TELUS Talks with Tamara Taggart

Sport can be a turning point and a lifeline for so many young people. Taylor McPherson knows firsthand how powerful that lifeline can be. From a wrestling mat in Calgary to co-founding initiatives that bring sports to rural communities, Taylor is making sport more accessible for Indigenous youth. She believes sport can build identity, confidence and connection. We dive into why representation matters, how we can continue breaking barriers and what's possible when young people are given the space to thrive.

Rivers are vanishing; not just from our landscapes, but from our imaginations. Acclaimed author and Cambridge University professor Robert Macfarlane explores the deeply moving idea at the heart of his new book, Is a River Alive? He shares stories from Ecuador, India and Canada—where rivers have been granted legal personhood and recognized as living beings and asks us to reconnect with nature in a deeper way.

Indigenous women are reshaping the film industry one story at a time. We sit down with filmmaker Jules Koostachin to talk about her new documentary Niimisak: Sisters in Film, a celebration of the women who paved the way and those continuing to break new ground. From cinematic legends to emerging voices, Jules highlights the talent, resilience and creative force of Indigenous women behind the camera. We explore what meaningful representation looks like, the systemic barriers that still exist, and how we can build lasting opportunities for Indigenous women in film.

Human trafficking is happening all over Canada and is hidden in plain sight. Filmmaker Viveka Melki shares the stories behind her new documentary Butterfly: Into the Maze of Human Trafficking, which follows three women who survived being trafficked across Western Canada. We dive into the strength it takes to survive, how storytelling can become a tool for healing and how we can recognize when human trafficking is happening in our own communities.

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or ruled by your emotions? Ethan Kross wants you to know there is a way forward. As a psychologist and best-selling author, Ethan shares his practical tips for managing your emotions before they manage you. He dives into science-backed tools to help you calm your mind, reframe your thoughts, and reshape your environment for greater clarity and control.

What can a dead tree teach us about grief? Tessa McWatt shares how the natural world—especially the metaphor of the “snag,” a standing dead tree—helped her navigate the slow loss of her mother to dementia. As her mother's memory faded, the forest became a guide for Tessa, showing that death is not an end, but part of a continuous, connected cycle.

What if the key to getting unstuck isn't doing more—but doing differently? Jesse Lipscombe was on track for the Olympics when a mini-stroke changed everything. He shares how that life-altering moment sparked a shift from chasing goals to embracing doing creating a blueprint for moving forward with curiosity, clarity and confidence.

What does it take to turn big dreams into reality — and stay true to who you are along the way? Vogue fashion journalist and author Christian Allaire shares his journey from growing up on a reserve in Canada to becoming one of the most exciting voices in fashion today. We talk about the power of Indigenous representation in style, and how determination, creativity, and cultural pride fueled his rise. Whether you dream of breaking into fashion or chasing any big goal, Christian's story will leave you inspired to dream bigger.

What if the reason you're stuck financially has nothing to do with money? We sit down with financial educator and author Jessica Moorhouse to explore the emotional and psychological roots of our relationship to money. Based on her new book Everything but Money, we unpack how shame, trauma, family history, and systemic inequality shape our financial lives—and why traditional advice like “just budget better” often falls short.

Why does life today feel so overwhelming? Steven Heine wants to answer this question by helping you better understand your own brain. As a social and cultural psychologist, Steven explains why so many of us feel anxious, disconnected and unsure of our purpose. We discuss how our brains are wired to crave meaning, why freedom often brings anxiety, and how we can rebuild a sense of purpose when life feels chaotic.

There's a side of the opioid crisis most people never hear—the view from inside. Garth Mullins is a podcaster and author who has experienced addiction, incarceration and loss, and he wants to shift the focus to saving lives. We explore why harm reduction is essential, how the war on drugs has failed communities, and what a health-based, compassionate response could look like.

Microplastics are found on every corner of the planet – even in our own bodies. Holly Hogan has seen the far-reaching impacts of ocean plastics first hand. She is a seabird biologist with over 30 years of experience and the author of Message in a Bottle: Ocean Dispatches in the Age of Plastic. Holly shares powerful stories about the devastating effects of plastic on marine life, how microplastics are impacting human health and how we can reduce plastic in our everyday lives.

