Stories Within Us

Poet, acquisitions editor, and award winning professor, Micheline Maylor examines the craft of being a lifelong artist. Micheline discusses the importance of paying attention to what we are feeling, cross pollination of ideas, and breaking patterns. We also discuss being brave in your writing. Micheline says, "Bravery in writing is the thing that will take you far."Micheline and I dive into her latest work, The Bad Wife, a brave, first-hand account of how to ruin a marriage. To those wanting to spark your creativity, this is the conversation for you.About Micheline Maylor Poet, Acquisitions editor, Co-founder of the Freefall Literary Society, and award winning professor, Micheline Maylor is the author of five books of poetry - The Raymond Knister Poems, Whirr and Click, Little Wildheart, Drifting Like a Metaphor, and The Bad Wife. In 2016 Micheline was appointed as Calgary's first female poet laureate for a two year term.Micheline is the acquisitions editor for Frontenac House Press and is the co-founder of the non-profit Freefall Literary Society where she was the editor in chief from 2006 to the present. She currently edits the Quartet poetry series for which the authors have been shortlisted or have won numerous awards including, The Goldie Award for best Lesbian poetry book in North America; The Gerald Lampert Award for best first book; The Pat Lowther Award for best book by a Canadian woman.Micheline was the editor of the award winning This Wound is a World by Billy-Ray Belcourt, which won the 2018 Griffin Poetry Prize, and the Most Significant Book of Poetry in English by an Emerging Indigenous Writer, and the Indigenous Voices Awards (2018). Micheline is a decorated professor specialising in creative writing and contemporary Canadian literature who has inspired countless students to write through the years.Micheline Maylor's newest collection, The Bad Wife, is an intimate, first-hand account of how to ruin a marriage. This is a story of divorce, love, and what should have been, told in a brave and unflinching voice. Connect with Micheline:Web: http://michelinemaylor.comPublications:The Bad WifeDrifting Like a MetaphorLittle WildheartWhirr and Click

When Natalie Meisner started her career in theatre, she was cast for roles that didn't represent the women she knew or the women she wanted to become. So Natalie started writing her own plays. In today's episode, poet, playwright, and professor Natalie Meisner discusses the importance of LGBTQ2S+ representation in all stories. Natalie shares how comedy can be a catalyst for social change and how her book, Double Pregnant: Two Lesbians Make a Family, lifts the veil of silence around fertility and pregnancy while making us laugh at the same time.About Dr. Natalie MeisnerNatalie Meisner is a playwright / poet from Nova Scotia, a full Prof at MRU, and Calgary's 5th Poet Laureate. Her work deploys the power of comedy for social change.  Baddie One Shoe is a collection of odes to renegade women. Legislating Love: The Everett Klippert Story illuminates the life of the last Canadian jailed for homosexuality. Speed Dating For Sperm Donors was a hit at Lunchbox & Neptune. Double Pregnant: Two Lesbians Make a Family topped non-fiction lists and My Mommy, My Mama, My Brother & Me is about a two-mom biracial family finding community.Natalie holds a PhD from the University of Calgary in creative writing, an MFA in Creative Writing form the University of British Columbia. She is the recipient of the Annual Alberta Playwriting Competition, the Canadian National Playwriting Award, and the Lion Award for Advocacy and Awareness for Original Stage Play. Her forthcoming book, It Begins in Salt, is a collection of poems and love letters to those that share the tides of life. It urges us to love harder and give homage to those loved.Natalie's Books: Baddie One Shoe (Frontenac House) Speed Dating For Sperm Donors (Playwright's Canada Press)Legislating Love: The Everett Klippert Story (University of Calgary Press)My Mommy, My Mama, My Brother & Me (Nimbus Publishing)Double Pregnant: Two Lesbians Make a Family (Fernwood Publishing)It Begins in Salt (Frontenac House) 

In the second episode of our two-part series, journalist, photographer, and AI researcher Leslie Salgado guides me step by step through AI ethics, ChatGPT, and parenting in the age of AI. Leslie explains, "Their world is going to be heavily influenced by AI… For me it's not about prohibiting or denying that reality. It's about educating them and educating ourselves." Leslie explores the need for ethics-driven AI, explaining,  "We need to go a step back and think of what triggers the innovation. What triggers those people to create a new tool, to create a new technology… Why are we creating this? For which purpose? Is it for sustainability? Is it for profitability?"About Leslie SalgadoJournalist, photographer, and AI researcher Leslie Salgado is a Doctoral Student at the University of Calgary. Her current area of research includes Human-Centred AI, intersections between communication and AI ethical values, Online Trust and Safety, and Technology and Democracy. She is a former Public Communication Officer for UNESCO as well as a Broadcast Journalist for Canal Habana. Leslie worked as Professor at the Faculty of Communication at the University of Havana. Her recent solo photography exhibition entitled, Emotions Allowed, explores the range of human emotions. Connect with Leslie:IG: @lesliebayamesaLinkedin: Leslie Salgado ArzuagaResources: Globe and Mail, Opinion - ChatGPT has convinced users that it thinks like a person. Unlike humans, it has no sense of the real world:https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-chatgpt-is-a-reverse-mechanical-turk/?login=trueAlgorithmic Justice League - Unmasking AI harms and biases: https://www.ajl.orgAlgorithmic Justice League - How well do IBM, Microsoft, and Face++ AI services guess the gender of a face?http://gendershades.orgPEW Research Center, 6 facts about America's STEM workforce and those training for it:https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/14/6-facts-about-americas-stem-workforce-and-those-training-for-it/Statista, Software developer gender distribution worldwide as of 2022:https://www.statista.com/statistics/1126823/worldwide-developer-gender/

In the first episode of our two-part series, journalist, photographer, and AI researcher Leslie Salgado and I dive deep into the world of emotions. Leslie shares the importance of releasing our emotions and trusting what our emotions tell us. Leslie speaks to her solo exhibit, Emotions Allowed, and explains how the inspiration came to on her morning commute.About Leslie SalgadoJournalist, photographer, and AI researcher Leslie Salgado is a Doctoral Student at the University of Calgary. Her current area of research includes Human-Centred AI, intersections between communication and AI ethical values, Online Trust and Safety, and Technology and Democracy. She is a former Public Communication Officer for UNESCO as well as a Broadcast Journalist for Canal Habana. Leslie worked as Professor at the Faculty of Communication at the University of Havana. Her recent solo photography exhibition entitled, Emotions Allowed, explores the range of human emotions. Connect with Leslie:IG: @lesliebayamesaLinkedin: Leslie Salgado Arzuaga

Author Heidi Barr shares how to live with intention and the importance of ceremony, rewilding spirituality, and contemplating the wild silence. Heidi explains, "Being in relationship with the outdoor world is the foundation of my writing."  We discuss her newly published book, Collisions of Earth and Sky: Connecting with Nature for Nourishment, Reflection, and Transformation. This is the perfect conversation for those who are feeling the novelty of the New Year subside, are battling with the montoney of February, or just need a moment to check in with yourself. About Heidi Barr:Heidi Barr lives in eastern Minnesota (Mni Sota Makoce in Dakota) near the St. Croix River — on ancestral and contemporary lands of the Wahpekute (Dakota), a place that also holds significance for Ojibwe and Ho Chunk people — with her family where they tend a large organic vegetable garden, explore nature and do their best to live simply.  As a mother, spouse, gardener, wellness coach, and writer, she is committed to cultivating ways of being that are life-giving and sustainable for people, communities and the planet. Hiking through forests and across prairies, wading in streams, digging in the soil and surrounding herself with natural wonder helps her stay grounded in reality.  Author of Slouching toward Radiance, 12 Tiny Things, Cold Spring Hallelujah, What Comes Next, Woodland Manitou: To Be on Earth, and Prairie Grown: Stories and Recipes from a South Dakota Hillside, she is also the editor of The Mindful Kitchen, a wellness column in The Wayfarer Magazine. Every now and then she coordinates with yoga teachers and organic farms to offer retreat experiences and always makes really good scones.  Her next book, Collisions of Earth and Sky: Connecting with Nature for Nourishment, Reflection, and Transformation comes out in January 2023.In 2022, Heidi was a Poet of Place, a group of five regional poets who are advocates and ambassadors for poetry and creativity in the lower St. Croix Valley.Connect with Heidi:Web: https://heidibarr.comIG: @heidicbarrFB: Heidi BarrLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-barr-3884107/

