Unapologetically Canadian

We are now in the second week of the Great Cycle Challenge in Canada. I thought this would be a good time to meet Ian Parker, who directs fundraising for the Sick Kids Foundation. We spoke about inspiring Canadians who cycle to raise money every August, the community created through our efforts, the importance of diversity and gratitude for Canadians who give.

Christine Sauer is a neuroplasticist turned coach who helps women struggling with depression and other mental health issues thrive. 

I spoke to project head Reid Allaway about organic vegetable and seed farm cooperative Tourne-sol's operations, protecting farmland as a commons and how they went about getting a fully electric truck.

This is my interview with Irene Moore Davis, a woman who descends from Black pioneers settlers who lived in Southwestern Ontario in the nineteenth century. She speaks, teaches and writes about Black history, equity, diversity, and inclusion and will publish a book about the history of African-descended people in Windsor and Sandwich soon. 

Okay 2022, we're ready for you. I hope. With COVID still on and so many government restrictions underway, how can we creatively lead sustainable lives while thriving? My word of the year: courage. The word “courage” stems directly from a feeling that I'm at the edge of my capabilities as an entrepreneur. I will need to continue stretching beyond who I am now in the coming year. Last year's challenges included course development, fundraising and application development. I also hired many people, which in turn necessitated learning team leadership, task delegation and automating payroll. In addition, I spent time improving the craft of writing and maintaining good governance within three separate business entities. All of those actions must continue and expand next year while leaving time for project distribution. As I get feedback on these projects, it will be important to maintain enthusiasm and continue growing. That takes courage. (For a description of the rest of my resolutions for the year, check out my article at: https://traceyarial.com/blog/en/2022-resolution/ .) To help you build your resilience and perhaps take on courage for yourself, I have two things to offer: a Canadian song playlist and the Doughnut Economics Lab. The Canadian playlist is here . You can find out more about the Doughnut Economics Lab at https://doughnuteconomics.org/ . There are already lots of Canadian members, including many from Montreal. I just joined!

It was a joy to speak with journalist and genealogist Janice Hamilton about her ancestors, her recent book "Reinventing Themselves," and surprises she's discovered while researching and writing her family history.

Stefan Sobkowiak spent twenty years turning a traditional commercial apple farm into an extraordinary oasis of permaculture diversity. He's deeply grateful for that abundance, which defines Canada for him. The episode is brought to you by the CAUS crowdfunding campaign at https://laruchequebec.com/.

Lloyd Whitesell challenges norms just by being himself. His academic career began with co-creating the field of queer musicology. He's now among the leaders working to make space for diverse populations within music. Along the way, he's won awards for research excellence and teaching. He's also the world's expert on singer songwriter Joni Mitchell's talent as a composer. Listen to our conversation and consider which norms unintentionally influence you.

Set up clear accountability goals that scare me a little. Rely on other people more. Automate more functions.

This week, I interview Ramzy Kassouf, one of the partners in Les Jardins Carya, a farm in Senneville, on the island of Montreal. Les Jardins Carya specializes in lettuce, kale, spinach, sprouts and other greens. Ramzy and I spoke about the importance and challenges of sustainable farming, the need to support one another during hard times and Canada's diversity.

Heather Grace Stewart, author of “The Ticket” is my guest this week. We discuss the challenges of indie publishing in Canada, her success with Self Publishing Formula and our shared belief that kindness is an essential quality of Canadians. This has been an exciting week as an entrepreneur so it's a good time to discuss independent publishing with my fantasy romance writer buddy.

Highlights include: the idea that you can change your life by changing your story,

In this episode, I talk about continuing to grow despite a worldwide pandemic. I also interview Glen Sharp from Sharp Innovation Solutions about the risks and benefits of technology, the importance of developing your personal assets and the importance of local communities.

I'm in strategic planning mode this week, so it's a good time to listen to copywriter and Abbotsford resident Robyn Roste. Robyn is on a campaign to get writers to collaborate more readily and her tips and tricks had The Write Life name her blog as one of the 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2020 earlier this year. Hope you enjoy our conversation.

This week, Unapologetically Canadian features an interview with family historian and quilter Mary Sutherland. Mary tells us about the art shows, retreats and charity, all featuring quilts. To read the show notes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/mary-sutherland.

This week, I interviewed Dave Howard, an expert in strategic customer education for anyone offering software as a service. Dave's experience in videography, software creation and online courses gives him the background he needs to help his clients teach users to get the most out of their technology.

This week, I interview food entrepreneur Jo Notkin about her life as the owner of Zoe Ford catering, her experience on Top Chef Canada and her appreciation for Montreal. Also, today is the last day for Canadian entrepreneurs to apply to Startup Canada's export challenge.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Lori Straus about how she's created a profitable business through both fiction and nonfiction writing. She's the author of the Between Worlds series, a historical modern mashup for 12-year-old girls and their moms. She's also a translator and copywriter for international brands in Germany and Canada. For the shownotes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/Lori-Straus.