Christopher Merasty believes that true healing for men could transform entire communities. In 2020, he founded Men Of The North with the goal of providing accessible, culturally-grounded mental health resources for men. We discuss how his programs are changing lives in his community, the urgent funding needs for men's mental health resources and why men's healing is essential for safer, healthier communities.

Born without an outer right ear, Kate Gies spent the better part of her childhood being told she needed to be fixed. She underwent 14 reconstructive surgeries in the attempt to achieve a “normal” appearance for a non-medical issue. Kate joins us to question the foundation of what we deem acceptable for our bodies, share her experience in the medical system and discuss her new memoir – It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished.

Lung cancer is on the rise, even among those who have never smoked. Dr. Stephen Lam is a respirologist with the BC Cancer Research Centre, and has dedicated his career to lung cancer research and early detection. Stephen dives into the role of AI in predicting lung cancer risk and practical strategies to safeguard your lungs.

Why are women's bodies, particularly breasts, both a source of empowerment and controversy? They are commodified, censored and debated. Sociologist and author Sarah Thornton joins us to explore how women's bodies shape entire industries—from healthcare to fashion. Sarah also dives into her new book Tits Up: What Sex Workers, Milk Bankers, Plastic Surgeons, Bra Designers, and Witches Tell Us about Breasts.

Dr. Lori Brotto, renowned women's sexual health expert and UBC professor, joins us to break down the changes menopause brings—and how to navigate them with confidence. From explaining a shifting libido to managing discomfort, Lori shares insights packed with practical advice you won't want to miss.

Did you know women are almost twice as likely as men to develop dementia? Dr. Saskia Sivananthan, neuroscientist and CEO of the Brainwell Institute, dives into the science of brain health. She breaks down why dementia rates are higher in women and, most importantly, what we can do to lower our risk.

What if your biggest craving led to a successful business idea? When Lilian Umurungi-Jung was pregnant, she found it difficult to find nourishing food products and decided to make her own snacks at home. As the owner and founder of Mumgry, Lilian's business makes nut butters that are delicious, nutritious and have simple ingredients. She shares how her Rwandan food traditions shaped the flavors of Mumgry and how she built a purpose-driven, Canadian brand from the ground up.

Are you tired of the endless cycle of dieting, guilt and food rules? Shana Spence is a registered dietitian nutritionist and she dives into how to heal your relationship with food to reclaim the joy of eating. Shana breaks down why diet culture is so pervasive, how it harms our mental and physical health, and what we can do to unlearn restrictive food rules.

Social media can distort the reality of life in many different ways – motherhood is no exception. Sara Petersen is an author and culture writer with a love/hate relationship with ‘momfluencers', where the private work of mothering is turned into a public performance. The message is simple but fraught: we're all just a couple of clicks away from a better, more beautiful experience of motherhood. We discuss how momfluencer culture impacts women psychologically as consumers, as performers of their stories and as mothers.

More competition among internet providers means more innovation and choice for Canadians. Zainul Mawji joins us to explain how TELUS is standing up for Canadians' right to choose their Internet provider. As the Executive Vice-president of TELUS and President of TELUS Consumer Solutions, Zainul unpacks the federal government's recent appeal asking the CRTC to exclude TELUS from offering home Internet services to consumers in Ontario and Quebec and how this could impact Canadians.

For the first couple of weeks of January, we're revisiting some of our most popular episodes from 2024. Take another listen to our conversation with Tanya Talaga. For Tanya, memory is not just about the past. It's a tool for survival and resistance. Remembering and honouring ancestors through stories ensures that their spirits and wisdom continue to guide future generations. Tanya reflects on how reclaiming Indigenous family histories opens the door to understanding the real, often untold, history of Canada.

For the first couple of weeks of January, we're revisiting some of our most popular episodes from 2024. Take another listen to our conversation with Dr. Jen Gunter. She has made it her mission to change how we think about menstrual health as a key component of overall wellness. So much of what we know about menstruation is a myth or simply false. As a renowned gynecologist and author, Jen also dives into the history of why so many people are afraid to talk about their periods.

Money is more than dollars and cents—it's about strategy. Mark Ting is a life-long entrepreneur who understands that financial planning can be complicated. When it comes to personal finance, Mark says we all need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. He shares his own tried-and-true personal finance strategies, how to deal with inflation costs and how beginners can grow their investment portfolio.