Calgary's Poet Laureate, Wakefield Brewster, explains the intersection of art and healing. Wakefield and I discuss unlearning, why communication is essential, and how art has the potential to soften the blow of heavy messages. Wakefield speaks about getting our thoughts out on paper—even the darker ones. Finally, Wakefield shares his early experience as a classically trained musician and how that shaped his future with poetry.About Wakefield Brewster:Wakefield Brewster is one of Canada's most popular and prolific Performance Poets. He is the Current Poet Laureate of Calgary, and 3-Time Calgary Poetry Slam Champion & Team Captain. He was the Inaugural Poet Of Honour at the People's Poetry Festival, and was appointed as the First Resident Poet & Spoken Word Artist of The Grand Theatre in Calgary, Alberta. Wakefield sits on the Board of Directors of the E.A.R. Society —Emergency Artist's Relief — which provides emergency relief funding and affordable Health Care for Artists.As the founder of Page2Stage Productions, Wakefield has been bringing Poetry to students for over 21 years by building communities and engaging in volunteering, leadership and mentorship for youth, through the arts. He is also an advocate for Healing Arts & Alternative Medicine; Mental Wellness & Recovery. He holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and is the Lead Therapist, owner and operator of WakeFull Wellness Massage Therapy and HealingSpace.Connect with Wakefield Brewster: Web: https://wakefieldbrewster.comIG: @wakefield_brewsterFB: @Wakefield Brewster aka da lyrical pitbullLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wakefield-brewster-91658a23/Twitter: @lyricalpitbull

In this solo episode, I look back at the year and share my thoughts on parenting (one might think I have it figured out by now, however, that's not the case), rest, and embracing the illogical.Today's episode is full of resources for those who might be in the midst of parenting chaos, yearning for rest, or wanting to embrace their more intuitive, creative side.ResourcesParenting:Breaking toxic parenting cycles with Shannon SmithOur Mental Health Stories with Karen Turnock MSW, RSWRest:Radical Self-care with Dr. Bri WiensThe Nap MinistryRestful Leadership with Deanna MasonEmbracing the illogical: The Colour Gap PodcastUnlocking Us: Being Illogical with Emmanuel Acho 

Neuroscientist and public school advocate Dr. Wing Kar Li examines the current state of Alberta's public education and explains what we should be paying attention to right now. Wing discusses how current policy is moving Alberta public education backwards & why education should be a top priority when in next year's election. Her advocacy in education and how she's using her voice to activate social change for the good. And how learning is contextual & involves connectivity between one memory to the next. About Dr. Wing Kar LiDr. Wing Kar Li (She/her) is a parent, a neuroscientist who specialises in memories, and the communications director of SOS Alberta (Support our Students, Alberta). SOS Alberta is Alberta's public education advocates, fighting for the right of all children to an equitable and accessible public education system.Wing grew up just outside of Edmonton and attended K-12 public schools in Stony Plain, Alberta. She attended the University of Alberta, graduating with a BSc in Psychology & Biology. She holds an MSc and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Lethbridge. She has taught at the post-secondary level and has worked with science education and knowledge translation initiatives. Through her current volunteer work, she hopes to help draw public awareness to the interconnections between social inequities and advocate for a truly universally accessible public education system for all students. ​Connect with Wing Kar Li:Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingkarliConnect with SOS Alberta:Website: https://www.supportourstudents.caTwitter: https://twitter.com/SOSAlberta

The health of our kids in schools is vital, and currently in Alberta, devastatingly precarious. This is such a timely conversation with Dr. Angela Grace on the importance of comprehensive school health.Dr. Angela Grace discusses how body image is a social justice issue, how consent is far more complex than saying yes or no, and how our current health curriculum is failing our students.Angela States, "School health is far beyond just kids eating and getting 20 minutes of daily physical activity. It is the entire environment. We have this amazing capacity right now to make health and wrap around health services for kids a foundation  of our school environment." About Dr. Angela GraceAngela holds a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology with a specialization in the prevention and treatment of eating and body image issues, life stressors and trauma. She specializes in holistic approaches to women's health and well-being. She was an invited community stakeholder reviewer in 2017 and 2018 on the Draft curriculum and has been a ceaseless advocate for large structural changes to the Wellness curriculum that was implemented this year in Grades K-3. She has Fine Arts and Education degrees, and previously worked as an elementary teacher and school counsellor, which gives her an in-depth understanding of girls, families, teachers, and school communities.  Angela's training in theatre, art, dance, yoga, and play therapy enables her to work in creative ways to enhance girls' and women's sense of well-being.Connect with Dr. Angla Grace:FB: Dr.AngelaGrace IG: @dr.angela.graceTikTk: @drangelagraceTwitter: @DrAGrace_cyhtt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCezDojLfmDVe9c1K4kTLGYw/featuredWeb: https://www.heartcenteredcounselling.com Resources from today's episode: Dr. Angela Grace on Teacher Fan Club Podcast:https://teacherfanclub.com/dr-angela-graceDr. Angela Grace on consent:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XRUQoo-8pACrash course on the Draft curriculum Part II:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2cJqKiCdwg

In the second episode of our two-part series, photographer Shannon Smith and I dive into our lives with ADHD. We discuss how ADHD presents as parents, as creatives, as women. How we, as neurodivergent folks, tend to mask and the repercussions of masking. Finally we explore the beauty of being neurodivergent, specifically as it relates to our work and lives as creatives. About Shannon SmithShannon Smith (she/they) is a professional photographer and soul liberation coach based out of Calgary, Alberta. They have made it their life's work to empower and liberate their clients. Shannon believes that all humans deserve to celebrate their unique beauty, feel validated and liberated from societal norms that no longer fit.As a photographer, Shannon offers spaces for clients to celebrate their bodies in ways they've likely never experienced before. Shannon has built an inclusive, safe space for their clients to simply be. As a coach, Shannon provides deeply personal support in a loving environment. Their goal is to lead clients in the journey to discovering their authentic self and soul.Shannon is deeply passionate about social justice, intersectional feminism, and supporting the LBGTQ2IA+ community.Connect with Shannon Smith:Web: https://www.soulnnection.comInstagram: @Soulnnection Tik Tok: @Soulnnection Facebook: Soulnnection 

Artist Shannon Smith and I discuss how parenting patterns run deep and stopping toxic cycles is sometimes like looking off a cliff into the abyss. How certain environments can cause us, and our kids, to mask. How Shannon and I both are unlearning relationship patterns and learning how to re-parenting ourselves. How art is going to save our world—seriously it is—and how as artists we live in the grey zone. We're inquisitive, curious, and this is exactly what the world needs more of. About Shannon SmithShannon Smith (she/they) is a professional photographer and soul liberation coach based out of Calgary, Alberta. They have made it their life's work to empower and liberate their clients. Shannon believes that all humans deserve to celebrate their unique beauty, feel validated and liberated from societal norms that no longer fit.As a photographer, Shannon offers spaces for clients to celebrate their bodies in ways they've likely never experienced before. Shannon has built an inclusive, safe space for their clients to simply be. As a coach, Shannon provides deeply personal support in a loving environment. Their goal is to lead clients in the journey to discovering their authentic self and soul.Shannon is deeply passionate about social justice, intersectional feminism, and supporting the LBGTQ2IA+ community.Connect with Shannon Smith:Web: https://www.soulnnection.comInstagram: @Soulnnection Tik Tok: @Soulnnection Facebook: Soulnnection 

Political-minded powerhouse for 2SLGBTQIA+ and women's issues Anna Murphy shares how parents & educators can create spaces our gender diverse kids need. She speaks to what needs to be done for gender diverse kids in Alberta's schools, communities, and beyond. And provides us with next steps to fighting back against global stripping of 2SLGBTQ+ rights.TW// self-harm, suicide About Anna Murphy (she/her) Anna (she/her) is a political-minded powerhouse for 2SLGBTQIA+ and women's issues in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and beyond. She is vice-chair of the Gender Equity Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee of the City of Calgary Social Wellbeing Advisory Committee, and serves on several other committees including Calgary Stampede Community Connections, as a University of Calgary senator and on the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs' 2SLGBTQ+ advisory council.Anna recenly spoke at Telus Spark Scince Centre on Transcending Transgender. Here Anna pledged to support Transgenered and gender diverse kids and youth. Her article in CBC news, Pride is more than a parade and rainbow crosswalks. We need action and allyship, is a call to action for allies to step up and support 2SLGBTQIA+ in meaningful ways.Connect with Anna Murphy:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murphydianne/Twitter: @TheAnnaMurphyIG: @theannamurphyTelus Spark Transcending Transgender: In Conversation With Anna MurphyPride is more than a parade and rainbow crosswalks. We need action and allyship.Mental Health Resources: Alberta Mental Health 24/7 Confidential Line: 1-877-303-2642National Mental Help SupportCall 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to:686868 for youth741741 for adultsTalk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Country music artist, healer, and author D'orjay speaks to us about healing, music, and her book,  SHIT MY SHAMAN SAYS. D'orjay shares her healing journey and how it led to her work as a Shaman and Pranic Healer. Dorjay explains that a shaman is, "Someone who sees light in the darkness."In today's episode we discuss:Healing. How it's not a linear process and how it can take on many shapes and forms. Addressing our Fear. How to address our fear that shows up when we try to change the status quo and when we engage in a creative endeavour. D'orjay takes us step by step through her process of how she addresses fear before a show. Music. How it's a form of healing. About D'orjayCountry music artist, healer, and author, D'orjay the Singing Shaman (she/her), believes that a shaman's learning is never done. She found the healing arts through her own journey of mending from the traumatic abusive and abandoning experiences of childhood. She was introduced to Energy Medicine, Shamanic healing, her Guru and Buddhism as well as Pranic healing in 2010, and has been developing her unique shamanic practice ever since.Her book, SHIT MY SHAMAN SAYS, VOLUME I, is available through Party Trick Press. It's a refreshingly down-to-earth approach to energy medicine. In this self-help chapbook, D'orjay leads beginners and experts alike through her relatable, nurturing, and oftentimes downright entertaining approach to healing. D'orjay's critically acclaimed debut, New Kind of Outlaw, was released in November 2020. Her style of country music continues to evolve honouring the classic country music she grew up on living in Rural Alberta while also colouring outside the lines of what current mainstream country music has to offer. As a Black Queer woman, D'orjay is passionate, vocal and committed to bringing diversity and inclusiveness to country music. Connect with D'orjay:Web: https://www.dorjay.caListen to D'orjay:https://dorjaythesingingshaman.bandcamp.com/album/new-kind-of-outlawSee Dorjay at this month's Calgary Folk Fest July 21-24:https://www.calgaryfolkfest.comShit My Shaman Says, VOLUME I:https://www.partytrickpress.com/shit-my-shaman-says-volume-one-product-page