Thanks to Dorothy Nixon for a great far-reaching conversation about Canadian history, the suffragettes, a freelance writers' life and growing up in Montreal during the Expo ‘67 era. Refer to the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/dorothy-nixon for links to the books, articles and songs mentioned in the interview.

This is a diary episode of what I am experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. I don't mention worry, but it's there, as is uncertainty. When I recorded this, I hadn't checked recent stats but we actually now have 1,629 cases of COVID-19 in Quebec, with most of those in Montreal where I live. I'm trying to adopt a positive mindset, get enough sleep, eat well and build good habits. How are you coping? For the show notes, visit https://traceyarial.com/blog/covid-19-solo-diary/.

Great to be able to interview Kornel Szrejber, the host of the popular Build Wealth Canada Podcast and the latest coordinator of the Canadian Financial Summit.We spoke about his podcast, his investment course, his new life as a creative entrepreneur, his mission to improve the financial literacy of Canadians, the financial independence movement, his history as a Polish immigrant raised in Canada and his appreciation for our country's diversity. For the show notes, visit https://traceyarial.com/blog/kornel-szrejber.

Recently, I spoke to Jannette Anderson, the founder of Bodacity.ca.We spoke about her nomad lifestyle, her calling to create a movement of women leaders and her reasons for calling herself Canadian. For the show notes, refer to: https://traceyarial.com/blog/jannette-anderson

This month has been full of entrepreneurial excitement and pitfalls. Here's a quick overview of the latest experiences in the world of a solo creative.For the show notes of this episode, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/entrepreneurial-experiences-february-2020/.

Last summer, I got to speak with two of my heroes, Miriam Goldberger and Paul Jenkins, the owners of Wildflower Farm because the couple were passing through Montreal and stopped to visit Grand Potager. They spoke to me about their innovative product Eco-Lawn, their passion for wildflowers and the challenges of running a business with your life partner. For a transcript of our discussion, check the show-notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/growing-wildflowers-together.

Recently, I had the good fortune to interview Lucy Anglin, one of the writers with Genealogy Ensemble and a talented fabric sculptor. We spoke about life as an artist, combining two crafts, selling your work and life as a sixth or seventh generation Canadian. To read the show notes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/lucy-anglin.

Just before the holidays, I got the chance to interview Evelyn Huynh, wellness lifestyle and business coach who moved her business from Ottawa to Los Angeles last year. In addition to describing her entrepreneurial journey so far, and commiserating on the importance of empowering women, Evelyn briefly outlined her EVOLVE coaching method, which inspired me as I finalize the year's strategic plan. Evelyn has the kindest definition for being Canadian that I've ever heard. Check out the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/evelyn_huynh.

My resolutions for 2020 include: business clarity, the creation of intellectual assets, financial independence, generosity and resiliency. For a list of the measured actions, inspiring podcasts and blog posts, and measured actions or to comment on the ideas, view the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/resolutions-2020.

I reviewed 2019 and the entire decade it ended based on 10 themes: financial (self-investment, business investment, revenue) health (Celiac disease, diet, exercise, spirituality, capacities) writing (craft, process, learning) business (partnership, professionalism, coaches) relationship (love, growth, challenges) friends (appreciation of one another, time spent) family (adventure, change, growth) French (bilingualism, learning) photography (technology, skill, art) self-defense (karate) I finish with a collective challenge to take on climate change.

Douglas Jack, a community organizer and designer has created an edible landscape around his home. He also serves as the president of a local non-profit organization called the Sustainable Development Association. I visited Doug last spring. During our interview, Doug and I spoke about his community design ideas and his plans for a digital community directory. We also toured his property to discover how he uses food and leaf composting to grow fruit, nuts and vegetables that he consumes year-round. For a transcript and links, visit the shownotes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/douglas-jack.

Experienced branding expert, speaker and author Tsufit shares tons of stories. We began with a hilarious little anecdote about an interview beginning on the wrong foot and continued through discussions about how she's helped entrepreneurs from all walks of life tighten their message and improve business. Get hints about how you can present your work with confidence and humour. Check out the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/tsufit.

Cooper Pete Bradford talks about his passion for crafting barrel-aged vinegar in the Prince Edward County, one of three wine regions in Ontario. Canadian Vinegar Cellars operates within the Black Prince Winery in Picton. For more information and a transcript of our conversation, check out the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/pete-bradford/.

Thanks to Verdun organization Toujours Ensemble, local farmers' market visitors got to experience smoothies created using a blender attached to a bicycle in 2018 and 2019. The first year, 13 youth participated in the project, including Tasha, who spoke to me for Unapologetically Canadian. For a video of the bike and some quotes from our conversation, refer to: https://wp.me/p2buQs-598

Unapologetically Canadian Episode 23 features an interview with Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic. We speak about three key questions: • If you include public participation at the beginning of a development project instead of at the end, will you be able to create a common vision for a space that everyone will buy into? • How has Vodanovic's former activism played into her current life as a political leader? • How does the mayor see herself in terms of Canadian identity? Read the show notes here: https://traceyarial.com/blog/maja-vodanovic/.

