad, founder of Peace by Chocolate. Born and raised in Damascus, Syria his family was forced to flee their home country to escape the war.  Tareq shares his family's story, and how they eventually made their way to Antigonish, NS. He talks about their experience of going from prosperity to starting over with nothing. Throughout the journey, his family's values, commitment to community, and determination to spread happiness have empowered them to create an incredible company and become leaders here in Canada. In just 6 years, Peace By Chocolate has grown from a 1 product company to having 160 products, multiple locations, a book, a movie, and the Hadhad's are now a family of Canadians.  Happy Birthday Tareq & congratulations to your mother on receiving her Canadian Citizenship! Connect with Peace by Chocolate:  @peacebychocolate peacebychocolate.ca Resources:  Book - Peace By Chocolate: The Hadhad Family's Remarkable Journey from Syria to Canada Peace by Chocolate in Space

Sometimes, we gotta keep it real and bring on one of our pals! This week Chris Cunningham joins us and we get into some behind-the-scenes of podcasting, exploring new interests, and he gives us tips on curating the ultimate weekly podcast schedule (plus, all his favourite shows!). We also talk about how he actually took the time to reassess his life during COVID & the changes that stuck for him. Connect with Chris: @cunninghamchris on Instagram Thanks to Halifax Burger Week for sponsoring this episode. Burger week is BACK Oct 14-23, 2021. Plan your Burger adventures at Burgerweek.co or through the GetintheLoop app. TAG YOUR BURGERS @thecoasthalifax Chris' Podcast Recommendations:  The Sunday Scaries Podcast How To Be A Better Human Podcast How I Built This Super Awesome Mix Turn Me On Podcast This Might Get Weird