Dr. Maki Motapanyane explores the ongoing, unceasing tension that exists for women navigating motherhood and careers. I found this conversation refreshingly validating; Maki doesn't downplay the challenges mothers in the twenty-first century face. I think that Maki says it best with this line from our conversation: "You can imagine conceiving of yourself as a modern liberated woman in the individualist liberal democracy who has choices and who can do things and who can plan for the kind of life that she wants… until motherhood." In today's episode, we explore the state's role in supporting women. As well as what needs to be put in place so that women can be successful. We also dive into the motherhood tax and discuss why women face a per-child drop in their wages when they become mothers while men face a wage increase when they become fathers. An important and necessary conversation that I invite you to share. About Dr. Maki Motapanyane Dr. Maki Motapanyane is a cultural critic, researcher, writer and educator. She teaches in subject areas that include feminist theory, feminism in Africa, global gender studies, Hip-Hop culture, and motherhood. Her research projects and publications examine various feminist traditions in Africa, maternal theory and motherhood, childcare policy and the political economy of care, Hip-Hop culture, stand-up comedy, and equity and inclusion in organizational practice.Dr. Maki Motapanyane was recently awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award from Mount Royal University, the Knowledge Mobilization Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to research and scholarship from Mount Royal University and the Alberta Professional of the Year Award.She is the founder of MESA is a boutique consulting firm delivering strategic training and expert solutions in leadership, communication, and conflict resolution for the modern organization and group. MESA builds skills in areas such as communication and dialogue, conflict management and resolution, constructive and effective team dynamics. Connect with Maki:Web: https://www.makimotapanyane.comMESA Consulting:Web: https://www.makimotapanyane.com/consulting

I speak with activist-scholar Dr. Bri Wiens on  radical self-care and communal self-care. Bri and I discuss the invisible labour that women are currently expected to do in the academy and in other places of work.  Bri shares her research on feminist shadow networks, explaining, "They are quiet when they have to be; they are loud when they have to be."  About Bri WiensDr. Bri Wiens (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Digital Activism, Design Equity, and Feminist Media Futures in the Department of Communication Arts at the University of Waterloo. Her interdisciplinary work draws on her mixed-race queer activist-scholarexperience to explore the digitally and culturally mediated phenomena of networked social movements and the politics of their design. Dr. Wiens co-runs the digital archive Feminists Do Media (IG: @aesthetic.resistance) out of the Feminist Think Tank, a research-creation lab. Wiens's collaborative work has recently appeared in NECSUS, Feminist Media Studies, and Digital Studies/Le Champ Numériqe. She is a co-editor of Networked Feminisms: Activist Assemblies and Digital Practices (Lexington Books 2021) and is lead editor on the forthcoming collection Stories of Feminist Protest and Resistance: Digital Performative Assemblies (Lexington Books 2022).Connect with Bri Wiens:Web: https://uwaterloo.ca/games-institute/people-profiles/brianna-wiensTwitter: @Bri WiensNetworked Feminism:https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781793613790/Networked-Feminisms-Activist-Assemblies-and-Digital-PracticesFeminst Think Tank:Web: https://www.feminist-think-tank.com

Today's episode is with Calgary writer, journalist and truth teller Tomi Ajele. Tomi shares with us the importance of slow journalism, creating your own blueprint and treating stories with care. Tomi speaks to the intent behind the media collective, Afros In Tha City, saying, "We don't want to give you a soundbite. We don't want to give you a quick pitch. We just want to show up and tell our truth." She also speaks to the creation process, "We don't even know what failure looks like because we don't even know what we want to become. It was just us putting our truth out there; it didn't feel like it needed to look a certain way." This is an episode about truth telling. This is an episode about healing. I deeply enjoyed this conversation with Tomi and I can't wait to share it with you.About Tomi AjeleTomi Ajele is editor in chief at Afros In Tha City Inc, the only media collective of its kind – a platform where the breadth of the Black experience could be explored with nuance. She has worked with The Huffington Post, CBC, ByBlacks, Avenue Magazine, Sprawl Calgary, and Shameless Magazine. Tomi is a data-driven communicator passionate about anti-oppressive and sustainable policy. She is a strategic planner, writer, podcaster, and speaker who is fueled by drama and Black joy. She holds a communications degree from Mount Royal University and is pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Calgary.Connect with Tomi Ajele:Twitter: @TomiAjeleIG: @tomiajeleConnect with Afros In Tha City:Web: www.afrosinthacity.comIG: @afrosinthacityTwitter: @AfrosInThaCityRelated Articles:2020 Was The Year I Stopped Trying To Live Up To Others' Definition Of Blackness

Sustainability Leader, mother, and activist Nagwan Al-Guneid explains explains how the climate crisis is not gender equal or gender neutral. Nagwan discusses her vision for the future of energy and the importance of empathy, conversations, and coming together to create a just energy plan. Nagwan states,  "I believe energy transformation is about having conversations in diverse settings with diverse perspectives. It involves everybody." This episode is one of empathy, of change, but most importantly, one of action. About Nagwan Al-Guneid For more than a decade, Nagwan Al-Guneid has built a career in the energy industry here in Alberta, in Europe, and the Middle East. She completed an undergraduate degree in communications from the University of Calgary and Master's of Science in Sustainable Energy Development. Her research focused on addressing climate change through collaboration between the public and private sectors.Facing another four years of divisive politics, a worsening climate crisis, and a stubborn and single-minded approach to resource development in Alberta, Nagwan couldn't be a bystander any longer. She is currently seeking the nomination for Alberta's NDP in Calgary-Glenmore. As a mom of two young kids, running was not an easy decision. But, she made the decision with the conviction that we can do better.Najwan champions causes that are close to her heart. Whether volunteering with women in domestic violence or youth at-risk or refugees and victims of war or helping to prepare more than twenty women to run for politics, she channels her passion into community work that has impacted lives.Connect with Nagwan Al-Guneid:Web: https://www.nagwan.caTwitter: @NagwanYYCIG: @nagwanyycResources: How Gender inequality and climate change are interconnectedA growing force in the climate movement: MomsThe Moms Who are Battling Climate Change

Recovering hustle culture disciple Miche Priest walks us through the process of getting unstuck. She provides three steps we can take to finding solutions: widening the lens (not hyper focusing on two binaries), getting missing data, addressing the risks/fears holding us back. Miche also speaks to how we can remove the hustle culture in our work. She shares her own story of burnout. Miche says, "Even though the burnout is hard, if I had to go back, I wouldn't change anything about the path." For those of you who feel stuck in your careers and in your life, this episode is for you.About Miche Priest:Miche Priest is a recovering hustle culture disciple. She empowers people to live the life that's waiting for them by helping them get unstuck, navigate career transitions, or build revenue streams with digital products.Miche knows a thing or two about career transitions. A multipotentialite, she's had 7 careers from Art Teacher to AI Intrapreneur. She holds a Master of Arts in Communications and Technology from the University of Alberta.Connect with Miche Priest:Twitter: @MichePriestLinkedin: Miche Priest, MACTUnstuck in 15: https://www.unstuckin15.comSpecial thanks:Working Mom Wellness design was created by Dr. Milena Radzikowska  and Chris Shaddock of Two Hot Soups Consulting Post production and sound editing is done by East Coast Studio. 