Can we train our immune systems to overcome food allergies? Dr. Edmond Chan is the Head of the Division of Allergy in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia and is leading an immunotherapy program to help children overcome their food allergies. We discuss how immunology is reshaping lives and offering hope to many people with life-threatening food allergies.

For R. Renee Hess, a chance encounter with Pittsburgh Penguins fans led to a lifelong passion for hockey. She has become a passionate advocate for Black women in hockey through education, representation and community building. Renee discusses her new book Blackness is a Gift I Can Give Her: On Race, Community and Black Women in Hockey and how she's making hockey a safe space for Black women and girls.

Quit the seemingly endless cycle of online outrage and unproductive arguments. Aftab Erfan is the executive director of the SFU Centre for Dialogue and she is passionate about constructive conflict resolution and helping people build their communication skills. We discuss the art of constructive dialogue and how we can build space for healthy conversations in our own lives.

On the outside, David A. Robertson has a loving family, a successful career as an author, and a platform to promote Indigenous perspectives, cultures and concerns. On the inside, he lives with “little monsters”: chronic, debilitating health anxiety and panic attacks accompanied, at times, by depression. David shares his mental health journey and his brand new book All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety. This episode contains a discussion of potentially distressing topics, such as suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 9-8-8.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada have a long tradition of military service. The challenges they faced often extended to their post-service life, as many Indigenous war veterans didn't receive equal treatment compared to other veterans in Canada. Clarence Wolfleg Sr. is a deeply respected veteran and Elder from the Siksika Nation and he joins us to discuss his decades of work building financial and community support for Indigenous veterans.

Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa dreamed of becoming a doctor her entire life. But as a psychiatry resident, Chika quickly learned that medical school and a medical career are not immune to systemic discrimination. She discusses her journey through medical school and residency, advocating for change and her new memoir: Unlike the Rest: A Doctor's Story.

Why are women still fighting for equality in 2024? Elizabeth Renzetti is an award-winning journalist who has spent decades reporting on women's rights in Canada. She shares her candid insights on what needs to change, the barriers women still face and why the fight is far from over. We also dive into Elizabeth's new book What She Said: Conversations About Equality.

What does it take to live a life of constant adventure and exploration? Frank Wolf is one of Canada's most prolific adventurers, trekking thousands of kilometres across the world's wilderness every year. As a writer and filmmaker, Frank is also passionate about the power of storytelling to foster connection between people. He joins us to discuss his unconventional lifestyle, exciting expeditions and his new book Two Springs, One Summer: A Year Inside the Life of a Chronic Adventurer.

When Reuben Coe sent his brother Manni a desperate text message during the peak of the pandemic, it sparked an extraordinary journey of rescue and recovery. After a year of living alone in care, Reuben was isolated and deeply depressed. Manni knew his brother needed help and the family came together to heal. Hear the inspiring story of one family's fight to save their loved one with Down syndrome, or "up syndrome" as Reuben prefers.

Is your endless to-do list keeping you from just enjoying life? Tamu Thomas wants women to reclaim a more balanced approach to work and life and let others feel good about pitching in. She shares her own journey with burnout and the social factors that make women more susceptible to overdoing it.

Carolyn Roberts is challenging the colonial foundations of Canada's education system. As an Indigenous academic and educator, Carolyn has firsthand experience in the classroom. We explore the impacts of colonialism on curriculum, offer practical strategies for creating more inclusive and equitable learning environments, and discuss Carolyn's new book Re-Storying Education: Decolonizing Your Practice Using a Critical Lens.

For Tanya Talaga, memory is not just about the past. It's a tool for survival and resistance. Remembering and honouring ancestors through stories ensures that their spirits and wisdom continue to guide future generations. Tanya reflects on how reclaiming Indigenous family histories opens the door to understanding the real, often untold, history of Canada.

Valérie Courtois is building a social movement for environmental conservation. For more than 10 years, she has been the executive director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and has been an advocate for Indigenous-led conservation. We discuss Valérie's career, the importance of Canada's boreal forests, and the role of conservation in truth and reconciliation.