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to interview Roch Carrier, a wonderful author who wrote a series of diverse works from La Guerre, Yes Sir to The Hockey Sweater to his latest novel “Demain, j'écrire un roman. Most of our conversation focussed on The Hockey Sweater, which became a musical last winter in the latest of a multitude of diverse creations. Roch turns 82 next month, on May 13. Happy birthday, Roch! A transcript and links will appear in the show notes that day at https://traceyarial.com/blog/roch-carrier/.

How difficult is it to run a seasonal business, raise a family and own property together? Tereska Gesing and Shawn Manning, co-owners of Urban Seedling with cousin Trevor Manning do it, and they're still having fun. To read the show notes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/tereska-shawn.

Join me for a conversation with Doreen Pengracs, Canada's chocolate tour expert. We speak about chocolate, travel and building an author's platform. Get the transcript of our conversation, complete with links, at https://traceyarial.com/blog/doreen-pendgracs/.

I had fun interviewing professional genealogist Johanne Gervais for this week's podcast. Johanne founded the Québec Genealogical eSociety, and has been researching family history since 2008. For a transcript of our conversation, visit https://traceyarial.com/blog/johanne-gervais/.

This week, I spoke to LaSalle-based community activist Joseph Pugliese. We talked about VIP lists, school loan forgiveness and contaminated soil in LaSalle. For the show notes, visit Joseph Pugliese on my blog, at https://traceyarial.com/blog/joseph-pugliese.

If there's anyone who knows how to use the study of science for the benefit of humans, it's Lorne Trottier. Trottier's childhood passion for electro-magnetic technology has him creating a multi-national company, a building on the McGill campus, two research chairs, two institutes, an observatory, and a family foundation known for its philanthropy to science and health. I hope you're as inspired by my conversation with Trottier as I was. Read the show notes at: https://traceyarial.com/blog/lorne-trottier/. Please note that this episode comes from my archives. Our conversation took place over a meal in 2017.

Just before Christmas, I met with Elizabeth Johnston at a restaurant to discuss creativity. This was a great topic because Johnston has the Own Your Creativity site, where she leads a “memoir in a month” challenge every November. She also works as a self-actualization consultant and story coach. Access her skills for success programs to help business leaders at http://www.elizabeth-johnston.com/. To listen to her “Own Your Creativity” podcast episodes, go to https://ownyourcreativity.podbean.com/. To read the show notes, go to https://traceyarial.com/blog/elizabeth-johnston/

Rishad Quazi helps large companies use technology to build relationships among team members and with their clients. Now, he's taking his expertise to the non-profit sector. Read all about it at https://traceyarial.com/blog/rishad-quazi.

We are now well into the twenty-first century and the hopes and dreams of our ancestors are well within reach or even surpassed. So where do we go from here? For the show notes and a transcript of this episode, go to https://traceyarial.com/blog/farewell-2018-hello-2019/.

In this interview, I speak with Cathy Saint John about the book she released today. In One for the Boys, Saint John writes about her beloved brother John Wayne Saint John Blake. Blake earned the Bronze Star serving in Vietnam with the 75th infantry of the 173rd Airborne Regiment. He also became famous in 1982 by donning full combat gear to carry an American flag 3,200 miles across the United States from Fort Lewis, Seattle to Yorktown, Virginia on foot to garner attention for Vietnam Vets suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. We talk about her struggle trying to bury Blake's remains and his eventual burial in Vancouver, her proud identity as a Newfoundlander who loves Canadians, and an era most people forget. For more info and the transcript, see https://traceyarial.com/blog/cathy-saint-john/.

MUHC Foundation President Julie Quenneville talks about the needs met by the annual Enchantée fundraiser for the MUHC Breast Clinic wellness program. She also speaks about her work with others trying to figure out why kind of country we want to live in. To see the transcript and show notes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/julie-quenneville/.

Robert Cairns, the Chief Creator of Amazing Ideas for StunningDigitalMarketing.com, handles web design, WordPress security, PPC campaigns, branding, Inside Advantage Work, email campaigns, digital products and consulting for small businesses and fortune 500 companies. For more information, refer to the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/robert-cairns

It's been 20 years since Montreal-based Crystalline Management began offering private investors and small businesses investment diversity tools similar to those used by major funds. Portfolio manager Bradley Semmelhaack joins me to describe a typical day in the office, explaining a bit about arbitrage, hedge funds and investment philosophy along the way. To read a transcript of our conversation, refer to: https://traceyarial.com/blog/unapologetically-canadian-episode-10-alternative-investing-with-bradley-semmelhaack/.