Why we need to dream—and dream big—especially during challenging times. I share my thoughts on why we must dream our own dreams and not what society expects us to dream. I tell a story involving a spreadsheet (because spreadsheets are beautiful) about how taking ownership of my dreams is something that I still struggle with to this day.I also share a book with you that I recently read and fell in love with, Luvvie Ajayi Jones' Professional Troublemaker. We explore Luvvie's maddening and hilarious chapter of dreaming and touch on why those who fall outside the category of white, straight, christian, able bodied, cisgendered man might struggle with dreaming big.This is an uplifting and optimistic episode that I very much needed in my life. I hope it encourages you to embrace dreaming beyond what you ever imagined. Especially during challenging times. Resources:Professional Trouble-Maker: The Fear Fighter ManualProfessional Trouble-Maker. The PodcastGet comfortable with being uncomfortable. The TedTalk

"Modern Sexism simply denies that sexism exists. This is the most insidious form because it doesn't argue that men and women should be treated differently, but rather claims men and women are already treated the same." - Dr. Kristin NeffIn today's episode, I discuss something that has been on my mind for a while—Modern Sexism. Recently I've either experienced it or seen other women become entangled in it. However, I didn't have the vocabulary to express what was happening. It wasn't until I recently read, "Fierce Self Compassion" by Dr. Kristin Neff that I had the full understanding of what was happening: Modern Sexism. (Because we didn't have enough going on already with just the regular form of sexism) This is not an eloquent episode—I tell stories of children's books and swear frequently. But it's a story that is authentic and very close to my heart. It is also an important story. And I thank you for letting me share it with you. Resources:Fierce Self Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive 

This conversation with designer, observer, and fellow creative Crystal Reynolds was sparked from a recent post where Crystal wrote, "...I'm on the lookout to find the helpers amongst the chaos." I was intrigued.In this episode, Crystal and I discuss her journey as a creative, her design work with Mayor Jyoti Gondek's campaign and how Crystal is finding individuals who help her make sense of the world that we are currently navigating. Crystal shares how we can stay grounded—both as parents and as creatives—during times of chaos. This was such a healing conversation! I invite you to listen and share with the helpers in your world.  About Crystal ReynoldsCrystal is a Kick Ass Marketing and Communications Designer. She works with organisations that choose to take the lead in their own story. They avoid, or at least question, the latest marketing trends, and create opportunities to account for social and technological changes. She doesn't focus on sticking to what worked in the past, but instead on how we can translate skills and resources in new directions.Crystal story in design has had quite a few chapters experienced over the past 25 years. She has lasted this long because of her desire to learn, think outside as well as inside the box. Gaining insights that have taught her that as long as she brings her experience and insight to the table while also ensuring her clients' needs are the core focus is a recipe for a successful partnership.Crystal considers herself lucky to have worked with local, national, and more recently international clients. She believes that visuals are an integral part to communicate messages with clarity. Every day she creates, she feels like she is living her best life.As a mother and partner, Crystal wrote, "Being part of this family dynamic has taught me how to listen to varying views, account for differing expectations, and bring people together by focusing on common goals."Connect with Crystal  Reynolds:Web: https://www.crystalink.caTwitter: @crystalinkcaIG: @crystalinkca

Activist and Advocate of Racial Equity, Mifrah Abid explains the meaning of home.  Mifrah challenges my beliefs on home and identity—and if there is one thing I love, it's a conversation that expands my thinking! We discuss our thoughts on nationalism and Mirfah explains the concept of jingoism and how it relates to us now. This is such an important conversation for us to be having; I cannot wait for you to listen to and learn from the stories the Mifrah shares. About Mifrah Abid:Mifrah Abid is the creator, producer and host of Across Her Table which features the remarkable stories of Canadian women with immigrant roots. Mifrah is the Coordinator, of the 'Together Against Islamophobia' program at the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchner Waterloo. The coalition's mandate is to empower Muslim women and girls to be leaders and change makers. It provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, and leadership and skills.  Mifrah is an advocate of racial equity. She has also been a lecturer of English (Language, Literature and Applied Linguistics) for over 6 years. Mifrah is a TESL Ontario certified ESL trainer. She is a published writer. Her latest story, "Islamophobia 101: How to be a meaningful ally in the wake of a tragedy'' was featured in Toronto Star and Waterloo Chronicle.Connect with Mifrah Abid:Web: Across Her Table Podcast Twitter: @acrosshertableIG: @acrosshertable

Today, I speak with proud introvert and gentle disrupter, Shahzia Noorally. Shahzia shares her story of showing up authentically in her career and unapologetically taking up space. Shahzia is the host of the Colour Gap Podcast, which I listen to and love, and speaks to how this has been an outlet to share her experiences and offer unconventional career strategy and advice for women of colour.About Shahzia Noorally:Shahzia Noorally is a proud introvert, natural observer, and gentle disrupter. She has spent nearly 10 years of her career in HR. She is a Diversity, Inclusion & Culture professional based in Calgary, Alberta, and founder of the Colour Gap podcast.Shahzia believes our stories are our superpowers. Our unique lived experiences and the things we need to thrive at work shouldn't be ignored. She also believes that conventional career advice isn't always right for Black, Indigenous, Women of Colour (BIWOC). Her work on the Colour Gap podcast and beyond is set in the intention to empower, uplift and support BIWOC to own our stories, step into our power, and take up all the space we desire and deserve.Connect with Shahzia Noorally:Twitter: @shahzianoorally The Colour Gap Podcast:Web: https://www.thecolourgap.comTwitter: @ColourGap IG: @thecolourgap HR, We Have A Problem: by Susy Ko & Shahzia Noorally | DisruptHR Talks

This episode with educator, mother and one of my favourite people in the world, Kate Cordell. In this episode Kate and I reflect back on our 20's when we first met each other and give our younger selves advice. This is a conversation about forgiveness, self compassion—and most of all—laughter and joy.About Kate CordellKate Cordell is an educator, a mother, a teacher, and a very dear friend of mine. Kate holds a bachelors of science in Elementary education from Minnesota State University, Morehead. And a masters in Education in Curriculum and Instructions, Integration of Technologies in Schools from George Mason University.Kate Cordell has worked in education for the past 16 years. Kate has served as a mentor teacher, an advanced academics resource teacher as well as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher in the US and abroad. She has taught in the public school systems in Georgia and Virginia and the international school in Athens Greece.  Kate is a mom of two, a wife, a lover of traveling, and my go-to person when I need perspective or a good laugh, or good cry. Or all of the above. Resources:Want to make City Hall your next book club read? Download the free Reading Club Guide here. The Working Mom Wellness Guide to Asking your Partner for Help. Download your free 10 page guide here. Special thanks:Working Mom Wellness design was created by Dr. Milena Radzikowska  and Chris Shaddock of Two Hot Soups Consulting Post production and sound editing is done by East Coast Studio. 

In this two-part series, I take on my first ever solo podcast to discuss a few practices for moms looking to lighten their workload. These are five simple practices that you can use year-round but are especially helpful over the holidays. To the moms who are feeling overloaded or like you are drowning in the mental load of coordinating and planning for your family—this episode is for you. Resources:Want to make City Hall your next book club read? Download the free Reading Club Guide here. The Working Mom Wellness Guide to Asking your Partner for Help. Download your free 10 page guide here. Special thanks:Working Mom Wellness design was created by Dr. Milena Radzikowska  and Chris Shaddock of Two Hot Soups Consulting Post production and sound editing is done by East Coast Studio. 

In this two-part series, I take on my first solo podcast to discuss a few practices for moms looking to lighten their workload. These are five simple practices that you can use year-round but are especially helpful during times of transition or over the holidays. To the moms who are feeling overloaded or like you are drowning in the mental load of coordinating and planning for your family—this episode is for you. Resources:Want to make City Hall your next book club read? Download the free Reading Club Guide here. The Working Mom Wellness Guide to Asking your Partner for Help. Download your free 10 page guide here. Special thanks:Working Mom Wellness design was created by Dr. Milena Radzikowska  and Chris Shaddock of Two Hot Soups Consulting Post production and sound editing is done by East Coast Studio. 