Coercive control—subtle, persistent abuse that manipulates and dominates victims—is being recognized as a serious form of abuse in Canada. Angela Marie MacDougall is the executive director of Battered Women's Support Services and is helping women escape violent relationships. She joins us to share her thoughts on coercive control and how we can better support survivors of gender-based violence.

Back to school can be a stressful time for the whole family. We're taking another look at our episode with Dr. Ellen Choi, an expert on mindfulness. Dr. Choi felt like she had been moving through her life on autopilot. Through mindfulness and meditation, and removing the burden of perfection, she was able to connect with herself and learn how to live with intention and purpose. She joins us to discuss how everyone can develop their own personal practice.

With young men in the grip of a loneliness epidemic, Ruth Whippman asks: How do we raise our sons to have a healthy sense of self? As an essayist, culture critic and mother of three boys, Ruth discusses the impossibly contradictory pressures boys now face and how parents can nurture empathy, positivity and compassion in their sons.

What do animals know that we don't? Martin Wikelski has spent his professional career trying to answer this question. He's the director of the Department of Migration at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and also pioneered ICARUS, a system for continuously tracking thousands of animals from space. Martin discusses his work in animal tracking, how animals can help us with our response to climate change, and his new book The Internet of Animals: Discovering the Collective Intelligence of Life on Earth.

Have you ever felt constantly confused in a relationship, with someone treating you hot and cold or blaming you for things that weren't your fault? For Bren Worthington, becoming a mother helped her recognize the narcissists in her own life. We explore how to identify narcissistic behaviours and cope with the aftermath of abuse.

For many years, melanoma was considered a death sentence. But in the last decade, huge strides have been made in skin cancer treatments. We sit down with the Save Your Skin Foundation to discuss the role of patient advocacy in improving cancer patients' lives. Founder Kathleen Barnard is a melanoma patient and awareness advocate, and Dr. Alison Weppler is an oncologist specializing in skin cancers. We discuss the life-changing impacts of immunotherapy, skin cancer prevention and their work raising skin cancer awareness across Canada.

Where would human evolution be without the female body? Despite the invaluable ability to create life, Cat Bohannon says the female body has been historically overlooked in medical research. As an author and researcher, she wants to close the gaps in our understanding of the female body by taking a trip through time. We unpack medical bias, sexism and Cat's book Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution.

The weeds in your garden have a fascinating personal history. Jessica J. Lee is challenging us to reframe our ideas of the natural world. As an environmental historian, she is an expert in exploring the entangled relationships between people and plants. We discuss Jessica's fascination with the language used to describe plant species, such as "invasive" and "native” and dive into her new book Dispersals: On Plants, Borders, and Belonging.

From ancient Greece to modern media, rhetoric has played a massive role in how we perceive reality. Robin Reames is a rhetorician, author and professor at Indiana University and she argues that understanding rhetorical techniques helps us avoid being manipulated by authority figures who don't have our best interests at heart. Robin discusses how we can decode rhetoric and talks about her new book The Ancient Art of Thinking For Yourself: The Power of Rhetoric in Polarized Times.

What if the key to addiction recovery lies not just in treating symptoms, but addressing long-buried trauma? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Alana Hirsh, a Vancouver physician specializing in trauma-informed addiction treatment. Through moving patient stories and her own experiences, Alana shares how a trauma-informed lens is transforming healthcare for her patients and is a crucial step toward holistic healing.

When Miranda Newman was growing up, her mother didn't know if Miranda needed ‘a psychologist or an exorcist.' It took years for Miranda to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder - an explanation for the complicated way she moved through the world. Miranda discusses her experiences navigating the Canadian mental healthcare system, her work breaking the stigma around her diagnosis and her new memoir Rough Magic: Living with Borderline Personality Disorder.

Indigenous peoples have used fire to shape landscapes for millennia, but centuries of colonial fire suppression policies have disrupted these relationships. Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson is a fire research scientist and expert in Indigenous fire stewardship. She is working to restore the relationship between Indigenous communities and fire. We discuss the concept of ‘good fire' and its potential to preserve forest health.

How can we get ourselves in the right headspace to lead? The importance of leaders having leadership skills can't be overstated. Dr. Diane McIntosh joins us to discuss the psychology of a successful leader, how to create a thriving work environment and her new co-authored book, You Belong Here: How to Make People Feel Safe to Be Their Best, Take Bold Risks, and Win.