Madame Premier owner Sarah Elder-Chamanara explains what the future of work needs to look like for women. Sarah and I give our thoughts what is currently going well and what needs to change so that women can thrive in their careers. About Sarah Elder-ChamanaraSarah Elder-Chamanara is the founder, creative director, designer and owner of Madame Premier, a feminist and political clothing company based in Calgary, Alberta. With the underlying principle of seeing more women and diversity in politics, elected and in back rooms, at every level, Sarah and Madame Premier create opportunities for conversations about why politics needs to change. Madame Premier is a one woman-owned and operated small business empowering women through the intersection of politics, feminism, advocacy and fashion. With the goal of amplifying the lack of women and marginalized communities in politics and the need for a variety of voices at decision making tables, Madame Premier is committed to not only helping women break the glass ceiling of politics but completely shatter it.Sara holds a Bachelors of arts in Justice Studies. She has previously served as a Communications & Event Organizer for Calgary Confederation Liberal Riding Association. She also volunteered as Executive Vice President for Canadian Women Voters Congress in Calgary, as well as a Vice President and Communications and Event Organizer for Ask Her, a Calgary Based organization working to advance the principles of inclusive and equitable representation in municipal government. Sarah is also the mother of two young children. She lives and works on treaty 7 land here in Calgary. Connect with Sarah:IG: @sarahelderchamanaraTwitter: @Sarah Elder-ChamanaraMadame Premiere:Web: https://www.madamepremier.comIG: @madamepremierEllected Podcast:Web: https://www.madamepremier.com/blogs/ellectedIG: @ellectedpodcast Resources:Want to make City Hall your next book club read? Download the free Reading Club Guide here. The Working Mom Wellness Guide to Asking your Partner for Help. Download your free 10 page guide here. Special Thanks:Working Mom Wellness design was created by Dr. Milena Radzikowska  and Chris Shaddock of Two Hot Soups Consulting Post production and sound editing is done by East Coast Studio. 

For many of us, curiosity is a paradigm shift. We take great pride—as a collective—of knowing. Of being able to classify right versus wrong, good versus bad. But as we discuss in this episode, there is something very humane, very life-giving about asking questions and being open to the answers. In this episode, I speak with writer, poet, and mother Jill Yancey about embracing curiosity. Jill uses curiosity in her work, her writing, her parenting, and in very concrete ways in her life. As Jill and I discuss in this episode, curiosity is something that we can incorporate into understanding ourselves better. Curiosity is something that we can incorporate into our parenting. Curiosity is something that you can use to guide you in your life and career choices. So I Invite you to open your mind and listen to Jill share her story on embracing curiosity.  About Jill YanceyAs full-time mother to four kids under twelve, a published writer, and Community Manager for Tell(h)er Co, Jill Yancey has had to learn the delicate alchemy of combining passion with parenthood. Whether she is partnering with poet and entrepreneur Azure Antoinette to amplify the voices of hundreds of female writers across the globe, or working to instill her values of curiosity, justice, compassion, and truth-telling in the children she is tending at home, Jill believes in the value of a good idea, and the power of a good idea shared. Most early mornings or late nights, she can be found writing in the fleeting quiet of her crowded-but-joyful South Carolina home. Her first novel, a careful examination of the mother-daughter relationships that have always captured her curiosity, is currently in production.  Her recently published essay and poems, Quilt of Thousands, Body Talk and Painted, can be found in the upcoming Generations issue of Motherscope Magazine. She invites you to say hi on Instagram and join in her #dailymemoir practice @jillwritesabook Connect with Jill Yancey:IG: @jillwritesabookConnect with Tell(h)er Co:IG: @tellhercoResources:The Working Mom Wellness Guide to Asking your Partner for Help. Download your free 10 page guide here. Working Mom Wellness design was created by Dr. Milena Radzikowska  and Chris Shaddock of Two Hot Soups Consulting .Post production and sound editing is done by East Coast Studio. 

In this episode, author Chandra Blumberg and I look behind the scenes of novel writing. We pull the curtain back and reveal the quiet work, the messy work, and the process that results in the final product of a novel. We look at the fluidity that occurred for both of us when writing while parenting. Chandra speaks to the importance of embracing our humanity and leaning into seasonality both as writers and as mothers. She offers insight on finding what works for you. So to the moms listening that might have a dream—You might want to create or make something. You might want to try something new. You might be ready to take a leap of faith. But don't know if you have the time. Or you aren't sure if you are talented enough to be successful. This episode is for you. About Chandra Blumberg:Chandra Blumberg grew up in Michigan. After receiving a BA in English from Michigan State University, she moved with her husband to the Chicago area, where she enjoys the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and exploring museums. Chandra's essays on motherhood have appeared in Her View From Home and Mothers Always Write. Chandra writes funny, heartwarming love stories where getting to happily-ever-after is half the fun. Her debut novel, Digging up Love is out January 1, 2022. It's currently available for preorder—I will include all of the links in the show notes. Stirring Up Love will be published later next year.She is an avid reader and loves to travel, but since becoming a mother her journeys are mostly domestic, rather than global. Chandra also enjoys reading during breakfast, making a mess of the kitchen while baking new recipes with her kids, and lifting heavy barbells at the gym.Connect with Chandra Blumberg:Web: https://chandrablumberg.comIG: @chandrablumbergTwitter: @ChandraBlumbergPre order Digging Up Love 

In this episode, I speak with Story Coach and storyteller, Jilliane Yawney. Jilliane shares her story about how a road trip with a stop in Detroit, Michigan changed the trajectory of her life and instilled in her a love for storytelling. Jilliane explains what it takes to be an excellent storyteller—but possibly more importantly—she provides insight on why we need to tell our stories. Finally, for those of you wondering, Do I even have a story to tell? Yes, you do. Listen to find out more about the power of your own story. About Jilliane Yawney:Jilliane Yawney has helped over 1,000 people get onstage to share their story. She is a Story Coach and the creator of the Core 7 Stories for Business™ framework. Jilliane has worked with the likes of Shark Tank winners, board game creators, and multinational real estate managers to change lives and grow brands.Jilliane's undergrad and graduate degrees both focused on storytelling, and her thesis work explored the motivational power of story. She has been working as a storyteller and Story Coach for 20 years and is committed to helping individuals and teams grow their confidence and communication skills with story.Jillian believes self expression supports happiness and human connection. She believes learning and growth is best achieved through a positive, supportive approach. She strives to foster and create beauty in all that she does – and that means helping you tell your story. Connect with Jilliane Yawney:Web: https://www.jillianeyawney.comIG: @jillianeyawneyRelated Articles: Who won't shut up in meetings? Men say it's women. It's not:https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/02/18/men-interrupt-women-tokyo-olympics/How Not to Be 'Manterrupted' in Meetings:https://time.com/3666135/sheryl-sandberg-talking-while-female-manterruptions/Female Supreme Court Justices Are Interrupted More by Male Justices and Advocates:https://hbr.org/2017/04/female-supreme-court-justices-are-interrupted-more-by-male-justices-and-advocates

In this episode, I speak with mother, activist and founder of  Niitsítapi Water Protectors, Latasha Calf Robe. Latasha shares her story as to what it means to be a Blackfoot mother and woman. We examine how motherhood can be fierce. Motherhood can be empowering. Motherhood can be a push for activism. Latasha also shares with us her work behind the Niitsítapi Water Protectors and provides guidance for mothers who want to see positive change in their communities for their children but might not be sure where to start. About Latasha Calf Robe:Latasha Calf Robe is from the Kainaiwa First Nation and a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy. She is the founder and co-lead of the Niitsítapi Water Protectors (NWP) a grassroots collective of Niitsítapi water and land protectors. It was formed in response to the threat of recent coal development projects within Blackfoot traditional territory.Latasha holds a business degree from Mt. Royal University with a focus on Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation. Latasha currently works as the program manager for 'Map the System Canada,' a global competition that asks students and educators to think differently about social and environmental change. Latasha has also worked as an Indigenous Prosperity Builder for the Institute of Community Prosperity as well as Organizer / Facilitator of Niitsítapi Resiliency and Empowerment Discussion Group. And she was the recipient of the 2017 Calgary Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award.Latasha is from a family of  storytellers, her father was a well known storyteller and Latasha continues the tradition. Her book, Niitsippooktsistaanitsi (My Braids), is about Siipisaahkomaapi (Night Boy)—a traditional Blackfoot boy. In this story, he shares his world with his family, and the meaning and gifts of his three braids.Latasha is a mother of three beautiful Blackfoot children who she raises with her partner. Follow/Support Niitsítapi Water Protectors:Web: www.niitsitapiwaterprotectors.comIG: @niitsitapiwaterprotectorsTwitter: @NiitsitapiWaterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiitsitapiWaterProtectors

In this episode, Lana Bentley and I dive deep into the mental health challenges that our kids are facing. We look at gender roles and how they play into mental health, as well as gender identity and how that is changing within the realm of mental health. Lana has an extensive depth of knowledge in mental health, gender roles, and how to best meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of our populations. Finally Lana explores how we don't want to go back to normal and why we need to demand a better normal—within mental health, the economy, and our communities. This is one episode that I cannot recommend highly enough to parents, educators, health care providers and all those currently working with children and youth. About Lana Bentley:Lana Bentley is a registered social worker with a bachelor's and master's degree in social work from the University of Calgary. She spent much of the early years of her career working in the area of mental health as a family and group therapist. Lana managed a psychiatric inpatient unit and psychiatric emergency room for children and youth at the Alberta Children's Hospital. She has taught in the post-secondary system for nearly ten years. Her passion for effecting change led her to pursue leadership positions in healthcare and human services. Lana is currently the Director of Program Strategy at YW Calgary—the largest and longest serving women's organization in Calgary.Volunteering in the community is important to Lana and she shares her time generously. Over the years, Lana has been involved with housing initiatives, mentorship for young professionals, domestic violence prevention efforts, and free drop-in counselling programs. Lana is committed to ensuring our community is safe and accessible for all. She is currently the Vice—chair for the SHARP Foundation, a Calgary-based non-profit organization committed to providing a continuum of care to those living with HIV or at the highest risk of contracting HIV.Finally, Lana is running for Ward 6 Councillor for Cagalry—Elections are October 18, so everyone listening in the Calgary areas needs to make sure they get out and vote—She is running on a platform of a "strong and inclusive community where we all thrive together." Connect with Lana Bentley:Web: www.lanabentley.caIG: @lana4ward6Twitter: @LanaBentleyYYC

In our first episode of Season 4, I speak with Counselor and Registered Social Worker, Karen Turnock. Karen provides strategies on how we can pause, acknowledge, and embrace our own mental health—whatever state it may be—as we head back into this school year. Part discussion, part interview, part therapy session, Karen provides an open and safe space for us to dive deep into the mental health challenges working moms have faced over that past year and a half. About Karen Turnock:For 20 years Karen Turnock has provided counselling services to women facing unexpected or difficult life circumstances. Much of this work has been in health care settings working with women at all stages of life She is a Registered Social Worker with a Clinical Specialization in good standing with the Alberta College of Social Work. Karen received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan and her Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Social Work degrees from the University of Calgary. ​Karen specialize in working with Women's Issues and have a Certification in Maternal Mental Health as well as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma.  She enjoys keeping up to date on the most effective therapeutic interventions including CBT for anxiety and mood changes, grief counselling, Gordon Neufeld's Attachment/Developmental approach as well as connection-based models for parenting and relationship issues.On a personal note, Karen is a mama of two fabulous daughters and has been married for over 15 years.  She was born and raised on the prairies and feels at my best when she gets outside into open spaces. Connect with Karen Turnock:Web: https://www.karenturnock.comIG: @karen.turnock.counsellingResources: Alberta Mental Health 24/7 Confidential Line: 1-877-303-2642Book: What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Whinfrey and Dr. Bruce PerryConnect with Lisa:Web: http://lisabush.caVideo (how I actually spent my first day back to school): https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=313711243884291&ref=watch_permalink

In our final episode of the Alberta Leaders Series, I have the opportunity to speak with Alberta Leader, Shamair Turner. In this episode, Shamair shares with us her personal journey last spring when she felt the calling to enter politics. Shamair shares with us her thoughts on activism, "You can exist as an activist in many ways … In the communities that I exist in and in the spaces that I'm in, I'm always a voice." She also explains how we —now more than ever—need to be paying attention to our leaders. About Shamair Turner:Shamair Turner is a risk and insurance professional, who is currently running for Edmonton city council in Ward Karhiio with a grassroot campaign and a platform centring people, innovation, affordable housing, and business growth. She believes in making the best decisions that both support and protect Edmontonians while ensuring that smart financial decisions and climate action are part of every plan. She has been an advocate for supporting BIPOC women in politics and recently hosted Transforming the Table: the benefits of broadening the view. It was an event featuring women with a variety of experiences and perspectives to increase engagement in local non-profits, media literacy, and Edmonton City council. She is a first generation Canadian born and raised in Edmonton.Connect with Shamair Turner:Web: https://www.shamairturner.comTwitter: @ShamairT Facebook: @shamair.turner.citycouncil IG: @shamair.turnerResources:Searching for Izena: https://www.ywcaofedmonton.org/izena/

Today's episode is with Alberta Leader, MLA Janis Irwin. In this episode, Janis shares her thoughts on advocacy and how it's essential that we continue to speak up for all individuals in our community. She shares with us her thoughts on leadership, advocacy, and how leadership is interconnected with all those around us. About Janis Irwin:Janis Irwin is MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Northwood. She is currently the Official Opposition Deputy Whip and the Critic for Women and LGBTQ2S+ Issues.Prior to serving as an MLA, Janis devoted over a decade to the field of education, where she worked for Alberta Education as the Senior Manager, Social Studies, and then as the Executive Director for High School Curriculum. She started her career working in rural Alberta as a high school teacher and as a vice principal.Janis holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Alberta and a master's degree in education from the University of Calgary. Over the years she's served as a board member for several nonprofit associations, and has volunteered with a number of organizations. Janis enjoys an active lifestyle and spending her spare time running and biking and exploring Edmonton's beautiful River Valley.Connect with Janis Irwin:Web: https://www.albertandpcaucus.ca/your-mlas/janis-irwinFB: @JanisIrwinTwitter: @JanisIrwinIG: @janis.irwin

In this episode with Albert Leader Rajah Maggay, we explore the link between mental health, wellbeing, and leadership. Rajah uncovers how our current lack of parity in politics is affecting women's everyday lives. She explains the unique perspective on safety, mobility, and community that women in political spaces offer.Rajah explains that our current political system was created for men by men and gives us very concrete ideas as to what we need to do as women to support women currently running for office. She also provides insight into the political system and current  issues that women need to be raising with our elected officials. About Rajah Maggay:Rajah Maggay is a Research and Policy Advisor for the City of Edmonton. She is the co-founder of political DIVAS, A peer support group for racialized women in politics as well as the Vice Chair of Research Parity YEG, an Edmoton based multi partisan nonprofit working towards gender parity in politics and public office. Rajah is the Co-Chair of Searching for Izena, A grassroots project to commemorate the centennial of the first women being elected to Edmonton City Council.  For the past five years, she has volunteered on the Health and Wellness Committee for the City of Edmonton Youth Council. She's assisted with multiple mental health initiatives and research in community-based solutions to youth issues. Rajah is a Second Generation Filipino-Canadian, raised by a network of strong women She and her family have lived in Edmonton for over 20 years. Connect with Rajah Maggay:Twitter: @RajahMaggayIG: @rajahmaggayResources: ParityYEG: https://www.parityyeg.caParityYEG: @ParityYEGPolitical D.I.V.A.S: @politicaldivass

Today's episode is with Alberta Leader, Dr. Muna Saleh. In this conversation, I speak with Muna about our stories as mothers, women, and educators. You will learn about the danger of the single story and how—as individuals—we might try to categorize ourselves and others into one box. Dr. Saleh shares with us how she intentionally disrupts this single story narrative, whether it's through her research, her interaction with her students, or using humour on her Twitter feed.We also speak to difficult stories. And why it's so important as adults not to minimize difficult conversations with our children or students. But at the same time, we must provide a way forward with our stories, we must provide an element of hope and action. Finally, Dr. Saleh speaks to stories that have been planted within us, and that grow within us, often without our knowing. Narratives such as being the "good" mother, the "good" daughter, the "good" teacher. And how we can recognize them and—with the support of other women—re-story our own personal narratives.About Dr. Muna Saleh:Dr. Muna Saleh is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Concordia University of Edmonton. Drawing upon her experiences as a Canadian Muslim woman, mother, educator, and researcher, Muna's doctoral research was a narrative inquiry into the experiences of Canadian Muslim girls and their mothers. Prior to graduate studies, she was an elementary and secondary school teacher and leader. Her research interests include multiperspectival narrative inquiry, mothering and motherhood, conceptions of curriculum, familial curriculum-making, and research alongside children and youth with disabilities and their families. She is the authour of, "Stories We Live and Grow By: (Re)Telling Our Experiences as Muslim Mothers and Daughters."  Dr. Muna Saleh is a mother, wife, daughter, writer, researcher and advocate. Photo Credits for Dr. Muna Saleh: https://www.instagram.com/fo_photography/ Resources:In this episode, Dr. Muna Saleh offers a wealth of resources on women's stories, education, and feminism. Below are some of the resources mentioned today. BooksChimamanda Ngozi Adichie, "We Should All Be Feminists" Sara Ahmed, "Living a Feminist Life" Dr. Bettina Love, "We Want to Do More Than Survive"Dr. Muna Saleh, "Stories We Live and Grow By: (Re)Telling Our Experiences as Muslim Mothers and Daughters"Ted Talk:Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, The danger of a single story 

Today's episode is with Alberta Leader and mayoral candidate for the city of Calgary, Jyoti Gondek. In this conversation, Jyoti gives us a behind-the-scenes look into municipal elections,  and why municipal elections matter to our day-to-day lives as women.  Jyoti provides examples as to how the current campaign system and the current fundraising process are barriers to women running and winning. She also shares how we—as working moms—can change it. We are going to look at Jyoti's innovatie perspective on balance and lack of balance. Specifically, what happens to cities when they are developed without female leaders and female input. Why our current political climate tends to be polarized, and why political balance is key to us moving forward. And finally, Jyoti shares with us her honest and vulnerable perspective of personal work/life balance and the unexpected benefits that come from a lack of balance. About Jyoti Gondek:Jyoti Gondek is currently serving Calgary city council as ward 3 councillor. She is running for Mayor in the upcoming municipal election on October 18, 2021. If elected, she would be the first woman to serve as mayor for the city of Calgary, since its  incorporated in 1884. Jyoti Gondek holds an undergraduate degree in sociology and criminology, an MA in organizational sociology that examined corporate social responsibility, and a PhD in urban sociology that provided insights into the struggles of urban-rural hybrid areas. She was the Director of the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies at the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business before taking office in 2017. For 12 years prior, she provided research-based consulting services ranging from creating complete communities to fostering healthy corporate cultures. Jyoti also has private sector experience in financial services and public sector experience as a policy analyst.Jyoti has been recognized for her contributions to community through the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the 2016 Angus Reid Applied Sociology Award. She is Mother. Leader. Businessperson. Wife. Citizen. Friend. Daughter. Problem solver. Entrepreneur. Connect with Jyoti Gondek:Web: https://www.jyotigondek.caFacebook: @JyotiGondekTwitter: @JyotiGondekIG: @jyotigondek

Today's episode is with Alberta Leader, Dr. Gabrielle Lindstrom. In this conversation, I speak with Gabrielle about resilience and her research findings on resilience.  We look at the differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives of resilience. Gabrielle explains concepts of walking with integrity, creating ethical spaces, and how much of this has to do with our relationship with ourselves. This is a beautiful and timely conversation for those of us who might be feeling weary or disconnected.About Dr. Gabrielle Lindstrom:Dr. Gabrielle Lindstrom (née Weasel Head) is a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy. Her teaching background includes instructing in topics around First Nation, Métis and Inuit history and current issues, Indigenous Studies (Canadian and International perspectives), Indigenous cross-cultural approaches, and Indigenous research methods and ethics. Her dissertation research focused on the interplay between trauma and resilience in the postsecondary experiences of Indigenous adult learners. Other research interests include meaningful assessment in higher education, Indigenous homelessness, intercultural parallels in teaching and learning research, Indigenous lived experience of resilience, Indigenous community-based research, parenting assessment tools reform in child welfare, anti-colonial theory and anti-racist pedagogy.Resources:Dr. Gabrielle Lindstrom, "Looking Back While Moving Forward: A Narrative Journey Toward Self."Betty Bastien, "Blackfoot Ways of Knowing: The Worldview of the Siksikaitsitapi." 

Today's episode is with Alberta Leader, MLA Rakhi Pancholi. In this conversation, I speak with Rakhi about the significance of accessible, affordable, quality child care. Rakhi explains how this is a primary factor impacting working moms' ability to be successful in their careers. She provides us with some staggering statistics and shares with us what we need to be doing to get women back into the workplace after the devastating effects of the pandemic. This is a conversation I encourage you to listen to and share it with everyone. Simply put: we need to elect leaders that allow women to thrive. This episode explains why. About Rakhi Pancholi:Rakhi Pancholi is the MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud and Children's Services Critic. As a lawyer with a focus on  labour/employment and education law, she has experience working with the Alberta School Boards Association and was the senior legislative consultant for Alberta Education. As an MLA she continues to advocate for Alberta students and families and what needs to be done to make their lives better.Rakhi has also been very involved in a number of volunteer organizations in Edmonton, including ParityYEG, the Humane Animal Rescue Team, the National Education Program Committee, and the Women's Legal Education & Action Fund. She has also volunteered her services as a lawyer, providing legal advice to low-income clients.Rakhi lives in South Edmonton with her husband, two children and her rescue dog. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta, and a law degree from the University of Toronto.Connect with Rakhi Pancholi:Web: https://www.albertandpcaucus.ca/your-mlas/rakhi-pancholiFacebook: @rakhipancholiedmontonwhitemudTwitter: @pancholi_rakhiIG: @pancholi_rakhi

In this episode, I speak with Certified Financial Educator and writer, Eugenié George on women's financial wellness. Eugenié offers a new perspective on finances that embraces ancestry, race, gender, wellness, and mental health.Eugenié offers advice to women who want to move forward in a healthy relationship with their money. She provides practical ideas as to how to address the gender and racial inequities with our current earnings.In this episode, you will learn: How our physical and mental wellness affects our financial wellbeing. Why it's important to get in touch with our past in order to move forward with our money. How we change the tradition of silence around women and money. What we can do to disrupt the financial inequality that exists in race and gender. Advice to women who are struggling with their own financial wellness.About Eugenié George: Eugenié George is a financial wellness specialist and educator, who attributes her success in personal finance from creating an unorthodox way of viewing money. She has always enjoyed money, history, and mental health. Eugenié is a Certified Financial Educator and has an MBA with an emphasis in finance from South University. She is taking the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) exam — in November 2021.From paying off student loans to navigating her family financial situation, Eugenié understands the old method of wealth building doesn't work for Women of Color. She has created the Money and Flow podcast, where cash and vinyasa flows meet. The Money and Flow podcast is the first podcast that talks about how money stories, looking at an ancestral lens, can help activate a financial wellness plan. She is the Author of Our Money Stories, A Six Week No B.S. Holistic Financial Wellness Plan. Eugenié lives with her  fiance´and two bonus kids in Philadelphia. Connect with Eugenié George: Website: https://eugeniegeorge.comOur Money Stories: https://www.amazon.ca/Our-Money-Stories-Holistic-Financial-ebook/dp/B084GY66HYThe Money and flow Podcast: https://eugeniegeorge.com/podcast

In this podcast episode, we speak to Professor of Information Design, design researcher, co-owner of a design agency located in Calgary, Alberta, mother, and my friend, Milena Radzikowska. In this episode you will learn:How design - though often invisible - has a significant impact on women's mental & physical health. How recognizing design's influence can be a powerful step to taking ownership of our own health.What the design process can teach us about wellness.How design - like our own health - is a constant work in progress. About Dr. Milena RadzikowskaSince 2005, Dr. Radzikowska's research work is transdisciplinary, marked by a passion to benefit others. She's worked on over two dozen large, medium, and small, national and international projects, with undergraduate and graduate researchers, industry partners, not-for-profit agencies, and scholars from over 30 different fields. Her work has been iterative and experimental—meant to challenge existing design conventions and explore unique alternatives to complex problems. In 2019, she joined an international team working on Design for Reconciliation in Post-Conflict Zones. Dr. Radzikowska has more than 75 publications and she is a member of the Design Concepts Lab research group, and one of the founding members of the qLab (qcollaborative.com), an Intersectional Feminist Design Research Lab, located at Mount Royal University, University of Waterloo, and University of Illinois.What to know more?See Caroline Perez' Invisible Women Design Process Models: https://vimeo.com/445016444Follow Milena on Twitter @DrRadzikowskaCheck out qcollaborative.com

In this episode, Elizabeth Tingle explores body image, diet culture, and weight neutral wellness. She explains what it means to be weight neutral, and why that might be a good thing as you prioritize your wellness.“We can focus on behaviours to improve our health, but focusing so much on weight is just unhealthy in a very fundamental way." Elizabeth goes on to explain, "When we focus on the multiple dimensions of health: mental, emotional, spiritual, social, we are far more likely to feel better about ourselves than simply focusing on weight loss."About Elizabeth TingleElizabeth Tingle is an instructor at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. She teaches Comprehensive School Health and Wellness to pre service teachers. She recently obtained a Master's in Educational Research at the University of Calgary studying how weight bias can be unlearned, and the importance of challenging the dominant messages surrounding weight in our culture. As a former school teacher and mother to three school-aged children, she is particularly passionate about making schools more weight-neutral spaces. She received a scholarship to attend a Body Positive Facilitator Training in Boston (2018) and is now a licensed Body Positive facilitator. Weight Neutral ResourcesBooksAnti-Diet by Christy Harrison Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse ReschWebsitesBeauty Redefined, by Lindsay & Lexie Kite, PhDEating Competence by Ellyn SatterMore-Love, A great resource for parentsPodcastsFood Psych by Christy Harrison 

In this episode, I speak with rest consultant - and my personal mentor - Deanna Mason. Through Deanna I have learned life-altering insights on rest and leadership. And now, you'll have the opportunity to learn from Deanna and her depth of knowledge and experience on how to lead, parent, and work in a way that allows for rest. About Deanna MasonDeanna Mason is a mom, entrepreneur, and a monetization and rest consultant. She is dedicated to helping moms sustain the rigor of entrepreneurship by integrating consistent rest rhythms into their lives.Deanna is the creator of the Refreshed Moms Podcast, The Refreshed Moms Facebook Group and the The Refreshed Moms App - Spiritual rest for the over-committed, burned out mom. Deanna is also the founder of Needle Movers, a nonprofit organization focused on moving the needle of social equity by closing the gap between the American majority population and people of color in education, personal finance, and community.Connect with Deanna:Website: https://deannamason.comRefreshed Moms Podcast: https://refreshedmomspodcast.buzzsprout.com

In this episode, Raquila-D'Nai Smith explains how to live a life that is authentic and teaches our kids authenticity. We discuss how to start the year cultivating communication, connection, and peace within. About Raquila-D'Nai SmithRaquila-D'Nai Smith is a wife, mother, homeschooler, and speaker. She has three degrees in psychology and counseling and holds a certification as a life coach. Raquila-D'Nai is on a mission to encourage and inspire while helping people with vision masterfully use words to reach their target audience. She enjoys making people laugh as they gain insights and tips.  Her goal is using her expertise and sharing her experiences, to serve, to uplift, and motivate others. She is also the creator of the Podcast, Mommy Couch Confessions - a Podcast where Mom's come together, just as we are, to have honest conversations about all things motherhood and life. Connect with Raquila-D'NaiWebsite: http://raquiladnai.comMommy Couch Confessions Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1397482

In our first episode of 2021, Alison Calder speaks to the challenges of motherhood and how we can get lost in our roles as mothers. Alison opens up about her challenges with motherhood saying, “I felt constricted and confined in a way that I never imagined.”Through her journey of self-discovery, she received great insight that she shares with us this episode. Alison also shares her thoughts on how we can make ourselves a priority this year. About Alison CalderAlison is a high school theatre teacher, a mom of two small humans, and a lover of all things outdoors. She is a paddleboarder, snowboarder, surfer, jogger, biker, skateboarder, and mountain climber. She is working hard to rebuild herself & her life after postpartum depression and the reality of motherhood. The "Comeback Mama," is her catch phrase to describe herself. Connect with Alison Instagram: @ali.Calder_Let's Put the RAD in Radical Podcast 

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Khatija Westbrook on the positive effects of nature on our overall stress levels and how we can incorporate it into our day-to-day lives regardless of the season. Khatija explains how to transition from our busy life to a slower pace where we are in touch with ourselves. Khatija explores how both traditional western and non-western approaches to medicine can be effective for optimal health. And she gives us a few tips on how to lower our stress levels through an intentional mind-body connection.About Dr. Khatija WestbrookDr. Khatija Westbrook has been a practicing physiotherapist and athletic therapist for over 25 years. She teaches in Athletic Therapy and Physical Literacy at Mt Royal University. Khatija has a concomitant passion for complimentary, alternative and integrated medicine. She has taken courses, workshops and seminars in acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, cupping, Qi Gong, Reiki and holistic energy healing.  Her areas of Scholarship include Sport epidemiology and complimentary, alternative and integrative medicine.

As the holiday season approaches, Sara Haney and I offer a few tips on how to redistribute the household workload. We offer ideas on how to take things off your plate, and delegate tasks to members of your family. We get very real and honest with gender roles in raising a family and running a household. “Parenting is relentless.” Sara admits, “Never before have I felt like I am suffocating like I have this year ...” Join us in this authentic and very timely conversation.Wellness ResourcesInterested in joining a community of other working moms, aunts, grandmothers, and caregivers? Join the Working Moms Wellness group on Facebook.I invite you to download my 5 Journaling Practices to Shift your Mindset. These are my absolute favourite go-to practices to restore calm and focus when you are feeling overwhelmed.Resources:The information guiding our conversation today is taken from Women in Canada: A Gender-based Statistical Report. Time use: Total work burden, unpaid work, and leisure:https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-503-x/2015001/article/54931-eng.htmAbout Sara Haney:Sara Haney received her Bachelor of Arts from Ripon College in biology and education. She studied abroad in Brazil with an emphasis on ecology and biodiversity. Sara has taught biology and life science in Oregon, Wisconsin, and Louisiana. She is the owner and founder of Owner Puzzle Permaculture, a company that inspires sustainable actions, and builds resilient communities by supporting caring teachers, students, and parents by providing inspiring curriculum relevant programs. She currently lives, teaches, and gardens in Calgary with her husband and two children. 

In this episode, I speak with comedian and antiracism coach, Adora Nwofor, on the importance of healing and joy. “If your community is doing well, you are going to do better.” Adora goes on to say that, “I want the whole world to thrive.” Adora shares her journey with Black Lives Matter Calgary. She notes the work of Black women, saying, “These movements start at home... at tables, and in living rooms... on the phone...” Adora explains the anti-racism work that still needs to be done, “We deserve our whole lives. And we are not getting it right now.”  About Adora Nwofor:Adora Nwofor is a  Calgary based Comedian, Model, Actor, Makeup artist and wardrobe stylist. She's a keynote speaker and antiracism coach. She has acted as board director for both the Nigerian Association, youth division and Femme Wave: Calgary's Feminist Music and Arts Festival. She is also a founding organizer and grand marshal of the global initiative March for Women (Western Canada). She is at the forefront of Calgary's Black Lives Matter. Adora has MC'd events for the City of Calgary, Canada Heritage and Alberta Culture Days, and has also been a speaker at Mount Royal's Diversity Leadership Conference, University of Calgary's Diversity days and was the Western Canada keynote for the Canadian Universities Advocacy bodies. She is currently the host of Living a Creative Life, a salute to the thousands of Calgarians who are living creative lives. Resources: The economist that Adora references is Dana Peterson, whose article is featured here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-20/racism-and-inequity-have-cost-the-u-s-16-trillion-wall-street-economist-saysIn this episode, Lisa reads the demands for defunding the police from the Black Lives Matter Canada site: https://blacklivesmatter.caYou can reach Adora through Black Lives Matter YYC: https://www.blacklivesmatteryyc.com or on Instagram: @statuesse

In this episode, I speak with educator, wife, and aunt, Iriel Jaroslavsky about the importance of reflecting on our identity. Iriel shares her experiences growing up in Argentina, attending school in the United States, and entering the workforce in Canada. Iriel speaks of how wellness looks different depending on her place in life. Sometimes it looks like going to the gym. But Iriel states that, “Sometimes it looks like I am just going to sit and stare at a wall so I can just tune out the noise.” Iriel goes on to explain, “It has become apparent that we need to slow down… to just be… to grow into a better person.” Wellness ResourcesInterested in joining a community of other working moms, aunts, grandmothers, and caregivers? Join the Working Moms Wellness group on Facebook.I invite you to download my 5 Journaling Practices to Shift your Mindset. These are my absolute favourite go-to practices to restore calm and focus when you are feeling overwhelmed.Resources:In this episode, I speak to the work of Dr. Bettina Love, Professor of Education at the University of Georgia and cite her book, We Want to Do More Than Survive. I also mention the Abolitionist Teaching Network, of which Dr. Love is a board member. About  Iriel JaroslavskyIriel Jaroslavsky is a National Geographic Certified Educator, Google Certified Educator, and teacher in a Spanish Bilingual School in Calgary. She received her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts at St. Mary's University. Iriel's area of interest in education is the effects of trauma in children and how it shows up in educational settings. 

In this episode, mom, writer, academic, professor, and social justice advocate Dr. Scharie Tavcer speaks about her challenges with and solutions to addressing her inner critic. Scharie discusses the importance of unconditioning ourselves and recognizing where those scripts come from and finding support.  We also dive into how we need to love ourselves hard. We discuss the question that academics bell hooks and Brene Brown both raise, “Can we love our children more than we love ourselves?”About Dr. Scharie Tavcer:Dr. Scharie Tavcer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at MT Royal University. She is the 2020 recipient of the Faculty of Arts Outstanding Teacher Award. Scharie is the co author of, “Women and the criminal justice system: A Canadian perspective,” and the author of, “Criminal law for criminal justice students: An introduction.” Her areas of research include violence against women, a feminist lens to understanding crime, victims and trauma informed care, poverty offending, mental illness; addiction, and criminal law. She is a ceaseless advocate for mental health, women's rights, social justice issues.Resources: In this episode, Scharie and I discuss how having kids has transformed the way we look at love. I cite the work by bell hooks, and her book, “All About Love” as well as Brene Brown and her book, “The Gifts of Imperfection.”